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One challenge for liver-directed gene therapy is sufficient vector delivery to the target tissue while minimizing loss of the applied vector dose to other tissues. Infusion via peripheral veins is the least invasive approach; however, it results in systemic diffusion and substantial vector dilution. Here, we describe a safe and minimally invasive method to deliver adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to the liver of small weaned pigs by ultrasound-guided percutaneous trans-hepatic portal vein injection. 4-week-old piglets were infused with ∼2.5×1014vector genomes comprising a dual-rAAV2/9 vector system with a split adenine base editor forin vivoinactivation ofPCSK9to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels. Animals had no signs of discomfort and tolerated the procedure well. However, despite 45% editing of the target site with the applied adenine base editor system in cultivated porcine cells, we only found low amounts of AAV vector genomes and neither detectable transgene-expression nor successful editing in the treated pig livers. We hypothesize that rapid proliferation of pig hepatocytes caused AAV vector dilution, leading to a loss of the vectors from the nucleus, and hence insufficient base editor protein expression for achieving detectable editing rates. Nonetheless, ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic injection to the portal vein is well-tolerated in piglets and has potential for human (neonate) application.

The aim of this study was to analyze antimicrobial usage (AMU) in fattening pig farms that took part in the SuisSano/Safety + Health Programme in Switzerland over the year 2020 and to discuss the potential for further improvement. Usage was examined according to the antimicrobial's class and indication for use, with emphasis on highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs).Data on AMU from 1411 farms, reported in an electronic treatment journal, was used. AMU was quantified through treatment incidence (TI) based on Swiss Defined Daily Doses (DDDch). Indication of use for each antimicrobial class was analyzed with particular focus on HPCIAs.The total TI of all antimicrobials used in the farms corresponds to 8.9 DDDch per 1000 pig-days at risk, of which HPCIAs represented 2.6 %. A total of 140 farms (9.9 %) partake in HPCIAs usage, with tylosin (73.8 % of total HPCIA TI) and colistin (22.8 % of total HPCIA TI) being the most frequently antimicrobials used. The most common indication for treatment with HPCIAs was gastrointestinal disorders (62.1 % of total HPCIA TI).This study shows that the efforts made in recent years to foster prudent use of antimicrobials and, especially HPCIAs in Swiss pig production, have been successful. Indeed, 90.1 % (1271 of 1411) of the farms did not use any HPCIAs over the year 2020. Of the recorded treatments, HPCIA's represented only 2.6 % of the total TIs used in fattening pigs. Since many farms do not use any HPCIAs, knowledge can be obtained from these farms to identify practices which can further reduce or even stop HPCIAs usage. Moreover, information concerning indications for HPCIAs usage provide input concerning where treatment options other than HPCIAs should be explored by both farmers and veterinarians.Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, den Einsatz von Antibiotika in Schweinemastbeständen, die an den SuisSano und Safety + Gesundheitsprogrammen in der Schweiz teilgenommen haben, über das Jahr 2020 zu analysieren. Dabei sollte evaluiert werden, ob durch die Reduktion des Einsatzes in den letzten Jahren das Potenzial für Verbesserungen bereits ausgeschöpft wurde. Der Antibiotikaeinsatz wurde deshalb nach Wirkstoffklasse und Indikation analysiert, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf den kritischen Antibiotika (HPCIAs) lag.Es wurden Daten zum Antibiotikaverbrauch von 1411 Beständen verwendet. Die Daten wurden in einem elektronischen Behandlungsjournal erfasst. Der Antibiotikaverbrauch wurde aufgrund der Behandlungsinzidenz basierend auf den Schweizer Defined Daily Doses (DDDch) errechnet. Für jede antimikrobielle Wirkstoffklasse wurden die Indikationen für die Anwendung mit besonderem Fokus auf die HPCIAs analysiert.Die Behandlungsinzidenz aller in den Studienbeständen verwendeten Antibiotika entsprach 8.9 DDDch pro 1000 Mastschweinen pro Tag, wovon HPCIAs einen Anteil von 2,6 % ausmachten. Insgesamt 140 Bestände (9,9 %) verwendeten HPCIAs, wobei Tylosin (73,8 % der gesamten HPCIA-TI) und Colistin (22,8 % der gesamten HPCIA-TI) die am häufigsten verwendeten HPCIAs waren. Die häufigste Indikation für die Behandlung mit HPCIAs waren Erkrankungen des Magen-Darm-Traktes (62,1 %).Diese Studie zeigt, dass die in den letzten Jahren unternommenen Anstrengungen zur Förderung des umsichtigen Einsatzes von Antibiotika und insbesondere zur Reduktion von HPCIAs in der Schweizer Schweineproduktion erfolgreich waren. Ein Anteil von 90,1 % (1271 von 1411) der untersuchten Bestände hat im Jahr 2020 keine HPCIAs verwendet. Von den in den Studienbeständen erfassten Behandlungen machten HPCIAs nur 2,6 % der insgesamt eingesetzten Antibiotika aus.Da viele Bestände keine HPCIAs verwenden, können von diesen Beständen Erkenntnisse gewonnen werden, wie der Einsatz von HPCIAs weiter reduziert oder sogar beendet werden kann. Darüber hinaus liefern die Informationen über die Indikationen für den Einsatz von HPCIAs Hinweise darauf, in welchen Fällen Alternativen zum Einsatz von HPCIAs gesucht werden sollten.

In a proof of concept, PCV2-specific IgG-antibodies from testicular tissue fluid of seven-day-old castrated piglets were measured to verify the vaccination status of their mothers. Twelve randomly selected sows were vaccinated twice during the last third of gestation with a PCV2 vaccine, while ten controls received only adjuvant. PCV2- specific IgG-antibody titers of serum and colostrum from the sows were correlated with PCV2-specific IgG-antibody titers of serum and testicular tissue fluid of their castrated male offspring. Vaccinated sows showed significantly higher average PCV2-specific IgG-antibody titers in serum (29250 ELISA units, EU) and colostrum (65410 EU) compared to 980 EU and 2630 EU of the control group, respectively. Moreover, significantly higher average concentrations of antibodies were also measured in the serum (9362 EU vs. 247 EU) and the testicular tissue fluid (4022 EU vs. 354 EU) of piglets from vaccinated compared to piglets from adjuvant administered sows. Importantly, a strong linear correlation between PCV2-specific IgG-antibodies in the serum of the piglets and in their testicular tissue fluid was found (rs = 0.9148). PCV2-specific IgG-antibody titers of testicular tissue fluid from five randomly selected piglets allowed the determination of the vaccination status of the herd with a reliability of 98% for vaccinated and 73% for unvaccinated sows. Furthermore, using castration waste products is a very animal friendly method to replace painful and time-consuming blood samplings for herd monitoring or to verify vaccination status.In einem „proof of concept“ wurden PCV2-spezifische IgG-Antikörper in Hodengewebe-Flüssigkeit von sieben Tage alten, kastrierten Ferkeln zur Verifizierung des Impfstatus von Muttersauen gemessen. Zwölf zufällig ausgewählte Muttersauen wurde zweimal während des letzten Trächtigkeitsdrittels ein PCV2-Impfstoff und zehn Muttersauen zur Kontrolle nur Adjuvans appliziert. PCV2-spezifische Antikörpertiter von Serum und Kolostrum der Sauen wurde mit Serum und Hodengewebeflüssigkeit ihrer kastrierten Nachkommen verglichen. Geimpfte Sauen hatten mit 29250 ELISA- Units (EU) im Serum und 65410 EU im Kolostrum signifikant höhere PCV2 spezifische IgG-Antikörpertiter verglichen mit den Serum- (980 EU) respektive den Kolostrumtitern (2630 EU) der Kontrollsauen. Ferkel von geimpften Sauen wiesen mit 9362 EU im Serum und 4022 EU in der Hodengewebeflüssigkeit ebenfalls signifikant höhere Antikörper-Konzentrationen auf als Ferkel von Adjuvans behandelten Kontrollsauen, welche mit 247 EU im ­Serum und 354 EU in der Hodengewebeflüssigkeit aufwiesen. Es bestand eine hohe lineare Korrelation zwischen PCV2-spezifischen IgG- Antikörper Titern im Serum und den Titern in der Hodengewebeflüssigkeit (rs = 0,9148). Der Nachweis von PCV2-spezifischen IgG-Antikörper-Titern in der Hodengewebeflüssigkeit von fünf zufällig ausgewählten Ferkeln erlaubte eine korrekte Identifizierung des Impfstatus einer Herde mit einer Zuverlässigkeit von 98% bei den geimpften und 73% bei den nicht geimpften Sauen. Die Resultate zeigen, dass anstelle zeitaufwändiger und belastender Blutprobenentnahmen, Hodengewebe von kastrierten Ferkeln für Monitoringzwecke oder zur Feststellung des Impfstatus bei den Sauen verwendet werden könnte.Dans une preuve de concept, les anticorps IgG spécifiques au PCV2 provenant de liquide tissulaire testiculaire de porcelets castrés âgés de sept jours ont été mesurés pour vérifier le statut vaccinal de leur mère. Douze truies sélectionnées au hasard ont été vaccinées deux fois au cours du dernier tiers de la gestation avec un vaccin PCV2, tandis que dix témoins n’ont reçu que l’adjuvant. Les titres d’anticorps IgG spécifiques au PCV2 dans le sérum et le colostrum des truies étaient corrélés avec les titres d’anticorps IgG spécifiques au PCV2 dans le sérum et le liquide tissulaire testiculaire de leur progéniture mâle castrée. Les truies vaccinées ont montré des titres moyens d’anticorps IgG spécifiques au PCV2 significativement plus élevés dans le sérum (29250 unités ELISA, UE) et le colostrum (65410 UE) par rapport à respectivement 980 UE et 2630 UE dans le groupe témoin. De plus, des concentrations moyennes d’anticorps significativement plus élevées ont également été mesurées dans le sérum (9362 EU contre 247 EU) et le liquide tissulaire testiculaire (4022 EU contre 354 EU) de porcelets vaccinés par rapport aux porcelets de truies n’ayant reçu que l’adjuvant. Il est important de noter une forte corrélation linéaire entre les anticorps IgG spécifiques au PCV2 dans le sérum des porcelets et ceux présents dans leur liquide tissulaire testiculaire (rs = 0,9148). Les titres d’anticorps IgG spécifiques au PCV2 dans le liquide tissulaire testiculaire provenant de cinq porcelets sélectionnés au hasard ont permis de déterminer le statut vaccinal du troupeau avec une fiabilité de 98% pour les truies vaccinées et 73% pour les truies non vaccinées. De plus, l’utilisation de déchets de castration est une méthode très respectueuse des animaux pour remplacer les douloureux et longs prélèvements sanguins pour la surveillance du troupeau ou pour vérifier le statut vaccinal.Con una prova di fattibilità, sono stati calcolati gli anticorpi IgG specifici per PCV2 nel liquido testicolare del tessuto testicolare di suinetti di sette giorni castrati, per verificare lo stato di vaccinazione delle scrofe. Dodici scrofe selezionate a caso sono state vaccinate due volte durante l’ultimo trimestre di gestazione con PCV2, mentre dieci hanno ricevuto il solo coadiuvante. I titoli anticorpali specifici PCV2 del siero e del colostro delle scrofe sono stati comparati a quelli del siero e del liquido tissutale testicolare della loro discendenza maschile castrata. Con 29250 unità ELISA (EU) nel siero e 65410 EU nel colostro, le scrofe vaccinate avevano titoli anticorpali IgG specifici per PCV2 significativamente più elevati rispetto ai titoli sierici (980 EU) e del colostro (2630 EU) delle scrofe di controllo. I suinetti provenienti da scrofe vaccinate avevano concentrazioni di anticorpi significativamente più elevate con 9362 EU nel siero e 4022 EU nel liquido tissutale testicolare rispetto ai suinetti provenienti dalle scrofe di controllo trattate con coadiuvanti, che avevano 247 EU nel siero e 354 EU nel liquido tissutale testicolare. È importante notare che è stata trovata una forte correlazione lineare tra gli anticorpi IgG specifici per PCV2 nel siero dei suinetti e nel loro liquido tissutale testicolare (rs = 0,9148). I titoli di anticorpi IgG specifici per PCV2 del liquido tissutale testicolare di cinque suinetti selezionati a caso hanno permesso di determinare lo stato di vaccinazione della mandria con un’affidabilità del 98% per le scrofe vaccinate e del 73% per le scrofe non vaccinate. I risultati mostrano che invece di un campionamento del sangue lungo e doloroso, il tessuto tissutale testicolare dei suinetti castrati potrebbe essere utilizzato per il monitoraggio o per determinare lo stato di vaccinazione delle scrofe.

