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- Backyard production systems in Portugal: exploring associated risk factors and antimicrobial resistancePublication . Baroni, Bruno Morbeck; Nunes, Alexandra Isabel Cardoso; Ferreira, Susana Margarida Paraíso; Sobral, Daniel Vieira Noro e SilvaThe One Health approach recognizes that human, animal and environmental health are interconnected and aims to create effective solutions to complex problems. Animal production is associated with the spread of zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) throughout the food chain and the environment. However, there is limited knowledge about the impacts of backyard animals raised for self-consumption. Backyard production systems (BPS) usually have poor biosecurity implementation, with several studies identifying a diverse community of zoonotic pathogens and AMR genes in those systems. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the safety and impacts of Portuguese BPS, with specific focus on zoonoses and AMR. To achieve this, the first specific objective was to apply a questionnaire to BPS owners to obtain data on husbandry and biosecurity practices implemented in BPS. The second specific objective was to evaluate, through an innovative metagenomic methodology, the presence of zoonotic pathogens and AMR genes in fecal and soil samples from BPS that raise poultry, small ruminants and pigs. In the questionnaire, a total of 283 responses were analyzed, obtaining valuable data about the characteristics of BPS in Portugal, such as that 92% of BPS owners have backyard animals for the consumption of animal products, but only 28% have training in animal production or welfare. Also, neglect of biosecurity protocols and animal health measures were reported in some BPS. For example, 43% of respondents did not use personal protection equipment when handling animals and 83% did not isolate sick animals. Some practices that could promote pathogen and AMR dissemination to the environment and other productions systems were also reported, such the use of manure as fertilizer in 95% of BPS, backyard animals being exposed to the wildlife in 39% of BPS and carcass disposal in the house waste in 6.5% of BPS. For the metagenomic analysis, fecal and soil samples were collected from 2 Portuguese BPS and submitted to DNA extraction, amplification, library preparation and sequencing. According to the bioinformatics analysis, 18 zoonotic pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium and Bacteroides fragilis, and more than 100 AMR genes were identified in all the fecal samples. This is alarming considering the presence of pathogens and AMR genes in BPS could lead to infections with limited treatment options. Although the metagenomic technology employed in this project still needs to be validated and presents some limitations, it showed potential as a powerful tool for the surveillance of zoonotic pathogens and AMR in animal production systems. In conclusion, in accordance with a One health approach, this study indicates that the risks that husbandry and consumption of backyard animals represent to the public health, animal welfare and environment cannot be overlooked. Therefore, it is critical that measures to prevent the dissemination of zoonoses and AMR, such as more rigorous biosecurity protocols, should be implemented in BPS.
- Caracterização de méis com DOPPublication . Ferreira, Ana Carolina dos Santos; Anjos, Ofélia Maria Serralha dos; Alba, Maria Eugénia Gallardo; Rodrigues, António Manuel Moitinho NogueiraO mel, produzido pelas abelhas a partir do néctar das flores, é um produto natural amplamente valorizado pelas suas propriedades nutricionais, medicinais e sensoriais, bem como pela sua versatilidade em áreas como a alimentação, cosmética e medicina. A sua composição única, influenciada pela flora e condições geográficas, reflete as particularidades do ambiente de produção. Nos últimos anos, a certificação DOP (Denominação de Origem Protegida) tem desempenhado um papel crucial na valorização dos méis regionais, assegurando a autenticidade, a qualidade e a ligação ao território, protegendo as tradições locais e aumentando a competitividade no mercado global. Este estudo analisou méis com certificação DOP de cinco regiões portuguesas (Terra Quente, Parque Natural de Montesinho, Serra da Lousã, Ribatejo Norte e Barroso), com o objetivo de avaliar os parâmetros de qualidade, composição nutricional e propriedades físico-químicas, utilizando técnicas avançadas de espectroscopia (FT-Raman, FTIR-ATR e FT-NIR). Os resultados mostraram que os méis analisados cumpriram os critérios exigidos para a certificação DOP, apresentando elevada qualidade e características distintas. Regiões como Terra Quente e Ribatejo Norte revelaram perfis consistentes e diferenciáveis através da análise de componentes principais (ACP), enquanto a Serra da Lousã apresentou maior variabilidade, associada à diversidade floral e climática. A análise da região de Barroso foi limitada pela escassez de amostras, dificultando uma comparação mais abrangente. As técnicas espectroscópicas provaram ser ferramentas eficazes na identificação de compostos como açúcares, fenóis e aminoácidos, contribuindo para a rastreabilidade e autenticidade do mel com DOP. A nível nutricional, os méis apresentaram baixos teores de fibra, proteína e gordura, refletindo a sua composição predominantemente açucarada. Estudos futuros deverão explorar mais profundamente os compostos fenólicos, flavonoides e a microbiota, dada a sua relevância na atividade antioxidante, na caracterização regional e na valorização do mel como produto funcional e de elevada qualidade.