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Considering the great desire of consumers to consume traditional dairy products and their reluctance to use factory products, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating different chemical and microbial characteristics of traditional yogurt samples offered in Tuyserkan city and compare it with Pasteurized yogurt. The chemical characteristics including percentage of dry matter, moisture, acidity, pH and fat and microbial characteristics including total bacterial count, coliforms, mold and yeasts, and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated and compared with the pasteurized sample as a control sample. The moisture and dry matter content of the samples varied from 87.8-84.33% and from 12.62 to 15.25%, respectively. The fat content of the yogurts produced was between 2.5-2.9 and thus within the range of semi-fat yogurts according to the national standard. No significant difference was observed between different samples in terms of moisture, dry matter and fat (P>0.05). The acidity (percentage by weight in terms of lactic acid) and pH value of various samples ranged from 0.87-1.81 and 3.68-47.4, respectively and were therefore fully in line with the national standard (at least 0.7). Different samples showed a significant difference in terms of pH and acidity (P < 0.05). The results of microbial characteristics indicate the presence of mold and yeast in all samples (100%), coliform in 83.33% and Staphylococcus aureus in 50% of the samples. Regarding microbial characteristics, a significant difference was observed between traditional and industrial samples. Thus, the industrial sample showed the lowest microbial load compared to the traditional yogurt samples (P < 0.05). Therefore, it is strongly recommended to control the incoming raw milk and observe the sanitary conditions during production, packaging and supply in the production of traditional products. The results of sensory evaluation showed better color and taste for the pasteurized sample and better texture and overall acceptance for the traditional samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is aimed at assessing residue levels and distribution of five macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, neospiramycin, spiramycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin) in cheese and whey using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). In our study, to minimize the potential effects of variables such as moisture, lactose, protein, macro, and micro components from different milk samples on the results during validation analyses and cheese production, the same batch of raw cow milk sourced from the market was used throughout the entire production process. Macrolide residues were detected in all cheese and whey samples, varying in concentrations (from 179.92 to 99.36%). Erythromycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin were predominantly found in cheese, exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 50 µg/kg, except neospiramycin (49.83% residue level). The only antibiotic showing a decrease in cheese and whey compared to raw milk is neospiramycin. In contrast, spiramycin was concentrated in whey (226.17 µg/kg, surpassing the MRL), followed by tilmicosin (94.58%). Concentrations of four antibiotics (erythromycin, tilmicosin, neospiramycin, and tylosin) were higher in cheese than in whey, indicating a higher affinity for the casein matrix. Spiramycin, however, had higher concentrations in whey, suggesting lower affinity for the casein matrix. Pasteurization and cheese making did not significantly reduce macrolide levels. The processing factor, representing the ratio of antibiotic concentrations in the final dairy product to that in raw milk, exhibited variability based on antibiotic type and concentration. Generally, cheese demonstrated higher processing factors compared to whey, suggesting a greater antibiotic retention during cheese production. This study highlights the impact of the cheese-making process on antibiotic residue concentrations in dairy products, with the extent of influence varying by antibiotic type. The elevated retention percentages in cheese underscore the potential for consumers to be exposed to significant antibiotic levels through product consumption. This research offers valuable insights for assessing the risk of antibiotic residues in cheese and whey, as well as for developing strategies to mitigate or eliminate these residues in dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Pseudomonas fluorescens is a psychrophilic bacterium that can cause dairy spoilage by producing heat-stable enzymes. Bacteriophages are proved as one of the alternatives to control spoilage bacteria in today's dairy industry. This study aimed to investigate how a previously identified phage YZU_PF006 prevents dairy spoilage caused by P. fluorescens. Results demonstrated that phage YZU_PF006 effectively controlled P. fluorescens growth and production of protease at 7°C and 28°C in milk in a phage concentration-dependent way. Phage YZU_PF006 at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100 increased the pH values of milk by 1.43 at 28°C and 0.81 at 7°C, increased the particle size of milk by 2.74 μm at 28°C and 1.74 μm at 7°C. Phage YZU_PF006 reduced the free AA content by 15.36% at 28°C and 32.03% at 7°C, and decreased the contents of Glu (206.678 mmol/L at 28°C and 40.481 mmol/L at 7°C), Phe (94.137 mmol/L at 28°C and 144.137 mmol/L at 7°C) and other amino acids in milk. In contrast, high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that phage YZU_PF006 specifically prevented the growth of Pseudomonas in raw milk at low temperatures. Results demonstrated that phage YZU_PF006 can be used alone or in combination with other control strategies to serve as one of the good antimicrobial candidates to control P. fluorescens contamination in dairy processing environments, and to promote the safety and sensory quality of raw milk and milk products. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. This study compared the effect of 2 pasture-based feeding systems, namely a traditional perennial ryegrass (PRG) diet, and a recently introduced, more sustainable multispecies swards (MSS) diet, on the functional lipid profile of raw milk. In addition to the 2 pasture diets, the study uniquely examined the combined effects of breed, namely Holstein Friesian (HF) or Jersey Holstein Friesian (JFX), and lactation stage in Ireland, spanning from March to November. Bulk milk samples (n = 144 yearly) for the 4 groups examined were collected for 4 wk per each of the 9 mo specified. Changes in total fatty acid (FA) and triglyceride carbon number profiles were determined by GC with a flame ionization detector, and those in polar lipids (PL) content by HPLC–evaporative light scattering–MS. Based on multivariate analysis, both diet (34.0% contribution) and breed (19.1% contribution) influenced milk FA on a yearly basis; however, in early lactation there were no differences in FA profile between the groups. In middle lactation and late lactation (LL), the MSS diet increased proportions of nutritionally beneficial n-6 and n-3 PUFA in milk, including C18:3 n-3 (ALA), C18:2 n-6 (LA) and C22:5 n-3 (DPA). Although proportions of ALA and LA increased in MSS milks, the LA/ALA ratio remained around 1 for the 2 feeding systems, confirming the beneficial modulation of LA and ALA in milks from pasture-based diets. Particularly in LL, the milk of JFX cows tended to have increased de novo FA, compared with HF, suggesting implications for techno-functional properties of dairy products such as butter. The milk of PRG HF group showed improved health-promoting properties, with lower thrombogenicity and atherogenicity indices on a yearly basis. Regarding techno-functional properties, the PRG HF group resulted in higher oleic acid reflecting in lower spreadability index, suggesting that butter made of this group would be more spreadable, compared with the one made from the other milk groups examined. The triglyceride and PL profiles were mainly affected by stage of lactation. Overall, these results show the effects of cow diet, breed, and stage of lactation on milk lipid profile, with important implications for the nutritional and techno-functional characteristics of dairy products. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Milk has been consumed by humans for thousands of years for its nutritional properties. In recent years, raw milk demand has increased, valued for its authenticity and connection to local traditions. However, the consumption of raw milk is not without risks. Among these, microbiological ones are relevant. Although consumers are advised to boil raw milk before consumption, producing farms in Italy are required to meet the microbiological criteria outlined in the Provision of 25 January 2007. In this context, official controls play a crucial role in verifying that farms and raw milk comply with these criteria, safeguarding public health. This study analyzed 355 raw milk samples collected in Liguria between 2014 and 2023. The samples were collected by local veterinary health services from vending machines at seven producing farms. Overall, six samples tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni, and one sample was positive for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, Serovar Veneziana. Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, or Escherichia coli O157 were never responsible for non-compliances. Although these findings suggest a low risk in the analyzed region, preventive measures must be implemented by farms to impede milk contamination by these microorganisms. Milk has been consumed by humans for thousands of years for its nutritional properties. In recent years, raw milk demand has increased, valued for its authenticity and connection to local traditions. In Italy, the sale of raw milk is allowed exclusively through direct sale from the producing farm to the final consumer, either at the producing farm itself or through vending machines. However, the consumption of raw milk is not without risks. Among these, microbiological ones are relevant. These can lead to severe symptoms, particularly in vulnerable populations. For this reason, although consumers are advised to boil raw milk before consumption, producing farms in Italy are required to meet the microbiological criteria outlined in the Provision of 25 January 2007. In this retrospective study, the results of the analyses performed on 355 raw milk samples collected in Liguria between 2014 and 2023 for the detection of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli O157 were analysed to better characterise the associated risk for consumers. The samples were collected during official controls by the local veterinary health services at vending machines of seven producing farms. Overall, six samples tested positive for C. jejuni, while only one sample tested positive for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, Serovar Veneziana. Listeria monocytogenes, S. aureus, and E. coli O157 were never responsible for non-compliances. Interestingly, three of the six samples positive for C. jejuni derived from the same producer. In farms where positive samples were detected, certain structural and/or operational non-compliances were identified. It can be concluded that, although the scenario in question does not present any cause for concern, it is nevertheless essential to implement a series of preventive measures in order to guarantee the safety of raw milk. These measures include the implementation of biosecurity practices, the maintenance of strict hygiene protocols during milking, and the adherence to the cold chain distribution protocol until the final stage of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli is a common cause of mastitis in dairy cows, which results in large economic losses to the livestock industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of E. coli in raw milk in China, assess antimicrobial drug susceptibility, and identify key antibiotic resistance genes carried by the isolates. In total, 350 raw milk samples were collected from large-scale farms in 16 provinces and cities in six regions of China to assess the resistance of E. coli isolates to 14 antimicrobial drugs. Among the isolates, nine resistance genes were detected. Of 81 E. coli isolates (23.1%) from 350 raw milk samples, 27 (33.3%) were multidrug resistant. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the 81 E. coli isolates were resistant to 13 (92.9%) of the 14 antibiotics, but not meropenem. The resistance gene blaTEM was highly distributed among the 27 multidrug-resistant isolates with a detection rate of 92.6%. All isolates carried at least one resistance gene, and 19 patterns of resistance gene combinations with different numbers of genes were identified. The most common gene combinations were the one-gene pattern blaTEM and the three-gene pattern blaTEM-blaPSE-blaOXA. The isolation rate of E. coli in raw milk and the identified resistance genes provide a theoretical basis for the rational use of antibiotics by clinical veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the contamination of aflatoxins by investigating the spatial distribution of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in cow feedstuff and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk, and the potential health risks of AFM1 in milk and dairy products. Feedstuff and raw milk were collected from 160 pastures in three climate zones of China from October to November 2020. The results indicated the level of AFB1 and AFM1 ranged from 51.1 to 74.1 ng/kg and 3.0 to 7.0 ng/kg, respectively. Spatial analysis indicated the contamination was mostly concentrated in the temperate monsoon climate zone. On average, the estimated dietary exposure to AFM1 from milk and dairy products for Chinese consumers ranged from 0.0138 to 0.0281 ng/kg bw/day, with the MOE values below 10,000, and liver cancer risk of 0.00004–0.00009 cases/100,000 persons/year. For different groups, the average exposure to AFM1 was highest in the temperate monsoon climate zone and for toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 in 353 samples collected in Kirkuk from human stool, animal feces, raw and pasteurized milk, and beef hamburgers. E. coli was isolated using conventional methods and identified with the Enterosystem Kit 18R. Suspected E. coli O157:H7 were confirmed serologically and tested for antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eaeA, and hlyA). The overall prevalence rates of 20.4% for E. coli and 7.9% for E. coli O157:H7 were found, with the highest prevalence in human stool. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of 28 E. coli O157:H7 isolates revealed significant resistance and sensitivity patterns, highlighting important implications for public health. The isolates demonstrated complete sensitivity to gentamicin (100%), while also showing high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin (92.86%), ceftriaxone (85.71%), and amikacin (64.29%). Conversely, the isolates exhibited notable resistance to tetracycline (85.71%), ampicillin (75.00%), sulfamethoxazole (71.43%), and streptomycin (67.86%). All the E. coli O157:H7 strains isolated in this study were positive for stx1 and/or stx2, as well as the eaeA gene, and are referred to as enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) strains. In order to highlight the genotypic variability among the EHEC E. coli O157:H7 isolates, five virulence profiles were identified, with profile III (stx2, eaeA, and hlyA) being the most common (35.7%). This profile was closely associated with diarrheic humans, while profile V (stx1, eaeA) was prevalent in animal feces and products. These findings may raise awareness of the risks associated with this pathogen, helping to reduce the incidence of E. coli-related diseases and to protect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yogurt, a widely consumed fermented milk product, is known for its health benefits attributed to the presence of probiotic bacteria. This study explores the impact of starter cultures on the texture and microbiological quality of yogurt. The production involved two types of starter cultures: a commercial culture and an heirloom culture. Various parameters, including chemical analysis of raw milk, yogurt production steps, texture parameter analysis, syneresis, water holding capacity, and microbial analysis, were examined. Statistical analysis was performed to indicate the effect of the type of culture on the production of yogurt. Results indicated that the physicochemical analysis of raw cow milk revealed parameters within recommended quality standards. Significant differences in hardness, gumminess, chewiness, resilience, and syneresis between commercial and heirloom yogurts were found. Microbiological analysis demonstrated higher Lactic acid bacteria counts in commercial yogurt compared to heirloom yogurt. The study provides insights into the influence of starter cultures on textural and microbiological characteristics, emphasizing the importance of standardized production methods for consistent yogurt quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a serious threat to veterinary and public health worldwide. We investigated mastitis milk samples for contamination with MRSA and also characterized the MRSA isolates by investigating antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors. Result: We confirmed MRSA in 69 of 201 (34.3%) S. aureus isolates recovered from a total of 300 samples. Of the 69 MRSA, 19 (27.5%) were from subclinical cases, while 50 (72.5%) were from clinical cases. The MRSA showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), ampicillin (100%), trimethoprim (69.6%), and tetracycline (69.6%) while susceptibility was observed for gentamicin (100%), vancomycin (95.7%), and ciprofloxacin (91.3%). Most isolates (65.2%, 45/69) were multidrug resistant. Thirteen antibiotypes (A1-A13) were identified and the most prevalent was A8 (TMPRERTETRAMPRPR)). All MRSA produced haemolysins, caseinase, and coagulase. Lipase, gelatinase and lecithinase were found in 97.1%, 94.2% and 91.3% of isolates respectively. Genotyping revealed coa (100%) and spa (68.1%) genes. We recommend educating dairy farmers on the public health implications of consuming unpasteurized raw milk and the implementation of proper hygiene practices in dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented foods, particularly fermented dairy products, offer significant health benefits but also present serious concerns. Probiotic bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), found in these foods have been strongly linked to the selection and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study aims to examine the potential risks associated with fermented foods, despite their importance in human nutrition, by analyzing the entire production chain from raw material acquisition to storage. Focusing on cheese production as a key fermented food, the study will investigate various aspects, including dairy farm management, milk acquisition, milk handling, and the application of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygiene practices (GHP) in cheese production. The findings of this review highlight that ARGs found in LAB are similar to those observed in hygiene indicator bacteria like E. coli and pathogens like S. aureus. The deliberate use of antibiotics in dairy farms and the incorrect use of disinfectants in cheese factories contribute to the prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in cheeses. Cheese factories, with their high frequency of horizontal gene transfer, are environments where the microbiological diversity of raw milk can enhance ARG transfer. The interaction between the raw milk microbiota and other environmental microbiotas, facilitated by cross‐contamination, increases metabolic communication between bacteria, further promoting ARG transfer. Understanding these bacterial and ARG interactions is crucial to ensure food safety for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were determined in raw milk from Nigerian cattles (cow, goat and sheep), to assess the environmental pollution, impact on milk quality and health risk. Nine composite samples were