Rural and remote communities remain hard-to-reach populations, with persistent barriers to accessing timely, appropriate, and culturally relevant mental health care. Within these settings, farmers face a wide range of unique work-related stressors that can contribute to mental health challenges. Research shows that farmers experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide compared to the general population, yet have low rates of seeking mental health support. Low rates of help-seeking among farmers have been linked to mental health stigma, cultural norms of stoicism and independence, and skepticism toward non-farming professionals. As awareness about farmers' urgent mental health needs grows, there is increasing pressure on policymakers, industry groups, and healthcare organizations to provide support. However, without culturally responsive approaches that reflect the realities of farming, these efforts risk falling short. Mental healthcare professionals (MHCPs) who already work with farmer clients are well positioned to inform the development and implementation of policies, practice, and training aimed at addressing farmer mental health issues. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to address this gap by exploring the experiences of MHCPs who work with farmers to identify the strategies they use to effectively engage and build trust in a therapeutic setting. Using descriptive phenomenology, we conducted individual semi-structured interviews between March and May 2024 with 25 MHCPs practicing in Alberta or Ontario, Canada. All participants lived in a rural area, had been practicing for at least 12 months, and provided counselling services to farmers. Interviews were conducted virtually through Zoom or by telephone. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Our analysis revealed five themes that were deemed important for effectively engaging and building trust with farmer clients: understanding the unique stressors of farmers, setting the tone, building trust, providing psychoeducation, and tailoring therapy and sustaining connections. We translated these themes to create a conceptual model, called the Farmer-Centered Therapy Framework, which provides a visual summary of the stepwise approach MHCPs use working with farmer clients to achieve therapeutic alliance. Effectively engaging farmers and building trust in therapeutic settings is a multifaceted process that begins with understanding the distinct culture, values, stressors, and lifestyle of farm life. This study addresses a critical and timely gap in the literature by exploring the experiences of MHCPs who work directly with farmers on their mental health issues. The findings have important implications for rural and remote health policy and practice by highlighting the need for culturally informed mental health services that align with the values and lived experiences of farmers. Presenting our findings through the Farmer-Centered Therapy Framework can guide culturally responsive approaches for supporting MHCPs who have farmer clients. Furthermore, integrating this knowledge into provider training and service delivery models can reduce real and perceived barriers to services, increase engagement, and improve the mental health outcomes in farming communities.
This study evaluated the decision-making structure that influence pig farmers to implement biosecurity measures to prevent classical swine fever (CSF) outbreaks and identified sociological factors affecting implementation in order to explore effective intervention strategies. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among pig farmers in Japan to collect data on farm and farmer characteristics, the implementation of biosecurity measures, and farmers' awareness of and motivation to carry out such measures. Questionnaires were distributed to 516 farms across 15 prefectures, and the analysis was conducted using data from 228 farms with valid responses. Structural equation modeling was applied to quantitatively analyze the decision-making process based on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and capacity (KAP-C) and the protection motivation theory (PMT) frameworks. In addition, relationships between farm characteristics and biosecurity measure implementation, as well as factors derived from nudge theory, were evaluated. As a result, the latent variable Capacity was not identified in the KAP-C model, and Knowledge was associated with Attitudes (β = 0.99), which was also with Practice (β = 0.83). Similarly, in the PMT model, Threat (β = 0.43) and Coping (β = 0.56) appraisals were associated with Action. In both models, risk and threat perceptions were associated with Practice. In contrast, farms with higher capacity, such as large-scale farms (p < 0.001) and those managed by younger owners (p = 0.050), had higher rates of biosecurity implementation. Farms with a history of CSF outbreaks also demonstrated higher implementation rates (p < 0.001). Guidance from veterinary clinicians (ρ= 0.24, p < 0.001) and Livestock Hygiene Service Centers (LHSCs; ρ = 0.16, p = 0.014), integrating measures into routine farm work positively affected biosecurity practices, and commitment such as goal setting (ρ = 0.46, p < 0.001) and community-based engagement (ρ = 0.35, p < 0.001) positively influenced the implementation of biosecurity measures. Farmers may respond effectively to messages in which veterinary clinicians and LHSCs collaborate to clearly present effective biosecurity measures and disease threats, foster concern for pigs, and encourage participation in biosecurity practices at the community level.