In recent years, Livestock Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) are found frequently in pigs. The colonization of the care staff with LA-MRSA is strongly associated with the intensity and duration of animal contact and LA-MRSA herd prevalence. In human medicine, staphylococcal infections have been controlled successfully by topical or systemic administration of Staphylococcus - associated bacteriophages. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of a bacteriophage cocktail on skin and mucosal colonization of pigs with MRSA in a pig farm with high MRSA prevalence. In a first experiment, the sows were washed with a bacteriophage cocktail and nose, mouth and vagina were rinsed before the sows were admitted to the farrowing house. Then, 10 ml of the bacteriophage cocktail was administered daily to the sows over the feed until weaning. The suckling piglets were sprayed and sampled twice a week during the suckling period and treated with the bacteriophage cocktail over the feed during the weaning period. In further experiments, the weaning room was nebulized three times a day with a bacteriophage cocktail and different concentrations of bacteriophages were added to the drinking water via Dosatron®. None of the experiments, however, showed an eradication of MRSA neither in nose nor in feces.Nutztier assoziierte Methicillin-resistente Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) werden in den letzten Jahren häufig bei Schweinen nachgewiesen. Die Kolonisation des Betreuungspersonals mit LA-MRSA korreliert stark mit der Intensität und der Dauer des Tierkontaktes sowie der LA-MRSA-Herdenprävalenz. In der Humanmedizin konnten Staphylokokken-Infektionen durch topische oder systemische Verabreichung von Staphylokokken-spezifischen Bakteriophagen erfolgreich bekämpft werden. Deshalb wurde in der vorliegenden Studie der Effekt des Einsatzes eines Bakteriophagencocktails auf die Besiedelung der Haut und Schleimhaut der Schweine mit MRSA in einem Schweinezuchtbetrieb mit hoher MRSA-Prävalenz untersucht. In einem ersten Versuch wurden die Sauen vor dem Einstallen in den Abferkelstall mit einem Staphylokokken-Bakteriophagencocktail gewaschen und Maul, Nase und Vagina gespült. Danach wurden 10 ml eines Phagencocktails den Sauen täglich bis zum Absetzen übers Futter verabreicht. Die Saugferkel wurden während der Säugezeit zweimal wöchentlich besprüht und beprobt und während der Absetzphase übers Futter mit dem Bakteriophagencocktail behandelt. In weiteren Versuchen wurde im Absetzraum dreimal täglich ein Bakteriophagencocktail vernebelt sowie die Bakteriophagen in verschiedenen Dosierungen zusätzlich via Dosatron® dem Tränkewasser zugefügt. In keinem der Versuche konnte eine Eradikation der MRSA in Nase oder Kot festgestellt werden.Au cours des dernières années, des Staphylococcus aureus résistant à la méthicilline associé au bétail (LA-MRSA) ont été fréquemment trouvés chez les porcs. La colonisation du personnel soignant par des LA-MRSA est fortement corrélée à l’intensité et à la durée du contact avec les animaux et à la prévalence de LA-MRSA dans le troupeau. En médecine humaine, les infections à staphylocoques ont été contrôlées avec succès par l’administration topique ou systémique de bactériophages associés à Staphylococcus. C’est pourquoi la présente étude a étudié l’effet d’un cocktail de bactériophages sur la colonisation de la peau et des muqueuses des porcs atteints de SARM dans une exploitation porcine à forte prévalence de SARM. Dans une première expérience, les truies ont été lavées avec un cocktail de bactériophages et le nez, la bouche et le vagin ont été rincés avant leur admission dans le local de mise bas. Ensuite, 10 ml du cocktail de bactériophages ont été administrés quotidiennement aux truies sur l’aliment jusqu’au sevrage. Les porcelets allaitants ont été pulvérisés et échantillonnés deux fois par semaine pendant la période d’allaitement et traités avec le cocktail de bactériophages sur l’aliment pendant la période de sevrage. Dans d’autres expériences, le local de sevrage a été nébulisée trois fois par jour avec un cocktail de bactériophages et différentes concentrations de bactériophages ont été ajoutées à l’eau de boisson via Dosatron®. Cependant, aucune des expériences n’a montré d’éradication du SARM ni dans le nez ni dans les fèces.Negli ultimi anni tra gli animali da reddito, lo Staphylococcus aureus resistente alla meticillina (LA-MRSA) era maggiormente presente nei suini. La colonizzazione del personale di custodia con LA-MRSA era strettamente correlata all’intensità e alla durata del contatto con gli animali e alla prevalenza della mandria con LA-MRSA. Nella medicina umana, le infezioni da stafilococco sono combattute con successo via la somministrazione topica o sistemica di batteriofagi specifici allo stafilococco. Per questo motivo nel presente studio si è voluto studiare l’effetto della somministrazione di un cocktail di batteriofagi sulla colonizzazione della pelle e delle mucose dei suini affetti da MSRA in un allevamento con un’alta prevalenza di MSRA. In un primo esperimento, alle scrofe è stato lavato la bocca, il naso e la vagina con un cocktail di batteriofagi per stafilococchi prima di entrare nel box per il parto. Dopodiché, le scrofe hanno ricevuto 10 ml di un cocktail di batteriofagi ogni giorno fino allo svezzamento tramite il mangime. I suinetti durante il periodo dell’allattamento sono stati spruzzati e testati ogni settimana per due volte con un cocktail di batteriofagi sul mangime. In altri esperimenti, un cocktail di batteriofagi è stato nebulizzato nella zona dello svezzamento tre volte al giorno e diverse concentrazioni di batteriofagi sono state addizionate all’acqua potabile via Dosatron®. In nessun esperimento è stato possibile rilevare un’eradicazione del MRSA nel naso o nelle feci.

Toxoplasma gondii-infected pigs play a major role as a source of infection for humans and detection of high-risk herds is essential to implement control measures at the farm level. The aim of this study was to determine whether oral fluid (OF) could be used as a matrix to detect antibodies against T. gondii in infected pigs by immunoblot (IB). For this, OF from experimentally inoculated sows (n = 8) (serial samples) and naturally exposed group-housed fatteners (n = 42 groups, one sample/group) were analysed for IgG and IgA against T. gondii-SAG1 antigen by IB. Simultaneously, each animal was serologically tested for anti-T. gondii IgG by ELISA. Specific IgG was detected in the sera of all inoculated sows from 2 to 3 weeks post inoculation (pi) and in 3.4 to 92% of the pigs in 13 out of 42 groups. Experimentally inoculated sows showed positive OF-IB results for IgA (100%) and IgG (87.5%) at 1.5 weeks pi and continued yielding positive results for IgA (87.5-75%) and IgG (50%) until 4 weeks pi; however, from 8 weeks pi the frequency of detection of both isotypes was lower, despite constantly positive IgG values in serum-ELISA. Interestingly, consecutive daily samplings for 4 days at 13 and 30 weeks pi showed inconsistent results for some sows, showing that the antibody concentration in OF is prone to timely variations. Pooled OF from groups with 91 and 92% of seropositive pigs yielded positive IB results for IgG and IgA. Fattener groups with ≤13% of seropositive pigs gave negative IB results to both isotypes. Our results showed that antibodies to T. gondii can be detected in OF from infected pigs, and that IgA seems to be a more adequate target than IgG. Although OF does not seem to be a robust matrix to assess the serological status for T. gondii in individual animals, this diagnostic approach represents an interesting non-invasive, low-cost and animal welfare friendly option as a screening method at the farm level to determine high exposure to T. gondii in the herd.