collected from five states in Northwest Nigeria, being the major cattle breeders. The samples were wet digested and PTEs determined using ICP-OES. 45 PTEs were ascertained of which Nitrogen (43754 mg/L) and Strontium, Sr (0.007 mg/L) recorded the highest and least mean concentration respectively. The mean concentration of other PTEs were: Selenium (0.253 ± 0.077), Cadmium (0.040 ± 0.0411), Mercury (0.048 ± 0.037), Silver (0.088 ± 0.013), Arsenic (0.044 ± 0.006), Boron (0.056 ± 0.005), Aluminium (0.014 ± 0.002), Tin (0.109 ± 0.019), Lead (0.018 ± 0.006), Gold (0.088 ± 0.048), Manganese (214.8 ± 18.754), Iron (473.9 ± 55.901), Zinc (247.9 ± 15.874), Copper (84.5 ± 12.905), Nickel (0.0031 ± 0.001), Molybdenum (0.459 ± 0.160), Cobalt (0.055 ± 0.020), Chromium (0.028 ± 0.008), Vanadium (0.185 ± 0.051), Calcium (24988 ± 16302), Magnesium (5733 ± 1460.8), Potassium (6555 ± 1199.6), Sodium (17.59 ± 2.914), Phosphorus (497.2 ± 90.38), Bismuth (0.055 ± 0.032), Cerium (0.048 ± 0.043), Argon (0.083 ± 0.011), Silicon (0.265 ± 0.110), Sulphur (0.087 ± 0.009), Titanium (0.073 ± 0.030) and Bromine (0.021 ± 0.005). Others are Platinum (0.021 ± 0.008), Antimony (0.088 ± 0.007), Iodine (0.16 ± 0.022), Caesium (0.374 ± 0.037), Barium (0.025 ± 0.009), Lanthanum (0.115 ± 0.182), Samarium (0.150 ± 0.095), Palladium (1.47 ± 0.991), Curium (0.042 ± 0.009), Fermium (0.036 ± 0.0098), Americium (0.826 ± 0.618) and Rubidium (0.048 ± 0.044). The Pearson's correlation and paired sample t-test showed that most of the PTEs have similar origin at 0.05% significant level, and all the cattle had the same level of exposure to the PTEs respectively in the area. Raw milk is about 80% water and so, the determined PTEs concentrations are considered very high in the analyzed samples. The presence of Pb in the milk is a concern since Pb is a toxin at any concentration. The high content of PTEs in milk is attributed to the indiscriminate and artisanal mining activities in the region, and the fact that the animals are free rangers. The health risk factors were below unity (HR < 1) and so were not potential hazards. However, the environmental contaminations by these PTEs are very substantial and if this type of milk is taken raw or used for the production of dairy products like cheese and butter, then there may be a serious health condition on the consumer since they are not biodegradable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of antibiotic residues in cow's milk entails high risk for consumers, the dairy industry, and the environment. Therefore, the development of highly specific and sensitive screening tools for the rapid and cost-effective identification of traces of these compounds is urgently needed. A multiplexed screening platform utilizing DNA-directed immobilization (DDI) was developed aiming to detect three classes of antibiotic residues (fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tylosin) prevalently found in milk. Throughout this work, each oligonucleotide sequence was conjugated to a different hapten molecule, while the three complementary strands were immobilized in 24 independent microarray chips on a single glass slide. First, the array was incubated with the pool of hapten-oligonucleotide conjugate site encoded the signal through DNA hybridization. Next, commercial milk samples were incubated with the cocktail of monoclonal antibodies following a secondary fluorophore-labeled antibody which was required for fluorescent readout. Direct sample detection was achieved in milk diluting 20 times in assay buffer. The limits of detection (LODs) reached were 1.43 µg kg−1, 1.67 µg kg−1, and 0.89 µg kg−1 for TYLA, STZ, and CIP, respectively, which represented in raw milk 7.15 µg kg−1, 8.35 µg kg−1, and 4.45 µg kg−1 for TYLA, STZ, and CIP, respectively, that are below the EU regulatory limits. Cross-reactivity profiles were evaluated against the family of structurally related antibiotics in order to demonstrate the capability to detect antibiotics from the same family of compounds. A pre-validation study was performed by spiking 20 blind samples above and below the maximum residue limits established by the EU guidelines. The system was successfully implemented towards randomized sample classification as compliant or non-compliant. The proposed DDI-based immunoarray provides a fast and cost-effective alternative to obtain semi-quantitative information about the presence of three veterinary residues simultaneously in milk samples. Antibody fluorescent microarray based on DDI. The figure shows the main steps involved in the immunoassay. First, the printing of the oligo N4-6down probe over the glass slide, followed by an incubation with a complementary strand conjugated to the hapten and finally the selective recognition using monoclonal antibodies and fluorescent quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease often contracted through contact with animals and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Despite being the most common cause of non-malarial acute febrile illness brucellosis is often misdiagnosed in healthcare setups. The global incidence of Brucella infection is reported to be over 2 million cases annually. In Ethiopia, there are varying reports on the prevalence of brucellosis, and just a few researches have been undertaken on the prevalence among febrile patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine sero-prevalence of human brucellosis and associated factors among febrile patients attending Moyale Primary Hospital in southern Ethiopia. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 293 febrile patients attending Moyale Primary Hospital. We used convenience sampling technique. Blood specimen was collected and screened for Brucella antibody using Rose-Bengal plate test and ELISA was used for confirmation of Brucella infection. We used a questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data and to assess associated factors (S1 Table). Bivariate and subsequent multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore associated factors with the prevalence of human brucellosis. Results: The sero-prevalence of human brucellosis in this study was 13% (95% CI: 9.5, 16.5). Majority of the study participants (58.7%) were rural dwellers; 54.6% were male and the age range was from 5 to 80 years (mean = 24.17, SD = ±15.9). Higher number of sero-prevalence was seen among rural residents (19.8%) and male participants (14.40%). Drinking unpasteurized camel milk (AOR = 11.62, 95% CI: 3.85, 17.13; P = 0.000) and rural residence (AOR = 7.21, 95% CI: 2.48, 15.90; P = 0.000) were significantly associated with brucellosis. Consumption of pasteurized milk was shown to have protective effect (AOR = 6.12, 95% CI: 1.26, 29.76; P = 0.025) against brucellosis. Conclusion: The current study showed 13% point prevalence of human brucellosis among febrile patients attending Moyale Primary Hospital. Consuming unpasteurized milk, particularly unpasteurized camel milk, and rural residence was significantly associated with Brucella infection. Awareness creation about the zoonotic nature of brucellosis and the role of unpasteurized milk in the transmission of the disease is important to control human brucellosis. Author summary: Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection that poses significant public health challenges, particularly in pastoralist communities where human-animal interactions are frequent. The disease is often underdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms, which mimic other febrile illnesses, leading to prolonged suffering and potential complications. Understanding the sero-prevalence of human brucellosis and identifying associated risk factors are crucial steps in improving diagnostic strategies and guiding public health interventions. This study focuses on febrile patients attending Moyale Primary Hospital in southern Ethiopia, a region predominantly inhabited by pastoralist communities. By examining the prevalence of brucellosis and exploring the socio-demographic and environmental factors linked to the infection, this research provides valuable insights into the burden of the disease in this vulnerable population. The findings highlight the need for targeted awareness programs, improved diagnostic protocols, and strategic public health measures to mitigate the impact of brucellosis in pastoralist settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the changes in native microbiota, representative bioactive components and functions therefrom of raw milk after heating for 15 s at different temperatures (from 72 to 100°C). When a common high‐temperature short time (HTST) pasteurisation (72°C for 15 s) was applied, the total bacterial count was reduced by ~log 2 cfu/mL relative to the raw milk; the retention of native lactoferrin, IgG, vitamin C and vitamin B2 in milk was 73.1% and 77.8%, 80.8%, and 97.8%, respectively. As the heating temperature increased, the bacteriostatic and antioxidative capacity of milk decreased with the increasing loss of bioactive components. Furosine level was significantly increased when heating above 90°C, whereas only after heating at 100°C, a limited lactosylation of both α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin was found. This study provided an evaluation on the milk quality after HTST processing, providing a guidance for optimising dairy processing parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the presence of residual levels of commonly utilised antibiotics, including oxytetracycline (tetracyclines), ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and levofloxacin (fluoroquinolones), in milk samples. Fifty raw milk samples were collected from five farms in Keraniganj, Dhaka. A validated RP-HPLC method was applied to detect and quantify antibiotic residues, demonstrating good linearity with coefficients ranging from 0.999 to 1.0 in the concentration range of 1.25–15.00 µg/mL. The study revealed that oxytetracycline was detected in 90% of the samples, followed by levofloxacin (66%), enrofloxacin (64%), and ciprofloxacin (62%). One farm showed the highest antibiotic prevalence, with oxytetracycline in all samples and levofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin in 80% of the samples. About 30% of the oxytetracycline-positive samples exceeded the MRL, while none surpassed the MRL for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Calculated human health risks appeared to be low, but children might face potential risks due to prolonged exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is a complete and incredibly nutritious food supply for humans. Millions of tons of raw milk have been processed by the dairy industry to meet huge public demand. Therefore, there are studies needed related to the classification of raw milks in the supply chain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of raw milk samples in Amasya region. Firstly, raw cow's milk is classified according to its protein and fat values. In the first period, the mean fat value of raw milk collected from three lines was found to be 3.86, 3.89, and 3.87 as (%) the percent value, respectively, while the mean protein value of raw milk collected from three lines was found to be 3.29, 3.28, and 3.25 as (%) the percent value, respectively. In the second period, the mean fat value of raw milk collected from three lines was found to be 3.93, 3.99, and 4.03 as (%) the percent value, respectively, while the mean protein value of raw milk collected from three lines was found to be 3.34, 3.35, and 3.34 as (%) the percent value, respectively. The findings indicated that during both periods, the daily raw milk collected from three lines is class A, where protein value (%) is 3.1 and above while fat value (%) is 3.5 and above. Since the quality of raw milk is important not only for milk consumers but also for the quality of the corresponding dairy products, the quality of raw milk must be controlled correctly. Consumer requirements for high-quality milk and dairy are of importance on dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk, among animal-origin foods, is renowned for being an excellent medium for the growth of microorganisms. This is primarily due to its rich composition and favorable pH, making it a host for a diverse array of bacteria that can not only survive but thrive in this liquid. Milk contains various microflora, including pathogenic as well as alteration microflora, however, the group that garners the most attention is the lactic microflora, commonly known as Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). Lactic Acid Bacteria constitute a diverse group of microorganisms renowned for their capacity to metabolize carbohydrates into lactic acid. They hold a special place in biotechnology due to the probiotic properties exhibited by many of their species, as well as their capacity to produce valuable compounds with significant applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and bioplastic industries. This work represents our approach to technologically characterizing LAB. We isolated different strains from four distinct milk sources: cow, ewe, goat and camel. The milk samples underwent physico-chemical and microbiological analyses before isolating LAB strains. Following isolation, we purified and identified the strains using morphological observations, phenotypic and physiological tests. Ultimately, six strains, chosen for their acidifying capabilities, underwent a series of technological assessments. These included lactic acid production, fermentative type, biochemical testing, exopolysaccharides production, and antimicrobial activity. The results of these assessments reveal promising biotechnological potential, suggesting the possible use of these strains in the development of innovative products across various application areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two methods for assessing the purity of A2 fermented milk and β-casein genotypes in dairy cows were examined. The need for rapid and precise methods for herd screening and A2 milk quality control justified this study. Accordingly, an ELISA test was developed to identify β-casein A1 in fermented milk, and a commercial Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) was evaluated to determine A2A2 genotypes and the purity of A2 milk. The results demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test in identifying β-casein A1. The LFIA test successfully identified A2A2 genotypes and confirmed the purity of A2 milk, with a minimum detectable contamination of 5% for raw milk and 10% for fermented milk. Both tests exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity, resulting in positive and negative predictive values of 100%. The positive likelihood ratio was infinite, while the negative was zero, indicating a precise and reliable test with no false diagnoses. Compared to traditional genotyping, these methods proved to be more practical and showed potential for large-scale screening. It was concluded that ELISA and LFIA are valuable tools for ensuring the quality and authenticity of A2 milk, meeting the demands of producers and consumers for safe and healthy dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blowing is a prevalent and costly cheese defect caused by clostridia. In organic cheese production, the use of additives that inhibit the growth of clostridia is prohibited. Furthermore, mechanical methods for the removal of clostridia are impractical in organic dairies due to the small batch sizes involved and separation process temperatures (~55 °C) that are incompatible with the standards required for raw milk cheese production. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sufficient spore reduction can be achieved at lower temperatures (10, 35 °C) with a downsized separator (CSC18-01-077, GEA Westfalia) by varying the process parameters to describe the influence on the suitability of the treated milk for cheese production. In addition to spore reduction, total mesophilic bacteria count, the effects of separation on fat and casein losses, and damage to milk fat globules were assessed, as they can affect the yield and cheese quality. A significant reduction (p < 0.01) in spore concentration and total bacteria count in milk was achieved, regardless of the process parameters employed. Casein losses are reduced at 35 °C compared to 55 °C. The extent of fat loss in the sludge at 35 °C was minimal. The reduction in milk fat globule size was significant. Nonetheless, the results of this study demonstrate that a downsized centrifuge can be employed to augment the quality of small-batch raw milk cheese, particularly at a temperature of 35 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in koumiss produced from raw mare's milk during the fermentation process. E. coli O157:H7 (Group 1), L. monocytogenes (Group 2) and S. aureus (Group 3) were added to the raw mare’s milk that would used to producing koumiss and a combination of all three pathogens (Group 4) was inoculated. These microorganisms were introduced at 106 CFU/mL concentration into the raw mare’s milk, which served as the base for koumiss production. During fermentation, microbiological and chemical analyses were carried out by taking one sample from each group at the 1st, 5th and 24th hours and at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th days. As a result of analyzes; pH, dry matter, and protein content declined, while titration acidity and alcohol content increased. A positive correlation was found between the bacterial count and the utilized pathogenic microorganisms. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed with the count of yeast molds. Remarkably, the counts of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus reduced starting from the fifth hour of fermentation and diminished to undetectable levels by the second day. This decline in pathogenic microorganisms below detectable thresholds during the fermentation process was linked to the rise in titration acidity and alcohol content and the decrease in pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 15% of the milk produced in the world comes from buffaloes. In this study, the microbiome and lysozyme activities of buffalo milk in the Tepecik region were investigated. Samples were taken from ten different farms and analyzed. The average lysozyme activities were 59.858 units × 10−3/mL. Taxonomic analyses showed that Lactococcus, Acinetobacter, Moraxella, Streptococcus, Anoxybacillus, Aeromonas generally constituted the dominant bacterial groups. Low lysozyme activities and Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus values showed that the milk taken from ten farms was mastitis free. The presence of Acinetobacter, Moraxella, Anoxybacillus and Aeromonas bacteria, which pose a pathogenic risk for milk, indicates that proper sanitation of milking machines are required. Pseudomonas, a psychrophilic bacterium, was not detected in most products, but was detected in very small amounts in some products. This work sheds a light on future studies that covers lysozyme activity measurement combined with DNA sequencing for food safety in dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the PRIMA project ArtiSaneFood, the microbiological parameters of several artisanal cheeses produced in the Mediterranean area have been quantified. In this pilot study, we selected four of these artisanal cheese products from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco to investigate and compare their microbiomes in terms of taxonomy composition, presence of reads of foodborne pathogens, as well as virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Lactococcus, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were the most represented genera in the Portuguese and Spanish cheeses, Streptococcus in the Italian cheese, and Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Citrobacter in the Moroccan products. The correlation analysis indicated a negative association between the abundance of some lactic acid bacteria (i.e., Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Leuconostoc) and foodborne pathogenic genera, like Escherichia and Salmonella. The analysis of pathogen abundance, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance genes showed a strong clusterization based on the cheese type, confirming that the presence of potential human health risk