Veterinaria italiana最新文献

The quality and health of fish are closely intertwined. This study aimed to unveil the effectiveness of histological techniques in characterizing fish health status and deducing their quality. A new classification scoring model was also proposed to provide a holistic assessment. A total of 80 silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) specimens were collected from a freshwater dam, in two areas (Z1-Z2) at two periods (July and September), with twenty fish per sampling. The physico-chemical parameters of the water were measured, and a global pollution index (IGP) was calculated. Histological analysis was carried out on five vital organs (gills, kidneys, liver, intestines, and muscles) using a standard method, specifically the semi-quantitative system of Bernet et al. (1999), to determine the condition of each organ, enabling an organic index (OI) to be assigned (IG, IK, IL, II, IM). These indices were combined to obtain total scores for each specimen, named the IFish. The latter is explored as a biomarker of fish health status and quality to develop an innovative classification system. The results showed that the indices were generally notable in September in Z1, illustrating a significant spatio-temporal influence. A highly significant correlation was observed between the IFish and IGP (P = 0.0001). The proposed scoring system made it possible to classify fish according to their quality. To conclude, a healthy fish is a reliable indicator of its quality, and the use of histology, in particular through the IFish scoring, proved to be an effective biomarker to demonstrate this.

In 2023, the Italian National Livestock Registry estimated that the pig population in Italy exceeded 8.1 million animals, with approximately 26,000 pig farms nationwide. The pig farming sector is highly concentrated in the northern regions, which account for about 89% of the national swine stock (ISMEA,  2024). Pig farming worldwide can generally be divided into intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems, each characterized by different management practices and biosecurity levels (Racewicz et al., 2021). In Italy, intensive systems predominate in the north and parts of the centre, often with a high degree of specialization and integrated production chains. Conversely, in the remaining central and southern regions, pig farming tends to be less specialized, frequently family-run, and strongly influenced by local customs and traditions (Bellini et al., 2009). This coexistence of diverse farming systems results in significant differences in herd management, biosecurity standards, production inputs, and market demands, all of which can directly or indirectly influence the spread of infectious diseases. In recent years, several emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens have been identified in swine populations worldwide, some with considerable clinical and economic impact, while others remain largely understudied, with uncertain effects on pig health. Advances in diagnostic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have improved virus detection, revealing the presence of previously undetected agents. This review aims to provide an updated overview of emerging swine viruses reported in the Italian pig industry, with particular attention to those whose roles within current farming systems are still unclear.

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is characterized by high fever, nasal and eye discharge, excessive salivation, muscle weakness, yield losses and or with high morbidity and low mortality. The first epidemic of BEFV in Turkey occurred in 1985 since then epidemics were reported every 2-4 years in the south and southeastern regions of Turkey. Since the first detection of the virus in Turkey, the BEF virus was reported from other parts of the country except the Aegean Region. In November 2020, the possible outbreaks of BEF were reported from two different locations of the Aegean Region in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to determine the molecular characterization and possible origin of the virus that caused the epidemic in the Aegean Region. For this purpose, blood samples collected from clinically infected animals were tested by RT-qPCR, and complete G gene sequences were carried out of the positive sample using the primers designed in this study. According to the phylogenetic analysis, virus is located in the Middle East lineage. Based on field observations and the data obtained in the study, it was thought that the spread of the virus to the Aegean Region was caused by animal movements from other regions.

Avian reovirus (ARV) is an important pathogen of poultry and the causative agent of viral arthritis/tenosynovitis. The disease can cause severe clinical signs in broiler flocks at an early age, resulting in major welfare issues and substantial economic losses for the poultry industry. Vaccination of breeders is widely used to control the disease, aiming to reduce vertical transmission and provide maternal antibodies to offspring. However, in recent years the number of clinical cases has increased in several countries. This study describes the clinical presentation, gross and histological lesions, and laboratory findings in three Italian broiler flocks in which ARV was identified. Sequencing of a partial fragment of the sigma C (σC)-econding gene enabled genetic characterization of the viruses, which showed a low degree of homology with vaccine strains used in breeders in Italy, belonging to genotypic cluster I. The isolates were instead assigned to clusters II and IV. These findings confirm the circulation of genetically distinct ARV genotypes in Italian poultry farms and underline the need for broader investigations of suspected cases to improve understanding of ARV epidemiology and to refine control strategies.

Bacterial infections are a major cause of otitis externa in dogs, with Staphylococcus species frequently implicated. This study analyzed samples from 24 dogs with otitis externa to identify the Staphylococcus species involved. The isolates included Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus schleiferi, Staphylococcus simulans, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. While S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi are well-recognized pathogens in canine otitis externa, S. simulans and S. haemolyticus are rarely reported. Given their zoonotic potential, these findings emphasize the importance of further investigations to clarify the microbiology of otitis externa and to identify the pathogens of greatest clinical relevance.

