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Showing papers by "Ministry of Agriculture published in 2014"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The detection of WNV-seropositive equines in ten ranches and ILHV and SLEV-seripositiveEquines in fourteen ranches of two different sub-regions of Pantanal is strong evidence of widespread circulation of these flaviviruses in the region.
Abstract: A recent study reported neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) in horses from four ranches of southern Pantanal. To extend that study, a serosurvey for WNV and 11 Brazilian flaviviruses was conducted with 760 equines, 238 sheep and 61 caimans from 17 local cattle ranches. Among the tested equines, 32 were collected from a ranch where a neurologic disorder outbreak had been recently reported. The sera were initially screened by using a blocking ELISA and then titrated by 90% plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) for 12 flaviviruses. Employing the criterion of 4-fold greater titer, 78 (10.3%) equines were seropositive for Ilheus virus, 59 (7.8%) for Saint Louis encephalitis virus, 24 (3.2%) for WNV, two (0.3%) for Cacipacore virus and one (0.1%) for Rocio virus. No serological evidence was found linking the neurological disease that affected local equines to WNV. All caimans and sheep were negative by blocking ELISA for flaviviruses. There were no seropositive equines for Bussuquara, Iguape, Yellow fever and all four Dengue virus serotypes. The detection of WNV-seropositive equines in ten ranches and ILHV and SLEV-seropositive equines in fourteen ranches of two different sub-regions of Pantanal is strong evidence of widespread circulation of these flaviviruses in the region.

69 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 2014-Talanta
TL;DR: A proteomic-like technique is developed using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization able to differentiate and subsequently quantify CMP and pseudo-CMP in milk samples in order to identify adulteration or contamination of these products.

58 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
16 Oct 2014-PLOS ONE
TL;DR: All positive samples originated from a single bird species, the ruddy turnstone, that was caught in the Amazon region at Caeté Bay, Northeast Pará, at Ilha de Canelas, and this is the first isolation of H11N9 in the r Buddy turnstone in South America.
Abstract: Aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza viruses (AIV). Habitats in Brazil provide stopover and wintering sites for water birds that migrate between North and South America. The current study was conducted to elucidate the possibility of the transport of influenza A viruses by birds that migrate annually between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In total, 556 orotracheal/cloacal swab samples were collected for influenza A virus screening using real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR). The influenza A virus-positive samples were subjected to viral isolation. Four samples were positive for the influenza A matrix gene by rRT-PCR. From these samples, three viruses were isolated, sequenced and characterized. All positive samples originated from a single bird species, the ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), that was caught in the Amazon region at Caete Bay, Northeast Para, at Ilha de Canelas. To our knowledge, this is the first isolation of H11N9 in the ruddy turnstone in South America. (Resume d'auteur)

56 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Nov 2014-Talanta
TL;DR: An efficient technique for the analysis of multiclass antibacterial residues (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides and trimethoprim) was developed based on simple, environment-friendly extraction for bovine milk, cattle and poultry liver and proved that it can be an important tool in routine analysis, since it is very fast and reliable.

39 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authenticity of Minas Frescal cheese was assessed using SDS-PAGE in 21 commercial samples acquired in Southern Brazil and the results indicated the irregular presence of whey in the composition of these products, contrary to the enzymatic process legally required.

35 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The first gene sequencing of Avian Picobirnavirus (AvPBV) in Brazilian broiler chickens was reported in this article, with a positivity of 15.3% (13/85) by PAGE and 49.4% (42/85%) by RT-PCR.
Abstract: Picobirnavirus (PBV) belongs to the family Picobirnaviridae. Picobirnaviruses contain a bisegmented dsRNA genome that is non-enveloped. A total of 85 pooled faecal samples were collected from the poultry of 37 farms from the Metropolitan Mesoregion of Belem (MMB), Para state, Brazil. The viral RNA from each sample was analysed by PAGE and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). For each county affected, at least one positive sample was selected, cloned and sequenced. The samples showed a positivity of 15.3 % (13/85) by PAGE and 49.4 % (42/85) by RT-PCR. Sequencing of these strains demonstrated a considerable RdRp gene heterogeneity that ranged from 56.1 to 100 % at the nucleotide level compared with prototypes of different species and water sewage, and from 50.3 to 100 % among themselves. Avian picobirnavirus (AvPBV) was detected in MMB broiler farms and showed a heterogeneous relationship with the prototypes used. This report includes what is believed to be the first gene sequencing of AvPBV in Brazilian broiler chickens.

