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Sardari M, Manouchehrifar M, Hasani K, Habibzadeh N, Doghaheh HP, Azimi T, Arzanlou M. Molecular characterization and prevalence of β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in livestock and poultry slaughterhouses wastewater in Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:572-583. [PMID: 38557572 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales bacteria cause severe hard-to-treat infections. Currently, they are spreading beyond hospitals and becoming a serious global health concern. This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC-type β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE, AmpC-PE) in wastewater from livestock and poultry slaughterhouses in Ardabil, Iran. A total of 80 Enterobacterales bacteria belonging to 9 species were identified. Among the isolates, Escherichia coli (n = 21/80; 26.2%) and Citrobacter spp. (n = 18/80; 22.5%) exhibited the highest frequency. Overall, 18.7% (n = 15/80) and 2.5% (n = 2/80) of Enterobacterales were found to be ESBL and AmpC producers, respectively. The most common ESBL producer isolates were E. coli (n = 9/21; 42.8%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 6/7; 85.7%). All AmpC-PE isolates belonged to E. coli strains (n = 2/21; 9.5%). In this study, 80% of ESBL-PE and 100% of AmpC-PE isolates were recovered from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. All ESBL-PE and AmpC-PE isolates were multidrug-resistant. In total, 93.3% of ESBL-PE isolates harbored the blaCTX-M gene, with the blaCTX-M-15 being the most common subgroup. The emergence of ESBL-PE and AmpC-PE in wastewater of food-producing animals allows for zoonotic transmission to humans through contaminated food products and contaminations of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Sardari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | | | - Kamal Hasani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Nasrin Habibzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Hadi Peeri Doghaheh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Taher Azimi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Arzanlou
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran E-mail: ;
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Mkilima T, Saspugayeva G, Tussupova Z, Kaliyeva G, Dakieva K, Kumarbekuly S, Tungushbayeva Z, Kalelova G. Electrode material impact on microbial fuel cell and electro-Fenton systems for enhanced slaughterhouse wastewater treatment: A comparative study of graphite and titanium. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e10989. [PMID: 38303506 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater is a complex task demanding careful consideration due to its challenging nature. Therefore, exploring more sustainable treatment methods for this particular type of wastewater is of utmost significance. This research focused on the impact of electrode materials, specifically graphite and titanium, on the efficiency of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and electro-Fenton systems in treating slaughterhouse wastewater. Both graphite and titanium electrodes displayed increasing current density trends, with titanium outperforming graphite. Titanium showed superior electron transfer and current generation (2.2 to 21.2 mA/m2 ), while graphite ranged from 2.4 to 18.9 mA/m2 . Titanium consistently exhibited higher power density, indicating better efficiency in converting current to power (0.059 to 22.68 mW/m2 ), compared to graphite (0.059 to 12.25 mW/m2 ) over the 48-h period. In removal efficiency within the MFC system alone, titanium exhibited superior performance over graphite in key parameters, including zinc (45.5% vs. 37.19%), total hardness (39.32% vs. 29.4%), and nitrates (66.87% vs. 55.8%). For the electro-Fenton system with a graphite electrode, the removal efficiency ranged from 34.1% to 87.5%, with an average efficiency of approximately 56.2%. This variability underscores fluctuations in the efficacy of the graphite electrode across diverse wastewater treatment scenarios. On the other hand, the electro-Fenton system employing a titanium electrode showed removal efficiency values ranging from 26.53% to 89.99%, with an average efficiency of about 68.4%. The titanium electrode exhibits both a comparatively higher and more consistent removal efficiency across the evaluated scenarios. On the other hand, the integrated system achieved more than 90% removal efficiency from most of the parameters. The study underscores the intricate nature of slaughterhouse wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for sustainable approaches. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Microbial fuel cell (MFC) and electro-Fenton were investigated for slaughterhouse wastewater treatment. The MFC microbial activity started to decrease after 24 h. The integrated system achieved up to 99.8% removal efficiency (RE) for total coliform bacteria. Up to 99.4% of RE was also achieved for total suspended solids (TSS). The integrated system highly improved RE of the pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timoth Mkilima
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Gulnur Saspugayeva
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhazgul Tussupova
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulzhan Kaliyeva
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Kulzipa Dakieva
- Department of Ecology and Geography, S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan
| | - Sanat Kumarbekuly
- Department of Ecology and Geography, S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan
| | - Zukhra Tungushbayeva
- Department of Ecology and Geography, S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulfat Kalelova
- Department of Ecology and Geography, S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan
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Kürekci C, Ünaldı Ö, Şahin S, García-Meniño I, Hammerl JA. Impact and Diversity of ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Recovered from Raw Chicken Meat Samples in Türkiye. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 13:14. [PMID: 38275324 PMCID: PMC10812783 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The interrelationship between human, animal and environmental sectors leads to the spread of antibiotic resistance due to selective pressures, evolutionary traits and genomic evolution. In particular, the frequent use of antibiotics in livestock inevitably influences the emergence of specific resistance determinants in human strains, associated with reduced treatment options in clinical therapy. In this study, ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from chicken meat samples were evaluated for public health implications in Türkiye. Whole-genome sequencing was used for genetic dissection and phylogenetic comparison of their genomes. The isolates were assigned to four MLST types (ST147, ST37, ST2747 and ST219); two of them were found to represent the ST147 clone associated with severe human infections worldwide. In addition to cephalosporins, high resistance levels to quinolones/fluoroquinolones were identified phenotypically, caused by acquired resistance genes and chromosomal point variations. One isolate was also found to carry the qacE∆1 efflux transporter gene, which confers tolerance to quaternary ammonium compounds. The detection of virulence genes (i.e., that coding for enterobactin) associated with the pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae suggests a public health impact. Thus, comprehensive information on the occurrence and impact of K. pneumoniae from livestock is needed to derive appropriate management strategies for consumer protection. In this study, it was shown that poultry meat serves as a reservoir of clinically emerging multidrug-resistant high-risk clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemil Kürekci
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay 31060, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Ünaldı
- Department of Microbiology Reference Laboratories, General Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ankara 06430, Türkiye;
| | - Seyda Şahin
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas 58070, Türkiye;
| | - Isidro García-Meniño
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), 27002 Lugo, Spain;
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Jens Andre Hammerl
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
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Cimen C, Noster J, Stelzer Y, Rump A, Sattler J, Berends M, Voss A, Hamprecht A. Surface water in Lower Saxony: A reservoir for multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales. One Health 2023; 17:100606. [PMID: 37583366 PMCID: PMC10424258 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E and CPE, respectively) is a threat to modern medicine, as infections become increasingly difficult to treat. These bacteria have been detected in aquatic environments, which raises concerns about the potential spread of antibiotic resistance through water. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of ESBL-E and CPE in surface water in Lower Saxony, Germany, using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Water samples were collected from two rivers, five water canals near farms, and 18 swimming lakes. ESBL-E and CPE were isolated from these samples using filters and selective agars. All isolates were analyzed by whole genome sequencing. Multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales were detected in 4/25 (16%) water bodies, including 1/2 rivers, 2/5 water canals and 1/18 lakes. Among all samples, isolates belonging to five different species/species complexes were detected: Escherichia coli (n = 10), Enterobacter cloacae complex (n = 4), Citrobacter freundii (n = 3), Citrobacter braakii (n = 2), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 2). Of the 21 isolates, 13 (62%) were resistant at least to 3rd generation cephalosporins and eight (38%) additionally to carbapenems. CPE isolates harbored blaKPC-2 (n = 5), blaKPC-2 and blaVIM-1 (n = 2), or blaOXA-181 (n = 1); additionally, mcr-9 was detected in one isolate. Two out of eight CPE isolates were resistant to cefiderocol and two to colistin. Resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins was mediated by ESBL (n = 10) or AmpC (n = 3). The presence of AmpC-producing Enterobacterales, ESBL-E and CPE in northern German surface water samples is alarming and highlights the importance of aquatic environments as a potential source of MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Cimen
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- University of Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Janina Noster
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Stelzer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Rump
- University Institute for Medical Genetics, Klinikum Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Janko Sattler
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthijs Berends
- University of Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Certe Medical Diagnostics and Advice Foundation, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Voss
- University of Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Axel Hamprecht
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Cologne and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Kenneth MJ, Koner S, Hsu GJ, Chen JS, Hsu BM. A review on the effects of discharging conventionally treated livestock waste to the environmental resistome. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122643. [PMID: 37775024 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Globally, animal production has developed rapidly as a consequence of the ongoing population growth, to support food security. This has consequently led to an extensive use of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent diseases in animals. However, most antibiotics are not fully metabolized by these animals, leading to their excretion within urine and faeces, thus making these wastes a major reservoir of antibiotics residues, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in the environment. Farmers normally depend on conventional treatment methods to mitigate the environmental impact of animal waste; however, these methods are not fully efficient to remove the environmental resistome. The present study reviewed the variability of residual antibiotics, ARB, as well as ARGs in the conventionally treated waste and assessed how discharging it could increase resistome in the receiving environments. Wherein, considering the efficiency and environmental safety, an addition of pre-treatments steps with these conventional treatment methods could enhance the removal of antibiotic resistance agents from livestock waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutebi John Kenneth
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi County, Taiwan; Doctoral Program in Science, Technology, Environment and Mathematics, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Suprokash Koner
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi County, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Jong Hsu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Sheng Chen
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Mu Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi County, Taiwan.
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Smalla K, Kabisch J, Fiedler G, Hammerl JA, Tenhagen BA. [Health risks from crop irrigation with treated wastewater containing antibiotic residues, resistance genes, and resistant microorganisms]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03710-7. [PMID: 37233812 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This review describes the effects and potential health risks of resistant microorganisms, resistance genes, and residues of drugs and biocides that occur when re-using wastewater for crop irrigation. It focusses on specific aspects of these contaminants and their interactions, but does not provide a general risk assessment of the microbial load when using reclaimed water.Antimicrobial residues, antimicrobial resistant microorganisms, and resistance genes are frequently detected in treated wastewater. They have effects on the soil and plant-associated microbiota (total associated microorganisms) and can be taken up by plants. An interaction of residues with microorganisms is mainly expected before using the water for irrigation. However, it may also occur as a combined effect on the plant microbiome and all the abundant resistance genes (resistome). Special concerns are raised as plants are frequently consumed raw, that is, without processing that might reduce the bacterial load. Washing fruits and vegetables only has minor effects on the plant microbiome. On the other hand, cutting and other processes may support growth of microorganisms. Therefore, after such process steps, cooling of the foods is required.Further progress has to be made in the treatment of wastewater that will be used for crop irrigation with respect to removing micropollutants and microorganisms to minimize the risk of an increased exposure of consumers to transferable resistance genes and resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Smalla
- Institut für Epidemiologie und Pathogendiagnostik, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Braunschweig, Deutschland
| | - Jan Kabisch
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Gregor Fiedler
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Jens Andre Hammerl
- Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Bernd-Alois Tenhagen
- Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Deutschland.
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7
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Werner G, Abu Sin M, Bahrs C, Brogden S, Feßler AT, Hagel S, Kaspar H, Köck R, Kreienbrock L, Krüger-Haker H, Maechler F, Noll I, Pletz MW, Tenhagen BA, Schwarz S, Walther B, Mielke M. [Therapy-relevant antibiotic resistances in a One Health context]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03713-4. [PMID: 37184673 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03713-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
One Health refers to a concept that links human, animal, and environmental health. In Germany, there is extensive data on antibiotic resistance (AMR) and multidrug-resistant (micro)organisms (MDRO) in human and veterinary medicine, as well as from studies in various environmental compartments (soil, water, wastewater). All these activities are conducted according to different specifications and standards, which makes it difficult to compare data. A focus on AMR and MDRO of human therapeutic importance is helpful to provide some guidance. Most data are available across sectors on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multiresistant Enterobacterales such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Here, the trends of resistance are heterogeneous. Antibiotic use leads to MRE selection, which is well documented. Success in minimizing antibiotic use has also been demonstrated in recent years in several sectors and could be correlated with success in containing AMR and MDRO (e.g., decrease in MRSA in human medicine). Sector-specific measures to reduce the burden of MDRO and AMR are also necessary, as not all resistance problems are linked to other sectors. Carbapenem resistance is still rare, but most apparent in human pathogens. Colistin resistance occurs in different sectors but shows different mechanisms in each. Resistance to antibiotics of last resort such as linezolid is rare in Germany, but shows a specific One Health correlation. Efforts to harmonize methods, for example in the field of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genome-based pathogen and AMR surveillance, are an important first step towards a better comparability of the different data collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Werner
- Robert Koch Institut, Berlin, Deutschland.
