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After a human trichinellosis outbreak in Zlatibor District, Serbia, in 2016, Trichinella larvae were found in wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat products. One hundred and fourteen people were infected during the outbreak. The larvae were determined to be Trichinella britovi using the polymerase chain reaction method. Trichinella britovi has previously been identified in Serbia, but this is the first case of the species being confirmed in food samples linked to human trichinellosis. The results of the study confirmed that the T. britovi is able to affect human health. In addition, this study suggests the role of wild boars as reservoirs of T. britovi in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the amount of histamine in canned fish samples collected from Belgrade retail stores using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry. In addition, the established levels were compared with the maximum levels set by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) in order to assess the risk of this toxic biogenic amine to the city population. Histamine was detected in 54.07% of analyzed canned fish, in concentrations ranging from 5 to 420 mg/kg with a mean level of 60.91 mg/kg. In canned tuna, histamine levels ranged from 6 to 420 mg/kg, while in canned mackerel the concentrations ranged from 5 to 121 mg/kg. Also, the mean histamine level in canned tuna was higher than in canned mackerel (mean values were 60.91 mg/kg and 42.94 mg/kg, respectively). Among the tested canned fi sh, 20% of samples had higher histamine levels than the maximum level prescribed by the FDA (histamine levels >50 mg/kg), indicating definite decomposition of the fish. Histamine levels lower than 10 mg/kg were found in 51.48% of canned fish, which indicated good-quality fish products. Only 6.67% of examined production lots of canned fish had histamine levels above the regulatory limit according to the EU standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites are highly significant pathogens that are transmitted through food. Their specific life cycles, transmission routes, and usually a lengthy period between infection and the first symptoms of the disease make them a substantial risk to public health. Additionally, there are challenges in detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Toxoplasmosis is considered the most widespread parasitic infection on a global scale. It is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, one of the most successful parasites of animals and humans due to its ability to parasitize within the nuclei of a wide range of hosts. Because of its importance in both veterinary and human medicine, T. gondii is one of the most extensively studied parasites. Existing data show seroprevalences differ across continents, countries, and even within states and among specific communities. Consuming undercooked meat presents one of the greatest risk factors for human infection with the T. gondii parasite, with pork being recognized as a dominant source of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is a common zoonotic intracellular parasite in livestock raised for human consumption and is a public health concern. The mode of transmission is ingestion, and meat is considered to be a major vehicle for human and animal infection. As T. gondii is environmentally transmissible, other important vehicles in particular for animals include vegetation, soil and water. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs is Serbia has been determined in several studies over the past two decades. It has been established that it varies considerably, primarily based on husbandry, with strictly to mostly indoor animals having a lower prevalence (below 20%) than animals raised outdoors, where prevalence exceeds 60%. Experimental data suggests that different genotypes of the parasite vary in virulence, but the significance of virulence in terms of pathology and disease manifestations is still being investigated. Genotypes of T. gondii isolated from pig tissues in Serbia to date are ToxoDB#1 (archetype II) and ToxoDB#2 (archetype III). Archetype II is predominant and, based on historical reports and recent findings, low to intermediately virulent. The virulence phenotype and mechanisms of archetype III, however, have not been extensively studied, but recent data suggests that its virulence may vary considerably. This review will also summarize the current knowledge regarding the virulence of archetypes II and III and evaluate it in the context of the pig host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring meat safety is a significant concern in Serbia, as in any country. To address this issue, the Serbian government has implemented several measures, including regular inspections of slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities and adhering to EU regulations on meat safety. These regulations stipulate that all meat products must meet stringent hygiene, storage, and labeling standards. In addition, consumers are advised to buy meat products only from trustworthy sources to safeguard their health. While the issue of meat safety in Serbia remains a concern, the government and consumers are taking steps to mitigate the risks associated with consuming meat products. Serbia's meat processing industry focuses on developing new, healthier products with "clean label" formulations and innovative packaging films. However, the welfare of animals during the slaughtering process has been a topic of concern among animal rights organizations. Although regulations exist to ensure the humane treatment of animals during the slaughtering process, enforcing these regulations has been criticized as inadequate. Efforts are being made to educate and enforce humane treatment, but much more work is needed to ensure that animals are treated with dignity and respect. From a research perspective, it is evident that the Serbian meat sector significantly