Harry Whitlow, Suzanne Gokool, Genevieve Clapp, Irene Bueno, Mariam Logunleko, Peter Moore, Sarah Masterton, Jo Taylor-Egbeyemi, Ian Brown, Riinu Pae, Louise E. Smith, Ellen Brooks-Pollock, Amy C. Thomas
Introduction
Recent intercontinental spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) among kept and wild birds, and transmission to mammalian hosts, including cattle and humans, has heightened the need to review public health risk assessments. Biosecurity measures (BMs) are essential for limiting disease spread, but how widely different practices are implemented is not fully known.
Methods
Here, we report on the uptake of BMs and risk perception of avian influenza virus (AIV) in the context of preventing zoonotic transmission to persons potentially at high risk of exposure. Questionnaire data from 225 people in contact with birds in the UK (Avian Contact Study, May to July 2024) were analysed.
Results
We found hand washing after contact with birds was the most common BM implemented (89%, 196 of 218), followed by using disinfecting footwear dips (78%, 170 of 218). Individuals in contact with a higher number of birds were more likely to use at least one personal protective equipment (PPE) measure for the face or body or at least one footwear-related PPE measure. Perceived risk of AIV to bird health was high for individuals in contact with large flocks (≥ 1001 birds) and associated with uptake of at least one footwear-related PPE measure (independent of flock size). Perceived risk of AIV to respondents' own health was low, regardless of the number of birds a respondent had daily contact with.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that routinely used BMs are implemented to limit AIV spread among birds, but not with the purpose of limiting zoonotic transmission from birds to humans. Identifying cohort characteristics which could lead to low BM uptake, alongside barriers and facilitators to BM uptake, is important for informing zoonotic AIV public health campaigns.
{"title":"Biosecurity Uptake and Perceived Risk of Avian Influenza Among People in Contact With Birds","authors":"Harry Whitlow, Suzanne Gokool, Genevieve Clapp, Irene Bueno, Mariam Logunleko, Peter Moore, Sarah Masterton, Jo Taylor-Egbeyemi, Ian Brown, Riinu Pae, Louise E. Smith, Ellen Brooks-Pollock, Amy C. Thomas","doi":"10.1111/zph.70034","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70034","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Recent intercontinental spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) among kept and wild birds, and transmission to mammalian hosts, including cattle and humans, has heightened the need to review public health risk assessments. Biosecurity measures (BMs) are essential for limiting disease spread, but how widely different practices are implemented is not fully known.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Here, we report on the uptake of BMs and risk perception of avian influenza virus (AIV) in the context of preventing zoonotic transmission to persons potentially at high risk of exposure. Questionnaire data from 225 people in contact with birds in the UK (Avian Contact Study, May to July 2024) were analysed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We found hand washing after contact with birds was the most common BM implemented (89%, 196 of 218), followed by using disinfecting footwear dips (78%, 170 of 218). Individuals in contact with a higher number of birds were more likely to use at least one personal protective equipment (PPE) measure for the face or body or at least one footwear-related PPE measure. Perceived risk of AIV to bird health was high for individuals in contact with large flocks (≥ 1001 birds) and associated with uptake of at least one footwear-related PPE measure (independent of flock size). Perceived risk of AIV to respondents' own health was low, regardless of the number of birds a respondent had daily contact with.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our results indicate that routinely used BMs are implemented to limit AIV spread among birds, but not with the purpose of limiting zoonotic transmission from birds to humans. Identifying cohort characteristics which could lead to low BM uptake, alongside barriers and facilitators to BM uptake, is important for informing zoonotic AIV public health campaigns.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 2","pages":"152-163"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865334/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145913241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Javier Millán, Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor, Clara Muñoz-Hernández, Marta Sánchez-Sánchez, Alberto Moraga-Fernández, Natalia Fernández-Ruiz, Isabel G. Fernández de Mera, Agustín Estrada-Peña
Introduction
We present the findings of a citizen science project conducted in the Autonomous Region of Aragón (northern Spain), which engaged rural schoolchildren, wildlife rangers, hunters, and members of the general public.
Methods
Over the course of one year (April 2022–April 2023; three months for the schoolchildren), participants collected a total of 913 ticks (98.8% adult specimens) representing 13 species from across the region. The contributions included 373 ticks collected by schoolchildren, 319 by hunters, 108 by rangers, 91 by other volunteers, and 22 by the research team. Of these, 54 ticks were gathered from vegetation, 422 from wildlife (spanning nine animal species), 362 from pets, 44 from humans, and 30 from livestock.
