Biosecurity Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The growing pace of international commerce has created an increased risk of invasion by alien species, which often take root and thrive in their new environment, often at great costs for the local biota and economy. The risk of... more

The growing pace of international commerce has created an increased risk of invasion by alien species, which often take root and thrive in their new environment, often at great costs for the local biota and economy. The risk of introduction of harmful organisms into the United States is increasing exponentially, with costs to the American economy measured in hundreds of billions of dollars. This report offers recommendations to improve biosecurity measures at US ports, as well as a possible funding mechanism based upon the polluter-pays principle.

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Annual Report 2019 provides an overview of IAP activities in 2019, with specific sections on activities by affiliated regional networks AASSA, EASAC, IANAS, and NASAC. It also gives evidence of IAP’s... more

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Annual Report 2019 provides an overview of IAP activities in 2019, with specific sections on activities by affiliated regional networks AASSA, EASAC, IANAS, and NASAC. It also gives evidence of IAP’s focus on providing science advice and promoting cooperation and capacity building among its membership - the world’s merit-based academies of science, medicine and engineering. It also reviews IAP's activities in such areas as science education and biosecurity.
You can find it online at https://www.interacademies.org/publication/iap-annual-report-2019.

Watersports equipment can act as a vector for the introduction and spread of invasive non native species (INNS) in freshwater environments. To support advice given to recreational water users under the UK Government's Check Clean Dry... more

Watersports equipment can act as a vector for the introduction and spread of invasive non native species (INNS) in freshwater environments. To support advice given to recreational water users under the UK Government's Check Clean Dry biosecurity campaign and ensure its effectiveness at killing a range of aquatic INNS, we conducted a survival experiment on seven INNS which pose a high risk to UK freshwaters. The efficacy of exposure to hot water (45°C, 15 min) was tested as a method by which waters users could 'clean' their equipment and was compared to drying and a control group (no treatment). Hot water had caused 99 % mortality across all species 1 h after treatment and was more effective than drying at all time points (1 h: v 2 = 117.24, p \ 0.001; 1 day v 2 = 95.68, p \ 0.001; 8 days v 2 = 12.16, p \ 0.001 and 16 days v 2 = 7.58, p \ 0.001). Drying caused significantly higher mortality than the control (no action) from day 4 (v 2 = 8.49, p \ 0.01) onwards. In the absence of hot water or drying, 6/7 of these species survived for 16 days, highlighting the importance of good biosecurity practice to reduce the risk of accidental spread. In an additional experiment the minimum lethal temperature and exposure time in hot water to cause 100 % mortality in American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), was determined to be 5 min at 40°C. Hot water provides a simple, rapid and effective method to clean equipment. We recommend that it is advocated in future biosecurity awareness campaigns.

In this working paper for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, I outline ways we that might augment our biosecurity governance system with a focus on the often overlooked point that all research is dual use, and... more

In this working paper for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, I outline ways we that might augment our biosecurity governance system with a focus on the often overlooked point that all research is dual use, and most of it is not subject to security oversight. I begin by analyzing the assumptions about science, security, and their relationship to the state that underlie our current governance system, and show how those assumptions can be found in the NSABB’s (2007b) Responsible Communication of Life Science Research with Dual Use Potential. I show the limitations of these assumptions, and then propose an alternative set, that leads to radically different principles upon which we might base a system of constructing security concerns in the life sciences. I end by outlining how these principles can be practically implemented in a range of existing and novel governance mechanisms.

Using the example of bovine tuberculosis, this paper explores the emergence, understanding, and rejection of new forms of biosecurity. The paper argues that debates over biosecurity can be conceptualised as arguments over the ability to... more

Using the example of bovine tuberculosis, this paper explores the emergence, understanding, and rejection of new forms of biosecurity. The paper argues that debates over biosecurity can be conceptualised as arguments over the ability to regulate flows of disease and the constructions of space they adopt. Data from parliamentary inquiries and interviews are used to show how attempts to institutionalise forms of biosecurity emerge from a delicate balance of prescribed and negotiated spaces configured by a host of social, natural, and material agents. The interaction between these spaces provides a way of regulating the flows of disease and purifying agricultural space. This balance is resisted by farmers, whose practical knowledges of the constant struggle of managing the contingencies of agriculture lead them to suggest that only uniform versions of space can effectively regulate flows of disease. The author concludes by discussing the importance of recognising these differences for future biosecurity and animal health policy.

The European Community regulations on genetically modified organisms and novel foods come from a very wide range of origins, however it is possible to identify four primary sources of law: the European Community Treaty, international law,... more

The European Community regulations on genetically modified organisms
and novel foods come from a very wide range of origins, however it is
possible to identify four primary sources of law: the European Community Treaty, international law, secondary legislation, and decisions of the European Court of Justice. Regardless of their legal character, one common feature of those regulations is that the European Community pays particular attention to high level of food security, human health, animal welfare and environmental protection. All foodstuffs produced or imported to Member States have to meet strict requirements that guarantee access to safe and healthy food.
At the same time, principles of food law shouldn’t act as barriers to establishment or functioning of the Internal Market. Moreover, the European legislators should consider that new regulations cannot present constraint for technology development which constitutes one of the fundamental elements of the Lisbon Strategy (2000). It is necessary to merge social expectations of safe and healthy food with economic and political expectations of the European Community which is supposed to be a competitive participant of global economy based on knowledge.

