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Transport of infected birds is thought to play a key role in the spread of avian influenza (AI) on poultry farms during epizootic outbreaks. Ensuring efficient cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of equipment used for transport is needed to prevent the spread of AI. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy against the AI virus of C&D protocols applied on trucks and crates used for the transport of ducks during the H5N8 AI outbreaks in France in 2017. In 3 abattoirs, 16 transport vehicles and their crates were sampled by swabbing to detect the influenza type A genome by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Vehicles were tested before and after decontamination, which was carried out in accordance with the abattoirs' protocols. A total of 86 samples out of 299 collected before C&D were positive for AI (29%); 7 trucks out of 16 transported crates detected positive for AI. After C&D, the AI genome was detected in 56 samples out of 308 (18%). Ten trucks were loaded with a shipment of AI-positive crates. Eight vehicles were detected positive in the cabin, on the truck bed, and/or on the wheels. Despite reinforcement of C&D, the efficacy of decontamination was variable among slaughterhouses. The efficacy seemed to depend on the initial contamination load, C&D protocols, and how the protocol is implemented. Breaks in biosecurity measures led to frequent contamination of trucks after C&D. Observational studies during animal health crises are of interest to analyze practices in emergency conditions and to put forward measures aimed at increased preparedness.

Brominated flame retardants (BFR) are primarily used as flame retardant additives in insulating materials. These lipophilic compounds can bioaccumulate in animal tissues, leading to human exposure via food ingestion. Although their concentration in food is not yet regulated, several of these products are recognised as persistent organic pollutants; they are thought to act as endocrine disruptors. The present study aimed to characterise the occurrence of two families of BFRs (hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)) in hen eggs and broiler or pig meat in relation to their rearing environments. Epidemiological studies were carried out on 60 hen egg farms (34 without an open-air range, 26 free-range), 57 broiler farms (27 without an open-air range, 30 free-range) and 42 pig farms without an open-air range in France from 2013 to 2015. For each farm, composite samples from either 12 eggs, five broiler pectoral muscles or three pig tenderloins were obtained. Eight PBDE congeners and three HBCDD stereoisomers were quantified in product fat using gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry, or high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The frequencies of PBDE detection were 28% for eggs (median concentration 0.278 ng/g fat), 72% for broiler muscle (0.392 ng/g fat) and 49% for pig muscle (0.403 ng/g fat). At least one HBCDD stereoisomer was detected in 17% of eggs (0.526 ng/g fat), 46% of broiler muscle (0.799 ng/g fat) and 36% of pig muscle (0.616 ng/g fat). Results were similar in concentration to those obtained in French surveillance surveys from 2012 to 2016. Nevertheless, the contamination of free-range eggs and broilers was found to be more frequent than that of conventional ones, suggesting that access to an open-air range could be an additional source of exposure to BFRs for animals. However, the concentration of BFRs in all products remained generally very low. No direct relationship could be established between the occurrence of BFRs in eggs and meat and the characteristics of farm buildings (age, building materials). The potential presence of BFRs in insulating materials is not likely to constitute a significant source of animal exposure as long as the animals do not have direct access to these materials.

