Pigs are kept by farmers as a source of livelihood and food. Unfortunately, helminthiasis and other internal parasites are major setbacks to profitable pig production in Africa. There is a lack of information on the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal helminths and parasites plaguing resource-poor pig farmers in the Free State. Knowledge of these endemic parasites can be used as baseline data to help design future intervention plans. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the types of gastrointestinal helminths and parasites prevalent in smallholder pigs reared in the central Free State Province. Faecal samples were randomly collected from 77 pigs and parasitologically analysed. Quantification was done using the McMaster counting technique. Farming system, age, gender and health status were the risk factors considered. The study was conducted between January and March 2016. Overall, results showed that 61 samples (79.2%) tested positive for one or more gastrointestinal parasites, which were observed as single or mixed infections. Amongst the positive samples, 44.5% were infected with Ascaris suum, 50.6% with Trichuris suis, 26.0% and 72.7% were infected with Oesophagostomum dentatum and coccidia, respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the rate of infection in the intensive and semi-intensive systems and between the dewormed and non-dewormed pigs. Piglets and female pigs recorded a higher prevalence in their categories. Pigs excreted mostly low (eggs per gram [EPG] ≤ 100) to moderate (EPG > 100 < 500) levels of helminth eggs. It is concluded that different species of gastrointestinal parasites are present in most pigs reared by smallholder farmers in this study area.

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Abattoir waste disposal must be carefully managed because the wastes can be a source of food-borne diseases (Nemerow & Dasgupta Industrial and Hazardous Waste Treatment, p. 284, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1991; Bradshaw et al. The Treatment and Handling of Wastes, p. 183, The Royal Society, Chapman & Hall, London, 1992). Disposal of food that has been condemned because it is known to be diseased is of particular concern, and this paper looks at current disposal methods for such waste in the light of new scientific developments and waste-management strategies. Questionnaires were presented to management and workers at low- and high-throughput red meat abattoirs in the Free State Province, South Africa to determine current waste-handling procedures for condemned products. The waste-handling practices, almost without exception, did not fully comply with the requirements of the South African Red Meat Regulations of 2004, framed under the Meat Safety Act (Act 40 of 2000). The survey highlighted the need to improve current waste-handling strategies to prevent condemned products from re-entering the food chain and contributing to environmental pollution.

Despite legislation governing the handling of red meat abattoirs waste in South Africa, irregularities still occur. Economic conditions in South Africa force under-privileged communities to scavenge on landfill sites, dumping grounds and abattoir disposal sites. Condemned products/carcasses are eaten by scavengers which could lead to significant health problems, disease and death. The waste products generated and the waste disposal strategies used was determined. A condemned product waste handling model was developed, causing minimum environmental pollution, reducing health risks and adding value to these products. Waste handling practices of 78 red meat abattoirs were determined by administering questionnaires and site visits. Most condemned products were buried/burned whereas most blood was disposed of into municipal drainage systems with the waste water. Limited by-product processing, denaturing and incineration took place. Minimal amounts of stomach contents and manure were utilized as compost but were mostly dumped on municipal landfill sites or farm land.

An alcohol interlock device is a breathalyser that is connected to the ignition of a car. To start the car, participants must provide an alcohol-free breath sample. During the trip, breath test updates will be requested, and details including distances and violations are recorded for monthly evaluation. The purpose of the device is to prevent individuals from driving under the influence of alcohol – a universal issue that impacts public safety. Alcohol interlock programmes have the potential to be effective while the device is fitted; however, success rates in reducing driving under the influence of alcohol are limited by factors such as low participation rates, and ineffectual long-term behavioural change. This article presents (1) a brief description of the research on alcohol interlock programmes, (2) barriers to low installation rates, (3) the impact interlocks have on daily life, and (4) showcase the approach that the Department of Corrections New Zealand is taking to maximise interlock effectiveness.