The increasing professionalization and the cost pressure on farms combined with a decreasing availability of veterinary expertise procures the demand for treatments and interventions performed by non-veterinarians. A current survey resulting in 56 responses of food animal practitioners showed that a majority delivered pour-on anthelmintics, drugs for oral application and ointments after respective instruction to farmers. Udder injectors, antimicrobials and vaccines were handled more restrictively, but even hormones were committed by more than half of the veterinarians to livestock owners. In respect to interventions, most practitioners supported that farmers perform functional foot trimming, administration of boli, inseminations, dehorning and castrations of calves. By contrast, many veterinarians refused that farmers apply intravenous injections, insert a trocar or treat sole ulcers. In respect to the future development, implications of non-veterinarian interventions on animal welfare, consumer protection and drug safety have to be considered. Indispensable are qualification and skills of the person performing interventions which can be acquired by certificated training courses. Moreover, a basic conception and taking responsibility in particular for application of veterinary drugs is mandatory - in this respect, at present marked deficits exist among many farmers. Based on the current legal situation, several interventions can be delegated to non-veterinarians, but the technical responsibility for the proper implementation is due to the veterinarian. This includes an evaluation of interventions and treatments on a regular basis together with the farmer. On this basis, the assessment of clinical symptoms as well as the initial treatment can be useful and appropriate to ensure a rapid therapy especially in animals suffering from factorial diseases. Having in mind profound differences in respect to the competence of non-veterinarians, general procedures to deliver drugs and to delegate interventions have to be rejected. Advanced diagnostic procedures and the prescription of veterinary drugs remain an exclusive mission of the veterinarian.Die fortschreitende Professionalisierung und der Kostendruck auf landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben führen in Verbindung mit einer zumindest regional abnehmenden Verfügbarkeit tierärztlicher Expertise zu der Forderung, dass Behandlungen und Eingriffe bei Nutztieren vermehrt auch durch Nicht-Tierärzte* vorgenommen werden dürfen. Eine aktuelle Umfrage mit Rückmeldungen von 56 Nutztierpraxen ergab, dass die Mehrheit Pour-on-Anthelmintika, oral zu verabreichende Präparate und Wundsalben an Tierhalter abgibt. Mit Euterinjektoren, Antibiotika und Impfstoffen wird restriktiver umgegangen, doch selbst Hormone werden nach Einweisung von mehr als der Hälfte der Tierärzte an Landwirte abgegeben. Hinsichtlich von Eingriffen befürwortete die Mehrzahl der Praktiker die Durchführung der funktionellen Klauenpflege, die Eingabe von Boli, das Enthornen von Kälbern, das Kastrieren sowie die Besamung durch Nicht-Tierärzte. Hingegen sprachen sich die meisten Praktiker dafür aus, dass intravenöse Injektionen, das Einsetzen eines Trokars sowie das Ausschneiden eines Klauengeschwürs ausschliesslich durch Tierärzte durchgeführt werden. Im Hinblick auf die zukünftige Entwicklung gilt es, die Implikationen für Tierschutz, Konsumentenschutz und Arzneimittelsicherheit zu berücksichtigen. Unabdingbar sind stets die Fähigkeit und Fertigkeit des Durchführenden, die an den Nachweis der Sachkunde gebunden sind. Zudem sind ein fachliches Grundverständnis und die Übernahme von Verantwortung insbesondere im Hinblick auf den Einsatz von Tierarzneimitteln notwendig. Zwar kann der Bestandestierarzt aufgrund der aktuellen Gesetzeslage durchaus Massnahmen delegieren, übernimmt dann jedoch die fachliche Verantwortung für die Qualität der jeweiligen Interventionen. Zudem erfordert das Delegieren zwingend die regelmässige retrospektive Auswertung der Art und Anzahl von Behandlungen, sowie gemäss Tierarzneimittelverordnung die Überwachung des korrekten Tierarzneimitteleinsatzes. Unter dieser Prämisse kann die Befunderhebung in einem klar definierten Rahmen unter Einhaltung der gesetzlichen Vorgaben mit anschliessender Erstbehandlung durch den Landwirt in der Praxis insbesondere bei Faktorenkrankheiten sinnvoll sein, um die schnellstmögliche Versorgung erkrankter Tiere sicherzustellen. Angesichts der erheblichen Unterschiede bzgl. der fachlichen Kompetenz unter Nicht-Tierärzten sind pauschale Regelungen abzulehnen. Die weiterführende Diagnostik sowie die Verschreibung von Tierarzneimitteln müssen grundsätzlich eine exklusive Aufgabe des Bestandestierarztes bleiben.La professionnalisation progressive et la pression des coûts sur les exploitations agricoles, combinées à une disponibilité d’expertise vétérinaire décroissante au moins au niveau régional, font que de plus en plus de traitements et d’interventions sur le bétail peuvent être effectués par des non-vétérinaires. Une enquête récente portant sur les réponses de 56 cabinets pour animaux de rente a révélé que la plupart d’entre eux remettent des anthelminthiques pour-on, des médicaments à administrer par voie orale et des onguents aux propriétaires d’animaux. On est plus restrictif avec les injecteurs intra-mammaires, les antibiotiques et les vaccins, mais même des hormones sont remises aux agriculteurs après instruction par plus de la moitié des vétérinaires. En termes d’interventions, la majorité des praticiens soutiennent la réalisation de soins fonctionnels des onglons, l’administration de boli, l’écornage des veaux, la castration et l’insémination par des non-vétérinaires. En revanche, la plupart des praticiens considèrent que les injections intraveineuses, la mise en place d’un trocart et le traitement d’un ulcère de la sole doivent être effectués par des vétérinaires. En ce qui concerne l’évolution future, il est important de prendre en compte les implications pour le bien-être des animaux, la protection des consommateurs et la sécurité en matière de médicaments. Il est essentiel que l’exécutant ait la compétence nécessaire ainsi que la capacité de prouver qu’il possède une expertise. En outre, une compréhension de base du sujet et la prise de responsabilité, notamment en ce qui concerne l’utilisation de médicaments vétérinaires, sont nécessaires. Bien que le vétérinaire puisse déléguer des actes en raison de la situation juridique actuelle, il assume ensuite la responsabilité professionnelle de la qualité des interventions réalisées. En outre la délégation nécessite impérativement une évaluation rétrospective régulière du type et du nombre des traitements ainsi qu’un contrôle du bon usage des médicaments vétérinaires conformément à l’Ordonnance sur les médicaments vétérinaires. Sous cette prémisse, le recueil des commémoratifs dans un cadre clairement défini et conformément aux exigences légales avec un traitement initial par l’agriculteur peut être, dans la pratique, judicieux, en particulier dans les maladies factorielles pour assurer le traitement le plus rapide possible des animaux malades. Compte tenu des différences considérables en termes de compétence professionnelle parmi les non-vétérinaires, des réglementations forfaitaires devraient être rejetées. Les diagnostics plus approfondis et la prescription de médicaments vétérinaires doivent en principe rester une tâche exclusive du vétérinaire.La crescente professionalizzazione e la pressione sui costi nelle aziende agricole abbinate a una diminuzione, per ora regionale, di competenze veterinarie sfociano in una domanda di trattamenti e interventi veterinari sugli animali da reddito prodigati da non-veterinari. Un recente sondaggio con risposte ricevute da 56 prassi veterinarie per animali da reddito ha rilevato che la maggior parte degli intervistati procuravano ai detentori degli animali formulazioni pour-on di prodotti antielmintici, di preparati per via orale e di unguenti per le ferite. Un uso più restrittivo si trova negli iniettori della mammella, negli antibiotici e nei vaccini e anche gli ormoni vengono procurati agli allevatori, dietro istruzioni, da più della metà dei veterinari. Per quel che concerne gli interventi come la cura degli zoccoli, somministrazione di boli, inseminazioni, decornazioni e castrazioni di vitelli, la maggior parte dei professionisti si schiera dalla parte dei non-veterinari. Per contro molti veterinari hanno rifiutato che gli allevatori effettuino iniezioni endovenose, inserimenti di trocar e rimozioni di ulcere dello zoccolo. In previsione degli sviluppi futuri bisogna tener presente le implicazioni degli interventi prodigati da non-veterinari sulla protezione degli animali, sulla protezione dei consumatori e sulla sicurezza dei medicamenti. Indispensabili sono delle qualifiche e delle competenze che la persona che esegue gli interventi deve dimostrare. Inoltre sono indispensabili conoscenze professionali e l’assunzione delle responsabilità in particolare per quel che riguarda l’uso di medicamenti veterinari. Anche se il veterinario è autorizzato legalmente a delegare certi interventi a non-veterinari, egli deve sempre assumerne la responsabilità professionale per la qualità di tutti i trattamenti. Questa delega richiede inoltre obbligatoriamente una valutazione periodica retrospettiva del tipo e della quantità di trattamenti e, in conformità all’Ordinanza sui medicamenti veterinari, il controllo di un uso corretto dei medicamenti veterinari. In tale ottica, può avere senso di effettuare una valutazione dei sintomi in un quadro chiaramente definito, e nel rispetto dei requisiti di legge, con un trattamento iniziale da parte dell’allevatore, in particolare nel caso di malattie multifattoriali, al fine di garantire una rapida cura degli animali. Considerando le differenze in competenze tecniche tra i non-veterinari è necessario respingere le regolamentazioni generali. In ogni caso la diagnosi definitiva e la prescrizione dei medicamenti veterinari devono essere di competenza esclusiva dei veterinari.

Background Despite their indispensability in human medicine, fluoroquinolones (FQ) are used for the treatment of bacterial infections in farm animals which increases the risk of transferring FQ-resistant bacteria into the environment and via the food chain to humans. The objectives of this observational study were to follow-up of the presence of quinolone non-susceptible Escherichia coli (QNSE) qualitatively and quantitatively in faecal samples of pigs at four time points (2 weeks old, 4 weeks old, 2 weeks post weaning and during fattening period). Moreover differences between groups of FQ-treated pigs, pigs with contact to treated pigs and control pigs were investigated. Additionally, quinolone and FQ resistance of Escherichia coli isolates of the faecal samples were investigated by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Results 40.9% of 621 fecal samples contained QNSE. Proportion of samples with detectable QNSE from treated and contact pigs did not differ significantly and were highest in piglets of 2 and 4 weeks of age. However, the proportions of samples with QNSE were significantly lowest in control pigs (7/90; 7.8%; CI = 3.5–14.7%) among all groups. Also, the number of colony-forming units was lowest in both weaners and fattening pigs of the control group compared to treated and contact groups. Following CLSI human breakpoints, in total, 50.4% out of 254 isolates in faecal samples were intermediate or resistant to ciprofloxacin. Conclusions QNSE were present in faeces of pigs independent of age or FQ background but significantly less were found in pigs from farms without FQ usage. Due to the long half-life of FQ, it is likely that only a prolonged absence of fluoroquinolone treatments in pig farming will lead to a reduced frequency of QNSE in the farm environment. Solutions need to be found to minimise the emergence and transfer of quinolone and FQ-resistant bacteria from treated pigs to contact pigs and to farms without FQ usage.

Mastitis metritis agalactia (MMA) is a common disease in post-partum sows and has a negative effect on sows' longevity as well as on sows' and piglets' health. MMA leads to an inflammatory state. The aim was to investigate the impact of MMA on bone and fat metabolism. The hypothesis was that it is possible to predict MMA by measuring ketone bodies and bone markers. Blood samples from 175 sows were taken within 72 hr after farrowing. Serum was analysed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)-D), serum crosslaps (CTX-I), osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), triglycerides (TG), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and haptoglobin. Spontaneous urine was collected, and pH value was measured in addition to Ca and P. A proximate analysis of the sows' diets was performed. Age, litter size, body condition score (BCS) and clinical signs of MMA were recorded for each sow. A multivariable logistic regression was undertaken with disease status (MMA or healthy) as the dependent variable. Significance was accepted at p < .05. MMA sows had a poorer BCS (p < .001) in relation to healthy sows. Age and number of piglets did not differ. MMA sows showed increased serum CTX-I (p = .004) and decreased serum OC (p < .001). Concentrations of P (p = .007), activity of ALP (p = .002) and BHB (p = .019) as well as TNF-α (p < .001) and haptoglobin (p = .048) concentrations were increased in MMA sows. No difference in urinary pH value between MMA and healthy sows was found. Our results are in accordance with the known fact that sows are in an extreme catabolic state peripartum. Bone metabolism in MMA sows is much more negatively affected than in healthy sows post-partum, due to inflammatory processes shown by higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 19 is a very recently described new serotype with a novel type II capsule locus. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 19 strains with a serogroup 3/6/8/12/15 O-antigen locus that were isolated in 2018 and 2021 from two different pig farms in Switzerland.

