Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial contamination and the risk factors associated with contamination of poultry during processing. Despite the rapid growth of the poultry industry, the presence of high levels of pathogenic bacteria contaminants, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella , pose serious public health concerns in dressed chickens. These infections negatively affect the product's shelf life. Methods: A cross sectional design was used to study two main poultry abattoirs in Lusaka. The processing line was used to collect biological samples along with the acquisition of risk-associated data using a structured questionnaire. Data collected both from biological sources and the risk analysis were entered into Excel and analysed in STATA version 14 for windows. Results: Escherichia coli and Salmonella contamination was detected in 70 and 2.5% of the selected dressed chickens ( n = 80), respectively. The number of total coliforms and Escherichia coli were observed to be significantly higher in samples from washed carcasses than pre-washed carcasses (65 and 35%, respectively). In addition, this study revealed that among the anthropogenic and exposure risk factors, bacterial contamination levels resulted mainly from a lack of hygienic practices. This included hand washing and an increased frequency of slaughters per day (>15,000). Conclusion: This study indicates that the water used for dressing chickens is probably the major cause of high levels of cross-contamination. The results also highlight the issues that need to be addressed to improve environmental and carcass hygiene in a poultry abattoir. Significance: Critical findings in this study are that contamination sources may be variable and hygienic practices may play a major role. In this particular study, the reuse of contaminated water was a case in point. Accordingly, there is need for both the water source and the water being used for processing to be tested.

BackgroundThe current rabies control strategy in Zambia is based on dog vaccination, dog population control and dog movement restrictions. In Nyimba district of Zambia, dog vaccination coverage is low but the incidence of dog bites is high which places the community at risk of rabies infection. The renewed global interest eliminating rabies in developing countries has spurred interest to identify determinants and barriers of dog vaccination in an effort to reduce the overall disease burden.MethodologyA mixed methods cross sectional design was used in the study. This consisted of three parts: Evaluation of medical records regarding dog bite injuries, implementation and analysis of a household survey and in-depth review of key informant interviews. Data was collected into a Microsoft Excel database and subsequently transferred to STATA for descriptive, inferential and thematic analysis.ResultsDog vaccination coverage overall was 8.7% (57/655), with 3.4% (22/655) in urban areas, 1.8% (12/655) in peri-urban and 3.5 (23/655) in the rural regions. Financially stable households were more likely to have their dogs vaccinated. Only 10.3% (31/300) of the respondents had vaccinated their dogs and these had a reliable source of income as 6% (18/300) were peasant farmers, 2% (6/300) were dependants whose guardians were financially stable and 2.3% (7/300) were in steady employment. Important barriers to dog vaccination included cost, limited awareness of vaccination program and access.ConclusionCurrent rabies control strategies in Nyimba district, Zambia, appear quite limited. Improvements in the regional dog vaccination program may provide benefits. Enhancement of educational efforts targeting behavioural factors may also prove useful. Finally, the cost of dog vaccination can be reduced with scaled up production of a local vaccine.

Background: The use of pesticides in fruits and vegetable production is beneficial for preventing, destroying or repelling pests that may damage these crops. The use of these chemicals however, often leads to the presence of residues in the fruits and vegetables after harvest. This study investigated farmers' compliance to applicable national standards by assessing pesticide residues in selected locally produced fruits and vegetables in two study sites in Monze, Zambia. The study used mixed methods (convergent parallel) design. We procured rape, cabbages, tomato and orange samples from conveniently sampled fruit and vegetable farmers around Hachaanga and St. Mary's areas in Monze, Zambia. Samples were analyzed for residues of dichlorvos using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Estimated average daily intakes (EADI) were calculated using standard formula. We also explored farmers' practices in dealing with regulatory issues in pesticide use and handling. A total of 14 key informant interviews with farmers, agriculture and public health officers and one policy maker were undertaken using a semi structured interview guide, were voice recorded, later transcribed and analyzed using Nvivo 10 software. Results: Results revealed detectable residues in 63.3% of 30 tested samples out of which three samples (one each of cabbage, tomato and orange samples) exceeded the codex Alimentarius maximum residual limit (0.1 mg/kg). However, all samples had residues below the Zambia Food and Drugs standard (0.5 ppm). The EADIs were also below WHO/FAO allowable daily intake recommended in all fruit and vegetable samples; however hazard indices for cabbage and oranges were close to the value one. In regard to farmers' practices, results showed great variation in pesticide use and handling, limited knowledge, observation of reduced waiting periods and limited monitoring and regulation of pesticide use among farmers. Conclusion: Our investigation found that all our samples had residues within the locally applicable regulation limits. All our EADIs were below the FAO/WHO limits. However, farmers' practices in pesticide use and handling were not conformity to guidelines. Therefore, there is need for educating food producers on handling and hazards of pesticides in Zambia.

