India is the largest jute and fifth largest maize producing country in the world. In India maize is commonly stored and transported in jute bags which are used multiple times. Aflatoxin contamination of maize is a major issue in India. This study evaluated the potential impact of re-using jute bags on the risk of aflatoxin contamination of maize in the food supply chain. A total of 121 jute bags were collected in India; 95 had been used for maize and 26 bags were new. Significantly higher numbers of viable aflatoxigenic fungi were counted from re-used bags (27.8 times) (P<0.05), than the number from new bags. There was no significant difference between aflatoxin concentration found in the re-used jute bags and the new jute bags (P>0.05). Further analysis revealed that the aflatoxigenic fungal population (3.0 times) and aflatoxin concentration (1.2 times) were significantly higher in jute bags that had been used for maize with higher aflatoxin contamination (14-188.4 μg/kg total aflatoxins) than in those that had been used for maize with lower contamination (0.8-5.4 μg/kg total aflatoxins) (P<0.05). The significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between the aflatoxigenic fungal population of used jute bags and aflatoxin contamination of their packed maize indicated there is a risk of cross-contamination in the supply chain introduced by re-using jute bags. This is the first study to systematically reveal the potential impact of re-using jute bags on the fungal population and aflatoxin contamination risk. The application of readily applied treatments to re-used jute bags would help to minimise the aflatoxin contamination.
The use of indoor confinement concrete slatted floor feeding facilities has grown in the US to comply with increasing environmental regulations and decreasing land availability. Rubber mats manufactured to be installed on top of concrete slats are being promoted to increase comfort and improve welfare and performance. There are limited published data on the association of rubber mats with bovine health and performance in a North American production setting. The objective of this project was to evaluate potential health differences associated with various types of slatted flooring in confined beef operations during the finishing phase of production.
Biosecurity practices are designed to prevent the spread of disease, yet implementation of those practices varies greatly among animal owners and veterinarians. Veterinarians working in food animal and mixed animal practices have a role in the design and implementation of biosecurity protocols for their clients and are responsible for minimizing their potential to act as a disease "fomite" as they move between operations. The objective of this project was to survey Midwestern veterinary practitioners to determine their current implementation of biosecurity and infection control practices.
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