Search

Introduction: Climate change-induced extreme weather events pose risks to livelihoods and agriculture. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and securing an adequate food supply to an increasing world population without depleting finite resources is crucial. This review investigates emission mitigation strategies in Dutch cattle and pig farming, employing a SWOT analysis to evaluate effectiveness, scalability, and compatibility, providing valuable insights for stakeholders to develop targeted strategies for reducing GHG emissions in the livestock sector. Methods: In the literature review, a desk study using secondary data was conducted through searches on PubMed, SCOPUS, and Wageningen University & Research in December 2023. The emphasis was on prioritizing meta-analyses, resulting in the identification of 96 articles, with 30 meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria for relevance, methodological rigor, and publication quality. Results: The study identified eight feed strategies and six manure strategies in sustainable agriculture. Feed strategies’ methane emission reduction ranged from 10%-30%. Manure management strategies ranged in methane reduction (-86% to -1.8%), whereas carbon dioxide (+24% to -34%) and nitrogen oxide (+59% to -21%) reductions varied. The strategies offer benefits like improved animal performance and energy generation. However, challenges such as safety concerns, environmental trade-offs, and community opposition need careful consideration. Opportunities lie in sustainable sourcing and technological advancements. Additionally, farmer attitudes revealed optimal implementation approaches. Conclusion and implication: This study identified potent greenhouse gas mitigation strategies in Dutch cattle and pig farming. The strategies show substantial potential in reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions. There is a need for tailored assessments and ethical considerations, calling for targeted research on farmers' perceptions. In conclusion, cont

An infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can be contracted through contact with oocysts of the parasite in the environment or bradyzoites in raw or undercooked meat and can cause adverse health effects for pregnant women and the unborn child. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of educational interventions and describe the current state of awareness about the prevention of T. gondii infection among pregnant women in the Netherlands through a systematic review of the scientific literature. This study included 24 records that were retrieved from four global, scientific databases: UU Worldcat, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. A narrative synthesis approach was used in the analysis of records. Educational interventions were shown to increase pregnant women’s knowledge about toxoplasmosis, but behavioural changes and changes in seroprevalence rates were not reported. Important components that should be researched further regarding educational interventions regard the communication methods, timing and detailed or general knowledge about the pathogen. Based on an analysis of videotaped consultations from midwives to pregnant women in the Netherlands, it was found that the advice that was given to pregnant women was in line with risk factors for toxoplasmosis. The degree of knowledge about toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the Netherlands is high relative to the rest of the world, but relatively low when compared with European countries. Worldwide, gaps in knowledge regarding the prevention of toxoplasmosis persist. Additionally, it was shown that a high degree of knowledge is not obligatory for a high degree of self-reported preventive behaviour, suggesting that improving the degree of knowledge is of lesser importance to reducing the burden of toxoplasmosis. In the interest of further reducing the occurrence of T. gondii infections, further research should be conducted focusing on the efficacy of an educational intervention in the p

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial threat to public health in the 21st century. This research investigates the relationship between the abundance of antimicrobial resistance gene( tet(W) and class 1 integron (intl1)) and various risk factors related to tetracycline use, farm characteristics, hygiene, biosecurity, animal care, cleaning, planning, feeding and water supply, on Dutch pig farms. A longitudinal study was conducted on 36 pig farms, with samples collected at two time points, with a 12-month interval between them. On each farm, swab samples were taken from 60 pigs, who were then pooled by 6 pigs within the same age category. At the same time questionnaires were filled by veterinarians and farmers. qPCR was performed to quantify the abundance of tet(W) and intl1 along with the 16S rRNA gene used for the normalization of ARG copies. Associations between the abundance of antimicrobial resistant genes and different risk factors were assessed using a mixed-effects model. The results highlight the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing antimicrobial use in livestock. In the model covering all farms, it was determined that the use of early-life antibiotics, switching the piglets after the third day, and providing water via a nipple were significantly associated with the abundance of tet(W). These resistance genes were linked to the annual loss of sows, as well as cleaning and feeding procedures, in farrow-to-finish farms. According to our research, the annual number of piglets per sow and the existence of quarantine procedures were associated to the abundance of class 1 integron genes. While this study provides valuable insights into AMR in pig farming, cautious interpretation is advised due to its data-driven nature.

