Veterinary Medicine and Science最新文献

Foot and mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease, is prevalent in Cameroon. Outbreaks are often observed, and the livestock industry is at serious risk of production loss. This study aimed to estimate the economic costs of FMD from 2009 to 2023. The economic impact of FMD is determined by evaluating immediate, evident production losses, such as mortality losses, decreases in milk production, and veterinary costs, which are usually faced by farmers. The expected total direct economic losses were USD 898170.228, with a standard deviation of USD 145000.078. The average economic loss per outbreak was USD 3302.096. The estimated average monetary value of mortality-related losses for an adult is USD 482.713, and for a calf, it is USD 112.255. Lower milk production resulted in losses ranging from USD 71.686 to USD 134.630 per cow. Finally, it was estimated that the cost of treating secondary infections in each sick cow would be USD 8.393. These economic losses, which also represent a sizable financial loss for persons employed in the sector, result in taxes and financial losses for the State.

This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and risk factors of tick infestation and Theileria annulata infection in cattle from District Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 322 cattle of different breeds, ages, and sexes were examined between January and March 2024. The overall prevalence of tick infestation was 35.4%, with females more frequently infested than males. Exotic and crossbred cattle, particularly Holstein Friesian and Jersey, along with calves, showed higher susceptibility compared to indigenous breeds and older cattle. Morphological identification revealed Rhipicephalus microplus as the most prevalent species, followed by Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, while other species occurred at lower frequencies. Species distribution varied significantly across breeds, with R. microplus predominating in Sahiwal cattle and H. anatolicum strongly associated with Holstein Friesian. Molecular screening confirmed T. annulata infection, with the highest prevalence detected in female H. anatolicum, whereas R. microplus showed relatively low infection rates. Ecological analysis indicated moderate species diversity overall, with Holstein Friesian cattle exhibiting the greatest richness and dissimilarity in tick fauna compared to indigenous breeds. Tick burden severity was mostly moderate, and co-infestation patterns were dominated by combinations of H. anatolicum and R. microplus. This study is the first to integrate molecular detection of T. annulata with ecological indices of tick diversity in cattle of Peshawar, providing a comprehensive picture of vector-host-pathogen interactions. The identification of breed- and age-specific vulnerabilities highlights the need for targeted tick control strategies. These findings have direct implications for designing sustainable management programs aimed at reducing the economic and health burden of tropical theileriosis in endemic regions.

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) determine the feasibility of calculating percentage myocardial collagen (PMC) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine tissue samples, (2) explore relationships between PMC, mast cell (MC) count and myocardial arteriosclerosis/arteriolosclerosis (MA) and (3) calculate the sample size required to compare PMC between dogs with and without myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

Methods: Histological sections were prepared from retrospective samples of formalin-fixed, wax-embedded ventricular myocardial tissue from 15 dogs with, and seven dogs without, MMVD. Sections from each sample were stained with Masson's trichrome, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or toluidine blue. In each Masson's trichrome-stained section, digital images of 12 random fields were captured and the total image area and total collagen area were measured using computer-assisted morphometric analysis. Mean collagen area, mean total image area and mean PMC ([mean collagen area/mean total area] × 100) were calculated per sample. MCs were counted manually in toluidine blue-stained sections and the mean MC count was calculated from 10 fields. MA was identified by visual inspection of transversely cut vessels in each H&E-stained section.

Results: No significant difference was detected between MMVD and control dogs in PMC (p = 0.063), MC (p = 0.476) or MA (p = 0.172). A sample size calculation suggests that data from at least 26 MMVD dogs and 26 controls are required to detect a difference in PMC. No significant association was detected between PMC and MC count (p = 0.606) in cases of MMVD.

Clinical significance: The methods described are feasible and the sample size for a definitive study has been estimated.

Canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1), as a member of the Varicellovirus, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and family Herpesviridae, is mainly transmitted at birth but can also spread venereally and transplacentally. In addition, CHV-1 establishes a latent carrier state in the body and can reactivate due to stress or immunosuppression. CHV-1 distribution varies worldwide but is believed to have a global distribution. CHV-1 infection in adult canines can manifest as a spectrum of ocular from eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) and conjunctival inflammation (conjunctivitis) to more severe corneal conditions, including ulcerative and non-ulcerative keratitis. Moreover, CHV-1 in adult canines can lead to a range of reproductive effects, from submucosal vascular congestion and bleeding to foetal expulsion and preterm birth of live offspring. Subclinical or mildly symptomatic upper respiratory tract disease can manifest in juvenile and adult canines. Prophylactic topical antimicrobial therapy is recommended to prevent disease progression in dogs with CHV-1 ocular disease. However, the environmental temperature increase for affected puppies fails to modify the disease progression. Environmental variables, including breeding facility size and animal population density, facilitate herpesvirus transmission and subsequent immune responses. There are various diagnostic techniques, but the most prevalent method is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral DNA detection. Due to the global distribution of the virus and its effects, such as ocular and reproductive effects and subsequent financial losses, it is recommended that infected dogs be identified and treated promptly, as well as prevent its transmission.

Background: Understanding the structure of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and accurately estimating the effective population size (Ne) are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring population survival. These metrics are vital for decision-making in conservation genetics and breeding programs.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the LD structure and estimate Ne in global Holstein cattle populations to assess genetic diversity and population dynamics.

Methods: Genomic data from 2127 cows across eight countries (Poland, Sweden, Ireland, Iran, France, China, Canada and the Netherlands) were analysed. Data quality control was performed using PLINK 1.9. Adjusted R-squared (r²) values for SNP markers up to 38 Mbp and Ne values from ancestral generations to the present were calculated using SNeP 1.1.

Results: LD values decreased nonlinearly with increasing physical distance, ranging from 0.102-0.320 at <25 kbp to 0.007-0.059 at 38 Mbp. Ne values have declined significantly since 2000 generations ago, with a sharp reduction from 70 to 10 generations ago. However, the decline slowed in the last 10 generations, with slight increases in some populations. Current Ne values range from 74 (French Holstein) to 171 (Polish Holstein). The rapid decline in Ne is attributed to the intensive use of limited superior bulls, reducing genetic diversity.

Conclusions: The recent slowdown in Ne decline and slight increases in some populations may reflect improved breeding strategies, including genetic material importation. These findings highlight the importance of managing genetic diversity and mitigating inbreeding effects in Holstein cattle populations. Effective breeding programs are essential to sustain genetic health, productivity and long-term adaptability in commercial dairy cattle.

The poultry industry faces significant challenges from infectious diseases and environmental stressors, which negatively impact animal health and productivity. This study investigates the synergistic effects of Pediococcus acidilactici (PediGuard) supplementation combined with influenza vaccination on immune modulation, growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens. In a controlled trial, 300 Ross 308 broiler chicks were divided into four treatment groups: control (standard diet), probiotic-only (diet supplemented with P. acidilactici), vaccine-only (standard diet with influenza vaccination) and combined probiotic plus vaccine. The results demonstrate that P. acidilactici significantly enhances peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) viability, confirming its safety and biocompatibility. Supplementation led to marked upregulation of both pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, indicating potent immunomodulatory effects. Combining the probiotic with influenza vaccination resulted in a substantial increase in antibody titres, surpassing those achieved by vaccination alone, thereby highlighting the synergistic enhancement of adaptive immunity. In addition, P. acidilactici significantly improved growth metrics, including weight gain, specific growth rates and feed conversion ratios (FCR), alongside significant improvements in gut morphology characterised by increased villus height and crypt depth. These findings underscore the potential of P. acidilactici as an effective, non-antibiotic probiotic strategy to improve immune function, vaccine efficacy, growth and gut health in poultry. This study supports the use of P. acidilactici as a natural approach to improving productivity and health outcomes in commercial poultry systems.

Objective: Globally, CCPP is a serious mycoplasmal disease of goat with high morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of CCPP in goats in Yabello and Elweye districts of Borana zone, Oromia region, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from August to December, 2024, and different sampling methods were used to select districts, peasant associations (PAs), animal owners and individual animals. A total of 284 sera samples, collected from unvaccinated goats of 25 flocks, were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae using competitive ELISA. All the study animals were indigenous local goats that are extensively managed and owned by pastoralists. Some goat rearing-related information was also collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire to find out the risk factors.

Results: The result revealed that out of the 284 collected sera samples, 45 (15.85%; 95% CI: 12.06%-20.54%) of them were seropositive for CCPP antibodies. At flock level, 17 out of 25 flocks were positive against the disease, with a flock level prevalence of 68% (95% CI: 48.41-82.79). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between goats with a history of coughing and without coughing, while no significant difference was observed between different districts, age and sex groups.

