RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk and Uncertainty,

A striking new species of Anolis lizard (Squamata, Iguania) from Panama

Aquí describimos una especie nueva de lagartija Anolis de Panamá. Esta forma nueva es más similar a Anolis mirus y A. parilis de América del Sur, pero difiere en caracteres del patrón de color y de escamas. La especie nueva parece ser un pariente cercano de otras Anolis Alfa grandes de tierra firme (grupo latifrons; Dactyloa).Here we describe a new Anolis lizard from Panama. The new form is most similar to South American Anolis mirus and Anolis parilis but differs in characters of color pattern and scalation. The new species appears to be a close relative of other large mainland Alpha Anolis (latifrons group; "Dactyloa")

Enhanced muscimol-induced behavioral responses after 6-OHDA lesions: relevance to susceptibility for self-mutilation behavior in neonatally lesioned rats

Adult rats lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), either as neonates or as adults, demonstrated increased turning, compared to unlesioned controls, when muscimol was unilaterally microinjected into the substantia nigra reticulata (SNR). At the higher doses of muscimol, the lesioned rats were so intensely lateralized that circling was impeded. These data suggest a functional supersensitivity of receptors associated with GABA function in the SNR of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. When 30 ng muscimol was administered bilaterally into the SNR, self-mutilation behavior (SMB) was observed in 2/11 of the control unlesioned rats, in 0/8 adult 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, and in 11/11 of the neonatally-lesioned rats tested. The ability of muscimol to produce SMB in the rats lesioned as neonates was dose related. Behavioral observations indicated that behaviors associated with SMB (self-biting and taffy pulling) were present in neonatal, but not adult lesioned rats. Behavioral responses to dopamine agonist administration were also different between rats lesioned as neonates and those lesioned as adults with 6-OHDA. These data support the view that lesions of dopaminergic neurons cause an increased functional responsiveness of receptors acted upon by muscimol in the SNR, and that the increased susceptibility for SMB in neonatally lesioned rats is determined by neurons distal to the GABA receptor complex in the SNR

HACCP-based quality risk management approach to udder health problems on dairy farms

Against the background of prevailing udder health problems on dairy farms, this paper discusses a new approach to mastitis control. Current udder health control programmes, such as the 'five-point plan', are highlighted and their drawbacks indicated. The concept and principles of hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) are introduced. The eight core elements of this concept are dealt with by using the example of a dairy herd with a mastitis problem due to Staphylococcus aureus. The various steps to be taken in the development of a HACCP-based quality risk management programme are illustrated through the application of core elements. Finally, it is shown that the HACCP key words, structure, organisation, planning, communication and formalisation; which do not frequently appear in conventional herd health and production management programmes can contribute to better udder health. The role of the veterinarian can be paramount and of added value, if he/she is willing to invest in new knowledge and skills, such as the HACCP concept, farm economics, animal nutrition, and particularly the role of coach to the dairy farmer in the implementation of preventative measures in relation to udder health

Pathogen detection, testing, and control in fresh broccoli sprouts

BACKGROUND: The recent increased interest in consuming green vegetable sprouts has been tempered by the fact that fresh sprouts can in some cases be vehicles for food-borne illnesses. They must be grown according to proper conditions of sanitation and handled as a food product rather than as an agricultural commodity. When sprouts are grown in accordance with the criteria proposed from within the sprout industry, developed by regulatory agencies, and adhered to by many sprouters, green sprouts can be produced with very low risk. Contamination may occur when these guidelines are not followed. METHODS: A one year program of microbial hold-and-release testing, conducted in concert with strict seed and facility cleaning procedures by 13 U.S. broccoli sprout growers was evaluated. Microbial contamination tests were performed on 6839 drums of sprouts, equivalent to about 5 million consumer packages of fresh green sprouts. RESULTS: Only 24 (0.75%) of the 3191 sprout samples gave an initial positive test for Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Salmonella spp., and when re-tested, 3 drums again tested positive. Composite testing (e.g., pooling up to 7 drums for pathogen testing) was equally sensitive to single drum testing. CONCLUSION: By using a "test-and-re-test" protocol, growers were able to minimize crop destruction. By pooling drums for testing, they were also able to reduce testing costs which now represent a substantial portion of the costs associated with sprout growing. The test-and-hold scheme described herein allowed those few batches of contaminated sprouts to be found prior to packaging and shipping. These events were isolated, and only safe sprouts entered the food supply

A systematic review on integration mechanisms in human and animal health surveillance systems with a view to addressing global health security threats

Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination by mass (antifilarial) drug administration. These drugs are predominantly active against the microfilarial progeny of adult worms. New drugs or combinations are needed to improve patient therapy and to enhance the effectiveness of interventions in persistent hotspots of transmission. Several therapies and regimens are currently in (pre-)clinical testing. Clinical trial simulators (CTSs) project patient outcomes to inform the design of clinical trials but have not been widely applied to NTDs, where their resource-saving payoffs could be highly beneficial. We demonstrate the utility of CTSs using our individual-based onchocerciasis transmission model (EPIONCHO-IBM) that projects trial outcomes of a hypothetical macrofilaricidal drug. We identify key design decisions that influence the power of clinical trials, including participant eligibility criteria and post-treatment follow-up times for measuring infection indicators. We discuss how CTSs help to inform target product profiles

RISK MANAGEMENT

Speech and PowerPoint Presentatio

A FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE PERSPECTIVE ON BIO-SECURITY AND SAFE FOOD (PowerPoint Presentation)

POWERPOINT PRESENTATIO