Results
Species identified were Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s., Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Dermacentor marginatus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes frontalis, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis inermis, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hyalomma lusitanicum. DNA of a subset of 349 individual ticks was extracted and the presence of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (the latter, only in Ixodes spp.) was analysed either individually (n = 62) or in pools containing 2–5 ticks (n = 79), of which 101 resulted positive: 88 were positive for Rickettsia spp., revealing the presence of Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia helvetica, and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae; 34 for Anaplasmataceae (both Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., but in many cases was identified as endosymbionts); and three for B. burgdorferi s.l., with only one readable sequence (Borrelia valaisiana). Pathogens detected in ticks from humans included R. massiliae (n = 3), R. conorii raoultii, R. aeschlimannii and Ca. R. barbariae.
Conclusions
This study identified previously unreported tick-host-pathogen associations and contributed to raising awareness about the public health significance of ticks and strategies for their prevention.
{"title":"‘Bites of Knowledge’: Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Unveiled Through a Citizen Science Programme in Northern Spain","authors":"Javier Millán, Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor, Clara Muñoz-Hernández, Marta Sánchez-Sánchez, Alberto Moraga-Fernández, Natalia Fernández-Ruiz, Isabel G. Fernández de Mera, Agustín Estrada-Peña","doi":"10.1111/zph.70030","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70030","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We present the findings of a citizen science project conducted in the Autonomous Region of Aragón (northern Spain), which engaged rural schoolchildren, wildlife rangers, hunters, and members of the general public.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Over the course of one year (April 2022–April 2023; three months for the schoolchildren), participants collected a total of 913 ticks (98.8% adult specimens) representing 13 species from across the region. The contributions included 373 ticks collected by schoolchildren, 319 by hunters, 108 by rangers, 91 by other volunteers, and 22 by the research team. Of these, 54 ticks were gathered from vegetation, 422 from wildlife (spanning nine animal species), 362 from pets, 44 from humans, and 30 from livestock.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Species identified were <i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i> s.l.<i>, Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i> s.s.<i>, Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Dermacentor marginatus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes frontalis, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis inermis, Hyalomma marginatum,</i> and <i>Hyalomma lusitanicum</i>. DNA of a subset of 349 individual ticks was extracted and the presence of <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., Anaplasmataceae, and <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> sensu lato (the latter, only in <i>Ixodes</i> spp.) was analysed either individually (<i>n</i> = 62) or in pools containing 2–5 ticks (<i>n</i> = 79), of which 101 resulted positive: 88 were positive for <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., revealing the presence of <i>Rickettsia massiliae</i>, <i>Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia conorii</i> subsp. <i>raoultii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii</i>, <i>Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia helvetica,</i> and <i>Candidatus</i> Rickettsia barbariae; 34 for Anaplasmataceae (both <i>Ehrlichia</i> spp. and <i>Anaplasma</i> spp., but in many cases was identified as endosymbionts); and three for <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.l., with only one readable sequence (<i>Borrelia valaisiana</i>). Pathogens detected in ticks from humans included <i>R. massiliae</i> (<i>n</i> = 3), <i>R. conorii raoultii, R. aeschlimannii</i> and <i>Ca</i>. R. barbariae.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study identified previously unreported tick-host-pathogen associations and contributed to raising awareness about the public health significance of ticks and strategies for their prevention.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 2","pages":"137-151"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145670152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has a certain incidence on farms in China, but little is known about its prevalence and the pathogenic Mycobacterium species. With the increasing application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), it is now possible to investigate the genomic diversity, lineage distribution, and drug resistance profiles of M. bovis at high resolution.
Methods
In this study, we sequenced 29 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates from two farms in China and incorporated genomic data from 79 publicly available M. bovis isolates from cattle farms in China for a comprehensive genomic analysis.
Results
The majority of the 106 M. bovis isolates (63.2%, 67/106) belong to lineage La1.4. The dataset was screened for isolates of two known clonal complexes, Eu1 and Eu3, corresponding to La1.8.1 and La1.2, respectively. In silico spoligotyping revealed nine previously identified profiles, and the most common spoligotype in this study is SB1903. All isolates have the H57D mutation in the pncA gene associated with pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance. 16.0% (17/106) of isolates have resistance mutations to first- or second-line drugs other than PZA, with one isolate classified as pre-XDR-TB. The distribution of cluster strains suggests the possibility of recent transmission and outbreak in the two farms. It is noted that two M. tuberculosis isolates from tissue samples had detectable drug resistance mutations.
Conclusion
The results of this study provide the basis for in-depth analysis of genomic population characteristics and drug resistance of M. bovis in China. It should be noted that close contact between humans and cattle increases the risk of M. tuberculosis transmission from humans to cattle in rural areas or developing countries with low levels of human-animal separation.
{"title":"Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis Revealed High Genetic Diversity and Drug-Resistant Characteristics of Mycobacterium bovis From Chinese Farms","authors":"Xinyue Li, Yuhui Dong, Ruida Xing, Dan Su, Bing Zhao, Shaojun Pei, Xiaolong Cao, Ruiqing Zhang, Jiangyong Zeng, Dongjing Wang, Weixing Fan, Hui Xia, Shengfen Wang, Xichao Ou, Yanlin Zhao","doi":"10.1111/zph.70026","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70026","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has a certain incidence on farms in China, but little is known about its prevalence and the pathogenic <i>Mycobacterium</i> species. With the increasing application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), it is now possible to investigate the genomic diversity, lineage distribution, and drug resistance profiles of <i>M. bovis</i> at high resolution.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, we sequenced 29 <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex (MTBC) isolates from two farms in China and incorporated genomic data from 79 publicly available <i>M. bovis</i> isolates from cattle farms in China for a comprehensive genomic analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The majority of the 106 <i>M. bovis</i> isolates (63.2%, 67/106) belong to lineage La1.4. The dataset was screened for isolates of two known clonal complexes, Eu1 and Eu3, corresponding to La1.8.1 and La1.2, respectively. In silico spoligotyping revealed nine previously identified profiles, and the most common spoligotype in this study is SB1903. All isolates have the H57D mutation in the <i>pncA</i> gene associated with pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance. 16.0% (17/106) of isolates have resistance mutations to first- or second-line drugs other than PZA, with one isolate classified as pre-XDR-TB. The distribution of cluster strains suggests the possibility of recent transmission and outbreak in the two farms. It is noted that two <i>M. tuberculosis</i> isolates from tissue samples had detectable drug resistance mutations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results of this study provide the basis for in-depth analysis of genomic population characteristics and drug resistance of <i>M. bovis</i> in China. It should be noted that close contact between humans and cattle increases the risk of <i>M. tuberculosis</i> transmission from humans to cattle in rural areas or developing countries with low levels of human-animal separation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 2","pages":"128-136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145670101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carrie Phillips, Colleen Jackson, Linda Passerini, Kathryn McIsaac, Courtney Loomer, Heather Coatsworth, Jennifer Cram, Elizabeth Simms, David Haldane, Todd F. Hatchette, Glenn Patriquin
Lyme disease (LD), a tick-borne infection, is endemic in Nova Scotia. One decade ago, the seropositivity rate to Borrelia burgdorferi was 2/1855 (0.14%). In the current study, using residual sera representing ages 10–64 years, we demonstrate an increase in seroprevalence, to 25/1872 (1.60%), with the highest seroprevalence in the western area of the province.
{"title":"Increased Borrelia burgdorferi Seroprevalence in Nova Scotia—Prevalence and Distribution 10 Years Later","authors":"Carrie Phillips, Colleen Jackson, Linda Passerini, Kathryn McIsaac, Courtney Loomer, Heather Coatsworth, Jennifer Cram, Elizabeth Simms, David Haldane, Todd F. Hatchette, Glenn Patriquin","doi":"10.1111/zph.70033","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70033","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Lyme disease (LD), a tick-borne infection, is endemic in Nova Scotia. One decade ago, the seropositivity rate to <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> was 2/1855 (0.14%). In the current study, using residual sera representing ages 10–64 years, we demonstrate an increase in seroprevalence, to 25/1872 (1.60%), with the highest seroprevalence in the western area of the province.</p>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 2","pages":"164-168"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12865333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145662373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Silvie Šikutová, Kristína Mravcová, Jan Mendel, Oldřich Šebesta, Bohumil Sak, Nikola Holubová, Martin Kváč, Clifton McKee, Peter H. Adler, D. Otranto, Ivo Rudolf
Introduction
Black flies (Simuliidae) are globally distributed blood-feeding arthropods and vectors of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens to many animal species, including humans. We investigated the occurrence of selected vector-borne pathogens in black flies in South Moravia, Czech Republic, and evaluated their possible role in the circulation of vector-borne pathogens.
Methods
A total of 11,600 black flies comprising four species of the genus Simulium, namely Simulium (Boophthora) erythrocephalum (De Geer, 1776), Simulium (Wilhelmia) lineatum (Meigen, 1804), Simulium (Wilhelmia) balcanicum (Enderlein, 1924), and Simulium (Wilhelmia) turgaicum (Rubtsov, 1940) were pooled and screened for the following arthropod-borne pathogens and parasites endemic in Central Europe: viruses (alphaviruses, bunyaviruses and flaviviruses), bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, and Brucella spp.), protista (Babesia spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon spp.) and filaria (Dirofilaria spp., Setaria spp., and Onchocerca spp.).
Results
Almost all pools were negative for known arthropod-borne pathogens and parasites. However, four new Bartonella spp. variants were found that share similarity with other bartonellae reported from diverse arthropods and humans. The phylogenetic analysis of Bartonella sequences from Czech black flies provides further evidence about an expanding diversity of Bartonella lineages in arthropods globally, including hematophagous species (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies) and non-hematophagous species (e.g., bees and ants). These bartonellae have the potential to cause pathogenic infections in humans who are exposed to arthropods carrying these bacteria.
Conclusions
Summing up, this study provides for the very first time valuable data for characterising the risk to public and veterinary health from black flies and the infections they may carry in Europe. Further testing, however, should include a wider geographic, seasonal, and taxonomic range of black flies.
{"title":"Molecular Screening of Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) for Vector-Borne Zoonotic Pathogens, South Moravia, Czech Republic","authors":"Silvie Šikutová, Kristína Mravcová, Jan Mendel, Oldřich Šebesta, Bohumil Sak, Nikola Holubová, Martin Kváč, Clifton McKee, Peter H. Adler, D. Otranto, Ivo Rudolf","doi":"10.1111/zph.70031","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70031","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Black flies (Simuliidae) are globally distributed blood-feeding arthropods and vectors of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens to many animal species, including humans. We investigated the occurrence of selected vector-borne pathogens in black flies in South Moravia, Czech Republic, and evaluated their possible role in the circulation of vector-borne pathogens.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 11,600 black flies comprising four species of the genus <i>Simulium</i>, namely <i>Simulium</i> (<i>Boophthora</i>) <i>erythrocephalum</i> (De Geer, 1776), <i>Simulium</i> (<i>Wilhelmia</i>) <i>lineatum</i> (Meigen, 1804), <i>Simulium</i> (<i>Wilhelmia</i>) <i>balcanicum</i> (Enderlein, 1924), and <i>Simulium</i> (<i>Wilhelmia</i>) <i>turgaicum</i> (Rubtsov, 1940) were pooled and screened for the following arthropod-borne pathogens and parasites endemic in Central Europe: viruses (alphaviruses, bunyaviruses and flaviviruses), bacteria (<i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> sensu lato, <i>Borrelia miyamotoi</i>, <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i>, <i>Neoehrlichia mikurensis</i>, <i>Bartonella</i> spp., <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., <i>Francisella tularensis</i>, <i>Coxiella burnetii</i>, and <i>Brucella</i> spp.), protista (<i>Babesia</i> spp., <i>Encephalitozoon</i> spp. and <i>Enterocytozoon</i> spp.) and filaria (<i>Dirofilaria</i> spp., <i>Setaria</i> spp., and <i>Onchocerca</i> spp.).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Almost all pools were negative for known arthropod-borne pathogens and parasites. However, four new <i>Bartonella</i> spp. variants were found that share similarity with other bartonellae reported from diverse arthropods and humans. The phylogenetic analysis of <i>Bartonella</i> sequences from Czech black flies provides further evidence about an expanding diversity of <i>Bartonella</i> lineages in arthropods globally, including hematophagous species (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies) and non-hematophagous species (e.g., bees and ants). These bartonellae have the potential to cause pathogenic infections in humans who are exposed to arthropods carrying these bacteria.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Summing up, this study provides for the very first time valuable data for characterising the risk to public and veterinary health from black flies and the infections they may carry in Europe. Further testing, however, should include a wider geographic, seasonal, and taxonomic range of black flies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 1","pages":"95-106"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.70031","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara Rahimi, Abbasali Ghasemi, Azad Absavaran, Atefeh Khazeni, Saideh Yousefi, Madineh Abbasi
Introduction
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health concern in Iran and particularly in Isfahan Province. Although numerous studies have determined the phlebotomine sand-fly fauna and CL occurrence in this region, no dedicated investigation of sand fly spatial distribution and Risk mapping has been conducted in recent years. Furthermore, no previous study has systematically assessed leishmaniasis vectors across 19 distinct sites in this province over a continuous five-year period from 2019 to 2023. Therefore, this study conducted comprehensive entomological surveillance to determine sand fly species composition, seasonal activity, and high-risk transmission zones for C in this endemic area.
Methods
This retrospective study conducted on sand fly entomological surveillance in 10 counties of Isfahan Province from 2019 to 2023, utilising sticky traps for sand fly collection. Collected specimens were identified morphologically, and species distribution, seasonal activity, and abundance trends were analysed using statistical methods. Spatiotemporal maps were created using GIS tools to assess the geographic patterns of sand fly populations.
Results
A total of 17,453 specimens were collected, with Sergentomyia sintoni (48.0%) and Phlebotomus papatasi (30.0%) being the most abundant species. The highest sand fly abundance was recorded in 2022. Seasonal activity patterns varied by species, with S. sintoni and Ph. Papatasi exhibiting bimodal peaks in June and August. The majority of specimens (96.5%) were collected from outdoors, which indicates the exophilic behaviour of sand flies.
Conclusions
Our findings establish an essential basis for public health decision-making and support the formulation of targeted, cost-effective, and ecologically responsible interventions to reduce sand fly populations and mitigate the spread of sand fly-borne diseases.
{"title":"Entomological Surveillance and Risk Mapping of Sand Fly-Borne Diseases in Isfahan Province, Iran (2019–2023)","authors":"Sara Rahimi, Abbasali Ghasemi, Azad Absavaran, Atefeh Khazeni, Saideh Yousefi, Madineh Abbasi","doi":"10.1111/zph.70029","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70029","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health concern in Iran and particularly in Isfahan Province. Although numerous studies have determined the phlebotomine sand-fly fauna and CL occurrence in this region, no dedicated investigation of sand fly spatial distribution and Risk mapping has been conducted in recent years. Furthermore, no previous study has systematically assessed leishmaniasis vectors across 19 distinct sites in this province over a continuous five-year period from 2019 to 2023. Therefore, this study conducted comprehensive entomological surveillance to determine sand fly species composition, seasonal activity, and high-risk transmission zones for C in this endemic area.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This retrospective study conducted on sand fly entomological surveillance in 10 counties of Isfahan Province from 2019 to 2023, utilising sticky traps for sand fly collection. Collected specimens were identified morphologically, and species distribution, seasonal activity, and abundance trends were analysed using statistical methods. Spatiotemporal maps were created using GIS tools to assess the geographic patterns of sand fly populations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 17,453 specimens were collected, with <i>Sergentomyia sintoni</i> (48.0%) and <i>Phlebotomus papatasi</i> (30.0%) being the most abundant species. The highest sand fly abundance was recorded in 2022. Seasonal activity patterns varied by species, with <i>S. sintoni</i> and <i>Ph. Papatasi</i> exhibiting bimodal peaks in June and August. The majority of specimens (96.5%) were collected from outdoors, which indicates the exophilic behaviour of sand flies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings establish an essential basis for public health decision-making and support the formulation of targeted, cost-effective, and ecologically responsible interventions to reduce sand fly populations and mitigate the spread of sand fly-borne diseases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 1","pages":"83-94"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145640624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ivana Jezkova, Alena Fornůsková, Ľudovít Ďureje, Miloš Macholán, Jaroslav Piálek, Joëlle Goüy de Bellocq
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected rodent-borne zoonotic virus primarily infecting house mice. The virus can be highly pathogenic, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and in congenital infections. LCMV is distributed worldwide but shows local clustering, probably due to the highly structured populations of its hosts and the vertical transmission of the pathogen. These factors should also promote long-term virus persistence in wild populations, yet this aspect remains largely unexplored. To investigate this, we resampled a transect in the western Czech Republic that was primarily studied more than a decade ago. Additionally, we analyzed a sample collection from Buškovice, a locality where LCMV was first detected in 2008, to trace virus presence back to the year 2000. Positive samples underwent whole-genome characterisation to assess the virus's genetic structure over space and time. We detected intermittent presence over 24 years in a geographically limited area, where LCMV was already present in 2000 and remained detectable in 2023. Phylogenetic analysis showed no clear spatio-temporal clustering, suggesting that virus persistence in Buškovice is a dynamic process involving mouse dispersal between neighbouring villages. Given LCMV's zoonotic potential and house mouse synanthropy, these findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring in the region.
{"title":"Local Maintenance and Genomic Diversity of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus in Natural Populations of House Mice in the Czech Republic Over a 24-Year Period","authors":"Ivana Jezkova, Alena Fornůsková, Ľudovít Ďureje, Miloš Macholán, Jaroslav Piálek, Joëlle Goüy de Bellocq","doi":"10.1111/zph.70028","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70028","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected rodent-borne zoonotic virus primarily infecting house mice. The virus can be highly pathogenic, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and in congenital infections. LCMV is distributed worldwide but shows local clustering, probably due to the highly structured populations of its hosts and the vertical transmission of the pathogen. These factors should also promote long-term virus persistence in wild populations, yet this aspect remains largely unexplored. To investigate this, we resampled a transect in the western Czech Republic that was primarily studied more than a decade ago. Additionally, we analyzed a sample collection from Buškovice, a locality where LCMV was first detected in 2008, to trace virus presence back to the year 2000. Positive samples underwent whole-genome characterisation to assess the virus's genetic structure over space and time. We detected intermittent presence over 24 years in a geographically limited area, where LCMV was already present in 2000 and remained detectable in 2023. Phylogenetic analysis showed no clear spatio-temporal clustering, suggesting that virus persistence in Buškovice is a dynamic process involving mouse dispersal between neighbouring villages. Given LCMV's zoonotic potential and house mouse synanthropy, these findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 1","pages":"107-112"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.70028","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shahista Nisa, Stuart Littlejohn, Ahmed Fayaz, Scarlet Deen, Maryna Sokolova, Paul Ogbuigwe, Marie Moinet, Adrian L. Cookson, Julie Collins-Emerson, Chris N. Niebuhr, Emilie Vallee, Jonathan Marshall, Jackie Benschop
Introduction
The introduction of PCR testing for leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand has reduced the availability of serotyping data, and current diagnostic PCRs do not routinely genotype Leptospira. This study genotyped Leptospira from PCR-confirmed human cases between 2016 and 2023 and compared them with genotypes found in animals to identify potential sources of infection in a 2023 human leptospirosis outbreak.
Methods
Human samples were genotyped using glmU amplicon sequencing and compared to animal genotypes from previous studies. In addition, human national surveillance data were analysed to provide broader epidemiological context including regional distribution to reveal outbreak areas; diagnostic test usage to assess trends; serotyping results to evaluate consistency across methods; and demographic information to evaluate the representativeness of the genotyped dataset. Chi-squared and Poisson regression were used to assess host-genotype associations, and phylogenetics evaluated genetic relatedness.
Results
Surveillance data showed flood-associated outbreaks in several regions and a significant shift in diagnostic practice (p ≤ 0.001), with increased use of PCR. Genotyping of PCR-confirmed cases revealed a rise in Pomona infections in 2023 across rural flood-associated regions (Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Waikato and Wairarapa). In contrast, the Auckland region—including Aotearoa's largest city which also experienced flooding—had infections linked to Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ. In animals, Pomona was primarily detected in sheep (Ovis aries), followed by cattle, while Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ were primarily detected in mice (Mus musculus), Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), respectively.
Conclusions
Flooding-driven outbreaks in rural areas with pastoral livestock were predominantly linked to livestock-associated strains, while urban cases were associated with rodents and small wildlife. These findings highlight the need for tailored mitigation strategies addressing distinct epidemiological risks in rural and urban settings. Surveillance strategies should be adapted to preserve typing capabilities to better inform public health responses in future outbreaks.
