Relação entre obesidade, insulina plasmática e posicionamento da falange distal em equinos da raça Crioula / Relationship between obesity, insulin and placement of plasma in equine distal phalanx of breed creole

Verificaram-se características radiográficas do posicionamento da falange distal em relação ao estojo córneo em equinos da raça Crioula e correlacionaram-se tais achados com sinais de obesidade e concentrações plasmáticas de insulina. Consideraram-se dois grupos com base no escore da condição corporal (ECC). A média de idade entre os grupos foi de 9,2±5,8 anos em indivíduos normais (ECC 5-7) e de 10,3±3,7 anos em obesos (ECC 8-9). Diferenças estatísticas entre grupos ocorreram para valores de peso, perímetro torácico, escore da condição corporal, escore da crista do pescoço, comprimento do pescoço, circunferência do pescoço em três regiões referentes a 25%, 50% e 75% do comprimento do pescoço e entre o posicionamento da falange distal em relação ao estojo córneo. O ângulo formado entre as superfícies dorsais de falange distal e casco (ângulo de rotação) correlacionou-se estatisticamente com ECC (r = 0,30; P=0,02) e com peso e perímetro torácico (r = 0,50; P<0,01). Quanto à concentração de insulina plasmática, foram encontradas correlações positivas com ECP (r = 0,40; P<0,01) e com ângulo de rotação (r = 0,23; P = 0,08), e correlação negativa com idade (r = -0,42; P<0,01). Em oito animais (27%) o ângulo de rotação foi maior que 2 graus; destes, 25% eram normais e 75%, obesos (P<0,05). Aparentemente, em equinos da raça Crioula, características morfométricas no casco diferiram dos padrões internacionais obtidos de outras raças. A obesidade interferiu na relação espacial da falange distal com o estojo córneo, indicando que os animais obesos dessa raça são mais propensos a desenvolver laminite.

The radiographic relationship of the distal phalanx with the hoof capsule was verified in Creole breed horses and these findings correlated with signs of obesity and insulin blood levels. Horses were divided in two groups based on their body score condition (ECC). The average age was 9.2±5.8 years in normal (ECC 5-7) and 10.3±3.7 years in the obese group (ECC 8-9). Statistical differences between groups (P<0.05) were detected for values of weight, thoracic girth, body score condition, neck score (ECP), neck length, neck circumference into three regions based on 25% (P25), 50% (P50) and 75% (P75) of the length of the neck and phalanx and hoof capsule relationship. The angle between the dorsal aspects of distal phalanx and hoof wall (rotation angle) statistically correlated with ECC (r = 0.30; P=0.02) and with weight and thoracic girth (r = 0.50; P<0.01). Plasma insulin concentrations positively correlated with ECP (r = 0.40, P <0.01) and rotation angle (r = 0.23, P = 0.08) and negatively with age (r = -0.42, P <.01). In eight animals (27%) rotation angle was greater than 2 degrees, of which 25% were normal and obese 75% (P <0.05). Apparently in Creole horses, morphometric characteristics of the hoof differ from international standards obtained from other breeds. Obesity interfered with the spatial relationship of the distal phalanx with the hoof capsule, indicating that obese animals of this breed are more likely to develop laminitis.

Application of hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) as a possible control measure for Opisthorchis viverrini infection in cultured carp (Puntius gonionotus).

Opisthorchiasis due to Opisthorchis viverrini and transmitted through infected freshwater cyprinoid fish (carps) affects more than 8 million people in Thailand, People's Democratic Republic of Lao, and Vietnam. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)-concept has been recommended by FAO and WHO to be included in programs to control foodborne trematode infections (FBT). HACCP is a multifactorial approach to control food hazards through surveillance of diseases, foods, and operations and education. This study describes the first attempt to apply HACCP to the prevention and control of Opisthorchis viverrini in pond culture carp (Puntius gonionotus). The experiment was designed and carried out by a multidisciplinary "HACCP team" including experts in the field of public health, parasitology, epidemiology, aquaculture, fisheries extension and fish inspection. The investigation was performed in two fish ponds in the District of Sun Pa Tong, Chiang Mai, Thailand. In the experimental pond, fish was cultured according to HACCP principles and compared with the control pond, which followed conventional aquaculture practices. Water supply to the pond, fish fry, fish feed and pond conditions during the growing period were identified as critical control points (CCPs). Hazards were identified and analyzed, as well as control measures, critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and record keeping developed for each one of the above CCPs. Complete pond preparation, particularly aiming to eliminate contamination of pond water with O. viverrini eggs, fish infected with parasite meacercariae and the first intermediate host (Bithynia spp), was conducted. After the pond was filled with water, O. viverrini metacercaria-free fry were released into the pond. The preliminary results obtained indicate that HACCP-based principles applied to carp pond culture could be used as a strategy to prevent and control O. viverrini. Further studies should be undertaken aiming to confirm these preliminary results.