Background and Aim: Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods remains consistently under-reported globally. Nevertheless, several independent studies conducted to investigate have elucidated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of L. monocytogenes in RTE-associated foods and their antibiotic resistance profiles. Given the rapid increase in consumption of RTE foods of both animal and plant origin, it is imperative to know the prevalence deductive data focusing on how much of L. monocytogenes is present in RTE foods, which is critical for food safety managers and retailers to assess the possible risk posed to end-users. In addition, valuable insight and another angle to the depth of the problem, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize available data regarding the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and antibiotic resistance profiles. Materials and Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis study of L. monocytogenes and antibiotic resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics to determine the extent of L. monocytogenes contamination in RTE foods and antibiotic resistance profiles. The primary search terms, also known as keywords used, were restricted to peer-reviewed and review articles, and databases, including Google Scholars, Science-Direct, and Scopus, were searched. The inclusion of articles meeting eligibility criteria published between 2010 and 2020 after title, abstract, and full article screening. Data analysis was performed at multiple stages using quantitative meta-analysis reviews. Results: L. monocytogenes pooled proportion/prevalence was highest in chicken products determined at (22%) followed by various but uncategorized RTE foods at 21%. Regarding antibiotic resistance, profiling's highest pooled prevalence resistance was observed in penicillin at 80% resistance, followed by cephalosporin at 47%. Conclusion: Within its limitations, this study has attempted to provide insight into the pooled proportion/prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and the antibiotic resistance profile at the global level. Determining the proportion/ prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods across the globe and antibiotic resistance profile is essential for providing quality food and reducing public health problems due to unsuccessful treatment of foodborne illness. This study provides insight into the pooled prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and the antibiotic resistance profile. The results of this study partly endeavored to help appropriate authorities strengthen their preventive measures on specific RTE foods that are most likely to be contaminated with L. monocytogenes and antibiotic resistance profiles.

Background: Dumpsites in low and middle income countries (LMICs) are commonly used for solid waste disposal as opposed to landfills. However, these are naturally unsanitary hence provide ideal conditions for breeding of disease transmitting agents and become predisposing factors for spread of diseases and infections to surrounding communities. This study aimed at determining the Health Effects of Chunga Dumpsite on surrounding communities in Lusaka, Zambia. Design and Methods: This was a mixed method design and employed a cross sectional approach and case study conducted concurrently. Communities were stratified by distance into Stratum One (within 250 meters radius) and Two (above 250 to 500 meters). Quantitative data were collected from total 200 households thus 100 households from each stratum by using self-administered questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected from Two Key informants from the Local Authority and 15 participants using semi-structured interview guide. Both data were collected from December 22nd, 2018 to February 18th, 2019. Results: Results revealed that smoke and various gasses emitted from burning and decomposing waste compromised quality of air in surrounding communities. Communities were infested with flies, mosquitoes and vermin. Consequently, (73.5%) complained of persistent coughing, (65.1%) suffered from malaria, (72.6%) complained of persistent headaches and (62.2%) had frequent diarrhoea cases in stratum one. Respiratory problems were more pronounced at night possibly due to high humidity which hindered pollutants to easily escape. However, these cases reduced drastically in stratum two. Conclusions: Unsanitary dumpsites in LMICs including Zambia are commonly used as solid waste disposal facilities as opposed to sanitary landfills and become predisposing factors for spread of diseases. Short proximities to dumpsites by unplanned human settlements cause serious environmental challenges leading to public health risks to surrounding communities. Key Words: Chunga Dumpsite, Health Effects, Waste Management, Lusaka.