impacts natural resources, especially water, and energy. The industry also pollutes the environment through wastewater discharge and contributes to climate change in terms of global warming, acidification, and eutrophication. Future research should focus on finding ways to minimize the environmental impact of the meat value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: During transportation, slaughter pigs are subjected to a number of different stressors that could compromise their welfare, health and performance, as well as industry's profitability. Thus, it is of paramount importance to verify the slaughter pigs' condition throughout the pork supply chain to ensure their well-being and health and to obtain high-quality carcasses and meat. To date, there is no information on the response of slaughter pigs with different health status and RYR-1 genotype to transport procedures. Based on this, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of transport conditions on welfare of slaughter pigs with different health status and RYR-1 genotype. The most compromised welfare was recorded in subclinically diseased stress-carrier pigs exposed to short transportation (<30 min) and high loading density (~235 kg/m2), while under the same conditions the welfare of healthy stress-resistant pigs was not compromised. Accordingly, it can be concluded that stress-carrier pigs with subclinical pathological lesions should not be considered fit for transportation, indicating that the health status and genotype are the key factors for optimising pig welfare. This study assessed the influence of transport conditions on welfare indicators of slaughter pigs with different health status and RYR-1 genotype. The group of pigs, predominantly consisting of Nn (56.67%) and subclinically diseased (60.00%) individuals, that were exposed to short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the highest slipping (p < 0.0001), falling (p = 0.0009), turning back (p < 0.0001), reluctance to move (p < 0.0001), panting (p < 0.0001) and shivering (p < 0.0001) frequencies at unloading. Subclinically diseased Nn pigs subjected to short transportation (<30 min) and high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the highest lactate (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), glucose (p = 0.0450 and p = 0.0002), CK (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0010), LDH (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0484), AST (p = 0.0208 and p = 0.0170), ALT (p = 0.0500 and p = 0.00081), ceruloplasmin (p = 0.0334 and p < 0.0001) and MDA (p = 0.0048 and p < 0.0001) concentrations, but the lowest sodium (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), chloride (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0432), albumin (p < 0.0090 and p < 0.0001), PON-1 (p = 0.0122 and p = 0.0500) and GSH (p = 0.0042 and p = 0.0340) levels, respectively. In the group consisting of of stress-resistant (100%) and predominantly healthy (60.00%) pigs subjected to short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2), none of the individuals showed irregular behavioural reactions during unloading. Healthy NN pigs that underwent short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the lowest lactate (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), glucose (p = 0.0450 and p = 0.0002), CK (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0010), LDH (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0484) and ceruloplasmin (p = 0.0334 and p < 0.0001) levels, but the highest sodium (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001) and chloride (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0432) concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, the most compromised welfare was recorded in subclinically diseased Nn pigs exposed to short transportation (<30 min) and high loading density (~235 kg/m2), while under the same conditions, the welfare of healthy NN pigs was not compromised. Therefore, stress-carrier pigs with subclinical pathological lesions should not be considered fit for transportation, indicating that the health status and genotype are the key factors for optimising pig welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the microbiological status of 390 beef and pork minced meat samples collected over three years from 52 retailers in the territory of Belgrade. The numbers of aerobic colony counts, Escherichia coli, and the presence of Salmonella spp. are prescribed criteria for this group of meat semi-products. Salmonella spp. was confirmed in one sample of minced beef meat (0.8%), while unsatisfactory E. coli counts were only determined in pork meat samples (2.7%). In 2021, all samples complied with the microbiological criteria for minced meat The highest occurrence of positive samples was observed during the III quarter of 2022 (P=0.04) with a frequency of 9.3%. The level of contamination of minced pork with E. coli bacteria in the same quarter was significantly higher compared to the II quarter of 2022 (627±75 vs. 292±9 cfu/g, P=0.009). Improvement of process hygiene and revision of process control, along with permanent education of food staff on the principles of GMP and GHP, are necessary for maintaining food safety and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yersiniosis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica is the third most common zoonosis transmitted from asymptomatic, healthy pigs to humans through raw or insufficiently cooked meat. The occurrence of Y. enterocolitica on a farm can vary, depending on different risk factors, including production system and biosecurity level. At the slaughterhouse, the contamination level of carcasses depends to a great extent on practices during lairage, along with the handling and processing of the head, tongue, tonsils, and rectum of slaughtered pigs. A comprehensive approach for further Y. enterocolitica farm/slaughterhouse categorization, improved hygiene practices, and mandatory surveillance for