Parasites burden in peri-urban free-roaming pigs in Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Parasite infections, unlike regulated animal diseases, do not often receive attention. In fact, parasites are major sources of financial losses in pig enterprises, particularly in subsistence and small-scale pig production systems.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and quantify the prevalence of ecto- and endo-parasites among peri-urban free-roaming pigs (FRP) in Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), Mpumalanga.

METHODS

Pig owners were identified using the snowball sampling method since no sampling frame for FRP farmers exists. Stratified sampling was used to select pigs for sampling for ecto- and endo-parasites. A form was used to record the observations. Pairwise correlation analysis was performed using Stata 15.0. The SPSS V28.0 statistical package was used to perform the chi-square test (X2) to assess the distribution of parasites in different age groups. The prevalence of parasites was assessed in different age groups of pigs using multi-response crosstabs. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to estimate the marginal mean of parasites according to municipality. Statistical significance was assessed at α ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Over 90% (91.2%) of the pigs examined were infested with at least one parasite, including Haematopinus suis, Sarcoptes scabiei, Ascaris suum, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris suis, Strongylids, Coccidia spp, Moniezia expansa, and Siphonaptera spp. The correlation between Ascaris suum and body condition was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.24; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Policy makers, animal researchers and veterinary services must focus on developing policies, risk communication and community engagement materials, which target pig farmers in peri-urban areas such as Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from dogs presented at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae are opportunistic bacterial pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired infections in veterinary medicine. Infection with these bacteria always requires urgent antimicrobial therapy. However, there is no evidence of studies that have investigated the antimicrobial drug resistance profile of these organisms in a veterinary setting in South Africa. This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae from clinical specimens obtained from dogs presented at a veterinary academic hospital. The findings of this study contribute to an improved understanding of the AMR profile of these bacteria in veterinary medicine.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective data of clinical samples from dogs that were positive for A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae between 2007 and 2013 were used in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined using the disk diffusion method following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The A. baumannii isolates were subjected to a panel of 20 antibiotics, while K. pneumoniae isolates were subjected to a panel of 22 antibiotics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables and figures.

Results

Twenty (n = 20) A. baumannii isolates were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage, foreign objects, bone, urine, skin, blood, ear, nasal, and oral cavity. Almost all A. baumannii (95%, 19/20) isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 60% (12/20) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 56) was isolated from urine, foreign objects, abscesses, ears, eyes, tracheal aspirations, bronchoalveolar lavages, eyes, abdominal aspirates, anal glands, bones, and intestinal and lung biopsies. All K. pneumoniae (100%, 56/56) isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 98% (55/56) were MDR.

Conclusion

Both A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae were isolated in various clinical tissue samples and exhibited a high prevalence of resistance to multiple antibiotics. In addition, these bacteria exhibited a high prevalence of resistance to β-lactam compared to other classes of antibiotics, which is likely to impact treatment options and patient prognosis.

Prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. from human specimens submitted to diagnostic laboratories in South Africa, 2012-2017

Background

Although staphylococci are commensals of the skin and mucosa of humans and animals, they are also opportunistic pathogens. Some coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS), such as S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis, are reported to be zoonotic.

Objectives

The prevalence of coagulase positive (CoPS), CoNS and coagulase-variable Staphylococcus spp. isolated from human clinical cases in South Africa was investigated.

Method

Retrospective records of 404 217 diagnostic laboratory submissions from 2012 to 2017 were examined and analysed in terms of time, place and person.

Results

Of the 32 different species identified, CoPS were the most frequently isolated (74.7%), followed by CoNS (18.9%). Just over half (51.2%) of the Staphylococcus isolates were from males, while females contributed 44.8%. Patients aged 0-4 years contributed the most (21.5%) isolates, with the highest number coming from KwaZulu-Natal (32.8%). Urinary specimens accounted for 29.8% of the isolates reported. There was no variation in the number of Staphylococcus isolates reported in the autumn (25.2%), winter (25.2%), spring (25.1%) and summer (24.5%) seasons.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from humans and the magnitude of infection, with the most predominant species being S. aureus and S. epidermidis.

Contribution

Although most isolates were CoPS, the isolation of CoNS seen in this study suggests a need to improve infection control measures in a South African context. More research is needed to investigate the determinants of the observed variations in the study.

Hospital-acquired and zoonotic bacteria from a veterinary hospital and their associated antimicrobial-susceptibility profiles: A systematic review

Background

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and an economic burden due to costs associated with extended hospital stays. Furthermore, most pathogens associated with HAIs in veterinary medicine are zoonotic. This study used published data to identify organisms associated with HAIs and zoonosis in veterinary medicine. Furthermore, the study also investigated the antimicrobial-susceptibility profile of these bacterial organisms.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms and five electronic databases were used to identify studies published over 20 years (2000-2020). The risk of bias was assessed using the "Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Vet" (STROBE-Vet) checklist.

Results

Out of the identified 628 papers, 27 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Most studies (63%, 17/27) included were either from small animal or companion animal clinics/hospitals, while 5% (4/27) were from large animal clinics/hospitals inclusive of bovine and equine hospitals. Hospital-acquired bacteria were reported from environmental surfaces (33%, 9/27), animal clinical cases (29.6%, 8/27), and fomites such as cell phones, clippers, stethoscopes, and computers (14.8%, 4/27). Staphylococcus spp. was the most (63%; 17/27) reported organism, followed by Escherichia coli (19%; 5/27), Enterococcus spp. (15%, 4/27), Salmonella spp. (15%; 4/27), Acinetobacter baumannii (15%, 4/27), Clostridioides difficile (4%, 1/27), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4%; 1/27). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms were reported in 71% (12/17) of studies linked to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), Enterococcus spp., Salmonella Typhimurium, A. baumannii, and E. coli. The mecA gene was identified in both MRSA and MRSP, the blaCMY-2 gene in E. coli and Salmonella spp., and the vanA gene in E. faecium isolate. Six studies reported organisms from animals with similar clonal lineage to those reported in human isolates.

Conclusion

Organisms associated with hospital-acquired infections and zoonosis have been reported from clinical cases, environmental surfaces, and items used during patient treatment and care. Staphylococcus species is the most reported organism in cases of HAIs and some isolates shared similar clonal lineage to those reported in humans. Some organisms associated with HAIs exhibit a high level of resistance and contain genes associated with antibiotic resistance.

Mpox in Nigeria: Perceptions and knowledge of the disease among critical stakeholders-Global public health consequences

BACKGROUND

The mpox (monkeypox) disease is a re-emerging viral zoonosis of international concern that is endemic in parts of Africa. The mpox virus (MPXV), which was hitherto largely limited to some Central and West African countries, was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO on July 23, 2022 following the rapid spread of the virus to non-endemic countries. Globally, as of March 16, 2023, the WHO had reported 86,496 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and 111 deaths in 110 countries. Of the 1,420 cases of mpox reported in Africa as of March 16, 2023, Nigeria alone recorded 57.1% (812) of the confirmed cases and eight fatalities recorded in the continent. To help improve on the understanding of the current situation in Nigeria, the present study assessed the perception and knowledge of mpox among Nigerian healthcare workers, academics and tertiary students. The study also sought to highlight the global public health significance of the MPXV, and recommend a One Health approach to limit exporting of the virus beyond the borders of Nigeria.

METHODS

A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between 24 July 2022 and 12 August 2022 to evaluate the perception and knowledge of mpox among 1544 Nigerians, consisted of healthcare workers (n = 832), academics (n = 306) and tertiary students (n = 462). Data on the respondents' socio demographics and their information sources on mpox were also collected. Each correct response was allotted one point while an incorrect response was scored zero. The scores for perception and knowledge were dichotomized into positive (>5.5) and negative (≤5.5) and adequate (>5.8) and inadequate (≤5.8), respectively; using the average scores for perception and knowledge. The average score for perception and knowledge were summarised and presented as the mean and standard deviation (SD). Chi-square tests of association and binary logistic regression were carried out to determine factors associated with the outcome variables.

RESULTS

Of the 1452 respondents that had heard of mpox, 878 (60.5%) and 419 (28.9%) had adequate knowledge and positive perception concerning MPXV infection respectively. Average perception score was 5.5. Mean perception and knowledge scores were 4.5(SD: 2.0) and 5.8 (SD: 1.9), respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with knowledge level were age (p = 0.020) educational qualification attained (p = 0.004), occupation (p<0.001), and geopolitical zone of residency (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between perception and knowledge scores (r = 0.4, p<0.001). Positive perceptions were likely among respondents who had tertiary education, and residing in North-west Nigeria. Likewise, adequate knowledge scores were likely among respondents under 30 years of age, with tertiary education or reside in North-west Nigeria. Sources of information were significantly associated with perception (p = 0.004) and knowledge (p<0.001) of the respondents.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study show that there is disparity in the knowledge and perception of mpox in the study population, and as a result, there is a need to intensify awareness about MPXV infection to enhance positive perception among the respondents. This has potential to safeguard public health and contain the disease thus preventing it from spreading to the global community. A One Health approach involving animal and human health workers is imperative for improved knowledge and a good perception towards the disease among respondents, and enhanced active surveillance and early detection of MPXV in reservoir hosts (rodents and non-human primates); to prevent reverse zoonotic transmission of the virus at the human-animal interface.

Pre-slaughter, slaughter and post-slaughter practices of slaughterhouse workers in Southeast, Nigeria: Animal welfare, meat quality, food safety and public health implications

BACKGROUND

Pre-slaughter stress or the welfare condition of food-producing animals (FPAs) and the slaughter practices of slaughterhouse workers (SHWs) are critically important for the safety and quality of meats processed in slaughterhouses (SHs). Consequently, this study determined the pre-slaughter, slaughter, and post-slaughter (PSP) practices of SHWsin four SHs in Southeast, Nigeria; and discussed the impacts on meat quality and safety.

METHODS

The PSP practices were determined by observation method. Additionally, a structured and validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge of the SHWs on: the effects of poor welfare (preslaughter stress) on the quality and safety of meats produced, carcass/meat processing practices and modes of transmission of meat-borne zoonotic pathogens during carcass/meat processing. Finally, a systematic post-mortem inspection (PMI) was conducted on cattle, pigs and goats slaughtered, and economic losses accruable from condemned carcasses/meats were estimated.

RESULTS

Food-producing animals were transported to the SHs or held in the lairage under inhumane conditions. A pig being conveyed to one of the SHs was seen gasping for air, as it was firmly tied on motorbike at the thoracic and abdominal regions. Fatigued cattle were forcefully dragged on the ground from the lairage to the killing floor. Cattle for slaughter were restrained, held in lateral recumbency and left groaning, due to extreme discomfort, for about one hour before slaughter. Stunning was not performed. Singed pig carcasses were dragged on the ground to the washing point. Although more than 50% of the respondents knew the modes of transmission of meat-borne zoonotic pathogens during meat processing, 71.3% of the SHWs processed carcasses on bare floor, 52.2% used same bowl of water to wash multiple carcasses while 72% did not wear personal protective equipment during meat/carcass processing. Processed meats were transported to meat shops in an unsanitary conditions, using open vans and tricycles. During the PMI, diseased carcasses/meats/organs were detected in 5.7% (83/1452), 2.1% (21/1006) and 0.8% (7/924) of the cattle, pig and goat carcasses inspected, respectively. Gross lesions pathognomonic of bovine tuberculosis, contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia, fascioliasis and porcine cysticercosis were detected. Consequently, 391,089.2 kg of diseased meat/organs valued at 978 million Naira (235, 030 USD) were condemned. There were significant associations (p < 0.05) between educational level and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during slaughterhouse operations and knowledge that FPAs can harbour zoonotic pathogens (p = < 0.001) transmissible during carcass processing. Similarly, significant association was observed between working experience and use of PPE; and between geographical location of the respondents and knowledge that zoonotic pathogens in animals are transmissible during carcass processing or via the food chain.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that slaughter practices of SHWs have detrimental impacts on the quality and safety of meats processed for human consumption in Southeast, Nigeria. These findings underscore the need to: improve the welfare condition of slaughter-animals, mechanise abattoir operations, train and retrain the SHWs on hygienic carcass/meat processing practices. There is a need to adopt strict enforcement of food safety laws to promote meat quality, food safety and consequently promote the health of the public.

