Cochliomyia hominivorax es una mosca que en su etapa de larva es parásito obligado de animales de sangre caliente, incluyendo a humanos, causando una condición clínica conocida como ‘miasis traumática’. Dado que la hembra se aparea una sola vez y el macho lo puede hacer varias veces más, en los años 1950 se estableció la erradicación de esta plaga, a partir de esterilización de los machos. El programa de erradicación de C. hominivorax ha sido exitoso en Norte y Centroamérica. Sin embargo, América del Sur aún se encuentra naturalmente infestada. El costo económico, el largo plazo que exige y las consecuencias indeseables del programa de erradicación, propenden por la búsqueda de alternativas de control efectivas. El inicio de la erradicación en Colombia, podría encontrar dificultades geográficas, políticas y, principalmente, económicas. Es fundamental en este proceso la cooperación del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos de América, de las organizaciones de cooperación internacional, de las autoridades sanitarias, de las instituciones educativas, y de los productores de ganado. Las áreas de investigación prioritarias en C. hominivorax en Colombia deberán ser la biología, la epidemiología y la dinámica de poblaciones, a la par con el mejoramiento de los métodos de vigilancia y técnicas de monitoreo. Antes de emprender un programa de erradicación en Colombia, se recomienda la realización de estudios previos para establecer la viabilidad técnica, política, económica y ambiental. Con esta información, una comisión conformada por entes públicos y privados, determinará los verdaderos beneficios y costos de la erradicación.

The new world screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, in larval stage is an obligate parasite of mammals and humans, causing traumatic myiasis. The female fly mates once in in its lifespan, whereas the male mates several times. Accordingly eradication efforts were established in the 1950’s, using male sterilization. Screwworm eradication has been successful in North and Central America, including some Caribbean islands. However, South America is still infested. Economic costs, the length of the program, and undesirable side effects of the screwworm eradication program led to a search for alternatives control measures. The initiation of screwworm eradication in Colombia could encounter geographical, political, and mainly economical problems. This program in Colombia would require the economic support and collaboration of the USDA, organizations of international cooperation, health authorities, academic institutions, and livestock producers. Priorities for screwworm research in Colombia should be biology, epidemiology and population dynamics, together with improvement of survey methods and control technologies. The achievement of studies for establishing technical, political, economical, and environmental viability of screwworm eradication is recommended. After these data are accumulated, a commission must be assembled with public and private organizations in order to determine the real cost and benefits of eradication.

El Sistema de Análisis de Peligros y Puntos Críticos de Control (HACCP) constituye un enfoque preventivo y sistemático, recomendado por diferentes organizaciones internacionales como la Comisión del Codex Alimentarius, la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC), la Organización Mundial de Salud Animal (OIE) y la Convención Internacional para la Protección de los Vegetales (CIPV), entre otras, para contribuir al aseguramiento de la inocuidad de los alimentos durante toda la cadena agroalimentaria. El HACCP tiene como requisito para su implementación las Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (BPM), que se encuentran legisladas en la gran mayoría de países. En Colombia desde 1997 se incorporó en la normatividad la aplicación del sistema HACCP en coherencia con exigencias internacionales. Este artículo discute potencialidades y dificultades de la implementación de la norma y recomendaciones de política para que redunde en la inocuidad alimentaria.

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system (HACCP), recommended by different international organizations as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Office of Epizootics (OIE) and the International Convention for Vegetables Protection (ICPV) amongst others, contributes to ensuring the innocuity of food along the agro-alimentary chain and requires of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for its implementation, GMP's which are legislated in most countries. Since 1997, Colombia has set rules and legislation for application of HACCP system in agreement with international standards. This paper discusses the potential and difficulties of the legislation enforcement and suggests some policy implications towards food safety.

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system (HACCP), recommended by different international organizations as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Office of Epizootics (OIE) and the International Convention for Vegetables Protection (ICPV) amongst others, contributes to ensuring the innocuity of food along the agro-alimentary chain and requires of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for its implementation, GMP's which are legislated in most countries. Since 1997, Colombia has set rules and legislation for application of HACCP system in agreement with international standards. This paper discusses the potential and difficulties of the legislation enforcement and suggests some policy implications towards food safety.

