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Whitaker SH, Mannelli A, Kitron U, Bellini S. An analysis of the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures on smallholder commercial swine farms in Italy in the context of an emerging African Swine Fever outbreak. Prev Vet Med 2024; 229:106238. [PMID: 38870565 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that infects wild and domesticated swine. In early 2022, the virus was found in wild boar in the Apennine mountains of mainland Italy.2 Since then, it has spread from wild boar to domesticated swine. To control the spread of ASF, an effective surveillance system and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures on farms are required yet are unevenly implemented across husbandry systems. Smallholder farms in particular are known to have low levels of biosecurity. In the Apennine mountains of Italy, small commercial farms have been found to have low levels of biosecurity despite being located in areas with high densities of wild boar, and, hence, being high-risk sites for potential ASF incursion and subsequent diffusion. To address the question as to why the level of biosecurity is low, interviews and participant observation were conducted with smallholder commercial farmers. The interviews identified the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures in small commercial swine farms in the Apennines. Farmers expressed knowledge of priority biosecurity measures and an overall willingness to follow rules and regulations; however, the application of the measures in practice was uneven across farms. Economic, political, and ecological factors as well as farmer beliefs about biosecurity emerged as important factors affecting the implementation of biosecurity measures. These include economic constraints, challenges posed by the mountain environment, a shifting regulatory environment, and ideas about animal welfare. Other important factors include cultural factors such as the use of traditional agricultural methods and norms about customer access to animals, time constraints and the perceived hassle of implementing the measures, farmer age, farmer relationships with government officials and veterinarians, and the role of pigs in reducing farm waste. The study confirmed that wild boar are present in high numbers and in close proximity to smallholder commercial farms in the Apennines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Whitaker
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Anthropology, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
| | | | - Uriel Kitron
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Silvia Bellini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
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Ripa A, Díaz-Caballero JA, Palacios-González MJ, Espinosa A, García-Zapata JL, Fernández-Garcia JL. Application of real-time PCR for the identification of the endangered species Galemys pyrenaicus through faecal samples. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:76. [PMID: 38180618 PMCID: PMC10770224 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, many micromammals are important targets for study. The endangered Galemys pyrenaicus is an outstanding example. Globally, their populations have suffered a substantial decline in last 20 years. In the surveyed area, the capture of desman is legally forbidden due to the high conservation concerns. Reason by non-invasive sampling through faeces is proposed for its monitoring. Furthermore, the confusion between faeces from desman and Mediterranean water shrews must be considered. Thus, the aim of this study was focused on developing RT-PCR assays to determine the presence of Galemys pyrenaicus and N. a. anomalus from non-invasive samples. METHODS AND RESULTS The study was conducted in the mountains of the System Central of Extremadura (Spain). A total of 186 samples were collected from 2018 to 2021 by experts where historically reported and/or our previous studies confirmed their presence. RT-PCR assays using hydrolysis probes were designed to detect genetic material from both desman and Mediterranean water shrews and its specificity was confirmed. The reliability of the method was further assessed by PCR sequencing of mitochondrial Cyb and d-loop, resulting fully compatible with the RT-PCR approach. Intraspecific phylogenetic relationship was reported to improve knowledge about mtDNA variability in the desman from the Central System. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that RT-PCR gives a gold opportunity to further map the species using faeces which minimizes disturbance and reports both population status and individual presence. Cost-effective RT-PCR combined with field-collected faeces allows us to better investigate the full range of occurrence of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ripa
- Genetic and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Extremadura, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José A Díaz-Caballero
- Dirección General Sostenibilidad, Consejería Para La Transición Ecológica y Sostenibilidad, Junta de Extremadura, 06800, Merida, Spain
- Área del Medio Natural, Sociedad de Gestión Pública de Extremadura (GPEX), Junta de Extremadura, Mérida, España
| | - María Jesús Palacios-González
- Dirección General Sostenibilidad, Consejería Para La Transición Ecológica y Sostenibilidad, Junta de Extremadura, 06800, Merida, Spain
| | - Antonio Espinosa
- Genetic and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Extremadura, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
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Pacifico L, Rubiola S, Buono F, Sgadari M, D'Alessio N, Scarcelli S, Sgroi G, Buglione M, Chiesa F, Restucci B, Fioretti A, Prakas P, Veneziano V. Molecular differentiation of Sarcocystis miescheriana and Sarcocystis suihominis using a new multiplex PCR targeting the mtDNA cox1 gene in wild boars in southern Italy. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105039. [PMID: 37812987 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The increase of wild boar populations density and their meat consumption across Europe could expose humans to a plethora of foodborne diseases as sarcocystosis, caused by the zoonotic protozoan Sarcocystis suihominis. Humans become infected by eating raw or undercooked pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) containing S. suihominis sarcocysts. Despite this, to date very few data are available on the risk of infection by this parasite to wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat consumers. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the occurrence of Sarcocystis spp. in wild boars from southern Italy, applying both histology and a new multiplex PCR assay targeting the cox1 gene. Between 2019 and 2020, 997 muscle tissues (i.e., n = 269 oesophagus, n = 277 diaphragms, n = 298 hearts, n = 153 tongues) from 311 wild boars were collected and screened by a combined histological and molecular approach. Overall, 251 (80.7%) animals tested were positive for Sarcocystis spp., and S. miescheriana whose definitive hosts are canids, was the only molecularly identified species. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection was found according to the wild boar age and muscle tissue. Findings outlined the low zoonotic potential of infection to humans via wild boar meat consumption in Italy and the importance of the application of new molecular methods in distinguishing different Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pacifico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy; Department of Prevention, Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Area, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Caserta, Via Feudo di San Martino 10, Caserta, Italy