determinants was higher in the artisanal products derived from unpasteurized milk that underwent spontaneous fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Salmonellosis is among the most common food-born infections, caused by Salmonella spp. bacteria. Present study has investigated the frequency and antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella spp. isolated from traditional dairy products and raw milk supplied in Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 350 samples of raw milk and traditional dairy products were randomly collected from July to September 2018. Following culturing the samples, isolates went through biochemical tests for phenotypic identification. Results were confirmed through PCR technique by targeting invA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted by means of disk diffusion method. Results: The rate of contamination with Salmonella bacteria was 6.57% in all samples. The PCR assay of all isolates showed that 23 isolates (100%) carried the invA gene. No significant association between the frequency of salmonella spp. and types of dairy and their origin was reported (P>0.05). The highest antibiotic resistance rate among the isolates belonged to tetracycline (34.8%) and the highest sensitivity was seen to imipenem, cefepime, and cefotaxime (each 91.3%). Conclusion: According to our results there has been a rise in multiple drug resistance and contamination rate in traditional dairy products in Yazd province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Milk somatic cell count (SCC) is an international standard for identifying mastitis in dairy cows and measuring raw milk quality. Milk SCC can be predicted based on dielectric relaxation parameters (DRPs). We noted a high correlation between DRPs and the milk composition content (MCC), and so we hypothesized that combining DRPs with MCC could improve the prediction accuracy of milk SCC. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between milk SCC, DRPs and MCC, as well as to investigate the potential of combining DRPs with MCC to improve the prediction accuracy of milk SCC. RESULTS: The dielectric spectra (20–4500 MHz) of 276 milk samples were measured, and their DRPs (εl, εh, Δε, τ and σ) were solved by the modified Debye equation. The SCC prediction models were developed using dielectric full spectra, DRPs and DRPs combined with MCC. The results showed the correlations between DRPs (εl, εh, Δε and σ) and MCC (fat, protein, lactose and total solids) were high, and SCC exhibited a non‐linear relationship with DRPs and MCC. The 5DRPs + MCC‐generalized regression neural network model had the best prediction, with a standard error of prediction for prediction of 0.143 log SCC mL−1 and residual of the prediction bias of 2.870, which was superior to the models based on full spectra, DRPs and near‐infrared or visible/near‐infrared. CONCLUSION: The present study has improved the prediction accuracy of milk SCC based on the DRPs combing MCC and provides a new method for dairy farming and milk quality assessment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. In this study, possible reasons for an increased level of free fatty acids (FFA) in UHT-treated full-fat (3.5% wt/wt) milk and its effect on the frothing properties of milk were investigated. Lipolysis of raw milk from 2 different breeds of cattle (Holstein and Jersey) was induced by mechanical stress and kinetics of lipolysis were compared. Frothing capacity and foam stability of shelf-stable milk with different concentrations of FFA were determined, with a good to medium initial foam volume for up to 4 mEq FFA·(100 g of fat)−1 fat and poor foam stability with >2 mEq FFA·(100 g of fat)−1. A combination of mechanical stress and initial condition of fresh raw milk was found to trigger lipolysis and potential sources of mechanical stress during milk processing were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. There is an increasing interest in the microbiota of the dairy value chain, from field to fork. Studies to understand the effects of environmental, feed, and management factors on the raw milk microbiota have been performed to elucidate the origin of the bacteria and find ways to control the presence or absence of specific bacteria. In this study, we explored the microbiota in feedstuff, bedding material, and milk on a Swedish dairy farm to investigate the effects of feeding different silages on bacterial compositions throughout the dairy value chain. We evaluated 3 ensiling treatments: without additive, with acid treatment, and with inoculation of starter culture. The silage treatments were fed as partial mixed rations to 67 dairy cows for 3 wk each, with one treatment fed twice to evaluate if a potential change in milk microbiota could be repeated. The highest average total bacteria counts were found in the used bedding material (9.6 log 10 cfu/g), whereas milk showed the lowest (3.5 log 10 cfu/g). Principal coordinate analysis of the weighted UniFrac distance matrix showed clear separation between 3 clusters of materials: (1) herbage, (2) silage and partial mixed ration, and (3) used bedding material and milk. Surprisingly, the expected effect of the ensiling treatments on silage microbiota was not clear. Transfer of major bacteria from the silages and resulting partial mixed rations to the used bedding material was observed, but rarely to milk. The milk microbiota showed most resemblance to that of the used bedding material. Lactobacillus was a major genus in both feed and milk, but investigations at the amplicon sequence variant level showed that in most cases, the sequences differed between materials. However, low total bacteria count in the milk in combination with a high diversity suggests that results may be biased due to environmental contamination of the milk samples. Considering that the study was performed on a research farm, strict hygienic measures during the feeding experiment may have contributed to the low transfer of bacteria from feed to milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the highlands of East Africa lack the geo-ecological landmarks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) disease hotspots to participate in cyclic RVF epidemics, they have recently reported growing numbers of small RVF clusters. Here, we investigated whether RVF cycling occurred among livestock and humans in the central highlands of Kenya during inter-epidemic periods. A 2-year prospective hospital-based study among febrile patients (March 2022–February 2024) in Murang'a County of Kenya was followed by a cross-sectional human–animal survey. A total of 1468 febrile patients were enrolled at two clinics and sera tested for RVF virus RNA and antiviral antibodies. In the cross-sectional study, humans (n = 282) and livestock (n = 706) from randomly selected households were tested and questionnaire data were used to investigate sociodemographic and environmental risk factors by multivariate logistic regression. No human (n = 1750) or livestock (n = 706) sera tested positive for RVFV RNA. However, 4.4% livestock and 2.0% humans tested positive for anti-RVFV IgG, including 0.27% febrile patients who showed four-fold IgG increase and 2.4% young livestock (<12 months old), indicating recent virus exposure. Among humans, the odds of RVF exposure increased significantly (p < 0.05, 95% CI) in males (aOR: 4.77, 2.08–12.4), those consuming raw milk (aOR: 5.24, 1.13–17.9), milkers (aOR: 2.69, 1.23–6.36), and participants residing near quarries (aOR: 2.4, 1.08–5.72). In livestock, sheep and goats were less likely to be seropositive (aOR: 0.27, 0.12–0.60) than cattle. The increase in RVF disease activities in the highlands represents a widening geographic dispersal of the virus, and a greater risk of more widespread RVF epidemics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Enzootic bovine leukemia is highly prevalent in most dairy farms, and strategies to reduce both vertical and horizontal transmission are being investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the rate of in utero infection, transmission of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) to calves through colostrum and milk, and the effectiveness of colostrum and milk pasteurization in reducing BLV transmission to calves. Materials and Methods: This study included four groups of calves from seropositive and seronegative cows. Group 1: Calves from BLV-positive cows (n = 11) were fed pasteurized colostrum and milk; Group 2: Calves from BLV-negative cows (n = 9) were fed pasteurized colostrum and milk; Group 3: calves from BLV-positive cows (n = 16) were fed unpasteurized colostrum and milk; and Group 4: calves from BLV-negative cows (n = 9) were fed unpasteurized colostrum and milk. In utero infection was evaluated using blood samples collected from calves before colostrum ingestion (day 0), and BLV transmission through colostrum and/or milk was evaluated by collecting blood samples after colostrum ingestion (days 1, 7, and 30). Samples seropositive on days 0 and/or 30 were also analyzed for the presence of viral DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Results: All calves born to BLV seronegative cows (Groups 2 and 4) tested negative on days 0 and 30, indicating a lack of virus transmission via tank milk. Among the calves from Group 1, we found one in utero infection, and among the nine calves serologically positive on day 30, we found four positives by nPCR. Within Group 3, we found one in utero infection, and among the 10 calves serologically positive on day 30, we found 7 also positive by nPCR. Conclusion: The transmission of BLV through colostrum is central to the persistence of this virus in dairy cattle. Molecular detection of BLV in seropositive calves during the 1st month of life, followed by culling, may be a valuable eradication strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study's objective was to recognize the various adulterants and their effects on the physical characteristics of the raw milk available in the city. The milk dealers, especially in the developing countries usually involved in milk adulteration practices in order to increase their profit margins, which