The study evaluated the knowledge and practices of small-scale dairy farmers regarding trace mineral supplementation in Malawi, including the socio-economic challenges they face and the implications for cow nutrition, productivity, and welfare. Interviews with 172 farmers across two agro-ecological zones revealed that most farmers rely on imported supplements from agro-veterinary shops, with only a small minority formulating their own mixes. Although the majority reported increased milk production following supplementation, very few tailored mineral delivery to specific animal requirements, such as growth stage or lactation phase. Interestingly, ordinary salt and mineral blocks were the most common forms of supplementation. Unconventional sources like crushed eggshells were used by about one‑third of farmers, reflecting adaptive responses to high cost and limited availability. Notably, neither formal education nor years of dairy experience was associated with effective supplementation practices. Key challenges to supplementation included high ingredient cost, poor availability of quality supplements, and limited technical knowledge. The study highlighted that small-scale dairy farmers frequently rely on generalized recommendations for trace mineral supplementation amid unreliable supply chains. This practice may exacerbate trace mineral deficiencies or overfeeding, with negative consequences for animal health and productivity, underscoring the need for developing region‑specific guidelines, enhanced farmer capacity building, and strengthened local supply chains.
The empirical use of antibiotics for clinical mastitis is a principal driver of antimicrobial resistance in dairy farming. While on-farm culture systems represent a promising strategy for targeted therapy, robust evidence of their efficacy in heterogeneous commercial settings is still needed. We conducted a randomized controlled trial across 16 commercial dairy farms. Cows with clinical mastitis (CM) were allocated to a Positive Control Treatment (PCT) group (n = 57), receiving immediate empirical intramammary (IMM) antibiotics, or a Culture Based Group (CBG) (n = 46), where treatment was directed by a tri-plate on-farm culture system after 24-hour incubation. The cows were considered experimental unit with mixed-effect models within cluster correlation. Data was statistically analyzed using chi square tests, paired t-tests and Kaplan Meier survival analysis via SPSS (version 20.0). The culture-guided protocol enabled a reduction in antibiotic use, eliminating treatment for the 45.6% of CBG cases (no bacterial growth or Gram-negative infections). The clinical cure rates between the groups (CBG 82.6% vs. PCT 75.4%) were not statistically significant (p = 0.28). Similarly, bacteriological cure rates were comparable between (PCT 71.9% vs. CBG 71.7%, p = 0.987). However, the CBG approach revealed significantly lower treatment failure rate (17.3% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001) with a shorter median time to clinical cure (3 days vs. 7 days, p < 0.001). At the herd level, the strategy was associated with a significant increase in milk yield (+6.94 L/day, p < 0.001) and reduction in somatic cell count (-56.8%, p < 0.001). The tri-plate on-farm culture system is an effective antimicrobial stewardship tool, facilitating a substantial reduction in antibiotic use while accelerating clinical recovery and improving udder health in commercial dairy operations.
American mink (Neogale vison) are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, but little is known about virus circulation in mink since 2021. Here, in the first active surveillance study of SARS-CoV-2 in apparently healthy farmed mink in the United States, we find a ~0.9% (760/85,656) RT-PCR positivity rate among nasal swabs collected in 18 farms across six states during 2022-2023. Phylogenetic analysis of 293 viral genome sequences shows that human-adapted SARS-CoV-2 variants (e.g., Omicron) repeatedly spill over into mink. Surprisingly, the detection of a Delta lineage virus (AY.39) on a mink farm four months after its last detection in humans within the same state suggests prolonged unsampled transmission. The spread of mink-adapted AY.39 viruses from a mink farm to neighboring free-ranging white-tailed deer represents a rare instance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between livestock and wildlife. These findings demonstrate the value of active surveillance for identifying subclinical infections and interspecies transmission between humans, mink, and wildlife.
