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Coccídios em aves silvestres da ilha do Maranhão: uma ameaça à saúde animal e à biodiversidade? desvendando os riscos e buscando soluções

2026-08-04T19:13:28Z

Título: Coccídios em aves silvestres da ilha do Maranhão: uma ameaça à saúde animal e à biodiversidade? desvendando os riscos e buscando soluções Abstact: Coccidiosis, caused by intracellular protozoa of the Eimeriidae family—primarily of the genera Eimeria and Isospora—has historically been underestimated within the context of Brazilian wild avifauna, despite representing a significant threat to animal health and biodiversity. This study presents the first systematic survey of coccidian occurrence in wild birds on Maranhão Island, an ecologically strategic region in northeastern Brazil characterized by coastal ecosystems and the presence of both resident and migratory bird species. A total of 136 fecal samples were collected between 2022 and 2024 during three seasonal expeditions (April/2022, September/2023, and April/2024), conducted preferably in the morning hours (6:00 to 11:00 a.m.), which correspond to the peak activity of target species. Each sample was divided into two aliquots: one underwent coproparasitological screening within 48 hours of collection, while the other was stored at −30 °C for subsequent DNA extraction and molecular analysis. Coproparasitological screening revealed that 5.15% (7/136) of the samples contained only coccidian oocysts, and 9.56% (13/136) showed concomitant presence of coccidian oocysts and helminth eggs, totaling a 14.70% (±4.94%) positivity rate. Among the 20 positive samples, 30% (6/20) were confirmed by PCR for protozoa of the genera Eimeria or Isospora. Two of these samples were subjected to molecular sequencing, with one identified to the genus level as Isospora spp., constituting the first molecular record of this genus in the avifauna of Maranhão Island. These findings underscore the importance of animal and environmental health surveillance in areas of ecological overlap between wild fauna and anthropogenic environments. Although coccidia do not pose a direct zoonotic risk, they may compromise biodiversity conservation and the health of domestic species, reinforcing the need for sustained monitoring strategies. The combination of originality, unprecedented regional scope, and methodological rigor provides scientific robustness and practical applicability to the study, highlighting the role of environmental education and public engagement in biodiversity conservation.

Sistema multiplataforma para suporte às atividades de inspeção sanitária em abatedouros frigoríficos de bovinos e suínos no Estado do Maranhão

2026-07-29T18:10:31Z

Título: Sistema multiplataforma para suporte às atividades de inspeção sanitária em abatedouros frigoríficos de bovinos e suínos no Estado do Maranhão Abstact: This study aimed to develop and validate a multiplatform system to support sanitary inspec- tion activities in cattle and swine slaughterhouses in the state of Maranhão. To achieve this, the following steps were carried out: (i) a comprehensive literature review; (ii) a situational diagnosis conducted in nine slaughterhouses registered with the State Inspection Service of Maranhão, through two cycles of supervision (2021 and 2022) using a standardized checklist for verification of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and an inspection line verification list; (iii) the preparation of educational material for training professionals responsible for sani- tary inspection; (iv) the development of software using C#, .NET, and SQL languages, de- signed to record, monitor, and analyze inspection data; and (v) preliminary testing followed by field validation involving 11 volunteer veterinarians, who used the system over a 10-day period, enabling data collection through structured questionnaires applying the Likert scale and the System Usability Scale (SUS). A situational diagnosis of the hygienic-sanitary condi- tions of slaughterhouses registered with the state inspection service in 2021 and 2022 revealed considerable variability in compliance, with some establishments showing high adherence to sanitary standards, while others exhibited critical deficiencies, particularly concerning infra- structure, hygiene, and quality control. During the first supervision cycle in 2021, 33.3% of the establishments were classified as "Good" and 66.6% as "Fair." In the second cycle, con- ducted in 2022, improvements were observed, with 55.5% classified as "Good" and 33.3% as "Fair." Regarding inspection lines, the results indicated a concerning scenario: none of the nine facilities had fully implemented all required inspection lines, exposing a potential risk to consumer health. To provide technical support to inspection professionals, a Manual of Pro- cedures for Cattle and Swine Inspection Lines was developed — an educational and exten- sively illustrated material designed to support the standardization and qualification of post- mortem inspection practices in slaughterhouses. Additionally, a multiplatform system named INSPETEC was developed, incorporating specific functionalities for recording inspections and supporting routine inspection management by enabling information recording and the issuance of official documentation and reports. After field testing for validation, INSPETEC achieved an average functionality score of 38 points (out of 50) and an average SUS usability score of 76 points, both surpassing the desired thresholds, thus demonstrating its effectiveness and acceptability. In conclusion, INSPETEC represents a robust and innovative tool that modernizes sanitary inspection processes, enhancing traceability and efficiency in data man- agement, ensuring proper enforcement of current legislation, and contributing to improved food safety. Continued development and future studies are recommended to expand its inte- gration with other systems and to adapt it to different regional contexts.