- Abt. Infektionskrankheiten, Fachgebiet Nosokomiale Infektionserreger und Antibiotikaresistenzen, Robert Koch-Institut, Außenstelle Wernigerode, Burgstr. 37, 38855, Wernigerode, Deutschland.
| | - Muna Abu Sin
- Robert Koch Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, Consumption and Healthcare-Associated Infections, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Christina Bahrs
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Sandra Brogden
- Institut für Biometrie, Epidemiologie und Informationsverarbeitung, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Andrea T Feßler
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Tierseuchen, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
- Tiermedizinisches Zentrum für Resistenzforschung (TZR), Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Hagel
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Heike Kaspar
- Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Robin Köck
- Bereich Hygiene und Umweltmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Essen, Deutschland
- Institut für Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Institut für Biometrie, Epidemiologie und Informationsverarbeitung, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Henrike Krüger-Haker
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Tierseuchen, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
- Tiermedizinisches Zentrum für Resistenzforschung (TZR), Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Frederike Maechler
- Institut für Hygiene und Umweltmedizin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Ines Noll
- Robert Koch Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, Consumption and Healthcare-Associated Infections, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Bernd-Alois Tenhagen
- Fachbereich Epidemiologie, Zoonosen und Antibiotikaresistenz, Abteilung Biologische Sicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung BfR, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Tierseuchen, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
- Tiermedizinisches Zentrum für Resistenzforschung (TZR), Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Birgit Walther
- Robert Koch Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
- Fachgebiet Mikrobiologische Risiken, Abteilung Umwelthygiene, Umweltbundesamt, Berlin, Deutschland
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8
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Gržinić G, Piotrowicz-Cieślak A, Klimkowicz-Pawlas A, Górny RL, Ławniczek-Wałczyk A, Piechowicz L, Olkowska E, Potrykus M, Tankiewicz M, Krupka M, Siebielec G, Wolska L. Intensive poultry farming: A review of the impact on the environment and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160014. [PMID: 36368402 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Poultry farming is one of the most efficient animal husbandry methods and it provides nutritional security to a significant number of the world population. Using modern intensive farming techniques, global production has reached 133.4 mil. t in 2020, with a steady growth each year. Such intensive growth methods however lead to a significant environmental footprint. Waste materials such as poultry litter and manure can pose a serious threat to environmental and human health, and need to be managed properly. Poultry production and waste by-products are linked to NH3, N2O and CH4 emissions, and have an impact on global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as animal and human health. Litter and manure can contain pesticide residues, microorganisms, pathogens, pharmaceuticals (antibiotics), hormones, metals, macronutrients (at improper ratios) and other pollutants which can lead to air, soil and water contamination as well as formation of antimicrobial/multidrug resistant strains of pathogens. Dust emitted from intensive poultry production operations contains feather and skin fragments, faeces, feed particles, microorganisms and other pollutants, which can adversely impact poultry health as well as the health of farm workers and nearby inhabitants. Fastidious odours are another problem that can have an adverse impact on health and quality of life of workers and surrounding population. This study discusses the current knowledge on the impact of intensive poultry farming on environmental and human health, as well as taking a look at solutions for a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gržinić
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Piotrowicz-Cieślak
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Str. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Klimkowicz-Pawlas
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation - State Research Institute, Czartoryskich Str. 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Rafał L Górny
- Laboratory of Biohazards, Department of Chemical, Aerosol and Biological Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska Str. 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ławniczek-Wałczyk
- Laboratory of Biohazards, Department of Chemical, Aerosol and Biological Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska Str. 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Piechowicz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 25, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Olkowska
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marta Potrykus
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Tankiewicz
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krupka
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Str. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Siebielec
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation - State Research Institute, Czartoryskich Str. 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Lidia Wolska