Simple Summary In the European Union, gestating sows are housed in groups in pens that often have slatted floors. Slatted floor can cause injuries to the animals’ legs and hooves, leading to potentially painful lameness. The purpose of our study was to verify if the installation of rubber mats on their floors could limit the occurrence of injuries and lameness in gestating sows. Mats were installed on three commercial farms for use over two consecutive sow pregnancies. The mats limited the occurrence of inflammations around the sows’ leg joints but had no impact on the occurrence of lameness or leg and hoof injuries. The benefit of mats would be greater if they were available throughout the sows’ lives and not just during the gestation period. However, the mat design tested was unsatisfactory because manure did not drain well off the mat and sows were dirtied quickly. Abstract Lameness and foot disorders are major health and welfare issues in intensive swine production systems. They are exacerbated when sows are housed in large groups on slatted concrete floors during gestation. Our study aimed to assess the effect of rubber mats in the lying area of the gestation pen on lameness and leg health in gestating sows housed in large pens in commercial conditions. The study was conducted on three commercial farms over two successive gestations. A total of 582 Large White × Landrace sows, housed in 10 static groups, were enrolled: 5 groups in pens with rubber mats and 5 groups on slatted concrete floors. Lameness, bursitis, leg injuries, claw growth defects and claw lesions were measured at the beginning, middle and end of each gestation period. The rubber mats decreased the risk of suffering from bursitis, but had no effect on the risk of lameness, leg injuries, claw growth defects or claw lesions. Sows housed on rubber mats were heavily soiled compared with those on slatted concrete floors because the mats were not perforated for slurry evacuation. Locomotion disorders and foot lesions remained prevalent despite the rubber mats in the lying area of the gestation pens, but adding rubber mats in service rooms and farrowing crates may produce better results.

In 2021, France faced large avian influenza outbreaks, like in 2016 and 2017. Controlling these outbreaks required the preventive depopulation of a large number of duck farms. A previous study in 2017 showed that the quality of decontamination of trucks and transport crates used for depopulation was often insufficient. A new study was then set up to evaluate cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of trucks and crates used for duck depopulation and whether practices had changed since 2017. Three methods were used to assess decontamination: 1) detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) genome, 2) visual inspection of cleanliness, and 3) microbial counts, considering that 2 and 3 are commonly used in abattoirs. Another objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation between results obtained with the 3 methods. In 5 abattoirs, 8 trucks and their crates were sampled by swabbing to detect AIV genome by rRT-PCR before and after decontamination. Visual cleanliness scores and coliform counts were also determined on crates after C&D. Trucks and crates were decontaminated according to the abattoirs’ protocols. Before C&D, 3 quarters of crates (59/79) and 7 of 8 trucks were positive for AIV genome. C&D procedures were reinforced in 2021 compared to 2017; use of detergent solution and warm water were more common. Nevertheless, 28% of the crates were positive for AIV genome after C&D, despite the fact that cleaning scores and microbiological counts were satisfactory for 84% and 91% of the crates, respectively. No correlation was observed between results for AIV genome detection and results from visual control or from coliform counts. Abattoirs are encouraged to use environmental sampling coupled with AIV genome detection to monitor the quality of cleaning and disinfection of trucks and crates during AI outbreaks. Reinforcement of biosecurity measures at abattoirs is still needed to avoid residual contamination of the equipment and cross-contamination during the decontamination process.

International audience; 1. Beak trimming is currently used in France to avoid the negative consequences of severe feather pecking (SFP). However, this practice is controversial in terms of animal welfare, and forbidden in some European countries. 2. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SFP in French laying hen farms, to describe how farmers manage this behavioural disorder and to better understand the risk factors involved. 3. A study was carried out from April 2015 to June 2016. Visits were paid to 79 flocks kept in furnished cages (FC) and 80 flocks in a free-range (FR) system. All the hens had trimmed beaks and were genotypically brown. The information collected included feather cover, skin damage, beak condition, farm and poultry house characteristics, livestock performance and management. 4. The prevalence of SFP in FC flocks was estimated at 32.9% (IC = 95%, [22.5; 43.3]) and the prevalence of cannibalism as 2.5% (IC = 95%, [0.7; 8.8]) at 70 weeks of age. The prevalence of SFP in FR flocks was estimated to be 23.8% (IC = 95%, [14.5; 31.1]) and the prevalence of cannibalism was 8.8% (IC = 95%, [4.3; 17.0]) at 61 weeks of age. 5. In FC flocks, SFP was associated with the combination of genotype, type and length of perches, cage area per hen, type of lighting, number of hens per cage and farm location. In FR flocks, feather cover was associated with use of the outdoor run, lighting programme, genotype, farm location and date of house construction.