Conclusions and recommendations: The current findings showed that CCPP is an important disease affecting the goat population of this area. A broader research involving a larger-scale study and reservoir species, such as sheep, is recommended to gain deeper practical insights into the disease. Therefore, a consistent surveillance program should be strengthened, and vaccination efforts should be implemented to reduce the impact of the disease.

The m. rhomboideus of domestic dogs typically originates from the dorsal median raphe of the neck and cranial thorax, with a distinct slip from the occiput, and is composed of the three parts: cervicis, thoracis and capitis. Here, an additional muscular slip was identified on the left side of an adult male cross-breed dog cadaver. This ribbon-shaped slip arose indirectly via tendinous fibres from the transverse process of the second cervical vertebra and extended caudodorsally to join the capital part near its scapular insertion. The slip was innervated by ventral branches of the cervical spinal nerves, consistent with the usual supply of the rhomboideus complex and distinct from the neighbouring m. serratus ventralis cervicis, despite their segmental overlap. Such a variant of the m. rhomboideus has not been previously reported in dogs. Recognition of incidental muscular variations, particularly with regard to their innervation patterns, provides insights into embryologic development and phylogenetic relationships in carnivores.

Brucella abortus S19 is a widely used live attenuated vaccine strain for bovine brucellosis control; however, its long-term efficacy is challenged by genomic plasticity and adaptive mechanisms. This study presents a comprehensive comparative genomic and immunoinformatics analysis of a field strain (B. abortus S19, BAS19) isolated from an aborted cattle placenta 3 years post-vaccination in Erzurum, Turkey. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using Oxford Nanopore Technology, followed by genome assembly, functional annotation and comparative analyses against the reference strain (B. abortus S19, BAR19). Genomic variations, including 1153 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 120 insertions and 2501 deletions, were identified. Annotation revealed 772 hypothetical proteins in BAS19 compared to 604 in BAR19, with distinct differences in virulence-associated genes. Immunoinformatics analysis of 95 outer membrane proteins (OMPs) indicated significant antigenic variation, with 47 proteins exhibiting epitope loss and 11 displaying novel epitope gains. Beta-barrel structure prediction demonstrated a reduction in structural stability, with nine OMPs losing beta-barrel motifs, potentially influencing host-pathogen interactions. These findings highlight key genomic adaptations in BAS19 that may influence its immunogenic properties and vaccine efficacy. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of B. abortus genomic diversity, providing insights for the rational design of improved vaccines and therapeutics tailored to regional epidemiological needs.

Background: Animal disease surveillance and information systems enable early disease detection, monitoring of endemic diseases, identification of emerging diseases and timely control of diseases having serious impacts on animal health, public health and international trade. The application of advanced technologies enhances efficient animal disease surveillance and information systems and enables the implementation of appropriate disease control and prevention measures. However, despite being endemic to several animal diseases, there is limited application of advanced technologies in animal disease surveillance and information systems in Ethiopia and most developing countries.

Objectives: This review aims to identify advanced technologies, applications and platforms that can enhance the efficiency of animal disease surveillance and information systems, as well as determine their roles in disease control and prevention, particularly in the context of Ethiopia.

Methods: A literature review used Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect electronic database search engines and manual searching. Literature was screened based on the PRISMA-P (2020) checklist. In this review, 76 articles relevant to the topic were selected based on the inclusion criteria.

Findings: The current advances in animal disease surveillance and information systems include mobile-based disease surveillance and reporting applications, geographic and remote sensing technologies, advanced disease diagnostics, social media platforms and digital disease surveillance systems. The application of advanced technologies builds rigorous disease surveillance systems and mechanisms of early disease detection and warning, measures the level of disease and allows successful disease control and eradication. In Ethiopia, animal disease surveillance and information systems have recently implemented smartphone-based applications and digital surveillance systems in selected programs to enhance the efficiency of the surveillance and reporting system.

Conclusions: Advanced technologies enable effective animal disease surveillance and information systems, and support successful animal health management and decision-making. Ethiopian animal disease surveillance and information systems are mainly based on conventional methods with limited applications of advanced technologies. Thus, we recommend a special emphasis on the development and application of advanced technologies and the establishment of effective animal disease surveillance and information systems to protect animal health and welfare, promote international trade in animals and animal products and safeguard public health.