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Controlling foodborne pathogens in buffalo milk is crucial for ensuring food safety. This study estimated the prevalence of nine target genes representing seven critical foodborne bacteria in milk and milk products, and identified factors associated with their presence in buffalo milk chain nodes in Bangladesh. One hundred and forty-three milk samples from bulk tank milk (n = 34), middlemen (n = 37), milk collection centers (n = 37), and milk product shops (n = 35) were collected and analyzed using RT-PCR. Escherichia (E.) coli, represented through yccT genes, was the most prevalent throughout the milk chain (81-97%). Chi-squared tests were performed to identify the potential risk factors associated with the presence of foodborne bacteria encoded for different genes. At the middleman level, the prevalence of E. coli was associated with the Mymensingh, Noakhali, and Bhola districts (P = 0.01). The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, represented through inlA genes, and Yersinia (Y.) enterocolitica, represented through yst genes, were the highest at the farm level (65-79%). The prevalence of both bacteria in bulk milk was associated with the Noakhali and Bhola districts (P < 0.05). The prevalence of Y. enterocolitica in bulk milk was also associated with late autumn and spring (P = 0.01) and was higher in buffalo-cow mixed milk than in pure buffalo milk at the milk collection center level (P < 0.01). The gene stx2 encoding for Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) E. coli was detected in 74% of the milk products. At the middleman level, the prevalence of STEC E. coli was associated with the use of cloths or tissues when drying milk containers (P = 0.01). Salmonella enterica, represented through the presence of invA gene, was most commonly detected (14%) at the milk collection center. The use of plastic milk containers was associated with a higher prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, represented through htrA genes, at milk product shops (P < 0.05). These results su

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to animal and human health, as well as food security and nutrition. Development of AMR is accelerated by over- and misuse of antimicrobials as seen in many livestock systems, including poultry production. In Vietnam, high AMR levels have been reported previously within poultry production, a sector which is dominated by small-scale farming, even though it is intensifying. This study focuses on understanding small- and medium-scale chicken farmers' knowledge and practices related to AMR by applying an item response theory (IRT) approach, which has several advantages over simpler statistical methods. Methods: Farmers representing 305 farms in Thai Nguyen province were interviewed from November 2021 to January 2022, using a structured questionnaire. Results generated with IRT were used in regression models to find associations between farm characteristics, and knowledge and practice levels. Results: Descriptive results showed that almost all farmers could buy veterinary drugs without prescription in the local community, that only one third of the farmers received veterinary professional advice or services, and that the majority of farmers gave antibiotics as a disease preventive measure. Regression analysis showed that multiple farm characteristics were significantly associated to farmers' knowledge and practice scores. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity when tailoring interventions to move towards more medically rational antibiotic use at farms in a setting with high access to over-the-counter veterinary drugs and low access to veterinary services, since many on-farm factors relevant for the specific context need to be considered.