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
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Foyle L, Burnett M, Creaser A, Hens R, Keough J, Madin L, Price R, Smith H, Stone S, Kinobe RT. Prevalence and distribution of antimicrobial resistance in effluent wastewater from animal slaughter facilities: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120848. [PMID: 36563990 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of antibiotics in food animal production and disposal of untreated wastewater from food animal slaughter facilities may create a shift in microbiomes of different ecosystems by generating reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance along the human-animal-environmental interface. This epidemiological problem has been studied, but its magnitude and impact on a global scale is poorly characterised. A systematic review was done to determine global prevalence and distribution patterns of antimicrobial resistance in effluent wastewater from animal slaughter facilities. Extracted data were stratified into rational groups for secondary analyses and presented as percentages. Culture and sensitivity testing was the predominant method; Escherichia spp., Enterococcus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were the most targeted isolates. Variable incidences of resistance were detected against all major antimicrobial classes including reserved drugs such as ceftazidime, piperacillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol; the median frequency and range in resistant Gram-negative isolates were: 11 (0-100), 62 (0-100), 8 (0-100), 14 (0-93) and 12 (0-62) respectively. Ciprofloxacin was the most tested drug with the highest incidences of resistance in livestock slaughterhouses in Iran (93%), Nigeria (50%) and China (20%), and poultry slaughterhouses in Germany (21-81%) and Spain (56%). Spatial global distribution patterns for antimicrobial resistance were associated with previously reported magnitude of antibiotic use in livestock or poultry farming and, the implicit existence of jurisdictional policies to regulate antibiotic use. These data indicate that anthropogenic activities in farming systems are a major contributor to the cause and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance into the environment via slaughterhouse effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Foyle
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Solander Drive, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Matthew Burnett
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Abbey Creaser
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Rachel Hens
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Julia Keough
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Lauren Madin
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Ruby Price
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Hayley Smith
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Samuel Stone
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Robert T Kinobe
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, 1 Solander Drive, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Solander Drive, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
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10
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Hembach N, Bierbaum G, Schreiber C, Schwartz T. Facultative pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in swine livestock manure and clinical wastewater: A molecular biology comparison. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120128. [PMID: 36089145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Manure contains vast amounts of biological contaminants of veterinary origin. Only few studies analyse clinically critical resistance genes against reserve antibiotics in manure. In general, resistances against these high priority antibiotics involve a high potential health risk. Therefore, their spread in the soil as well as the aquatic environment has to be prevented. Manures of 29 different swine livestock were analysed. Abundances of facultative pathogenic bacteria including representatives of the clinically critical ESKAPE-pathogens (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, E. faecium) and E. coli were investigated via qPCR. Antibiotic resistance genes against commonly used veterinary antibiotics (ermB, tetM, sul1) as well as various resistance genes against important (mecA, vanA) and reserve antibiotics (blaNDM, blaKPC3, mcr-1), which are identified by the WHO, were also obtained by qPCR analysis. The manures of all swine livestock contained facultative pathogenic bacteria and commonly known resistance genes against antibiotics used in veterinary therapies, but more important also a significant amount of clinically critical resistance genes against reserve antibiotics for human medicine. To illustrate the impact the occurrence of these clinically critical resistance genes, comparative measurements were taken of the total wastewater of a large tertiary care hospital (n = 8). Both manure as well as raw hospital wastewaters were contaminated with significant abundances of gene markers for facultative pathogens and with critical resistance genes of reserve antibiotics associated with genetic mobile elements for horizontal gene transfer. Hence, both compartments bear an exceptional potential risk for the dissemination of facultative pathogens and critical antibiotic resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Hembach
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Institute of Functional Interfaces, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Bierbaum
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christiane Schreiber
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Schwartz