In 164 randomly selected Swiss piglet production farms and 101 fattening farms, the indication for antibiotic use in 2012/2013 was recorded and an animal treatment index (TBI) was calculated for each age group. Sows were treated on average 0.9 days per year mainly due to mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA). Suckling piglets were treated on average 0.5 days per production cycle, mainly due to diarrhea and polyarthritis. Weaned piglets were treated during 4.4 days, especially due to diarrhea, polyarthritis and wasting. In fattening pigs, treatments were mainly due to diarrhea and HPS-suspicion, and lasted on average 4.8 days. In sows, antibiotics were used prophylactically on 22.6% of the treatment days, in suckling piglets on 50.5%, in weaners on 86.1% and in fattening pigs on 79.0% of the treatment days. A prophylactic oral antibiotic group therapy did not have a significant positive effect on daily weight gain of fattening pigs, nor was it able to reduce the number of individual or group therapies. In farms with prophylactic oral group therapy, the mortality rate during the first two fattening weeks even tended to be higher (p=0.06) than in farms without oral group therapy. Highest priority critically important antibiotics were used in 22.6% of all treatment days in sows, in 37.5% in suckling piglets, in 17.2% in weaned piglets and in 27.3% in fattening pigs. In many farms, antibiotics were not prescribed and used according to the rules of "prudent use".In 164 zufällig ausgewählten Schweizer Ferkelproduk­tionsbetrieben und 101 Mastbetrieben wurden Daten zum Antibiotikaeinsatz der Jahre 2012/2013 erhoben und für jede Altersgruppe ein Tierbehandlungsindex (TBI) berechnet. Muttersauen wurden durchschnittlich während 0.9 Tagen pro Jahr und am häufigsten wegen Mastitis-Metritis-Agalaktie (MMA) behandelt. Pro Umtrieb wurden Saugferkel durchschnittlich während 0.5 Tagen vor allem wegen Diarrhoe und Polyarthritis, Absetzferkel während 4.4 Tagen mit der Indikation ­Diarrhoe, Polyarthritis und Kümmern sowie Mastschweine wegen Diarrhoe und Hämophilus parasuis (HPS)-Verdacht durchschnittlich 4.8 Tage lang antibiotisch behandelt. Bei den Muttersauen wurde an 35.5%, bei den Saugferkeln 50.5%, bei den Absetzferkeln 87.4% und bei den Mastschweinen 79.0% der Behandlungstage bei der jeweiligen Altersgruppe Antibiotika prophylaktisch eingesetzt. Die prophylaktische, orale antibiotische Gruppentherapie hatte bei den Mastschweinen weder bezüglich Masttageszunahmen einen signifikant positiven Effekt, noch vermochte sie die Anzahl Einzel- oder Gruppentherapien zu reduzieren. In Betrieben mit prophylaktischer oraler Gruppentherapie war die Mortalitätsrate während der ersten zwei Wochen in der Mast sogar tendenziell höher (p=0.06) als in Betrieben ohne. „Highest priority critically important antibiotics“ wurden bei den Muttersauen in 22.6%, bei den Saugferkeln in 37.5%, bei den Absetzferkeln in 17.2% und in der Mast in 27.3% aller Behandlungstage der jeweiligen Alterskategorie eingesetzt. In vielen Betrieben wurden Antibiotika nicht nach den Regeln von „prudent use“ verschrieben und eingesetzt.Dans 164 exploitations suisses de production de porcelets sélectionnées au hasard et 101 exploitations d’engraissement, les données concernant l’utilisation d’antibiotiques en 2012/2013 ont été enregistrées et un indice de traitement des animaux (TBI) a été calculé pour chaque groupe d’âge. Les truies ont été traitées en moyenne 0,9 jour par an, principalement en raison d’une mammite-métrite-agalactie (MMA). Les porcelets allaités ont été traités en moyenne 0,5 jour par cycle de production, principalement en raison de diarrhée et de polyarthrite. Les porcelets sevrés ont été traités pendant 4,4 jours, en particulier en raison de diarrhée, polyarthrite et émaciation. Chez les porcs à l’engrais, les traitements étaient principalement dus à la diarrhée et à la suspicion d’Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) et duraient en moyenne 4,8 jours. Chez les truies, les antibiotiques ont été utilisés à titre prophylactique pendant 22,6% des jours de traitement, chez les porcelets nourris au lait pendant 50,5%, chez les porcelets sevrés pendant 86,1% et chez les porcs à l’engrais pendant 79,0% des jours de traitement. Une antibiothérapie prophylactique de groupe par voie orale n’a pas eu d’effet positif significatif sur la prise de poids quotidienne des porcs à l’engrais et n’a pas permis de réduire le nombre de thérapies individuelles ou de groupe. Dans les exploitations avec traitement prophylactique de groupe par voie orale, le taux de mortalité au cours des deux premières semaines d’engraissement avait même tendance à être plus élevé (p = 0,06) que dans les exploitations sans traitement de groupe par voie orale. Des antibiotiques d’importance critique de haute priorité («Highest priority critically important antibiotics») ont été utilisés dans 22,6% de tous les jours de traitement chez les truies, dans 37,5% chez les porcelets allaités, dans 17,2% chez les porcelets sevrés et dans 27,3% chez les porcs à l’engrais. Dans de nombreuses exploitations, les antibiotiques n’étaient pas prescrits ni utilisés conformément aux règles de «l’utilisation prudente».I dati sull’impiego di antibiotici nel 2012/2013 sono stati raccolti in 164 allevamenti di suinetti svizzeri selezionati a caso e 101 allevamenti da ingrasso ed è stato calcolato un indice di trattamento animale (TBI) per ogni fascia d’età. Le scrofe madri sono state trattate in media per 0,9 giorni all’anno e più frequentemente per la mastite metrite agalassia (MMA). I lattonzoli sono stati trattati per ciclo di produzione con antibiotici per una media di 0,5 giorni, principalmente contro la diarrea e la poliartrite, i suinetti svezzati per 4,4 giorni con l’indicazione diarrea, poliartrite e gracilità fisica e i suinetti da ingrasso in media per 4,8 giorni contro la diarrea e un sospettato haemophilus parasuis (HPS). Gli antibiotici sono stati utilizzati a scopo profilattico sul 35,5% delle scrofe madri, sul 50,5% dei lattonzoli, sull’87,4% dei suinetti svezzati e sul 79,0% dei suinetti da ingrasso delle rispettive fasce di età. La terapia antibiotica profilattica di gruppo per via orale non ha avuto un effetto positivo significativo sui suinetti da ingrasso in termini di aumento di peso giornaliero, né è stata in grado di ridurre il numero di terapie individuali o di gruppo. Nelle aziende con terapia profilattica di gruppo per via orale, il tasso di mortalità nelle prime due settimane di ingrasso è stato ancora più elevato (p=0,06) che nelle aziende senza terapia antibiotica. Gli “antibiotici di massima priorità e di importanza critica” sono stati utilizzati in tutti i giorni di trattamento nelle categorie di età rispettive nel 22,6% delle scrofe madri, nel 37,5% dei lattonzoli, nel 17,2% dei suinetti svezzati e nel 27,3% dei suinetti da ingrasso. In molte aziende agricole gli antibiotici non sono stati prescritti e utilizzati secondo le regole di “uso prudente”.

Antimicrobial usage was analyzed in 598 Swiss pig farms as part of the SuisSano Health Program in 2017. Antimicrobial usage was calculated on the basis of the prescriptions of the veterinarians using the standard dosages DCDCH (Defined Course Dose for Switzerland) and the amount of active substance by weight. Usage was analyzed based on the active antimicrobial class, pharmaceutical form age category (suckling piglets, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, sows) and stock type (breeding farms, fattening farms, farrow-finish farms and sow pool systems (SPS). A total amount of 610 kg antimicrobials or 894,688 DCDCH standard doses were used. The proportion of Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs) of the total antimicrobial usage was 2.5% for breeding sows, 4.5% for piglets, and 2.7% for fattening pigs based on the number of treatments in DCDCH/animal/year. In contrast weaning piglets showed a calculated proportion of 26%, of which 18% was due to polypeptides (colistin). Suckling piglets produced in SPS stocks were treated significantly more frequently than suckling piglets from other farms (P.Auf 598 Schweinebeständen in der Schweiz wurden im Rahmen des SuisSano Gesundheitsprogrammes des schweizerischen Dienstleistungsunternehmens in der Schweinezucht, SUISAG, im Jahr 2017 Daten zum Antibiotikaverbrauch erhoben. Die Berechnung des Antibiotikaverbrauchs erfolgte aufgrund der Verschreibungen der Bestandestierärzte unter Verwendung der Standarddosierungen DCDCH (Defined Course Dose for Switzerland) und der Wirkstoffmenge in Gewicht. Der Verbrauch wurde nach antimikrobieller Wirkstoffklasse, Darreichungsform, Alterskategorie (Saugferkel, Absetzferkel, Mastschwein, Muttersau) und Bestandstyp (Zuchtbestand, Mastbestand, kombinierter Zucht-Mastbestand und Arbeitsteiliger Ferkelproduktions (AFP)- Bestand) analysiert. Insgesamt wurden auf den Beständen 610 kg und nach Standarddosen 894.688 DCDCH Antibiotika eingesetzt. Bezogen auf die Anzahl der ­Behandlungen in DCDCH/Tier/Jahr war der Anteil an Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs) gemäss Definition der World Health Organisation am Gesamtverbrauch bei Muttersauen, Saugferkeln, und Mastschweinen mit 2.5%, resp. 4.5% und 2.7% gering. Bei Absetzferkeln wurde dagegen ein Anteil von 26% errechnet, davon entfielen 18% auf Polypeptide (Colistin). Saugferkel von AFP-Beständen wurden signifikant häufiger behandelt als Saugferkel von anderen Beständen (P0.001). Mastschweine wurden auf spezialisierten Mastbeständen signifikant häufiger behandelt als auf kombinierten Zucht-Mastbeständen (P0.001). Die fünf Prozent Bestände mit dem höchsten Antibiotikaverbrauch bei den Muttersauen waren für einen Anteil von 39% des Gesamtverbrauchs in dieser Alterskategorie verantwortlich. Bei Saugferkeln, Absetzferkeln und Mastschweinen betrugen bei den fünf Prozent Beständen mit dem jeweils höchsten Antibiotikaverbrauch die Anteile am Gesamtverbrauch in der entsprechenden Alterskategorie 53%, resp. 33% und 29%.Des données sur l’utilisation d’antimicrobiens ont été collectées en 2017 dans 598 populations de porcs en Suisse dans le cadre du programme de santé SuisSano de la Société suisse de services aux exploitations porcines, SUISAG. La consommation d’antibiotiques a été calculée sur la base des prescriptions des vétérinaires en utilisant les dosages standards DCDCH (Defined Course Dose Switzerland) et la quantité de principe actif en poids. La consommation a été analysée par classe de principe actif antimicrobien, forme d’application et type d’exploitation (élevage, engraissement, combinée reproduction-engraissement et exploitations avec répartition du travail dans la production de porcelets (RTPP)). Au total, 610 kg et 894 688 doses standard d’antibiotiques DCDCH ont été utilisés sur ces exploitations. Sur la base du nombre de traitements en DCDCH/animal/an, la proportion d’antimicrobiens hautement prioritaires (HPCIA), selon la définition de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé, était basse chez les truies d’élevage, les porcelets à la mamelle et les porcs d’engraissement avec 2,5% resp. 4,5% et 2,7%. En revanche, chez les porcelets sevrés, une proportion de 26% a été calculée, dont 18% pour des polypeptides (colistine). Les porcelets de lait des exploitations de RTPP ont été traités significativement plus fréquemment que les porcelets de lait d’autres populations (P.Nel 2017 sono stati raccolti dati sul consumo di antibiotici su 598 allevamenti di suini in Svizzera nell’ambito del programma sanitario SuisSano della SUISAG, fornitore svizzero di servizi per l’allevamento di suini. Il consumo di antibiotici è stato calcolato sulla base delle prescrizioni dei veterinari della mandria utilizzando i dosaggi standard DCDCH (Defined Course Dose for Switzerland) e la quantità del principio attivo per peso. Il consumo è stato analizzato per classe antimicrobica del principio attivo, forma farmaceutica e tipo di allevamento (allevamento, allevamento da ingrasso, allevamento combinato e produzione di suinetti in regime di condivisione del lavoro (AFP) - allevamento). In totale sugli effettivi sono stati utilizzati 610 kg e 894.688 antibiotici DCDCH secondo le dosi standard. In base al numero di trattamenti con DCDCH/animale/anno, la percentuale di Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIA), secondo la definizione dell’Organizzazione mondiale della sanità, è risultata bassa: 2,5%, 4,5% e 2,7% del consumo totale di scrofe, lattonzoli e suini da ingrasso. Per i suinetti svezzati, invece, è stata calcolata una quota del 26%, di cui il 18% per i polipeptidi (colistina). I lattonzoli provenienti da effettivi AFP sono stati trattati molto più di frequente dei lattonzoli provenienti da altri effettivi (P0,001). I suini da ingrasso sono stati trattati molto più frequentemente negli effettivi da ingrasso specializzati che tra gli effettivi da riproduzione e da ingrasso combinati (P0,001). Il 39% del consumo totale in questa fascia d’età è imputabile agli effettivi del 5% con il più alto consumo di antibiotici nelle scrofe. Nel caso dei lattonzoli, dei suinetti svezzati e dei suini da ingrasso, le percentuali del consumo totale nelle rispettive categorie di età erano rispettivamente del 53%, 33% e 29% per gli effettivi con il maggior consumo di antibiotici.