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a One Health issue and a major threat to animal and human health. Antibiotic use (ABU) drives AMR development, and several hotspots for ABU, and AMR, in livestock have been identified in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. There are often multiple drivers of ABU at farms, and to identify all of them there is a need to look beyond farm level. Objectives The overall aim of this study was to identify routines and/or competencies, related to antibiotic sales, among veterinary drug shop workers that may be improved in order to decrease the medically non-rational use of antibiotics in livestock production. Methods A questionnaire-based survey was conducted at 50 veterinary drug shops in northern Vietnam. Results Results showed high education and knowledge levels. According to the respondents, antibiotic treatment advice was almost always provided to the farmers, and the recommended treatment was most commonly based on recommendations for the specific disease. However, farmers had almost never had their animals properly diagnosed. Antibiotics were the most sold drug category, penicillins being the most common. Several broad-spectrum antibiotics were also quite frequently sold. Further, >50% of respondents recommended antibiotics for disease prevention. Conclusions Even though education and knowledge levels might be high, several challenges can prevent drug shop workers from contributing to more prudent ABU at farms, for example, lack of proper diagnosis, commercial interests and individual farmer motives, often in combination with poor compliance to regulations.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to animal and human health, as well as food security and nutrition. Development of AMR is accelerated by over- and misuse of antimicrobials as seen in many livestock systems, including poultry production. In Vietnam, high AMR levels have been reported previously within poultry production, a sector which is dominated by small-scale farming, even though it is intensifying. This study focuses on understanding small- and medium-scale chicken farmers' knowledge and practices related to AMR by applying an item response theory (IRT) approach, which has several advantages over simpler statistical methods. Methods: Farmers representing 305 farms in Thai Nguyen province were interviewed from November 2021 to January 2022, using a structured questionnaire. Results generated with IRT were used in regression models to find associations between farm characteristics, and knowledge and practice levels. Results: Descriptive results showed that almost all farmers could buy veterinary drugs without prescription in the local community, that only one third of the farmers received veterinary professional advice or services, and that the majority of farmers gave antibiotics as a disease preventive measure. Regression analysis showed that multiple farm characteristics were significantly associated to farmers' knowledge and practice scores. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity when tailoring interventions to move towards more medically rational antibiotic use at farms in a setting with high access to over-the-counter veterinary drugs and low access to veterinary services, since many on-farm factors relevant for the specific context need to be considered.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to animal and human health, as well as food security and nutrition. Development of AMR is accelerated by over- and misuse of antimicrobials as seen in many livestock systems, including poultry production. In Vietnam, high AMR levels have been reported previously within poultry production, a sector which is dominated by small-scale farming, even though it is intensifying. This study focuses on understanding small- and medium-scale chicken farmers' knowledge and practices related to AMR by applying an item response theory (IRT) approach, which has several advantages over simpler statistical methods. Methods: Farmers representing 305 farms in Thai Nguyen province were interviewed from November 2021 to January 2022, using a structured questionnaire. Results generated with IRT were used in regression models to find associations between farm characteristics, and knowledge and practice levels. Results: Descriptive results showed that almost all farmers could buy veterinary drugs without prescription in the local community, that only one third of the farmers received veterinary professional advice or services, and that the majority of farmers gave antibiotics as a disease preventive measure. Regression analysis showed that multiple farm characteristics were significantly associated to farmers' knowledge and practice scores. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity when tailoring interventions to move towards more medically rational antibiotic use at farms in a setting with high access to over-the-counter veterinary drugs and low access to veterinary services, since many on-farm factors relevant for the specific context need to be considered.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to animal and human health, as well as food security and nutrition. Development of AMR is accelerated by over- and misuse of antimicrobials as seen in many livestock systems, including poultry production. In Vietnam, high AMR levels have been reported previously within poultry production, a sector which is dominated by small-scale farming, even though it is intensifying. This study focuses on understanding small- and medium-scale chicken farmers' knowledge and practices related to AMR by applying an item response theory (IRT) approach, which has several advantages over simpler statistical methods. Methods: Farmers representing 305 farms in Thai Nguyen province were interviewed from November 2021 to January 2022, using a structured questionnaire. Results generated with IRT were used in regression models to find associations between farm characteristics, and knowledge and practice levels. Results: Descriptive results showed that almost all farmers could buy veterinary drugs without prescription in the local community, that only one third of the farmers received veterinary professional advice or services, and that the majority of farmers gave antibiotics as a disease preventive measure. Regression analysis showed that multiple farm characteristics were significantly associated to farmers' knowledge and practice scores. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity when tailoring interventions to move towards more medically rational antibiotic use at farms in a setting with high access to over-the-counter veterinary drugs and low access to veterinary services, since many on-farm factors relevant for the specific context need to be considered.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to animal and human health, as well as food security and nutrition. Development of AMR is accelerated by over- and misuse of antimicrobials as seen in many livestock systems, including poultry production. In Vietnam, high AMR levels have been reported previously within poultry production, a sector which is dominated by small-scale farming, even though it is intensifying. This study focuses on understanding small- and medium-scale chicken farmers' knowledge and practices related to AMR by applying an item response theory (IRT) approach, which has several advantages over simpler statistical methods. Methods: Farmers representing 305 farms in Thai Nguyen province were interviewed from November 2021 to January 2022, using a structured questionnaire. Results generated with IRT were used in regression models to find associations between farm characteristics, and knowledge and practice levels. Results: Descriptive results showed that almost all farmers could buy veterinary drugs without prescription in the local community, that only one third of the farmers received veterinary professional advice or services, and that the majority of farmers gave antibiotics as a disease preventive measure. Regression analysis showed that multiple farm characteristics were significantly associated to farmers' knowledge and practice scores. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity when tailoring interventions to move towards more medically rational antibiotic use at farms in a setting with high access to over-the-counter veterinary drugs and low access to veterinary services, since many on-farm factors relevant for the specific context need to be considered.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in water buffalo is responsible for reduced milk yield and quality. This cross-sectional study was carried out to a) estimate the prevalence of SCM, b) identify risk factors associated with SCM, and c) identify farm-level risk factors associated with bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC). The buffalo farms included in this study represented five rearing systems: free-range, semi-free-range, household, semi-intensive, and intensive, providing a total of 3491 functional quarters of 880 lactating buffalo on 248 farms. The California mastitis test score was used to identify SCM. Bulk milk samples (n = 242) were used for farm-level BMSCC. Quarter and buffalo-level risk factors for SCM were measured using questionnaires and observations. The overall SCM prevalence was high at 27.9% at the quarter-level (25th and 75th percentiles: 8.3% and 41.7%) and 51.5% at buffalo-level (25th and 75th percentiles: 33.3% and 66.7%). The geometric mean BMSCC was 217,000 cells/mL of milk (ranging from 36,000-1,213,000 cells/mL), which is low on average, but some farms could improve substantially. The buffalo rearing system, udder location (left versus right), teat shape, udder asymmetry, number of milkers, and having a quarantine facility were associated with buffalo udder health. Our findings suggest that mainly using free-range rearing systems may help decrease the prevalence of SCM primarily by employing buffalo breeding and better farm biosecurity, and udder health control strategies can be designed based on our findings.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in water buffalo is responsible for reduced milk yield and quality. This cross-sectional study was carried out to a) estimate the prevalence of SCM, b) identify risk factors associated with SCM, and c) identify farm-level risk factors associated with bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC). The buffalo farms included in this study represented five rearing systems: free-range, semi-free-range, household, semi-intensive, and intensive, providing a total of 3491 functional quarters of 880 lactating buffalo on 248 farms. The California mastitis test score was used to identify SCM. Bulk milk samples (n = 242) were used for farm-level BMSCC. Quarter and buffalo-level risk factors for SCM were measured using questionnaires and observations. The overall SCM prevalence was high at 27.9% at the quarter-level (25th and 75th percentiles: 8.3% and 41.7%) and 51.5% at buffalo-level (25th and 75th percentiles: 33.3% and 66.7%). The geometric mean BMSCC was 217,000 cells/mL of milk (ranging from 36,000-1,213,000 cells/mL), which is low on average, but some farms could improve substantially. The buffalo rearing system, udder location (left versus right), teat shape, udder asymmetry, number of milkers, and having a quarantine facility were associated with buffalo udder health. Our findings suggest that mainly using free-range rearing systems may help decrease the prevalence of SCM primarily by employing buffalo breeding and better farm biosecurity, and udder health control strategies can be designed based on our findings.

Antimicrobial use (AMU) is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). An understanding of current practices can lead to better targeting of AMU-reducing interventions. An analysis of the distribution and current usage of veterinary drugs in peri-urban smallholder poultry systems in Kenya was undertaken. A survey among poultry farmers and key informant interviews with agrovet operators and other players in the value chain was conducted in Machakos and Kajiado counties. Interview data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic approaches. A total of 100 farmers were interviewed. The majority (58%) were > 50 years old, and all kept chickens, while 66% kept other livestock. Antibiotics constituted 43% of the drugs reportedly used on the farms (n = 706). These were mostly administered by the farmers themselves (86%) through water (98%). Leftover drugs were stored for later use (89%) or disposed of (11%). Incineration was the main method for the disposal of leftover drugs and empty containers. As described by the key informants (n = 17), the drug distribution chain relied on agrovet shops that were supplied by local distributors and pharmaceutical companies, which, in turn, supplied drugs to the farmers. Farmers reportedly purchased drugs without prescriptions and rarely observed the withdrawal periods. Drug quality was a concern, especially for products requiring reconstitution.

Antimicrobial use (AMU) is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). An understanding of current practices can lead to better targeting of AMU-reducing interventions. An analysis of the distribution and current usage of veterinary drugs in peri-urban smallholder poultry systems in Kenya was undertaken. A survey among poultry farmers and key informant interviews with agrovet operators and other players in the value chain was conducted in Machakos and Kajiado counties. Interview data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic approaches. A total of 100 farmers were interviewed. The majority (58%) were > 50 years old, and all kept chickens, while 66% kept other livestock. Antibiotics constituted 43% of the drugs reportedly used on the farms (n = 706). These were mostly administered by the farmers themselves (86%) through water (98%). Leftover drugs were stored for later use (89%) or disposed of (11%). Incineration was the main method for the disposal of leftover drugs and empty containers. As described by the key informants (n = 17), the drug distribution chain relied on agrovet shops that were supplied by local distributors and pharmaceutical companies, which, in turn, supplied drugs to the farmers. Farmers reportedly purchased drugs without prescriptions and rarely observed the withdrawal periods. Drug quality was a concern, especially for products requiring reconstitution.