Managing the pathways by which non-native species are introduced and spread is considered the most effective way of preventing species invasions. Tourism and outdoor recreation involve the frequent congregation of people, vehicles and... more

Managing the pathways by which non-native species are introduced and spread is considered the most effective way of preventing species invasions. Tourism and outdoor recreation involve the frequent congregation of people, vehicles and vessels from geographically diverse areas. They are therefore perceived to be major pathways for the movement of non-native species, and ones that will become increasingly important with the continued growth of these sectors. However, a global assessment of the relationship between tourism activities and the introduction of non-native species–particularly in freshwater and marine environments–is lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of tourism and outdoor recreation on non-native species in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. Our results provide quantitative evidence that the abundance and richness of non-native species are significantly higher in sites where tourist activities take place than in control sites. The pattern was consistent across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments; across a variety of vectors (e.g. horses, hikers, yachts); and across a range of taxonomic groups. These results highlight the need for widespread biosecurity interventions to prevent the inadvertent introduction of invasive non-native species (INNS) as the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors grow.

Abstract: Pandemics have been suggested as global risks many times, but it has been shown that the probability of human extinction due to one pandemic is small, as it will not be able to affect and kill all people, but likely only half,... more

Abstract: Pandemics have been suggested as global risks many times, but it has been shown that the probability of human extinction due to one pandemic is small, as it will not be able to affect and kill all people, but likely only half, even in the worst cases. Assuming that the probability of the worst pandemic to kill a person is 0.5, and assuming linear interaction between different pandemics, 30 strong pandemics running simultaneously will kill everyone. Such situations cannot happen naturally, but because biotechnology is developing analogously to Moore’s law, it may become possible in the near future (10-50 years from now), because of biohackers, CRISPR, bioprinters, AI-assisted DNA-programing, and weapons of “knowledge-enabled mass destruction” published on the Internet. It could also happened in case of large-scale biological war, or if a rogue country released its entire biological arsenal simultaneously. We also will address other scenarios and risk increasing factors as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Within rural studies there have been few attempts to critically analyse crimes against nature. This paper addresses this gap by providing an analysis of farmers' reasons for illegally culling badgers in the United Kingdom. Drawing on... more

Within rural studies there have been few attempts to critically analyse crimes against nature. This paper addresses this gap by providing an analysis of farmers' reasons for illegally culling badgers in the United Kingdom. Drawing on Sykes and Matza's (1957) concepts of neutralisation and drift, the paper shows how farmers rationalise this activity. Using in-depth interviews with 61 farmers in the England and Wales, the paper shows how they justify badger culling through discursive strategies that claim the activity is necessary, deny the necessity of the law, condemning the condemners, and appealing to community loyalties The paper also shows that neutralisation helps identify contextual factors that allow farmers to drift ambiguously between deviant values and social norms. In the case of badger culling, drift is attributable to an attack on a particular rural identity and way of living that has left farmers perceiving their selves as an effect. As much as they are attempts to rationalise criminal behaviour, neutralisation techniques can also be seen as spatial discourses demarcating the boundaries of cultural and spatial identities. In conclusion, the paper discusses the implications for resolving the problems of wildlife crime.

Two methods of assessing the risk of species introduction by ballast water are discussed, species-specific and environmental similarity assessments, each for alignment with four proposed principles of risk-based resource management: (i)... more

Two methods of assessing the risk of species introduction by ballast water are discussed, species-specific and environmental similarity assessments, each for alignment with four proposed principles of risk-based resource management: (i) society accepts that low risk scenarios exist; (ii) risk assessment is capable of identifying low risk scenarios; (iii) risk mitigation strategies exist; and (iv) mitigation costs are less than the cost of performing risk assessment. All four principles were met in some circumstances for both methods. Species-specific ballast water risk assessment is best suited to situations where the assessment can be restricted to a limited set of harmful species on journeys within bioregions where ballast water is a small component of natural genetic exchange. Environmental similarity risk assessment is appropriate for journeys that start and end in locations which have very little or no natural genetic exchange, such as journeys between non-contiguous bioregions. Because a large number of species are not assessed individually, environmental match assessments necessarily will be restricted to fundamental variables such as temperature and salinity. A number of bioregion classifications have been identified in the world’s oceans, some of which at a scale that may be appropriate for ballast water management. The suitability of any particular classification, however, needs further examination.

Las superficies limpias y desinfectadas consiguen reducir cerca de un 99% el número de microorganismos, en tanto las superficies que solo fueron limpiadas los reducen en un 80%.

Biosecurity is a major issue for agricultural based economies such as Australia and New Zealand. The paper provides a framework for biosecurity management strategies at the pre-border, border, and post-border stages of biosecurity threat.... more

Biosecurity is a major issue for agricultural based economies such as Australia and New Zealand. The paper provides a framework for biosecurity management strategies at the pre-border, border, and post-border stages of biosecurity threat. Issues of biosecurity are then examined in more detail with respect to the wine industry and wine tourism and one specific aspect of biosecurity control, the customs declaration form. A survey of wine tourists in New Zealand was conducted and it was noted that many of them did not recognise vineyards or wineries in the present descriptors used on the Australian and New Zealand customs declaration forms. Further questioning found that given the mobility of wine tourists that they posed significant biosecurity threats for wineries, many of which had no biosecurity strategy in place. The paper concludes that the utility of present customs declaration forms to the wine industry in New Zealand is questionable while also noting the need for biosecurity strategies to be adapted at a winery and vineyard level.

