Salmonella monitoring in pigs in the Veneto Region of Italy: results of three monitoring campaigns from 2002 to 2006

From 2002 to 2006 three monitonng campa1gns have been performed in the Veneto Region of Italy to define the prevalence of Salmonella in p1gs slaughtered in this area. The monitoring scheme applied allowed to assess the prevalence for Salmonella, and was adjusted after each year of application in order to detect defined variations in prevalence, with a reduced number of samples. In the first (2002-2003) monitoring campaign the sample size (384 slaughtered batches) was assessed on the basis of the following criteria: expected prevalence = 50%; accuracy = 5% and confidence 1nterval = 95%. Samples were stratified according to the capacity of each slaughterhouse, and equally distributed in a 12 months period. One animal was sampled for each batch, collecting 25 grams of caecal content

Cholesterol granulomas nasal polyp in sphenoethmoid recess. An atypical aspect in a common lesion

Nasal polyp is a non neoplastic lesion of the respiratory mucosa. In few cases, it can be possible to detech the presence of cholesterolgranuloma. We present the case of a 55 year-old patient affected by a nasal lesion, localized in sphenoethmoidal recess, with particular microscopic feature and a review of the literature

Foodborne pathogens monitoring in pigs in the Veneto region of Italy

At the European level the control of foodborne diseases is defined by the new zoonoses legislation (Directive 2003/99/CE and Regulation (CE) 2160/2003), which points out the necessity to establish surveillance programmes for zoonotic agents in animal populations. From 2002 to 2004 baseline studies have been performed in the Veneto Region of Italy to define the prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, antimicrobial resistance indicators in the most important animal species farmed and slaughtered in this area. The monitoring scheme applied allowed to precisely assess the prevalence for different pathogens and animal species, and was adjusted after the first year of application in order to detect defined variations in prevalence, with a reduced number of samples. In this paper authors will describe methods and results of the monitoring scheme applied in pigs at slaughter

Robotic total gastrectomy with intracorporeal robot-sewn anastomosis. A novel approach adopting the double-loop reconstruction method

Gastric cancer constitutes a major health problem. Robotic surgery has been progressively developed in this field. Although the feasibility of robotic procedures has been demonstrated, there are unresolved aspects being debated, including the reproducibility of intracorporeal in place of extracorporeal anastomosis. Difficulties of traditional laparoscopy have been described and there are well-known advantages of robotic systems, but few articles in literature describe a full robotic execution of the reconstructive phase while others do not give a thorough explanation how this phase was run. A new reconstructive approach, not yet described in literature, was recently adopted at our Center. Robotic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and a socalled ‘‘double-loop’’ reconstruction method with intracorporeal robotsewn anastomosis (Parisi’s technique) was performed in all reported cases. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and a technical note was documented. All tumors were located at the upper third of the stomach, and no conversions or intraoperative complications occurred. Histopathological analysis showed R0 resection obtained in all specimens. Hospital stay was regular in all patients and discharge was recommended starting from the 4th postoperative day. No major postoperative complications or reoperations occurred. Reconstruction of the digestive tract after total gastrectomy is one of the main areas of surgical research in the treatment of gastric cancer and in the field of minimally invasive surgery. The double-loop method is a valid simplification of the traditional technique of construction of the Roux-limb that could increase the feasibility and safety in performing a full hand-sewn intracorporeal reconstruction and it appears to fit the characteristics of the robotic system thus obtaining excellent postoperative clinical outcome

Evaluation of the use of serological and bacteriological investigation for monitoring and controlling Salmonella in Italian pig herds

At the European level the control of foodborne diseases is defined by the new zoonoses legislation (Directive 20031991EC and Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003), which points out the necessity to establish surveillance programmes for zoonotic agents in animal populations. Recently Commission Decision 2006/6681EC concerning a baseline study on the prevalence of Salmonella in slaughter pigs has been published. Many different strategies have been developed and applied by EU Member States in order to Implement momtoring and/or control programmes for Salmonella in pigs; these strategies are mamly based on bacteriological analysis (performed on caecal content, ileo caecal lymph nodes or carcass swabs collected at slaughterhouse) and/or on serological analysis (mainly performed on meat juice obtained from diaphragm muscle)

Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on behaviour and live weight in growing rabbits

[EN] The aim of this research was to study the effects of group size and environmental enrichment on behaviour and growth of 108 hybrid growing rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We compared the behaviour (time budget and reactions to specific behavioural tests: "tonic immobility" and "emergence test") and live weight of growing rabbits housed in cages with a different number of rabbits per cage (2, 3 and 4; same density:14 rabbits/m2). Half of the cages were enriched with a wooden stick (Robinia Pseudoacacia, length: 20 cm ¿ diameter: 6 cm, cylindrical) hanging from the ceiling of the cage. The stick and number of animals per cage had no effect on weight gain or on behavioural tests responses. Interaction with the stick was significantly higher at the beginning of the growing period. Principal component analysis performed on the data for the whole period showed significant differences according to the treatments: increasing the number of rabbits per cage and introducing a wooden stick seemed to affect locomotor activity frequency and social interactions. Rabbits housed 3 and 4 per cage showed less lying behaviour and higher locomotor activity and sitting. The larger functional space allowance enabled rabbits to perform more natural behaviours compared to smaller cages (2 rabbits/cage). Environmental enrichment seems to be related to higher allogrooming behaviour frequency, which could indicate a social behaviour related to pheromonal olfactory stimulation and mutual recognition.Zucca, D.; Marelli, S.; Redaelli, V.; Heinzl, E.; Cardile, H.; Ricci, C.; Verga, M.... (2012). Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on behaviour and live weight in growing rabbits. World Rabbit Science. 20(2):89-95. doi:10.4995/wrs.2012.1082SWORD899520

Identification of control strategies to manage microbiological risks in typical pork products

Starting from 2009 a pilot project has been implemented by a local veterinary service of the Veneto region of Italy (AZ-ULSS 8) in collaboration with IZSVe (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie) with the aim of identifying control measures based on own-checks and official controls in order to manage microbiological risks related to traditional pork fermented sausages (Italian salami end soppresse) consumption. According to the data obtained a control strategy based on microbiological tests performed by the Competent Authority (CA) and the monitoring of the weight decrease in sausages by the food business operator (FBO) has been implemented for 2010-2011 production season