| | - Selene Rubiola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mariafrancesca Sgadari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Portici, via Salute 2, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Scarcelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Portici, via Salute 2, Italy
| | - Maria Buglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy
| | - Brunella Restucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Lestingi A. Use of Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa) as a Sustainable Alternative in Pork Production. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2258. [PMID: 37508036 PMCID: PMC10376712 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pork production involves several sustainability issues. The recent increase in the natural wild boar population and the possibilities of its breeding to produce meat and for sport hunting have revived attention on this wild species. The most important factors that could account for its expansion and niche invasion are briefly summarized with the scientific opinion on management strategies. The information available to date on the quantitative, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of wild boar meat is reviewed to highlight its potential, if properly managed, as a sustainable option in meat production. This review reports on the opportunity of using wild boar meat in processed products and the need for research on processing qualities and acceptability for different final products. Above all, this review suggests that wild boar can be considered a sustainable alternative to meet the animal protein demand, as it can be established in marginal areas where it is already adapted to the environment, representing an interesting addition to traditional zootechnics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Lestingi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
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Rivieccio E, Troiano C, Petrelli S, Maselli V, de Filippo G, Fulgione D, Buglione M. Population development and landscape preference of reintroduced wild ungulates: successful rewilding in Southern Italy. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14492. [PMID: 36530413 PMCID: PMC9756874 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the past decades, the abandonment of traditional land use practices has determined landscape changes inducing reforestation dynamics. This phenomenon can be contrasted with rewilding practices, i.e., the reintroduction of animals that may promote the recovery of landscape diversity. In this study, we explore the dynamics of expansion of two reintroduced populations of wild ungulates, Italian roe deer (Capreolus capreolus italicus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), assessing their contribution in the recovery of landscape diversity. Methods By using direct and indirect information on the two species, collected by nocturnal and diurnal surveys and camera trapping, we modelled a habitat suitability map, and estimated the density and distribution of the populations. We also performed a land use changes analysis, combining the presence of wild ungulates and livestock. Results and Discussion We demonstrated that deer dispersed gradually from their release location, increasing in population size, and this occurred in the entire study area. Moreover, we show that areas with lower grazing density are significantly affected by forest encroachment. A possible interpretation of this result could be that wild grazers (roe deer and red deer) prefer semi-open areas surrounded by the forest. This, in association with other factors, such as domestic grazing, could be one of the main responsible in maintaining landscape mosaic typical of the Apennine mountain, confirming the value of grazers as a landscape management tool. Moreover, we show the possibility to conserve through reintroduction the vulnerable C.c. italicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rivieccio
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Troiano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Petrelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Fulgione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Buglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
The recent and ever-growing problem of boar (Sus scrofa forms including wild boar, hybrid and feral pig) expansion is a very complex issue in wildlife management. The damages caused to biodiversity and the economies are addressed in different ways by the various countries, but research is needed to shed light on the causal factors of this emergency before defining a useful collaborative management policy. In this review, we screened more than 280 references published between 1975–2022, identifying and dealing with five hot factors (climate change, human induced habitat modifications, predator regulation on the prey, hybridization with domestic forms, and transfaunation) that could account for the boar expansion and its niche invasion. We also discuss some issues arising from this boar emergency, such as epizootic and zoonotic diseases or the depression of biodiversity. Finally, we provide new insights for the research and the development of management policies.
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Zan Zeng, Wang H, Gao S, van Gils H, Zhou Y, Huang L, Wang X. Identification of Release Habitat of Captive-bred Mammals Demonstrated for Giant Panda in Sichuan Province, China. BIOL BULL+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021130082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Traditional Free-Ranging Livestock Farming as a Management Strategy for Biological and Cultural Landscape Diversity: A Case from the Southern Apennines. LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10090957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mediterranean mountain landscapes are undergoing a widespread phenomenon of abandonment. This brings, as a consequence, the loss of traditional land use practices, such as transhumant pastoralism, as well as shrub and wood encroachment, with repercussions on the biodiversity associated with semi-open, human-managed landscapes. In this study, we focus on a mountain pasture from the Southern Apennines (Italy), where free-ranging transhumant grazing is still carried out, to quantify the effects of grazing presence and exclusion on arthropod diversity, and to qualitatively characterize the plant communities of grazed and ungrazed areas. Using field sampling, remote sensing, and semi-structured interviews, we assessed the validity of traditional cattle farming as a landscape management tool. Indeed, high diversity grasslands excluded from grazing were characterized by significantly less even and more dominated arthropod communities, as well as fewer plant species and families. Moreover, in areas that have been consistently grazed over the years, we found no forest encroachment from 1955 to 2019. However, rural communities are experiencing difficulties in keeping local traditions alive, even with current agri-environmental schemes. Thus, traditional livestock grazing can be a valuable management tool to maintain high biological and cultural diversity, even if stronger cooperation and attention to local needs is necessary.
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