Background In the last decade, the growth of the pig-farming industry has led to an increase in antibiotic use, including several used in human medicine, e.g. (fluoro)quinolones. Data from several studies suggest that there is a link between the agricultural use of antibiotics and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the pig farm environment, including (fluoro)quinolone resistance. This poses a threat to human and animal health. Our goal was to phenotypically and genotypically characterize 174 E. coli showing non-susceptibility to quinolones isolated from environmental samples from pig farms. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the disk diffusion method. PCR and sequence analysis were performed to identify chromosomal mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) of gyrA and the isolates were screened for the presence of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes aac-(6')-Ib-cr, qepA, qnrA, qnrB, qnrC, qnrD and qnrS. Strain relatedness was assessed by phylogenetic classification and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results Of 174 isolates, 81% (n = 141) were resistant to nalidixic acid, and 19% (n = 33) were intermediately resistant. Overall, 68.4% (n = 119) were multidrug resistant. This study revealed a prevalence of 79.9% (n = 139) for gyrA QRDR mutations, and detected 21.8% (n = 38) isolates with at least one PMQR gene. The two most frequently detected PMQR genes were qnrB and qnrS (13.8% (n = 24) and 9.8% (n = 17, respectively). E. coli belonging to phylogenetic group A (48.3%/n = 84) and group B1 (33.3% /n = 58) were the most frequent. E. coli ST10 (n = 20) and ST297 (n = 20) were the most common STs. Conclusions E. coli with non-susceptibility to quinolones are widespread among the environment of Swiss pig farms and are often associated with an MDR phenotype. In several cases these isolates possess at least one PMQR gene, which could spread by horizontal gene transfer. E. coli from pig farms have diverse STs, some of which are associated with human and animal disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40813-019-0116-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose: The temporal and spatial formation of the temperature field and its changes during/upon water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA)-irradiation in porcine skin and subcutis were investigated in vivo in order to get a detailed physical basis for thermotherapy of superficial tumors and infections caused by thermosensitive microbial pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium ulcerans causing Buruli ulcer). Methods: Local wIRA-hyperthermia was performed in 11 anesthetized piglets using 85.0 mW cm−2, 103.2 mW cm−2 and 126.5 mW cm−2, respectively. Invasive temperature measurements were carried out simultaneously in 1-min intervals using eight fiber-optical probes at different tissue depths between 2 and 20 mm, and by an IR thermometer at the skin surface. Results: Tissue temperature distribution depended on incident irradiance, exposure time, tissue depths and individual ‘physiologies’ of the animals. Temperature maxima were found at depths between 4 and 7 mm, exceeding skin surface temperatures by about 1–2 K. Tissue temperatures above 37 °C, necessary to eradicate M. ulcerans at depths Conclusions: wIRA-hyperthermia may be considered as a novel therapeutic option for treatment of local skin infections caused by thermosensitive pathogens (e.g., in Buruli ulcer). To ensure temperatures required for heat treatment of superficial tumors deeper than 4 mm, the incident irradiance needed can be controlled either by (a) invasive temperature measurements or (b) control of skin surface temperature and considering possible temperature increases up to 1–2 K in underlying tissue.

Blood and plasma proteins are heavily investigated as biomarkers for different diseases. However, the post-translational modification states of these proteins are rarely analyzed since blood contains many enzymes that rapidly remove these modifications after sampling. In contrast to the well-described role of protein ADP-ribosylation in cells and organs, its role in blood remains mostly uncharacterized. Here, we discovered that plasma phosphodiesterases and/or ADP-ribosylhydrolases rapidly demodify in vitro ADP-ribosylated proteins. Thus, to identify the in vivo whole blood and plasma ADP-ribosylomes, we established a mass-spectrometry-based workflow that was applied to blood samples collected from LPS-treated pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), which serves as a model for human systemic inflammatory response syndrome. These analyses identified 60 ADP-ribosylated proteins, 17 of which were ADP-ribosylated plasma proteins. This new protocol provides an important step forward for the rapidly developing field of ADP-ribosylation and defines the blood and plasma ADP-ribosylomes under both healthy and disease conditions., Journal of Proteome Research, 20 (6), ISSN:1535-3893, ISSN:1535-3907

Blood and plasma proteins are heavily investigated as biomarkers for different diseases. However, the post-translational modification states of these proteins are rarely analyzed since blood contains many enzymes that rapidly remove these modifications after sampling. In contrast to the well-described role of protein ADP-ribosylation in cells and organs, its role in blood remains mostly uncharacterized. Here, we discovered that plasma phosphodiesterases and/or ADP-ribosylhydrolases rapidly demodify

The use of oral fluid (OF) to detect zoonotic pathogens in pigs has been only scarcely assessed. We evaluated OF as a potential specimen for detection by culture of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Yersinia enterocolitica, and the detection of antibodies against Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV) using commercial ELISAs. Samples from 33 pig farms were collected at the beginning and end of the fattening period. Results of the OF samples were compared with the results of serum samples and nasal swabs from individual pigs and pen floor fecal samples, using the Cohen kappa (��) and the McNemar test. For Salmonella spp. antibodies, OF samples were negative, although the corresponding serum samples were positive. The detection of HEV antibodies in sera and OF had agreement at the first sampling, and poor and significant agreement at the second sampling (�����=���0.185, McNemar p���=���0.238; �����=���0.088, McNemar p���

In the Swiss pig sector, the usage of antimicrobials has been recorded, evaluated and systematically reduced on a voluntary basis since 2015. This monitoring has been carried out using various methods thereby enabling continuous national scrutiny as well as international comparisons. To gain a better understanding of the dynamics of the antimicrobial usage on Swiss farms, consumption data of farrow-to-finish farms were analyzed for (i) the within-herd relationships among different age categories and (ii) the influence of the herd size. The data were collected on 71 farms for the year 2017, encompassing the amount of active ingredients and number of defined daily doses Switzerland (nDDDch) in total, and stratified for the different age categories of piglets, weaners, fattening pigs, and sows. The differences in nDDDch per animal among the age categories were determined by a Wilcoxon test and subsequent post-hoc analysis according to Bonferroni. The within-herd relationship among the individual age categories as well as the influence of the herd size on nDDDch per animal measured as kept sows were analyzed by simple linear regression. The evaluation of the treatment days showed that 50% of the nDDDch were used in piglets, 44% for weaners, and 3% each for fattening pigs and sows. Compared to the other age categories, the examination of the number of nDDDch per animal showed a significantly higher number for sows, whereas for fattening pigs the number was significantly lower (P < 0.01). The farm-based analysis using linear regression showed a relationship between antimicrobial usage in sows and piglets (P < 0.001; adj. R2 = 0.19). Similarly, a significant relationship between larger herd size and increased antimicrobial usage was observed (P = 0.02; adj. R2 = 0.06). The present study provides an insight into the antimicrobial treatment dynamics of farrow-to-finish farms. In particular, the age categories piglets and sows—with their higher number of treatment days in total or per animal—are of interest regarding the potential reduction in antimicrobial usage. Likewise, larger farms with higher management requirements were found to be of particular importance for the reduction of antimicrobial usage. Monitoring programs should therefore evaluate different age categories separately to identify problems for individual farms.

Blood and plasma proteins are heavily investigated as biomarkers for different diseases. However, the post-translational modification states of these proteins are rarely analyzed since blood contains many enzymes that rapidly remove these modification after sampling. In contrast to the well-described role of protein ADP-ribosylation in cells and organs, its role in blood remains mostly uncharacterized. Here, we discovered that plasma phosphodiesterases and/or ADP-ribosylhydrolases rapidly demodify in vitro ADP-ribosylated proteins. Thus, to identify the in vivo whole blood and plasma ADP-ribosylomes, we established a novel mass-spectrometry based workflow that was applied to blood samples collected from LPS-treated pigs (Sus scrofa), which serves as a model for human systemic inflammatory response syndrome. These analyses identified 60 ADP-ribosylated proteins, 17 of which were ADP-ribosylated plasma proteins. This new protocol provides an important step forward for the rapidly developing field of ADP-ribosylation and defines the blood and plasma ADP-ribosylomes under both healthy and disease conditions.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections and resulting diseases are a worldwide threat to pig production. PCV2 bears a uniqueness that allows for us to understand more about chronic infections and the immune system in general. The virus can be phylogenetically subdivided into PCV2a to PCV2h genotypes. Although vaccination against PCV2 has been seen to prevent the manifestation of PCV disease, PCV2 still lingers as subclinical infections in all developmental stages of pigs. The &ldquo, slow and low&rdquo, tactic gives PCV2 a particular advantage in a host&rsquo, s immune surveillance. Since the inception of the PCV2 associated panzootic, research scientists have been trying to understand the pathogenicity of PCV2. Different research groups found that one genotype group member was more pathogenic than others. We found, in our weaner infection model with in vivo transfection of different recombinant PCV2 genotype group members that these viruses alter T cell maturation in the thymus, including host&rsquo, s central tolerance. Here, we extend these original observations by showing that PCV2 infected cells were also found in proximity within the female and male reproductive organs of stillborn pig fetuses. These PCV2 pools were sufficient in infecting three and half-day-old embryos in sows. Furthermore, the dominant PCV2 group member was more pathogenic in our weaner infection model. PCV2 pre-immunocompetence infection makes PCV2 recognized by central immune tolerance as belonging to the host. This also explains why pathogenicity is not a genetically intrinsic characteristic of PCV2, however, the dominance of any one PCV2 genotype group member leads to a more efficient deletion of the T cells against that specific genotype group member in the thymus.

Introduction: While treatment frequency as an indicator of antimicrobial consumption is often assessed using defined doses, it can also be calculated directly as an Animal Treatment Index (ATI). In this study, the correlation of calculating antimicrobial usage on Swiss pig farms using either national Defined Daily Doses (DDDch) or an ATI (number of treatments per animal per year) and the agreement between the different methods for the identification of high usage farms were investigated.Material and Methods: The antimicrobial consumption of 893 Swiss pig herds was calculated separately for suckling piglets, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, lactating and gestating sows using the indicators nDDDch (number of DDDch) per animal per year and ATI. Correlations between the indicators were investigated by calculating Spearman's Rho coefficients. The 5, 10, and 25% highest usage farms were determined by applying both methods and the interrater reliability was described using Cohen's Kappa coefficients and visualized by Bland-Altman plots.Results: The Spearman's Rho coefficients showed strong correlations (r > 0.5) between nDDDch/animal/year and ATI. The lowest coefficient was shown for the correlation of both indicators in gestating sows (r = 0.657) and the highest in weaned piglets (r = 0.910). Kappa coefficients identifying high usage farms were the highest in weaned piglets (k = 0.71, 0.85, and 0.91, respectively for 5, 10, and 25% most frequent users) and the lowest in gestating sows (k = 0.54, 0.58, and 0.55 for 5, 10, and 25% most frequent users).Conclusions: In general, the investigated indicators showed strong correlations and a broad agreement in terms of the calculated levels of antimicrobial usage and the identification of high usage farms. Nevertheless, a certain proportion of the farms were defined differently depending on the indicator used. These differences varied by age category and were larger in all age categories except weaned piglets when a higher percentage benchmark was used to define high usage farms. These aspects should be considered when designing scientific studies or monitoring systems and considering which indicator to use.