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Institute of Functional Interfaces, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
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11
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Noenchat P, Nhoonoi C, Srithong T, Lertpiriyasakulkit S, Sornplang P. Prevalence and multidrug resistance of Enterococcus species isolated from chickens at slaughterhouses in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:2535-2542. [PMID: 36590124 PMCID: PMC9798055 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2535-2542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Enterococcus is a commensal bacteria found in humans and animals, which can cause human nosocomial infections. One of the most contaminated enterococcal sources is poultry meat. Therefore, this study estimated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of Enterococcus from chickens and their meat products at local slaughterhouses in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Materials and Methods From January 2021 to March 2022, 558 samples from 279 cloacal swabs and breast meat were collected from 31 local slaughterhouses in the area. Then, the samples were screened for Enterococcus using modified de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar. Next, selected Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and cocci-shaped colonies were investigated for enterococcal confirmation using Enterococcosel Agar (EA). We also cultivated the samples directly on EA. However, the disk diffusion method was used to investigate positive Enterococcus resistance profiles to 16 antimicrobial agents. Finally, selected phenotypic multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus isolates were further assessed to identify AMR genes by polymerase chain reaction. Results Investigations showed that the prevalence of Enterococcus isolates from the chicken cloacal swabs and meat samples were 29.75% (83/279) and 28.32% (78/279), respectively. Most Enterococcus positive isolates were resistant to colistin, followed by cefoxitin, cephalexin, and streptomycin. These isolates also showed a prevalence of MDR species (65.22%; 105/161) and 66 patterns. Furthermore, selected MDR Enterococcus (MDRE) from cloacal swabs and breast meat were positive for the resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase TEM genes at 71.43% (20/28) and 78.26% (18/23), respectively, whereas other AMR genes detected in the selected MDR enterococci from the cloacal swabs and breast meat were beta-lactamase TEM (bla TEM [0%, 1.96%]), Class 1 integrase (intI1 [14.28%, 0%]), colistin (mrc-1 [3.57%, 0%]), and vancomycin (vanA [14.28%, 0%]). Conclusion This study indicated that phenotypic MDRE correlated with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase TEM gene presence, leading to an AMR reservoir that can be transferred to other bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattarakitti Noenchat
- Sakon Nakhon Provincial Livestock Office, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand
| | - Chawakorn Nhoonoi
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Thanawan Srithong
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sujeeporn Lertpiriyasakulkit
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Pairat Sornplang
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand,Corresponding author: Pairat Sornplang, e-mail: Co-authors: PN: , CN: , TS: , SL:
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12
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Farooq M, Smoglica C, Ruffini F, Soldati L, Marsilio F, Di Francesco CE. Antibiotic Resistance Genes Occurrence in Conventional and Antibiotic-Free Poultry Farming, Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182310. [PMID: 36139170 PMCID: PMC9495165 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a complex and widespread problem threatening human and animal health. In poultry farms, a wide distribution of resistant bacteria and their relative genes is described worldwide, including in Italy. In this paper, a comparison of resistance gene distribution in litter samples, recovered from four conventional and four antibiotic-free broiler flocks, was performed to highlight any influence of farming systems on the spreading and maintenance of resistance determinants. Conventional PCR tests, targeting the resistance genes related to the most used antibiotics in poultry farming, along with some critically important antibiotics for human medicine, were applied. In conventional farms, n. 10 out of n. 30 investigated genes were present in at least one sample, the most abundant fragments being the tet genes specific for tetracyclines, followed by those for aminoglycosides and chloramphenicol. All conventional samples resulted negative for colistin, carbapenems, and vancomycin resistance genes. A similar trend was observed for antibiotic-free herds, with n. 13 out of n. 30 amplified genes, while a positivity for the mcr-1 gene, specific for colistin, was observed in one antibiotic-free flock. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference for the tetM gene, which was found more frequently in the antibiotic-free category. The analysis carried out in this study allowed us to obtain new data about the distribution of resistance patterns in the poultry industry in relation to farming types. The PCR test is a quick and non-expensive laboratory tool for the environmental monitoring of resistance determinants identifying potential indicators of AMR dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farooq
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Camilla Smoglica
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Lidia Soldati
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Cristina E. Di Francesco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861-266869
