First evidence of widespread positivity to anticoagulant rodenticides in grey wolves (Canis lupus)

Second-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (ARs) can be critical for carnivores, due to their widespread use and impacts. However, although many studies explored the impacts of ARs on small and mesocarnivores, none assessed the extent to which they could contaminate large carnivores in anthropized landscapes. We filled this gap by exploring spatiotemporal trends in grey wolf (Canis lupus) exposure to ARs in central and northern Italy, by subjecting a large sample of dead wolves (n = 186) to the LC-MS/MS method. Most wolves (n = 115/186, 61.8 %) tested positive for ARs (1 compound, n = 36; 2 compounds, n = 47; 3 compounds, n = 16; 4 or more compounds, n = 16). Bromadiolone, brodifacoum and difenacoum, were the most common compounds, with brodifacoum and bromadiolone being the ARs that co-occurred the most (n = 61). Both the probability of testing positive for multiple ARs and the concentration of brodifacoum, and bromadiolone in the liver, systematically increased in wolves that were found at more anthropized sites. Moreover, wolves became more likely to test positive for ARs through time, particularly after 2020. Our results underline that rodent control, based on ARs, increases the risks of unintentional poisoning of non-target wildlife. However, this risk does not only involve small and mesocarnivores, but also large carnivores at the top of the food chain, such as wolves. Therefore, rodent control is adding one further conservation threat to endangered large carnivores in anthropized landscapes of Europe, whose severity could increase over time and be far higher than previously thought. Large-scale monitoring schemes for ARs in European large carnivores should be devised as soon as possible.

Eleven Years of Health Monitoring in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy)

In recent years, the growth of wild ungulates has increased the focus on their health monitoring. In particular, the health status of wild boars is relevant for the economic impact on the pig industry. The Emilia-Romagna region activated a wildlife monitoring plan to better evaluate the health status of the wild boar population. Between 2011 and 2021, samples of found dead and hunted wild boar have been examined for trichinellosis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, african swine fever, classical swine fever, Aujeszky's disease, swine vesicular disease, and swine influenza A. Trichinella britovi was identified in 0.001% of the examined wild boars; neither M. bovis nor M. tuberculosis were found in M. tuberculosis complex positive samples; 2.3% were positive for Brucella suis; 29.4% of the sera were positive for Aujeszky's disease virus; and 0.9% of the samples were positive for swine influenza A virus. With an uncertain population estimate, the number of animals tested, the number of positives, and the sampling method do not allow us to make many inferences but suggest the need to implement and strengthen the existing surveillance activity, as it seems to be the only viable alternative for safeguarding animal and human health.

Wildlife Hosts of Leishmania infantum in a Re-Emerging Focus of Human Leishmaniasis, in Emilia-Romagna, Northeast Italy

In the last decade, an upsurge of human leishmaniasis has been reported in the Emilia-Romagna region, Northeast Italy. Epidemiologic data have raised doubts about the role of dogs as the main reservoirs for Leishmania infantum. In the present study, a total of 1,077 wild animals were screened for L. infantum DNA in earlobe and spleen samples from 2019 to 2022. The lymph nodes were tested only in 23 animals already positive in the earlobe and/or spleen. A total of 71 (6.6%) animals resulted positive in at least one of the sampled tissues, including 3/18 (16.7%) wolves, 6/39 (15.4%) European hares, 38/309 (12.3%) roe deer, 1/11 (9.1%) red deer, 8/146 (4.9%) wild boars, 13/319 (4.1%) red foxes, 1/54 (1.9%) porcupine, and 1/59 (1.7%) European badger. Most of the infected animals (62/71) tested positive only in the earlobe tissue, only four animals (two roe deer and two wild boars) tested positive only in the spleen, and five animals (three roe deer and two red foxes) resulted positive for both tissues. L. infantum DNA was detected in the lymph nodes of 6/23 animals. L. infantum detection occurred in all seasons associated with low real-time PCR Ct values. Further research is needed in order to clarify the role of wildlife in the re-emerging focus of leishmaniasis in Northeast Italy.