underestimated pathogens within the food chain is necessary for maintaining the One Health concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horsemeat can be considered a good alternative for conventional meats due to its potential dietetic and health benefits linked with its specific nutritional composition. The aim of this review was to provide information on the carcass and meat quality of horses, as well as methods for their examination based on currently available scientific literature in order to expand knowledge in this field and determine the direction of future research. The most important horse carcass quality indicators are the carcass conformation and carcass fat cover, while the most important horsemeat quality traits are pH, colour, water-holding capacity and texture. However, more research is needed to establish a classification system for horse carcasses as well as threshold values for colour and water-holding capacity traits that might be used for horsemeat classification into quality classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shellfish production in the EU has declined in recent decades, which is not the case with global aquaculture production of shellfish. The trend towards a healthy lifestyle and diet is becoming increasingly topical and often involves the consumption of uncooked shellfish. Unfortunately, sh ellfish can often be contaminated with various pathogens, especially viruses, which can endanger human health. Among the outbreaks of shellfish-borne viruses, the most notable are those caused by Norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV). However, other viruses belonging to the Herpeviridae, Picornaviridae, Adenoviridae, Astroviridae, and Reoviridae can mainly cause intestinal disease in humans after consumption of contaminated shellfish. The listed viruses have been detected in shellfish worldwide and they are mostly the consequence of sewage-contaminated water. Numerous preventive and control measures are recommended to solve this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigated the seasonal variation in the nutrient composition of Mytilus galloprovincialis, cultivated in Boka Kotorska Bay, Montenegro, during all seasons in one year. Biometric parameters, meat yield, condition index, proximate composition, minerals, and the lipid and fatty acid compositions of mussels were analyzed. The most significant factors determining these parameters were temperature, food amount and gametogenesis The biometric parameters showed no significant differences during the sampling period. In the spring, meat yields and mussel condition index increased at substantial levels. Low values od meat yield and condition index during cold months have resulted from food shortage and reproductive cycle, when mussels use carbohydrates and protein reserves. The highest amount of protein was detected in mussels harvested in August (10.76%), while the highest amount of lipids was recorded in the winter months (2.11%). Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were the most abundant PUFA. The concentration of metals found in mussels from the study area is within the range of mean values reported in the literature. Our results indicate that the best period for mussels harvesting was during the spring and summer (April and August), opposite the winter months when the mussels were not favorable for harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the primers and the probe were designed, and a completely new real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol for detecting the invA gene of Salmonella in food was optimised and validated in-house. The inclusivity test used 76 different Salmonella isolates with no false-negative results. The exclusivity was tested using 45 non-Salmonella microorganisms with no false-positive results. The method was also successfully applied while examining five different artificially contaminated food categories. The results were compared to the standard method (ISO 6579-1) and two previously validated real-time PCR methods. The developed assay is sensitive and specific for rapidly detecting Salmonella in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs and to quantify their relationships with different animal characteristics, pre-slaughter factors, blood measurements, performance indices, carcass composition and meat quality traits. Data was recorded for 30 journeys referring to 1080 market-weight pigs that originated from 15 commercial small-scale finishing farms. Carcass lesions were visually assessed on the slaughterline in different parts of the carcass, i.e., anterior, middle and posterior, using a three-point scale. Complete blood count was investigated. The following performance indices and carcass composition traits were measured: average lifetime daily weight gain, live, hot and cold carcass weights, cooler shrinkage, dressing percentage, backfat thickness and meatiness. Meat pH and temperature were measured 45 minutes postmortem. Of the 1080 pigs slaughtered in 30 batches, 70.28% displayed some degree of lesions on the carcass (moderate – 30.00%; severe – 40.28%). The carcass lesions were the most prevalent (50.20%) in the posterior part of the pig carcass. RYR 1 genotype, live weight, loading density, lairage time, lairage density and slaughter season affected the carcass lesion prevalence. The presence of carcass lesions, irrespective of severity, was associated with alterations in blood measurements in slaughtered pigs, indicating compromised animal welfare. The presence of severe carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs was significantly associated with increased meat pH45min, which led to the highest occurrence of dark, firm and dry pork. In contrast, there was strong evidence of association between the presence of moderate carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs and both decreased meat pH45min and increased meat T45min, which led to the highest occurrence of pale, soft and exudative pork among the carcass lesion groups. In conclusion, this study showed a high prevalence of carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs, whereby the risk of their occurrence was affected by both animal characteristics and pre-slaughter conditions. Also, the presence of carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs, irrespective of severity, was significantly associated with alterations in the blood measurements and pork quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the microbiological quality of raw Domestic Balkan donkey milk and to determine changes in its microbiota during six-day storage at 4 °C, and to investigate the antibacterial activity of this milk toward some foodborne pathogens at a selected pre-cooling temperature of the milk (15 °C). Lysozyme and lactoferrin content in donkey milk were also determined. Absence of pathogens and low levels of total bacterial count, lactic acid bacteria and coagulase-positive staphylococci in 137 samples tested indicated good hygiene practice during milking. Regarding the antimicrobial potential of donkey milk, E. coli appeared to be the most sensitive to the antibacterial potential of donkey milk while S. aureus was the most resistant to the antibacterial effect of this milk. The microbial quality of donkey milk during prolonged storage also indicated the antibacterial activity of this milk. Lysozyme and lactoferrin were present at concentrations of 2.63 ± 0.03 g L−1 and 15.48 mg L−1, respectively. The aim of this study was to examine the microbiological quality of raw donkey milk of an indigenous Serbian breed as well as the changes in the microbial populations during storage at 4 °C. In addition, antibacterial activity of donkey milk against E. coli, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus at 15 °C as well as the content of the two main antibacterial proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin were investigated. Microbiological examination of 137 individual milk samples collected over a period of 21 months showed good microbiological quality since foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were not detected in any of the analyzed samples, while the number of E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, total coliform bacteria, sulfite-reducing Clostridia and aerobic sporogenic bacteria was below the limit of quantification (<1 cfu mL−1). During the six-days storage at 4 °C, total bacterial counts and the counts of lactic acid bacteria remained at the initial level while pathogenic bacteria were not detected. The strongest antibacterial activity of the tested milk was observed against E. coli, while S. aureus was the least sensitive to milk antibacterial compounds. Although further research is needed to fully elucidate the antibacterial mechanism and synergistic activity of different compounds in donkey milk, the high content lysozyme (2.63 ± 0.03 g L−1) and lactoferrin (15.48 mg L−1) observed in tested milk could contribute to its strong antibacterial activity and extension of the storage period during which it can be safely consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

he present study evaluated the quality of marketed table eggs originating from enriched cage, barn, organic or free-range production systems. Table eggs from the free-range production system had the highest diameter, the lowest shape index and the highest frequency of normal-shaped table eggs. In addition, the lightest shell colour was found in table eggs from the free-range production system. The highest shell thickness was found in table eggs from the enriched cage production system, while the lowest shell thickness was found in table eggs from the free-range production system. Table eggs from organic and free-range production systems had better internal quality and freshness (lower albumen and yolk pH values, and a higher albumen and Haugh index) compared to table eggs from enriched cage and barn production systems. Compared to the other production systems, the best physical quality traits were recorded in table eggs from the free-range production system (the highest egg weight, weight and proportion of yolk, but the lowest weight and proportion of shell and albumen). In addition, the lightest yolk colour was found in table eggs from the organic production system. In conclusion, table eggs from organic and free-range production systems are of better overall quality compared to those from enriched cage and barn production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the interactive effects of weather conditions, transportation time and loading density on carcass damages and meat quality traits of market-weight pigs under commercial conditions. The following pork quality parameters were measured: pH and temperature; colour; drip, thawing and cooking loss; and textural traits. Pigs were assigned to one of eight groups arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design according to the weather conditions (hot and cold), transportation time (short and long) and loading density (high and low). A three-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-test (multiple comparisons) were performed to assess the differences between groups in examined pork quality traits. Pigs exposed to short transportation (∼ 20 min) at high loading density (0.29 m2/100kg) during hot weather conditions produced meat with the lowest initial and ultimate meat pH value and sensory colour scores, and the highest initial temperature and the occurrence of pale, soft and exudative pork. The occurrence of pale, soft and exudative pork was reduced 5-fold during hot weather conditions when pigs were exposed to longer transportation (∼ 210 min) and low loading density (0.53 m2/100kg). Pigs exposed to short transportation (∼ 20 min) at high loading density (0.41 m2/100kg) during cold weather conditions produced the highest quality pork (the highest percentage of red, firm and non-exudative pork) characterised by lowest drip loss and b∗ value and the