Veterinaria italiana最新文献

This study presents the first report of the molecular characterization of Anaplasma platys infection in the Bangladesh-India border region, specifically in the state of Tripura, along with its successful treatment. Anaplasma platys is a rickettsial organism transmitted by hard ticks that infest dogs, with marked thrombocytopenia and anemia being among the most important clinical manifestations, related to the formation of morulae in the platelets. A dog with a history of suspected anaplasmosis was presented for clinical investigation. Hematological analysis revealed a hemoglobin level of 6.8 g/dL, a hematocrit of 19.4%, a total red cell count of 3.5 × 10¹²/dL, a total white cell count of 7.8 × 10⁹/dL, and a platelet count of 48 × 10⁹/dL. Upon microscopic and molecular examination, A. platys was identified as the causative organism responsible for the alterations in blood parameters. Treatment involved the intravenous administration of doxycycline at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for five days, followed by oral doxycycline tablets at the same dosage for 15 days. The dog showed gradual improvement and complete recovery within 20 days of treatment. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic inference targeting the 16S rRNA gene revealed low divergence within the species.

This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in Moroccan cattle and to investigate associations with age, sex, breed, housing system, and geographic region. A total of 545 serum samples were randomly collected from cattle across various Moroccan regions between December 2023 and February 2024. Antibodies against BVDV were detected using a commercial competitive ELISA, and herd-level data were gathered via questionnaire. Overall, 25.0% (95% CI: 21.4 - 28.8) of samples tested seropositive. The highest prevalence was observed in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region (44.0%; 95% CI: 24.4 - 65.1), followed by Casablanca-Settat (32.6%; 95% CI: 26.1 - 39.6). Seropositivity was highest among cattle older than 12 months (37.5%) and in crossbred animals (86.1%) compared to purebreds (74.3%). Although not statistically significant, cattle in intensive systems showed higher prevalence (29.3%) than those in semi-intensive systems (23.2%). Females exhibited a higher seroprevalence (27.87%) than males (21.7%), with sex emerging as a significant risk factor. These findings highlight the widespread circulation of BVDV in Morocco and underscore the need for targeted control measures and improved herd management practices to mitigate virus transmission.

Neosporosis is a major cause of bovine abortion worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. In western Türkiye, an area characterized by intensive cattle breeding, data on this disease remain limited, and no prior studies have investigated its risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and phylogenetic profile of Neospora caninum in the region. Visceral tissues from 88 aborted cattle fetuses were analyzed through genomic DNA isolation, real-time PCR (qPCR), and sequencing. In parallel, the presence of N. caninum antibodies was assessed in 973 serum samples using ELISA. N. caninum DNA was detected in 8 (9.09%) fetal samples by qPCR, with three of these further confirmed via conventional PCR and sequencing. Sequence analysis validated the presence of N. caninum in these three samples. Serologically, 122 of 973 serum samples (12.53%) tested positive for N. caninum antibodies. Statistical analysis of potential risk factors-including province, gender, age group, origin, and farm type-identified farm type as the most significant determinant of seropositivity. Notably, family-operated farms exhibited a higher prevalence of positive cases. This study represents the first large-scale investigation of N. caninum-associated reproductive losses in western Türkiye. The findings offer valuable insights for the development of targeted control and prevention strategies in affected cattle populations.

Avian reovirus (ARV) is a major causative agent of viral arthritis (VA), tenosynovitis, and malabsorption syndrome (MAS) in chickens, with significant economic consequences due to growth retardation, reduced production performance, and immunosuppression. Despite routine vaccination of breeder chickens against ARV, cases of VA and MAS continue to be reported in commercial flocks in recent years. Moreover, there is a lack of recent data on the genetic characteristics of circulating field ARV strains in India. In light of these concerns, a study was conducted to investigate the involvement of ARV in chickens exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of VA or MAS. Samples were collected from 27 commercial broiler and desi-chicken flocks across the mid-western region of Tamil Nadu, South India. Molecular confirmation was performed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting a partial region of the σC gene within the S1 segment. Of the 27 flocks sampled, only two samples - both from desi-chickens aged two and three weeks - tested positive for ARV. Sequence analysis of these positive samples, compared against available ARV sequences in GenBank (including vaccine strains) revealed that the identified strains clustered within ARV genogroup II. This represents the first report of cluster II ARV in India, indicating the circulation of genetically distinct ARV strains in Indian poultry populations. These findings underscore the need for routine molecular surveillance of ARV genotypes in India and highlight the potential mismatch between circulating field strains and current vaccine strains. Comprehensive genotype monitoring is essential to upgrade vaccine design and implement effective control strategies for ARV-associated diseases in Indian poultry production.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cadmium (Cd) concentrations in horses imported from various European Union countries and slaughtered in Italy. In addition, we assessed the potential correlation between Cd levels in tissues and organs, and Cd-related gross and histological lesions. The animals were divided into six groups based on age and geographical origin. Among the 430 animals examined, gross renal lesions were observed in only two kidney samples from Polish horses, which also had the highest Cd concentrations: 9.1 mg/kg w/w and 8.23 mg/kg w/w, respectively. Further histological alterations were identified in the same group, in 19 kidney samples with Cd concentrations exceeding 5.72 mg/kg w/w. These findings raise important food safety concerns, as Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 and its subsequent amendments establish strict maximum limits for Cd in horse meat and offal. Considering the EU precautionary principle, the results of this study underscore that only the integration of chemical analyses with histological examinations can provide a comprehensive assessment of the risks, ensuring compliance with EU food safety legislation and international trade standards.

