From Invention to Innovation: Risk Analysis to Integrate One Health Technology in the Dairy Farm

Abstract

Current Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) approaches mainly fit for food industry, while their application in primary food production is still rudimentary. The European food safety framework calls for science-based support to the primary producers’ mandate for legal, scientific, and ethical responsibility in food supply. The multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary project ALERT pivots on the development of the technological invention (BEST platform) and application of its measurable (bio)markers—as well as scientific advances in risk analysis—at strategic points of the milk chain for time and cost-effective early identification of unwanted and/or unexpected events of both microbiological and toxicological nature. Health-oriented innovation is complex and subject to multiple variables. Through field activities in a dairy farm in central Italy, we explored individual components of the dairy farm system to overcome concrete challenges for the application of translational science in real life and (veterinary) public health. Based on an HACCP-like approach in animal production, the farm characterization focused on points of particular attention (POPAs) and critical control points to draw a farm management decision tree under the One Health view (environment, animal health, food safety). The analysis was based on the integrated use of checklists (environment; agricultural and zootechnical practices; animal health and welfare) and laboratory analyses of well water, feed and silage, individual fecal samples, and bulk milk. The understanding of complex systems is a condition to accomplish true innovation through new technologies. BEST is a detection and monitoring system in support of production security, quality and safety: a grid of its (bio)markers can find direct application in critical points for early identification of potential hazards or anomalies. The HACCP-like self-monitoring in primary production is feasible, as well as the biomonitoring of live food producing animals as sentinel population for One Health.

Assessing Environmental Factors within the One Health Approach

“…Under this respect, Lombardo et al have proposed a scheme for the analysis of environment-related factors in the animal farming scenarios with a One Health view. The proposed system considers the area (geo-climatic factors, waste disposal sites, land usage, main crops, water sources) and farm characteristics (size and conditions, biosecurity, use and disposal of biocide and drugs, feed quality and origin) [ 71 ]. In addition, available information such as routine controls and previous alerts should be exploited and integrated in the scheme.…”

Microalgae-Based Fluorimetric Bioassays for Studying Interferences on Photosynthesis Induced by Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of the Herbicide Diuron

“…Thus, the OJIP phase can be potentially used for the characterization of PSII photochemistry, the electron transport activity, as well as to monitor the inhibition effects of photosynthesis stressors, including the herbicide DCMU [ 27 ]. OJIP tests were performed using a fluorometer developed under the ‘Alert’ program [ 28 ] as part of the ‘Best’ prototype [ 29 ]. This six-sample chambers fluorometer uses a non-modulated (continuous) LED light source for excitation (λ ex = 650 nm, intensity 127 μmol m −2 s −1 , duration 11 s), λ em = 690–715 nm.…”

Understanding Seasonal Changes to Improve Good Practices in Livestock Management

“…The dairy farm was representative of a well-conducted, medium-sized dairy farm of Central Italy ( 27 ). All diagnostics were carried on at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana (IZSLT), a public body operating in the frame of National Health Service with duties related to animal health and welfare and food safety.…”