HIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa threatens farm employment and food security

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus' (HIV's) threat to food security is highest in areas with high poverty levels. The OR Tambo district in the Eastern Cape province has the highest poverty rate in South Africa (80.4%); HIV prevalence is 11.4%. Objective: The purpose of the study was to describe the threat that HIV poses to farm employment and food security in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Methods: A multi-method approach was used. The quantitative component was a cross-sectional design and the qualitative component was a narrative design. The study population comprised approximately 7 000 smallholder farmers from the five local municipalities in the OR Tambo district. Participants for both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the study were selected using convenience sampling. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and qualitative data were collected from face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Qualitative data were analysed using Tesch's eight-step procedure for thematic content analysis. Results: Five hundred and ninety-three farmers completed the questionnaire. Most agreed that HIV affects food security (n = 486, 72.0%), that HIV negatively affects food security (n = 454, 76.6%), that people living with HIV are excluded from farming activities (n = 426, 71.8%), and that HIV affects farming skills (n = 495, 83.5%). A significantly larger proportion of farmworkers older than 60 years than those who were younger perceived the threat to food security. Twenty participants described the effect of HIV on farm workers in interviews, and highlighted that HIV impacts farm skills and labour due to ill health and lost income from farming, which threatens food security. Conclusion: HIV threatens food security among smallholder farmers in the OR Tambo district due to farmworkers' diminished capacity to work and consequent reduced income, which affects their ability to secure food.

Condiciones de alojamiento de los terneros en crianzas artificiales de tambo y su relación con el estrés por frío / Housing conditions of dairy calves and its relationship with cold stress

Resumen El estrés por frío en los terneros puede ser muy perjudicial para su salud y rendimiento futuro. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de las condiciones de manejo de la crianza artificial y su relación con estrés por frío en terneros de tambo. Se evaluaron 160 terneros durante las primeras horas de la mañana, y se registró si los animales poseían capa o no y si disponían o no de cama. Se observó si contaban con reparo para limitantes climáticas. También se registró la temperatura rectal y si temblaban o no. Se consideró que terneros con temperatura rectal igual o inferior a 37,2 °C se encontraban en estrés por frio. El análisis estadístico de los datos se hizo mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Chi cuadrado y se calculó la probabilidad de ocurrencia mediante Odds Ratio. Encontrándose que los terneros en condiciones de estrés presentaron 4,93 veces mayor probabilidad de temblar; que disponer de cama fue favorable para prevenir el estrés (0,027), que las capas plásticas incrementaron la probabilidad de sufrir de estrés (0,006) y que proveer reparo a los animales tiene un efecto positivo en la prevención del estrés por frío (p = 0,027) en los terneros de tambo.

Abstract Cold stress in calves can be very detrimental to their health and performance. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of artificial rearing management conditions and their relationship to cold stress in dairy calves. A total of 160 calves were evaluated during the early morning hours and it was recorded whether or not the animals had cape and whether or not they had bed in pens. Also, it was observed if they had protection for climatic limitations. Rectal temperature and whether or not they were shivering were also recorded. Calves with rectal temperature equal to or lower than 37.2 °C were considered to be in cold stress. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the non-parametric Chi-square test and the probability of occurrence was calculated using Odds Ratio. It was found that calves under stress conditions were 4.93 times more likely to shiver; that having bed in pens was favorable for preventing stress (0.027), that plastic cape increased the probability of suffering from stress (0.006) and that providing shelter to animals had a positive effect on the prevention of cold stress (p = 0.027) in dairy calves.

Diversidad ictiológica de la quebrada Mayapo, Amazonia Peruana / Ichthyological diversity of the Mayapo stream, Peruvian Amazon

Resumen El presente estudio reporta la diversidad ictiológica de la quebrada Mayapo en base a material depositado en la Colección Ictiológica del Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (MUSM), en los años 2005, 2009 y 2010, proveniente de 30 puntos de muestreo de la quebrada Mayapo y afluentes ubicados entre los 256 y 557 m de altitud. Se identificaron 60 especies agrupadas en 39 géneros, 16 familias y cuatro órdenes, siendo los órdenes Characiformes y Siluriformes y las familias Characidae y Loricariidae los grupos más representativos. La diversidad de especies fue moderada, en comparación a otras evaluaciones en la Amazonia peruana. La composición taxonómica siguió el patrón predominante en aguas continentales de la Región Neotropical y en la Amazonia peruana. Se registraron especies de importancia pesquera, hábitos migratorios y distribución restringida.