Yield stagnation, which has occurred in some global wheat production hubs, is a serious barrier to meeting future food demands. Yield trends across the U.S. Pacific Northwest, where 8.2 million Mg of wheat was produced in 2025, are mostly unknown. Using publicly-available data (USDA farm surveys and university-led variety trials), the objective of this research was to evaluate winter wheat yield trends across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho since the early 1970s. Survey analysis showed that historic rates of yield increase among agricultural districts ranged from 18 to 195 kg ha-1 year-1, with incremental shifts toward irrigation in select districts driving the highest rates. But yields began to stagnate between the early 1980s and mid-1990s. Analysis of top-yielding varieties in 163 variety trials conducted since 2000 showed that genetic gain by year of variety release has slowed to 4-5 kg ha-1 year-1 across lower- and higher-yielding environments. Variety trial yield trends by test year suggest that environmental and/or agronomic factors may be negatively offsetting genetic gains, especially in higher-yielding environments. These findings have broad implications for regional farmers and multidisciplinary researchers who support them. Gaining more rigorous understanding of the factors contributing to yield stagnation is critical to reversing the trend.
Zoonotic disease prevention among farm and livestock workers depends not only on awareness, but also on how workers perceive occupational risk and the feasibility of protective action. This systematic literature review examined how farm and livestock workers perceive zoonotic disease risks and how these perceptions relate to everyday practices and working environments. The review followed PRISMA guidance and used a PICO-based question formulation. Searches were conducted in Web of Science and Scopus. A total of 28 studies were included, covering dairy, pig, poultry, and mixed livestock systems across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Evidence was synthesized thematically, with attention to risk perception, knowledge gaps, protective practices, and socio-environmental determinants. Workers generally recognized that animals can transmit disease to humans, but their understanding of specific pathogens, transmission routes, high-risk tasks, and preventive measures was uneven. Knowledge gaps were most evident for endemic, environmentally mediated, and parasitic infections. A persistent perception-behavior gap was observed, particularly where personal protective equipment, sanitation, clean water, supervision, and institutional support were limited. Protective practices were shaped by socio-cultural norms, gendered labor roles, livelihood pressures, environmental conditions, workplace safety climate, and employer or institutional support. The findings highlight the need for multi-level One Health strategies that combine worker-centered education with improvements in infrastructure, regulation, organizational safety culture, and cross-sector collaboration. The review also identifies the need for future research in under-studied agricultural settings, including plantation contexts.
The draft genome of denitrifying Castellaniella strain WN isolated from sludge of an earthworm farm comprises 3,730,778 bp with a guanine + cytosine content of 66.1%. The genome encodes 3,343 protein-coding sequences, 55 RNAs, and two copies each of the 5S, 16S, and 23S rRNA genes.
Soil quality and microbial community structure are highly responsive to tillage practices, with long-term tillage leading to soil degradation and shifts in the rhizosphere microbial community. However, the mechanisms through which tillage duration and soil quality influence the potato rhizosphere microbial community in the black soil regions of alpine areas remain poorly understood. To address this, farmlands with varying tillage durations (0, 5, 20, and 60 years) were selected. The space-for-time substitution method was employed to investigate the dynamic variations and functions of the potato rhizosphere microbial community across these different tillage durations, aiming to elucidate microbial succession patterns under prolonged conventional tillage. The results revealed that long-term tillage significantly altered soil nutrient content. The Chao and Shannon indices for bacteria varied in response to changes in soil nutrients, whereas those for fungi declined with increasing tillage duration and eventually stabilized. Soil alkaline nitrogen (AN), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and organic matter (SOM) content were positively correlated with the beneficial bacterial community. Distinct differences in bacterial biomarker taxa were observed across tillage durations, while the number of fungal biomarker taxa sharply decreased with extended tillage. Long-term tillage notably increased the abundance of aerobic chemoheterotrophic bacteria, ureolytic bacteria, organic matter-decomposing bacteria, fungal plant pathogens, and endophytic fungi. Partial least-squares analysis indicated that tillage duration and soil factors collectively explained 72% of bacterial diversity and 54% of its compositional variation, as well as 54% of fungal diversity and 72% of its compositional variation. Both factors exerted direct and indirect regulatory effects on the microbial community. In summary, long-term tillage had a direct impact on the rhizosphere microbial community and its functional potential, with bacteria being more sensitive to long-term tillage than fungi. Thus, in the development of the potato industry in the black soil regions of alpine areas, maintaining and improving soil fertility and quality should be prioritized.