29 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the mineral composition and content present in seven native fruit species of Southern Brazil using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) were characterized.
Abstract: Although the greatest variety of Brazilian flora is in the Amazon region, the Southern region of Brazil also has an estimated number of at least 5,000 species of vascular native plants. These species have been neglected as potential food sources, remaining unknown and under-utilized and limiting the potential variety in the diet of Brazilians and other peoples. Therefore the aim of this study was to characterize the mineral composition and content present in seven native fruit species of Southern Brazil using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The essential element concentrations in the fruit samples were higher or similar to the values reported for traditional fruits. The araticum-do-mato fruit samples had high concentrations of the elements Ca, K, and Cu, and trace elements such as Pb and Sr. Mandacaru-de-tres-quinas had predominance of Ba, Bi, and Ga, and the essential elements Mg and Mn. Uvaia and guabiroba had the highest levels of Al and Cr, but uvaia had high levels of Fe and Zn. The pindo palm had high amounts of Cd and Ni, and the yellow guava had high concentrations of Na, while red guava had high levels of Co.

24 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Change in distribution and range size of several demersal fish species in the BCLME over the period 1985–2010, including both commercial and non-commercial fish populations are analysed to highlight the complex nature of the response of fish population to climate change.
Abstract: Distributional change, expressed as range expansion or contraction , has been observed in many marine populations and related to changes in the environment. The extent of such distributional changes is also expected to increase in response to future climate change. The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) which adjoins the south-western coast of Africa is a global marine hotspot with long-term warming occurring over a large area. The area is also an important centre of marine food production for three countries—South Africa, Namibia and Angola and is considered to be vulnerable to future climate change or increased climate variability. In this study we analysed change in distribution and range size of several demersal fish species in the BCLME over the period 1985–2010, including both commercial and non-commercial fish populations. Some of the observed changes in distribution and range size correspond to what is expected with increased warming whereas others appear to the contrary. Overall the results of the study highlight the complex nature of the response of fish population to climate change.

22 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A simple and rugged protocol for validation in the case of extension of scope for analysis of sulfonamide residues using LC-MS/MS, including inclusion of more analytes, metabolites, matrices and optimisation for the extraction procedure are presented in detail.
Abstract: Validation is a required process for analytical methods. However, scope extension, i.e. inclusion of more analytes, other matrices and/or minor changes in extraction procedures, can be achieved without a full validation protocol, which requires time and is laborious to the laboratory. This paper presents a simple and rugged protocol for validation in the case of extension of scope. Based on a previously reported method for analysis of sulfonamide residues using LC-MS/MS, inclusion of more analytes, metabolites, matrices and optimisation for the extraction procedure are presented in detail. Initially, the method was applied only to liver samples. In this work, milk, eggs and feed were also added to the scope. Several case-specific validation protocols are proposed for extension of scope.

20 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: These models could allow the targeting of rabies control efforts, with the adoption of control measures directed to the higher risk locations and the optimization of the field veterinary staff deployment throughout the country.

