National Food Chain Safety Office

Veterinary metabolomics has redefined bile acids (BAs) from simple digestive surfactants to systemic endocrine signals within a microbial-host metabolic axis. This review aims to evaluate how BA dysmetabolism acts as a central pathogenic factor in canine and feline disease. We analyze the BA pool's integrity, which depends on a specialized functional guild, primarily Peptacetobacter hiranonis, responsible for 7α-dehydroxylation. We delineate two principal pathological profiles: (1) microbial collapse, characterized by secondary bile acid (SBA) depletion and compromised farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) signaling, which exacerbates inflammation in chronic enteropathy (CE), protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI); and (2) hepato-biliary spillover, wherein host-induced dysfunction results in primary bile acid (PBA) excess. Recent data have linked these disruptions to skeletal health, feline renal fibrosis, cardiac remodeling in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), and neuroinflammation in epilepsy and hepatic encephalopathy. The discovery of microbially conjugated bile acids (MCBAs) and microbial extracellular vesicles (MEVs) reveals highly specific, vesicle-mediated communication pathways impacting systemic health. Diagnostic protocols should prioritize functional profiling, including the dysbiosis index (DI), serum conjugated BA analysis, and SBA/PBA ratios. Clinical management is moving beyond empirical fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), towards precision synthetic microbial consortia (SynComs), neuroprotective BAs like tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), and molecular postbiotics to restore the collaborative metabolome.

This research investigates the quality and safety of vacuum-packed chilled rabbit meat. The study evaluates organoleptic, physico-chemical, and microbiological parameters of rabbit meat stored under vacuum conditions at 0-4 °C for a defined period. The results demonstrate that vacuum packaging effectively extends shelf life, preserving meat's safety and quality. After the full storage period (10 days, plus an additional 3-day reserve period), the meat maintained acceptable organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical stability, and microbiological safety. Laboratory analyses confirmed that chilled rabbit meat is safe for consumption and complies with all current regulatory requirements.

The rapid evolution of coronaviruses (CoVs) requires researchers to develop specific yet broad-spectrum detection methods to monitor their constant genomic changes. The goal of the present study was to establish a current pan-coronavirus RT-PCR system capable of detecting a wide variety of CoVs and useful for the investigation of virus diversity and host spectrum. For optimization, one-step and two-step nested RT-PCRs with three RT enzymes were examined, amplifying a ~600 bp long product of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. As templates, the in vitro transcribed RNA of ten pathogenic CoVs (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, NL-63, OC43, feline CoV, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus or PEDV, transmissible gastroenteritis virus or TGEV, canine CoV, bat CoV, and infectious bronchitis virus) were applied instead of the often-used DNA standards. A limit of detection of 5-50 copies/reaction was achieved with a random hexamer-primed two-step RT-PCR and a touchdown cycling profile, representing a lower detection limit and higher specificity compared to previously published primer sets. Swine origin pooled samples (n = 121), collected from apparently healthy herds in Hungary, were tested with the novel RT-PCR system. Sequences of porcine respiratory CoV/TGEV and porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus were identified in 24 oral fluid and nasal swab pools, demonstrating the circulation of these viruses in this country, as well as the suitability of the new PCR for their detection. The results highlighted the importance of adequate RT enzyme selection and the use of RNase inhibitors in sample preparation and conservation.

Circoviruses (CVs) infect a wide range of avian hosts, including domestic, ornamental and wild birds. The immunosuppressive effect of these viruses could make the host more susceptible to other pathogens. This study aimed to assess the potential hosts and genetic features of CVs or other related viruses in wild birds. Cloacal swab samples of 588 birds were processed for screening of circoviral sequences using nested PCR. Altogether, 19 complete genome and 21 partial sequences of small, circular, rep-encoding DNA viruses were determined, 32 of which belonged to CVs. Along with some newly established CV species (virus name long-eared owl-associated CV1 and barn owl-associated CV1), genomic sequences of previously characterized avian CVs (pigeon CV, duck CV, goose CV, gull CV, swan CV and little bittern CV) were identified. Pathogenic CVs and CVs of unknown aetiology occur in wild birds taxonomically distant from the originally described host species, such as the duck CV and pigeon CV in white stork (Ciconia ciconia), as well as pigeon CV in peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). The results draw attention to the widespread distribution of these viruses among wild birds which, by hiding in the host and reducing defensibility, could pose a threat to both poultry farming and efforts to wild bird conservation.

Fumonisins are mycotoxins commonly found on corn and other grains, and have been linked to several health concerns. The aim of this study is to estimate the exposure of the Hungarian population to fumonisins from regular food consumption. Fumonisin B1 and B2 concentrations were determined in commercially available corn-, wheat- and rice-based foods. Daily intakes on an individual level were calculated deterministically based on recent individual food consumption data distributions, and the average contamination of the concerned food categories. The most significant sources of fumonisins were corn flour, cornmeal, cornflakes, other corn-based products, and wheat-based products (average total fumonisin contents in the middle bound scenario were 0.115, 0.074, 0.052, 0.091 and 0.077 mg/kg, respectively). In cases where the concentration values measured below the analytical determination limits, these were substituted by half of the corresponding limits (middle bound scenario). Mean and high (95th percentile) exposures to fumonisins B1 + B2 were 0.101 and 0.258 µg/bw kg/day for adults, and 0.313 and 0.744 µg/bw kg/day for children, respectively. Our results show that about 1.5% of children’s exposure could exceed the tolerable daily intake limit (TDI) of fumonisins, established by EFSA in 2018, meaning that potential health risks cannot be ruled out for a low proportion of consumers. We found that besides corn-based products, wheat-based food products could also contribute to total intake, due to their high consumption levels. Constant monitoring of fumonisin levels in corn- and wheat-based products is recommended to safeguard consumer health.

