Veterinary Medicine International最新文献

Fascioliasis is a parasitic liver disease of mammals induced by liver flukes, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Fasciola spp. rely on their definitive hosts, ruminants, and intermediate hosts, snails, to survive and can incidentally infect humans as definitive hosts. Ruminant (goat, sheep, and cattle) liver and fecal samples were collected from the Kharaa River Basin (KRB) of Mongolia during 2018-2020. A total of 807 adult liver flukes were found in livers of 18 goats, 21 sheep, and 1 cattle, with morphological identification of F. hepatica species. A total of 350 fecal samples selected using a "risk-based surveillance" method in the KRB were tested for Fasciola spp. eggs with 50.3% (n = 151/350) positive. By animal, cattle had the highest percentage of Fasciola spp. positive samples of 70% (14/20), followed by sheep with 49.4% (87/176) and goats with 32.5% (50/154). Six-hundred Lymnaied spp. snails, an intermediate host of Fasciola, were obtained from 18 locations in six provinces and one provincial municipality and morphometrically identified as Radix bactriana (94.8%) and Lymnaea stagnalis (5.2%). This study represents the first report of fascioliasis in indigenous animals in Mongolia and when paired with the detected prevalence of Fasciola spp. eggs in feces, suggests endemic circulation in the KRB region.

This prospective randomized clinical study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and surgical performance of laparoscopic salpingectomy as a method for permanent contraception in captive Papio hamadryas, with particular focus on comparing two vessel-sealing technologies: a radiofrequency bipolar device (LigaSure Dolphin Tip) and an ultrasonic scalpel (Harmonic). Thirty-two healthy female baboons (25 adults and 7 subadults), weighing between 4 and 15 kg-including six pregnant and fourteen in estrus-were randomly assigned to either the LigaSure (LS; n = 16) or Harmonic (HS; n = 16) group. All animals underwent bilateral laparoscopic salpingectomy using a standardized three-port technique. Surgical data included installation time (from skin incision to port placement), salpingectomy time (from final trocar placement to salpinx retrieval), and total surgical time (skin-to-skin). Intraoperative complications and postoperative recovery were monitored clinically and behaviorally. All procedures were successfully completed laparoscopically without the need for conversion or major complications. In the LS group, the mean (± SD) installation, salpingectomy, and total surgical times were 7.75 ± 3.51, 9.75 ± 4.16, and 28.9 ± 9.74 min, respectively, while in the HS group, the values were 7.56 ± 3.08, 11.3 ± 5.25, and 25.8 ± 6.62 min. Although the HS group showed slightly longer salpingectomy times, differences between groups were not statistically significant. Pregnant animals tended to require longer surgical times due to reduced intra-abdominal working space. Based on these results, laparoscopic salpingectomy was consistently feasible, safe, and effective across a range of body sizes and reproductive statuses. Both vessel-sealing devices performed reliably, and the procedure was well tolerated in all cases. These findings support the use of laparoscopic salpingectomy as a minimally invasive, efficient, and reliable option for permanent sterilization in captive nonhuman primate populations.

Tortoises, such as Chelonoidis denticulatus, are described as hosts of many parasites, such as helminths and ticks of the genus Amblyomma, which are important vectors of rickettsial infection in Brazil. Additionally, the high consumption of meat from these animals in Acre results in a high risk of zoonotic outbreaks due to contact with the hosts and, consequently, associated pathogens. This study aimed to describe the parasitic fauna of C. denticulatus. Two sampling efforts were conducted: the capture of a sample population of tortoises at the Rio Acre Ecological Station (active search) and the collection of viscera from animals consumed in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul. Following active search and incidental findings, ectoparasite searches were performed, and fecal samples were collected for coproparasitological examination. After these procedures, the animals were released back into their habitat. In total, seven animals were collected, with ticks on various parts of their bodies. A total of 51 samples, identified as Amblyomma humerale, were sent for molecular analysis to search for Rickettsia (all negative). Eggs of helminths and protozoan cysts, such as Entamoeba spp., were found, indicating environmental contamination and a potential zoonotic risk. Viscera of 10 tortoises from Cruzeiro do Sul were analyzed to search for helminths, and the species Labiduris zschokkei, Chapiniella variabilis, and Haltrema spp. were observed. Considering that the sampled animals were free-living, the analysis highlights the importance of maintaining environmental quality. With respect to cultural aspects, the consumption of wild animals in the western Amazon of Brazil is evident, and C. denticulatus is one of the most consumed species. The contact of these species with humans, in a consumption relationship, is considered a risk factor for the emergence of spillover events, and monitoring the pathogens associated with these species is crucial.