Salmonella is a globally important foodborne bacterial pathogen that poses a high risk to human health. This study aimed to estimate the risk to Cambodian consumers from acquiring salmonellosis after consuming chicken and pork salad, using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Chicken and pork salads are typical Cambodian dishes containing raw vegetables and boiled chicken meat or pork. As previously described, chicken meat and pork samples (n = 204 of each) were collected from traditional markets in 25 Cambodian provinces to generate data on Salmonella contamination. Salad preparation and consumption practices were surveyed in 93 Cambodian households and this information was used to design an experiment to assess Salmonella cross-contamination from raw meat to ready-to-eat salad. In the part of the study reported here, data on consumption, Salmonella in salad, dose-response, and predicted salmonellosis were modeled using Monte Carlo simulations at 10,000 iterations. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork were set to 42.6 and 45.1%, respectively, with average most probable number (MPN) per gram of Salmonella in chicken meat was 10.6 and in pork 11.1 MPN/g, based on an earlier study. Half of the interviewed households cooked meat for the salad directly after purchase. The QMRA model showed that the modeled annual risk of salmonellosis from consuming chicken salad, pork salad and both chicken and pork salad were 11.1% probability of illness per person per year (90% CI 0.0-35.1), 4.0% (90% CI 0.0-21.3), and 14.5% (90% CI 0.0-33.5), respectively. The factors most influencing the estimate were cross-contamination while preparing the salad, followed by the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork at the market. The wide confidence interval for the incidence was mainly due to the variability in reducing bacteria concentration by cooking and salad consumption. The predicted risk of salmonellosis due to chicken and pork salad consumption is

Salmonella is a globally important foodborne bacterial pathogen that poses a high risk to human health. This study aimed to estimate the risk to Cambodian consumers from acquiring salmonellosis after consuming chicken and pork salad, using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Chicken and pork salads are typical Cambodian dishes containing raw vegetables and boiled chicken meat or pork. As previously described, chicken meat and pork samples (n = 204 of each) were collected from traditional markets in 25 Cambodian provinces to generate data on Salmonella contamination. Salad preparation and consumption practices were surveyed in 93 Cambodian households and this information was used to design an experiment to assess Salmonella cross-contamination from raw meat to ready-to-eat salad. In the part of the study reported here, data on consumption, Salmonella in salad, dose-response, and predicted salmonellosis were modeled using Monte Carlo simulations at 10,000 iterations. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork were set to 42.6 and 45.1%, respectively, with average most probable number (MPN) per gram of Salmonella in chicken meat was 10.6 and in pork 11.1 MPN/g, based on an earlier study. Half of the interviewed households cooked meat for the salad directly after purchase. The QMRA model showed that the modeled annual risk of salmonellosis from consuming chicken salad, pork salad and both chicken and pork salad were 11.1% probability of illness per person per year (90% CI 0.0-35.1), 4.0% (90% CI 0.0-21.3), and 14.5% (90% CI 0.0-33.5), respectively. The factors most influencing the estimate were cross-contamination while preparing the salad, followed by the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork at the market. The wide confidence interval for the incidence was mainly due to the variability in reducing bacteria concentration by cooking and salad consumption. The predicted risk of salmonellosis due to chicken and pork salad consumption is

Salmonella is a globally important foodborne bacterial pathogen that poses a high risk to human health. This study aimed to estimate the risk to Cambodian consumers from acquiring salmonellosis after consuming chicken and pork salad, using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Chicken and pork salads are typical Cambodian dishes containing raw vegetables and boiled chicken meat or pork. As previously described, chicken meat and pork samples (n = 204 of each) were collected from traditional markets in 25 Cambodian provinces to generate data on Salmonella contamination. Salad preparation and consumption practices were surveyed in 93 Cambodian households and this information was used to design an experiment to assess Salmonella cross-contamination from raw meat to ready-to-eat salad. In the part of the study reported here, data on consumption, Salmonella in salad, dose-response, and predicted salmonellosis were modeled using Monte Carlo simulations at 10,000 iterations. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork were set to 42.6 and 45.1%, respectively, with average most probable number (MPN) per gram of Salmonella in chicken meat was 10.6 and in pork 11.1 MPN/g, based on an earlier study. Half of the interviewed households cooked meat for the salad directly after purchase. The QMRA model showed that the modeled annual risk of salmonellosis from consuming chicken salad, pork salad and both chicken and pork salad were 11.1% probability of illness per person per year (90% CI 0.0-35.1), 4.0% (90% CI 0.0-21.3), and 14.5% (90% CI 0.0-33.5), respectively. The factors most influencing the estimate were cross-contamination while preparing the salad, followed by the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork at the market. The wide confidence interval for the incidence was mainly due to the variability in reducing bacteria concentration by cooking and salad consumption. The predicted risk of salmonellosis due to chicken and pork salad consumption is

Salmonella is a globally important foodborne bacterial pathogen that poses a high risk to human health. This study aimed to estimate the risk to Cambodian consumers from acquiring salmonellosis after consuming chicken and pork salad, using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Chicken and pork salads are typical Cambodian dishes containing raw vegetables and boiled chicken meat or pork. As previously described, chicken meat and pork samples (n = 204 of each) were collected from traditional markets in 25 Cambodian provinces to generate data on Salmonella contamination. Salad preparation and consumption practices were surveyed in 93 Cambodian households and this information was used to design an experiment to assess Salmonella cross-contamination from raw meat to ready-to-eat salad. In the part of the study reported here, data on consumption, Salmonella in salad, dose-response, and predicted salmonellosis were modeled using Monte Carlo simulations at 10,000 iterations. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork were set to 42.6 and 45.1%, respectively, with average most probable number (MPN) per gram of Salmonella in chicken meat was 10.6 and in pork 11.1 MPN/g, based on an earlier study. Half of the interviewed households cooked meat for the salad directly after purchase. The QMRA model showed that the modeled annual risk of salmonellosis from consuming chicken salad, pork salad and both chicken and pork salad were 11.1% probability of illness per person per year (90% CI 0.0-35.1), 4.0% (90% CI 0.0-21.3), and 14.5% (90% CI 0.0-33.5), respectively. The factors most influencing the estimate were cross-contamination while preparing the salad, followed by the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork at the market. The wide confidence interval for the incidence was mainly due to the variability in reducing bacteria concentration by cooking and salad consumption. The predicted risk of salmonellosis due to chicken and pork salad consumption is