La información reunida en el manual tiene por finalidad principal de orientar y facilitar el trabajo en operación y seguridad, para esto es importante comprender la importancia de integrar los conocimientos previos, y de reforzar... more

La información reunida en el manual tiene por finalidad principal de orientar y facilitar el trabajo en operación y seguridad, para esto es importante comprender la importancia de integrar los conocimientos previos, y de reforzar aquellos necesarios que permitan analizar el tema en estudio y su relación con lo cotidiano, en toda actividad práctica no hay que olvidar la necesidad de seguir las medidas de seguridad e inculcar una cultura de protección frente a los riesgos biológicos, químicos, físicos, electromecánicos, entre otros, que están presentes. El propósito de elaborar un manual de prácticas es lograr una mejor planificación y organización tanto en docentes como estudiantes para tener una participación eficaz, los elementos que se deben considerar en el diseño son racionalidad, viabilidad, utilidad y claridad, todos ellos para facilitar la instrumentación de cada actividad práctica. Las buenas prácticas de laboratorio, taller o campo son procedimientos de organización y trabajo bajo los cuales los temas de estudio se planifican, realizan, controlan y registran. El objetivo es asegurar calidad y confiabilidad en todos los datos obtenidos durante un estudio determinado, y garantizar la seguridad de las personas. Conviene tener en cuenta que un buen procedimiento de trabajo es condición indispensable para la seguridad.
A lo largo del manual se va hacer referencia de todos los peligros y las normas de seguridad que contienen los laboratorios generales, clínico, de biología y químico, se va a identificar las evaluaciones del riesgo las cuales deben ser efectuadas por las personas que mejor conozcan las características peculiares de los organismos con los que se va a trabajar, el equipo y los procedimientos que van a emplearse. El director o investigador principal del laboratorio es el responsable de asegurar que se realicen de modo oportuno las evaluaciones del riesgo más apropiadas y de colaborar estrechamente con el comité de seguridad y el personal de bioseguridad del laboratorio, que se disponga del equipo y los medios apropiados para el trabajo que está previsto llevar a cabo. Una vez terminadas, las evaluaciones del riesgo deben ser consultadas periódicamente y revisadas cada vez que sea preciso (Maya, 2007).Por otro lado, el manual contara con las principales normas de seguridad que es la vestimenta y el equipo de protección personal que pueden actuar como barrera para reducir al mínimo el riesgo de exposición a aerosoles, salpicaduras e inoculación accidental, las prendas de vestir y el equipo que se seleccionen dependen de la naturaleza del trabajo que se realice. Las técnicas del laboratorio incorrectas y mal uso de equipos son la causa de la mayoría de los accidentes de laboratorio y las infecciones conexas, por lo tanto, todo laboratorio deberá establecer precauciones de seguridad acordes con el riesgo que contengan y es indispensable un plan escrito de medidas de contingencia para hacer frente a los accidentes en el laboratorio, para que el personal mantenga siempre presente las normas en materia de seguridad es imprescindible organizar un programa de formación continua en el trabajo mediante capacitaciones sobre seguridad y salud. Los errores humanos y las practicas incorrectas de laboratorios, puede acarrear el hecho de contrarrestar la eficacia de las medidas y los aparatos que se utilicen para proteger al personal, por esta razón el elemento clave para prevenir accidentes de laboratorio e infecciones adquiridas es un personal preocupado por la seguridad y bien informado sobre la manera de reconocer y combatir los riesgos presentes en el laboratorio, por ende es importante la formación continua en el servicio acerca de medidas de seguridad (Montes, 2002). Es fundamental que cada servicio de laboratorio cuente con una política integral de seguridad, un manual de seguridad y programas de apoyo para su aplicación, la responsabilidad de todo ello incumbe normalmente al jefe del laboratorio, por lo que es muy conveniente que tenga conocimiento de las prácticas clínicas, biológicas, químicas y de laboratorio y de la seguridad, incluido el equipo de contención, así como de los principios de construcción técnica relacionados con el diseño, el funcionamiento y el mantenimiento de las instalaciones (Aleman, 2006). La elaboración de este manual se puede concebir como un proceso de innovación y desarrollo que obedece a una lógica técnico - racional. El material, elaborado por los estudiantes, se formula para garantizar un desarrollo fiel del plan de estudios basados en la bioseguridad, es un material elaborado de forma artesanal que podrá ser utilizado en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje como un medio didáctico en el ámbito de salud y seguridad proporcionando información de métodos y procedimientos que se lleva a cabo, motivación e interés por temas de bioseguridad, la actuación frente a peligros inmersos que se encuentran en el laboratorio.

Plant biosecurity encompasses the policy and regulatory framework to analyse and manage risks in the sectors of plant life and health, and related environmental concerns. It covers the protection of a country from pests during... more

Plant biosecurity encompasses the policy and regulatory framework to analyse and manage risks in the sectors of plant life and health, and related environmental concerns. It covers the protection of a country from pests during transboundary movement of commodities, from emerging indigenous pests/ diseases, from introduction and release of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) as well as from the use of pests/ diseases/ GMOs in biological warfare. The plant quarantine legislation in India is aimed to protect the country from an ingress of exotic pests during import. The Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, through its various committees, takes care of the biosafety issues in dealing with GMOs and the issue of biological warfare is presently dealt by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Critical issues that need to be addressed include upgradation of quarantine facilities, strengthening the risk analysis mechanism, development of the pest database, standard operation procedures and research prioritization. There is an urgent need to work on exotic and emerging diseases with a focus on developing early warning systems and risk analysis models. The need for developing a National Biosecurity Policy and a strategy for effective convergence of related activities of all stakeholder departments and ministries is self evident in the present global scenario.

The neologism 'necrosecurity' describes the cultural idea that mass death among less grievable subjects plays an essential role in maintaining social welfare and public order. In the early months of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the... more

The neologism 'necrosecurity' describes the cultural idea that mass death among less grievable subjects plays an essential role in maintaining social welfare and public order. In the early months of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the United States, this perspective on the social value of death emerged in diverse contexts, particularly in claims that deaths were a necessary consequence of returning economies to normal. Necrosecurity discourse encourages audiences to perceive coronavirus fatalities as neither preventable nor exceptional, and to perceive themselves as facing little risk of infection or death. Overlooking the realities of infectious disease epidemiology, these accounts portrayed COVID-19 as a mild disease and imagined a population of robust and physically normative individuals who would survive an epidemic unscathed and ready to return to work. These appeals articulate with powerful cultural tropes of survivorship, in which statistical calculations of relative risk and life chances-ostensibly cited to inspire hope for an individual outcome-conceal a zero-sum calculus in which ill or susceptible individuals are pitted against one another. In contrast to the construct of biosecurity-the securing of collective life against risk-necrosecurity paradoxically imagines the deaths of vulnerable others as a means of managing shared existential dangers.