1. The objectives of this study were to measure the exposure of workers to dust when shackling poultry in abattoirs, and to identify the most effective measures to prevent human exposure to dust. The relationship between respiratory health of workers and their occupational exposure to dust was assessed. 2. Exposure to dust (aerial particles inhaled through the nose and mouth) exceeded the occupational exposure limit (maximum 10 mg/m

[EN] Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a critical health threat to the rabbit industry in Europe. In 2018, the French rabbit industry adopted a voluntary control plan against this disease. In this context, two epidemiological studies were conducted on RHD outbreaks that occurred between 2013 and 2018 in France. The objectives were to describe the spread of RHD due to the new genotype RHDV GI.2 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus GI.2) and to identify rearing factors influencing the occurrence of the disease in order to guide the prevention measures recommended in the control plan. An analysis of cases on 295 farms between 2013 and 2017 showed that 32% of farms were affected at least once; the incidence of the disease increased in 2016-2017 compared to 2013-2015. Farms already affected in 2013-2015 had a higher risk of being infected in 2016-2017 than those that remained unaffected until 2015 (Relative Risk and 95% Confident Interval 1.7 [1.1-2.7]). A case-control study carried out between 2016 and 2018 on 37 outbreaks and 32 control farms revealed variability in biosecurity and decontamination practices between farms. The risk of being infected tends to be linked to these practices, but certain structural factors (e.g. the manure disposal system, transfer of rabbits at weaning) could also influence the risk of virus introduction into farms. In the context of a limited vaccination coverage of the farms (only females are vaccinated), these hypotheses will be studied further, using information from the RHD outbreak monitoring system implemented at the same time as the control plan in 2018., This study was founded by the French Ministry of Agriculture (2017-430 / 170274).

Simple Summary To prevent pigs from redirecting their exploratory natural behavior to their penmates, so as to prevent tail biting and promote pig welfare, the Council Directive 2008/120/EC has made environmental enrichment in pig farming mandatory. Possible enrichments can be varied: objects that are edible or not or bulk material. However, the enrichments need to be compatible with slatted floors, the main type of floor in pig housing. Here, we assessed the impact on pig welfare of a material made of an algae-based cylinder, compatible with slatted floors and edible, and which is categorized as suboptimal enrichment materials according to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336 classification. The assessment was done in comparison with metal chains, an enrichment material commonly used in farms, and with wood logs, a bio-sourced object too. Enrichment material made from algae had no negative effect on pig health. Performance and body condition were similar between groups that were given different materials. When provided during the suckling period, the algae material did not appear to promote manipulating behavior in piglets after weaning. Regarding their characteristics, the algae cylinders can be categorized as suboptimal enrichment materials, although it does not significantly improve pig welfare when compared to a metal chain, which is categorized as a material of marginal interest. Abstract In barren housing conditions, enrichment materials are given to pigs to improve their welfare. Here, we assessed the suitability of an algae-based cylinder as an enrichment material on the behavioral, physiological, health and productivity welfare indicators of pigs. Algae was compared with metal chains and wood logs. The study involved 444 pigs from two successive batches on one single farm. During the suckling period, half of the pigs received algae and the control pigs received no material. After weaning and until the end of fattening, algae, wood or chains were equally distributed among the pigs. Consumption of algae cylinders was different between pens and between batches. After weaning and during the fattening period, although the results differed between batches, no significant difference was observed in the object manipulations. Salivary cortisol, used as biomarker to measure the stress levels after pig transfers, were similar between the treatments. Enrichment material made from algae had no negative effect on pig health and no effect on performance and body condition. Regarding their characteristics and according to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336 classification, algae cylinders can be categorized as suboptimal enrichment materials, although the present results suggest that it does not significantly improve pig welfare compared to a metal chain, which is categorized as a material of marginal interest.