El Sistema de Análisis de Peligros y Puntos Críticos de Control (HACCP) constituye un enfoque preventivo y sistemático, recomendado por diferentes organizaciones internacionales como la Comisión del Codex Alimentarius, la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC), la Organización Mundial de Salud Animal (OIE) y la Convención Internacional para la Protección de los Vegetales (CIPV), entre otras, para contribuir al aseguramiento de la inocuidad de los alimentos durante toda la cadena agroalimentaria. El HACCP tiene como requisito para su implementación las Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (BPM), que se encuentran legisladas en la gran mayoría de países. En Colombia desde 1997 se incorporó en la normatividad la aplicación del sistema HACCP en coherencia con exigencias internacionales. Este artículo discute potencialidades y dificultades de la implementación de la norma y recomendaciones de política para que redunde en la inocuidad alimentaria.

Veterinary medicine is an activity related to several health hazards; during the last years, studies about the biological hazard associated to animals have been conducted, such hazards represented by the zoonotic diseases and the allergic reactions in exposed workers. Despite its importance, in Colombia the knowledge about the occupational biohazard is scarce, its magnitude is overlooked and in addition a passive attitude from practitioners exists. The few research spaces available and the scattered actions for its prevention, influence directly on the workers' health, on the quality of the services offered and obviously on the quality of life in society. The present article discusses the causes and consequences of biological hazards in veterinary medicine, shows a panorama of the national problem and contributes with alternatives for its solutions.

La medicina veterinaria constituye una actividad asociada a riesgos para la salud; durante los últimos años, se han realizado estudios sobre el riesgo biológico de origen animal; desde la óptica de las enfermedades zoonóticas y las reacciones alérgicas en los trabajadores expuestos. A pesar de su importancia, en Colombia, el conocimiento frente al tema es escaso, se ha subestimado su magnitud y existe además una actitud pasiva por parte de los profesionales del sector respecto a dicha problemática. Los pocos espacios para la investigación en el área y las acciones dispersas de divulgación sobre su prevención, repercuten directamente sobre la salud de los trabajadores, la calidad de los servicios ofrecidos y sobre la calidad de vida de la sociedad. El presente artículo discute las causas y repercusiones del riesgo biológico en medicina veterinaria, ofrece un panorama frente a la problemática del medio nacional y contribuye con alternativas de solución.

La medicina veterinaria constituye una actividad asociada a riesgos para la salud; durante los últimos años, se han realizado estudios sobre el riesgo biológico de origen animal; desde la óptica de las enfermedades zoonóticas y las reacciones alérgicas en los trabajadores expuestos. A pesar de su importancia, en Colombia, el conocimiento frente al tema es escaso, se ha subestimado su magnitud y existe además una actitud pasiva por parte de los profesionales del sector respecto a dicha problemática. Los pocos espacios para la investigación en el área y las acciones dispersas de divulgación sobre su prevención, repercuten directamente sobre la salud de los trabajadores, la calidad de los servicios ofrecidos y sobre la calidad de vida de la sociedad. El presente artículo discute las causas y repercusiones del riesgo biológico en medicina veterinaria, ofrece un panorama frente a la problemática del medio nacional y contribuye con alternativas de solución.

Veterinary medicine is an activity related to several health hazards; during the last years, studies about the biological hazard associated to animals have been conducted, such hazards represented by the zoonotic diseases and the allergic reactions in exposed workers. Despite its importance, in Colombia the knowledge about the occupational biohazard is scarce, its magnitude is overlooked and in addition a passive attitude from practitioners exists. The few research spaces available and the scattered actions for its prevention, influence directly on the workers' health, on the quality of the services offered and obviously on the quality of life in society. The present article discusses the causes and consequences of biological hazards in veterinary medicine, shows a panorama of the national problem and contributes with alternatives for its solutions.

Para evaluar el papel de la salud pública veterinaria en la demanda de los servicios en la ganadería bovina colombiana, luego del proceso de reestructuración de los servicios pecuarios, se aplicó el Stakeholder Analysis. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio del sector de servicios pecuarios en Colombia durante 13 meses, a través de entrevistas abiertas no estructuradas, aplicadas al nivel regional y nacional, incluyendo cinco grupos de actores: productores, proveedores de servicios, instituciones educativas, gobierno y compradores de producto. Cuatro estudios regionales que examinaron sistemas de producción de pequeños productores, leche especializada, doble propósito y carne. No obstante la disponibilidad de un amplio inventario de servicios y la sobreoferta profesional, la baja demanda de servicios y las necesidades insatisfechas constituyeron hallazgos relevantes. En ese contexto, la salud pública veterinaria fue ampliamente omitida señalando el papel importante del sector público en la formulación de políticas para el suministro de dichos servicios. Se presentan algunas recomendaciones de política que involucran a todos los actores. A pesar de los limitantes, el valor y potencial de las metodologías participativas son resaltadas como herramientas complementarias.