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1, are responsible for widespread outbreaks in poultry and continue to cause sporadic, sometimes severe, human infections. Herein, we characterized a wild-type (WT) influenza A(H5N1) D1.1 isolate (BC-H5N1-WT) and its H275Y neuraminidase (NA) variant (BC-H5N1-H275Y), both of which emerged on farms in British Columbia, Canada, during the fall 2024 outbreak. In vitro analysis assessed replication kinetics in MDCK cells, with supernatants collected at different days post-infection (p.i.) and titrated by TCID50 and qRT-PCR. Neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) susceptibility was determined by NA inhibition assays, whereas susceptibility to baloxavir acid (BXA) was evaluated by plaque reduction assay. In vivo virulence was evaluated in BALB/c mice infected with serial 10-fold dilutions of each virus to monitor weight loss and mortality. Viral titers in lungs, brain, nose, kidney, spleen, and heart were quantified at day 4 p.i. The BC-H5N1-WT virus was susceptible to the four antivirals tested, whereas BC-H5N1-H275Y displayed resistance to oseltamivir and peramivir but remained susceptible to zanamivir and BXA. The BC-H5N1-WT exhibited significantly higher viral replication titers than BC-H5N1-H275Y at all tested time points and showed larger plaque sizes. In mice, BC-H5N1-WT was more virulent with LD50 values of 1.78 × 103 PFUs compared to 8.71 × 104 PFUs for BC-H5N1-H275Y, and produced higher viral titers in lungs and other organs. Despite the reduced fitness of the resistant H5N1 D1.1 variant, its emergence in the absence of viral selection pressure underscores the need for continued surveillance.
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are multifactorial, necessitating a One Health approach for its mitigation. Indiscriminate and unnecessary antimicrobial use drives AMR within hospitals and livestock farms, hypothesized as key hotspots. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate environmental contamination by non-susceptible Escherichia coli (E. coli) in hospitals, livestock farms, and a community in close proximity to a hospital in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. A total of 134 environmental samples were collected, comprising wastewater (n = 74), soil (n = 30), and groundwater (n = 30). Of these, 54 samples were obtained from five hospitals, 50 samples from six livestock farms, and 30 groundwater samples from the surrounding community. A total of 49 (36.56%) E. coli isolates were recovered (hospitals = 15/54, 27.77%, livestock farms = 31/50, 62%, community = 3/30, 10%). Of the total, 27 (55.1%) isolates (hospitals = 11/15, 73.33%, livestock farms = 16/31, 51.61%, community = 0) were non-susceptible to at least 1 of 7 antibiotics tested. Highest rate of non-susceptibility was observed for ampicillin (24/49, 48.97%), followed by co-trimoxazole (16/49, 32.65%), ciprofloxacin (13/49, 26.53%), co-amoxiclav (9/49, 18.36%), cefotaxime (7/49, 14.28%), gentamicin (2/49, 4.08%), and meropenem (1/49, 2.04%). Of the total isolates, 16.32% (8/49) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). These findings demonstrate that hospital and livestock environments may act as important reservoirs of AMR E. coli, underscoring the urgent need to integrate environmental surveillance, wastewater management, and antimicrobial stewardship into Sri Lanka's One Health AMR control strategies.
The guinea pig, Cavia porcellus, is a key mammal in rural areas of some Andean countries, such as Colombia, where it serves as an important source of food with high nutritional value, thereby strengthening food security and improving rural quality of life. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of pneumonic patterns in weaning guinea pigs in the region of Pasto (Nariño), Colombia, the disease spatial distribution by the districts of Pasto, and the risk factors associated with the disease occurrence. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in three-week-old guinea pigs (n = 270) from 71 farms distributed across 14 Pasto districts. Samples were taken for histopathological evaluation of the respiratory system to search for histopathological lesions compatible with pneumonia. The diagnosis of pneumonia was established in 73.7% of the study population. The districts of Socorro and Encano had a proportion of pneumonia greater than 79%. The farm size > 100 animals (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.08-4.16), density of animals per cage, increases the odds of pneumonia. The biosecurity measures: facility washing (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.52) and disinfection of farm facilities (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.92) reduce the odds of pneumonia. The odds of pneumonia were lower (OR 0.04; 95% CI 0.05-0.43) in farms located at an altitude of 2200 to 2600 mts. Pneumonia constitutes an important pathology in the region of Pasto, Colombia. These findings highlight the need to conduct research to determine causality and preventive measures for the management of respiratory disease in the guinea pig.