Influenza A in Wild Boars: Viral Circulation in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy) between 2017 and 2022

Simple Summary

Wild boars and feral pigs are underinvestigated hosts for influenza A viruses (IAVs). This study confirmed and evaluated viral circulation in the Emilia-Romagna wild boar population between 2017 and 2022. Samples were collected at post mortems and screened for IAVs; 0.37% of the tested animals provided positive results. Positive samples were subtyped, isolated, and genotyped via full-genome sequencing. The results highlight the co-circulation of the same viral genotypes in overlapping years in both pigs and wild boars in the same geographical area. Considering the role of domestic and wild Sus scrofa species in the IAVs’ ecology, surveillance against these viruses in the wild boar population needs to be implemented.

Abstract

A systematic surveillance against influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the Suidae population is essential, considering their role as IAV mixing vessels. However, the viral circulation in wild Sus scrofa species is poorly investigated in comparison to the knowledge of IAV infection dynamics in domestic pigs. This study investigated the circulation and the genetic diversity of wild boars’ IAVs detected in the Emilia-Romagna region (2017–2022). A total of 4605 lung samples were screened via an M gene real-time RT-PCR for SwIAV; positive samples were subtyped by multiplex RT-PCR, and viral isolation was attempted. Isolated strains (3 out of the 17 positives) were fully sequenced to evaluate viral genotypic diversity. H1N1 was the most frequently detected subtype, with identification of H1pdm09N1 and H1avN1. Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis revealed SwIAVs belonging to different genotypes, with different genetic combinations, and highlighted the simultaneous circulation of the same genotypes in both pigs and wild boars, supporting the hypothesis of SwIAV spillover events at the wildlife–livestock interface. This study represents an update on the wild boar SwIAV Italian situation, and the strains’ complete genome analysis showed an evolving and interesting situation that deserves further investigation.

Scabies in wildlife animals, pets and humans: a re-emerging zoonosis?

Background

Scabies or sarcoptic mange is an infestation of the skin caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Transmission from animals to humans occurs through close contact. The most common symptoms are papules, erythema, excoriations, hyperkeratosis, and hypotrichosis. In the province of Ferrara (Emilia Romagna, Italy) mange is endemic in wild animals, mostly in foxes, which can act as vectors for domestic animals and humans.

Methods

From 2012 to 2020, 564 foxes were surveyed within the Wildlife Health Surveillance Re-gional Program, including microscopic examination in cases of skin lesions referable to scabies. In 2018, a domestic dog (10-year border collie, male), frequenting an uncultivated area colonized by foxes and located in the outskirts of Ferrara, showed scabby lesions mainly on the nose, around the eyes and on the back.

Results

11 out of 564 foxes resulted positive (1,95%), 6 cases out of 38 being in 2018 (15,8%). The parasite was detected by skin biopsy and direct microscopic examination in the domestic dog. The parasite was transmitted by the dog to the owner and the other two family members.

Conclusions

The increased density of dogs and foxes in the Ferrara province, and the attitude of foxes to live near to human settlements, increase the risk of contacts between foxes, domestic animals and humans, even though stray dogs are uncommon. This case illustrates the interdependencies between animal health, human health and environment, a synergy that can enable exacerbation of diseases of zoonotic origin as highlighted by the One Health concept. It is therefore important to increase the investigation on paths as well as vectors of diseases and to find collaborative, multi-sectorial and transversal approaches to ensure quality health outcomes. The control of the disease requires an appropriate monitoring of dogs' health being skin lesions in both, humans and animals, very similar to allergic dermatitis, which can delay the proper diagnosis of the disease.

Key messages

Sarcoptic mange is a zoonosis still present in Emilia Romagna, Italy. The One Health approach is key to control the cycle of the zoonotic sarcoptic mange.

Illegal fishing with electrofishing devices in the Po river basin, Emilia Romagna, Italy

Electric fishing is an illegal hunting method, unfortunately widely used by poachers to paralyze fish and to catch many animals in a short time. In Italy, it is authorized only for scientific and conservative purposes. Between 2014 and 2018, the Ferrara section of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Italy, received nine cases of potentially illegal electric fishing in Po river and its tributary rivers. Necropsies were performed following standard protocols and samples of different tissues were collected and examined using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Gross lesions frequently observed were circulatory alteration phenomena (i.e. multi-organ hyperemia, hemorrhages and congestion, hemopericardium), also found histologically, in addition to multifocal degenerative and necrotic muscular processes that could be attributed to injuries from electric current, as already reported in literature. Immunohistochemical investigations confirmed degenerative and necrotic lesions with myoglobin depletion and a corresponding fibrinogen accumulation. Myoglobin globules were also detected in the renal parenchyma, as consequent of rhabdomyolysis. The results of this study allowed to correlate electric fishing to gross, histologic and immunohistochemical lesions, which together constitute a pathognomonic picture to be considered a reference standard in this type of illegal controversy.