Raiva dos herbívoros na Região da Floresta dos Guarás, Maranhão: interações entre fatores ambientais, socioculturais e a dinâmica de Desmodus rotundus

2026-07-13T17:36:36Z

Título: Raiva dos herbívoros na Região da Floresta dos Guarás, Maranhão: interações entre fatores ambientais, socioculturais e a dinâmica de Desmodus rotundus Abstact: Rabies in herbivores represents a significant sanitary and economic problem for Brazilian livestock production, with the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus acting as the main vector of the rabies virus in rural areas. This thesis analyzed the spatial dynamics of animal rabies in the state of Maranhão and the patterns of livestock attacks caused by vampire bats in the Floresta dos Guarás region, integrating ecological, environmental, and sociocultural factors across different spatial scales. Official data on rabies outbreaks in cattle and equines from 2005 to 2024, records from 475 nocturnal capture expeditions of D. rotundus (of which 384 were successful, corresponding to an 80.84% success rate), and 170 structured interviews with rural producers were analyzed. The analyses included exploratory spatial statistics, Kernel density estimation, the Bivariate Local Moran’s Index (BiLISA), Poisson regression, and Random Forest (RF) predictive modeling, complemented by nonparametric statistical tests. At the state level, rabies showed a heterogeneous spatial distribution, with higher incidence in the northern microregions of Maranhão, positively associated with the loss of surface water (p < 0.05), whereas forest fire frequency and deforestation were negatively associated with rabies incidence (p < 0.05). In the Guarás region, the RF model for predicting vampire bat attacks showed high predictive performance (AUC > 0.80), with livestock density emerging as the most important variable (MDA = 39.86; MDG = 35.99), followed by distance to water bodies. Livestock attacks were predominantly concentrated in areas with lower slope, higher herd density, and less fragmented forest landscapes. A total of 1,174 vampire bats were captured and treated, with a predominance of females (61.0%); however, these interventions were not associated with a proportional reduction in livestock attacks. Interviews revealed that 67.1% of producers reported a history of livestock attacks, with cattle being the most frequently affected species (64.6%), in addition to a low level of knowledge regarding bat ecology and a greater predisposition to roost destruction among producers with lower educational levels and prior attack experience. Overall, the results indicate that rabies occurrence and vampire bat attacks respond differently to anthropogenic landscape changes, although they share common environmental determinants, highlighting the need for integrated strategies that combine epidemiological surveillance, sanitary education, environmental management, and wildlife conservation. As outcomes of this research, a scientific article addressing the effects of deforestation, wildfires, and drought on animal rabies incidence in Maranhão and a technical manual for the ethical management and control of vampire bats, aligned with the guidelines of the National Program for the Control of Herbivore Rabies, were produced

Proposta de uma ferramenta digital para inovação tecnológica na gestão e eficiência no abate sanitário de bovídeos

2026-07-13T17:39:11Z

Título: Proposta de uma ferramenta digital para inovação tecnológica na gestão e eficiência no abate sanitário de bovídeos Abstact: The beef production chain represents a strategic sector for the economy of Maranhão, Brazil, contributing significantly to employment, income generation, and food security. In this context, sanitary inspection plays a critical role in protecting public health by ensuring that animal-origin products comply with established hygiene and safety standards. The effectiveness of these actions depends on information traceability and the proper organization of animal health defense processes. However, the lack of standardized and systematized data compromises responsiveness to sanitary risks and limits the planning of inspection activities. This study aimed to develop a digital tool to support technological innovation and modernization of sanitary inspection of cattle in slaughterhouses. The proposed solution is a multiplatform information system designed for mobile and desktop use, with both online and offline functionality, enabling adaptation to field operational conditions. The methodology included a literature review, technical requirements analysis, and software development, prioritizing usability and functionality. The system, named INSPETEC, is structured into two main modules: (i) support for sanitary inspection activities and (ii) management of slaughterhouse routines and public interaction, enhancing transparency and social participation in sanitary control. The interface was designed based on usability and ergonomics principles, in accordance with ISO 9241-11, featuring an intuitive layout and simplified workflows. Offline functionality with local data storage and automatic cloud synchronization ensures system operability in low- connectivity environments. Key features include digital recording of ante- and post-mortem inspections, application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) checklists, image attachment, automated report generation, integrated access to current legislation, generation of strategic indicators, and submission of georeferenced reports of illegal slaughter and informal trade with real-time image capture. System testing and validation, approved by a Research Ethics Committee, were conducted in a real-world environment with 38 participants, including official veterinarians, independent professionals, and members of the public. System use occurred over two ten-day periods. User experience was assessed through structured digital questionnaires (Google Forms®), applying the Likert scale and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Excel® support. Results indicated satisfactory usability (mean score: 2.8) and functionality (mean score: 3.86), with all evaluations exceeding the median. According to SUS classification (0–100 scale), 63.16% of participants rated the system as “good,” 23.68% as “excellent,” and 13.16% as “best imaginable.” It is concluded that INSPETEC is an innovative and potentially unprecedented technological tool in the context of animal-origin food inspection, demonstrating strong alignment with the needs of official services and practical applicability in field conditions. Further studies are recommended to enhance the system, enable integration with other platforms, and adapt it to different regional contexts