Understanding how croplands can support food production while maintaining ecosystems functionality is a major challenge in the Anthropocene. This requires a functional approach to understand how different farming systems reshape species occurrence and functional roles, and how they affect species trophic structure in human-modified ecosystems. We investigated how different cropland types influence trait selection, trophic position, and food chain length of ant assemblages in a tropical region severely threatened by agricultural expansion. We used ants as a model group because of their sensitivity to environmental changes and functional diverse. Samples occurred in 22 sites in the Brazilian Cerrado, encompassing different cropland types (large-scale soybean monocultures, pastures and organic farms) and three natural vegetation types (grasslands, savannas, and forests). Species were assigned to functional groups, and stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N) was used to assess niche shifts, trophic structure, and food web length across habitat types. Intensive agriculture, particularly soybean crops, reduced taxonomic diversity, favored generalist species, and affected the occurrence of traits related to body size, foraging behavior, and sensory capacity. These changes altered food chains and homogenized functional roles compared to natural habitats. Organic farming showed intermediate impacts, mitigating some biodiversity and functional losses. Natural habitats complemented each other in maintaining broader trophic roles and high functional diversity. Resource availability and disturbance intensity jointly drive trait-based selection, shaping the trophic structure of ant assemblages. Agricultural intensification simplifies ant-mediated ecosystem functions, while diversified farming practices and the preservation of native vegetation can buffer against biotic homogenization and maintain ecological complexity.
Streptococcus uberis is a major cause of bovine mastitis. However, the genomic mechanisms that facilitate adaptation of the pathogen within different host-associated environment or selection pressures remain poorly understood. This study analyzed whole-genome sequence data from three Thai dairy herds to investigate the contributions of recombination and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) to S. uberis evolution and adaptation. Among the 138 S. uberis genomes, 42 core genome sequence types (cgSTs) were identified, along with frequent detection of MGEs such as plasmid-associated genes (81.1% of isolates), prophages (67.4% of isolates), and insertion sequences (26.1% of isolates). The isolates from farm A exhibited the longest recombined fragment size, but with extremely low recombination frequency and recombination-to-mutation ratio. By contrast, the isolates from farm B, which had the highest prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene, showed a high recombination-to-mutation ratio (R/θ = 4.42) and more frequently contained MGEs associated with AMR genes. Finally, isolates from farm C shared a single core genome and AMR profile but harbored diverse prophages. Several prophages shared high sequence similarity (>99%) with phages infecting other bacterial genera, suggesting that ecological overlap between bacterial species may facilitate cross-genus genetic exchange, highlighting the influence of microbial ecology on the evolution of S. uberis. Collectively, our results illustrate the variety of mechanisms and genetic elements that contribute to the adaptive evolution of S. uberis in dairy farming environments.
Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a leading bacterial pathogen responsible for foodborne outbreaks worldwide, with poultry products being a major source of human salmonellosis. While previous studies have predominantly focused on Salmonella transmission in the chicken production chain, ducks have received comparatively little attention as a potential reservoir host. In this study, we investigated Salmonella contamination across a commercial duck breeder-hatchery-grow-out (BHG) production system in Inner Mongolia, Hebei, and Shandong, China, comprising five breeder duck farms, one hatchery, and one commercial grow-out duck farm. From January 2022 to July 2025, a total of 7765 samples were collected across the duck BHG production system, from which 796 Salmonella isolates were recovered, yielding an overall prevalence of 10.25%. Serotyping analysis identified 16 serovars, dominated by S. Typhimurium (52.51%, 418/796), followed by S. Anatum (18.72%, 149/796) and S. Enteritidis (16.21%, 129/796). To further explore genomic relationships and potential transmission routes, 212 of the 418 S. Typhimurium isolates, representing diverse sampling time points, production stages, sample sources, locations, and antimicrobial-resistance profiles, were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis revealed the presence of both vertical and horizontal transmission of S. Typhimurium from breeder ducks to commercial ducks. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 83 S. Typhimurium isolates (26.35%) exhibited antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to more than three classes of antibiotics. These isolates exhibited high resistance rates to ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, and streptomycin. A comparative genomic analysis of multidrug resistance genes identified an IS26-mediated chromosomal replacement event, leading to the replacement of a chromosomal region with a multidrug resistance region (MRR). This genomic rearrangement may contribute to the persistence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant clones within the production system. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Salmonella circulating in breeder ducks and farm environments can disseminate through eggs and the hatchery to commercial meat ducks, suggesting that the hatchery may serve as key points for amplification and cross-contamination. These results underscore the need for strengthened hatchery biosecurity, including routine surveillance, strict workflow separation, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection, to reduce the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella along the duck production chain.
Influenza A viruses are a significant cause of global morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. Swine are considered an important host for pandemic emergence; however, knowledge on the ecology and evolution of swine influenza viruses in relation to pig production and exchange systems is limited. The PigFluCam+ project was first initiated in 2019 as a One Health-focused research collaboration between public and animal health stakeholders in Cambodia. The primary objectives of the project were to (1) describe the epidemiology and diversity of swine influenza A viruses (swIAVs) in the Cambodian pig sector, (2) assess the risk of zoonotic influenza transmission across different occupations, (3) characterize the pig trade network, (4) develop mathematical models of swIAV transmission to target control activities, and (5) promote in-country One Health research and surveillance. This paper presents the methods and approaches used by the project, serving as a resource for future research initiatives with similar aims. These approaches consist of systematic sample collections and survey studies. Influenza surveillance in pigs was conducted over 2 years through repeated (monthly) cross-sectional sampling at 18 slaughterhouses across 4 provinces. Phylogenetic analysis was used to describe the diversity of swIAVs detected and was used to develop antigens for Luminex xMAP assays for screening human and pig sera. Cross-sectional surveys among actors in the pig value chain characterized pig production practices and trading networks. In parallel, a cohort study was carried out involving households with and without occupational exposure to live pigs to compare the seroprevalence of influenza A viruses among different swine-associated occupational groups. The surveys began in 2020 and despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of African Swine Fever into the region, the project has generated a wealth of data. Over 4000 pigs were sampled at slaughterhouses, and network surveys collected pig production and trading data from 379 study participants. Higher influenza A seroprevalence (960/2399, 40%) and prevalence (37/2413, 1.5%) were found among pigs from commercial farms, compared to smallholder farms (seroprevalence 8.9%, 95/1066; prevalence 0.6%, 6/1071). Duration at slaughterhouse and seroprevalence correlated positively, suggesting potential transmission after leaving the farm. A total of 997 individuals were recruited into the cohort study, with 775 consenting to provide at least 1 serum sample. Funding for the project ended in September 2025; 3 results papers and 1 PhD thesis have been published, with analysis and publication expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This project has developed surveillance protocols and modern technologies for establishing active zoonotic disease surveillance. These efforts support the region's capability to effectively identify zoonotic pathogens and enhance the prediction and response to zoonotic outbreaks and pandemic risk associated with pig production systems in the Lower Mekong region.
Effective governance of irrigation systems is critical for agricultural productivity and rural development. While existing studies compare market-based governance and collective self-governance, limited consensus exists on the mechanisms and contextual conditions through which each mode influences irrigation infrastructure condition. Drawing on household survey data from well-irrigated systems in the North China Plain and applying the institutional analysis and development framework, this study employs an endogenous switching regression model to systematically assess how governance modes shape infrastructure condition. Results show that market-based governance significantly outperforms collective self-governance, with stronger effects observed for farmers with smaller farm size and lower land fragmentation. Mechanism analysis reveals that market-based governance improves infrastructure condition by increasing farmers' contributions to maintenance and reducing water-related conflicts. Moreover, group size moderates these effects: market-based governance performs better when groups consist of more than 11 households, while no significant difference emerges below this threshold. These findings advance understanding of institutional arrangements in common-pool resource governance and provide context-sensitive insights for irrigation policy and reform.