53 The Role of Veterinary Services on Nutrition Schemes, Management, and Health Practices for Sheep and Goats in Rural Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Northwest Province of South Africa

Poverty is a feature of rural households, and as a result, rural folks usually adopt low-input agriculture to alleviate poverty. Many households in Ngaka Modiri Molema District keep animals, particularly sheep and goats, for a variety of reasons, including as source of income, milk, and meat. However, they lack the management skills that are necessary for their livestock to increase their productivity. Inadequate animal management, including poor feeding and housing standards and poor application of proper animal health procedures are compounded by a lack of agricultural experience and low-input farming methods. In addition, poor animal nutrition, sickness and a high prevalence of parasites, and low animal production output further contribute to low overall productivity. Therefore, support offered by the veterinary services, and the impact these interventions have on sheep and goat farming among rural farmers need to be investigated. The present study will seek to describe the feeding schemes and management practices adopted by sheep and goat owners, as well as the role played by veterinary and extension services in the development of such practices. Health care provided to sheep goat farmers by the veterinary services will also be determined. A survey will be conducted in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, a rural area in North West Province of South Africa. The study population will consist of all farmers rearing sheep and goats, both female and male. Animal and farm information level data and general farm management practices will be collected via a questionnaire survey. Using the Statistical Kit for STATA (version 16), data will be examined by computing frequency, percentages, and proportions based on the characteristics of the sample population. This survey will help to provide opportunities for resource-poor farmers in rural areas to develop their flocks.

Prediction of responses of indigenous Boschveld chickens to probiotic-yeast additive levels using a quadratic optimisation model

This experiment was performed to determine the nutrient content of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and effect on carcass characteristics, relative internal organ weights, digesta pH, and lengths and weights of the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of indigenous Boschveld chickens. Six hundred-day-old unsexed Boschveld chicks were divided into six groups of 100 birds with each group replicated five times. Birds were fed broiler starter from 1 to 49 days and grower diet from 50 to 91 days. Each group was allotted to commercial broiler mash diet supplemented with yeast designated 0 g kg^-1 feed (T0), 2.5 g kg^-1 feed (T1), 5.0 g kg^-1 feed (T2), 7.5 g kg^-1 feed (T3), 10.0 g kg^-1 feed (T4) and 12.5 g kg^-1 feed (T5) in a completely randomised design. Proximate composition of yeast was assessed using the standard method. Live weight, carcass characteristics, organ weights, digesta pH and the lengths and weights of the different segments of the digestive tract were measured and analysed statistically. Probiotic-yeast levels for optimal productivity were determined using a quadratic optimisation model. Results revealed that probiotic-yeast is rich in crude protein (496.0 g kg^-1), ash (61.60 g kg^-1) and moderate in crude fibre (29.0 g kg^-1). Birds in groups fed with diets supplemented with yeast at 7.5 and 10.0 g kg^-1 feed gave the best (p < 0.05) carcass characteristics, organ weights, length and weight of the different sections of the digestive system in Boschveld chickens. The optimal inclusion rates of probiotic-yeast that gave the best live weight, carcass characteristics, organ weights and linear measurement of the GIT were found 6.9 and 8.5 g kg^-1 feed, suggesting that no single inclusion level optimised all the parameters measured in Boschveld chickens in the present study. In conclusion, yeast is suitable for use as a feed additive and for optimal productivity; it should be included at the rates of 7.5 and 10.0 g kg^-1 feed in Boschveld chicken diet. It is recommended that yeast supplementation level beyond 10.0 g kg^-1 feed may not be well-tolerated by the Boschveld chickens for best live weight, carcass characteristics, organ weights and linear measurement of the GIT.

Antibiotic prescription practices and attitudes towards the use of antimicrobials among veterinarians in the City of Tshwane, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Understanding the prescription practices and attitudes of veterinarians towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is crucial in guiding efforts to curb AMR. This study investigated prescription practices and attitudes towards AMR among veterinarians in the City of Tshwane, South Africa.

METHODS

Out of the 83 veterinarians invited to participate in the study, 54 signed the consent form and completed the questionnaire. Percentages and 95% confidence intervals of all categorical variables were computed. A multinomial logistic model was used to identify predictors of the veterinarians' view towards antimicrobial use.

RESULTS

The majority (88%) of respondents indicated that improper use of antimicrobials contributed to selection for AMR. Veterinarians relied on clinical signs and symptoms (88%, 48/54) to decide whether to prescribe antimicrobials or not. However, the choice of antimicrobials depended on the cost of antibiotics (77.2%), route of administration (81.5%), and risk of potential adverse reactions (79.6%; 43/54). Many (61.5%) veterinarians were of the view that often antimicrobials are appropriately prescribed and 88.7% agreed that improper use of antimicrobials contributed to selection for antimicrobial resistant organisms. Compared to females, males were significantly more likely (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 9.0; P = 0.0069) to agree rather than to "neither agree nor disagree" that their colleagues over-prescribed antimicrobials.