Background In 2015, in Switzerland the Suissano Health Programme was implemented in pig production to improve transparency for antimicrobial usage (AMU) and to reduce the usage of fluoroquinolones (FQ), macrolides and cephalosporins, representing highest priority critically important antimicrobials. Methods In the presented cohort study, the impact of the Suissano programme on the AMU of 291 pig farms between 2016 and 2017 was investigated. AMU was calculated in total numbers of defined course doses (nDCDch) for all farms in the programme. For each single farm the nDCDch/animal/year was determined for four different age categories (suckling piglets, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, sows) as well as each antimicrobial substance separately. Trends between 2016 and 2017 were investigated for all farms as well as the 25 per cent with the highest usage of antimicrobials (high users) separately. Results Total AMU measured in nDCDch declined by 23 per cent between 2016 and 2017, but statistically significant differences could not be observed when comparing the data sets of the individual farms. A significantly reduced usage of FQ could be demonstrated in suckling piglets (P=0.003), weaned piglets (P=0.006) and sows (P=0.008) in 2017 compared with 2016. For high users, a significant reduction of total AMU could be shown in suckling piglets (P=0.02), weaned piglets (P=0.0004) and fattening pigs (P=0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrated a significant reduction in the usage of FQs in suckling piglets, weaned piglets and sows as well as total AMU in suckling piglets, weaned piglets and fattening pigs on high-usage farms.

A significant Antibiotic-Monitoring-System is essential to analyse the use of antibiotics and to a better understanding of trends in resistance development. In human and veterinary medicine, for example, a system based on defined daily and treatment doses (Defined Daily Dose: DDD and Defined Course Dose: DCD) is applied. These definitions can be used to estimate the number of treatment days and treatments with antimicrobial agents in a population. For veterinary medicine, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published the European values DDDvet and DCDvet in the farm animal sector. The aim of this study was to define Swiss daily and treatment doses (DDDch and DCDch) for the treatment of pigs and to compare them with the EMA values in order to investigate the differences between individually collected national doses and average international doses. For the comparison, the quotient of Swiss and European values was calculated and the influence of the application form of an active substance and the number of active substances contained in a preparation was investigated. One hundred and three veterinary preparations with 138 active substances were assigned a DDDch and DCDch value. A comparison with EMA values was possible for 118 active substances. The comparison showed median values of 0.91 for the daily doses and 0.90 for the treatment doses, so that the daily and treatment doses in Switzerland are lower than the corresponding EMA doses. Both the form of application (injection solutions: 1.00; premixes: 0.76; P=0.02) and the number of active substances in the preparation (one active substance: 1.00; two active substances: 0.76; three active substances: 0.43; each P.Zur Analyse des Antibiotikaeinsatzes und zum besseren Verständnis von Tendenzen in der Resistenzentwicklung ist ein aussagekräftiges Antibiotika-Monitoring- System essentiell. In der Human- und Veterinärmedizin wird beispielsweise ein System angewendet, das auf definierten Tages- und Behandlungsdosierungen (Defined Daily Dose: DDD und Defined Course Dose: DCD) beruht. Mittels dieser Definitionen lassen sich die Anzahl der Behandlungstage und Behandlungen mit antimikrobiellen Wirkstoffen in einer Population abschätzen. Die European Medicines Agency (EMA) hat für die Veterinärmedizin die europäischen Werte DDDvet und DCDvet im Nutztierbereich veröffentlicht. Ziel dieser Studie war es, schweizerische Tages- und Behandlungsdosierungen (DDDch und DCDch) für die Behandlung von Schweinen zu definieren und mit den Werten der EMA zu vergleichen, um die Unterschiede zwischen einzeln erhobenen, nationalen Dosierungen und durchschnittlichen, internationalen Dosierungen zu untersuchen. Für den Vergleich wurde der Quotient aus schweizerischen und europäischen Werten berechnet und der Einfluss der Anwendungsform eines Wirkstoffes sowie der Anzahl enthaltener Wirkstoffe in einem Präparat untersucht. Einhundertdrei Tierarzneimitteln mit 138 Wirkstoffen wurde ein DDDch- und DCDch- Wert zugewiesen. Für 118 Wirkstoffe war ein Vergleich mit Werten der EMA möglich. Aus dem Vergleich ergaben sich für die berechneten Quotienten Medianwerte von 0.91 bei den Tagesdosierungen und 0.90 bei den Behandlungsdosierungen, sodass in der Schweiz die Tages- und die Behandlungsdosierungen tiefer sind als die entsprechenden Dosierungen der EMA. Sowohl die Anwendungsform (Injektionslösungen: 1.00; Arzneimittelvormischungen: 0.76; P=0.02) als auch die Anzahl der Wirkstoffe im Präparat (ein Wirkstoff: 1.00; zwei Wirkstoffe: 0.76; drei Wirkstoffe: 0.43; je P.Pour analyser l’utilisation des antibiotiques et mieux comprendre les tendances dans le développement de résistances, un système significatif de surveillance des antibiotiques est essentiel. En médecine humaine et vétérinaire, un système basé sur des dosages journaliers et des dosages par traitement définis (Defined Daily Dose: DDD et Dose Course Dose: DCD) est par exemple utilisé. Ces définitions peuvent être utilisées pour estimer le nombre de jours de traitement et le nombre de traitements antimicrobiens dans une population. L’Agence européenne des médicaments (EMA) a publié les valeurs européennes DDDvet et DCDvet dans le secteur de l’élevage pour la médecine vétérinaire. Le but de cette étude était de définir les doses journalières et les doses par traitement en Suisse (DDDch et DCDch) pour le traitement des porcs et de les comparer aux valeurs de l’EMA pour examiner les différences entre les doses nationales collectées individuellement et les doses internationales moyennes. Pour la comparaison, le quotient des valeurs suisses et européennes a été calculé et l’influence de la forme d’application d’une substance active ainsi que le nombre de substances actives contenues dans une préparation ont été examinés. Cent trois médicaments vétérinaires contenant 138 substances actives ont reçu une valeur DDDch et DCDch. Pour 118 médicaments, une comparaison avec les valeurs EMA était possible. D’après la comparaison, les valeurs médianes pour les quotients calculés étaient de 0,91 pour les doses journalières et de 0,90 pour les doses de traitement, de sorte qu’en Suisse, les doses journalières et de traitement sont inférieures aux doses correspondantes de l’EMA. La forme d’application (solutions injectables: 1.00, prémélanges médicamenteux: 0.76, P = 0.02) et le nombre de substances actives dans la préparation (une substance active: 1.00, deux substances actives: 0.76, trois substances actives: 0.43, P.Un sistema significativo di monitoraggio degli antibiotici (Antibiotika-Monitoring-System) è essenziale per analizzarne l›uso e per comprendere meglio le tendenze nello sviluppo delle resistenze. Nella medicina umana e veterinaria, ad esempio, viene utilizzato un sistema che si basa su dosi giornaliere e terapeutiche definite (Defined Daily Dose: DDD e Defined Course Dose: DCD). Queste definizioni possono essere utilizzate in una popolazione, per stimare il numero di giorni di trattamento e i trattamenti con agenti antimicrobici. L’Agenzia europea per i medicinali (EMA) ha pubblicato i valori europei DDDvet e DCDvet per la medicina veterinaria nel settore dell’allevamento degli animali da reddito. Lo scopo di questo studio era di determinare, le dosi giornaliere e le dosi terapeutiche in Svizzera ­(DDDch e DCDch) per il trattamento dei suini e di confrontarle con i valori dell’EMA alfine di esaminare le differenze tra le dosi nazionali raccolte individualmente e le dosi internazionali medie. Per il confronto è stato calcolato il quoziente dei valori svizzeri ed europei ed è stata esaminata l’influenza della forma di applicazione di un principio attivo e il numero di principi attivi contenuti in un preparato. A 103 medicamenti veterinari con 138 sostanze attive è stato assegnato un valore DDDch e DCDch. Per 118 sostanze attive è stato possibile effettuare un confronto con i valori dell’EMA. Dal confronto sono emersi valori medi di 0,91 per le dosi giornaliere e di 0,90 per le dosi terapeutiche, per cui in Svizzera le dosi giornaliere e quelle terapeutiche sono inferiori alle corrispondenti dosi dell’EMA. Sia la forma di applicazione (soluzioni iniettabili: 1.00; premiscele di farmaci: 0.76; P=0.02) che il numero di principi attivi presenti nel preparato (un principio attivo: 1.00; due principi attivi: 0.76; tre principi attivi: 0.43; P.

Simple Summary The main hosts of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 are porcine species. Transmission of the virus to humans, for example via undercooked meat, may cause acute or chronic hepatitis. To determine sources and routes of infection, comparing the viruses present in humans to the ones present in main hosts is a helpful tool. However, it requires knowledge of the genetic diversity of the circulating viruses. Therefore, we tested Swiss pigs and wild boars for HEV and determined the virus subtype and part of its genome. In addition, we determined the HEV subtype present in 11 positive meat products. One pig liver from the slaughterhouses (0.3%) and seven livers from a carcass collection (13%) as well as seven wild boar livers (5.8%) were found HEV positive. The same virus subtypes were found in Swiss pigs, wild boars, and meat products. Most of the viruses belonged to a Swiss-specific cluster within the subtype 3h. In addition, one pig liver and one wild boar liver were found positive for 3l and two meat products from Germany for 3c. Our data indicate that Switzerland has its “own” HEV viruses that circulate independent from the rest of Europe. Abstract Hepatitis E caused by hepatitis E viruses of the genotype 3 (HEV-3) is a major health concern in industrialized countries and due to its zoonotic character requires a “One Health” approach to unravel routes and sources of transmission. Knowing the viral diversity present in reservoir hosts, i.e., pigs but also wild boars, is an important prerequisite for molecular epidemiology. The aim of this study was to gain primary information on the diversity of HEV-3 subtypes present along the food chain in Switzerland, as well as the diversity within these subtypes. To this end, samples of domestic pigs from slaughterhouses and carcass collection points, as well as from hunted wild boars, were tested for HEV RNA and antibodies. HEV positive meat products were provided by food testing labs. The HEV subtypes were determined using Sanger and next generation sequencing. The genetic analyses confirmed the predominance of a Swiss-specific cluster within subtype HEV-3h in pigs, meat products, and wild boars. This cluster, which may result from local virus evolution due to the isolated Swiss pig industry, supports fast differentiation of domestic and imported infections with HEV.