The potential phytosanitary importance of all named plant-parasitic nematode species was determined by evaluating available information on species characteristics, association with economically-important crop hosts, and ability to act as... more

The potential phytosanitary importance of all named plant-parasitic nematode species was determined by evaluating available information on species characteristics, association with economically-important crop hosts, and ability to act as vectors of viruses or form disease complexes with other pathogens. Most named species of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) are poorly known, recorded from a single location only, not associated with economically-important crops, and not known to be associated with other plant disease organisms. However, 250 species from 43 genera fulfilled one or more of the criteria to be considered to present a phytosanitary risk. The genera and number of species (in parentheses) considered as posing phytosanitary risk included: Achlysiella (1), Anguina (8), Aphasmatylenchus (1), Aphelenchoides (12), Aphelenchus (1), Belonolaimus (2), Bitylenchus (3), Bursaphelenchus (4), Cactodera (3), Ditylenchus (8), Dolichodorus (1), Globodera (3), Helicotylenchus (7), Hemicriconemoides (3), Hemicycliophora (3), Heterodera (25), Hirschmanniella (5), Hoplolaimus (5), Ibipora (3), Longidorus (10), Macroposthonia (2), Meloidogyne (38), Merlinius (3), Nacobbus (1), Neodolichodorus (2), Paralongidorus (2), Paratrichodorus (11), Paratylenchus (3), Pratylenchus (24), Punctodera (3), Quinisulcius (3), Radopholus (5), Rotylenchulus (3), Rotylenchus (1), Scutellonema (5), Sphaeronema (1), Subanguina (3), Trichodorus (5), Tylenchorhynchus (8), Tylenchulus (2), Vittatidera (1), Xiphinema (15) and Zygotylenchus (1). For each of the 250 species main hosts and yield loss estimates are provided with an extensive bibliography. Of the 250 species, only 126 species from 33 genera are currently listed as regulated pests in one or more countries worldwide. Almost all of these 250 species were also associated with economically important crops and some also acted as vectors for viruses.

This essay summarizes what we know about the spread of Yersinia pestis today, assesses the potential risks of tomorrow, and suggests avenues for future collaboration among scientists and humanists. Plague is both a re-emerging infectious... more

This essay summarizes what we know about the spread of Yersinia pestis today, assesses the potential risks of tomorrow, and suggests avenues for future collaboration among scientists and humanists. Plague is both a re-emerging infectious disease and a developed biological weapon, and it can be found in enzootic foci on every inhabited continent except Australia. Studies of the Black Death and successive epidemics can help us to prepare for and mitigate future
outbreaks (and other pandemics) because analysis of medieval plagues provides a crucial context for modern scientific discoveries and theories. These studies prevent us from stopping at easy answers, and they force us to acknowledge that there is still much that we do not understand.

. A multi-omic systems approach to elucidating Yersinia virulence mechanisms. Molecular BioSystems.

Marine biological invasions have increased throughout the world’s oceans to the extent that no region is considered ‘pristine’. At least 1781 species have been identified as introduced in marine or estuarine systems somewhere in the... more

Marine biological invasions have increased throughout the world’s oceans to the extent that no region is considered ‘pristine’. At least 1781 species have been identified as introduced in marine or estuarine systems somewhere in the world. Many of these species have been introduced to several regions, inferring an ease of transport by human-mediated mechanisms. A substantial number of these species have either demonstrable or inferred impacts.
Marine species have been transported around the world in many ways, both intentionally and accidentally. Concern has typically focused on vessel traffic, specifically the transport of species in ballast water, which is used for trim and stability of commercial vessels. This led to the development of the International Maritime Organization’s International convention for the control and management of ship's ballast water and sediments that was adopted in 2004.
More recently, attention has shifted to species that attach to the external surfaces of vessels, including commercial, fishing, and non-trading vessels such as barges, dredges, tugs and recreational yachts. Such species are collectively known as biofouling.
Science-based risk assessment is a key element of Australia’s biosecurity system and underpins the nation’s biosecurity policies. However, there are currently no Australian regulatory measures for preventing the introduction of invasive marine species through biofouling.
The objective of this project was to conduct a risk assessment to identify and assess the biosecurity risk to Australia associated with the entry, establishment and spread of marine pest species as biofouling. This risk assessment is therefore intended to inform Australian Government policy development for continued management of marine pest risks as biofouling.
The risk assessment followed a five-step process:
• identifying endpoints
• identifying hazards
• determining consequences
• determining likelihood
• calculating risk.
Risk was evaluated across three identified endpoints: inoculation, establishment and spread. International voyages to Australia were assessed for the risk they pose in relation to inoculation and establishment. Likelihood of domestic spread was assessed through analysis of domestic movement of international shipping, other domestic vessel movements/traffic and through natural means.
Key hazards for Australia were deemed to be those species with a recognised invasion history, but not currently known to be present in Australian waters. More than 1781 species that have been identified as being introduced to some region of the world were evaluated for their association with biofouling and transport pressure. Species association with biofouling was assessed on the basis of life history characteristics. Transport pressure was calculated as a function of the intersection between a species’
global distribution and the opportunities for transport calculated as a combination of the number of vessels arriving in Australia from regions where a species is present.
The consequence (or impact) was assessed for each species on four core values of environment, economic, social/cultural and human health, based on information derived from the literature. The vast majority of species had neither demonstrable nor inferred impacts stated in the published literature, significantly decreasing the ability to assess risk. For those species with available information about their consequence, risk was calculated as the product of likelihood and consequence. The result of this analysis was a restricted suite of 56 species that have a high probability of arrival into Australian waters and the potential to cause moderate to extreme impacts across one or more of the four core values if successfully introduced.

these factors is demonstrated in programming sector-wide biosecurity measures to jumpstart the sector with potential of eliminating poverty, food insecurity and improving livelihoods among rural folks.

