4 research outputs found
A scoping review of zoonotic parasites and pathogens associated with abattoirs in Eastern Africa and recommendations for abattoirs as disease surveillance sites
Abattoirs are facilities where livestock are slaughtered and are an important
aspect in the food production chain. There are several types of abattoirs, which
differ in infrastructure and facilities, sanitation and PPE practices, and adherence
to regulations. In each abattoir facility, worker exposure to animals and animal
products increases their risk of infection from zoonotic pathogens. Backyard
abattoirs and slaughter slabs have the highest risk of pathogen transmission
because of substandard hygiene practices and minimal infrastructure. These
abattoir conditions can often contribute to environmental contamination and
may play a significant role in disease outbreaks within communities. To assess
further the risk of disease, we conducted a scoping review of parasites and
pathogens among livestock and human workers in abattoirs across 13 Eastern
African countries, which are hotspots for zoonoses. Our search results (n = 104
articles) showed the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and macroparasites
(nematodes, cestodes, etc.) in cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, camels, and poultry. Most
articles reported results from cattle, and the most frequent pathogen detected was
Mycobacterium bovis, which causes bovine tuberculosis. Some articles included
worker survey and questionnaires that suggested how the use of PPE along with
proper worker training and safe animal handling practices could reduce disease
risk. Based on these findings, we discuss ways to improve abattoir biosafety and
increase biosurveillance for disease control and mitigation. Abattoirs are a âcatch
allâ for pathogens, and by surveying animals at abattoirs, health officials can
determine which diseases are prevalent in different regions and which pathogens
are most likely transmitted from wildlife to livestock. We suggest a regional
approach to biosurveillance, which will improve testing and data gathering for
enhanced disease risk mapping and forecasting. Next generation sequencing will
be key in identifying a wide range of pathogens, rather than a targeted approach.The US Defense Threat Reduction Agency Biological Threat Reduction Program R-00716- 19-0 (DTRA) administered by the US Department of Defense.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health#am2024Veterinary Tropical DiseasesSDG-02:Zero HungerSDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein
A scoping review of zoonotic parasites and pathogens associated with abattoirs in Eastern Africa and recommendations for abattoirs as disease surveillance sites
Abattoirs are facilities where livestock are slaughtered and are an important aspect in the food production chain. There are several types of abattoirs, which differ in infrastructure and facilities, sanitation and PPE practices, and adherence to regulations. In each abattoir facility, worker exposure to animals and animal products increases their risk of infection from zoonotic pathogens. Backyard abattoirs and slaughter slabs have the highest risk of pathogen transmission because of substandard hygiene practices and minimal infrastructure. These abattoir conditions can often contribute to environmental contamination and may play a significant role in disease outbreaks within communities. To assess further the risk of disease, we conducted a scoping review of parasites and pathogens among livestock and human workers in abattoirs across 13 Eastern African countries, which are hotspots for zoonoses. Our search results (nâ=â104 articles) showed the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and macroparasites (nematodes, cestodes, etc.) in cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, camels, and poultry. Most articles reported results from cattle, and the most frequent pathogen detected was Mycobacterium bovis, which causes bovine tuberculosis. Some articles included worker survey and questionnaires that suggested how the use of PPE along with proper worker training and safe animal handling practices could reduce disease risk. Based on these findings, we discuss ways to improve abattoir biosafety and increase biosurveillance for disease control and mitigation. Abattoirs are a âcatch allâ for pathogens, and by surveying animals at abattoirs, health officials can determine which diseases are prevalent in different regions and which pathogens are most likely transmitted from wildlife to livestock. We suggest a regional approach to biosurveillance, which will improve testing and data gathering for enhanced disease risk mapping and forecasting. Next generation sequencing will be key in identifying a wide range of pathogens, rather than a targeted approach
Association of Accelerometry-Measured Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Events in Mobility-Limited Older Adults: The LIFE (Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders) Study.
BACKGROUND:Data are sparse regarding the value of physical activity (PA) surveillance among older adults-particularly among those with mobility limitations. The objective of this study was to examine longitudinal associations between objectively measured daily PA and the incidence of cardiovascular events among older adults in the LIFE (Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders) study. METHODS AND RESULTS:Cardiovascular events were adjudicated based on medical records review, and cardiovascular risk factors were controlled for in the analysis. Home-based activity data were collected by hip-worn accelerometers at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postrandomization to either a physical activity or health education intervention. LIFE study participants (n=1590; age 78.9±5.2 [SD] years; 67.2% women) at baseline had an 11% lower incidence of experiencing a subsequent cardiovascular event per 500 steps taken per day based on activity data (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.96; P=0.001). At baseline, every 30 minutes spent performing activities â„500 counts per minute (hazard ratio, 0.75; confidence interval, 0.65-0.89 [P=0.001]) were also associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events. Throughout follow-up (6, 12, and 24 months), both the number of steps per day (per 500 steps; hazard ratio, 0.90, confidence interval, 0.85-0.96 [P=0.001]) and duration of activity â„500 counts per minute (per 30 minutes; hazard ratio, 0.76; confidence interval, 0.63-0.90 [P=0.002]) were significantly associated with lower cardiovascular event rates. CONCLUSIONS:Objective measurements of physical activity via accelerometry were associated with cardiovascular events among older adults with limited mobility (summary score >10 on the Short Physical Performance Battery) both using baseline and longitudinal data. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01072500