Natural distemper infection in stone martens (Martes foina): From infection to neutralizing antibodies

We report an outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) among stone martens (Martes foina) in Italy. After being rescued in Northern Italy between April and June 2018, six subjects were kept in a wildlife and exotic animal rescue center in Bologna province. Subjects have been monitored for 15 months in captivity. Within this time-lapse, two subjects died, while among the remaining four, only one showed clinical symptoms referable to distemper. Surviving subjects have been regularly tested for CDV by means of reverse transcriptase-PCR from conjunctival and oropharyngeal swabs for eleven months. The identified viruses belonged to the Wildlife-Europe CDV genetic subgroup. Neutralizing antibodies were detected at the end of the eleven months, when all subjects tested reverse transcriptase-PCR negative. Our findings confirm the circulation of the Wildlife-Europe CDV genetic subgroup (Europe 1/South America 1 lineage) within the Italian wildlife, and improve knowledge on viral infection in stone martens.

Carbapenemase IncF-borne blaNDM-5 gene in the E. coli ST167 high-risk clone from canine clinical infection, Italy

The blaNDM-5-producing E. coli Sequence Type (ST)167 high-risk clone is emerging worldwide in human clinical cases, while its presence in companion animals is sporadic and has never been described in Italy. Using a combined Oxford Nanopore (ONT) long-reads and Illumina short-reads sequencing approach, an E. coli ST167 isolated from a hospitalized dog, was in-depth characterized by WGS and the plasmid containing bla_NDM-5 was fully reconstructed. The complete sequence of the pMOL008 mosaic plasmid (F36:F31:A4:B1; pMOL008) harbouring bla_NDM-5, was resolved and characterized. Moreover, a (pro)phage and IncFII, containing bla_CMY-2 and ermB, and IncI2 plasmid types were also identified. pMOL008 was almost identical to bla_NDM-5-containing plasmids from E. coli ST167 isolated from Italian human clinical cases and from a Swiss dog and colonized humans. bla_NDM-5 was located in a class 1 integron together with aadA2, aac(3)-IIa, mph(A), sul1, tet(A) and dfrA12. The risk of spill-over and spill-back transmission of carbapenem-resistance genes, related plasmids and strains between humans and dogs, represents a Public Health threat and highlights the importance of the One Health approach for the AMR surveillance.

Semi-Quantitative Ultrasonographic Evaluation of NAFLD

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) embraces histopathological entities ranging from the relatively benign simple steatosis to the progressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is associated with fibrosis and an increased risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is the most common liver disease and is associated with extrahepatic comorbidities including a major cardiovascular disease burden. The non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD and the identification of subjects at risk of progressive liver disease and cardio-metabolic complications are key in implementing personalized treatment schedules and follow-up strategies. In this review, we highlight the potential role of ultrasound semiquantitative scores for detecting and assessing steatosis severity, progression of NAFLD, and cardio-metabolic risk. Ultrasonographic scores of fatty liver severity act as sensors of cardio-metabolic health and may assist in selecting patients to submit to second-line non-invasive imaging techniques and/or liver biopsy.

Effect of production process and high-pressure processing on viability of Listeria innocua in traditional Italian dry-cured coppa