16 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Passengers from Eastern Europe were the most likely to enter with animal products as were those aged between 35 and 55 years, and when evaluating the departure point, the highest frequency was seen in those coming from Portugal.
Abstract: Protection against biological material entering a country or region through airports is important because, through them, infectious agents can quickly reach exotic destinations and be disseminated. Illegal products of animal origin may contain hazardous infectious agents that can compromise animal and public health. The aim of this study was to identify associations between possession of illegal animal products in baggage and demographic characteristics of the passengers, as well as characteristics of their travel plans in the two main Brazilian international airports. A total of 457 passengers were divided into two groups: passengers identified as carrying illegal animal products and control. Passengers identified as carrying illegal animal products not stated on the accompanied baggage declaration completed a questionnaire, to aid in profiling. Nationality, origin, age and residency of passengers were analyzed using chi square, logistic regression and odds ratios. Passengers from Eastern Europe were the most likely to enter with animal products as were those aged between 35 and 55 years. When evaluating the departure point, the highest frequency was seen in those coming from Portugal. Passenger group, reasons for travel, amount and type of baggage were available only for passengers identified as carrying illegal animal products, noting that they prefer traveling alone, for leisure, bringing few bags. Such information can contribute to the early identification of passengers that have illegal animal products in baggage at Brazilian airports.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the optimization of a multiresidue chromatographic analysis for the identification and quantification of 20 pesticides in bovine milk, including three carbamates, a carbamate oxime, six organophosphates, two strobilurins, a pyrethroid, an oxazolidinedione, an aryloxyphenoxypropionate acid/ester, a neonicotinoid, a dicarboximide, and three triazoles, were described.
Abstract: This paper describes the optimization of a multiresidue chromatographic analysis for the identification and quantification of 20 pesticides in bovine milk, including three carbamates, a carbamate oxime, six organophosphates, two strobilurins, a pyrethroid, an oxazolidinedione, an aryloxyphenoxypropionate acid/ester, a neonicotinoid, a dicarboximide, and three triazoles. The influences of different chromatographic columns and gradients were evaluated. Furthermore, four different extraction methods were evaluated; each utilized both different solvents, including ethyl acetate, methanol, and acetonitrile, and different workup steps. The best results were obtained by a modified QuEChERS method that lacked a workup step, and that included freezing the sample for 2 hours at -20 oC. The results were satisfactory, yielding coefficients of variation of less than 20%, with the exception of the 50 µg L-1 sample of famoxadone, and recoveries between 70 and 120%, with the exception of acephate and bifenthrin; however, both analytes exhibited coefficients of variation of less than 20%.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The techniques proved to be efficient, robust, sensitive, and specific for the diagnosis of M. bovis.
Abstract: This study aimed to develop and validate real-time PCR for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis isolates. Two hundred and seventy-four M. bovis isolates and 156 M. tuberculosis isolates were tested. Both qPCRs amplified all of the 274 M. bovis samples, but none of the 156 M. tuberculosis samples. The qPCR for PE-PGRS 20 had 91% efficiency and a detection limit of 0.32 ng (sensitivity and specificity for qPCR "Mbovis.100" were 99.64 and 100%, respectively). The qPCR for RD4 had 100% efficiency, and a detection limit of 4 pg (diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 100%. The qPCR tests were performed using 4 extraction sets, 3 qPCR kits, and with a range of equipment; yet, all combinations produced similar results in a diagnostic

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: RT-qPCR can be used as a complementary diagnostic for CSF and RNA from CSF virus was not detected in samples of swine originated from the Brazilian CSF-free zone.
Abstract: The viral disease classical swine fever (CSF), caused by a Pestivirus, is one of the major causes of economic losses for pig farming. The aim of this work was to validate a RT-qPCR using Taqman for detection of CSF in swine tissues. The parameters for the validation followed the specifications of the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the guide ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The analysis of the 5′NTR region of CSF virus was performed in 145 samples from 29 infected pigs and in 240 samples from 80 pigs originated in the Brazilian CSF-free zone. The tissues tested were spleen, kidney, blood, tonsils, and lymph nodes. Sequencing of the positive samples for 5′NTR region was performed to evaluate the specificity of the RT-qPCR. Tests performed for the RT-qPCR validation demonstrated that the PCR assay was efficient in detecting RNA from CSF virus in all materials from different tissues of infected animals. Furthermore, RNA from CSF virus was not detected in samples of swine originated from the Brazilian CSF-free zone. Hence, it is concluded that RT-qPCR can be used as a complementary diagnostic for CSF.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The method has been applied to routine analysis for determination of pyrethroid residues in bovine raw milk in the Brazilian National Residue Control Plan since 2013, in which a total of 50 samples were analyzed.
Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method based on solvent extraction followed by low temperature clean-up was applied for determination of seven pyrethroids residues in bovine raw milk using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography with electron-capture detector (GC-ECD). Sample extraction procedure was established through the evaluation of seven different extraction protocols, evaluated in terms of analyte recovery and cleanup efficiency. Sample preparation optimization was based on Doehlert design using fifteen runs with three different variables. Response surface methodologies and polynomial analysis were used to define the best extraction conditions. Method validation was carried out based on SANCO guide parameters and assessed by multivariate analysis. Method performance was considered satisfactory since mean recoveries were between 87% and 101% for three distinct concentrations. Accuracy and precision were lower than ±20%, and led to no significant differences (p < 0.05) between results obtained by GC-ECD and GC-MS/MS techniques. The method has been applied to routine analysis for determination of pyrethroid residues in bovine raw milk in the Brazilian National Residue Control Plan since 2013, in which a total of 50 samples were analyzed.

Journal ArticleDOI
05 Feb 2014-PLOS ONE
TL;DR: Some whale bones show unequivocal man-made scars associated to wounds from instruments with a sharp-cutting blade, which may suggest that whaling for that species was active at Peniche around the early 17th century.
Abstract: The former occurrence of the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis on the Portuguese coast may be inferred from the historical range of that species in Europe and in NW Africa. It is generally accepted that it was the main prey of coastal whaling in the Middle Ages and in the pre-modern period, but this assumption still needs firming up based on biological and archaeological evidence. We describe the skeletal remains of right whales excavated at Peniche in 2001–2002, in association with archaeological artefacts. The whale bones were covered by sandy sediments on the old seashore and they have been tentatively dated around the 16th to 17th centuries. This study contributes material evidence to the former occurrence of E. glacialis in Portugal (West Iberia). Some whale bones show unequivocal man-made scars. These are associated to wounds from instruments with a sharp-cutting blade. This evidence for past human interaction may suggest that whaling for that species was active at Peniche around the early 17th century.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new, highly effective method to identify and quantify saccharin using HPLC with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD), where the excitation wavelength and emission wavelength chosen increased selectivity for all matrices and ensured few changes were required in the mobile phase or other parameters.

Journal ArticleDOI
04 Aug 2014
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of irrigation depths (60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, 120% and 140% of the ETc) on yield, fruit quality and water usage were evaluated.
Abstract: IMPACTOS DO NIVEL DE IRRIGACAO E DA COBERTURA DO SOLO NA CULTURA DO TOMATEIRO RAFAEL CAMPAGNOL1; CAMILA ABRAHAO2; SIMONE DA COSTA MELLO1; VICTORIA ROSSMARY SANTACRUZ OVIEDO3; KEIGO MINAMI1 1Departamento de Producao Vegetal, ESALQ/USP, Avenida Padua Dias, 11, 13418-900, Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brasil, e-mail: rcampagnol@usp.br, scmello@usp.br, kminami@usp.br 2Departamento de Recursos Naturais – Ciencia do Solo, FCA/UNESP, Fazenda Lageado, Rua Jose Barbosa de Barros, n. 1780, 18610-307, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brasil, e-mail: ca_abrahao@yahoo.com.br 3Direccion de Investigacion Agricola/Ministerio da Agricultura. Ruta II, km 10, San Lorenzo, Paraguai, e-mail: vrossmary@hotmail.com 1 RESUMO A agua e um bem cada vez mais escasso e que tambem exerce grande influencia na produtividade e na qualidade do tomateiro, tornando seu manejo um fator preponderante para a obtencao de maiores rentabilidades aliada a sustentabilidade. Avaliou-se nesse trabalho os efeitos de lâminas de irrigacao (60%, 80%, 100%, 120% e 140% da ETc) e da cobertura do solo com filme plastico de polietileno preto sobre a produtividade, qualidade dos frutos e eficiencia do uso da agua (EUA) na cultura do tomateiro em campo, durante o periodo chuvoso, na regiao de Piracicaba (SP). O delineamento experimental foi em parcelas subdivididas distribuidas aleatoriamente no esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com quatro repeticoes. As lâminas de irrigacao nao influenciaram a produtividade total, produtividade comercial, massa media dos frutos e numero de frutos por planta. A cobertura do solo com plastico preto aumentou a produtividade total e comercial de frutos, mas reduziu o teor de solidos soluveis. A eficiencia do uso da agua aumentou com a reducao da lâmina de irrigacao, sendo esse aumento mais pronunciado com o uso da cobertura de solo. Palavras-chave: Solanum lycopersicum, lâmina de agua, deficit hidrico, podridao apical, mulching. CAMPAGNOL, R; ABRAHAO, C; MELLO, S. C.; OVIEDO, V. R. S.; MINAMI, K. IMPACTS OF IRRIGATION LEVELS AND SOIL COVER ON TOMATO CROP 2 ABSTRACT Water is an asset increasingly scarce and it has also a great influence on yield and quality of tomato crop, making its management a major factor to achieve higher profitability coupled with sustainability. The study aimed at evaluating the effects of irrigation depths (60%, 80%, 100%, 120% and 140% of ETc) and black polyethylene plastic as soil covering on yield, fruit quality and water use efficiency (WUE) in field tomato crop during the rainy season in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. The experimental design was split plots randomly distributed into 2 x 5 factorial arrangement with four replications. No influence was observed of irrigation depths on total and marketable yield, mean weight and number of fruits per plant. The use of black polyethylene plastic as soil covering increased total and marketable yield, but decreased the content of fruit soluble solids. An increase of water use efficiency was observed by reducing water levels, and it was more pronounced when soil cover had been used. Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum, water level, water deficit, blossom-end rot, mulching.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The real-time PCR technique associated with the FTA® Elute method proved to be an important tool for the diagnosis, judgment about and disposal of carcasses and viscera of slaughtered animals.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: New insights are provided into the epidemiology and genome characterization of group D rotavirus in broiler chickens in the state of Pará, Brazil and no consistent relationship was found between the infection rate and either the population density in poultry houses or the climatic conditions.