Cystoisospora (syn. Isospora) suis is the causative agent of neonatal porcine coccidiosis and one of the main causes of diarrhoea in suckling piglets worldwide. Infection with porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV, Suid herpesvirus 2) causes inclusion body rhinitis in pigs. In a Swiss pig herd (n = 2 boars, 7 sows, 2 gilts, 18 finishing pigs, 30 fattening pigs, 54 suckling piglets), an outbreak of PCMV infection with high morbidity in all age categories, characterized by fever, anorexia, reduced general condition, respiratory signs and increased piglet mortality, was diagnosed by histopathology and molecular methods. Five fattening pigs (age ~ 17 weeks) additionally showed diarrhoea, not typical for PCMV infections, and one fattener had to be euthanized due to poor condition. Histopathologically, severe fibrinopurulent jejunoileitis with extensive atrophy and fusion of intestinal villi, loss of goblet cells and crypt abscesses associated to C. suis infection were present. In the liver, herpesvirus intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed and PCMV was confirmed by PCR/sequencing. No further infectious causes of diarrhoea (i.e. Rotavirus A; TGEV; PEDV; PCV-2; enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli or Lawsonia intracellularis) were detected in the euthanized fattener. Coproscopically, C. suis oocysts were identified in the faeces from further fatteners with diarrhoea. While C. suis usually produces disease only in suckling piglets, its association with severe intestinal lesions and diarrhoea in ~ 17-week-old fatteners was surprising. It is supposed that the underlying PCMV infection might have contributed to the presentation of clinical cystoisosporosis in fattening pigs. The interaction mechanisms between these two pathogens are unknown., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • A Porcine Cytomegalovirus (PCMV) outbreak was diagnosed in a Swiss pig herd • Cystoisospora suis caused diarrhoea in 17 week-old fattening pigs co-infected with PCMV • PCMV infection may produce immunosuppression in pigs • PCMV may have contributed to presentation of clinical cystoisosporosis in fattening pigs

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Probiotics in Progress (PIP) on the establishment of a competitive flora as well as on antibiotic use and losses of suckling piglets in pig breeding farms. The tested products were PIP AHC® and PIP AHS® produced by "Chrisal AG" in Lommel, Belgium. PIP`s are cleaning products containing Bacillus spores. According to the manufacturer's specifications, they are able to establish a steady non-pathogenic stable flora. In a field trial in 19 pig breeding farms, the use of PIP-products did not lead to any reduction of antibiotic use or improvement of fertility parameters, especially in relation to losses of suckling piglets. In addition, we compared the bacterial flora using PIP products with the flora under conventional management conditions in a farrowing pen by means of swab samples. The use of PIP-products did not lead to any significant effect on the pen flora. Only very few swab samples contained a majority of probiotic Bacillus spp.Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, den Effekt von Probiotika in Progress (PIP) auf die Etablierung einer Konkurrenzflora und die Auswirkungen auf den Antibiotikaverbrauch und die Saugferkelverluste in Schweinebetrieben zu untersuchen. Eingesetzt wurden die Produkte PIP AHC®, PIP AHS® der Firma „Chrisal AG“ in Lommel, Belgien. PIP sind Reinigungsmittel, welche mit Bacillus-Sporen versetzt sind und gemäss Herstellerangaben zur Etablierung einer stabilen apathogenen Stallflora führen. In einem Feldversuch in 19 Schweinezuchtbetrieben führte der Einsatz von PIP-Produkten zu keiner Senkung des Antibiotikaverbrauchs und zu keiner Verbesserung der Fruchtbarkeitsleistungen, insbesondere der Saugferkelverluste. Zusätzlich wurde in einem Abferkelstall anhand von Wischproben die Keimflora unter Einsatz von PIP mit derjenigen bei konventionellem Management verglichen. Der Einsatz von PIP-Produkten führte zu keinem signifikanten Effekt und zu keiner Beeinflussung der Stallflora. Nur in vereinzelten Wischproben kamen probiotische Bacillus spp. tatsächlich vermehrt vor.Le but de la présente étude était d’étudier l’effet de Probiotica in Progress (PIP) sur l’établissement d’une flore concurrente ainsi que son effet sur la consommation d’antibiotiques et sur les pertes chez les porcelets dans les porcheries d’élevage. On a utilisé pour ce faire les produits PIP AHC® et PIP AHS® de la maison „Chrisal SA“ à Lommel en Belgique. Les PIP sont des produits de nettoyage auxquels ont été adjoints des spores de Bacillus et qui, selon les informations du fabriquant, conduisent à l’établissement d’une flore d’écurie apathogène stable. Dans le cadre d’un essai de terrain dans 19 porcheries d’élevage, l’utilisation des produits PIP n’a amené aucune réduction de la consommation d’antibiotiques et aucune amélioration des performances, en particulier en ce qui concerne les pertes au niveau des porcelets. En outre on a comparé dans une porcherie, sur la base d’échantillons d’essuyage, la flore bactérienne présente sous l’effet de PIP à celle recueillie avec un management usuel. L’utilisation des produits PIP n’a pas amené d’effet significatif ou d’influence sur la flore bactérienne. Ce n’est que dans quelques échantillons qu’il a été possible de constater une présence augmentée de Bacillus spp. probiotiques.Scopo di questo studio era di analizzare l’effetto dei probiotici PIP sulla creazione di una flora competitiva, l’effetto sul consumo di antibiotici e delle perdite di lattonzoli negli allevamenti di suini. Sono stati utilizzati i prodotti PIP AHC® e PIP AHS® della società “Chrisal AG” di Lommel, in Belgio. I PIP sono detergenti che vengono mescolati con spore di Bacillus per ottenere, secondo le istruzioni del produttore, una stalla dalla stabile flora non patogena. In un test su 19 allevamenti di suini, l’uso di prodotti PIP non ha comportato una riduzione del consumo di antibiotici e nessun miglioramento delle prestazioni di fertilità, specialmente riguardo le perdite di lattonzoli. Inoltre è stata comparata, in una stalla di gestazione sulla base di campioni prelevati a caso, la flora batterica con uso di PIP contro una con una gestione convenzionale. L’uso di prodotti PIP non ha portato a nessun effetto significativo e non ha influenzato la flora della stalla. Solo in campioni sporadici si è ottenuto una moltiplicazione del probiotico Bacillus spp.

The oral application of a newly developed ferrous bisglycinate paste for suckling piglets at a dose of 180 mg/kg body weight led to increased death rates in 10% (n = 10) of Swiss test pig breeding farms (n = 100). Necropsy examination of suckling piglets (n = 12), selected randomly from the test farms with increased death rates, demonstrated severe gastric mucosal ulceration and necrosis. Due to the presence of crystalline iron surface coating within the gastric lesions, the iron was considered as the toxic principle and cause of death. To demonstrate the direct toxicity of ferrous bisglycinate, the paste was administered experimentally to a litter of suckling piglets (n = 11). Different time points (24, 48 and 72 h post partum) and doses (180 mg/kg and 360 mg/kg) were investigated. The manufacturer's recommended dose of 180 mg/kg corresponded to approximately 36 mg Fe/kg and to 6.4 % of the acute lethal dose50 of oral iron in rats. In all piglets the lesions were reproduced and most severe at the earliest time point (24 h post partum) and with the highest applied dose (360 mg/kg). The lesions were in accordance with those described from oral iron intoxication in man, suggesting pigs as an ideal animal model for oral iron toxicity studies.

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) undergo minimal metabolization in animals and are excreted via faeces and urine, where they enter the environment almost unchanged. In this study we investigated the presence of quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the environment of 65 farms of a sow pool system in Switzerland. Two hundred and seventy-nine samples from liquid manure and wipes of dust and pen walls were collected and the use of FQ on the farms was investigated. From 45% of dust samples, 52% of pen wall samples and 69% of liquid manure samples quinolone-resistant E. coli (QRE) were cultivated. Significant higher counts of quinolone-resistant colonies were found in liquid manure samples than in dust (p0.01) or pen wall samples (p0.05). Samples from breeding farms were significantly more often positive than samples from fattening farms (p0.01). Samples taken from farms using FQ were significantly more frequently positive for QRE than samples from farms without FQ usage (p0.01). On 97% of the farms with FQ use and 85% (23/27) of the farms without FQ use QRE could be found in at least one sample (no significant difference). Overall, QRE were widespread in the environment of the investigated pig farms.Fluorchinolone (FQ) werden bei Tieren nur minimal metabolisiert und nahezu unverändert über Kot und Urin ausgeschieden. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden Umweltproben aus 65 Betrieben eines arbeitsteiligen Ferkelproduktionsrings in der Schweiz auf das Vorkommen von FQ-resistenten Escherichia coli (E. coli) untersucht. In den Betrieben wurden 279 Proben von Gülle und Staub, sowie Wischproben von den Buchtenwänden gesammelt und der Einsatz von FQ wurde untersucht. Chinolon-resistente E. coli (QRE) wurden aus 45% der Staubfilterproben, 52% der Stallwandproben und 69% der Gülleproben kultiviert. Die Gülleproben enthielten signifikant höhere QRE-Koloniezahlen als Staub- (p0.01) und Wischproben (p0.05). Proben aus Zuchtbetrieben waren signifikant häufiger positiv, als Proben aus Mastbetrieben (p0.01). Proben aus Betriebe mit FQ-Einsatz waren signifikant häufiger positiv für QRE als Betriebe ohne FQ-Einsatz. In 97% der Betriebe mit FQ-Einsatz und 85% (23/27) der Betriebe ohne FQ-Einsatz konnte QRE in mindestens einer Probe nachgewiesen werden (kein signifikanter Unterschied). Insgesamt waren QRE in der Umgebung der untersuchten Schweinezuchtbetriebe weit verbreitet.Les fluoroquinolones (FQ) subissent une métabolisation minimale chez les animaux et sont excrétées par les fèces et l’urine par l’intermédiaire desquelles elles arrivent pratiquement inchangées dans l’environnement. Dans cette étude, nous avons étudié la présence d’Escherichia coli (E. coli) résistants à la quinolone dans l’environnement de 65 exploitations d’un système de pool de truies en Suisse. Deux cent septante neuf échantillons de lisier, de lingettes recueillant des poussières et de parois de boxesont été collectés et l’utilisation de FQ dans les fermes a été étudiée. Sur 45% des échantillons de poussières, 52% des échantillons de parois de boxes et 69% des échantillons de lisier, des E. coli résistants à la quinolone (QRE) ont été cultivés. Des quantités significativement plus élevées de colonies résistantes à la quinolone ont été trouvées dans des échantillons de lisier par rapport aux échantillons de poussière (p.I fluorochinoloni (FQ) subiscono una metabolizzazione minima negli animali e vengono escreti attraverso le feci e le urine, dove entrano nell’ambiente quasi immutati. In questo studio abbiamo studiato la presenza di Escherichia coli (E. coli) resistente ai chinoloni nell’ambiente di un sistema di 65 aziende agricole per scrofe in Svizzera. Sono stati raccolti duecentosettantanove campioni di liquame, polvere e pareti del recinto ed è stato studiato l’uso di FQ nelle aziende agricole. Si è studiata una coltura di E. coli resistente ai chinoloni (ERC) costituita dal 45% dei campioni di polvere, 52% dei campioni di pareti del recinto e dal 69% dei campioni di liquame. Nei campioni di liquame sono state riscontrate colonie resistenti ai chinoloni in quantità significativamente più elevate che nei campioni di polvere (p0,01) o provenienti dalle pareti del recinto (p0,05). I campioni provenienti dalle aziende di allevamento sono risultati significativamente e più spesso positivi rispetto ai campioni provenienti dalle aziende di ingrasso (p0.01). I campioni prelevati da allevamenti che utilizzano FQ sono significativamente e piu frequentemente positivi all’ERC rispetto ai campioni provenienti da allevamenti che non utilizzano FQ (p0.01). Nel 97% delle aziende che usano FQ e nell’85% (23/27) delle aziende che non lo utilizzano, l’ERC è stata riscontrata in almeno un campione (nessuna differenza significativa). In generale si può affermare che l’ERC era diffusa nell’ambiente delle aziende di suini esaminate.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has a major economic impact on pig production. Vaccination against the virus appears to keep PCV2 disease (PCVD) manifestations in check. Nevertheless, PCV2 has not been eliminated. Several reports indicate that cattle also seem to be susceptible to PCV2 infection. In this study, we detected increased PCV2 cross-species transmission and suggest a strategy for identifying hidden PCV2 infection in cattle. We compared a postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) distressed-farm with a subclinically-infected farm and investigated how differences in virus concentration would affect PCV2 transmission to a susceptible host such as cattle. The pig population of farm 1 had recurrent PMWS cases among weaners. The 34 cattle in proximity to the PMWS-affected pigs included 14 cattle (41%) that carried a PCV2 load of on average 2.5 x 105 virus genomes per ml blood. Among these was a 7 years old cow with chronic mastitis that was infected with the highest PCV2 load of 1.3 x 106 virus genomes per ml blood. These numbers contrasted with farm 2 that housed PCV2-subclinically infected pigs in proximity to 31 cattle of which six (19%) were infected with an average of 1.7 x 105 virus genome per ml blood. No PCV2-specific humoral response was measured in these cattle. Additionally, we encountered the problem of how to measure PCV2 latent/persistent infections. In pigs, after a one-shot vaccination, we have previously observed a direct anti-PCV2 IgG response instead of the expected IgM response. This indicated that the pig immune system was already primed with PCV2. We therefore hypothesized that cattle may also be PCV2- primed. Although the cattle’s humoral immune system hardly responded to vaccination, we detected PCV2-specific IgG antibody in one cow after the first vaccination shot. This, taken together with the PCV2 transmission rate in hybrid farms indicated sporadic infections in the cattle population. Thus, it can be concluded that PCV2 infections were not well established in cattle in comparison to the situation in swine