Salmonella is a globally important foodborne bacterial pathogen that poses a high risk to human health. This study aimed to estimate the risk to Cambodian consumers from acquiring salmonellosis after consuming chicken and pork salad, using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Chicken and pork salads are typical Cambodian dishes containing raw vegetables and boiled chicken meat or pork. As previously described, chicken meat and pork samples (n = 204 of each) were collected from traditional markets in 25 Cambodian provinces to generate data on Salmonella contamination. Salad preparation and consumption practices were surveyed in 93 Cambodian households and this information was used to design an experiment to assess Salmonella cross-contamination from raw meat to ready-to-eat salad. In the part of the study reported here, data on consumption, Salmonella in salad, dose-response, and predicted salmonellosis were modeled using Monte Carlo simulations at 10,000 iterations. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork were set to 42.6 and 45.1%, respectively, with average most probable number (MPN) per gram of Salmonella in chicken meat was 10.6 and in pork 11.1 MPN/g, based on an earlier study. Half of the interviewed households cooked meat for the salad directly after purchase. The QMRA model showed that the modeled annual risk of salmonellosis from consuming chicken salad, pork salad and both chicken and pork salad were 11.1% probability of illness per person per year (90% CI 0.0-35.1), 4.0% (90% CI 0.0-21.3), and 14.5% (90% CI 0.0-33.5), respectively. The factors most influencing the estimate were cross-contamination while preparing the salad, followed by the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork at the market. The wide confidence interval for the incidence was mainly due to the variability in reducing bacteria concentration by cooking and salad consumption. The predicted risk of salmonellosis due to chicken and pork salad consumption is

Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common foodborne bacteria in animal-source foods (ASF) that cause illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus in chicken meat and pork in markets in Cambodia. Sampling was done in 52 traditional markets and 6 supermarkets in 25 provinces of Cambodia between October 2018 and August 2019. In total, 532 samples were obtained: chicken meat and pork (n = 408, 204 of each), chicken and pork cutting board swabs (n = 124, 62 of each). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) were counted, and a subset of samples was also analyzed for the most probable number (MPN, n = 136) of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were 42.1% (224/532) and 29.1% (155/532), respectively, with 14.7% (78/532) of samples containing both bacteria. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat was 42.6%, on chicken cutting board it was 41.9%, on pork it was 45.1%, and the pork cutting board 30.6%. Chicken meat had a significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher prevalence of S. aureus, 38.2%, compared to the chicken cutting board, 17.7%, pork 28.9%, and pork cutting board 11.3%. Mean MPN-Salmonella was 10.6 MPN/g in chicken and 11.1 MPN/g in pork samples. Average Log CFU/g of CPS in chicken and pork samples were 2.6 and 2.5, respectively. The results indicate that chicken meat and pork in Cambodia were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. and S. aureus, posing risks to consumers’ health. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Cambodian markets.

Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common foodborne bacteria in animal-source foods (ASF) that cause illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus in chicken meat and pork in markets in Cambodia. Sampling was done in 52 traditional markets and 6 supermarkets in 25 provinces of Cambodia between October 2018 and August 2019. In total, 532 samples were obtained: chicken meat and pork (n = 408, 204 of each), chicken and pork cutting board swabs (n = 124, 62 of each). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) were counted, and a subset of samples was also analyzed for the most probable number (MPN, n = 136) of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were 42.1% (224/532) and 29.1% (155/532), respectively, with 14.7% (78/532) of samples containing both bacteria. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat was 42.6%, on chicken cutting board it was 41.9%, on pork it was 45.1%, and the pork cutting board 30.6%. Chicken meat had a significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher prevalence of S. aureus, 38.2%, compared to the chicken cutting board, 17.7%, pork 28.9%, and pork cutting board 11.3%. Mean MPN-Salmonella was 10.6 MPN/g in chicken and 11.1 MPN/g in pork samples. Average Log CFU/g of CPS in chicken and pork samples were 2.6 and 2.5, respectively. The results indicate that chicken meat and pork in Cambodia were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. and S. aureus, posing risks to consumers’ health. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Cambodian markets.

Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common foodborne bacteria in animal-source foods (ASF) that cause illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus in chicken meat and pork in markets in Cambodia. Sampling was done in 52 traditional markets and 6 supermarkets in 25 provinces of Cambodia between October 2018 and August 2019. In total, 532 samples were obtained: chicken meat and pork (n = 408, 204 of each), chicken and pork cutting board swabs (n = 124, 62 of each). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) were counted, and a subset of samples was also analyzed for the most probable number (MPN, n = 136) of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were 42.1% (224/532) and 29.1% (155/532), respectively, with 14.7% (78/532) of samples containing both bacteria. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat was 42.6%, on chicken cutting board it was 41.9%, on pork it was 45.1%, and the pork cutting board 30.6%. Chicken meat had a significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher prevalence of S. aureus, 38.2%, compared to the chicken cutting board, 17.7%, pork 28.9%, and pork cutting board 11.3%. Mean MPN-Salmonella was 10.6 MPN/g in chicken and 11.1 MPN/g in pork samples. Average Log CFU/g of CPS in chicken and pork samples were 2.6 and 2.5, respectively. The results indicate that chicken meat and pork in Cambodia were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. and S. aureus, posing risks to consumers’ health. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Cambodian markets.

Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common foodborne bacteria in animal-source foods (ASF) that cause illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus in chicken meat and pork in markets in Cambodia. Sampling was done in 52 traditional markets and 6 supermarkets in 25 provinces of Cambodia between October 2018 and August 2019. In total, 532 samples were obtained: chicken meat and pork (n = 408, 204 of each), chicken and pork cutting board swabs (n = 124, 62 of each). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) were counted, and a subset of samples was also analyzed for the most probable number (MPN, n = 136) of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were 42.1% (224/532) and 29.1% (155/532), respectively, with 14.7% (78/532) of samples containing both bacteria. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat was 42.6%, on chicken cutting board it was 41.9%, on pork it was 45.1%, and the pork cutting board 30.6%. Chicken meat had a significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher prevalence of S. aureus, 38.2%, compared to the chicken cutting board, 17.7%, pork 28.9%, and pork cutting board 11.3%. Mean MPN-Salmonella was 10.6 MPN/g in chicken and 11.1 MPN/g in pork samples. Average Log CFU/g of CPS in chicken and pork samples were 2.6 and 2.5, respectively. The results indicate that chicken meat and pork in Cambodia were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. and S. aureus, posing risks to consumers’ health. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Cambodian markets.

Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common foodborne bacteria in animal-source foods (ASF) that cause illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus in chicken meat and pork in markets in Cambodia. Sampling was done in 52 traditional markets and 6 supermarkets in 25 provinces of Cambodia between October 2018 and August 2019. In total, 532 samples were obtained: chicken meat and pork (n = 408, 204 of each), chicken and pork cutting board swabs (n = 124, 62 of each). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) were counted, and a subset of samples was also analyzed for the most probable number (MPN, n = 136) of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were 42.1% (224/532) and 29.1% (155/532), respectively, with 14.7% (78/532) of samples containing both bacteria. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat was 42.6%, on chicken cutting board it was 41.9%, on pork it was 45.1%, and the pork cutting board 30.6%. Chicken meat had a significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher prevalence of S. aureus, 38.2%, compared to the chicken cutting board, 17.7%, pork 28.9%, and pork cutting board 11.3%. Mean MPN-Salmonella was 10.6 MPN/g in chicken and 11.1 MPN/g in pork samples. Average Log CFU/g of CPS in chicken and pork samples were 2.6 and 2.5, respectively. The results indicate that chicken meat and pork in Cambodia were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. and S. aureus, posing risks to consumers’ health. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Cambodian markets.