In this study the effect of the application of High Pressure Treatment (HPP) combined with four different manufacturing processes on the inactivation of Listeria innocua, used as a surrogate for L. monocytogenes, in artificially contaminated coppa samples was evaluated in order to verify the most suitable strategy to meet the Listeria inactivation requirements needed for the exportation of dry-cured meat in the U.S. Fresh anatomical cuts intended for coppa production were supplied by four different delicatessen factories located in Northern Italy. Raw meat underwent experimental contamination with Listeria innocua using a mixture of 5 strains. Surface contamination of the fresh anatomical cuts was carried out by immersion into inoculum containing Listeria spp. The conditions of the HPP treatment were: pressure 593 MPa, time 290 seconds, water treatment temperature 14°C. Listeria innocua was enumerated on surface and deep samples post contamination, resting, ripening and HPP treatment. The results of this study show how the reduction of the microbial load on coppa during the production process did not vary among three companies (P>0.05) ranging from 3.73 to 4.30 log CFU/g, while it was significantly different (P<0.01) for the fourth company (0.92 log CFU/g). HPP treatment resulted in a significant (P<0.01) deep decrease of L.innocua count with values ranging between 1.63-3.54 log CFU/g with no significant differences between companies. Regarding superficial contamination, HPP treatment resulted significant (P<0.01) only in Coppa produced by two companies. The results highlight that there were processes less effective to inhibit the pathogen; in particular for company D an increase of L. innocua count was shown during processing and HPP alone cannot be able to in reaching the Listeria inactivation requirements needed for exportation of dry-cured meat in the U.S. According to the data reported in this paper, HPP treatment increases the ability of the manufacturing process of coppa in reducing Listeria count with the objective of a lethality treatment.

Effect of production process and high-pressure processing on viability of Salmonella spp. in traditional Italian dry-cured coppa

The aim of the study was to investigate the combined effect of the manufacturing process followed by HPP treatment on the inactivation of Salmonella spp. in artificially contaminated coppa samples, in order to verify the ability of the combined processes to achieve the objective of a 5-log reduction of Salmonella spp. needed for exportation to the U.S. Fresh anatomical cuts intended for coppa production were supplied by four different delicatessen factories located in Northern Italy. Raw meat underwent experimental contamination with Salmonella spp. using a mixture of 3 strains. Surface contamination of the fresh anatomical cuts was carried out by immersion into inoculum containing Salmonella spp. The conditions of the HPP treatment were: pressure 593 MPa, time 290 seconds, water treatment temperature 14°C. Surface and deep samples were performed post contamination (T0), end of the cold phase (T1), end of process (Tend), and after HPP treatment (postHPP) and Salmonella spp. Enumerated. The results of this study show a significant reduction of Salmonella spp. all through the production process (P<0.01) for all companies, followed by an additional reduction of bacterial counts due to HPP treatment (P<0.01), both in superficial and deep contaminations (P<0.01). The superficial overall reduction resulted of 1.58 to 5.04 log CFU/g during the production process. HPP treatment resulted in a significant (P<0.01) superficial and deep decrease in Salmonella spp. enumeration varying from 0.61 to 4.01 log and from 1.49 to 4.13 log. According to the data presented in this study, only the combined approach of coppa manufacturing process followed by HPP treatment always led to a 5-log reduction of Salmonella spp. required by USDA/FSIS guidelines.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Liver Disease in the Era of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Global Epidemic: A Narrative Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are highly prevalent and relevant healthcare issues. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now the first-choice for anticoagulant treatment of these conditions displaying a better efficacy/safety profile than vitamin-K antagonists, mainly due to significantly reduced risk of major bleeding, especially of intracranial haemorrhage. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in developed countries showing a continuously growing prevalence. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), its evolutive form, will be the leading cause for liver transplantation by 2020. NAFLD is independently associated with an increased risk of abnormalities of cardiac structure and function, including cardiac rhythm disorders (mainly AF). Moreover, data suggest an increased risk of unprovoked VTE associated with NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, a growing number of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) will be candidate for anticoagulant therapy in the near future. Cirrhosis of any etiology is characterized by an unstable thrombosis/bleeding haemostatic balance, making anticoagulant therapy particularly challenging in this condition. Given that patients with significant active liver disease and cirrhosis were excluded from all pivotal randomized controlled trials on DOACs, this comprehensive review aims at critically discussing real-world evidence, including the latest population studies, regarding the use of DOACs in patients with CLD/cirrhosis.