Antibiotic resistance is an undeniable public health threat. Humans, animals, and the environment are closely interlinked reservoirs for the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and genes. Contacting domesticated animals is an exposure to human acquisitions of ARGs and mobile genetic elements, which can transfer via the food chain, indirect & direct contact routes. Farmers in swine farms are in a particular situation where they can acquire ARGs from their pigs. The study aimed to identify risk factors for tetracycline gene tet(W) and class 1 integron abundance in Dutch pig farmers. Data from 33 multiplier Dutch pig farms from 2011-2012 were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects regression modeling technique. This method was appropriate for exploring the association between farm risk factors based on the human questionnaire answered by farmers and the relative abundance of tet(W) and intl1 gene copies calculated and normalized from the qPCR on fecal samples of farmers and pooled samples from pigs. Tet(W) and intl1 data were analyzed separately. Descriptive analyses including t-tests on the relative abundance of tet(W) and intl1 depicted a decreasing trend in humans. The result of the two models indicated that the second sampling time (12 months) was associated with the decreased relative abundance of tet(W) and intl1 in humans. In the tet(W) model, self-administering antibiotics to pigs and living on the pig farm were positively and significantly associated with the relative abundance of tet(W) in humans. In the intl1 model, hours spent per week on washing sows and removing manure of weaner piglets were identified as significant farm risk factors. In conclusion, risk factors in the study indicated that there has been a combination of direct and indirect transfer of resistant genes from pigs to farmers. Longer exposure in hours to pigs is associated with a higher relative abundance of tet(W) in humans.

Resistance to antimicrobials is an important and growing concern for human health worldwide, as it reduces the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments, leading to longer illness and increased mortality. Antimicrobial use in food producing animals can increase the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in animals. Subse quently, this resistance can be transmitted to humans through the foodborne pathway. Reducing antimicrobial use in food producing animals could therefore limit resistance in humans. In light of possible negative effects of reducing antimicrobial use, it is important that the effects of a restriction in antimicrobial usage can be predicted, so a cost benefit analysis can be made to inform policy makers. This review provides an overview of the available research on the effects of restricting antimicrobial use in food producing animals on antimicrobial resistance in humans. A literature search resulted in 14 papers being included, that constructed either a model or analysing a change in policy. All included papers showed a decrease in resistance in humans foll owing a restriction in antimicrobial use, with the exception of one paper where no significant difference was observed for one of the antimicrobials investigated. The effect sizes varied to a large extent between studies, which can be partly ascribed to th e different bacteria and antimicrobials investigated. However, a lack of information on the change in antimicrobial use is a major shortcoming of almost all studies. More research is needed to reliably estimate the impact of restricting antimicrobial use i n food animals on resistance in humans. This future research should also focus on quantifying the change in antimicrobial usage following a restriction.

Background In dogs, infections with Giardia duodenalis are mainly caused by assemblages C and D, but also by the potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B. The aims of this study were to assess differences in assemblages (i) between dogs living mainly in close proximity to humans (synanthropic dogs) versus dogs living mainly among other dogs, (ii) between samples of dogs with or without loose stool, and (iii) related to the amount of cysts shedding. Methods One hundred eighty-nine qPCR Giardia positive fecal samples of dogs originating from four groups (household, sheltered, hunting, and dogs for which a veterinarian sent a fecal sample to a diagnostic laboratory) were used for genotyping. For this, multi-locus genotyping of beta-giardin, triose phosphate isomerase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and genotyping of SSU rDNA gene fragments were performed. Fecal consistency was scored (loose or non-loose stool), and cysts per gram of feces were determined with qPCR. Results Assemblage D was the most prevalent in all groups, followed by the other canid assemblage C. Also, mixed C/D was common. In two (synanthropic) household dogs, the potentially zoonotic assemblage AI was present. Although occurrence of assemblage AI in household dogs was not significantly different from dogs living among other dogs (sheltered and hunting dogs), it was significantly higher compared to dogs for which a sample was sent to a diagnostic laboratory. Dogs with assemblage D shed significantly more cysts than dogs with other assemblages (except for mixed C/D results) or dogs in which no assemblage could be determined. None of the assemblages was significantly associated with loose stool. Conclusion Not only do dogs mainly shed the canid Giardia duodenalis assemblages D and/or C, the numbers of cysts per gram for the canid assemblage D were also higher than for the potential zoonotic assemblage AI. Based on the assemblages shed by dogs, the risk to public health posed by dogs is estimated to be low