Background: General knowledge on climate change effects and adaptation strategies has increased significantly in recent years. However, there is still a substantial information gap regarding the influence of climate change on infectious diseases and how these diseases should be identified. From a One Health perspective, zoonotic infections are of particular concern. The climate in Northern regions is changing faster than the global average. This study sought to identify climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIs) of relevance for humans and/or animals living in Northern regions. Inclusion criteria for CSIs were constructed using expert assessments. Based on these principles, 37 potential CSIs relevant for Northern regions were identified. A systematic literature search was performed in three databases using an explicit stepwise approach to determine whether the literature supports selection of these 37 potential CSIs. Results: In total, 1275 nominated abstracts were read and categorised using predefined criteria. Results showed that arthropod vector-borne diseases in particular are recognised as having potential to expand their distribution towards Northern latitudes and that tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis, midge-borne bluetongue and the parasitic infection fasciolosis can be classified as climate-sensitive. Many of the other potential CSIs considered are affected by extreme weather events, but could not be clearly classified as climate-sensitive. An additional literature search comparing awareness of climate influences on potential CSIs between 1997-2006 and 2007-2016 showed an increase in the number of papers mentioning effects of climate change. Conclusions: The four CSIs identified in this study could be targeted in a systematic surveillance programme in Northern regions. It is evident that climate change can affect the epidemiology and geographical range of many infectious diseases, but there were difficulties in identifying additional CSIs, most like

Background: General knowledge on climate change effects and adaptation strategies has increased significantly in recent years. However, there is still a substantial information gap regarding the influence of climate change on infectious diseases and how these diseases should be identified. From a One Health perspective, zoonotic infections are of particular concern. The climate in Northern regions is changing faster than the global average. This study sought to identify climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIs) of relevance for humans and/or animals living in Northern regions. Inclusion criteria for CSIs were constructed using expert assessments. Based on these principles, 37 potential CSIs relevant for Northern regions were identified. A systematic literature search was performed in three databases using an explicit stepwise approach to determine whether the literature supports selection of these 37 potential CSIs. Results: In total, 1275 nominated abstracts were read and categorised using predefined criteria. Results showed that arthropod vector-borne diseases in particular are recognised as having potential to expand their distribution towards Northern latitudes and that tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis, midge-borne bluetongue and the parasitic infection fasciolosis can be classified as climate-sensitive. Many of the other potential CSIs considered are affected by extreme weather events, but could not be clearly classified as climate-sensitive. An additional literature search comparing awareness of climate influences on potential CSIs between 1997-2006 and 2007-2016 showed an increase in the number of papers mentioning effects of climate change. Conclusions: The four CSIs identified in this study could be targeted in a systematic surveillance programme in Northern regions. It is evident that climate change can affect the epidemiology and geographical range of many infectious diseases, but there were difficulties in identifying additional CSIs, most like

Background: General knowledge on climate change effects and adaptation strategies has increased significantly in recent years. However, there is still a substantial information gap regarding the influence of climate change on infectious diseases and how these diseases should be identified. From a One Health perspective, zoonotic infections are of particular concern. The climate in Northern regions is changing faster than the global average. This study sought to identify climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIs) of relevance for humans and/or animals living in Northern regions. Inclusion criteria for CSIs were constructed using expert assessments. Based on these principles, 37 potential CSIs relevant for Northern regions were identified. A systematic literature search was performed in three databases using an explicit stepwise approach to determine whether the literature supports selection of these 37 potential CSIs. Results: In total, 1275 nominated abstracts were read and categorised using predefined criteria. Results showed that arthropod vector-borne diseases in particular are recognised as having potential to expand their distribution towards Northern latitudes and that tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis, midge-borne bluetongue and the parasitic infection fasciolosis can be classified as climate-sensitive. Many of the other potential CSIs considered are affected by extreme weather events, but could not be clearly classified as climate-sensitive. An additional literature search comparing awareness of climate influences on potential CSIs between 1997-2006 and 2007-2016 showed an increase in the number of papers mentioning effects of climate change. Conclusions: The four CSIs identified in this study could be targeted in a systematic surveillance programme in Northern regions. It is evident that climate change can affect the epidemiology and geographical range of many infectious diseases, but there were difficulties in identifying additional CSIs, most like

Background: General knowledge on climate change effects and adaptation strategies has increased significantly in recent years. However, there is still a substantial information gap regarding the influence of climate change on infectious diseases and how these diseases should be identified. From a One Health perspective, zoonotic infections are of particular concern. The climate in Northern regions is changing faster than the global average. This study sought to identify climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIs) of relevance for humans and/or animals living in Northern regions. Inclusion criteria for CSIs were constructed using expert assessments. Based on these principles, 37 potential CSIs relevant for Northern regions were identified. A systematic literature search was performed in three databases using an explicit stepwise approach to determine whether the literature supports selection of these 37 potential CSIs. Results: In total, 1275 nominated abstracts were read and categorised using predefined criteria. Results showed that arthropod vector-borne diseases in particular are recognised as having potential to expand their distribution towards Northern latitudes and that tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis, midge-borne bluetongue and the parasitic infection fasciolosis can be classified as climate-sensitive. Many of the other potential CSIs considered are affected by extreme weather events, but could not be clearly classified as climate-sensitive. An additional literature search comparing awareness of climate influences on potential CSIs between 1997-2006 and 2007-2016 showed an increase in the number of papers mentioning effects of climate change. Conclusions: The four CSIs identified in this study could be targeted in a systematic surveillance programme in Northern regions. It is evident that climate change can affect the epidemiology and geographical range of many infectious diseases, but there were difficulties in identifying additional CSIs, most like

Background: General knowledge on climate change effects and adaptation strategies has increased significantly in recent years. However, there is still a substantial information gap regarding the influence of climate change on infectious diseases and how these diseases should be identified. From a One Health perspective, zoonotic infections are of particular concern. The climate in Northern regions is changing faster than the global average. This study sought to identify climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIs) of relevance for humans and/or animals living in Northern regions. Inclusion criteria for CSIs were constructed using expert assessments. Based on these principles, 37 potential CSIs relevant for Northern regions were identified. A systematic literature search was performed in three databases using an explicit stepwise approach to determine whether the literature supports selection of these 37 potential CSIs. Results: In total, 1275 nominated abstracts were read and categorised using predefined criteria. Results showed that arthropod vector-borne diseases in particular are recognised as having potential to expand their distribution towards Northern latitudes and that tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis, midge-borne bluetongue and the parasitic infection fasciolosis can be classified as climate-sensitive. Many of the other potential CSIs considered are affected by extreme weather events, but could not be clearly classified as climate-sensitive. An additional literature search comparing awareness of climate influences on potential CSIs between 1997-2006 and 2007-2016 showed an increase in the number of papers mentioning effects of climate change. Conclusions: The four CSIs identified in this study could be targeted in a systematic surveillance programme in Northern regions. It is evident that climate change can affect the epidemiology and geographical range of many infectious diseases, but there were difficulties in identifying additional CSIs, most like