Veterinary forensic sciences to solve a fatal case of predation on flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The present case study concerns a case of predation of 4 individuals of captive pink flamingo in Emilia Romagna Region, Northeastern Italy. The pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is a species included in the Red List of Threatened Species established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which lists species in danger of extinction. During the Winter of 2013, 4 flamingos (2 in the Comacchio area, and 2 from Argenta and Codigoro oases - Ferrara province) were found dead some of them headless, with their bodies severely bitten. At first, a fox (Vulpes vulpes) was suspected to be the predator responsible for the killing and the birds were taken to the laboratory for further investigations. The investigations included: field observations, study of the predator behaviour, necropsy examinations, assessment of the intercanine distance, and genetic analysis on the predator's traces. The intercanine distance indicated that the predator could not have been a fox. The analysis of salivary DNA samples enabled us to establish that the predator was in fact a dog. This case highlights the importance of co-operation among the various branches of forensic sciences and the great usefulness of the roles filled by other veterinary forensic experts involved in solving crime.

SETD2 and histone H3 lysine 36 methylation deficiency in advanced systemic mastocytosis

The molecular basis of advanced systemic mastocytosis (SM) is not fully understood and despite novel therapies the prognosis remains dismal. Exome sequencing of an index-patient with mast cell leukemia (MCL) uncovered biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the SETD2 histone methyltransferase gene. Copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity at 3p21.3 (where SETD2 maps) was subsequently found in SM patients and prompted us to undertake an in-depth analysis of SETD2 copy number, mutation status, transcript expression and methylation levels, as well as functional studies in the HMC-1 cell line and in a validation cohort of 57 additional cases with SM, including MCL, aggressive SM and indolent SM. Reduced or no SETD2 protein expression—and consequently, H3K36 trimethylation—was found in all cases and inversely correlated with disease aggressiveness. Proteasome inhibition rescued SETD2 expression and H3K36 trimethylation and resulted in marked accumulation of ubiquitinated SETD2 in SETD2-deficient patients but not in patients with near-normal SETD2 expression. Bortezomib and, to a lesser extent, AZD1775 alone or in combination with midostaurin induced apoptosis and reduced clonogenic growth of HMC-1 cells and of neoplastic mast cells from advanced SM patients. Our findings may have implications for prognostication of SM patients and for the development of improved treatment approaches in advanced SM.

Hydrogel containing dexamethasone-loaded nanocapsules for cutaneous administration: preparation, characterization, and in vitro drug release study

CONTEXT

Our group previously reported the development of dexamethasone-loaded polymeric nanocapsules as an alternative for topical dermatological treatments.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to prepare and characterize a hydrogel containing this system to improve the effectiveness of the glucocorticoid for cutaneous disorders.

METHODS

For the antiproliferative activity assay, a dexamethasone solution and D-NC were tested on Allium cepa root meristem model. D-NC were prepared by the interfacial deposition of preformed polymer. Hydrogels were prepared using Carbopol Ultrez 10 NF, as polymer, and characterized according to the following characteristics: pH, drug content, spreadability, viscosity, and in vitro drug release.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Nanocapsules showed mean particle size and zeta potential of 201 +/- 6 and -5.73 +/- 0.42 nm, respectively. They demonstrated a lower mitotic index (4.62%) compared to free dexamethasone (8.60%). Semisolid formulations presented acidic pH values and adequate drug content (between 5.4% and 6.1% and 100% and 105%, respectively). The presence of nanocapsules in hydrogels led to a decrease in their spreadability factor. Intact nanoparticles were demonstrated by TEM as well as by dynamic light scattering (mean particle size < 300 nm). In vitro studies showed a controlled dexamethasone release from hydrogels containing the drug associated to the nanocapsules following the Higuchi's squared root model (k = 20.21 +/- 2.96 mg/cm(2)/h(1/2)) compared to the hydrogels containing the free drug (k = 26.65 +/- 2.09 mg/cm(2)/h(1/2)).

CONCLUSION

Taking all these results together, the hydrogel containing D-NC represent a promising approach to treat antiproliferative-related dermatological disorders.