Background The aim of this study was to assess potential associations between Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs, as determined by three diagnostic tests, and dog’s group of origin, fecal consistency, age, sex, neuter status, and co-infections with other gastrointestinal parasites. Methods Fecal samples from 1291 dogs from four groups (household, shelter, hunting and clinical dogs) were tested with qPCR, rapid enzyme immunochromatographic assay (IDEXX SNAP® Giardia), and direct immunofluorescence (DFA, Merifluor) for presence of G. duodenalis. Moreover, fecal samples were tested with centrifugation sedimentation flotation (CSF) coproscopical analysis for presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Associations were expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Results Several significant associations were found, of which a few were consistent for all three tests and Giardia positivity in general (positive with at least one of these tests). Dogs older than one year were significantly less likely to test positive for Giardia than younger dogs. Group-housed dogs, especially hunting dogs, were significantly more likely to test positive for Giardia compared to household and clinical dogs. A consistently significant association with Trichuris appeared to be driven by the high prevalence in hunting dogs. Although there was no significant association between loose stool and Giardia infection in the overall population, household dogs were significantly more likely to test Giardia-positive when having loose stool. Overall, Giardia-positive dogs with loose stool shed significantly more cysts, both determined semi-quantitatively with CSF and quantitatively by qPCR, than positive dogs with no loose stool. When other gastrointestinal parasites were present, significantly fewer cysts were detected with CSF, but this was not confirmed with qPCR. Conclusion Giardia is the most common gastrointestinal parasite in Dutch dogs, except for hunting dogs, in which Trichuris and strongyle-type eggs (hookwo, Background The aim of this study was to assess potential associations between Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs, as determined by three diagnostic tests, and dog’s group of origin, fecal consistency, age, sex, neuter status, and co-infections with other gastrointestinal parasites. Methods Fecal samples from 1291 dogs from four groups (household, shelter, hunting and clinical dogs) were tested with qPCR, rapid enzyme immunochromatographic assay (IDEXX SNAP® Giardia), and direct immunofluorescence (DFA, Merifluor) for presence of G. duodenalis. Moreover, fecal samples were tested with centrifugation sedimentation flotation (CSF) coproscopical analysis for presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Associations were expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Results Several significant associations were found, of which a few were consistent for all three tests and Giardia positivity in general (positive with at least one of these tests). Dogs older than one year were significantly less likely to test positive for Giardia than younger dogs. Group-housed dogs, especially hunting dogs, were significantly more likely to test positive for Giardia compared to household and clinical dogs. A consistently significant association with Trichuris appeared to be driven by the high prevalence in hunting dogs. Although there was no significant association between loose stool and Giardia infection in the overall population, household dogs were significantly more likely to test Giardia-positive when having loose stool. Overall, Giardia-positive dogs with loose stool shed significantly more cysts, both determined semi-quantitatively with CSF and quantitatively by qPCR, than positive dogs with no loose stool. When other gastrointestinal parasites were present, significantly fewer cysts were detected with CSF, but this was not confirmed with qPCR. Conclusion Giardia is the most common gastrointestinal parasite in Dutch dogs, except for hunting dogs, in which Trichuris and strongyle-type egg

Background To accurately diagnose giardiosis in dogs, knowledge of diagnostic test characteristics and expected prevalence are required. The aim of this work was to estimate test characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) of four commonly used diagnostic tests for detection of Giardia duodenalis in dogs. Methods Fecal samples from 573 dogs originating from four populations (household dogs, shelter dogs, hunting dogs and clinical dogs) were examined with centrifugation sedimentation flotation (CSF) coproscopical analysis, direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA, Merifluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia速), a rapid enzyme immunochromatographic assay (IDEXX SNAP Giardia速) and qPCR (SSU rDNA) for presence of G. duodenalis. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to determine test performance characteristics and to estimate G. duodenalis prevalence of each of the four dog populations. Results All tests were highly specific. IDEXX SNAP Giardia速 showed the highest specificity (99.6%) and qPCR the lowest (85.6%). The sensitivities were much more variable, with qPCR showing the highest (97.0%) and CSF the lowest (48.2%) sensitivity. DFA was more sensitive than IDEXX SNAP Giardia速, but slightly less specific. Prevalences of G. duodenalis differed substantially between populations, with the hunting dogs showing the highest G. duodenalis prevalence (64.9%) and the household dogs the lowest (7.9%). Conclusions This study identifies qPCR as a valuable screening tool because of its high sensitivity, whereas methods using microscopy for cyst identification or cyst wall detection should be used in situations where high specificity is required. G. duodenalis is a prevalent gastro-intestinal parasite in Dutch dogs, especially in dogs living in groups (hunting and shelter dogs) and clinical dogs.