Agriculture in low- and middle-income countries faces considerable challenges, ranging from increased food demand to climate change impacts, with rapidly evolving scope and complexity. At the same time, the opportunities to address these challenges are significant, which brings optimism that efforts in agricultural research can succeed. One major barrier, however, threatens to inhibit the impacts of agricultural research: the low level of gender equity in low- and middle-income countries. This is problematic on many levels and across entire crop and livestock value chains, all the way to landscape management., ContentsForewordGender dimensions of formal and informal land tenure systems in South Asia and sub--Saharan Africa by Srilata Sircar and Agnes Andersson-DjurfeldtWomen and food production in multifunctional landscapes by Lisa Westholm and Madelene OstwaldGender and sustainable intensification practises in smallholder crop production by Johanna Wetterlind, Jonna Wiklund and Håkan MarstorpGender research in relation to livestock production by Sofia Boqvist, Sofia Förster, Daovy Kongmanila, Maria Nassuna-Musoke and Ulf MagnussonConcluding remarks and future research needs

Det är vida känt att psykisk ohälsa är ett aktuellt och ökande problem. Däremot finns det en grupp människor som är starkt knutna till detta fenomen, men som inte uppmärksammas - de anhöriga. Denna kvalitativa och fenomenologiska studie ämnar att skildra hur det är att vara anhörig/informell vårdgivare till någon med psykisk ohälsa, vilka förväntningar de har på sig, samt hur de upplever samhällets stöd. Utifrån teorin om roller och stigma intervjuades tio anhöriga runt om i Sverige för att besvara studiens syfte och frågeställningar. Under analysen uppstod sju teman: upplevelse av vardag, att stötta den närstående, påverkan på den anhörige, roll, eget stöd, omgivningens bemötande och nöjdhet med stöd. Resultatet åskådliggjorde att deras vardag begränsas och att de kunde uppleva oro, skam/skuld, utmattning och bristande aptit. Vidare tar de mycket ansvar och stöttar sina närstående genom samtal och fysisk närvaro. Bemötandet från omgivningen var mestadels positivt, men även negativt. De anhöriga hade också flera självhjälpsstrategier, varav några fick stöd från vänner och/eller sökte hjälp av vården. Det samhälleliga stödet var både bra och dåligt. Slutsatsen är att det är mycket jobbigt att vara anhörig och vården behöver göra mer för dem än vad de gör nu., It is widely known that mental illness is a current and growing problem. There is however a group of people who are strongly connected to this phenomenon that do not receive enough attention - the relatives. This qualitative and phenomenological study aims to describe what it is like to be a relative/informal caregiver to someone with a mental illness, which expectations they have on them and how they perceive the support from society. Ten relatives from Sweden were interviewed to answer the purpose of the study and the research questions. During the analysis seven themes emerged: experience of the situation, to support the dependant, impact on the relative, role, own support, the treatment from others and satisfaction with the support. The result revealed that the relatives’ every-day life becomes restricted and that they could experience worry, shame/guilt, exhaustion and a loss of appetite. They also take a lot of responsibility and support their dependants through dialogues and being there. The treatment from others is mostly positive but it can also be negative. The relatives also have several self-help strategies, where some get support from friends and/or seeks help from the health care. The social support is both satisfactory and dissatisfactory. The conclusion is that it is very burdensome to be a relative, and that the healthcare should do more for them than they are currently doing.

Agriculture in low- and middle-income countries faces considerable challenges, ranging from increased food demand to climate change impacts, with rapidly evolving scope and complexity. At the same time, the opportunities to address these challenges are significant, which brings optimism that efforts in agricultural research can succeed. One major barrier, however, threatens to inhibit the impacts of agricultural research: the low level of gender equity in low- and middle-income countries. This is problematic on many levels and across entire crop and livestock value chains, all the way to landscape management., ContentsForewordGender dimensions of formal and informal land tenure systems in South Asia and sub--Saharan Africa by Srilata Sircar and Agnes Andersson-DjurfeldtWomen and food production in multifunctional landscapes by Lisa Westholm and Madelene OstwaldGender and sustainable intensification practises in smallholder crop production by Johanna Wetterlind, Jonna Wiklund and Håkan MarstorpGender research in relation to livestock production by Sofia Boqvist, Sofia Förster, Daovy Kongmanila, Maria Nassuna-Musoke and Ulf MagnussonConcluding remarks and future research needs

Agriculture in low- and middle-income countries faces considerable challenges, ranging from increased food demand to climate change impacts, with rapidly evolving scope and complexity. At the same time, the opportunities to address these challenges are significant, which brings optimism that efforts in agricultural research can succeed. One major barrier, however, threatens to inhibit the impacts of agricultural research: the low level of gender equity in low- and middle-income countries. This is problematic on many levels and across entire crop and livestock value chains, all the way to landscape management., ContentsForewordGender dimensions of formal and informal land tenure systems in South Asia and sub--Saharan Africa by Srilata Sircar and Agnes Andersson-DjurfeldtWomen and food production in multifunctional landscapes by Lisa Westholm and Madelene OstwaldGender and sustainable intensification practises in smallholder crop production by Johanna Wetterlind, Jonna Wiklund and Håkan MarstorpGender research in relation to livestock production by Sofia Boqvist, Sofia Förster, Daovy Kongmanila, Maria Nassuna-Musoke and Ulf MagnussonConcluding remarks and future research needs

Agriculture in low- and middle-income countries faces considerable challenges, ranging from increased food demand to climate change impacts, with rapidly evolving scope and complexity. At the same time, the opportunities to address these challenges are significant, which brings optimism that efforts in agricultural research can succeed. One major barrier, however, threatens to inhibit the impacts of agricultural research: the low level of gender equity in low- and middle-income countries. This is problematic on many levels and across entire crop and livestock value chains, all the way to landscape management., ContentsForewordGender dimensions of formal and informal land tenure systems in South Asia and sub--Saharan Africa by Srilata Sircar and Agnes Andersson-DjurfeldtWomen and food production in multifunctional landscapes by Lisa Westholm and Madelene OstwaldGender and sustainable intensification practises in smallholder crop production by Johanna Wetterlind, Jonna Wiklund and Håkan MarstorpGender research in relation to livestock production by Sofia Boqvist, Sofia Förster, Daovy Kongmanila, Maria Nassuna-Musoke and Ulf MagnussonConcluding remarks and future research needs