highest sensory colour scores. The highest percentages of carcass damages were recorded in pigs exposed to both low (0.50 m2/100kg) and high (0.33 m2/100kg) loading density during long transportation (∼ 210 min) in cold weather conditions. In conclusion, weather conditions and loading density are of greater importance for the occurrence of carcass damages and pork quality variation than transportation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effects of season on health, behaviour, physiological stress parameters, and carcass and meat quality in a total of 480 slaughter pigs. The following health indicators were recorded: pneumonia, pleurisy, milk spots, and pericarditis. Behaviour was monitored during unloading (slipping, falling, turning back, reluctance to move, panting, shivering) and lairaging (panting, shivering, huddling). Blood lactate and glucose concentrations were determined at exsanguination. Performance indices (live weight, daily weight gain), carcass (carcass weight, backfat and loin thickness, lean meat content, carcass lesion score), and meat quality (pH, temperature, drip, thawing and cooking losses, colour, marbling) traits were measured postmortem. Pigs slaughtered in winter had the highest live weight, carcass weight, loin thickness, and carcass lesion score, while the lowest live weight, carcass weight, and backfat thickness were recorded in pigs slaughtered in summer. The highest lactate and glucose concentrations were recorded in pigs slaughtered in summer. The highest prevalence of red, soft, and exudative meat was recorded in pigs slaughtered in winter. Pigs slaughtered in summer had the lowest pH, the highest thawing loss, L* value, b* value, and occurrence of pale, soft, and exudative meat. Pigs slaughtered in autumn had the lowest drip loss, cooking loss, L* value, b* value, and the greatest percentage of red, firm, and nonexudative meat. In conclusion, the summer and winter temperatures compromised health and welfare and reduced carcass and meat quality in slaughter pigs, indicating that protection against heat and cold stress is not yet effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between clinical symptoms recorded during the antemortem inspection in the lairage and pathological lesions at postmortem inspection of slaughter pigs. If clinical symptoms were an accurate indicator of pathological lesions at postmortem inspection it could be possible to incorporate only those parameters in the health and welfare monitoring system. The study was conducted on 1033 pigs originated from 39 small-scale farms. During the antemortem inspection, pigs were clinically inspected for the presence of coughing, sneezing and laboured breathing. The plucks of slaughtered pigs from each farm were examined for pneumonia, pleurisy and liver milk spots. No relationship was found between clinical symptoms and pathological lesions using Spearman correlation analysis. According to receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the curves, 'positive farms' for pathological lesions at the postmortem inspection could not be accurately detected by the clinical symptoms recorded during antemortem inspection. These results suggest that the recording of pathological lesions at postmortem inspection is more reliable and feasible method for pig health and welfare monitoring than the recording of clinical symptoms during the antemortem inspection. Therefore, incorporating of pathological lesions scoring as part of the routine postmortem veterinary inspection process could function as iceberg indicators of underlying problems affecting pig health and welfare at farm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lung lesions are significantly associated with changes in biochemical indicators. • Lung lesions are significantly associated with a reduction in carcass quality. • Lung lesions are significantly associated with a reduction in pork quality. This study examined the relationship between lung lesion severity and presence of antibodies of various respiratory pathogens, and the effects of lung lesion severity on growth performance, biochemical indicators, total aerobe counts, and carcass and meat quality indicators in total of 240 slaughter pigs originating from two farms with similar rearing conditions. Lung lesion severity was calculated based on the degree of pneumonia and pleurisy in slaughtered pigs. Two-step cluster analysis was used to place individual pigs to four clusters according to pneumonia and pleurisy scores: no lung lesions (cluster 1); mild lung lesions (cluster 2); moderate lung lesions (cluster 3); and severe lung lesions (cluster 4). ANOVA and post hoc pairwise comparisons using Tukey's test were performed to assess the differences between clusters in examined variables. Multivariate linear regression analysis was run to identify associations between lung lesions and examined variables. There was a strong evidence of association between the absence of lung lesions and increased albumin, sodium and chloride levels, daily weight gain, live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, loin thickness and carcass lean content, and decreased haptoglobin, CK and LDH levels. Also, pigs without lung lesions produced the highest percentage of red, firm and nonexudative pork. Pigs having severe lung lesions had the highest percentage of simultaneously seropositive samples to SIV, PRRSV, PCV-2, PRCV, APP and M. hyopneumoniae. There was a strong evidence of association between the presence of severe lung lesions and decreased lactate, glucose, sodium, chloride and albumine levels, daily weight gain, live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, loin thickness and carcass lean content, and increased CK, LDH and haptoglobin levels. There was a strong evidence of association between the presence of severe lung lesions in slaughered pigs and increased meat pH and sensory colour scores, and decreased drip, thawing and cooking losses and L* and b* values, which led to the highest occurrence