CONCLUSIONS

The decisions to prescribe antimicrobials by the veterinarians depended on clinical presentation of the patient, while the choice of antimicrobial depended on cost, route of administration, and risk of potential adverse reactions. Most veterinarians were of the view that antimicrobials were prescribed judiciously.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from canine clinical cases at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa

Although Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) can infect both animals and humans, there is a paucity of veterinary studies on antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa in South Africa. Secondary data of canine clinical cases presented at the hospital from January 2007 to December 2013 was used. The following information was recorded: type of sample, the date of sampling and the antimicrobial susceptibility results. Frequencies, proportions and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all the categorical variables. In total, 155 P. aeruginosa isolates were identified and included in this study. All the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial (AMR), while 92% were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Most isolates were resistant to lincomycin (98%), penicillin-G (96%), orbifloxacin (90%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (90%) and doxycycline (87%). A low proportion of isolates was resistant to imipenem (6%), tobramycin (12%), amikacin (16%) and gentamicin (18%). A high proportion of MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates was resistant to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid (99%), tylosin (99%), chloramphenicol (97%) and doxycycline (96%). Few (6%) of MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates were resistant to imipenem. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with infections of various organ systems in this study. All P. aeruginosa isolates of P. aeruginosa exhibited resistance to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones and lincosamides. Clinicians at the hospital in question should consider these findings when treating infections associated with P. aeruginosa.

Social capital and self-rated health of residents of Gauteng province: Does area-level deprivation influence the relationship?

Although social capital has been linked to population health, there is a dearth of studies on the phenomenon especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the individual and contextual effects of social capital indicators (group membership, registered to vote, perception towards safety in community and generalised trust) on the self-rated health (SRH) of the residents of Gauteng province. We used data from the 2015 Quality of Life (QoL) survey, which included a random representative sample of 27476 residents (level 1) in 508 administrative wards (level 2). We employed a multilevel logistic regression to examine the association of social capital and SRH (good vs poor). After adjusting for individual and area-level factors, no main effect of group membership (Adjusted OR: 0.93: 95% CI: 0.85-1.02), generalised trust (Adjusted OR: 1.01: 95% CI: 0.89-1.49) and registered to vote (Adjusted OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.82-1.10) was observed. However, if respondents were positive in their perception towards safety in community, there was a positive association with good SRH (Adjusted OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01-1.31); while if residents reported a negative perception towards safety in community, a strong negative association with good SRH (Adjusted OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.62-0.79) was observed. Both ward variance and median odds ratio (MOR) indicate significant differences in good SRH by wards. A strong positive joint effect on the multiplicative scale was observed between satisfied with safety and the ward-level South African Multiple Deprivation Poverty Index (SAMPI), while a strong negative joint effect was also observed on a multiplicative scale between dissatisfied with safety and the SAMPI. Perception of safety in community is the core domain of social capital that significantly impacts the SRH of residents of Gauteng. Although the effect of perception towards safety in community on good SRH is influenced by ward deprivation,the effect is not dependent on the level of deprivation. Contextual factors as evidenced by the persistent MOR, in addition to individual factors, explain variation in reporting good SRH in the study area.

Risk factors associated with the occurrence of Brucella canis seropositivity in dogs within selected provinces of South Africa

The growing population of free-roaming dogs in informal communities in South Africa may increasingly place humans at risk of possible zoonotic infections including, but not limited to, Brucella canis. Worldwide, the prevalence of B. canis infection has increased during the last two centuries, resulting in increased reports of dog and human infections. This study investigated the risk factors associated with B. canis infection in dogs in three predefined areas: Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces, of South Africa. Dogs aged 7 months and older presented to welfare organisations and breeders in the study areas were selected for sampling. A comprehensive questionnaire on dog ownership, general health and vaccination status was completed prior to sampling. One blood sample of 8 mL was collected aseptically per dog. Then, equal amounts (4 mL) were transferred to the different vacutainer tubes. The 2-mercaptoethanol-tube agglutination tests were used after validation. Fifty-two dogs out of the combined sample of 1191 dogs from the three study areas tested positive for B. canis, representing an overall occurrence of 4.4%. A binomial logistic regression model was fitted to identify risk factors associated with B. canis in dogs within the study areas. Dog age (0.371; p 0.05) and external parasite infestation (0.311; p 0.05) were significantly associated with the B. canis infection. Ownership and sterilisation need to be further investigated as possible risk factors because both had odds ratios of 1684 and 1107, respectively, in the univariate model.

