Evaluation of Agricultural Interventions on Human and Poultry-Related Salmonella Enteritidis in British Columbia.

A collaborative investigation between public health and animal health led to numerous interventions along the food chain in response to an outbreak of human salmonellosis and increased incidence of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) among poultry. Incidence of both human and chicken SE decreased substantially in 2012 and 2013 following these interventions. We used time series analysis to assess the impact of three interventions: vaccination of broiler breeder flocks, separation in the hatchery of breeder eggs, and an industry order to stop farm-gate sales of ungraded broiler hatching eggs.

Utility of algorithms for the analysis of integrated Salmonella surveillance data.

The objective of this study was to assess the use of statistical algorithms in identifying significant clusters of Salmonella spp. across different sectors of the food chain within an integrated surveillance programme. Three years of weekly Salmonella serotype data from farm animals, meat, and humans were used to create baseline models (first two years) and identify weeks with counts higher than expected using surveillance algorithms in the third (test) year.

Investigation of the concurrent emergence of Salmonella enteritidis in humans and poultry in British Columbia, Canada, 2008-2010.

An increase in the rate of human infections with Salmonella enteritidis (SE) occurred between 2007 and 2010 in British Columbia (BC). During the same time period, an increase in SE from poultry-sourced isolates and increased clinical severity in poultry were also observed in BC. This article describes a multi-sectoral collaboration during a 3-year investigation, and the actions taken by public health and animal health professionals.

A minimum data set of animal health laboratory data to allow for collation and analysis across jurisdictions for the purpose of surveillance.

A minimum data set consisting of 15 data elements originating from laboratory submissions and results was formulated by a national committee of epidemiologists in Canada for the purposes of disease reporting, disease detection and analysis. The data set consists of both data that are filled out on the submission form as well as the results of the laboratory testing. The elements in the data set are unique identifier, premises identification, date submitted, geographic location, species, farm type, group type, total population of tested species on the farm, number sick, number dead, test(s) performed, disease agent, test result, disease classification by submitter and final laboratory diagnosis.

Intracellular degradation of C-peptides in molluscan neurons producing insulin-related hormones.

Single Light Green Cells (LGC) of Lymnaea stagnalis, expressing four genes encoding insulin-related peptides (MIPs) and C-peptides, and sections from the median lip nerve (MLN) were subjected to MALDI-MS. Mass spectra of LGCs and MLNs were almost identical. Masses corresponding to those of the MIPs and some C alpha-peptides could be distinguished.