The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is developing an Establishment-based Risk Assessment (ERA) model for commercial and on-farm mills involved in the manufacture, storage, packaging, labeling, or distribution of livestock feed (ERA-Feed Mill model). This model will help inform the allocation of inspection resources on the basis of feed safety risk, including animal health and food safety risk. In a previous study, 34 risk factors, grouped into inherent, mitigation, and compliance clusters, along with assessment criteria were selected. The objective of this current study was to estimate the relative risk (RR) of the 203 assessment criteria on the basis of the impact on feed safety to design an ERA-Feed Mill model algorithm. Furthermore, the intent of this study was to assess the maximum increase or decrease of risk obtained when multiple criteria belonging to a same cluster were identified in a specific feed mill. To do so, a two-round face-to-face expert elicitation was conducted with 28 Canadian feed experts. Results showed no significant association between respondent profiles (years of experience and work sector) and estimated RR. Uniformity of answers between experts improved between rounds. Criteria having the highest increase in risk (median RR ≥ 4) included the presence of materials prohibited to be fed to ruminants in a facility that produces ruminant feed, the presence of multiple livestock species on-site, and historical noncompliances related to the inspection of the feed mill’s process control and end-product control programs. Risk mitigation criteria having the highest impact on decreasing the risk were the implementation of feed safety certifications, the use of dedicated manufacturing lines (prohibited materials or medications), and having a hazard sampling plan in place for finished feed. The median RR assigned to each criterion and cluster will be used to build an algorithm of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s ERA-Feed Mill model. Lachapelle V, Racicot M, Comeau G, Rhouma M, Leroux A, Wafo Noubissie O, Provost F, Zanabria R, Gaucher M, Costa M, Chorfi Y, Holley R, Smillie J, Bosch M, Dumas A, Brockhoff E, Collins S, Snelgrove P, Quessy S. Expert elicitation to estimate the feed safety impact of criteria Included in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Risk Assessment Model for Feed Mills. J Food Prot. 2021 Apr. https://doi.org/10.4315/jfp-20-371
Monthly Archives: April 2021
EFSA: Low Risk of ASF Transmission Through Feed but It Is a Risk that Cannot Be Dismissed entirely
EFSA’s latest advice on African swine fever (ASF) looks at the risk of the virus being introduced to non-affected regions of the EU via pathways such as feed, bedding materials and empty pig transport vehicles returning from affected areas. Read the full article here.
New, Revised, and Renewed Position Statements
The AASV Board of Directors established a new position on the risk of foreign animal disease introduction through feed and feed ingredients on April 8, 2021.
Brachyspira hyodysenteriae Infection Reduces Digestive Function but Not Intestinal Integrity in Growing Pigs While Disease Onset Can Be Mitigated by Reducing Insoluble Fiber
Swine dysentery (SD) induced by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae manifests as mucohemorrhagic diarrhea in pigs, but little is known about the changes that occur to the gastrointestinal tract during this disease. It is thought that dietary fibers alter disease pathogenesis, although the mechanisms of action are unclear. Thus, the objectives of this study were to characterize intestinal integrity, metabolism, and function in pigs during SD and determine if replacing insoluble fiber with fermentable fibers mitigates disease. Thirty-six B. hyodysenteriae-negative gilts [24.3 ± 3.6 kg body weight (BW)] were assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) B. hyodysenteriae negative, control diet (NC); (2) B. hyodysenteriae challenged, control diet (PC); and (3) B. hyodysenteriae challenged, highly fermentable fiber diet (RS). The NC and PC pigs were fed the same control diet, containing 20% corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The RS pigs were fed a diet formulated with 5% sugar beet pulp and 5% resistant potato starch. On days post inoculation (dpi) 0 and 1, pigs were inoculated with B. hyodysenteriae or sham. Pigs were euthanized for sample collection after onset of SD. The challenge had high morbidity, with 100% of PC and 75% of RS pigs developing clinical SD. The timing of onset of clinical SD differed due to treatment, with RS pigs having a delayed onset (dpi 9) of clinical SD compared with dpi 7 for PC pigs. Colon transepithelial resistance was increased and macromolecule permeability was reduced in PC pigs compared with NC pigs (P < 0.01). Minimal changes in ileal permeability, mitochondrial function, or volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were observed. Total VFA concentrations were lower in the colon and cecum in both PC and RS pigs compared to NC pigs (both P < 0.05), but iso-acids were higher (both P < 0.05). Total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was lower in PC pigs compared with both NC and RS pigs (both P < 0.001). These data indicate that SD reduces digestive function but does not reduce ex vivo intestinal integrity. Further, replacement of insoluble fiber with highly fermentable fibers mitigated and delayed the onset of SD. Helm E, Lin S, Gabler N, Burrough E. Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection reduces digestive function but not intestinal integrity in growing pigs while disease onset can be mitigated by reducing insoluble fiber. Front Vet Sci. 2020 Oct. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.587926