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Van LT, Hagiu I, Popovici A, Marinescu F, Gheorghe I, Curutiu C, Ditu LM, Holban AM, Sesan TE, Lazar V. Antimicrobial Efficiency of Some Essential Oils in Antibiotic-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11152003. [PMID: 35956481 PMCID: PMC9370326 DOI: 10.3390/plants11152003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-fermentative Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, frequently encountered in difficult-to-treat hospital-acquired infections and also wastewaters. The natural resistance of this pathogen, together with the frequent occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains, make current antibiotic therapy inefficient in treating P. aeruginosa infections. Antibiotic therapy creates a huge pressure to select resistant strains in clinical settings but also in the environment, since high amounts of antibiotics are released in waters and soil. Essential oils (EOs) and plant-derived compounds are efficient, ecologic, and sustainable alternatives in the management of various diseases, including infections. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of four commercial essential oils, namely, tea tree, thyme, sage, and eucalyptus, on 36 P. aeruginosa strains isolated from hospital infections and wastewaters. Bacterial strains were characterized in terms of virulence and antimicrobial resistance. The results show that most strains expressed soluble pore toxin virulence factors such as lecithinase (89–100%) and lipase (72–86%). All P. aeruginosa strains were positive for alginate encoding gene and 94.44% for protease IV; most of the strains were exotoxin producers (i.e., 80.56% for the ExoS gene, 77.78% for the ExoT gene, while the ExoU gene was present in 38.98% of the strains). Phospholipase-encoding genes (plc) were identified in 91.67/86.11% of the cases (plcH/plcN genes). A high antibiotic resistance level was identified, most of the strains being resistant to cabapenems and cephalosporins. Cabapenem resistance was higher in hospital and hospital wastewater strains (55.56–100%) as compared to those in urban wastewater. The most frequently encountered encoding genes were for extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), namely, blaCTX-M (83.33% of the strains), blaSHV (80.56%), blaGES (52.78%), and blaVEB (13.89%), followed by carbapenemase-encoding genes (blaVIM, 8.33%). Statistical comparison of the EOs’ antimicrobial results showed that thyme gave the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC) in P. aeruginosa-resistant isolates, making this EO a competitive candidate for the development of efficient and ecologic antimicrobial alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Tran Van
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Hagiu
- The Overlake Private School, 108th St., Redmond, WA 98053, USA;
| | - Adelina Popovici
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
| | - Florica Marinescu
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Gheorghe
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Curutiu
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Lia Mara Ditu
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina-Maria Holban
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tatiana Eugenia Sesan
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
| | - Veronica Lazar
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 77206 Bucharest, Romania; (L.T.V.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (I.G.); (L.M.D.); (A.-M.H.); (T.E.S.); (V.L.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
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Hernandez E, Llonch P, Turner PV. Applied Animal Ethics in Industrial Food Animal Production: Exploring the Role of the Veterinarian. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060678. [PMID: 35327076 PMCID: PMC8944692 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Industrial food animal production practices are efficient for producing large quantities of milk, meat, and eggs for a growing global population, but often result in the need to alter animals to fit a more restricted environment, as well as creating new animal welfare and health problems related to animal confinement in high densities. These practices and methods have become normalized, to the extent that veterinarians and others embedded in these industries rarely question the ethical challenges associated with raising animals in this fashion. Moral ‘lock-in’ is common with those working in food animal industries, as is the feeling that it is impossible to effect meaningful change. Animal welfare issues associated with the industrialization of food animal production are ‘wicked problems’ that require a multi- and transdisciplinary approach. We argue that veterinarians, as expert animal health and welfare advocates, should be critical stakeholders and leaders in discussions with producers and the food animal sector, to look for innovative solutions and technology that will address current and future global sustainability and food security needs. Solutions will necessarily be different in different countries and regions, but ethical issues associated with industrial food animal production practices are universal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elein Hernandez
- Department of Clinical Studies and Surgery, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyuca, Cuautitlán Izcallli 54714, Mexico;
| | - Pol Llonch
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
| | - Patricia V. Turner
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Global Animal Welfare & Training, Charles River, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA
- Correspondence:
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