Risk assessment is a tool that has many applications in marine biosecurity. Its application to aquaculture has only recently moved from the protective standpoint of animal health (i.e. the World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE) to... more

Risk assessment is a tool that has many applications in marine biosecurity. Its application to aquaculture has only recently moved from the protective standpoint of animal health (i.e. the World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE) to examining introduced species risks. Risks from aquaculture include use of non-native species as target stocks in aquaculture; the potential for introductions of hitchhiker (associate) species when importing new stocks; the use of non-native live, fresh or frozen feed stocks and the movement of aquaculture equipment. In contrast, the risks to aquaculture from marine bioinvasions from other sources (including other aquaculture operators) include pathogens, parasites, biofouling and harmful algal blooms. Herein, we present two types of risk assessment (non-probabilistic decision-trees and a qualitative/semi-quantitative
organism impact assessment) that are currently used in the marine biosecurity system in New Zealand and Chile, but are readily applicable to other introduced species risk scenarios. These methods do not rely on quantitative risk assessment methods because sufficient quantitative data are often lacking for introduced marine species work. However, quantitative data can be used within the assessments to identify likelihoods or consequence.

continuo descenso de estudios autópsicos a nivel mundial es una realidad y varias son las causas que lo explican, entre las que destacamos como prioritarias: la creciente carga de trabajo de biopsias y citologías de los patólogos que... more

continuo descenso de estudios autópsicos a nivel mundial es una realidad y varias son las causas que lo
explican, entre las que destacamos como prioritarias: la creciente carga de trabajo de biopsias y citologías de
los patólogos que retrasa los informes finales de autopsia y los métodos diagnósticos cada vez más certeros
que presuponen como “innecesario” en muchas ocasiones el estudio autópsico.
Después de la exhaustiva actualización realizada en el Libro Blanco de 2015 sobre la autopsia en general,
en el Grupo de Trabajo de Autopsias hemos considerado pertinente abordar el tema de la Bioseguridad dado
su interés y repercusión en la práctica diaria asistencial, donde genera no pocos conflictos y dudas sobre
cómo abordar determinados estudios, medios necesarios y cualificación de equipos y personal.
Partimos de la base de que todos los riesgos inherentes a la práctica necrópsica son reales, por lo que
cada estudio debe considerarse siempre como potencialmente infeccioso y cumplir con todas las medidas
de bioseguridad que están perfectamente reguladas en la legislación vigente.
Así, en el primer artículo se aborda la bioseguridad en general, revisando y estableciendo los protocolos
adecuados con detalle. En el segundo artículo se trata y la bioseguridad durante la extracción del sistema
nervioso central en casos potencialmente sospechosos de infecciones por priones en centros que no son
de referencia.
De ésta forma, consideramos actualizado el tema de la seguridad, esperando que este capítulo ayude a
subsanar las dudas y a facilitar la toma de decisiones así como a implementar los medios adecuados en cada
Servicio de Anatomía Patológica para poder realizar nuestro trabajo de manera segura.

The World Bank stated that Indigenous peoples are the most vulnerable to food insecurity in the world. A mixed methods design was applied to explore food security status among households of Ammatoa Kajang people in South Sulawesi. A... more

The World Bank stated that Indigenous peoples are the most vulnerable to food insecurity in the world. A mixed methods design was applied to explore food security status among households of Ammatoa Kajang people in South Sulawesi. A structured household survey captured their food security status, food access, and children’s dietary diversity. A total of 142 households were surveyed. Food insecurity was highly prevalent (73.9%). Children’s diet demonstrated a lack of diversity. They experienced limited availability and access to diverse nutritious food. They cultivated family poultry in their home yard to cope with the food insecurity situation. Mostly they utilize it for family consumption. Family poultry was important to support food availability at home.

La existencia de patógenos peligrosos para el ser humano ha sido documentada desde hace siglos. Sin embargo, no fue hasta finales del siglo XX en que se establecieron los lineamientos para su manipulación de una forma segura en... more

La existencia de patógenos peligrosos para el ser humano ha sido documentada desde hace siglos. Sin embargo, no fue hasta finales del siglo XX en que se establecieron los lineamientos para su manipulación de una forma segura en instalaciones especializadas conocidas como Laboratorios de Bioseguridad Nivel 3 y 4. Estos laboratorios se caracterizan por exigir prácticas microbiológicas, equipo y medidas de seguridad que permiten generar un medio ambiente seguro para el profesional del laboratorio. Los médicos patólogos clínicos, tenemos la responsabilidad de conocer más a fondo este tema, para así estar siempre preparados para prevenir una exposición riesgosa.

To implement a Biosecurity approach, governments should first identify and analyse the existing constellation of legal provisions covering the subject areas of Biosecurity. At times this may not be easy as Biosecurity is often regulated... more

Número temático 57, ano 26, mai./ago.. 2020. Organizado por Jean Segata e Andrea Mastrangelo.