Patterns and predictors of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus spp. from canine clinical cases presented at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci, often associated with treatment failure, is increasingly reported in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate patterns and predictors of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus spp. isolates from canine samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory at the University of Pretoria academic veterinary hospital between 2007 and 2012. Retrospective data of 334 Staphylococcus isolates were used to calculate the proportion of samples resistant to 15 antimicrobial agents. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to investigate temporal trends and logistic regression models were used to investigate predictors of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

RESULTS

Results show that 98.2% (55/56) of the S. aureus isolates were resistant to at least one drug while 42.9% were multidrug resistant. Seventy-seven percent (214/278) of the S. pseudintermedius isolates were resistant to at least one drug and 25.9% (72/278) were multidrug resistant. Resistance to lincospectin was more common among S. aureus (64.3%) than S. pseudintermedius (38.9%). Similarly, resistance to clindamycin was higher in S. aureus (51.8%) than S. pseudintermedius (31.7%) isolates. There was a significant (p = 0.005) increase in S. aureus resistance to enrofloxacin over the study period. Similarly, S. pseudintermedius exhibited significant increasing temporal trend in resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (p = 0.004), clindamycin (p = 0.022) and orbifloxacin (p = 0.042). However, there was a significant decreasing temporal trend in the proportion of isolates resistant to doxycycline (p = 0.041), tylosin (p = 0.008), kanamycin (p = 0.017) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of multidrug resistance and the increasing levels of resistance to sulphonamides, lincosamides and fluoroquinolones among Staphylococcus spp. isolates in this study are concerning. Future studies will need to investigate local drivers of antimicrobial resistance to better guide control efforts to address the problem.

Assessment of the Occupational Health and Food Safety Risks Associated with the Traditional Slaughter and Consumption of Goats in Gauteng, South Africa

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the occupational health and food safety risks associated with the traditional slaughter of goats and the consumption of such meat in Tshwane, South Africa.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 105 respondents agreed to be interviewed using structured questionnaires.

RESULTS

A high proportion (62.64%) of practitioners admitted to not wearing protective clothing during slaughter. Slaughtering was mainly carried out by males (99%) with experience (62.2%). Forty-four percent of practitioners only changed the clothes they wore while slaughtering when they got home. During the actual slaughter, up to seven people may be involved. The majority (58.9%) of slaughters occurred early in the morning and none of the goats were stunned first. In 77.5% of cases, the health status of the persons who performed the slaughtering was not known. The majority (57.3%) of the slaughters were performed on a corrugated iron roof sheet (zinc plate). In 83.3% of the cases, the carcass was hung up to facilitate bleeding, flaying, and evisceration. Meat inspection was not practiced by any of the respondents. Throughout the slaughter process, the majority used the same knife (84.3) and 84.7% only cleaned the knife when it became soiled. A total of 52.0% of the respondents processed the carcass and cooked the meat immediately. The majority (80.0%) consumed the meat within 30 min of cooking.

CONCLUSIONS

Men are at a higher risk of occupational health hazards associated with traditional slaughter, which can be transferred to their households. Unhygienic methods of processing and the lack of any form of post-mortem examination increase the risk of food-borne illness following the consumption of such meat.

Assessment of Welfare Issues During Traditional Slaughter of Goats in Pretoria, South Africa

Goats are traditionally slaughtered to celebrate marriages and births, venerate ancestors, address personal problems, or perform a ritual during funerals. The objective of this study was to assess nonhuman animal welfare issues associated with the traditional slaughter of goats in and around Pretoria, South Africa. Participatory research methods were used to interview 105 respondents. Four of those interviewed were visited to observe the slaughter process. The most common method of transport was a vehicle (47%), followed by transport on foot (30%). The distance traveled (68%) was usually less than 10 km, and in all cases, it was less than 50 km. The most common (57%) method of restraining goats during transport was tying all 4 legs together. During slaughter, assistants held the head and legs of the goat (55%). Prior to slaughter, the majority of goats were tied under a tree (66%). In total, 97% of the goats were slaughtered within 24 hr, and no stunning was performed. In this study, animal welfare problems were widespread. Research should be undertaken to find practical ways to address animal welfare issues during traditional slaughter.