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are chronic and progressive diseases caused by retroviruses that pose a serious threat to family farming. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with SRLV infection in goats from family farming properties in Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil. In the semiarid region of Alagoas, seventeen family farming properties were visited, distributed across eleven municipalities. An epidemiological questionnaire was administered to collect information on animal management practices and to identify potential risk factors for SRLV. Serological diagnosis of SRLV was performed using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) technique with an in-house kit. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with seropositivity for SRLV. A total of 388 goat serum samples were tested using AGID, resulting in a prevalence of 9.3% (36/388; 95% CI [0.0677-0.1258]). Logistic regression revealed one significant risk factor: "the type of farming" (p < 0.001; OR = 5.13; 95% CI [2.26-11.62]). Given the risk factor identified, it is essential to emphasize prophylactic measures against SRLV during prolonged stabilization periods. The detection of SRLV in family-run livestock operations in socially and economically vulnerable areas of Alagoas underscores the need for public policies that support family farming.

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging arbovirus primarily endemic to South America, capable of infecting humans, diverse animals, and multiple vector species. Although its ecology remains poorly understood, increased globalisation and human mobility raise concerns regarding potential introduction into Europe. To evaluate European risk, vector competence trials were conducted using Italian Culicoides obsoletus/scoticus and C. imicola, major vectors of livestock orbiviruses, orally exposed to a 2024 Cuban reassortant OROV strain. Of 260 surviving C. obsoletus/scoticus and 65 C. imicola midges, all samples tested negative for OROV RNA, suggesting limited vector competence. These findings indicate that tested European Culicoides populations are unlikely to support OROV transmission. Nevertheless, the virus's broad host and vector range, reassortment potential, and presence of anthropophilic midges in Europe warrant continued surveillance and vector competence studies. Improved understanding of transmission dynamics, reservoir hosts, and potential vectors is critical for preparedness against Oropouche virus introduction and spread in non-endemic regions.

Bacterial infection of the equine central nervous system is rare. This report describes the clinical features, computed tomography (CT) findings, and postmortem results of a 3-month-old female Quarter Horse with an intracranial abscess. Clinical signs included seizures, depression, and bilateral blindness. CT imaging demonstrated a large space-occupying lesion in the left cerebral hemisphere, associated with a frontal bone fracture. Necropsy and histopathology confirmed the presence of an abscess secondary to head trauma. Bacterial culture identified Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus as the causative agent. Brain abscess should be considered a differential diagnosis in foals presenting with seizures and other acute neurological abnormalities.

Since late 2022, epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) has emerged as a major threat to ruminant health in Europe, most likely introduced from North Africa through windborne Culicoides midges. The virus has caused extensive outbreaks in cattle and red deer across Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal, exposing vulnerabilities in current outbreak prevention and control measures. This review provides an updated overview of EHDV-8, focusing on its clinical presentation in domestic and wild ruminants, its recent geographic spread in Europe, and the rapid development of targeted vaccines. The European experience highlights the virus's capacity to induce substantial morbidity not only in cattle but also in wild and farmed cervid populations, particularly red deer. However, several aspects of EHDV-8 biology remain poorly understood, including host susceptibility and the mechanisms underlying viral overwintering. Furthermore, the limited availability of genomic data from Africa hampers efforts to trace the evolution and dissemination of EHDV. Strengthening collaboration with North African and Sub-Saharan countries will be crucial to enhance and harmonize surveillance systems across regions. Closing these knowledge gaps is essential for improving preparedness and response strategies, including the development of vaccines tailored to the serotypes currently circulating in endemic areas.

Avian influenza, particularly the low pathogenic H9N2 subtype, is a major challenge to poultry and public health in Senegal. As important as it is, little is known about the occurrence and genetic characteristics of the H9N2 detected within the country's poultry farms. This study was therefore carried out to assess the occurrence and the molecular characteristics of H9N2 avian influenza virus strains in broiler and layer farms of the Dakar and Thiès regions. Throughout a period of 16 months, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken, collecting 390 tracheal and cloacal swabs from 39 chicken farms that reported respiratory disease. Viral RNA was isolated and analysed using real-time RT-PCR followed by viral isolation and hemagglutinin gene sequencing on positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine genetic associations with regional strains. Overall, the prevalence was 9.2% across 87 pools made from 390 swabs, with broiler chickens showing a high prevalence of 19.4% and layer hens a low prevalence of 2.0%. The majority of the positive farms were located in the Thiès region, which accounted for 6 out of the 8 positive farms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating strain belonged to the G1 lineage and was closely related to Moroccan strains, indicating likely regional spread through poultry trade. The strains did not possess any molecular markers of increased virulence or zoonotic potential. These findings confirm the endemicity of H9N2 in Senegal's important poultry-producing regions and raise the need for targeted surveillance and improved biosecurity to avoid outbreaks and preserve public health.