The study is an interdisciplinary analysis, on the borderline between medical sciences, ecology, anthropology, and Orthodox theology, of some of the most critical pandemics of the last century, their causes and effects on civilization. We... more

The study is an interdisciplinary analysis, on the borderline between medical sciences, ecology, anthropology, and Orthodox theology, of some of the most critical pandemics of the last century, their causes and effects on civilization. We briefly review important information on avian or swine influenza (A/H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1), on diseases triggered by SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus (SARS) and MERS-CoV beta-coro-navirus (MERS), and on the CoVid-19 pandemic, triggered by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. We also expose a series of explanations for the possible causes of these pandemics, which are related to (non) compliance with biosecurity rules - in mammal and poultry intensive breeding units, (insufficient) regulations on the wildlife market, and, in general, to an inadequate relationship with the resources of the living world. Some biosecurity norms from intensive animal zootechnics are discussed together with analyses that signal possible epidemiological risks that could occur in case of noncompliance with these norms. In regard to the wildlife market, 3 examples are presented: bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), palm tree civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and pangolins (manis javanica), while also gaining insight into some of the abusive practices related to these mammals, and the regions of the world where these practices occur. The spiritual perspective, offered by Christian theology, introduces the patristic reflections on the rationality of creation, in the light of the Incarnation of the Logos, and the spiritual way of relating to the living world that flows from it. Also, we briefly analyze some of the anomalies induced by conspiracy theories, currently rather vocal, which affect both the perception of reality, the reception of spiritual considera-tions, and the lesson of the results provided by science. We have identified some meanings, for all these situations dis-cussed, provided by Christian theology through authors such as Panayotis Nellas, Father Dumitru Stăniloae, and Olivier Clement. These meanings conclude the present analysis by reviewing many dangers that threaten our contemporary civilization (growing social inequities, pollution and waste, overexploitation of resources, misuse of technologies, etc.), emphasizing the need to rediscover and cultivate human interiority, for (re)gaining a spiritual dimension of life, the only ones - in the vision of Christian spirituality - that can provide the premises for the rational reorganization of civilization.

Żywność genetycznie zmodyfi kowana oraz technologia stosowana przy jej produkcji niewątpliwie stanowią przedmiot kontrowersji oraz wywołanej nimi debaty społecznej. Proces społecznej akceptacji nowych rozwiązań technologicznych... more

Żywność genetycznie zmodyfi kowana oraz technologia stosowana przy jej produkcji niewątpliwie stanowią przedmiot kontrowersji oraz wywołanej nimi debaty społecznej. Proces społecznej akceptacji nowych rozwiązań technologicznych wykorzystywanych do produkcji żywności
wykazuje wiele cech zbieżnych z podobnymi procesami odnoszącymi się do innych kategorii technologii. Jednak specyfi ka tych pierwszych polega przede wszystkim na tym, że produkty wytworzone z ich zastosowaniem stanowią jedno z najważniejszych i niezbędnych do przetrwania dóbr dla każdego człowieka – żywność. Dlatego też obawy konsumentów oraz proces szacowania ryzyka zasługują na wyjątkową uwagę ze strony nie tylko przedstawicieli nauk przyrodniczych, ale również humanistów. Biorąc pod uwagę zainteresowanie oraz kontrowersje, jakie budzi wykorzystanie organizmów genetycznie
zmodyfi kowanych w produkcji żywności, należy dokonać analizy czynników warunkujących percepcję nowych rozwiązań technologicznych, a także proces ich akceptacji przez konsumentów.
Analizie poddano takie czynniki jak percepcja ryzyka, społeczny odbiór nowych technologii, wpływ stosowanej terminologii w procesie komunikowania o ryzyku, znaczenie posiadanej wiedzy oraz dostęp
do informacji, uwarunkowania społeczno-demografi czne oraz zaufanie do podmiotów informujących o technologii. Następnie podjęto próbę sprawdzenia, które z wymienionych czynników mają wpływ na proces akceptacji żywności genetycznie zmodyfi kowanej w państwach członkowskich Unii Europejskiej, Stanach Zjednoczonych, Republice Południowej Afryki oraz Chińskiej Republice Ludowej.

This paper summarizes and critiques the peer-reviewed literature concerning biosecurity considerations in the pork industry. Manuscripts concerning source of genetic material and segregation procedures were examined to address the risks... more

This paper summarizes and critiques the peer-reviewed literature concerning biosecurity considerations in the pork industry. Manuscripts concerning source of genetic material and segregation procedures were examined to address the risks of introduction of new genetics. Other biosecurity risks reviewed include transmission of pathogens by aerosol, birds, insects, nonporcine animals, and vehicles; and pathogen survival in dead pigs, feed, manure, water, and soil. Many decisions regarding biosecurity protocols on pork production units are currently based on producer and veterinary experience and opinion, not on scientific research. Consequently, research is needed in many areas either to validate current protocols or to develop new scientifically sound biosecurity measures for the pork industry.

Left column, top to bottom: Fish farmers administering antibiotic treatment to a suspected viral infection of fish, courtesy of M.B. Reantaso. Middle column, top: Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis), courtesy of E. Hallerman; bottom:... more

Left column, top to bottom: Fish farmers administering antibiotic treatment to a suspected viral infection of fish, courtesy of M.B. Reantaso. Middle column, top: Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis), courtesy of E. Hallerman; bottom: Mortalities of common carp in Indonesia due to koi herpes virus, courtesy of A. Sunarto. Right column: Women sorting shrimp post-larvae at an Indian shrimp nursery, courtesy of M.J. Phillips.

We advocate an increased utilisation of script theory in rural social research and suggest this will enhance understandings of the social life of farmers and other rural residents. We define a script as a culturally shared expression,... more

We advocate an increased utilisation of script theory in rural social research and suggest this will enhance understandings of the social life of farmers and other rural residents. We define a script as a culturally shared expression, story or common line of argument, or an expected unfolding of events, that is deemed to be appropriate or expected in a particular socially defined context, and that provides a rationale or justification for a particular issue or course of action. We suggest there are four types of script: (1) a socially perceived routine or expected sequence of events; (2) a catch-phrase, metaphor or allegory that is frequently recited in response to a particular issue or situation; (3) a mini-story, narrative or parable; and (4) a commonly used line of argument that is widely invoked in response to a particular issue or situation. Using examples from our work with farmers in the UK and Australia relating to animal health and biosecurity, and specifically bovine tuberculosis, we demonstrate how scripts affect the perceived management options of farmers in particular circumstances. We suggest that scripts have implications for policymakers and those seeking to promote practice change such as agricultural extension staff and agricultural veterinarians.