Comparative Virulence and Genomic Analysis of Streptococcus suis Isolates
Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic bacterial swine pathogen causing substantial economic and health burdens to the pork industry. Mechanisms used by S. suis to colonize and cause disease remain unknown and vaccines and/or intervention strategies currently do not exist. Studies addressing virulence mechanisms used by S. suis have been complicated because different isolates can cause a spectrum of disease outcomes ranging from lethal systemic disease to asymptomatic carriage. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the virulence capacity of nine United States S. suis isolates following intranasal challenge in swine and then perform comparative genomic analyses to identify genomic attributes associated with swine-virulent phenotypes. No correlation was found between the capacity to cause disease in swine and the functional characteristics of genome size, serotype, sequence type (ST), or in vitro virulence-associated phenotypes. A search for orthologs found in highly virulent isolates and not found in non-virulent isolates revealed numerous predicted protein coding sequences specific to each category. While none of these predicted protein coding sequences have been previously characterized as potential virulence factors, this analysis does provide a reliable one-to-one assignment of specific genes of interest that could prove useful in future allelic replacement and/or functional genomic studies. Collectively, this report provides a framework for future allelic replacement and/or functional genomic studies investigating genetic characteristics underlying the spectrum of disease outcomes caused by S. suis isolates. Nicholson T, Waack U, Anderson T, Bayles D, Zaia S, Goertz I, Eppinger M, Hau S, Brockmeier S, Shore S. Comparative virulence and genomic analysis of Streptococcus suis isolates. Front Microbiol. 2021 Jan. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.620843
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine
Creating socially conscious educational and work environments — as well as removing barriers to equity and inclusion — are imperatives for veterinary professionals. Veterinarians, team members and students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of all clients and create welcoming environments for all co-workers. The AVMA is committed to providing tools that empower veterinary professionals to advance their education on these issues. From podcasts and CE webinars, to veterinary certificate programs and book lists, these resources may help all veterinary professionals become better allies in support of equitable treatment for all. View AVMA’s diversity and inclusion resources.
SHIC Develops New Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- Fact Sheet per Industry Input
Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:-, an emerging serotype in swine, has become one of the most identified serotypes in pigs, pork, and humans worldwide. It captured the attention of an American Association of Swine Veterinarians member who recommended the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) develop a fact sheet on this bacteria for the benefit of the US pork industry. As a result, the new S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- Fact Sheet has been posted and contains valuable information on the serotype. This project represents SHIC’s mission of responding to industry needs. You are welcome to send ideas, questions, and suggestions for SHIC by email shic@swinehealth.org or call 515-598-4553. As in this instance, SHIC will provide a timely response with good science to benefit the industry, maintaining a regularly updated Fact Sheet library.
Position Announcement: Associate Swine Veterinarian
Pipestone Veterinary Services is seeking an Associate Swine Veterinarian in Rensselaer, Indiana. Every day, independent family farms across the country rely on Pipestone Veterinary Services to provide outstanding veterinary care to assist with their ability to provide a wholesome food source to help feed the growing world. We are looking for an entrepreneurial individual to join our fast-paced veterinary team as we continue our next phase of growth.
People on the Move: Dr. Rebecca Robbins
Dr. Rebecca Robbins will begin a new chapter of her career on May 10 as Resident Director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Canyon, Texas. She was previously employed by Seaboard Foods where she spent 8 great years serving as Senior Production Veterinarian. Updated contact information for Dr. Robbins is available at https://www.aasv.org/directory. Are you on the move? If so, let us know at aasv@aasv.org.
New Resource: Your Guide to Mental Health eBook
From epidemic illnesses impacting pigs to falling commodity prices to increasing farm debt load, many factors cause stress among pig farmers today. Find out how to recognize the warning signs of stress, practical ways to deal with tough times and 3 tips to get your health on track in Farm Journal’s PORK’s new e-book, “Your Guide to Mental Health.”