of moderate DFD and DFD pork. There was a strong evidence of association between the presence of mild lung lesions in slaughtered pigs and decreased meat pH and sensory colour scores, and increased drip, thawing and cooking losses, L* and b* values, which led to the highest occurrence of moderate PSE and PSE pork. In conclusion, the presence of lung lesions, irrespective of severity, was significantly associated with alterations in the biochemical indicators, growth performance and carcass and meat quality in slaughtered pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of carcass bruising in Simmental cross-breed bulls and to characterize the bruises in terms of number, size, shape, severity, and the affected region of the carcass. In addition, the risk factors related to the pre-harvested and harvested phase of beef production and meat quality parameters, as well, were investigated. The prevalence of bruised carcasses was 40.6% (95% confidence interval, CI = 35.4-46.0%). The main risk factors related to carcass bruising were procurement of the bulls from the auction markets (odds ratio, OR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.65-5.26) compared to the bulls that came directly from the farms and inadequate practice in the combined type of slaughterhouses (type A: OR = 6.86, 95% CI = 3.53-13.37; type B: OR = 4.76, 95% CI = 2.26-10.01) relative to the beef-only slaughterhouses (P = 0.0001). Out of the total investigated bruises, 40.7% were severe, affecting muscular parts and mainly localized on the rear parts of the carcasses. The probability of severe bruises was higher in bulls with at least one large-sized bruise than in bulls without bruises of that size (OR = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.42-6.78, P = 0.005). Concerning the risk factors, the dark cutting occurrence was significantly lower in the bull's carcasses originating from the farms and completely absent in beef-only slaughterhouses (P = 0.001). Improvement of facilities and equipment, avoiding transport through markets, and training of staff in terms of animal welfare are crucial in obtaining a concept of safe and better quality food., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.. Animal ethics declaration: Not applicable., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of loading density and gender on blood welfare indicators, carcass bruises and horsemeat quality. Data were collected from twelve transports of 89 slaughter horses originating from the same collection centre. The transportation of slaughter horses at high loading densities (>200 kg/m 2 ), especially stallions, resulted in increased levels of lactate ( p = 0.021), glucose ( p < 0.0001), ceruloplasmin ( p < 0.0001) and AOPP ( p < 0.0001), but lower GSH levels ( p < 0.0001). Compared to stallions and mares, geldings subjected to high loading density (>200 kg/m 2 ) during transport had lower levels of the aforementioned blood metabolites. In addition, stallions exposed to a high load density (>200 kg/m 2 ) had the highest frequency of severe ( p = 0.0002), large ( p < 0.0001) and circular ( p = 0.0001) carcass bruises, which were predominantly located on the abdominal ( p = 0.0056) and thoracic ( p = 0.0004) wall. In contrast, a higher percentage ( p < 0.0001) of undamaged carcasses was found in slaughter horses exposed to a low loading density (≤200 kg/m 2 ) during transport. Stallions exposed to high loading densities (>200 kg/m 2 ) during transport had the highest initial pH ( p < 0.0001) and ultimate pH ( p = 0.005) in terms of m. longissimus lumborum and redness ( p = 0.017), but the lowest drip loss ( p = 0.050) and lightness ( p < 0.0001), which, consequently, led to the highest ( p = 0.0045) proportion of DFD-like defects in the meat quality. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that high loading densities (>200 kg/m 2 ), regardless of gender, negatively affect horse welfare during transport. In addition, stallions were more sensitive to poor pre-slaughter conditions and produced the lowest meat quality, while geldings were the most resistant. To determine the optimal transport density, further research is needed to determine the effects of different loading densities on the behaviour, physiology, carcass and meat quality of slaughter horses., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Yersiniosis, one of the leading foodborne infections in the European Union, is caused by Yersinia enterocolitica. In this study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees), clove ( Syzygium aromaticum L.), oregano ( Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L.), thyme ( Thymus vulgaris L.), and winter savory ( Satureja montana L.) essential oils were investigated against Y. enterocolitica strains belonging to the bioserotype 4/O:3. Cinnamon essential oil showed the highest antibacterial activity, with an MIC value 0.09 µL/mL, followed by oregano and thyme essential oils, with MIC values from 0.09 to 0.18 µL/mL, and from 0.18 to 0.23 µL/mL, respectively. Thyme essential oil at 0.23 µL/g (MIC) and at 0.46 µL/g (2MIC) significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced the number of Y. enterocolitica by 0.38 log CFU/g and 0.64 log CFU/g, respectively, in minced pork meat during storage at 4 °C for 4 days. The Y. enterocolitica strains formed biofilms at 15 °C and 37 °C in tryptic soy broth and Luria-Bertani broth, while no biofilms were obtained at 5 °C, and in meat broth nutrient media. Applying the minimum bactericidal concentrations of cinnamon, clove, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and winter savory essential oils on preformed biofilms led to significant reductions being observed in the range from 45.34% to 78.89%. A scanning electron microscopy assay showed the devastating impact of oregano and thyme essential oils on the morphology of Y. enterocolitica bacterial cells. In conclusion, the results of this study show that essential oils possess high anti- Yersinia and antibiofilm effects.

