Danilo Cutrim Bezerra

Intercorrência entre leucose enzoótica e brucelose em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) em sistema de produção extensivo

This study was carried out to evaluate the intercurrence of brucellosis and enzootic leucosis in buffaloes in extensive production system by establishing the prevalence of reagent buffaloes for specific diagnostic tests. We analyzed 232 animals serologically by the technique of double immunodiffusion in agarose gel (AGID) for diagnostic of leucosis and the tampon acidified antigen (TAA) test, followed by confirmatory tests of 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and slow serum agglutination (SSA) in tubes for diagnostic of brucellosis. The prevalence of buffaloes that were positive for leucosis and brucellosis tests were 4.21% (10/232) and 5.18%(12/232) respectively. The results of this investigation indicated that the diseases occur in the population studied, however, with low prevalence and without depending on the occurrence of both.

Frequência de anticorpos e fatores de risco para a infecção pelo vírus da diarreia viral bovina em fêmeas bovinas leiteiras não vacinadas na região Amazônica Maranhense, Brasil

This study was performed in order to determine the frequency of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and the main factors related to the frequency of the infection in dairy cows not vaccinated against BVDV from Maranhense Amazon region. Serum samples were submitted to an indirect ELISA test for detection of BVDV antibodies. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied for each herd to investigate variables that could beassociated with this infection. Serum samples were collected from 40 farms, with or without clinical signs of BVDV infection. From 400 serum samples examined, 61.5% (n=246) in 95% (n=38) of the herds were positive for ELISA. Variables identified as risk factors such as milk production (1-5L), absence of veterinary assistance, use of natural breeding or natural breeding associated with artificial insemination. These risk factors presented statistical significance (P<0.05) associated to BVDV infection. These results indicate that BVDV infection is high in the studied region and that factors related to the herd characteristic and management were associated with the risk of infection by BVDV.

Frequência e fatores associados à infecção pelo vírus da diarreia viral bovina em bovinos leiteiros não vacinados no Estado do Maranhão

The frequency of antibodies against the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDv) was studied in a dairy herd of the state of Maranhao, Brazil. Blood serum samples from 920 cows not vaccinated against bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) were analyzed through the indirect ELISA method. The study was carried out on 92 dairy farms from 23 districts located in the regions of Acailândia, Bacabal, Sao Luiz Island, Imperatriz, and Pedreiras. The serum samples were collected from cows with or without BVDV infection symptoms and classified according to age (> 3 years, 3-7 years, and > 7 years old). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied during sample collection to elucidate the factors which could be associated with the infection. From the 920 serum samples analyzed, 65.66% (n = 604) were reagent. The antibody frequency obtained was 67.5%, 53.57%, 80%, 63.75%, and 74%, for Sao Luiz Island, Imperatriz, Acailândia, Pedreiras and Bacabal, respectively. In the 23 districts studied, serologically positive cows were found on 94.57% of the farms. From the variables considered as risk factors for BVDv infection, the presence of swine, lack of veterinary assistance, use of natural breeding or natural breeding with artificial insemination, and diarrhea were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for association with BVDv serum-positivity. The results obtained demonstrate high levels of BVDv occurrence in the dairy cattle population of Maranhao.

Condições higiênico-sanitárias da bebida guaraná da Amazônia comercializada por vendedores ambulantes na cidade de São Luís, MA

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the Amazonian guarana drink sold by street vendors in the city of Sao Luis, Maranhao, Brazil. Thirty samples from 10 outlets were subjected to the following microbiological analysis: Salmonella spp., quantification of the most probable number of coliforms at 35°C and 45°C, enumeration of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, fungi and Staphylococcus coagulase-positive. A check-list questionnaire was administered at each point of sale assessed to check the hygienic conditions of the site and preparation of the drink. Except for Salmonella spp., all microorganisms studied were found in the samples. We found high counts of coliforms at 35oC (n=24; 80%) and 45°C (n=18; 60%), indicating inadequate sanitary conditions of the samples. Also, there were numerous gaps in retail outlets, indicating impairment in the preparation of the Amazonian guarana drink. The results reinforce the importance of investing in quality programs, awareness and training for street vendors in the city of Sao Luis, Maranhao.

Nível tecnológico e organizacional da cadeia produtiva da bubalinocultura de corte no estado do Maranhão

The objective of this study was to establish the technological and organizational level of the production chain of cutting buffaloes in the State of Maranhao, researching the backgrounds of the producers, manufacturers and distributors and consumers in relation to aspects of production, technology, management, and acceptance of the buffaloes meat. We used the quantitative method for collection and analysis of secondary data, the method of qualitative and survey questionnaires. Analyses conducted on the basis of collected data allowed to determine some characteristics of this segment, such as quantitative buffaloes to cut, education level of farmers, size of the breeding area, division by animal category, type of operation, complementary activities of exploration, races, animal identification, breeding system, meat market, organization of production costs, usufruct of unions and cooperatives, the major problems in the creation, market expansion, comparative differences with cattle, meat consumption, and acceptance of meat consumption. We conclude that the productive chain cutting buffaloes in the State of Maranhao is in flux, which can be restructured through the contribution and commitment of all the links that make it up.

Desafios de adequação à questão ambiental em frigorífcos na cidade de São Luís, Maranhão: diagnóstico de situação

The present study was performed in order to make a diagnosis of the challenges of adapting to environmental issue in cold storages in Sao Luis, Maranhao, Brazil. For this study, interviews were conducted and samples of liquid effluent were collected from three cold storages that slaughter cattle in the period from September to December 2012. We also evaluate the actions undertaken and the companys position regarding environmental issues. Te environmental impacts of cattle slaughter in Sao Luis, Maranhao, involve a number of issues, especially the incorrect storage and transportation of solid waste, high dependence on water, wastewater emissions in disagreement with the current legislation and the release of aversive odors. From the interviews, it was possible to notice that the main limitations of the company for its environmental sustainability are not to value the environment and the lack of a leadership to defense and disseminate this matter. Tus, we conclude that the cold storages in Sao Luis, Maranhao, are not concerned with keeping their production process without harming the environment.

Raiva em herbívoros no estado do Maranhão: um estudo retrospectivo

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a frequencia relativa de herbivoros positivos para a raiva no estado do Maranhao, utilizando dados da Agencia de Defesa Agropecuaria do Estado, coletados no periodo de 2006 a 2010. Durante esse periodo, foram examinadas 193 amostras provenientes de herbivoros. Das amostras avaliadas, 35,75% (69/193) foram positivas para o virus rabico. Houve diferenca estatistica significativa (P indicam que no periodo avaliado, a raiva no Estado do Maranhao apresentou frequencia relativa alta. Esses achados evidenciam a necessidade da realizacao de diagnostico sistematico e monitoramento dos rebanhos, alem da implantacao de medidas de controle e profilaxia e vacinacoes.