Frontiers in Veterinary Science最新文献

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to identify barriers to veterinary involvement in calf health and assess knowledge gaps in calf care among American and Canadian bovine veterinarians. A questionnaire was administered to veterinarians, collecting data on demographics, satisfaction with calf health management knowledge, involvement in decision-making, satisfaction with calf health involvement, frequency of calf health record analysis and feedback, topics of interest for further learning, and preferred learning formats. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between variables and outcomes. Only 28% of veterinarians frequently reviewed calf health records, and 44% made actionable recommendations after reviewing them. Female veterinarians were more likely than male veterinarians to frequently review calf health records (Odds ratio - OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-7.3). Additionally, the odds of frequently reviewing records increased with the amount of time spent working with calves (OR: 10.2 per 10% increment, 95% CI: 10.0-10.5). Veterinarians highly satisfied with their knowledge of neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) prevention were more likely to make recommendations based on records (OR: 11.6, 95% CI: 1.9-72.4). Additionally, those frequently reviewing records were more likely to provide feedback (OR: 15.5, 95% CI: 4.0-60.3). Incomplete records was the most common reason for not reviewing records (60% of respondents) and why actionable recommendations were made less frequently than "most of the time" (67% of respondents). Veterinarians were least confident in their knowledge regarding milk feeding and weaning recommendations but they were interested in learning more about post-weaning nutrition and automated calf feeders. Further, they preferred conference presentations for continuing education. These findings suggest that veterinary involvement in calf health could be improved by facilitating better data capture and enhancing veterinarian knowledge.

A 2-year-old Norfolk Terrier purebred female dog was presented for urgent attention after strangulation secondary to elevator entrapment. The traumatic event caused a complex laryngopharyngeal lesion with total laryngotracheal and esophageal separation from the hyoid bone and pharynx. Reconstruction was performed from the posterior pharyngeal wall, and all layers, mucosa, muscles and ligaments were repaired. A thyrohyoidopexy was done using nonabsorbable sutures to reinforce the thyrohyoid membrane reconstruction and prevent reseparation in the immediate postoperative period. The patient's fully recovery was gradual but uneventful, with occasional cough resolving within 2 months.

Introduction: Current point-of-care testing for canine-specific pancreatic lipase (CPL) provides semi-quantitative measurements with binary results. Recently, a commercial point-of-care testing method (Vcheck CPL) that offers quantitative measurement of CPL has emerged. However, clinical studies on its value (or utility) are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of this commercial point-of-care CPL in diagnosing dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis and to assess its correlation with a commercial semi-quantitative test and other clinicopathological variables.

Methods: A prospective observational study included 33 dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis and 20 clinically healthy dogs. Serum Vcheck CPL and SNAP ® cPL were tested, and clinical consensus scores were determined by 5 internists. Eleven dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis underwent follow-up testing during hospitalization. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for statistical analysis to assess the agreement between assays and the internists' consensus score.

Results: Dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis had significantly higher serum Vcheck CPL (median: 843 μg/L, range: 77-2001, p < 0.0001) than healthy control dogs (median: 94 μg/L, range: 49-294). By day 3 of hospitalization, serum Vcheck CPL had significantly decreased in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis compared to day 1. The ICC score between the clinical consensus score, Vcheck CPL, and SNAP ® cPL was 0.75, indicating good agreement. Serum Vcheck CPL concentration was significantly correlated with serum concentrations of amylase, lipase, creatinine, ALP, and CRP.

Discussion: This study found good agreement between Vcheck CPL and SNAP ® cPL. This quantitative Vcheck CPL testing could serve as an adjunctive tool in diagnosing dogs with acute pancreatitis.

Climate change is disrupting the semi-arid agricultural systems in Southern Africa, where livestock is crucial to food security and livelihoods. This review evaluates the bioenergetic and agroecological scope for climate-adaptive livestock nutrition in the region. An analysis of the literature on climate change implications on livestock nutrition and thermal welfare in the regional agroecological context was conducted. The information gathered was systematically synthesized into tabular summaries of the fundamentals of climate-smart bioenergetics, thermoregulation, livestock heat stress defence mechanisms, the thermo-bioactive feed components, and potentially climate-smart feed resources in the region. The analysis supports the adoption of climate-smart livestock nutrition when conceptualized as precision feeding combined with dietary strategies that enhance thermal resilience in livestock, and the adaptation of production systems to the decline in availability of conventional feedstuffs by incorporating climate-smart alternatives. The keystone potential climate-smart alternative feedstuffs are identified to be the small cereal grains, such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) as dietary energy sources, the native legumes, such as the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and the marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) as protein sources, wild browse Fabaceae trees such as Vachellia spp. and Colophospermum mopane, which provide dry season and drought supplementary protein, minerals, and antioxidants, the non-fabaceous tree species such as the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea), from which animals consume the energy and electrolyte-rich fresh fruit or processed pulp. Feedstuffs for potential circular feeding systems include the oilseed cakes from the macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) nut, the castor (Ricinus communis), and Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) beans, which are rich in protein and energy, insect feed protein and energy, primarily the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), and microbial protein from phototrophic algae (Spirulina, Chlorella), and yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Additives for thermo-functionally enhanced diets include synthetic and natural anti-oxidants, phytogenics, biotic agents (prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics), and electrolytes. The review presents a conceptual framework for climate-smart feeding strategies that enhance system resilience across the livestock-energy-water-food nexus, to inform broader, in-depth research, promote climate-smart farm practices and support governmental policies which are tailored to the agroecology of the region.

