The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gaseous ozone on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) strains with regard to biofilm production and survival. The experiment was conducted with six S. aureus strains and four L. monocytogenes strains. After exposure to ozone, the biofilm-forming abilities of bacteria were assessed. The treatment caused a mean reduction of 0.82 and 1.39 log units for S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, respectively. Although the effect of ozone gas on cell survival was minimal, biofilm production was affected. Much effort should be invested in examining the effects of gaseous ozone treatment on bacterial biofilm formation.

In early May 2013, Germany reported through the Epidemic Intelligence Information Systems (EPIS) and the Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS) seven Hepatitis A (HAV) cases associated with a travel history in Northern Italy. Following the alert, the Italian Integrated Epidemiological System of Acute Viral Hepatitis (SEIEVA) reported also an increase of HAV cases in the same area in 2013. Cases identified were infected with HAV genotype IA with an identical “outbreak” sequence (KF182323). To monitor HAV cases …

The aim of this review is to provide an insight into the current state of, and future changes in, veterinary education. At present, Veterinary Inspectors need to have the appropriate education, relevant experience and the ability to carry out their duties in the context of inspections. They should respond to the changes in legislation related to food and to the official control systems and must take into account the Community rules. In effect, there is still a wide diversity among schools in Italy and in Europe, showing that there is an urgent need for harmonization of the veterinary education, in order to have a common basis of knowledge. Moreover, it is important to maintain and update all knowledge by means of the so-called lifelong learning. Along the educational route of the veterinary inspector, many gaps still exist: the entire system of learning should be revised, with the aim of having a well-integrated education system in cooperation with all the figures involved. In this way Veterinary Inspectors will be able to face the new issues posed by society and the globalization of food consumption and will be able to maintain their position in the assurance of food safety.