Tablets containing drug-loaded polymeric nanocapsules: an innovative platform

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the feasibility to convert drug-loaded nanocapsule suspensions in a solid dosage form (tablets). Dexamethasone was used as a model drug due to its low aqueous solubility and fast drug release from conventional tablets. Granules containing dexamethasone-loaded nanocapsules were obtained by a wet granulation process using a dispersion of polyvinylpirrolidone/nanocapsules as a binder system. Granules were compressed in an eccentric compression machine (D-NC-T). A control formulation (tablets without nanocapsules) was also prepared (D-T). Tablets were characterized by means of mean weight, hardness, friability, diameter, thickness, disintegration time, drug content, morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in vitro drug release studies. D-NC-T showed adequate physicochemical characteristics according to the pharmacopeial requirements in terms of mean weight, hardness, friability, disintegration time and drug content. Intact nanocapsules in tablets were observed by SEM. In vitro drug release studies showed a slower release of dexamethasone from these tablets (D-NC-T) compared to the control formulation (D-T). Results showed that these tablets represent an interesting platform to the development of oral drug delivery systems containing polymeric nanocapsules.

Nanocapsules prepared from amorphous polyesters: effect on the physicochemical characteristics, drug release, and photostability

The influence of the polymeric amorphous materials on the physicochemical and drug release properties of drug-loaded nanocapsules as well as their role on the protection of the entrapped drug against the degradation induced by UV radiation was evaluated. Nanocapsules were prepared by interfacial deposition of preformed polymer (PLA, PLGA 50:50, and PLGA 85:15) using clobetasol propionate as the drug model. In vitro drug release was evaluated by the dialysis bag method. Photochemical stability was studied under UVA radiation. After preparation, all formulations presented nanometric mean size (180-200 nm), polydispersity index below 0.20, acid pH, negative zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency close to 100%. Clobetasol propionate-loaded PLGA nanocapsules presented a lower physicochemical stability, showing a high drug leakage during 3 months of storage. In vitro studies showed biphasic drug release from all nanocapsules (according to an anomalous transport) and no influence of the hydrophilic characteristics of the amorphous polymeric material on the release rate. The photostability of clobetasol propionate under UVA radiation was improved by its incorporation into PLA and PLGA nanocapsules showing that besides semicrystalline polymers, amorphous polymers could also efficiently protect nanoencapsulated drugs against UV radiation.

Drying polymeric drug-loaded nanocapsules: the wet granulation process as a promising approach

The industrial development of polymeric nanoparticle suspensions is still limited due to their low physicochemical stability. In this paper, we evaluated the wet granulation process as an alternative method to dry polymeric nanocapsules using dexamethasone as drug model. Nanocapsule suspensions were used as granulating liquid as well as a drug-loaded-nanocarrier in the wet granulation process. Granules were evaluated regarding their drug content, mean particle size, yield, moisture content, flow properties, stability on storage, recovery studies after water redispersion and morphological characteristics (SEM). Granules containing dexamethasone-loaded polymeric nanocapsules presented good drug content (approximately 94%) and were stable for 6 months at room temperature. Morphological analyses showed nanostructures on their surface and the nanoparticles were recovered after redispersing the granules in water. These results suggest that wet granulation can be an interesting alternative to dry drug-loaded nanocapsule suspensions.

Detection and characterization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in farm animals and raw meat products in Italy

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Europe has been ascribed to the long-time use of the glycopeptide antibiotic avoparcin as feed additive in food animals, until its ban in 1997 in EU. The pres- ence of VRE in food of animal origin is believed to represent a potential risk for the consumer. We studied the fecal carriage of VRE in broiler chickens and slaughter pigs in Italy before the avoparcin ban and eval- uated the impact of avoparcin withdrawal on the presence of VRE in raw meat products. Broilers and pigs were both found to be frequently colonized by VRE, as 36% and 24.6% of the flocks or the herds, respec- tively, were positive. Molecular typing of VRE strains by PFGE showed that animals housed in different pens within the same farm were colonized by clonally related strains. After the avoparcin ban, a decrease in the rate of VRE contamination in meat products was observed. Such a decrease was statistically significant in poultry (from 18.8% to 9.6%) but not in pork products (from 9.7% to 6.9%). The majority of VRE from all sources carried the vanA resistance gene and included Enterococcus faecium, E. faecalis, E. hirae, E. durans, and E. gallinarum. None of the strains carried the vanB gene, whereas constitutively resistant vanC-positive strains were frequently found. Our results show that avoparcin withdrawal has been successful in reducing VRE contamination in meat products. However, this measure needs to be complemented by a prudent use of glycopeptide antibiotics in human medicine.