Tick-borne pathogens, transmitted by ticks, infect humans and animals worldwide. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, is a significant vector of a number of pathogens, including Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia and Anaplasma species. In Ghana, there is limited information on the pathogens carried by Rh. sanguineus s.l. As such, Rh. sanguineus ticks taken from domestic dogs in Kumasi were screened for tick-borne pathogens, including Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia, Babesia, Theileria, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Hepatozoon species. A total of 204 ticks collected from 56 infested dogs were morphologically identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l. From the 88 pools screened, 36 (40.9%) were positive for pathogen DNA. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia africae (5 pools), Ehrlichia canis (10 pools) and uncultured Anaplasma sp. (21 pools) with maximum likelihood estimates as 2.48% (95% CI: 0.93, 5.38%), 5.22% (95% CI: 2.69, 9.15%) and 11.20% (95% CI: 7.32, 16.29%), respectively. There was no association between the detection of a pathogen and the tick sex or dog breed, age or sex. This study provides important baseline data on the circulation of tick-borne pathogens in Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks in Kumasi, with implications for both veterinary and human health. The presence of uncultured Anaplasma sp. suggests a wider diversity of tick-borne bacteria with unknown pathogenicity. There is a need for integrated tick control, improved diagnosis and additional epidemiological studies to mitigate the impact of tick-borne diseases in Ghana.

The research focused on Wedelia montana (Blume) Boerl because of its numerous medicinal applications. W. montana belongs to the Asteraceae family. This investigation is intended to analyze the phytochemical content of the methanol extract of W. montana (MEWM) and evaluate its biological features by utilizing in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro examinations determined antioxidant capability, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, and thrombolytic activity of the MEWM. Furthermore, in vivo research included testing for the effects of antidepressants (TST and FST), effects on anxiety (LDT, HBT, and EPM), activities of sedatives (HCT and OFT), and analgesic activities (formalin-induced licking test and tail immersion test). Treatment with MEWM exhibited potent antioxidant properties, with a cytotoxicity test revealing an LC₅₀ value of 256.2 μg/mL, in contrast to 142.28 μg/mL for the positive control. It also resulted in the shortest times for paralysis and mortality at the highest dosage in the anthelmintic assay and notable thrombolytic activity (p < 0.0001). Moreover, MEWM has shown considerable efficacy contingent upon the FST, TST, EPM, HBT, and LDT dose and sedative effects in the OFT and HCT. A 200 mg/mL dosage in the analgesic assessment had no significant impact on the tail immersion test. However, MEWM demonstrated substantial analgesic action in the formalin-induced paw-licking experiment (p < 0.0001). The data indicate that MEWM is a potential source of antioxidant, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, thrombolytic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, sedative, and antinociceptive compounds. Further research is necessary to comprehend its therapeutic benefits completely.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a significant economic concern due to the risk of persistent infection and complex epidemiology in cattle-producing countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the circulating BVD virus type in dairy cattle, investigate seroprevalence, and assess associated risk factors in Jimma town, Oromia regional state, Southwestern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to April 2024, involving 48 randomly selected dairy farms out of 130 registered ones. In total, 383 serum samples from BVD virus (BVDV) nonvaccinated animals were tested for BVD virus antibodies and antigens using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (ID Screen BVD p80 antibody). Additionally, a one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the viral genome in pooled swab samples. Analytical statistics, including chi-square and multivariable logistic regression, were employed for data analysis using SPSS, Version 26. The study revealed that 72 animals (18.8%) and 20 farms (41.7%) tested positive for BVDV antibodies. All the tested samples were negative for BVDV antigen and viral genome. Age, history of respiratory problems, breeding system, and housing system were statistically associated with seroprevalence (p < 0.05). At the farm level, only the production system showed a significant association (p < 0.05). Adult animals had 2.2 times the odds of being seropositive (OR = 2.2; p = 0.02). Animals with respiratory issues and those housed in head-to-tail arrangements had 2.7 (p = 0.205) and 4.8 (p = 0.021) times the odds of being seropositive, respectively. In conclusion, a substantial proportion of dairy cattle in the study area are exposed to BVD virus. However, no evidence of persistent infection was found among the dairy farms. Effective management strategies are crucial, including vaccination, biosecurity measures, and housing management.

Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a disease affecting ruminant animals. The etiological agent, Mycobacterium avium subspecies PTB (Map), is a short, Gram-positive, acid-fast bacillus. Due to the nature of PTB, diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages of the disease, following the onset of clinical symptoms and prior dissemination of the agent. The specificity of current humoral diagnostic techniques, such as ELISA, is limited, mainly due to the presence of various species of mycobacteria in the environment and other closely related pathogenic mycobacteria that can interfere with the accurate diagnosis of PTB due to the high rate of gene conservation within the genus. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness and specificity of an ELISA based on a Map polyprotein for diagnosing bovine PTB. The efficacy of the polyprotein-based ELISA was assessed using serum samples from healthy, Map-infected, and Mycobacterium bovis (MB)-infected cattle. Specificity was further evaluated using serum samples from healthy and MB-infected wild animals. Our findings revealed that in most cases, the degree of cross-reactivity was negligible or low, particularly in cattle, swine, and goats, while it ranged between 10% and 12.5% in sheep and cervids, respectively. These results suggest that the Map polyprotein used in the ELISA represents a valuable tool for the specific diagnosis of PTB in herds.

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is endemic in Europe and other parts of the world and represents an underestimated and underdiagnosed cause of abortion and economic losses for livestock farms. In the present study, we evaluated SBV's impact on three ruminant farms, in particular, two dairy cattle farms with reproductive problems (including abortions, stillbirths, and malformations) and a clinically healthy buffalo farm involved in oocyte collection through ovum pick-up (OPU) for in vitro embryo production and commercial sale. All sampled animals were subjected to serological assays against the main infectious agents responsible for reproductive disorders in ruminants: SBV, bluetongue virus (BTV), Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and Brucella abortus (B. abortus). The first herd with reproductive disorders had a high (78%) seroprevalence for SBV (considered to be the cause of reproductive problems), while the prevalence observed for BTV was modest (16.7%). Although free from B. abortus, the second dairy farm had only a few animals that were seropositive for C. burnetii and BTV (1/22 and 2/22, respectively), but a prevalence of 72.7% for SBV. The buffalo farm had several animals seropositive for C. burnetii (9/52), BTV (10/52), and SBV (12/52). Almost half of the sampled animals were exposed to at least one pathogen (26/52). Seropositive animals were excluded from oocyte collection in compliance with regulatory health requirements. One month later, seronegative animals were retested, revealing the seroconversion of another animal for SBV, which was also excluded. This study has described, through seroprevalence testing, the direct impact of SBV on livestock (clinical impact) and how it affects the selection of animals for the trade of genetic material (indirect impact).

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral noncontagious arthropod-borne disease transmitted by blood-sucking midges of the genus Culicoides. Its causative agent, the EHD virus (EHDV), belongs to the genus Orbivirus and is responsible for domestic and wildlife ruminants' disease outbreaks, especially in North America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. These outbreaks not only cause significant morbidity and mortality but also have welfare, social and economic implications. Recently, EHD has become a real threat to the European Union, with outbreaks confirmed in October and November 2022 in Sardinia and Sicily. To better understand this phenomenon, we investigated the drivers of the observed increasing EHD incidence in Europe through expert knowledge elicitation. We listed 51 possible drivers grouped in eight domains and elicited 41 European experts to (i) allocate a score per driver, (ii) weight this score within each domain and (iii) weight the different domains and attribute an uncertainty level for each. An overall weighted score per driver was calculated, and drivers with comparable scores were grouped in four distinct terminal nodes using a regression tree analysis. The four drivers included in a terminal node with the highest scores were (i) the influence of temperature on the abundance or survival of vector populations; the legal or illegal movements of live animals from (ii) third countries or (iii) from neighbouring countries of Europe and the European Union; and (iv) the current unavailability of vaccines against Circulating Serotype 8. Our results support researchers in prioritizing studies targeting the most relevant drivers of the observed spread of EHD in animals in Europe. In addition, some strategic lines in terms of research and action are depicted.