Det är vida känt att psykisk ohälsa är ett aktuellt och ökande problem. Däremot finns det en grupp människor som är starkt knutna till detta fenomen, men som inte uppmärksammas - de anhöriga. Denna kvalitativa och fenomenologiska studie ämnar att skildra hur det är att vara anhörig/informell vårdgivare till någon med psykisk ohälsa, vilka förväntningar de har på sig, samt hur de upplever samhällets stöd. Utifrån teorin om roller och stigma intervjuades tio anhöriga runt om i Sverige för att besvara studiens syfte och frågeställningar. Under analysen uppstod sju teman: upplevelse av vardag, att stötta den närstående, påverkan på den anhörige, roll, eget stöd, omgivningens bemötande och nöjdhet med stöd. Resultatet åskådliggjorde att deras vardag begränsas och att de kunde uppleva oro, skam/skuld, utmattning och bristande aptit. Vidare tar de mycket ansvar och stöttar sina närstående genom samtal och fysisk närvaro. Bemötandet från omgivningen var mestadels positivt, men även negativt. De anhöriga hade också flera självhjälpsstrategier, varav några fick stöd från vänner och/eller sökte hjälp av vården. Det samhälleliga stödet var både bra och dåligt. Slutsatsen är att det är mycket jobbigt att vara anhörig och vården behöver göra mer för dem än vad de gör nu., It is widely known that mental illness is a current and growing problem. There is however a group of people who are strongly connected to this phenomenon that do not receive enough attention - the relatives. This qualitative and phenomenological study aims to describe what it is like to be a relative/informal caregiver to someone with a mental illness, which expectations they have on them and how they perceive the support from society. Ten relatives from Sweden were interviewed to answer the purpose of the study and the research questions. During the analysis seven themes emerged: experience of the situation, to support the dependant, impact on the relative, role, own support, the treatment from others and satisfaction with the support. The result revealed that the relatives’ every-day life becomes restricted and that they could experience worry, shame/guilt, exhaustion and a loss of appetite. They also take a lot of responsibility and support their dependants through dialogues and being there. The treatment from others is mostly positive but it can also be negative. The relatives also have several self-help strategies, where some get support from friends and/or seeks help from the health care. The social support is both satisfactory and dissatisfactory. The conclusion is that it is very burdensome to be a relative, and that the healthcare should do more for them than they are currently doing.

Agriculture in low- and middle-income countries faces considerable challenges, ranging from increased food demand to climate change impacts, with rapidly evolving scope and complexity. At the same time, the opportunities to address these challenges are significant, which brings optimism that efforts in agricultural research can succeed. One major barrier, however, threatens to inhibit the impacts of agricultural research: the low level of gender equity in low- and middle-income countries. This is problematic on many levels and across entire crop and livestock value chains, all the way to landscape management., ContentsForewordGender dimensions of formal and informal land tenure systems in South Asia and sub--Saharan Africa by Srilata Sircar and Agnes Andersson-DjurfeldtWomen and food production in multifunctional landscapes by Lisa Westholm and Madelene OstwaldGender and sustainable intensification practises in smallholder crop production by Johanna Wetterlind, Jonna Wiklund and Håkan MarstorpGender research in relation to livestock production by Sofia Boqvist, Sofia Förster, Daovy Kongmanila, Maria Nassuna-Musoke and Ulf MagnussonConcluding remarks and future research needs

Introduction: Ready-to-eat (RTE) leafy vegetables have a natural leaf microbiota that changes during different processing and handling steps from farm to fork. The objectives of this study were (i) to compare the microbiota of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad before and after seven days of storage at 8°C or 15°C; (ii) to explore associations between bacterial communities and the foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica, and pathogen model organism Escherichia coli O157:H7 gfp+ when experimentally inoculated into the salads before storage; and (iii) to investigate if bacterial pathogens may be detected in the 16S rRNA amplicon dataset. Material and methods: The microbiota was studied by means of Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Subsets of samples were inoculated with low numbers (50-100 CFU g(-1)) of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica or L. monocytogenes before storage. Results and discussion: The composition of bacterial communities changed during storage of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad, with Pseudomonadales as the most abundant order across all samples. Although pathogens were present at high viable counts in some samples, they were only detected in the community-wide dataset in samples where they represented approximately 10% of total viable counts. Positive correlations were identified between viable counts of inoculated strains and the abundance of Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Bacillales, pointing to positive interactions or similar environmental driver variables that may make it feasible to use such bacterial lineages as indicators of microbial health hazards in leafy vegetables. The data from this study contribute to a better understanding of the bacteria present in RTE salads and may help when developing new types of biocontrol agents.

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonoses globally, and Central Asia remains a Brucella hotspot. The World Health Organization classifies brucellosis as a neglected zoonotic disease that is rarely in the spotlight for research and mainly affects poor, marginalized people. Urban and peri-urban farming is a common practice in many low-income countries, and it increases the incomes of families that are often restrained by limited economic resources. However, there is a concern that the growing number of people and livestock living close together in these areas will increase the transmission of zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella. This study investigates the presence of Brucella DNA in bovine milk in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Brucella DNA was detected in 10.3% of 564 cow milk samples by IS711-based real-time PCR. This finding is concerning because consumption of unpasteurized dairy products is common in the region. Furthermore, Brucella DNA was detected in the milk of all seropositive cows, but 8.3% of the seronegative cows also showed the presence of Brucella DNA. In addition, sequence analysis of the rpoB gene suggests that one cow was infected with B. abortus and another cow was most likely infected with B. melitensis. The discrepancies between the serology and real-time PCR results highlight the need to further investigate whether there is a need for implementing complementary diagnostic strategies to detect false serological negative individuals in Brucella surveillance, control, and eradication programmes. Furthermore, vaccination of cattle with S19 in addition to vaccination of small ruminants with Rev 1 might be needed in order to control Brucella infections in the livestock population but further research focusing on the isolation of Brucella is required to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the Brucella spp. circulating among the livestock in this region.

Introduction: Ready-to-eat (RTE) leafy vegetables have a natural leaf microbiota that changes during different processing and handling steps from farm to fork. The objectives of this study were (i) to compare the microbiota of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad before and after seven days of storage at 8°C or 15°C; (ii) to explore associations between bacterial communities and the foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica, and pathogen model organism Escherichia coli O157:H7 gfp+ when experimentally inoculated into the salads before storage; and (iii) to investigate if bacterial pathogens may be detected in the 16S rRNA amplicon dataset. Material and methods: The microbiota was studied by means of Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Subsets of samples were inoculated with low numbers (50-100 CFU g(-1)) of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica or L. monocytogenes before storage. Results and discussion: The composition of bacterial communities changed during storage of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad, with Pseudomonadales as the most abundant order across all samples. Although pathogens were present at high viable counts in some samples, they were only detected in the community-wide dataset in samples where they represented approximately 10% of total viable counts. Positive correlations were identified between viable counts of inoculated strains and the abundance of Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Bacillales, pointing to positive interactions or similar environmental driver variables that may make it feasible to use such bacterial lineages as indicators of microbial health hazards in leafy vegetables. The data from this study contribute to a better understanding of the bacteria present in RTE salads and may help when developing new types of biocontrol agents.