Whether intentional or not, humans have been responsible for the translocation of invasive marine species. The indicative representations of association suggest that biofouling has been the most prevalent mechanism contributing to such... more

Whether intentional or not, humans have been responsible for the
translocation of invasive marine species. The indicative representations of association suggest that biofouling has been the most prevalent mechanism contributing to such invasions across the globe.
Biofouling is one of the oldest mechanisms of human-mediated transport of marine species, beginning with early human movements on small scales and eventually leading to world explorations with the European Expansion from 1500 AD onwards.
The most common means of biofouling is marine species attaching themselves to any part of a vessel, or any equipment attached to or onboard the vessel, aquaculture equipment and mooring devices.
In contrast, ballast water is a relatively new vector of transport, with the earliest ballast water use recorded in the late 19th century. Ballast water – water (including sediment that has been contained in water) held in tanks and cargo holds of ships to increase stability and manoeuvrability during transit – represents an expansion of transport opportunity to the vast majority of the benthic species associated with biofouling.
This project assessed the relative contributions of known marine
pest vectors in terms of the introduction and translocation of marine invasive species on a national basis (in Australia) through a review of the National Port Survey Database (NPSD) and on a worldwide basis through a literature review.
The information represented by the global dataset and the NPSD provide a useful tool for identification of species associations with modern vectors of transport, and the opportunity to identify likely relationships for future entry.
Analysis of the global dataset indicated that more species have life history characteristics associated with biofouling (55 per cent) than any other vector. The second highest association was with ballast water (31 per cent).
A similar relative contribution was found in the Australian context through analysis of the NPSD, with biofouling contributing 60 per cent of species association and ballast water 24 per cent.

This document was written by Arlène Alpha and Muriel Figuié (Cirad) under the coordination of the FAO Sub-Regional Resilience Team for West Africa/Sahel (REOWA). It has been reviewed by Vincent Martin, Patrick David and Oriane Turot from... more

This document was written by Arlène Alpha and Muriel Figuié (Cirad) under the coordination of the FAO Sub-Regional Resilience Team for West Africa/Sahel (REOWA).
It has been reviewed by Vincent Martin, Patrick David and Oriane Turot from the FAO REOWA team, and by Cheikh Ly (FAO Regional Office for Africa) and Juan Lubroth (FAO Animal Production and Health Division). It also benefited from the contribution of Helen Roberts (APHA), Lindsay McCrickard (DAI), Jesse Bonwitt, Julien Gavelle and Philippe Kone (FAO consultants).
Also available at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5641e.pdf

Synthetic biology, which is a new emerging technology aiming at re-writing existing biological systems and designing completely new parts and devices, brings several potential benefits, but at the same time it constitutes a new threat to... more

Synthetic biology, which is a new emerging technology aiming at re-writing existing biological systems and designing completely new parts and devices, brings several potential benefits, but at the same time it constitutes a new threat to biosecurity: for such "double Janus face", it can be considered as a "dual use research". Indeed, the risk that its theoretical discoveries and applications are handled by bioterrorists and used for malevolent purposes is not a mere hypothesis. Therefore, it is necessary to look for possible solutions for the governance of this type of risk. In order to try to achieve such purpose, the analysis focuses, first of all, on the overview of the existing regulations against bioterrorism. Then, these regulations are evaluated in the light of the constitutional frame of fundamental rights at stake (in the belief that any policy/regulation should take into account and be based on the respect of fundamental rights). Thirdly, the applicability of the existing regulatory framework to synthetic biology is checked. Fourthly, the different positions that have been proposed so far for addressing biosecurity risks in the area of synthetic biology are shown and put into comparison. Finally, the proposal of a model of governance, called of "prudent vigilance", is described.

El objetivo de este estudio de alcance descriptivo fue revisar las investigaciones publicadas entre 2010 y 2018 sobre accidentes de trabajo con riesgo biológico en personal de salud en los países de la Región Andina, con el propósito de... more

El objetivo de este estudio de alcance descriptivo fue revisar las investigaciones publicadas entre 2010 y 2018 sobre accidentes de trabajo con riesgo biológico en personal de salud en los países de la Región Andina, con el propósito de determinar la dinámica de la investigación en este campo y las acciones para anticipar los riesgos biológicos emergentes. El método aplicado fue la revisión documental, con diseño de búsqueda en bases de datos de revistas científicas, ubicando y seleccionando artículos originales que describieran métodos, fuente de los datos y resultados. Resultados. Los estudios revisados indican que los trabajadores del sector salud que están más expuestos a sufrir accidentes con contaminación biológica son las enfermeras, los residentes y los profesionales de áreas quirúrgicas. Se encontró, que los estudiantes de medicina que adelantan prácticas y el personal del servicio de aseo de las instituciones de salud, también son grupos con alto riesgo de sufrir este tipo de accidente. La punción con objetos corto punzantes y el contacto con sangre, fueron el tipo de accidente más frecuentemente reportado. Se concluyó que la investigación sobre el tema en los países de la CAN es incipiente, los esfuerzos en los centros médicos no son suficientes para la prevención y disminución de accidentes con contaminación biológica. Para reducir la accidentalidad en las áreas hospitalarias deben adelantarse acciones educativas de prevención de manera permanente, así como el análisis de incidentes debe avanzar hacia la búsqueda de causas raíz.