poses significant health hazards. Methods: A total of 189 samples of raw milk were gathered across Karachi's five districts. Milk adulteration testing kit were employed for various adulterants detection and its physical impacts on milk was analyzed by the AOAC methods. Result: The milk samples from selling points had the highest levels of adulteration, followed by those from transportation cans and storage tanks at dairy farms. Chemical adulteration impact on milk pH and specific gravity was very prominent while extraneous water showed significant impact on milk specific gravity rather than its pH. Average pH and specific gravity values of milk sample collected from storage tanks at dairy farm were normal, while it was out of range in the milk samples collected from transportation cans and selling points. As indicated that at the dairy farms had very few milk adulteration activities, whereas milk samples being transported and sold in stores had the highest number of fraud attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a zoonotic pathogen that exerts huge public health and economic impacts in the world. The severity of illness is mainly related to the serovars involved, the presence of virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns. However, data are scarce on serovars, virulence genes, and AMR among NTS identified from the human-dairy interface in Northwest Ethiopia. Thus, this study investigated the serovars, common virulence genes, and AMR patterns of NTS isolates in the area. The study was conducted from June 2022 to August 2023 among randomly selected 58 dairy farms. A total of 362 samples were processed to detect NTS using standard bacteriological methods. The presumptive positive colonies were confirmed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time-of-Flight (MALDi-ToF). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect virulence genes, including invA and spvC. A slide agglutination test according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme was employed to identify the serovars of the NTS isolates. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Of the processed samples (362), 28 (7.7%) NTS isolates were detected. When distributed among samples, the proportions were 11.9%, 10.5%, 10.3%, 5.2%, 4.3%, and 1.7% among cows' feces, dairy farm sewage, pooled raw milk, milk container swabs, milkers' stool, and milkers' hand swab samples, respectively. Six serovars were detected with the dominancy of S. Uganda (39.3%), followed by S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (25.0%) and S. Typhimurium (21.4%). Among the 28 NTS isolates, 100% and 21.4% had the virulence genes invA and spvC, respectively. The susceptibility profile showed that 89.3% of the NTS isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent and 46.4% were resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials (multidrug-resistant). Among antimicrobials, isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (57.1%), followed by tetracycline (42.9%) and chloramphenicol (35.7%). On the other hand, the NTS isolates were 100%, 96.4%, and 96.4% susceptible to ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and norfloxacin, respectively. In conclusion, we detected NTS from humans, dairy cows, raw milk, dairy utensils, and the environment (sewage), showing the potential of the human-dairy farm-environment nexus in the NTS circulation. These further highlight that the interface is a good point of intervention in the control and prevention of NTS infection. The susceptibility profiles of the isolate necessitate interventions including the prudent use of the antimicrobials. Author summary: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a bacterium that induces mild to severe life-threatening syndromes in humans and animals worldwide. The severity of NTS is affected by the serovars involved, the presence of the virulence genes, and the ability to resist antimicrobials. In this study, we followed an integrated approach involving three key sectors (humans, the food chain (food), animals, and the environment) (one-health approach), which is highly recommended in areas where their interaction is high (dairy farms). This study confirmed that the pathogen was circulating in the human-dairy interface. Six serovars were detected, which were dominated by S. Uganda, S. enterica subsp. diarizonae, and S. Typhimurium. Of the isolates, 89.3% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 46.4% were multidrug-resistant. Hence, our research confirmed that the human-dairy interface is one source of future outbreaks of NTS. The serovars, virulent genes, and resistant character of isolates are suggestive of the tendency of the infection to become more severe and the potential to induce high mortality in the community. Therefore, intervention measures have to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cow milk, which is sometimes consumed raw, hosts a plethora of microorganisms, some of which are beneficial, while others raise food safety concerns. In this study, the draft genome of an extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae strain Cow102, isolated from raw cow milk used to produce traditional foods in Nigeria, is reported. Result: The genome has a total length of 5,359,907 bp, with 70 contigs and a GC content of 57.35%. A total of 5,244 protein coding sequences were detected with 31% mapped to a subsystem, and genes coding for amino acids and derivatives being the most prevalent. Multilocus sequence typing revealed that the strain had new allelic profile assigned to the novel 6914 sequence type possessing capsular and lipopolysaccharide antigen K locus 122 with an unknown K type (KL122) and O locus O1/O2v2 with type O2afg, respectively. A total of 28 resistance-related genes, 98 virulence-related genes, two plasmids and five phages were identified in the genome. The resistance genes oqxA, oqxB and an IS3 belonging to cluster 204 were traced to bacteriophage Escher 500,465. Comparative analysis predicted one strain specific orthologous group comprising three genes. Conclusion: This report of a novel sequence type (ST6914) in K. pneumoniae presents a new allelic profile, indicating ongoing evolution and diversification within the species. Its uniqueness suggests it may represent a locally evolved lineage, although further sampling would be necessary to confirm this hypothesis. The strain's multidrug resistance, virulence gene repertoire, and isolation from animal milk render it a potentially significant public health concern, underscoring the importance of genomic surveillance in non-clinical settings to detect emerging strains. Further research is required to fully characterise the capsular K type of ST6914. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a global zoonosis, mainly spread through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols. This study investigated the presence of C. burnetii in two Sicilian sheep flocks that were affected by occasional reproductive disorders, as reported by the farmers. Blood, milk, ticks, and conjunctival swabs were sampled from both farms. Real-time and traditional PCRs were used to detect C. burnetii DNA, while anti-C. burnetii antibodies were analyzed using an ELISA. In both flocks, C. burnetii DNA was widely detected in blood (7.1% and 3.8% for Farm A and B, respectively), individual milk (20% and 39.4%), two bulk milk samples, swabs (66.6% and 100%), and in all tick pools. Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were found in sera (77.0% and 53.6% for Farm A and B, respectively), individual milk (92.5% and 73.2%), and bulk milk. The study showed widespread pathogen circulation, significant shedding in dairy products, and high environmental contamination. Surveillance and control measures are recommended to mitigate public health risks associated with C. burnetii in dairy sheep farms. Q fever is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, primarily transmitted through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols. This study aimed to detect C. burnetii in two Sicilian sheep flocks, with no better defined reproductive disorders reported by the farmers. Blood, individual and bulk milk, ticks, and conjunctival swabs were collected from both flocks (A and B). Real-time and traditional PCRs were carried out to detect C. burnetii DNA and anti-C. burnetii antibodies were searched using an ELISA. In terms of Farm A, C. burnetii DNA was detected in 7.1% of blood samples, 20% of individual milk samples, bulk milk, 66.6% of conjunctival swabs, and in all the examined tick pools. Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were found in 77.0% of sera, 92.5% of individual milk samples, and bulk milk. In terms of Farm B, C. burnetii DNA was detected in 3.8% of blood samples, 39.4% of individual milk samples, bulk milk, 100% of conjunctival swabs, and in all tick pools; anti-C. burnetii antibodies were present in 53.6% of sera, 73.2% of milk samples, and in bulk milk. Our results highlight the high diffusion of C. burnetii in the two outbreaks, with widespread pathogen circulation, significant shedding in dairy products, and high environmental contamination, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures in dairy sheep farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cryptosporidium is an emerging One Health concern that is equally important in the public health and livestock sectors. To fulfill the aims and objectives of this review, data regarding the unique characteristics of Cryptosporidium, its transmission pathways, its life cycle, its prevalence in both humans and animals from the perspective of its zoonotic potential, water- and foodborne outbreaks due to this protozoan parasite, and associated economic losses are briefly discussed, prioritizing the latest research and quantified data. Finally, some strategies for breaking transmission pathways and future research perspectives are discussed, to show the research gaps regarding this ever-increasing threat, which is of great scientific interest. Based on the estimation of global prevalence trends, transmission pathways, and overall burden in cryptosporidiosis, better managemental policies, surveillance programs, and preventive measures can be adopted for safeguarding, following the One Health approach. A sharp rise in the global population and improved lifestyles has led to questions about the quality of both food and water. Among protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium is of great importance in this regard. Hence, Cryptosporidium's associated risk factors, its unique characteristics compared to other protozoan parasites, its zoonotic transmission, and associated economic losses in the public health and livestock sectors need to be focused on from a One Health perspective, including collaboration by experts from all three sectors. Cryptosporidium, being the fifth largest food threat, and the second largest cause of mortality in children under five years of age, is of great significance. The contamination of vegetables, fresh fruits, juices, unpasteurized raw milk, uncooked meat, and fish by Cryptosporidium oocysts occurs through infected food handlers, sewage-based contamination, agricultural effluents, infected animal manure being used as biofertilizer, etc., leading to severe foodborne outbreaks. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug, Nitazoxanide (NTZ), provides inconsistent results in all groups of patients, and currently, there is no vaccine against it. The prime concerns of this review are to provide a deep insight into the Cryptosporidium's global burden, associated water- and foodborne outbreaks, and some future perspectives in an attempt to effectively manage this protozoal disease. A thorough literature search was performed to organize the most relevant, latest, and quantified data, justifying the title. The estimation of its true burden, strategies to break the transmission pathways and life cycle of Cryptosporidium, and the search for vaccine targets through genome editing technology represent some future research perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections in the world. Cardiac complications of the disease are usually in the form of endocarditis, and, to a lesser extent, in the form of myopericarditis. Case: We report the case of a 34-year-old female admitted with signs of fever, nausea, and headache. The patient came from Libya, where she drank unpasteurized milk. Whright-Coombs test and blood confirmed Brucella species infection, while transoesophagal echocardiogram revealed a thrombotic mass on the tricuspid valve that required cardiac surgery and antibiotic treatment, leading to complete recovery. The second case was a 37-years-old male admitted with suspected acute coronary syndrome, where further diagnostics excluded occlusions of coronary arteries and found Brucella species infection and signs of myocardial and pericardial involvement that reacted well on treatment (combination of doxycycline and rifampicin). Discussion: Brucellosis is commonly seen in people working with farm animals or using unpasteurized milk but is still often misdiagnosed. Conclusions: Tricuspid valve endocarditis, as well as isolated myopericarditis, are rare complications of Brucellosis, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Artisanal raw milk cheese can be an important source of bacteria potentially harmful to humans, such as pathogenic Escherichia coli. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance of 45 E. coli strains isolated from artisanal raw milk cheese in Venezuela. Methods: These strains were isolated according to the procedures established by the Venezuelan Commission of Industrial Standards (COVENIN) and identified by conventional methods. Antimicrobial resistance was determined by the disk diffusion method, while phylogenetic grouping and detection of 6 virulence genes (fimH, kpsMT II, papAH, PAI, fyuA and usp) were performed by PCR amplification. Strain typing was performed by Rep-PCR. Results: Of the 45 isolates, 73.3% were susceptible, while 26.7% were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics. Phylogenetic grouping revealed a relatively homogeneous distribution. Phylogenetic group A dominated in 82.2% of the strains followed by B1 and D (8.9% each). Three major virulence factors, fimH, fyuA, and kpsMTII, were genetically encoded in most strains. Rep-PCR typing of E. coli strains revealed a heterogeneous population structure. Conclusions: E. coli isolated from artisanal dairy products share characteristics and virulence genes with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains from animals and humans, which represents a public health risk. Thus, it is necessary to increase hygienic and sanitary controls, especially those involved in the production stages, and emphasize the epidemiological surveillance of potentially pathogenic bacterial strains present in unpasteurized artisanal cheese marketed in the city of Mérida, Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the effect of turmeric extract on some physicochemical properties of kefir was examined. For this purpose, raw cow milk was pasteurized between 80-85 °C for 10 minutes and cooled to 25-28 °C and kefir starter was added. Pasteurized turmeric extracts at level of 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% was added to the milk samples prepared in separate containers and fermented until pH dropped to 4.6. Some properties of kefir samples were examined before and after fermentation and on the 1st, 7th and 14th days of storage. According to the results, viscosity and serum separation values were high (P>0.05) in the turmeric extract added samples when compared with control. The addition of turmeric extract to kefir affected the color L*, a* and b* values, as well as the sensory color, texture, odor, taste and general acceptability scores (P<0.05). Adding 21 mL (6%) and 14 mL (4%) of turmeric extract to kefir samples has been found to be successful in terms of providing an alternative taste and aroma for consumer liking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) detected in dairy cows raises concerns about milk safety. The effects of pasteurization-like temperatures on influenza viruses in retail and unpasteurized milk revealed virus resilience under certain conditions. Although pasteurization contributes to viral inactivation, influenza A virus, regardless of strain, displayed remarkable stability in pasteurized milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this research was to investigate the fate of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in naturally contaminated milk samples during various processing treatments such as skimming, boiling, sterilisation, pasteurisation and fermentation. The raw milk samples were collected, and AFM1‐contaminated samples were subjected to different processing treatments and analysed using AFM1 quantitative rapid test strip. Processing treatments like skimming and pasteurisation did not change the AFM1 content in milk, whereas high temperature heat treatments like boiling and sterilisation reduced AFM1 content up to 20%. Fermentation of milk with Streptococcus thermophilus reduced AFM1 up to 8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibiotic administration in dairy livestock is a current widespread practice. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether milk from antibiotic‐treated animals, following the application of the withdrawal time and fully complying with European requirements in relation to residue content, affected the development of lactic acid bacteria. Forty‐five raw milk samples were collected after the withdrawal period and analysed to verify their compliance with the European maximum limits using four commercial screening tests. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus growth and acidifying activity were delayed from 5 to 8 h in milk from cow treated with β‐lactams and sulfonamides present in low concentration (cephalosporins < 15 μg/kg; penicillins < 8 μg/kg; sulfonamides < 10 μg/kg) and their effect persisted over time. No influences were detected in Streptococcus thermophilus and Lb. helveticus development. The use of antibiotics can hamper the starter performances, opening questions about the safety of dairy products and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yogurt is popular as a natural and healthy food, but its flavor greatly affects acceptability by consumers. Flavor compounds of yogurt are generally produced by the metabolism of lactose, protein, and fat, and the resulting flavors include carbonyls, acids, esters, alcohols, and so on. Each flavor compound can individually provide the corresponding flavor, or it can be combined with other compounds to form a new flavor. The flavor network is formed among the metabolites of milk components, and acetaldehyde, as the central compound, plays a role in connecting the whole network. The flavor compounds can be affected by many factors, such as the use of different raw milks, ways of homogenization, sterilization, fermentation, postripening, storage condition, and packaging materials, which can affect the overall flavor of yogurt. This paper provides an overview of the volatile flavor compounds in yogurt, the pathways of production of the main flavor compounds during yogurt fermentation, and the factors that influence the flavor of yogurt, including type of raw milk, processing, and storage. It also aims to provide theoretical guidance for the product of yogurt in ideal flavor, but further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive description of the flavor system of yogurt. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality raw milk is an important prerequisite for the production of long-ripened raw milk cheeses. This implies not only the absence of pathogenic microorganisms in raw milk, but also low levels of spoilage bacteria, including dairy propionic acid bacteria (dPAB), that can cause blowing and sensory defects in cheese, resulting in severe economic losses for producers. Raw milk contamination with dPAB has been primarily associated with improperly cleaned milking systems, but dPAB have also been detected in feed, soil, feces, and on the teat skin. The objective of this study was to identify potential sources of raw milk contamination with dPAB in the barn and milking parlor environments. We also wanted to know more about the prevalence of the dPAB species in these environments and the levels of contamination. For this purpose, 16 small scale Alpine dairy farms were visited in August 2022. Samples were taken from the barn environment (e.g., swab samples, air, feed, bedding) and the milking system (swab samples, residual cleaning water, cleaning sponges, milk filters), and milk samples were collected at various sampling points along the milking system. Samples were analyzed for dPAB contamination, and results showed contamination at multiple sampling locations. We observed potential adverse effects of improperly set cleaning parameters of the milking system, as well as of farm-specific practices. In addition, we identified cleaning water residues as an important source of contamination. Based on these findings, we propose potential mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of raw milk contamination with cheese spoilage bacteria, thereby contributing to a more sustainable food production. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5N1 subtype (clade 2.3.4.4b) have been detected in raw milk from infected cows. Several studies have examined the time and temperature parameters to ascertain whether influenza viruses in milk can be inactivated completely under commercial pasteurization conditions, yielding conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate whether milk could help protect influenza viruses from heat treatment. After heat treatment at 49 °C for one hour, the titer reduction of the influenza A/WSN/1933 (A/H1) virus in milk was approximately 1.6 log10TCID50/mL, which was significantly lower than that (3 log10TCID50/mL) observed in the Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) control media. The influenza D/bovine/CHN/JY3002/2022 (D/Yama2019) virus in milk retained a high residual infectivity (4.68 × 103 log10TCID50/mL) after treatment at 53 °C; however, the virus in DMEM completely lost its infectivity under the same conditions. Moreover, the influenza A/chicken/CHN/Cangzhou03/2023 (A/H5) virus in DMEM could be inactivated completely using any of the three heat treatment methods: 63 °C for 30 min, 72 °C for 15 s, or 80 °C for 15 s. For the virus present in milk, only heat treatment at 80 °C for 15 s completely inactivated it. These results suggest that milk prevents influenza viruses from pasteurization inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kefir traditionally is based on pasteurised milk and the use of other substrates is unusual. Kefir beverages made with raw milk (RMK), pasteurised milk (PMK) or whey (WK), were obtained and fractionated in microbial cells and supernatants. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of fractions against Cronobacter sakazakii and Escherichia coli were analysed. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained for PMK with values between 8500 and 10 000 μm TE/mg. Microbial extracts from RMK and PMK showed a reduction of C. sakazakii of 7 log units; while microbial extracts and supernatants from RMK decreased E. coli in 3 and 5 log units, respectively. These results indicate that dairy kefir beverages can be an excellent source of defensive agents to fight against bacteria that cause gastrointestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty milk samples, comprising raw cow's milk, pasteurised milk, ultra-high temperature milk, and camel milk, were collected randomly from supply centres from December 2022 to March 2023 in Gilan province, Iran. Aldrin, diazinon, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Aldrin and diazinon were observed in all samples. Furthermore, 87.5% of the milk samples were contaminated with DDT. The raw milk sample showed the greatest concentration of aldrin, measuring 9.31 ± 0.80 µg L−1, and there was no significant difference with the camel milk. The samples of camel milk, raw milk, and ultra-high temperature milk demonstrated the greatest levels of DDT, whereas the lowest concentration was detected in pasteurised milk. In all samples, the maximum residue level (MRL) of Codex Alimentarius and the national Iran standard (20 µg L−1 for DDT) was only exceeded by 1.25% of the milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of raw cow's milk has repeatedly been shown to protect from asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections. As raw milk bears potential health hazards, it cannot be recommended for prevention. Therefore, we performed an intervention study with microbially safe but otherwise minimally processed cow's milk. Here we describe feasibility and safety of the trial. Methods: The MARTHA trial (DRKS00014781) was set up as a double‐blind randomized intervention in a population residing in Bavaria. Infants from 6 to 36 months of age consumed minimally processed cow's milk (intervention arm) or ultra‐heat‐treated (UHT) semi‐skimmed milk (comparator arm). Results: At the age of 6 to 12 months, 260 infants were enrolled, with 72% having a family history of atopy. The extensive screening system for milk consumption and symptoms suggestive of adverse events was well accepted with 22,988 completed weekly surveys and an average completion of 82% surveys sent out. The children consumed the study milk on average on 457 days (61% of intervention days). The intervention proved to be safe without any case of milk allergy or milk intolerance under the intervention in both arms. All 6 cases of serious adverse events were unrelated to milk. The most common reason was unscheduled hospitalization of more than 3 days. Conclusions: The intervention with minimally processed milk and the study instruments proved feasible. During the age of 6 to 36 months, there was no increased risk of milk allergy in a population with a substantial proportion of family history of atopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonial cheese is widely produced in the southern region of Brazil, but it is a highly manipulable product and therefore susceptible to contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate samples of refrigerated raw milk and colonial artisan cheese from an agro-industry in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). The refrigerated raw milk was analyzed for somatic cell count (SCC), standard plate count (SPC), lactose, fat, total solids (TS), non-fat solids (NFS) and the presence of antibiotics. The cheeses were analyzed microbiologically by testing for thermotolerant coliforms (45°C), total coliforms, coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS), E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and staphylococcal enterotoxin, followed by a physicochemical evaluation of their moisture content and fat content in the dry extract (GES). The milk tests showed non-compliance in terms of CPP and CCS (308,000 UFC/mL and 503,000 CS/mL, respectively), however, the other tests on the milk and colonial cheese are in compliance. Therefore, it can be concluded that the agro-industry's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are being efficient and the property's Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are not, so corrective action is needed to ensure that the products produced at the establishment are in full physical, chemical and microbiological compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The presence of pesticides in milk and dairy products poses a potential risk to consumers. The current study aimed to determine the concentrations of diazinon and cypermethrin in milk, cheese, and butter distributed in Gonbad-Kavus City. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 samples including raw milk, pasteurized milk, ultra-high-temperature milk, traditional cheese, and traditional butter, were randomly collected from supply centers in Gonbad-Kavus from between 2021 and March 2022. The concentrations of diazinon and cypermethrin in the samples were measured using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The mean diazinon levels in raw milk, pasteurized milk, and ultra-high-temperature milk samples were 41.91 ± 9.68, 28.07 ± 5.86, and 40.21 ± 9.52 µg/kg, respectively. The mean cypermethrin levels in raw milk, pasteurized milk, and UHT milk samples were 34.06 ± 8.20, 22.63 ± 5.88, and 29.82 ± 8.09 µg/kg, respectively. Significant differences were observed among the sample types for both diazinon and cypermethrin levels. In cheese samples, the mean diazinon and cypermethrin levels were 57.23 ± 10.59 and 38.12 ± 8.69 µg/kg, respectively. In butter samples, the mean diazinon and cypermethrin levels were 16.77 ± 4.15 and 17.50 ± 6.47 µg/kg, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the various types of milk distributed across Gonbad-Kavus contain excessive diazinon residues, while the residual cypermethrin levels were below the allowable limit. Therefore, a codified program to reduce diazinon the residuals in milk, cheese, and butter distributed in Gonbad-Kavus should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population in traditional Muş Tulum cheese, which is produced from unpasteurized sheep’s milk, was identified during the ripening period (on the 1st, 45th, and 90th day) using biochemical, phenotypic, and genotypic techniques. Additionally, the isolated LAB strains were assessed for their technological characteristics. Enterococcus spp. accounted for 76.92 % of the sequenced isolates, while Lactiplantibacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., and Pediococcus spp. represented 15.38 %, 6.15 %, and 1.54 % respectively. All Lactococcus strains as well as E. faecium FFH2 and Lb. plantarum FFH59 strains showed high acidification capacity. E. faecalis (FFH46 and FFH14), L. lactis subsp. lactis FFH51 and E. faecium FFH16 strains showed high proteolytic activity (2.0593-2.2452 FFA mmol/L). Two Enterococcus strains (E. faecium FFH12 and E. faecium FFH77) with potential bacteriocin production and antimicrobial activity were identified. The results indicated that Enterococcus spp. was the dominant flora throughout the ripening period of Muş Tulum cheese, followed by Lactiplantibacillus spp [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]