Collection and analysis of post mortem inspection outcomes (liver lesions) from different cattle slaughtering plants located in Northern and Southern Italy.

The study evaluated the outcomes of cattle liver postmortem examination (64,766 animals) obtained from three slaughterhouses (two located in Lombardy, Northern Italy, and one in Puglia, Southern Italy) through the period 2016-2020. The frequency of specific lesions determining liver condemnation was calculated and the influence of several factors (animal age/category, geographical area, season, plant) was considered. A mean prevalence of 8% was observed, with a significant difference among the plants (range 6.4-12.8%). A significant difference was observed among the animal categories and age classes, with higher condemnation rates in animals aged more than 30 months (mainly cows). Steatosis was the most frequent lesion observed in cows (about half of the total), whereas liver abscesses were the most diffused in younger animals (half of the total in young bulls). Other frequently observed lesions were distomatosis and perihepatitis. A different pattern was observed between the two geographical areas, with a higher prevalence of steatosis in Lombardy (mainly intensive dairy farming), and of distomatosis in Puglia (animals mainly grazed on pasture). The season influenced the prevalence of lesions, and especially of steatosis (higher in summer). A different lesion prevalence was also observed between the two plants on similar animal populations, suggesting a difference in the notification and classification procedure among the plants. This study highlights the importance of a proper sharing procedure of the information obtained from the post mortem inspection in order to facilitate an optimal use of Food Chain Information and a useful feedback for farmers.

MRSA in swine, farmers and abattoir workers in Southern Italy.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important medical issue, since it causes serious and sometimes fatal infections in humans. Intensively reared swine may serve as reservoirs for MRSA that can infect swine workers, and also consumers (via contaminated meat). In this study, MRSA strains were isolated from 55 of the 85 (64.7%) intensive pig farms surveyed, and prevalence was greater on pig fattening farms than on breeding farms. In addition, we included in the study 63 foreign pigs imported for slaughter. Overall, the prevalence of MRSA in the 418 sampled swine was 59.1%; 12 genotypes were identified among the isolates; ST398 (96.4%) was most prevalent, followed by ST97 (2%), ST9 (0.8%) and ST1 (0.8%). MRSA isolates were also detected in 26 (17.3%) of the 150 operators included in the study; the genotypes detected were ST398 (85%), ST9 (7.6%), ST5 (3.8%) and ST1 (3.8%). All the strains were pvl negative and pia positive. Both swine and human strains displayed a multi-resistance pattern, and almost all were resistant to tetracycline. The results obtained in this study confirm the high prevalence of MRSA in swine reared and slaughtered in Italy, and underline the public health risk linked to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among intensively reared pigs.

High Occurrence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Horses at Slaughterhouses Compared with Those for Recreational Activities: A Professional and Food Safety Concern?

The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in horses and its zoonotic potential is poorly understood. The objective of this study is to provide data on the prevalence and genetic characteristics of MRSA isolated from horses on farms, at racecourses, and at slaughterhouses in Italy, using standard and molecular methods. In addition, we report the prevalence of MRSA in horse handlers. Among 388 horses tested by nasal swabs, 27 (7%) were positive for MRSA ST398 (t011, t899, t1255) and ST1 (t127). The prevalence of MRSA in horses tested at slaughterhouses was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared with those tested on farms and racecourses. Five (7%) out of 67 staff members working in close contact with horses (2 from slaughterhouse, 2 from riding stable, and 1 from racecourse) were carriers of MRSA ST398 (t011, t034) and ST1 (t127). The isolates from horses and humans carried SCCmec IVa or V and were pvl negative and pia positive. All the isolates from both horses and humans were resistant to at least two antimicrobial classes. The circulation of MRSA in horses and in humans working in close contact with them should be considered an emerging public health issue. In fact, it represents a potential risk for people who work in close contact with horses, and for horse meat consumers.