Background: Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a major viral disease of goats, caused by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), associated with chronic arthritis, mastitis, pneumonia, and encephalitis, leading to economic losses and reduced animal welfare. This study aimed to estimate the true prevalence of CAE in Hungarian goat herds, based on nationwide sampling and statistical modeling. Methods: Blood samples from 1218 goats in 53 herds were tested using ELISA, and true prevalence was estimated by Bayesian analysis. Results: The mean herd true prevalence (HTP) was 29.1% (95% CrI: 20.8–38.5%), while within the infected herds, the conditional within herd prevalence (CWHP) reached 58% ± 27.1%. Medium- and large-sized herds (>50 animals) showed the highest mean HTP (77.8% and 74.9%, respectively). No significant regional differences were observed, indicating that CAE is uniformly distributed across the country. Conclusions: Our findings place Hungary among moderately to highly affected European countries and highlight the need for a nationwide control strategy integrating routine serological surveillance, biosecurity improvements, farmer education, and long-term tools such as selective breeding.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern, with the food production sector, particularly poultry production, playing a significant role in the spread of resistant bacteria. This study aims to identify and analyze the key factors influencing antimicrobial use (AMU) and thereby/or the spread of AMR within the poultry production chain, spanning from farm to consumer. A scoping literature review was conducted to investigate factors influencing AMU and/or the emergence and dissemination of AMR in poultry production. Knowledge synthesis was conducted from 69 relevant publications covering data from 41 countries. A total of 327 factors were identified from the various studies. Most factors (221) were related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) concerning farms. The other significant group, with 57 factors, involved intentional misuse or poor practices related to antimicrobials. The findings highlight the complexity of factors influencing AMR in poultry production, including financial pressures on farmers and varied training effectiveness. Integrated and tailored interventions are essential. Drug/feed sellers' practices require stronger regulations, while economic motivations and policy gaps must be addressed. Systematic management of these interactions and further research on environmental and genetic influences are crucial for effective strategies to combat this pressing public health challenge.

Mycoplasma (M.) hyorhinis is a widespread bacterium that frequently causes polyserositis and arthritis in post-weaning pigs. Currently, prevention and treatment strategies rely on mitigating risk factors and administering antibiotics, as no vaccines are commercially available in Europe. Developing a safe and efficacious vaccine could provide a long-term solution, reducing the economic impact of M. hyorhinis infections. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a M. hyorhinis mRNA-LNP vaccine candidate. The selected antigens were highly conserved proteins involved in bacterial adhesion. The mRNAs encoding these proteins were produced using established protocols and subsequently encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles through a self-assembly technique. For the in vivo efficacy assessment, three-week-old piglets were immunized with the candidate vaccine, and the injection site was monitored daily. At six weeks of age, the animals were challenged intravenously on two consecutive days. The clinical examinations were performed daily, while blood samples were collected weekly for a M. hyorhinis -specific antibody ELISA and Porcine Interferon gamma (Porcine IFN-γ) ELISA. Three weeks post-challenge, the animals were euthanized for gross and histopathological examinations. Additionally, body temperatures were recorded daily, and the body weights of the animals were measured upon arrival and then at six and nine weeks of age. After the challenge, the vaccinated group showed significantly higher IgG antibody titers than the positive control. Similarly, the vaccinated group's average daily weight gain was higher than the one of the challenge group. However, the vaccine candidate failed to confer sufficient protection against the clinical signs, pathological and histopathological lesions. Overall, a single dose of mRNA-LNP vaccine candidate was ineffective in preventing the disease caused by M. hyorhinis . Future research should focus on optimizing the vaccine formulation by incorporating additional antigens or adjuvants, implementing a two-dose immunization, or exploring alternative routes of administration.

In ovo administration of DL-methionine and post-hatch Hydrogel® supplements were tested to examine the impact of early feeding on performance and immune-related traits in a commercial broiler stock. One thousand one hundred and twenty Ross 308 eggs were incubated and assigned to seven treatment groups: intact (no in ovo administration) and immediate feed access (C1), in ovo saline treatment and immediate feed access (C2), intact and delayed feeding (ID), in ovo saline treatment and delayed feeding (IoS), in ovo DL-Methionine treatment and delayed feeding (IoM), intact and delayed access to feed, but immediate access to commercial Hydrogel® without (Hyd) or with 5mg/kg (HydM) DL-methionine post-hatch. The results showed, that the in-ovo methionine may have positive effects on the weight gain of the birds (p < 0.001) compared to the commercial Hydrogel® however, it cannot compete with the immediate feeding. The number of heterophils decreased significantly (p < 0.001) by day 21 in ID and IoS compared to the immediately fed control (C1). The number of lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils, increased in treatments supplemented with methionine (p < 0.05) (IoM,HydM) indicating enhanced immune protection. There were no differences in the total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and malonaldehyde concentration (MDA) (p = 0.07) in the examined groups. The Cytochrome P450 H1 (CYP2H1) gene was downregulated in all treatment groups (on days 21 and 35) indicating a slower metabolism, particularly in the ID group compared to C1 and C2 (p < 0.001). The HydM treatment could upregulate the IL2 expression as the immediate feeding, while only IoM treatment resulted in significant downregulation by day 35 (p < 0.001). IL6 was upregulated in all treatment groups (p < 0.001) except for HydM, where the gene expression did not differ from the housekeeping gene. Early administration of dietary methionine has a positive effect on performance and the immune system, however, none of the early feeding methods can compete with immediate feed access. The possible positive effects of early nutrition and its epigenetic impact should be examined in further studies.