Introduction: Ready-to-eat (RTE) leafy vegetables have a natural leaf microbiota that changes during different processing and handling steps from farm to fork. The objectives of this study were (i) to compare the microbiota of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad before and after seven days of storage at 8°C or 15°C; (ii) to explore associations between bacterial communities and the foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica, and pathogen model organism Escherichia coli O157:H7 gfp+ when experimentally inoculated into the salads before storage; and (iii) to investigate if bacterial pathogens may be detected in the 16S rRNA amplicon dataset. Material and methods: The microbiota was studied by means of Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Subsets of samples were inoculated with low numbers (50-100 CFU g(-1)) of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica or L. monocytogenes before storage. Results and discussion: The composition of bacterial communities changed during storage of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad, with Pseudomonadales as the most abundant order across all samples. Although pathogens were present at high viable counts in some samples, they were only detected in the community-wide dataset in samples where they represented approximately 10% of total viable counts. Positive correlations were identified between viable counts of inoculated strains and the abundance of Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Bacillales, pointing to positive interactions or similar environmental driver variables that may make it feasible to use such bacterial lineages as indicators of microbial health hazards in leafy vegetables. The data from this study contribute to a better understanding of the bacteria present in RTE salads and may help when developing new types of biocontrol agents.

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonoses globally, and Central Asia remains a Brucella hotspot. The World Health Organization classifies brucellosis as a neglected zoonotic disease that is rarely in the spotlight for research and mainly affects poor, marginalized people. Urban and peri-urban farming is a common practice in many low-income countries, and it increases the incomes of families that are often restrained by limited economic resources. However, there is a concern that the growing number of people and livestock living close together in these areas will increase the transmission of zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella. This study investigates the presence of Brucella DNA in bovine milk in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Brucella DNA was detected in 10.3% of 564 cow milk samples by IS711-based real-time PCR. This finding is concerning because consumption of unpasteurized dairy products is common in the region. Furthermore, Brucella DNA was detected in the milk of all seropositive cows, but 8.3% of the seronegative cows also showed the presence of Brucella DNA. In addition, sequence analysis of the rpoB gene suggests that one cow was infected with B. abortus and another cow was most likely infected with B. melitensis. The discrepancies between the serology and real-time PCR results highlight the need to further investigate whether there is a need for implementing complementary diagnostic strategies to detect false serological negative individuals in Brucella surveillance, control, and eradication programmes. Furthermore, vaccination of cattle with S19 in addition to vaccination of small ruminants with Rev 1 might be needed in order to control Brucella infections in the livestock population but further research focusing on the isolation of Brucella is required to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the Brucella spp. circulating among the livestock in this region.

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonoses globally, and Central Asia remains a Brucella hotspot. The World Health Organization classifies brucellosis as a neglected zoonotic disease that is rarely in the spotlight for research and mainly affects poor, marginalized people. Urban and peri-urban farming is a common practice in many low-income countries, and it increases the incomes of families that are often restrained by limited economic resources. However, there is a concern that the growing number of people and livestock living close together in these areas will increase the transmission of zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella. This study investigates the presence of Brucella DNA in bovine milk in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Brucella DNA was detected in 10.3% of 564 cow milk samples by IS711-based real-time PCR. This finding is concerning because consumption of unpasteurized dairy products is common in the region. Furthermore, Brucella DNA was detected in the milk of all seropositive cows, but 8.3% of the seronegative cows also showed the presence of Brucella DNA. In addition, sequence analysis of the rpoB gene suggests that one cow was infected with B. abortus and another cow was most likely infected with B. melitensis. The discrepancies between the serology and real-time PCR results highlight the need to further investigate whether there is a need for implementing complementary diagnostic strategies to detect false serological negative individuals in Brucella surveillance, control, and eradication programmes. Furthermore, vaccination of cattle with S19 in addition to vaccination of small ruminants with Rev 1 might be needed in order to control Brucella infections in the livestock population but further research focusing on the isolation of Brucella is required to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the Brucella spp. circulating among the livestock in this region.

Introduction: Ready-to-eat (RTE) leafy vegetables have a natural leaf microbiota that changes during different processing and handling steps from farm to fork. The objectives of this study were (i) to compare the microbiota of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad before and after seven days of storage at 8°C or 15°C; (ii) to explore associations between bacterial communities and the foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica, and pathogen model organism Escherichia coli O157:H7 gfp+ when experimentally inoculated into the salads before storage; and (iii) to investigate if bacterial pathogens may be detected in the 16S rRNA amplicon dataset. Material and methods: The microbiota was studied by means of Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Subsets of samples were inoculated with low numbers (50-100 CFU g(-1)) of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica or L. monocytogenes before storage. Results and discussion: The composition of bacterial communities changed during storage of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad, with Pseudomonadales as the most abundant order across all samples. Although pathogens were present at high viable counts in some samples, they were only detected in the community-wide dataset in samples where they represented approximately 10% of total viable counts. Positive correlations were identified between viable counts of inoculated strains and the abundance of Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Bacillales, pointing to positive interactions or similar environmental driver variables that may make it feasible to use such bacterial lineages as indicators of microbial health hazards in leafy vegetables. The data from this study contribute to a better understanding of the bacteria present in RTE salads and may help when developing new types of biocontrol agents.

Introduction: Ready-to-eat (RTE) leafy vegetables have a natural leaf microbiota that changes during different processing and handling steps from farm to fork. The objectives of this study were (i) to compare the microbiota of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad before and after seven days of storage at 8°C or 15°C; (ii) to explore associations between bacterial communities and the foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica, and pathogen model organism Escherichia coli O157:H7 gfp+ when experimentally inoculated into the salads before storage; and (iii) to investigate if bacterial pathogens may be detected in the 16S rRNA amplicon dataset. Material and methods: The microbiota was studied by means of Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Subsets of samples were inoculated with low numbers (50-100 CFU g(-1)) of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica or L. monocytogenes before storage. Results and discussion: The composition of bacterial communities changed during storage of RTE baby spinach and mixed-ingredient salad, with Pseudomonadales as the most abundant order across all samples. Although pathogens were present at high viable counts in some samples, they were only detected in the community-wide dataset in samples where they represented approximately 10% of total viable counts. Positive correlations were identified between viable counts of inoculated strains and the abundance of Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Bacillales, pointing to positive interactions or similar environmental driver variables that may make it feasible to use such bacterial lineages as indicators of microbial health hazards in leafy vegetables. The data from this study contribute to a better understanding of the bacteria present in RTE salads and may help when developing new types of biocontrol agents.