First detection of an Italian human-to-cat outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant - lineage B.1.1.7.

The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and their rapid spread pose a threat to both human and animal health and may conceal unknown risks. This report describes an Italian human-to-cat outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 (the Alpha variant) . On March 7th, 2021, approximately ten days after COVID-19 appeared in the family, the onset of respiratory signs in a cat by COVID-19-affected owners led to an in-depth diagnostic investigation, combining clinical and serological data with rt-qPCR-based virus detection and whole genome sequencing. The Alpha variant was confirmed first in the owners and a few days later in the cat that was then monitored weekly: the course was similar with one-week lag time in the cat. In addition, based on comparative analysis of genome sequences from our study and from 200 random Italian cases of Alpha variant, the familial cluster was confirmed. The temporal sequence along with the genomic data support a human-to-animal transmission. Such an event emphasizes the importance of studying the circulation and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants in humans and animals to better understand and prevent potential spillover risks or unwarranted alerts involving our pet populations.

Evaluation of the marketing methods and handling of live shellfish (American lobsters) for the purpose of sale as food: First evaluations in Piedmont, Italy.

Some species of crustaceans pose problems during marketing, being sold alive. Food Business Operators (FBO) have the need to adopt specific measures based on opinions and guidelines of national and international associations. This investigation was aimed at evaluating the practices in use in the marketing of live crustaceans in Piedmont. Twenty-three plants were analyzed using checklists and through physical and chemical measurements of the water in the holding tanks. The situation appears uneven in the application of Good Handling Practices (GHP), management of animals and knowledge of FBO. Only 48% of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans had a dedicated section. Immobilization of the claws was the option identified to control aggressiveness. Dead animals are mainly identified as Category 3 instead of other hygienically safe options. Only 1/3 of interviewed can indicate the slaughtering methods recognized as most suitable for these animals. The aquariums show a good state of maintenance and most of evaluated parameters complaint to GHP except for nitrites (35%). In conclusion, the situation reflects the different levels of knowledge of the FBOs. Therefore the veterinarian of the public health service can propose itself as a reference point for specific training.

Toxoplasmosis in Italian pregnant women: results of a survey on perception of foodborne risks.

Toxoplasmosis, an infection by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant cause of fetal and neonatal mortality when acquired in utero and an important contributor to early and later childhood morbidity. Data present in the scientific literature are not univocal regarding the foodborne risk factors for T. gondii infection and the processing methods able to neutralize the parasite in food. We conducted a Delphi survey among experts to inquire as to their opinion on controversial issues regarding T. gondii risk factors, and we compared their position with that of a group of pregnant women in order to gather data for writing information guidelines on food safety during pregnancy. Between May 2005 and March 2006, we sent a questionnaire to 34 Italian experts in clinical medicine and food safety asking them to rank the risk of toxoplasmosis for different food items. We then compared their position with the results of the survey on T. gondii risk perception of pregnant women conducted in our Local Health Unit on the same issues. The risk as perceived by pregnant women and clinical experts appeared to be higher than that of food safety experts. The apparent overestimation of the risk in the group of pregnant women may induce erroneous or overcautious behaviors toward food safety and may induce women to exclude from their diet foods that are in fact not a risk for toxoplasmosis. The information collected with this study will contribute to the food safety information campaign for pregnant women and health professionals, although more studies on risk factors for T. gondii infection are recommended.