Abstract: Rotaviruses infect humans and animals and are classified into eight groups (A to H). Group D rotavirus (RVD) has been described in birds, although relatively few reports are available. The present study focused on RVD, including epidemiological and molecular aspects of samples collected from broiler chickens in the state of Para, Brazil. A total of 85 faecal samples were collected between 2008 and 2011 from 37 chicken farms located in eight different municipalities. The viral double-stranded RNA was extracted from faecal suspensions and analysed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), followed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing of the VP6 and VP7 genes. Comparing the positive results, 16.5% (14/85) were obtained by PAGE and 35.3% (30/85) by RT-PCR. Samples from seven of eight municipalities were positive for RVD and infections were recorded in 17 (45.9%) of 37 chicken farms. The RVD infection rate was significantly higher in the 16-day to 30-day age group (62.2%; 23/37) compared with other ages. No consistent relationship was found between the infection rate and either the population density in poultry houses or the climatic conditions. The nucleotide sequences of the VP6 gene were 89.9 to 90.9% similar to the prototype strain 05V0049 and were 88.3 to 100% similar among themselves; VP7 gene nucleotide sequences were 84.3 to 85.4% similar to the prototype strain 05V0049 and 93.8 to 100% similar among themselves. Overall, this study provides new insights into the epidemiology and genome characterization of group D rotaviruses.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A viabilidade tecnica de reduzir os niveis de nitrogenio, fosforo, potassio e enxofre recomendados for a nutricao mineral do cafeeiro arabica (Catuai Vermelho IAC 144) was studied in this article.
Abstract: Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, conduzido em Araxa, MG, estudar a viabilidade tecnica de reduzir os niveis de nitrogenio, fosforo, potassio e enxofre recomendados para a nutricao mineral do cafeeiro arabica (Catuai Vermelho IAC 144), com utilizacao de palha de cafe como adubacao orgânica, em doses crescentes (2,5; 5,0; 10,0 e 20,0 t ha-1) somadas as recomendacoes de adubacao mineral, reduzindo-se proporcionalmente as quantidades dos nutrientes contidos na palha. Apos tres safras (2008 a 2010), concluiu-se que: a) e viavel a utilizacao da palha de cafe como fonte de N, P, K e S com consequente reducao desses nutrientes na adubacao mineral do cafeeiro, o que permite aumentos de produtividade de ate 25%; b) as adubacoes minerais, tanto exclusivas como as reduzidas com a palha de cafe sao significativamente superiores em produtividade (de 88 a 135%) a testemunha, demonstrando a necessidade desses nutrientes no cultivo do cafeeiro em condicoes de cerrado; c) as doses maiores de palha de cafe nao alteram o pH, o V%, o Ca2+, o Mg2+; aumentam o K+ e o B, e o Mg+2, que mantiveram-se com teores adequados, bem como tenderam a aumentar a CTC e a materia orgânica, alem de reduzir o Cu e d) podem-se reduzir os niveis de N, P, K e S da adubacao exclusivamente mineral, entre 6 a 44% para o N; 8 a 54% para o P; 28 a 100% para o K e de 8 a 68% para o S com o uso de palha de cafe como adubo orgânico para o cafeeiro.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The incorrect route of application, and the intense heat recorded at the time of the outbreaks also contributed to the large number of poisoning.
Abstract: In order to determine the cause of the sudden increase in the number of outbreaks of organophosphate poisoning, nine outbreaks diagnosed in cattle were analyzed at the Laboratorio Regional de Diagnostico, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD/UFPel) between November 2013 and February 2014. In all outbreaks the animals were treated with concentration from two to 151 times higher than the concentration recommended of diazinon for tick treatment. The incorrect route of application, and the intense heat recorded at the time of the outbreaks also contributed to the large number of poisoning.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A qualitative method to inspect the compositional authenticity of white nonripened cheeses like Minas Frescal, a typical Brazilian cheese, especially when irregular replacement of milk by whey is suspected is introduced.
