Biofilms are structured microbial communities that pose significant challenges to food safety and quality within the food-processing industry. Their formation on equipment and surfaces enables persistent contamination, microbial resistance, and recurring outbreaks of foodborne illness. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on biofilm formation mechanisms, genetic regulation, and the unique behavior of multi-species biofilms. The review evaluates modern detection and monitoring technologies, including PCR, biosensors, and advanced microscopy, and compares their effectiveness in industrial contexts. Real-world outbreak data and a global economic impact analysis underscore the urgency for more effective regulatory frameworks and sanitation innovations. The findings highlight the critical need for integrated, proactive biofilm management approaches to safeguard food safety, reduce public health risks, and minimize economic losses across global food sectors.

Donkey milk is increasingly recognized as a functional food due to its unique nutritional profile and richness in bioactive compounds. This longitudinal observational study investigated changes in both chemical composition (total solids, protein, fat, lactose, and ash) and immune-active proteins (lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, and lysozyme) across lactation. A total of 153 donkey milk samples were collected from five farms from very early (1–3 days in milk) to late lactation (30–210 days in milk). Chemical composition was determined using mid-infrared spectroscopy, while the concentrations of the immune-active proteins were determined by ELISA Quantitative Sandwich. Chemical analysis showed high values in colostrum, including total solids (10.13%), protein (3.1%), and ash (0.73%), which declined progressively during lactation to 8.45%, 1.14%, and 0.64%, respectively. Fat varied modestly, between 0.55 and 0.25%, while lactose remained stable at 5.75–6.41%. In parallel, bioactive proteins measured between 31 and 210 days exhibited distinct trajectories. Lactoferrin increased from 0.07 to 0.14 mg/mL, α-lactalbumin peaked mid-lactation at 2.58 mg/mL (compared with 1.91 mg/mL early and 2.25 mg/mL late), β-lactoglobulin declined from 0.84 to 0.55 mg/mL, and lysozyme decreased from 0.95 mg/mL early to 0.64 mg/mL late. Across lactation, we observed dilution of total solids and protein, relatively stable lactose and fat, and distinct trajectories of lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, and lysozyme, indicating that donkey milk modulates rather than loses its protective protein profile. These results refine reference values for donkey milk and support its nutraceutical relevance for human nutrition and health.

Background/Objectives: Canine otitis externa (OE) is frequently complicated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections, which are often associated with treatment failure due to intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolates from dogs with OE in Timiș County, Romania, with a focus on aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones, to provide region-specific, clinically relevant data and address potential public health implications. Methods: Exudate samples were collected from 435 dogs diagnosed with OE across multiple veterinary clinics between 2022 and 2025. P. aeruginosa isolates were identified using standard culture methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the VITEK^® 2 Compact system according to CLSI VET01, Fifth Edition (2018) guidelines. Tested antibiotics included amikacin, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and pradofloxacin. Resistance profiles were analyzed at both the individual antibiotic and class levels. Results:P. aeruginosa was isolated in 14.0% (61/435) of dogs. All isolates were susceptible to amikacin and gentamicin, whereas resistance to enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin was 27.9%, and pradofloxacin resistance reached 63.9%. A total of 24.6% of isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. The most frequent multidrug-resistant combination among fluoroquinolones was ENR (R) + MAR (R) + PRA (R), observed in 23.0% of isolates. Conclusions: This study provides recent, region-specific data on P. aeruginosa prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility in canine OE, offering clinically relevant insights into aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone resistance. The findings highlight the potential public health significance of resistant P. aeruginosa strains at the human–animal interface and underscore the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practice.

Background/Objectives: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius) is an opportunistic pathogen frequently isolated from dogs, involved in a wide range of infections, particularly otitis externa. Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), poses significant challenges for veterinary and potentially human health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. pseudintermedius in dogs with otitis externa compared to clinically healthy dogs. Methods: Between 2022 and 2025, samples were collected from 400 dogs with otitis externa and 360 healthy dogs in veterinary clinics from Timișoara. Ear swabs were processed by conventional microbiological techniques and confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the VITEK^® 2 Compact system, following CLSI VET01, Fifth Edition (2018) standards. Fourteen antimicrobials from 11 classes were evaluated. Results: S. pseudintermedius was isolated in 40% of dogs with otitis externa and in 21.1% of healthy dogs. The highest resistance in both groups was observed to tetracycline (37.5% and 25%, respectively). No resistance was recorded to linezolid, vancomycin, teicoplanin, tigecycline, or fusidic acid. MRSP strains were identified in 1.2% of dogs with otitis, displaying multidrug resistance (MDR). MDR strains were also detected in 8.7% of diseased and 4% of healthy dogs, indicating the potential for subclinical reservoirs. Conclusions: The findings highlight the notable prevalence and AMR of S. pseudintermedius in both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. The detection of MRSP and MDR strains emphasizes the need for prudent antibiotic use and continuous AMR surveillance in veterinary medicine to mitigate zoonotic risks and preserve antimicrobial efficacy.

Background: The use of natural feed supplements in rabbit farming can enhance the nutritional value of meat and improve its properties as a functional food. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effects of supplementing rabbit feed with linseed meal, fodder yeast, and a combination of linseed meal and selenium yeast on meat quality. The study included 45 rabbits kept in household farms, distributed into three groups, namely, the control group (CG—fed a basic diet consisting of alfalfa pellets); group 1 (G1—supplemented with linseed meal and fodder yeast), and group 2 (G2—supplemented with linseed meal and selenium yeast). Following the three-month study period, rabbit meat samples were analyzed for nutritional composition. Results: The results revealed reduced rabbit meat caloricity in G1 and G2 (ME = 111.74 and 112.58 kcal/100 g, respectively), when compared to CG datasets. Peak polyunsaturated fatty acid content was observed in G2, with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids content at 12.326% and 18.382%, respectively. Total mineral content of rabbit meat peaked in G2 (720.99 mg/g), whereas CG (603.71 mg/g) had the lowest content. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that feed supplements such as linseed meal, fodder yeast, and selenium yeast can significantly enhance the nutritional and functional properties of rabbit meat, offering a sustainable approach to producing nutrient-rich animal-derived foods.

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in companion animals is a growing One Health concern due to the close interaction between pets and humans. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus schleiferi (S. schleiferi) are common colonizers of the canine ear canal and can act as reservoirs of resistance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. aureus and S. schleiferi isolated from dogs with otitis externa and clinically healthy dogs in western Romania. Methods: A total of 973 canine ear swabs were collected, 503 from dogs with otitis externa and 470 from healthy dogs. Isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK^® 2 Compact system, bioMérieux, Marcy-l’Étoile, France, and interpreted according to CLSI VET01 guidelines, with 13 antimicrobials representing multiple drug classes. Results: S. aureus was more prevalent in healthy dogs (20%) than in otitis cases (4%), while S. schleiferi was more common in otitic samples (7.5% vs. 4%). Among S. aureus isolates from otitic dogs, penicillin resistance was highest (65%), and 25% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). In healthy dogs, S. aureus showed 54.3% penicillin resistance and 16% MDR prevalence. Four MRSA strains (4.3%) were identified only in healthy dogs. S. schleiferi exhibited the highest resistance to clindamycin, with MDR rates of 10.6% in otitic and 5.6% in healthy dogs. No MRSS strains were detected. Conclusions: Clinically healthy dogs may serve as asymptomatic carriers of resistant Staphylococcus strains, including MRSA. Routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing is essential to inform treatment choices and mitigate resistance dissemination within veterinary and public health contexts.