Abstract The ichthyological diversity of the Mayapo stream is described based on material from the Ichthyological Collection of the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM). We analysed material from 30 sample points of the Mayapo stream and tributaries, collected in 2005, 2009, and 2012. The points were located between 256 and 557 m of altitude. A total of 60 species grouped in 39 genera, 16 families, and four orders were identified. The Characiformes and Siluriformes orders including the Characidae and Loricariidae families were the most representative groups. We concluded that total ichthyological diversity in Mayapo stream and tributaries was moderated compared with previous studies in the Peruvian Amazon. Additionally, the taxonomic composition showed the common diversity pattern found in the Neotropical freshwaters and Peruvian Amazon. Finally, we also remark on fisheries species, migratory behaviours, and restricted distribution.

Dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against Bovine respiratory syncytial virus in a dairy herd from Santa Fe Province, Argentina

Abstract Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the most relevant agents responsi-ble for respiratory disease in cattle from both dairy and beef farms. BRSV is spread by horizontalcontact causing a constant presence of seropositive animals that favors viral circulation throughout the year. Moreover, reinfections with BRSV are frequent between animals regardless of theirage as BRSV does not confer long-lasting protective immunity. Several studies have demonstrated the circulation of BRSV in cattle from different regions of the world; however, little isknown about the dynamics of BRSV infection in cows before and after they begin lactation. Theaim of this work was to study the dynamics of BRSV neutralizing antibodies from birth up to36 months of age in a closed dairy herd of Argentina specifically around the lactation period. Passive maternal antibodies against BRSV started to decrease monthly and became almost undetectable at 8 months of age. We detected two potential infection points at months 11 and 27after birth, in which 30% and 45% of the animals showed seroconversion, respectively. Specifically, an increase in the proportion of seropositive cows after the start of lactation suggests thatthey became reinfected around the time they began lactating. We demonstrate the importanceof understanding BRSV dynamics in a closed dairy herd to review the vaccination schedule ofthe animals to achieve protection against BRSV infection.

Resumen El virus respiratorio sincitial bovino (Bovine respiratory syncytial virus, [BRSV]) es uno de los principales agentes responsables de la enfermedad respiratoria en bovinos, tanto de tambos como de cría. El virus se transmite horizontalmente y causa la presencia constante de animales seropositivos, lo cual favorece la circulación viral a lo largo del ano. A su vez, las reinfecciones por BRSV son frecuentes entre animales independientemente de su edad, dado que el virus no confiere inmunidad protectora a largo plazo. Numerosos estudios han demostrado la circulación de BRSV en bovinos de diferentes regiones del mundo, sin embargo, poco se conoce acerca de la dinámica de infección en vacas antes y después del inicio de la fase de lactancia. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la dinámica de anticuerpos neutralizantes anti- BRSV en vacas lecheras desde el nacimiento hasta los 36 meses de vida en un tambo cerrado de Argentina, específicamente, en el período de lactancia. Los anticuerpos pasivos específicos para BRSV comenzaron a declinar mensualmente hasta ser casi indetectables a los 6 meses. Detectamos dos potenciales puntos de infección a los meses 11 y 27 luego del nacimiento, momentos en los que el 30 y el 45% de los animales mostraron seroconversión, respectivamente. El incremento en la proporción de vacas seropositivas luego del comienzo de la lactancia sugiere que estas se reinfectaron en el inicio de dicha etapa. Demostramos la importancia de entender la dinámica de circulación del BRSV en un tambo cerrado, a fin de revisar el esquema de vacunación de los animales para que estén protegidos frente a la posible infección por este virus.

Impacto del estrés por calor en terneros de tambo sobre parámetros fisiológicos y conductuales / Heat stress impact on physiological and behavioral parameters in dairy calves

Resumen Dentro de los factores de estrés a los que puede estar expuesto el ganado lechero el relativo al calor es uno de los más conocidos y estudiados en vacas lecheras por el impacto que tiene sobre la producción láctea. Sin embargo, este nivel de conocimiento no se repite en relación a los terneros en crianza, por tal motivo el objetivo del presente trabajo fue el de estudiar el impacto del estrés por calor en esta categoría. Se monitorearon 246 terneros pertenecientes a 19 tambos en días con ITH ≥ 72 para la franja horaria de 12 a 15. Se categorizaron los registros obtenidos en: estrés ligero, moderado o severo. Se registró la posibilidad o no de acceder a sombra, el disponer o no de agua para consumo, la posición y la actividad principal que desarrollaba, también se evaluó la temperatura rectal (TR) y la frecuencia respiratoria (FR). Los datos fueron analizados mediante ANOVA. La comparación entre medias se realizó con el test Tukey (α=0,05) y el análisis de correlación con el test de Spearman. Se utilizó el programa InfoStat versión 2019p. En lo que refiere a actividad, no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Sin embargo, sí se detectaron diferencias (p=0,0138) en la posición de aquellos animales expuestos a condiciones de estrés moderado vs. severo. La TR promedio fue diferente (p=0,0063) entre los animales de la categoría estrés lijero respecto a las otras dos categorías (> 39,2 °C). El valor promedio relativo a la FR resultó superior (p<0,0001) en los terneros bajo estrés severo (>80 rpm). La correlación hallada para la variable ITH respecto de TR resultó de 0,25 (p=0,0001), mientras que para FR fue de 0.33 (p<0,0001). En relación a las prácticas implementadas se registró que el 26 % de los terneros no contaban con sombra ni agua al momento de la visita.

Abstract Heat stress impact on physiological and behavioral parameters in dairy calves. Among the stress factors to which dairy cattle is exposed heat is one of the most studied due to the impact it has on milk production. However, there is lack of information regarding this stress condition in calves compared to the one related to adult animals. The aim of this paper was to study the relevance of heat stress in dairy calves. For the experiment 246 dairy calves from 19 dairy farms were monitored in days with Temperature Humidity Index (ITH) above 72 between 12:00 pm and 03:00 pm. Heat stress related to ITH was categorized in three degrees: low, moderate and sever stress. Additional information was taken during the visit: shade access, water availability, body position, activity being developed, rectal temperature (TR) and respiratory rate (FR). Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Comparison between median values was analyzed with Tukey´s test (α=0,05) and correlation analysis with Spearman´s test. The software used to analyze statistical data was Infostat version 2019. Differences were found in the body position between animals exposed to sever stress versus those with moderate stress (p=0.0138). However, there were no differences in animal activity in any of the temperature exposures. Results on average rectal temperature (TR) showed differences (p=0.0063) between animals with low stress and those with severe and moderate stress (> 39.2 °C). Relative average of FR was higher (p<0.0001) on calves under sever heat stress, reaching above 80 breaths per minute. The correlation coefficient between ITH and TR was 0.25 (p=0.0001), and between ITH and TR was 0.33 (p<0.0001). Regarding the practices implemented on the farms was noted that 26% of calves did not have shade or water available at the moment data was taken.

Prevalencia de mastitis subclínica en tambo lechero en Paraguay / Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Farm in Paraguay

Resumen El presente trabajo de investigación se llevó a cabo en un tambo del distrito de Nueva Italia, situado en el departamento Central. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la prevalencia de mastitis subclínica. Para el efecto, se contó con 147 animales de la especie bovina, hembras de razas holando, cruces jersey-holando y holando-gyr, de diferentes edades y periodos de lactación, con y sin síntomas de mastitis. Se realizó la prueba California Mastitis Test (CMT) y, de las 147 muestras analizadas, 110 dieron positivo a mastitis subclínica, lo que representa una prevalencia de 74,83 %. De los 551 cuartos estudiados, 315 fueron positivos, equivalentes al 57 %. Los cuartos posteriores resultaron ser el 50,6% de los cuartos totales. Según grados de CMT los resultados fueron: negativo, 43 % (236); trazas, 17 % (91); grado 1, 25 % (138); grado 2: 13,7 % (76), y grado 3: 1,8 % (10). La merma fue de 129,6 litros de leche por ordeñe. Teniendo en cuenta que el precio por litro de leche es Gs 2300 (USD 0,35), el total fue de Gs 298 080 (USD 45,6), que representa el 8,6 % de pérdida.