Abstract: This study introduces a qualitative method to inspect the compositional authenticity of white nonripened cheeses like Minas Frescal, a typical Brazilian cheese, especially when irregular replacement of milk by whey is suspected. A sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) method, followed by image densitometry, was validated. Cheeses were freeze-dried to electrophoresis, and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) was chosen as the adulteration marker. In gel trypsin digestion followed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry provided its identification. Cheeses with a minimum of 14 mg·g–1 of β-LG are considered to be adulterated. The method shows satisfactory precision with a detection limit of 7 mg·g–1. Forty-two commercial samples from inspected establishments were then assessed and subjected to cluster analysis. Compliant and noncompliant groups were set with 24 (57%) authentic samples and 18 (43%) adulterated samples, respectively, showing that proper ana...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The present study, the first to spatially characterize Leptospira spp.
Abstract: The present study, the first to spatially characterize Leptospira spp. infection among equids in the Brejo Paraibano micro-region of the Paraiba state in the northeast of Brazil, investigated 257 animals in 26 farms properties. Serum samples from 204 horses, 46 mules and seven donkeys were serologically diagnosed using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The distribution of Leptospira spp. was studied by employing specific antigens from 24 different Leptospira serovars. All farms were georeferenced and their distribution visualised on a map of the Brejo Paraibano micro-region. In addition, rainfall data were obtained from the same year, in which the sampling was performed. Among the 20 farms found to harbour animals with leptospirosis, 14 (70%) exhibited low prevalence, five (25%) medium prevalence and one (5%), high prevalence. Certain areas had a higher density of infected farms and required intervention to control the infection. Many serovars were widely distributed, while others were more common in particular areas. There was no significant association between the prevalence of Leptospira spp. infection and rainfall.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The draft genome sequence of M. bovis AN5, which is used for the production of bovine PPD in Brazil, is reported, as well as comparisons to other strains of Bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Abstract: Mycobacterium bovis strain AN5 has been used to produce purified protein derivative (PPD) for the intradermal test for bovine tuberculosis since it was introduced in 1948. This work reports the draft genome sequence of M. bovis AN5, which is used for the production of bovine PPD in Brazil, as well as comparisons to other strains of M. bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the cattle population in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) using software R and ArcMap TM 10 and found that 60.62% of cattle herds consisted of animals aged over 24 months, and most of this group were females over 36 months of age.
Abstract: Background: The economy of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) relies majorly on agriculture; among the livestock production chains, cattle production has the largest economic, historical, and cultural importance in RS. The cattle industry is the main zootechnical activity in RS. Due to this, there is an actual need for updated characterization of the animal population, considering the population dynamics and the requirements imposed by the Official Veterinary Service (SVO) to meet certain characteristics. This would facilitate appropriate policies and measures to safeguard the health of the cattle in RS, as well as safeguard public health, and consequently avoid the economic impacts of possible health events. Materials, Methods & Results: Based on data from the livestock survey of 2013 from the Department of Animal Health (DDA), the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Agribusiness of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (SEAPA-RS), descriptive and spatial analyses of the cattle population were performed using software R and ArcMap TM 10, respectively. It was observed that the state has more than 13 million cattle distributed over approximately 346,000 farms. The majority of the bovine population consists of females over the age of 36 months. The predominant function of these farms is a complete cycle (breeding to fattening). Beef production is the predominant activity, followed by a mix of beef production and dairy production, and then sole dairy production. These characteristics differ depending on the state’s region. Regarding the number of animals per property, 88% of properties are small having up to 50 cattle, and about 1% of properties have more than 500 animals. The general average in the state for the proportion of T:V (calf: cow) is 57 calves per 100 cows, and this is close to the national average. Discussion: About 60.62% of cattle herds consisted of animals aged over 24 months, and most of this group were females over 36 months of age (38.95%). About 50% of properties have up to 10 animals, demonstrating a large proportion of small farms. RS has an imbalance in its production system, with a large number of breeding females for the activity of beef production. The cattle in RS are mostly bred for the production of beef in a full cycle system (with all stages of production on the property), and only 10% of cattle raised in RS are bred solely for milk production. With regard to the proportion of T:V, we concluded that the state’s beef production shows modest productivity and needs to improve