Invasive species are driving declines in global biodiversity. Brachyurans are particularly successful marine invaders. The Asian paddle crab, Charybdis japonica, is a large invasive portunid native to Asia, first detected in the Waitematā... more

Invasive species are driving declines in global biodiversity. Brachyurans are particularly successful marine invaders. The Asian paddle crab, Charybdis japonica, is a large invasive portunid native to Asia, first detected in the Waitematā Harbour in 2000. However, little is known about the distribution, morphometrics, population demography, male influence on trap catch, where juveniles recruit, and the best method to capture them. Sampling across the North Island, in addition to fishermen interviews, were used to determine the crab’s current distribution. Morphometrics and population demography were analysed for C. japonica caught using traps. Male influence on trap catch and individual behaviours were examined using lab and field trials. Catch data from the Kaipara Harbour were examined to determine where juveniles recruit and the best method for detection. Charybdis japonica currently occurs from Ohiwa Harbour to the Bay of Islands on the east coast of the North Island and Manukau Harbour to Hokianga Harbour on the west coast. Analysis of distribution and invasion rate suggested that this dispersal is due to a range of vectors including international or domestic shipping, larval dispersal, aquaculture, and recreational vessels. The morphometric analysis revealed variation in interocular width between Kaipara/Manukau Harbours and Weiti River/Bayswater Marina and identified a possible morphometric size at maturity of males just below 60mm carapace width. The abundance of females varied seasonally, with all populations of C. japonica sampled being male-biased. The presence of large male C. japonica in traps decreased the probability of further captures through aggressive interactions, indicating that the male-biased catch may be a sampling artefact rather than being representative of the population present. Juvenile C. japonica recruit into separate habitats with less fine sediment when compared to adults within the Kaipara Harbour. Benthic sled tows were the most effective method trialled for detecting small juvenile C. japonica within the Kaipara Harbour. These findings have several management implications. To prevent the continued spread of C. japonica throughout New Zealand, increased biosecurity measures are required to prevent further regional spread. This includes monitoring and population control using multiple methods to target various life stages of C. japonica.

Effective biosecurity is an important requisite for the conservation of biodiversity. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species including pests, diseases and other organisms through biosecurity measures is important, not... more

Effective biosecurity is an important requisite for the conservation of biodiversity. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species including pests, diseases and other organisms through biosecurity measures is important, not only for food security and agricultural health, but also links directly with the prevention of biodiversity loss. Although several international instruments are relevant in this regard, legal analysis of biosecurity at both the international and national levels remains limited. In light of the farreaching implications of biosecurity failures, there is an urgent need to recognize the nature of biosecurity and to understand how effective biosecurity frameworks can be developed. The present article seeks to contribute to this gap, first, by highlighting the nature of biosecurity as a regulatory concept; second, by providing an overview of some of the key international legal provisions and standards applicable to biosecurity; and, finally, by discussing some of the challenges which arise for the application of an international framework to biosecurity and the adoption of domestic biosecurity frameworks, particularly in the context of developing countries.

Since the collapse of negotiations around a protocol to the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) in 2001, states parties have begun to discuss several novel issues linked to the broader implementation of the BWC as part of a... more

In a world where invasive alien species (IAS) are recognised as one of the major threats to biodiversity, leading scientists from five continents have come together to propose the concept of developing an international association for... more

In a world where invasive alien species (IAS) are recognised as one of the major threats to biodiversity, leading scientists from five continents have come together to propose the concept of developing an international association for open knowledge and open data on IAS—termed " INVASIVESNET ". This new association will facilitate greater understanding and improved management of invasive alien species (IAS) and biological invasions globally, by developing a sustainable network of networks for effective knowledge exchange. In addition to their inclusion in the CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, the increasing ecological, social, cultural and economic impacts associated with IAS have driven the development of multiple legal instruments and policies. This increases the need for greater coordination , cooperation , and information exchange among scientists, management, the community of practice and the public. INVASIVESNET will be formed by linking new and existing networks of interested stakeholders including international and national expert working groups and initiatives, individual scientists, database managers, thematic open access journals, environmental agencies, practitioners, managers, industry, non-government organisations, citizens and educational bodies. The association will develop technical tools and cyberinfrastructure for the collection, management and dissemination of data and information on IAS; create an effective communication platform for global stakeholders; and promote coordination and collaboration through international meetings, workshops, education, training and outreach. To date, the sustainability of many strategic national and international initiatives on IAS have unfortunately been hampered by time-limited grants or funding cycles. Recognising that IAS initiatives need to be globally coordinated and ongoing , we aim to develop a sustainable knowledge sharing association to connect the outputs of IAS research and to inform the consequential management and societal challenges arising from IAS introductions. INVASIVESNET will provide a dynamic and enduring network of networks to ensure the continuity of connections among the IAS community of practice, science and management.

Background: Laboratory biosafety is currently a major global issue in clinical research and academic laboratories. To alleviate these concerns, subject-specific education of standardized laboratory practices is essential and should be... more

Background: Laboratory biosafety is currently a major global issue in clinical research and academic laboratories. To alleviate these concerns, subject-specific education of standardized laboratory practices is essential and should be delivered in a comprehensible, interactive, and appealing manner. The objective of the present study was to engage university-level students in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity related education through the Socratic method of learning. A pre/post-test model was implemented to assess the knowledge improvement after the workshop. Methods: Two workshops were conducted individually at a public and private educational institute in October 2019 and December 2019, respectively. Important concepts were delivered in an interactive engagement format to ensure substantive understanding. Pre-and post-training scores were computed, and a paired t-test was used to assess knowledge gain. Results: Out of the 357 students from both institutes, 320 (90%) provided consent and completed the preand post-test questionnaires. The participants lacked a baseline knowledge of laboratory biosafety. A statistically significant increase (14% to 84%) in knowledge was reported among students, with a p-value of < 0.001. Scores improved in the post-test assessment, where 87% were high performers, and only 1% were low-performing students. The difference between the pre-and post-test mean scores was indicative of a substantial 70% improvement in education. Students exhibited high levels of satisfaction with the Socratic method of teaching style. Conclusion: The study highlighted the significance of the Socratic style of learning for engaging students and improving their knowledge and awareness of laboratory biosafety in academic settings in Pakistan.