Few studies have previously investigated how poor animal welfare might be associated with infection of zoonotic pathogens in humans. This paper assesses the predictive value of the presence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler chicken flocks when animal-based measures related to footpad dermatitis, hock burns, body lesions and arthritis are identified under commercial conditions (high density). The study population included 32 flocks analysed on farm and at slaughter, slaughtered between April and August 2008 in six different slaughter plants in Brittany, France. Welfare and health indicators are those indicated by the European legislation and sampling was carried out in the framework of the European baseline survey on the prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler chicken. Caecal contents, sampled both on farm and at slaughter, and carcass skin samples from the neck and breast at slaughter, were investigated for the presence of Campylobacter spp. Logistic models/classification trees were used to estimate the probability of the presence (or absence) of a specific foodborne pathogen in a flock based on specific animal-based measures (or combinations of measures) in order to study the potential relationship between welfare indicators and foodborne pathogen prevalence/incidence levels. On farm, flocks with more than 25% animals with severe lesions on between 25 and 50% of the footpad are predicted to be Campylobacter-positive whereas flocks where less than 13 individuals have arthritis are predicted to be Campylobacter-negative. The error rate on farm and at slaughter was 10 and 4% respectively indicating good predicting abilities. A poor welfare environment may result in stress, which reduces chicken immunocompetence making them more susceptible to Campylobacter spp. An infection with Campylobacter spp may lead to impaired defence and susceptibility to other pathogens which may result in greater intestinal excretion. Poor welfare and high growing rate lead to digestive troubles that lead to litter humidity. Litter humidity that, among other things, causes footpad dermatitis may also influence the horizontal transmission of the Campylobacter spp. infection due to the normal coprophagic behaviour of poultry. Reducing welfare problems by a better management of rearing conditions would not only improve broiler welfare, but it would also decrease the risks of Campylobacter contamination, of carcass condemnations and of economic loss for the poultry industry.

Objectives The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate dust exposure and respiratory health of workers in duck hatcheries in western France. Material and methods Ninety volunteer workers, who work in sorting rooms and/or incubation rooms, participated in exposure assessments and medical examinations. Medical examinations were performed by occupational health practitioners.They filled-in a questionnaire with the workers, followed by a lung function test on each worker. General characteristics and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms were described in each type of working rooms. Associations between symptoms and exposure (working room or dust level) were studied in GEE multivariate models. Results Overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm) and chronic bronchitis were similar or lower than in the reference population. However, prevalence of these symptoms was higher for those working in sorting rooms, that were associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function. Respirable dust was also significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of asthma and rhinitis were well above those in the reference population, but did not vary among working rooms. Descriptive data suggested an occupational origin for some cases. Conclusions Hatchery workers were at increased risk of compromised respiratory health due to dust exposure, particularly those who work in sorting rooms. Asthma and rhinitis were in excess in this population of workers. Thorough clinical examination of these workers should be performed and all exposures assessed.

Ce numéro comprend les articles correspondant aux présentations du Colloque Casdar 2018.; Workers in animal buildings are exposed to aerial dusts that impair their respiratory health. In duckhatcheries, persons sorting ducklings are exposed to these aerosols but little is known on the impact ofthis exposure on their respiratory health. An epidemiological study is presently carried out in 14 Frenchduck hatcheries in order to assess workers’ exposure to dust and its impact on respiratory health. Thispaper deals with the results on human exposure to dust, since the medical examinations to assessrespiratory health of workers will continue until June 2014. The personal exposure to inhalable (diameter< 100 µm) and respiratory (< 5 µm) dusts of 57 workers during sorting of ducklings was measuredusing personal air samplers (CIP 10, ARELCO, France). For comparison, the exposure of 35 personsworking in egg incubation rooms was measured. The sanitary status of ducks was estimated by specific examination. The exposure of workers in the sorting rooms was significantly higher than the one ofworkers in incubation rooms, for inhalable dust (14.581mg/m3 vs. 0.452 ± 0.984 mg/m3, P