production rates to increase financial returns for producers and enable competitiveness in the domestic and international markets. Furthermore, this information correlates with previous studies that have reported that farms in the business of beef production use low technology and low performance animals. Dairy farming, in contrast with beef farming, has been modernizing and developing in recent years by increasing co-operatives and agribusinesses, which has led to greater knowledge through technical assistance to the farms. Extensive farming is dependent on field areas and is historically associated with the natural fields in the campaign region, since dairy farming is dependent on areas where there is a supply of specialized food. Thus, despite the state having a greater concentration of animals in the south-southwest, production indices are similar to other regions, and the type of farming undertaken exerts a great influence on the regional animal population structure.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An isotope dilution method for quantification of 17 polychlorinated dioxins (PCDDs) and furans (PCDFs) in fish is described in this paper.
Abstract: An isotope dilution method for quantification of 17 polychlorinated dioxins (PCDDs) and furans (PCDFs) in fish is described. The method uses pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by clean up steps (elution of extracts into two sequential columns filled with distinct stationary phases: acid silica-gel and Florisil®) and gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) analysis. 13C12-labelled PCDD/Fs were used as internal and injection standards. The method was validated in accordance with specific requirements defined by the European Commission as described in the regulations 2012/252/EU and 2011/1259/EU. The EPA 1613 method was also used as the reference. Precision and recovery were evaluated at three levels for each PCDD/PCDF by means of spiked samples. Trueness was checked by analysis of a certified reference material (CRM). The following figures of merit were also assessed: linearity, selectivity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and measured uncertainty. Consistent results within the guidelines established were achieved for all of the parameters evaluated. Finally, 132 samples of 25 different species of fish were collected from different regions of Brazil over a 13 months period. No sample presented concentration higher than the maximum permitted level. The following dioxins and furans were found in some of these samples: 2,3,7,8-TCDF (19 samples), OCDD (2 samples) and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,7,8 PeCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF (1 sample each) at levels higher than their LOQs. This validated analytical method has been used by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results indicate that genetic variation occurred after BLV replication in vivo and in vitro, with new variants being selected.
Abstract: This article reports the selection of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) variants after continuous passage in cell lines or experimental animals. Two wild BLV strains isolated from 2 naturally infected Holstein dairy cows in Brazil (cow codes: 485 and 141) were used for the experimental infection of 1 sheep and FLK cells, and 1 rabbit and CC81 cells. Viral DNA was isolated several months after infection, and env gene nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the "passaged" variants were compared against the 2 original infecting wild strains. The sequences of the original infecting wild strains were not recovered after their replication in the cell lines or experimental animals. These results indicate that genetic variation occurred after BLV replication in vivo and in vitro, with new variants being selected.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for confirmation and quantification of three amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in oral fluid (OF), namely fenproporex (FEN), diethylpropione (DIE) and methylphenidate (MPH).
Abstract: A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for confirmation and quantification of three amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in oral fluid (OF), namely fenproporex (FEN), diethylpropione (DIE) and methylphenidate (MPH), which are misused by some Brazilian drivers and have potentially dangerous consequences in road traffic. In this method, the OF was extracted by a simple and fast liquid–liquid extraction using acetonitrile. Calibration curves were linear throughout the concentration range from 2.5 to 90 ng mL−1 in OF, using internal standard. The lower limit of quantification and the limit of detection were 2.5 and 0.5 ng mL−1, respectively, for all ATS. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy values were within regulatory limits. The analyte extraction presented poor recoveries, but was considered appropriated for analyses of ATS in OF due to the low limits of detection. Matrix effects and carry over were not detected. All analytes were stable during the whole analytical procedure. The present analytical method was considered simple and sensitive for simultaneous determination of FEN, DIE, and MPH in OF and suitable for clinical and forensic toxicology.