The present work investigates the genetic relatedness and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella strains collected from the red meat supply chain, highlighting the public health significance of these pathogens. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE-XbaI) was applied to genotype a collection of 84 Salmonella strains isolated from slaughterhouses. The antibiotic susceptibility of these strains to fourteen antimicrobial agents was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The isolates were classified into 22 fingerprints, with two strains being non-typable. The predominant PFGE types identified were Mu1 (n=18), I2 (n=10), and K2 (n=8), indicating a high level of genetic similarity among isolates (>80%). All Salmonella strains exhibited resistance to at least two antimicrobials, with approximately 34.5% displaying resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. Twelve distinct resistant patterns were identified, and notably, only one colistin-resistant Salmonella strain was detected. These findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and control measures in the red meat industry.

Bluetongue is an emerging, non-contagious, vector-borne disease that affects both domestic and wild ruminants. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in four Egyptian governorates and to evaluate the associated risk factors. A total of 740 serum samples were collected from 380 sheep and 360 goats and tested using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA). The overall BTV seroprevalence was 16.2%, with 17.1% in sheep and 15.3% in goats. Although the seroprevalence did not differ significantly across the studied regions, the highest prevalence was recorded in Kafr El-Sheikh (20.7%). Univariable analysis revealed a significant association between BTV seropositivity and several factors, including sex, age, presence of vectors, history of abortion, and contact with cattle. According to the multivariable logistic regression model, females, animals older than 2 years, and those with a history of abortion were respectively 2.3, 2.6, and 1.6 times more likely to be seropositive. Furthermore, the presence of insect vectors and close contact with cattle increased the risk of BTV infection by 1.6 and 2.1 times, respectively. This study highlights the significant risk factors associated with BTV seropositivity, with a slightly higher prevalence observed in sheep compared to goats. These findings underscore the need for effective disease surveillance, management, and control strategies targeting both sheep and goat populations.

One of the most critical aspects of PRRS outbreak control in swine herds is the reliable virus detection in both newly introduced animals and replacement gilts. In present study we compared the effectiveness of different biological specimens which - alone or in combination - allow to detect PRRSv carrier animals by mean of Reverse Transcriptase nested PCR (RT-nPCR). Five different matrices (serum, nasal swab, oral fluid, tracheobronchial swab and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid - BALF), known to be effective for PRRSv detection, were included in diagnostic efficacy comparison. Thirty-five pigs newly introduced into a fattening unit of a PRRS chronically affected farm were randomly selected to be submitted to serial sampling of each of the matrices above described, during the first three months of fattening period. A Bayesian approach was used to analyze the RT-nPCR results (i.e., positive or negative) of each sampling method and their respective sensitivity was estimated. PRRSv was detected by RT-nPCR in at least one matrix from 58% to 100% of the pigs. Tracheobronchial swabbing, as well as the combination of tracheobronchial swabbing plus bronchoalveolar washing, or tracheobronchial swabbing plus serum sampling were proved to be the most sensitive sampling methods to detect PRRSv in naturally infected live pigs. This study enlightens as the tracheobronchial swabbing associated with RT-nPCR could be the most recommended diagnostic tool for assessing infection dynamics in pig herds.

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is one of several fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by misfolded, infectious prion proteins. Polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) associated with BSE susceptibility have been reported in various cattle breeds. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate these genetic variations in the Nguni cattle breed, an indigenous breed in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Southern Africa. The present study aimed to genetically characterize the PRNP gene in Nguni cattle. Both the coding region and regulatory elements-specifically the promoter and intron 1 regions-were analyzed. Three synonymous polymorphisms were identified: Q78Q, P113P, and I226I. Additionally, the Nguni breed exhibited a higher frequency of deletion alleles in two known insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms: a 23-bp deletion in the promoter region and a 12-bp deletion in intron 1, compared to insertion alleles. These findings suggest that Nguni cattle may be genetically susceptible to BSE. The results underscore the importance of implementing selective breeding strategies aimed at enhancing resistance to BSE within this indigenous cattle population.

This study aimed to identify and determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites through faecal egg detection in children and dogs from three rural hamlets - La Chorrera, Cruz Pampa, and Chugurmayo - located in the Sorochuco district, Celendín province, Cajamarca region, Peru, at an altitude exceeding 3,400 meters above sea level. Faecal samples were collected from school-aged children and domestic dogs and analysed using direct smear, natural sedimentation, Faust, and Sheather techniques. Parasitic infection was detected in 59.80% of children (95% CI: 50.29-69.32) and 55.00% of dogs (95% CI: 44.10-65.90). No statistically significant differences in prevalence were observed between hamlets (p = 0.630). Among children, the highest prevalence was noted in males aged >6 to 9 years; in dogs, it was observed in males aged 0 to 1 year. However, age and sex were not significantly associated with infection in either group (p > 0.05). Parasitic stages identified in children included Giardia spp., Hymenolepis spp., Fasciola hepatica, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Diphyllobothrium spp. In dogs, Giardia spp., Ancylostomatidae, Sarcocystis spp., Toxocara spp., and Taenia spp. were found. One parasite - Giardia spp. - were common to both species, although no significant overall correlation of infection between children and dogs was observed (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance, medical attention, and further research in these underserved rural communities. Increased awareness and integrated public health efforts are essential to address the burden of parasitic infections in these high-altitude areas.