Abstract This research work was conducted in a dairy farm in the Nueva Italia district, located in the Central Province. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis therein. To do so, 147 female bovine subjects were studied, including Holstein specimens, Jersey-Holstein crossbreeds, and Holstein-Gyr crossbreeds, with different ages and lactation periods. There were both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals. A California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied and out of the 147 sampled animals, 110 resulted positive to the disease, accounting for a prevalence of 74.83%. Out of the 551 studied rooms, 315 were positive, accounting for 57%. The rooms in the backside accounted for 50.6% of the total positive rooms. Based on the CMT grades, the results were as follows: negative, 43% (236); traces, 17% (91); grade 1.25% (138); grade 2: 13.7% (76), and grade 3: 1.8% (10). There was a decrease of 129.6 liters milk per milking session. Considering that per-liter price is Gs 2300 (USD 0.35), the total loss of the milk was Gs 298,080 (USD 45.6), equaling 8.6% of profit loss.

Primer aislamiento de Mycoplasma leachii asociado a enfermedad en terneros de tambo en Argentina / First report of Mycoplasma leachii isolation associated with disease in dairy calves in Argentina

There are few reports about the isolation of Mycoplasma species associated with cattle disease in Argentina. In this work we describe the detection of Mycoplasma leachii associated with disease in dairy calves in Santa Fe Province, Argentina. Samples obtained from a 4 day-old dairy calf suffering from polyarthritis and from two other calves, one with arthritis and the other one with a mandibular abscess, were subjected to microbiological culture. Classical culture and generic PCR confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. The spacer region between the 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA gene from the first isolate was amplified and sequenced. The sequence obtained showed 99% identity with M. leachii. A PCR was developed to amplify a specific fragment of the 16S-23S ITS region corresponding to M. leachii, which allowed to identify the isolates associated with disease in calves.

Existen pocos informes acerca del aislamiento de especies de Mycoplasma asociadas con enfermedades del ganado en Argentina. En esta comunicación se describe el aislamiento de Mycoplasma leachii asociado a enfermedad en terneros de tambo en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina. Se obtuvieron muestras de un ternero de 4 días de vida con poliartritis, de un ternero con artritis y uno con un absceso mandibular. A partir del cultivo clásico se detectó la presencia de Mycoplasma, lo cual fue confirmado por PCR genérica. Se amplificó y secuenció la región ITS 16S-23S a partir del primer aislamiento, mostrando una identidad del 99% con Mycoplasma leachii. Se desarrolló una PCR para amplificar un fragmento específico de la región ITS 16S-23S correspondiente a M. leachii, que permitió identificar los aislamientos asociados con enfermedad en terneros.

Primer registro de Phyllodactylus sentosus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) para el valle del río Chillón, Lima, Perú / First record of Phyllodactylus sentosus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from the Chillón River Valley, Lima, Peru

El gecko de Lima Phyllodactylus sentosus (Dixon & Huey, 1970) identificado como en peligro crítico de extinción ha sido registrado sólo en algunas localidades entre los valles de los ríos Rímac y Lurín, en el centro y sur de la ciudad de Lima, Región Lima, sin embargo, su distribución hacia el norte no está documentada. En el presente trabajo se reporta por primera vez la presencia de P. sentosus en la Huaca Tambo Inga, ubicada en el margen derecho del valle del río Chillón en el distrito de Puente Piedra, extendiendo su distribución 19 km al noreste.

Lima Leaf-toed Gecko Phyllodactylus sentosus (Dixon & Huey, 1970), listed as Critically Endangered, has been registered only in some localities between the valleys of the Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central and southern of Lima city; however its distribution to the north is not documented yet. In the present note we report for first time the presence of P. sentosus in the Huaca Tambo Inga, which is located on the right bank of the Chillón River Valley in the district of Puente Piedra, extending its distribution 19 km to the northeast.

Supervivencia de VTEC O157 y no-O157 en agua de bebederos y materia fecal de bovinos / Survival of VTEC O157 and non-O157 in water troughs and bovine feces

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Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) is the etiologic agent of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), which typically affects children ranging in age from six months to five years old. Transmission is produced by consumption of contaminated food, by direct contact with animals or the environment and from person to person. In previous studies we determined that the environment of a dairy farm is a non-animal reservoir; thus, we proposed to study the survival of 4 VTEC isolates (O20:H19; O91:H21; O157:H7 and O178:H19) in sterile water troughs and bovine feces by viable bacteria count and detection of virulence genes by PCR. It was demonstrated that the survival of different VTEC isolates (O157 and non-O157) varied in terms of their own characteristics as well as of the environmental conditions where they were found. The main differences between isolates were their survival time and the maximal counts reached. The competitive and adaptive characteristics of some isolates increase the infection risk for people that are visiting or working on a farm, as well as the risk for reinfection of the animals and food contamination.