Introduction: Veterinary students face significant challenges impacting their mental health and wellbeing. The rigorous academic curriculum, high expectations, and demanding clinical training create an environment of intense pressure and constant stress. This review explores the demographic and psychosocial variables influencing mental health outcomes, highlighting common stressors and coping strategies.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Google Scholar. Studies published up to 2021 involving veterinary students were included. Twenty-one peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Demographic data, stressors, mental health measures, and coping strategies were extracted and analyzed. Studies focused on various mental health aspects, including stress, anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms. The final selection was based on relevance, quality, and comprehensiveness.

Results: The reviewed studies indicated that rigorous academic demands, high expectations, and clinical training contribute to elevated stress levels among veterinary students. Women reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to men, necessitating gender-specific interventions. Social support and relationship quality were crucial for mental wellbeing, with students in supportive environments experiencing lower stress. Effective coping strategies included exercise and social activities; whereas, harmful behaviors like substance misuse exacerbated mental health issues. Despite using mental health services, barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness hindered access for some students.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted support systems to enhance the mental health and resilience of veterinary students. Interventions to promote healthy coping mechanisms, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health resources are essential. Veterinary schools should prioritize creating a supportive environment to ensure students can manage the demands of their profession while maintaining their mental health and wellbeing.

Purpose: To analyse the effects of argon cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on canine corneas.

Methods: Healthy canine eyes (n = 20) were subjected to a keratectomy (5 × 7 mm, 400 μm) and divided into two control (c1-not cultured; t0-cultured) and two treatment groups (t2, t5-treatment of 2 or 5 min, cultured); n = 5 eyes each. The kINPen^® VET (neoplas GmbH, Greifswald, Germany) was used for CAP treatment. Corneas (t0, t2, t5) were cultured at an air-liquid interface (72 h). Histopathological and immunohistochemical (Ki-67, Caspase-3, α-SMA) examinations were performed.

Results: Corneal epithelization was complete and epithelial thickness was similar in all eyes. The number of perilimbal epithelial cell nuclei varied between groups with c1 = 22 ± 6, t0 = 13 ± 5, t2 = 15 ± 5 and t5 = 10 ± 4 nuclei/randomized fields and was lowest in t5, which was significantly different from t2 but not from t0. Ki-67 positive cells in the stroma varied between groups with c1 = 0.2 ± 0.45, t0 = 8 ± 12, t2 = 18 ± 12 and t5 = 10 ± 7 positive cells/section. More Ki-67 positive cells were found in t2 compared to t5. This was not significantly different from t0. Caspase-3 and α-SMA expression were similar in all treatment groups.

Conclusion: Canine corneas treated with CAP showed similar corneal wound healing compared to untreated corneas ex vivo. A 5-min CAP application results in a lower perilimbal epithelial cell density and fewer Ki67 positive stromal cells compared to the 2-min treatment.

Previously, we systematically reviewed more than 20 years of influenza vaccine challenge trial research in pigs to answer the question, "does vaccinating sows protect offspring?" Overall, most studies were well designed but clinical heterogeneity made between-study comparisons challenging. Studies varied by samples, outcomes, and assays selected for measurement. Additionally, data essential for inclusion of findings in meta-analyses were often insufficiently reported and as a result, summary effect measures were either not derived or were not meaningful. Clinical heterogeneity and reporting issues complicate and limit what can be learned cumulatively from research and both represent two types of avoidable research waste. Here, we illustrate each concern using data collected tangentially during the systematic review and propose two corrective strategies, both of which have broad applicability across veterinary intervention research; (i) develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) to reduce unnecessary clinical heterogeneity in future research and (ii) encourage funders and journal editors to require submitted research protocols and manuscripts adhere to established reporting guidelines. As a reporting corollary, we developed a supplemental checklist specific to influenza vaccine challenge trial research in swine and propose that it is completed by researchers and included with all study protocol and manuscript submissions. The checklist serves two purposes: as a reminder of details essential to report for inclusion of findings in meta-analyses and sub-group meta-analyses (e.g., antigenic or genomic descriptions of influenza vaccine and challenge viruses), and as an aid to help synthesis researchers fully characterize and comprehensively include studies in reviews.