Until recently, knowledge of the pathogenicity of Circoviridae and Anelloviridae family members was limited. Our previous discoveries provided clues toward resolving this issue based on studies of the latent nature of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) genotype group members. We developed a conventional pig infection model that indicated that weaners already harbored latent PCV2 infection in the thymus, which enabled the viruses to specifically modulate the maturation of T-helper cells. This finding raised the possibility that the thymi of normal fetuses were already infected with PCV2. The present findings further substantiate our hypothesis that PCV2 masquerades as the host by infecting fetuses before they acquire immune-competence. We provide the first demonstration that all domestic pig fetuses preferentially harbor latent PCV2-infected cells in their thymi. These PCV2-infected cells are different from thymocytes and are located in the medulla of the fetal thymus. These latent PCV2-infected cells in fetuses are found at the same location and share characteristics with the infected cells observed in adolescent pigs. Moreover, fetuses also harbor these infected cells in other lymph system organs. We provide the first demonstration that the fetal thymus virus pools are minimally affected by sow vaccination, highlighting the immune-privileged character of this organ. Furthermore, we found a striking reduction in virus-infected cells in the fetal spleen and an increase in PCV2-infected cells in the fetal intestine of anti-PCV2-vaccinated mothers. These data indicate that specific immune response interactions occur between mothers and their progeny that are not dependent on the humoral immunity of the mother and cannot be attributed to the rudimentary humoral responses of the fetuses because these pig fetuses do not have any PCV2-specific antibodies. These shifts in our understanding of the PCV2-infected cell pool will lead to different avenues in the search for effective vaccination strategies against latent and chronic pathogens.

Knowledge about the dynamics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pigs lacks detail at the level of individual animal. The aim of our study was therefore to determine the colonisation status of MRSA in individual pigs from birth to slaughter in order to gain a better understanding of substantial factors involved in transmission. Two farrow-to-finish and two grow-to-finish herds were included in the study. A total of 1728 nasal swabs from 390 pigs and 592 environmental wipes were collected at 11 different time points.Intermittent colonisation throughout the entire production cycle was conspicuous in the tracking of MRSA in individual pigs. Almost all pigs from a MRSA-positive herd changed MRSA status several times, which implies that pigs are transiently rather than permanently colonised. We highly recommend the definition of MRSA status at herd level rather that at the level of the individual pig when considering prevention measures against MRSA. Therefore, to avoid the further spread of MRSA in countries with moderate prevalence, such as in Switzerland, defining farms as MRSA positive or MRSA negative and allowing the trade of pigs only within herds of the same status seems feasible. This will also be important for combating the further dissemination of livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA into healthcare facilities and the community via humans who have close contact with animals.

At present, the usage of antimicrobial agents in organic dairy farming is a subject of controversial public debate because of its impact on animals, humans and the environment. This study shows how farms can be successfully managed without using antimicrobials for udder diseases. Thereby, animal welfare and targeted low bulk tank somatic cell counts should not be neglected. The operating data analysed in this study was collected during feeding and milking time on 18 swiss dairy farms that have not been treating diseased udders with antibiotics for at least 3 years. This study is a cross-sectional study. Farmers put the focus on breed characteristics such as a high life performance, low bulk tank somatic cell counts over several lactations, animals with a calm character, and small-formed cows with a deep flank. A trend towards dual-purpose breeds was observed. Few persons were involved in the milking process. Moreover, 94% of the farmers were raising their own young cattle directly on the farm. Consequently, animal transport has been minimized. Furthermore, clear management practices and work processes as well as a good animal observation influenced decisively the production success. additionally some farmers used phytotherapy, homeopathy and tried and true home remedies.In der Milchviehhaltung sind antibiotische Tierarzneimittel, welche ihre Wirkung auf Mensch, Tier und Umwelt ausüben, ein öffentlich kontrovers diskutiertes Thema. In dieser Studie soll aufgezeigt werden, wie Betriebe bestehen, die keine antibiotischen Euterpräparate einsetzen. Dabei soll es nicht zu einer Vernachlässigung des Tierwohls und der angestrebt tiefen Tankmilchzellzahlen kommen. Die Betriebsdaten wurden während der Fütterungszeit und einem Melkvorgang auf 18 schweizer Betrieben, welche seit mindestens 3 Jahren im Euterbereich keine Antibiotika einsetzten, erhoben und in dieser Studie ausgewertet. Dabei handelt es sich um eine Querschnittsstudie. Die Landwirte setzten auf Zuchtmerkmale wie eine hohe Lebensleistung, eine tiefe Milchzellzahl über mehrere Laktationen hinweg, einen friedlichen Tiercharakter und auf kleinrahmige Kühe mit tiefem Flankenbau. Es wurde ein Trend Richtung Zweinutzungsrassen beobachtet. Die Bauern achteten darauf, dass nur wenige verschiedene Personen regelmässig melkten. Aufgrund der Aufzucht eigener Jungrinder auf 94% der Betriebe, wurde der Tierverkehr reduziert. Weiter hatten klare Betriebsstrukturen und Arbeitsabläufe, sowie eine gute Tierbeobachtung einen entscheidenden Einfluss auf den Erfolg dieser Produktionsweise. Unterstützend kamen auf diesen Betrieben eigene Therapieformen, wie Homöopathie, Phytotherapie und altbewährte Hausmittel zum Einsatz.Dans l’élevage laitier, les médicaments vétérinaires contenant des antibiotiques susceptibles d’avoir un effet sur l’homme, l’animal et l’environnement sont un sujet discuté de façon controversée dans le grand public. La présente étude veut démontrer comment fonctionnent des exploitations qui n’utilisent pas de préparations antibiotiques intra-mammaires. Cela doit se passer sans que ni le bien-être des animaux ni un nombre de cellules bas dans le lait ne soient affectés. Les données utilisées pour ce travail ont été collectées pendant l’affouragement et la traite sur 18 exploitations suisses qui, dans les 3 années précédentes, n’avaient pas utilisé d’antibiotiques au niveau de la mamelle. Il s’agit ici d’une étude transversale qui présente les prévalences. Les producteurs s’intéressent à des caractéristiques d’élevage tels que la production totale sur la durée de vie de l’animal, un nombre de cellules bas au cours de plusieurs lactations, un caractère paisible et des vaches de petit format avec une flanc profond. On a constaté une tendance en direction des races à deux fins. Les propriétaires portaient leur attention à ce qu’un petit nombre de personnes pratiquent la traite régulièrement. Vu l’élevage des propres jeunes animaux sur 94% des exploitations, le trafic des animaux a été réduit. D’autre part, des structures d’exploitation et des processus de travail clairs ainsi qu’une bonne observation des animaux avaient un effet décisif sur le succès de ce mode de production. Sur ces exploitations, des méthodes de traitement spécifiques, telles l’homéopathie ou la phytothérapie ainsi que des remèdes traditionnels étaient utilisés en soutien.Negli allevamenti da latte, gli antibiotici ad uso veterinario che hanno un effetto sull’uomo, l’animale e l’ambiente sono un argomento pubblicamente controverso. Questo studio si propone di mostrare il funzionamento delle aziende che non utilizzano antibiotici per le mammelle. Inoltre non bisogna trascurare il benessere degli animali e un basso numero di cellule nel serbatoio. Questo studio ha raccolto i dati delle aziende durante l’alimentazione e la mungitura in 18 aziende svizzere che da almeno 3 anni non utilizzano antibiotici nella zona della mammella e li ha analizzati. Si tratta di uno studio trasversale che presenta le prevalenze. Gli allevatori hanno definito caratteristiche di razza per l’allevamento come un’elevata resa di vita, un basso numero di cellule del latte su diverse lattazioni, animali dal carattere tranquillo e di piccola taglia con il fianco profondo. Si è pure osservata una tendenza verso le razze a duplice uso. Gli allevatori facevano attenzione al fatto che solo un numero limitato di persone mungessero regolarmente gli animali. Il trasporto è pure stato ridotto poichè il 94% delle aziende allevavano i propri animali giovani. Inoltre avevano delle strutture aziendali e processi di lavoro ben definiti nonchè una buona osservazione degli animali che è un fattore decisivo di successo in questo tipo di produzione. Gli allevatori di queste aziende hanno utilizzato altre forme di terapia come l’omeopatia, la fitoterapia e i rimedi casalinghi ben sperimentati.

Claw and leg lesions are frequently observed in finishing pigs and are likely to compromise their welfare. Providing softer than the usual concrete flooring may reduce both the frequency and severity of these lesions. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of rubber mats and floor perforation in the lying area on claw and leg health of finishing pigs. A total of 240 Swiss Large White finishing pigs from on average 24.9 kg until 102.3 kg were used in four batches, with six groups of 10 animals per batch. The six experimental pens initially measured 1.85×3.55 m and were enlarged after 6 weeks to 1.85×5.25 m. In all pens, one third of the floor space was built as a defecating area consisting of a concrete floor with 15% perforation. The remaining two thirds of the pen were designed as a lying area whose floor quality differed between the pens. It either consisted of concrete elements or was covered with rubber mats, and perforation of both floor types was either 0%, 5% or 10%. All individuals were scored for claw and leg lesions at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the 12-week fattening period. Lesions were summarised in scores based on the results of a principal component analysis. The influence on lesion scores of floor material, amount of perforation in the lying area, assessment time, and sex was examined using mixed-models. The total claw lesion score and the total limb lesion score as well as the claw angle increased from the beginning to the end of the fattening period. The values for both scores were slightly lower for animals kept on rubber mats compared with animals kept on concrete floor. There was no effect of the percentage of perforation on the examined outcome variables. In conclusion, our results indicate that rubber mats in the lying area bring about improvements in some aspects of claw and leg health in fattening pigs, whereas there is no effect of floor perforation.