This study applies Stakeholder Analysis to appraise the role of veterinary public health within service demand for cattle production in Colombiaafter the process of restructuring of veterinary services. An exploratory study of the livestock service sector was carried out over 13 months through individual open-ended interviews at regional and national levels. The study involved five main stakeholders: producers, service providers, government, training institutions and product purchasers. Four regional case studies examined smallholder, dairy, beef and dual purpose cattle production systems. Despite service availability and professional over-supply, low demand for services and unsatisfied needs were detected. Veterinary public health was widely omitted, highlighting the need for the active role that the public sector must have in policy-making for provision of these services. Some policy recommendations which involve all stakeholders are presented. Despite limitations, the potential and value of participative approaches as a complementary tool is emphasized.

RESUMEN Los servicios de salud pública veterinaria, se ofrecen en diferentes planos de acción y constituyen un factor de importancia desde el punto de vista de la alimentación humana y de la prevención de las zoonosis. La reestructuración del sector público proveedor de servicios y la participación creciente del sector privado son evidentes. En este artículo se presenta una revisión del tema de la reestructuración, su justificación y marco para ejecutar el proceso (administración, suministro y financiación), con énfasis en países en vía de desarrollo. Se evalúan las directrices del proceso, las restricciones al seguir un enfoque centrado en la oferta y la especial proyección sobre los servicios de salud pública veterinaria.

ABSTRAC The veterinary public health (VPH) services comprises several plans of action and serve the purpose for improving and protected human health and well-being wich is essential for the socioeconomic development of populations. The reestructuring of public sector as offerent of health services and the increase in participation of private sector are evident. This paper presents a review of the reestructuring process, its justification and framework (administration, delivery and financing) in developing countries. The direction, restrictions, and the restricted delivery view and its effects on veterinary public health services are evaluated.

Em estudo epidemiológico realizado em Santa Fé de Bogotá, Colômbia, 153 casos incidentes de câncer de mama (CM) foram comparados com 153 controles, pareados por idade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre o risco de CM e níveis séricos do pesticida DDT (DDE). Dados reprodutivos e sócio-demográficos, características da dieta e informação sobre exposição pregressa a pesticidas foram obtidos por meio de questionário. A análise química de amostras de sangue foi realizada através de cromatografia a gaz de alta resolução - ECD. A verossimelhança de desenvolver CM como decorrência de exposição a estas substâncias foi avaliada através de odds ratios (OR), obtidas por técnicas de regressão logística condicional, ajustadas para amamentação do primogênito, história familiar de CM, índice de massa corporal, paridade e presença de menopausa. As OR ajustadas sugerem um risco aumentado de CM no estrato de maior exposição a DDE (OR = 1,95; C.I. 1,10-3,52), embora o teste de tendência fosse estatisticamente não significativo (p = 0,09). Os resultados encontrados constataram que os níveis séricos de DDE estão positivamente associados com o risco de CM, e poderiam apoiar a hipótese desta associação.

An epidemiological study was performed in Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia, with a total of 306 women enrolled, including 153 incident BC cases and 153 age-matched controls. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between BC risk and serum dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethene (DDE) levels. Sociodemographic and reproductive data, diet, and past exposure to pesticides were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Chemical analysis of samples was performed by high resolution gas chromatography-ECD. Likelihood of developing BC by exposure to these substances was evaluated through odds ratios (OR) adjusted for: first-child breast-feeding, family BC history, body mass index (BMI), parity, and menopausal status. Data analysis was performed by conditional logistic regression techniques. Adjusted OR for exposure to serum DDE and BC suggests an increase risk of BC in the higher category of DDE exposure (OR = 1.95; CI 1.10-3.52). The test for trend was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). We confirm that serum DDE levels bear a positive association to risk of BC and could support the association between risk of BC and burden of DDE exposure.

Em estudo epidemiológico realizado em Santa Fé de Bogotá, Colômbia, 153 casos incidentes de câncer de mama (CM) foram comparados com 153 controles, pareados por idade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre o risco de CM e níveis séricos do pesticida DDT (DDE). Dados reprodutivos e sócio-demográficos, características da dieta e informação sobre exposição pregressa a pesticidas foram obtidos por meio de questionário. A análise química de amostras de sangue foi realizada através de cromatografia a gaz de alta resolução - ECD. A verossimelhança de desenvolver CM como decorrência de exposição a estas substâncias foi avaliada através de odds ratios (OR), obtidas por técnicas de regressão logística condicional, ajustadas para amamentação do primogênito, história familiar de CM, índice de massa corporal, paridade e presença de menopausa. As OR ajustadas sugerem um risco aumentado de CM no estrato de maior exposição a DDE (OR = 1,95; C.I. 1,10-3,52), embora o teste de tendência fosse estatisticamente não significativo (p = 0,09). Os resultados encontrados constataram que os níveis séricos de DDE estão positivamente associados com o risco de CM, e poderiam apoiar a hipótese desta associação.

