Background: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a zoonotic pathogen that contaminates abattoir workers, slaughter environments, slaughter equipment, and carcasses during abattoir processing. Infection with E. coli is associated with the consumption of contaminated food and water, and it is a potential threat to the health and welfare of both humans and animals. Hence, this study aimed to detect diarrheagenic E. coli and assess its antibiogram profile in two abattoir settings, in one health lens. Methods: A cross-sectional study in one health approach was conducted from December 2020 to June 2021. A total of 384 samples from abattoir workers’ hands, carcasses, knives, cattle feces, abattoir water and effluents were collected. Bacterial culture and biochemical tests were conducted to isolate E. coli, while conventional polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify virulence genes. The antibiogram of diarrheagenic E. coli was tested against nine antimicrobials using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: A total of 115 (29.95%) E. coli were isolated from the 384 samples, and from these isolates, about 17 (14.8%) were confirmed to be diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC). Among the DEC pathotypes, nine (52.94%), five (29.4%), and three (17.65%) were Shiga toxin-producing, enterohemorrhagic, and enterotoxigenic E. coli, respectively. While 14 (82.35%) DEC isolates harbored the stx2 gene, five (29.41%) the eae gene, five (29.41%) the hlyA gene and three (17.65%) harbored the st gene. All the DEC isolates were resistant to erythromycin and vancomycin; whereas, they were susceptible to ampicillin, nalidixic acid and norfloxacin. Furthermore, 64.7% of DEC isolates showed resistance to both ceftazidime and kanamycin and 88.24% of the isolates showed multidrug resistance. Conclusion: This study detected DEC isolates having different virulence genes, which showed single and multiple antimicrobial resistance. Given the existing poor hygienic and sanitary practices along the abattoir-to-table food chain, coupled with the habit of raw meat consumption, this result indicates a potential public and animal health risk from the pathogen and antimicrobial resistance.

Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, is a highly infectious disease of equines causing major health issues and financial losses. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of the SeM gene in Streptococcus equi isolated from equine suspected of having strangles. A cross-sectional study design was conducted from July to December 2022 in five districts of the central Gondar zone, Ethiopia. One-hundred sixty swab samples were taken from animals that had been clinically suspected. The SeM gene was detected using polymerase chain reaction, and the antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The binary logistic regression model was employed to test for statistical significance. In 31.87% (51/160) of the samples, Streptococcus equi species were isolated, and 31.37% (16/51) of these species carried the SeM gene. There was a significant amount of tetracycline (81.5%), erythromycin (81.5%), and vancomycin (75.5%) resistance among the 16 isolates. Strangles were more likely to be present in animals who shared feed containers (AOR = 7.59; 95% CI = 1.44–39.93), drank from the same water troughs (AOR = 7.74; 95% CI = 1.44–41.01), and spent the night together (AOR = 5.97; 95% CI 1.41–25.37). The findings of this study showed that the research areas harboured Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. Sharing feed containers and water troughs were potential sources of strangles infection; thus, these containers need to be cleaned regularly.

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance has significantly increased the difficulty treating infectious agents, creating an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this context, bacteriocins have emerged as a promising solution, offering a potential alternative to conventional antibacterial therapies. This review explores the potential application of bacteriocins in combating pathogenic bacteria across various sectors, including healthcare and the food industry, while also highlighting mechanisms of action. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced ribosomally by certain bacteria and archaea, capable of inhibiting the growth of similar pathogens through distinct modes of action. These peptides have been utilized in both human and veterinary medicine, as well as in agriculture, where they help in preventing unwanted growth of microorganisms. In veterinary practice, bacteriocins are incorporated into products such as udder disinfectants for dairy cattle and topical dermatological formulations for dogs, cats, and horses. Given their broad range of applications, bacteriocins warrant greater consideration by clinicians, veterinarians and industry stakeholders for the prevention and control of microbial infections. Nevertheless, the implementation of robust surveillance systems is crucial for curbing the spread of multidrug‐resistant pathogens, rather than relying solely on conventional antibiotic therapies.

Rabies, a highly fatal neglected tropical disease that affects warm-blooded animals, was the subject of a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2021 to April 2021. The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding rabies and associated risk factors among the communities of Mekdella district. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to a total of 384 households randomly selected from six kebeles. Factors associated with KAP were evaluated using the logistic regression model. The findings revealed that about 60% and 57% of respondents have good knowledge and implement preventive practices, respectively. However, the majority of respondents were unaware of the causative agent of rabies (55.7%) and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (65.9%). Although 88.3% of the respondents knew about vaccination as a means of rabies prevention, only 20.1% of the respondents had their dogs vaccinated. About 53.9% of respondents would wash the wound with water and soap if bitten by rabid animals. Educated respondents were eight times (AOR = 7.7; 95% CI: 2.5-23.7) and three times (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.2-8.0) more likely to have good knowledge and practice preventive measures against rabies, respectively, compared to illiterate participants. Respondents who were trained about rabies were nine times (AOR = 9.7; 95% CI: 1.4-66.4) and five times (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.2-16.3) more likely to have good knowledge and implement preventive practices, respectively, than the nontrained ones. Being previously exposed to rabies made respondents four times (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.8-8.3) and two times (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2 - 4.3) more likely to have good knowledge and implement preventive practices regarding rabies. This study revealed the vast gaps in the communities’ knowledge on rabies and poor practices in the prevention and control of rabies and post-exposure prophylaxis. It underscores the importance of community involvement in improving rabies prevention and control, fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment.