Veterinary Medicine International最新文献

Our world has been threatened by numerous emerging and reemerging pathogenic diseases; these diseases are seriously affecting the well-being of human, animal health, and animal production. Most of them are zoonotic diseases and have great veterinary and public health impact, particularly in developing countries where people are having daily frequent contact with livestock and animal products. Brucellosis is one of them. A cross-sectional study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of swine brucellosis was carried out at Batu, Alage, and Naka village using serological tests. Accordingly, a total of 196 pigs were included in the study. Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) prepared from the smooth strain B. abortus antigen was used as a screening test, whereas Complement Fixation Test (CFT) was the confirmatory test for swine brucellosis. The results of the present study indicated that, of the total 196 serum samples from pigs, 10 (5.1%) were found to be positive by RBPT and 7 (3.6%) of them were further confirmed by CFT. On the other hand, age and history of obstetrical problems were the major risk factors for overall swine brucellosis seropositivity (p < 0.05). Thus, the present study suggests that swine brucellosis is prevalent in the study areas and the seropositivity could give an insight that brucellosis could pose public health hazard. Hence, this warrants public education and awareness, and further extensive epidemiological and molecular investigation is recommended.

Feline blood-borne pathogens are important infectious agents of cats that can cause subclinical to severe disease. Awareness of the risks associated with transfusing contaminated blood can reduce morbidity in recipients. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of these infections is crucial for identifying pathogens that should be screened in feline blood donors. A total of 410 blood samples from client-owned cats were collected between 2018 and 2021 across veterinary hospitals in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Conventional PCR was used to detect hemotropic mycoplasmas, Bartonella spp., Anaplasmataceae, and piroplasms. Overall, 20.5% of samples were tested positive for at least one pathogen. Hemotropic mycoplasmas were the most detected agents (16.3%), with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" being predominant, followed by Mycoplasma haemofelis. DNA of Bartonella spp. was identified in 5.4% of samples, specifically Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae. No samples tested positive for Anaplasmataceae or piroplasms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that male sex, Domestic Shorthair breed, anemia, clinical illness, and increasing age were significant risk factors for hemotropic mycoplasma infection, but kittens were less likely to be infected. Additionally, infection with feline immunodeficiency virus was associated with a higher likelihood of hemotropic mycoplasma positivity in samples collected during 2020-2021. No significant risk factors were identified for Bartonella spp. infection. In conclusion, the findings underscore the necessity of screening feline blood donors for hemotropic mycoplasma and Bartonella spp. Clinically healthy, female, purebred cats without outdoor access cats are recommended as preferred blood donor candidates, given their lower risk of hemotropic mycoplasma infection.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most common diseases in livestock that causes great losses to industrial livestock production. FMD may spread through animal movements. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the patterns of domestic livestock movements susceptible to FMD using social network analysis and exponential random graph models (ERGMs). Three years of secondary data on animal movements from January 2017 to December 2019 were analyzed and simulated. We found that pig movements account for the largest proportion of FMD each year. Central Thailand was seemingly prominent for animal movements. For ERGMs, the microstructures: edges, mutual, TwoPath, and triangle, were tested and appeared in the movement networks for all the years. The results of our data analysis would help relevant authorities better understand animal movement patterns resulting in superior planning and surveillance for disease control. Moreover, this study's findings can be applied to analyze animal movement patterns globally, aiding in the development of effective disease prevention and control policies. Understanding these patterns enhances planning and surveillance for disease control across various regions.

The proliferation of Enterobacteriaceae with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, poses a significant threat to public health due to their resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. This study focuses on the risk factors of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the wastewater of dairy farms in East Java, Indonesia, a major milk-producing region. Utilizing an observational cross-sectional design, data were collected from 342 wastewater samples across six regions with high dairy cattle populations in East Java. Risk factors were assessed through questionnaires addressing variables related to farmers and farm management. Univariate analysis by regency/city identified several significant risk factors for the occurrence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in dairy farm wastewater in East Java, and it differed between regencies/cities. Multivariate analysis of risk factors that significantly correlated with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae showed a distance of ≤ 10 m between septic tanks and wells that significantly increased the risk of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae occurrence (OR 3.24, 95% CI: 1.07-9.80), as did not using detergent for barn cleaning (OR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.23-5.67). Conversely, the use of water storage tanks and a distance of ≤ 500 m from other dairy farms appeared to reduce the risk. This study provides critical insights for developing strategies to control and prevent antibiotic resistance in the dairy farming sector, such as improved wastewater management, stricter regulations on antibiotic usage, and enhanced farmer education programs. Implementing these strategies is crucial to mitigating the spread of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, thereby improving public and environmental health in East Java.

Animal diseases pose a significant threat to both animal welfare and productivity, making veterinary drugs essential for their prevention, treatment, and control. In developing countries including Ethiopia, several challenges such as limited drug availability, inadequate storage facilities, improper handling, and insufficient knowledge among veterinary professionals impede the delivery of effective veterinary health services. This study aimed to assess the availability of veterinary drugs, storage conditions, and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of veterinary professionals regarding the safe management of these drugs. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 46 veterinary facilities (34 government clinics and 12 private pharmacies), involving 170 veterinary professionals who participated through structured questionnaires and observational checklists. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The study revealed suboptimal drug availability, with multivitamins being the most commonly available (84.8%), followed by anthelmintic (72.8%) and antibacterial (69.6%), while antifungals were the least available (18.3%). Storage conditions were inadequate in both government clinics (64.5%) and private retailers (65.6%), falling below the acceptable threshold of over 80% for good storage practice. In terms of KAP, 52.4% of professionals demonstrated low knowledge, 77.6% held negative attitudes, and 50.6% exhibited poor practices related to the safe handling and storage of veterinary drugs. These results indicate critical gaps in drug availability, storage standards, and professional competence. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action from the Regional Livestock and Agricultural Bureau and the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), with emphasis on strengthening supply chains, upgrading storage infrastructure, and implementing targeted training programs for veterinary professionals.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication and the presence of additional conditions such as heart disease. Oxidative stress has been linked to the severity of autism, suggesting a potential role for antioxidants in mitigating its effects. Aspirin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug, has shown protective effects on heart function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aspirin on cognition, social behavior, and left ventricular hypertrophy in adult male rats following induction of an autism model with valproic acid (VPA). Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, VPA, aspirin, and VPA + aspirin. VPA was administered on the 12th day of pregnancy to induce the autism model. Offspring in the aspirin group received aspirin after weaning. Social behavior and cognition were assessed in adulthood, and left ventricular thickness and heart function were evaluated using echocardiography. Oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus were also measured. Results: The results showed that VPA-exposed rats exhibited decreased social behavior and cognition compared to the control group. However, aspirin treatment improved social interaction and cognition in the VPA-exposed rats. Left ventricular thickness, heart rate, and volume increased in the VPA group, while aspirin treatment mitigated these changes. Additionally, VPA exposure led to increased oxidative stress, which was reduced by aspirin treatment (all cases p < 0.05). Conclusion: VPA-induced autism model during pregnancy resulted in disturbances in social behavior, cognition, and heart function in offspring, accompanied by increased oxidative stress. Aspirin treatment showed improvements in social behavior, cognition, and cardiac parameters, possibly by reducing oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for aspirin in ameliorating the behavioral and cardiac issues associated with VPA-induced autism model.

Given the endemic nature of bovine brucellosis in Rwanda, caprine brucellosis, primarily caused by Brucella melitensis in goats, may also be prevalent. However, no data exist on the disease's prevalence and associated risk factors in goats, particularly in Nyagatare district. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and to identify herd-level risk factors associated with the disease among goat herds (n = 102) across six sectors of Nyagatare district. Serum samples from 612 goats were tested using both the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) and the Rose Bengal Test (RBT), applied in parallel. A systematic questionnaire, pretested for reliability, was used to gather data on potential risk factors for caprine brucellosis. The study found a brucellosis true adjusted seroprevalence of 6.08% and 10.7% using RBT and i-ELISA, respectively. When combining the results from both tests, the overall seroprevalence was 6.08% at the animal level and 16.6% at the herd level. The most significant risk factors for Brucella seropositivity were mixing of cattle and goats within the same herd and a history of abortions in the herd (p < 0.05). This study confirms that caprine brucellosis is endemic in Nyagatare district, highlighting the need for a One Health approach to control and prevent the disease in both livestock and humans. The study recommends implementing awareness campaigns to educate livestock farmers about brucellosis and calls for further research to characterize Brucella spp. in small ruminants in Rwanda and to establish appropriate control measures.

African horse sickness (AHS) is a severe, infectious arthropod-borne disease of equids caused by the AHS virus (AHSV). It is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, and several sporadic outbreaks of the disease have been reported in Nigeria in the past 5 decades. Following a recent outbreak of the disease in Lagos State, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of (AHSV) antibodies in apparently healthy horses and some selected wildlife sampled in four geographical regions of Nigeria. Using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 575 serum samples collected from horses in five locations, namely Abuja (n = 220), Enugu (n = 69), Oyo (n = 64), Plateau (n = 145) and Yobe (n = 77), were screened for anti-AHSV antibodies. In addition, we screened 134 wildlife, consisting of rodents, bats, and birds. The results obtained revealed an overall seroprevalence rate of 89.9% (n = 517) in horses, with the highest (100%) and lowest (75%) recorded in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, and Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, respectively. There was a 0% prevalence amongst the wildlife examined. This high seroprevalence rate in horses shows that AHS is widespread among the horse population in different regions of Nigeria, suggesting significant exposure to the virus. In addition, the high AHS seroprevalence suggests endemicity of the disease in Nigeria, which could be attributed to Culicoides vector activities. Although we could not distinguish between antibodies due to natural infection and those induced by vaccination, our findings emphasize the need for continuous surveillance of AHS in horses in Nigeria to track the possible evolution of the virus in the country and aid the formulation of effective prevention and control strategies against the disease.

Coagulase-positive staphylococci, notably Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, are common pathogens that are frequently associated with suppurative infections in companion animals. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and associated risk factors of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius carriage in cats. Standard bacteriological procedures as well as the nuc and pse genes specific PCR were performed to isolate and identify the S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) were identified by detecting the mecA gene. A total of 251 swab samples were collected from different body sites of 80 cats. The results showed that 24 (30%) and 5 (6.25%) cats carried S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius, respectively. S. aureus isolates exhibited the highest resistance to penicillin (94.29%) and ampicillin (91.5%), while 60% of S. pseudintermedius isolates were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Thirty-two (91%) S. aureus isolates and two (40%) S. pseudintermedius isolates demonstrated resistance to ≥ 3 classes of antimicrobials, indicating multidrug resistance (MDR). The prevalence of MRSA was 11.43%, with none of the S. pseudintermedius isolates carrying the mecA gene and neither S. aureus nor S. pseudintermedius harboring the ermA gene. Multivariable logistic regression identified the previous use of antibiotics as a risk factor for S. aureus colonization in cats (odds ratio [OR] 3.84; 95% CI: 1.23-11.95). Cats with otitis externa (OR 46; 95% CI: 3.2-660.4) and steroid use (OR 46; 95% CI: 3.2-660.4) were potential risk factors for S. pseudintermedius carriage. The circulation of MDR isolates, including the detection of MRSA, poses a significant concern for the clinical management of companion animals.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, in which participatory appraisal methods were applied to validate Dasenech and Gnyangatom pastoralists' existing veterinary knowledge on endemic diseases and to determine their perception of rank, morbidity, and mortality of the disease. The participatory methods used were matrix scoring, proportional piling, pairwise ranking, and clinical observation. A total of 96 informants were included in the study to collect in-depth information. Ranking using proportional piling (W > 0.38;p > 0.05) and pairwise ranking (p > 0.05) based on the impact on livelihood revealed that anthrax, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), trypanosomiasis, pasteurellosis, and lumpy skin disease (LSD) were the five most important diseases prioritized in the study areas. The study also showed that these diseases' relative prevalence rate (participatory epidemiology (PE)-morbidity) was 18%, 16.5%, 6%, 8.5%, and 3.4%, respectively. The results also revealed that these diseases had a 14%, 10.88%, 5.58%, 5.3%, and 2% case fatality rate (PE-fatality). The analysis of matrix scoring indicated that pastoralists could associate the diseases with their clinical signs (W = 0.382; p < 0.05). Thus, the concordance between informant groups and participatory appraisal methods has proven that Dasenech and Gnyangatom pastoralists are knowledgeable about endemic bovine diseases. Hence, it is recommended that disease control intervention measures in the area should appreciate community involvement and consider these diseases.