Introduction: Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) infection has a significant impact on the health of pregnant ewes and adversely affects fetal development, highlighting the critical need for a non-toxic feed additive as an alternative and sustainable control strategy. Tannin is a kind of polyphenol compound, which has certain antiparasitic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dietary tannin supplementation on fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), complete blood count (CBC), hormone levels, inflammatory markers, placental inflammation, and fetal growth and development in pregnant ewes infected with H. contortus.

Methods: Hulunbuir ewes were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CON), gastrointestinal nematode infection group (GIN), and tannin group, which was infected by H. contortus with tannin feeding therapy (TAN). After artificial insemination was completed, and the ewes were confirmed for pregnancy and infection; stools were collected for FEC, and blood samples were collected for PCV and CBC, hormonal, and inflammation levels. The mRNA levels of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis-related hormone receptors and placental tissue inflammation genes were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Finally, fetal weights were measured, and fetal ovarian tissue samples were taken for transcriptomic analysis.

Results: The results showed that tannins increased the levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E₂), progesterone (P₄), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), red blood cell (RBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), and mRNA levels of gonadotropic axis receptors in pregnant ewes infected with H. contortus (p < 0.05). In addition, tannin reduced fecal egg count (FEC), leukocyte counts, and mRNA levels of inflammatory markers (p < 0.05). In addition, fetal ovarian sequencing further showed that tannin may alleviate the delay in fetal growth and development induced by H. contortus infection (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: In summary, tannins have anthelmintic effects, restore reproductive hormone levels in pregnant ewes, reduce inflammation levels, and alleviate fetal growth retardation caused by H. contortus infection. Therefore, tannin is a suitable potential alternative to antibiotics as a feed additive.

Introduction: Ticks are important ectoparasites of livestock. Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) cause losses to the animal husbandry industry and also present a major hidden danger to public health and safety. However, the tick species and prevalence of TBDs in border regions of China, Russia, and North Korea remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the tick species and tick-borne pathogens endemic in these regions.

Methods: Morphological and molecular identification of ticks was performed by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the distribution of tick species, pathogen, and risk factors of infection were analyzed.

Results: In total, 1,187 ticks were collected from the border areas of 13 localities in eight cities. Five tick species were identified: Haemaphysalis longicornis (39.68%), Ixodes persulcatus (25.36%), Haemaphysalis japonica (15.50%), Dermacentor silvarum (15.42%), and Haemaphysalis concinna (4.04%). There were more female than male ticks, and nymphs were the least frequently collected. I. persulcatus was the main species in the forest environment, while H. longicornis was the main species in grasslands and animal surface. Four pathogens were detected: Rickettsia, Bartonella, Anaplasma, and Babesia.

Discussion: Pathogen detection in ticks differed significantly among the environments and between Sexes. There were significant differences in the proportion of ticks infected with Rickettsia, Bartonella, Anaplasma, and Babesia among regions, species, sexes, and environments. The results of this survey of the tick species in border areas of China, Russia, and North Korea provided a scientific basis for the prevention and control of TBDs.

Introduction: This study examines the epidemiological dynamics and genetic diversity of major avian infectious diseases in Kazakhstan, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and others. Using official data, laboratory diagnostics, and surveys, we identified high prevalence rates and virulent strains, exposing gaps in vaccination coverage and biosecurity practices. Continuous monitoring, improved vaccination strategies, and robust biosecurity measures are essential to reduce disease impact and ensure sustainable poultry farming.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of major avian infectious diseases in Kazakhstan. Data sources included official reports, laboratory diagnostics (RT-PCR, ELISA, and sequencing), and a survey of veterinary specialists. Serum samples were analyzed to evaluate antibody responses and vaccine efficacy. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses were conducted for key pathogens, while a questionnaire provided insights into farm-level disease control practices.

Results: Analysis of official data recorded 27 outbreaks of avian diseases in Kazakhstan from 2005 to 2023, primarily involving HPAI and NDV. Our research further identified virulent strains such as NDV genotype VII and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) variants linked to global lineages. Serological studies revealed widespread exposure to pathogens, including Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), chicken anemia virus (CAV), Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), and low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9, underscoring deficiencies in vaccination coverage. Farm surveys also identified weaknesses in biosecurity measures and inconsistencies in vaccination protocols.

Discussion: The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity measures, standardized vaccination programs, and routine monitoring to mitigate the impact of avian infectious diseases. This integrated approach offers valuable insights to support evidence-based decision-making for effective poultry health management in Kazakhstan.