An epidemiological study was performed in Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia, with a total of 306 women enrolled, including 153 incident BC cases and 153 age-matched controls. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between BC risk and serum dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethene (DDE) levels. Sociodemographic and reproductive data, diet, and past exposure to pesticides were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Chemical analysis of samples was performed by high resolution gas chromatography-ECD. Likelihood of developing BC by exposure to these substances was evaluated through odds ratios (OR) adjusted for: first-child breast-feeding, family BC history, body mass index (BMI), parity, and menopausal status. Data analysis was performed by conditional logistic regression techniques. Adjusted OR for exposure to serum DDE and BC suggests an increase risk of BC in the higher category of DDE exposure (OR = 1.95; CI 1.10-3.52). The test for trend was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). We confirm that serum DDE levels bear a positive association to risk of BC and could support the association between risk of BC and burden of DDE exposure.

Objetivando caracterizar os efeitos das diferentes concentrações de fósforo e da presença de outros íons na cinética de absorção de radiofósforo, foram conduzidos ensaios em solução nutritiva, em condições ambientais controladas. Foram empregadas raízes destacadas de arrroz e feijão para os estudos com diferentes concentrações de fósforo no meio (10-7 M até 5 x 10-2 M) e para avaliar as interações promovidas por Mg+2, Al+3, K+, NH4+, N-NO3-, N-urêia no mecanismo de absorção por períodos de uma hora e meia a duas horas. Em plantas inteiras de arroz procurou-se avaliar os efeitos da presença de Mg e/ou alumínio na absorção e transporte de fósforo quando variava a concentração externa (1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm e 20 ppm) por um período de 17 horas. Foi constatado um mecanismo duplo de absorção com as duas fases seguindo a cinética simples de Michaelis-Menten, e com ponto de transição entre 1-50x10-5. A transformada de dados segundo Hofstee adaptou-se melhor à interpretação dos dados experimentais. Feijão foi mais eficientes na absorção que arroz para a primeira fase (maior Vmax). Alumínio apresentou efeito estimulatório nítido na absorção de fósforo, promovendo porém, a fixação do ânion na raiz quando consideradas as concentrações mais baixas. Em concentrações altas de P, este último efeito não foi evidenciado. Magnésio não promoveu maior absorção, nem maior transporte do que K+; o mesmo aconteceu com as diferentes formas de nitrogênio. Uréia poderia ter um efeito depressivo maior, embora não significativo. Discutem-se os prováveis mecanismos envolvidos nestas respostas.

Three experiments were conducted under controlled conditions with the objectives of evaluating the effect of different concentrations of phosphorus and on the presence of other ions on the kinetic of absorption. Excised roots of rice and bean were placed in aereated solutions containing increasing concentrations of NaH2PO4 (10-7 M to 5x10-2M) during 90 minutes. The rate of absorption (v = mmols P/g dry matter) and the kinetic constants Vmax and Km were determined. Similar procedure was used to to evaluate the interaction of Mg+2, Al+3, K+, N-NH4+, N-NO3- and N-ureia in the uptake of phosphorus during 120 minutes. In another experiment, the effect of the presence of Mg+2 and/for Al+3 in the uptake and redistribution of phosphorus, was evaluated by varying the external concentration (1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 20 ppm) during a period of 17 hours, and utilizing whole rice plants. It was observed a dual mechanism, with two phases following the Michaelis-Menten kinetics and with transition phase 1 - 50 x 10-5 M. The best explanation of the experimental data was obtained, by transforming the data in accordance with HOFSTEE (1952). Bean was more efficient than rice in the first phase of uptake (higher Vmax). Al+3 had a clear stimulatory effect on the uptake of phosphorus, promoting, however, the anion fixation in the root at lower concentrations. At the highest concentrations (20 ppm) of phosphorus this effect was not evident. No effect on the uptake was observed with Mg+2, K+ and different forms of nitrogen. Urea could have a depressive effect although, not significant. Possible mechanisms invelved are discussed.