Antimicrobials are used in aquaculture to treat bacterial infections, and their use could promote the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Monitoring the antimicrobial resistance profiles of fish-derived bacteria, especially those pathogenic to fish and humans, such as Lactococcus petauri, L. formosensis, and L. garvieae, can be essential for assessing the risk of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study to continuously monitor the contamination and antimicrobial resistance of these bacterial species in retail fish in Japan. We purchased domestic seafood fish samples (n = 490), including wild-caught and farm-raised fish, from supermarkets in Japan between 2023 and 2024. We isolated bacteria from 16.1% of the samples, with L. petauri (8.8%) being the most prevalent species, followed by L. formosensis (5.5%) and L. garvieae (2.2%). Oxytetracycline, erythromycin, and lincomycin resistance rates were 11.6%, 5.8%, and 88.4%, respectively, and we detected resistant isolates both in retail wild-caught and farm-raised fish products. The erythromycin- and oxytetracycline-resistant L. petauri isolate harbored the plasmid harboring the multidrug-resistance genes (erm(B), tet(L), and tet(S)). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that genetically similar isolates were present across the same and different supermarkets over several months. These results suggest that L. petauri, L. formosensis, and L. garvieae could be useful indicators for monitoring antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in seafood, and highlight the potential for bacterial cross-contamination throughout the food supply chain.
Traditional cider production relies on spontaneous fermentation driven by complex microbial communities. In this study, we investigated the microbial communities, chemical compositions, and functional interactions underlying artisanal cider production in Carinthia, a subalpine region of northern Slovenia. Samples of spontaneously fermented ciders and swabs from wooden cellar equipment were collected from 11 remote farms using traditional practices to identify potential microbial reservoirs. Yeasts and bacteria were isolated, enumerated, dereplicated, and identified using sequencing of barcoding regions. Chemical parameters, organic acids, and volatile phenols were quantified, and their associations with microbiota were assessed. Despite differences in farm elevation, apple varieties, and equipment, all ciders shared a stable, technologically relevant core microbiota consisting of pellicle-forming yeasts, a diverse Saccharomyces complex dominated by Saccharomyces uvarum, Brettanomyces species, lactic acid bacteria primarily represented by Oenococcus oeni, and acetic acid bacteria. The microbial profiles found on wooden equipment largely overlapped with those in the ciders, indicating that resident microbiota contribute to inoculation and product consistency. Controlled fermentation trials showed that S. uvarum drives alcoholic fermentation, and that O. oeni contributes to lactic acid production. Growth of O. oeni was enhanced by the presence of B. bruxellensis, suggesting metabolic interdependencies. Overall, this study highlights the importance of indigenous microbial communities in determining the composition and characteristics of traditional cider and provides a foundation for preserving and managing distinctive fermentations across regions.
The Kaçeli sheep is a critically endangered indigenous breed of Western Anatolia with limited information on productive performance, restricting its effective use in conservation and breeding programmes. This study evaluated growth and ultrasound-derived carcass traits of Kaçeli lambs and examined the relationships among these traits to support sustainable utilization of this genetic resource. Data were collected from a near-census population of 243 lambs raised in three conservation farms. At an average age of 213 days, least squares means were 32.8 kg for live weight, 142 g/day for average daily gain, 2.37 cm for muscle depth, 0.34 cm for backfat thickness, and 0.52 cm for skin plus backfat thickness. Year of birth and farm significantly affected all traits (p < 0.001), indicating the importance of environmental and management conditions in conservation flocks. Males exhibited higher growth performance, whereas females showed greater fat and muscle deposition. Live weight showed positive and significant correlations with ultrasound traits, particularly backfat (r = 0.61) and skin plus backfat thickness (r = 0.64). The results reveal substantial phenotypic variability and demonstrate that Kaçeli sheep possess measurable production potential alongside conservation value. The integration of ultrasound-based carcass evaluation into conservation programmes can provide practical selection criteria and enhance the sustainable utilization of this endangered breed under local production conditions.