As pork is an important source for Toxoplasma gondii infection, we have analyzed T. gondii genotypes and toxoplasmosis prevalence in pigs in Serbia in the context of production statistics and economics to assess the specific risk to public health. Genotyping was performed using MnPCR-RFLP; T. gondii -specific IgG antibodies were detected using a modified agglutination test (MAT); and statistical data were extracted from official records and provided by government authorities. The results indicate that, from 2006 to 2021, the median number of annually slaughtered pigs was 5.6 million, yet only 36.1% were processed by abattoirs. The remainder were "backyard pigs" slaughtered on family farms and homesteads. Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in market-weight (MW) pigs prior to 2006 was 15.2%, and was 15.1% in 2019. The seroprevalence in owned city cats, likely infected by livestock meat, was 33.2%. ToxoDB#1 was identified in pig tissues. The results indicate that backyard pigs are the backbone of the industry and provide as much as 60% of the pork in Serbia. The seroprevalence in pigs and city cats shows that farms are reservoirs for the parasite. Thus, innovative means of reducing T. gondii infection designed with backyard farmers in mind are needed to reduce the risk to public health.

The composition of 18 essential oils was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their antilisterial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method, followed by the determination of the minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations. The most active essential oils were oregano, thyme, cinnamon, winter savory, and clove, with MIC values ranging from 0.09 to 1.78 µL/mL. We investigated the biofilm-forming potential of Listeria monocytogenes on polystyrene at 5 °C, 15 °C, and 37 °C in three different media. The formation of biofilm was found to be dependent on the temperature and the availability of nutrients. After treatment with selected essential oils, the reduction in biofilm biomass was in the range of 32.61% and 78.62%. Micromorphological changes in the L. monocytogenes treated by oregano and thyme essential oils were observed in the form of impaired cell integrity and cell lyses by using scanning electron microscope. Oregano and thyme essential oils (MIC and 2MIC) significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced the population of L. monocytogenes in minced pork meat during storage at 4 °C. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated the good activity of some selected essential oils on L. monocytogenes , with bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and antibiofilm effects at very low concentrations.

A survey was undertaken to determine the overall prevalence of Yersinia enterocolitica in pigs of slaughter age and to characterize the isolates in relation to bio-serotype, the presence of virulence genes, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, possible risk factors associated with Y. enterocolitica infection during the pre-harvested and harvested phase of pig production were studied. The overall Y. enterocolitica prevalence in the pigs was 10.4% (95% confidence interval, CI = 8.5-12.3%). The most common Y. enterocolitica bio-serotype was 4/O:3, accounting for 81.6% of investigated isolates. The pathogenicity of 63 Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 isolates, originating from all infected farms, was confirmed by the presence of both the ail and ystA virulence-associated genes and the absence of ystB gene (100%). Characterization with PFGE of 63 confirmed Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 isolates identified five different genotypes with shared identical genetic profiles (100% similarity) within each genotype. Isolates originating from farrow-to-finish farms were only resistant to ampicillin, while resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol at fattening farms was also observed. Risk factors related to Y. enterocolitica pig infection include fattening farms (odds ratio, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.4-3.8, P < 0.001), a 3-6 h lairage period (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0-2.6, P = 0.035) and winter season (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.0-7.4, P < 0.001). In addition to the overall characterization of Y. enterocolitica isolates, identification of the main risks associated with infection allows better application of preventive measures to reduce the occurrence and distribution of Y. enterocolitica infection., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Interventions from lairage to the chilling stage of the pig slaughter process are important to reduce microbial contamination of carcasses. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of abattoir interventions in reducing aerobic colony count (ACC), Enterobacteriaceae , generic Escherichia coli , and Yersinia spp. on pig carcasses. The database searches spanned a 30 year period from 1990 to 2021. Following a structured, predefined protocol, 22 articles, which were judged as having a low risk of bias, were used for detailed data extraction and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included data on lairage interventions for live pigs, standard processing procedures for pig carcasses, prechilling interventions, multiple carcass interventions, and carcass chilling. Risk ratios (RRs) for prevalence studies and mean log differences (MDs) for concentration outcomes were calculated using random effects models. The meta-analysis found that scalding under commercial abattoir conditions effectively reduced the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae (RR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.12, I 2 = 87%) and ACC (MD: -2.84, 95% CI: -3.50 to -2.18, I 2 = 99%) on pig carcasses. Similarly, significant reductions of these two groups of bacteria on carcasses were also found after singeing (RR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.44, I 2 = 90% and MD: -1.95, 95% CI: -2.40 to -1.50, I 2 = 96%, respectively). Rectum sealing effectively reduces the prevalence of Y. enterocolitica on pig carcasses (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.89, I 2 = 0%). Under commercial abattoir conditions, hot water washing significantly reduced ACC (MD: -1.32, 95% CI: -1.93 to -0.71, I 2 = 93%) and generic E. coli counts (MD: -1.23, 95% CI: -1.89 to -0.57, I 2 = 61%) on pig carcasses. Conventional dry chilling reduced Enterobacteriaceae prevalence on pig carcasses (RR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.48, I 2 = 81%). Multiple carcass interventions significantly reduced Enterobacteriaceae prevalence (RR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.23, I 2 = 94%) and ACC on carcasses (MD: -2.85, 95% CI: -3.33 to -2.37, I 2 = 97%). The results clearly show that standard processing procedures of scalding and singeing and the hazard-based intervention of hot water washing are effective in reducing indicator bacteria on pig carcasses. The prevalence of Y. enterocolitica on pig carcasses was effectively reduced by the standard procedure of rectum sealing; nevertheless, this was the only intervention for Yersinia investigated under commercial conditions. High heterogeneity among studies and trials investigating interventions and overall lack of large, controlled trials conducted under commercial conditions suggest that more in-depth research is needed.

Consumption of Toxoplasma gondii contaminated pork is a major risk factor for human infection. We thus conducted a cross-sectional survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of slaughter pigs from throughout Serbia and examined the influence of farm biosecurity-related risk factors on infection. In addition, direct detection of the parasite (by mouse bioassay) or its DNA was performed in the hearts of a subset of seropositive sows. The overall seroprevalence in the sample of 825 pigs as determined by the modified agglutination test (MAT) was 16.5%. Older age and inadequate rodent control were independent infection risk factors for pigs. In a subset of 581 pigs with complete biosecurity-related data, in addition to older age, smallholders' finishing type farms (as opposed to farrow-to-finish), multispecies farming, and origin from Western and Central and South-Eastern Serbia (vs. the Northern region), all increased the risk of infection, while the absence of disinfection boot-dips in front of each barn and Belgrade district origin (vs. the Northern region) were associated with a 62% and 75% lower risk of infection, respectively. Evidence of viable parasites was obtained in 13 (41.9%) of the 31 bioassayed sow hearts, of which by isolation of brain cysts in seven, by detection of T. gondii DNA in an additional four, and by serology in another two. Recovery of brain cysts mostly (5/7) from sows with a MAT titre of ≥1:100 indicates the risk for consumers. These results highlight the public health risk from pork consumption and point to mandatory use of professional rodent control services, abstaining from multispecies farming, keeping disinfection boot-dips clean and freshly refilled, as well as strict implementation of zoo-hygienic measures on smallholders' farms as specific farm biosecurity measures needed for its reduction.

The effect of different modified atmosphere packaging regimes on the behavior of Salmonella spp. on minced meat was studied. Minced meat was experimentally contaminated with a Salmonella spp. cocktail (S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Infantis and S. Arizonae), packaged under vacuum or modified atmosphere with initial headspaces containing 20%O 2 /50%CO 2 /30%N 2 and 20%O 2 /30%CO 2 /50%N 2 ) and stored at 3±1°C for 12 days. Samples were analyzed for Salmonella spp., viable and lactic acid bacteria count every third day. Salmonella spp. counts decreased during storage in all packaging types, with reductions of about 1.5logCFU/g. A significant difference (p<0.01) was noted between Salmonella spp. counts in meat packaged in vacuum and modified atmospheres, although there was no significant difference in Salmonella spp. count between meat packaged in 50%CO 2 , and meat packaged in 30%CO 2 . At the end of the study, there were significant differences (p<0.01; p<0.05) in total viable and lactic acid bacterial counts between meat packaged in vacuum and modified atmosphere, and the lowest counts were noted in meat packaged in modified atmosphere with 50%CO 2 ., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)