Is a 10-sow unit economically sustainable? A profitability assessment of productivity amongst small-holder pig farmers, Mpumalanga, South Africa

The majority of small-holder pig farmers in Mpumalanga had between 1- and 10-sow herds. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the current government agricultural intervention (supply of 10 sows and a boar) in terms of technical and economic feasibilities and ascertain whether the small-scale pig value chain system alleviates poverty. Data were obtained from 220 randomly selected small-holder pig farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that 58% farrowed ≤ 10 piglets/born/sow/litter, 44.2% practiced no weaning method and many fed swill and leftovers alone (41.6%). Pair-wise association revealed that the feeding of commercial feeds had a relationship with pigs in relatively good to very good body condition. Pigs in poor body condition were positively correlated with the feeding of swill alone. The economic models for the 10-sow unit proved that pig farming is unprofitable if the current management and feeding systems that operate in the commercial industry are utilised. However, only through a combination of cooperative systems, benefits of economies of scale, reduction of preweaning mortalities and structured government inputs can pig production be profitable at this scale of production.

Designing a risk communication strategy for health hazards posed by traditional slaughter of goats in Tshwane, South Africa

In African societies, traditional slaughter is linked to celebrations like weddings or births, as well as funerals and ancestor veneration. Participants in traditional slaughter of goats are at risk of exposure to hazards during slaughter, food preparation and consumption of goat meat. For risk mitigation strategies to be implemented, identification of the population at risk is required. This study is based on the premise that the demographic profile of people involved in traditional slaughter of goats is important for risk communication. Both structured and informal interviews were recorded and analysed using a thematic analysis. A total of 105 people were interviewed at taxi ranks in Tshwane, Gauteng. Of these, 48 were women and 57 men. The median age of women and men was 40.6 years and 44.3 years, respectively. The majority of respondents (61.9%, n = 65) interviewed were from the Gauteng Province. Sixty percent (n = 63) of respondents had a secondary education, whilst less than 4.81% (n = 5) of respondents had no formal education. This study demonstrated that interviewing commuters at taxi ranks gave access to a cross section of gender, age, language and origin. It was found that both genders were involved in traditional slaughter of goats. Risk communication strategies should thus target women as well as men. Communication strategies to mitigate the risks of traditional slaughter of goats should take into consideration the dynamic nature of demographic and cultural norms. In light of the wide demographic profile of the respondents, it was concluded that it should be possible to use taxi ranks for successful dissemination of food safety and occupational health risk mitigation messages.

Antimicrobial drug resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry abattoir workers at risk and broilers on antimicrobials

Antimicrobial usage in food animals increases the prevalence of antimicrobial drug resistance among their enteric bacteria. It has been suggested that this resistance can in turn be transferred to people working with such animals, e.g., abattoir workers. Antimicrobial drug resistance was investigated for Escherichia coli from broilers raised on feed supplemented with antimicrobials, and the people who carry out evisceration, washing and packing of intestines in a high-throughput poultry abattoir in Gauteng, South Africa. Broiler carcasses were sampled from 6 farms, on each of which broilers are produced in a separate 'grow-out cycle'. Per farm, 100 caeca were randomly collected 5 minutes after slaughter and the contents of each were selectively cultured for E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each isolate was determined for the following antimicrobials: doxycycline, trimethoprim, sulphamethoxazole, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, fosfomycin, ceftriaxone and nalidixic acid. The same was determined for the faeces of 29 abattoir workers and 28 persons used as controls. The majority of isolates from broilers were resistant, especially to antimicrobials that were used on the farms in the study. Overall median MICs and the number of resistant isolates from abattoir workers (packers plus eviscerators) tended to be higher than for the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed when the median MICs of antimicrobials used regularly in poultry and percentage resistance were compared, nor could an association between resistance among the enteric E. coli from packers and those from broilers be demonstrated.