{"title":"Genotyping Reveals Potential Sources of Human Leptospirosis Outbreaks in Aotearoa New Zealand","authors":"Shahista Nisa, Stuart Littlejohn, Ahmed Fayaz, Scarlet Deen, Maryna Sokolova, Paul Ogbuigwe, Marie Moinet, Adrian L. Cookson, Julie Collins-Emerson, Chris N. Niebuhr, Emilie Vallee, Jonathan Marshall, Jackie Benschop","doi":"10.1111/zph.70022","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70022","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The introduction of PCR testing for leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand has reduced the availability of serotyping data, and current diagnostic PCRs do not routinely genotype <i>Leptospira</i>. This study genotyped <i>Leptospira</i> from PCR-confirmed human cases between 2016 and 2023 and compared them with genotypes found in animals to identify potential sources of infection in a 2023 human leptospirosis outbreak.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Human samples were genotyped using <i>glmU</i> amplicon sequencing and compared to animal genotypes from previous studies. In addition, human national surveillance data were analysed to provide broader epidemiological context including regional distribution to reveal outbreak areas; diagnostic test usage to assess trends; serotyping results to evaluate consistency across methods; and demographic information to evaluate the representativeness of the genotyped dataset. Chi-squared and Poisson regression were used to assess host-genotype associations, and phylogenetics evaluated genetic relatedness.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Surveillance data showed flood-associated outbreaks in several regions and a significant shift in diagnostic practice (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001), with increased use of PCR. Genotyping of PCR-confirmed cases revealed a rise in Pomona infections in 2023 across rural flood-associated regions (Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Waikato and Wairarapa). In contrast, the Auckland region—including Aotearoa's largest city which also experienced flooding—had infections linked to Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ. In animals, Pomona was primarily detected in sheep (<i>Ovis aries</i>), followed by cattle, while Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ were primarily detected in mice (<i>Mus musculus</i>), Norway rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>) and brushtail possums (<i>Trichosurus vulpecula</i>), respectively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Flooding-driven outbreaks in rural areas with pastoral livestock were predominantly linked to livestock-associated strains, while urban cases were associated with rodents and small wildlife. These findings highlight the need for tailored mitigation strategies addressing distinct epidemiological risks in rural and urban settings. Surveillance strategies should be adapted to preserve typing capabilities to better inform public health responses in future outbreaks.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 1","pages":"54-64"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.70022","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145551419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jan M. Sargeant, Amy Caughey, Wanda Joy, Allison MacRury, Ellen Vriezen
The Arctic is habitat for a range of animal species, many of which are consumed by Indigenous Peoples and are central to Indigenous food sovereignty. Country food (locally harvested food from the land, sea and sky) is nutritious, and harvesting country food is an important cultural activity, making understanding of potential zoonotic disease exposure an important concern for public health. The objective of this scoping review was to describe the animal-related research in the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada and Greenland, with a focus on zoonotic pathogens in animals and humans. Overall, 3072 articles described animal-related research, with common topics including animal health, environmental contaminants in animals and animal population estimates, whereas few articles included a consideration of Indigenous Knowledges. Parasites were the most common type of zoonotic pathogens studied, with terrestrial and marine mammals the most studied species groups. Trichinella and Toxoplasma were the most commonly studied zoonotic parasites in both animals and humans. Brucella spp., Leptospira interogans and Francisella tularensis were commonly studied bacterial zoonoses in the animal health literature, whereas Clostridium botulinum (and toxin) was the most studied zoonoses in humans related to bacteria from animals. Rabies or exposure to rabies was the most common zoonotic virus studied in both animals and humans. Common objectives for both animal health and human health studies included estimating prevalence, identifying risk factors and describing morbidity or mortality. Studies estimating disease incidence or evaluating the effectiveness of interventions were uncommon. Climate change considerations were increasingly being included as a study component over time. In conclusion, although there is a substantive body of research on animal and zoonotic health in these regions of the Arctic, further engagement with Indigenous Knowledges and more focused study on disease prevention and intervention are crucial for safeguarding both wildlife and human health in this unique environment.
{"title":"Animal-Related Research in the Arctic With a Focus on Animal Health and Zoonotic Disease: A Scoping Review","authors":"Jan M. Sargeant, Amy Caughey, Wanda Joy, Allison MacRury, Ellen Vriezen","doi":"10.1111/zph.70027","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70027","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Arctic is habitat for a range of animal species, many of which are consumed by Indigenous Peoples and are central to Indigenous food sovereignty. Country food (locally harvested food from the land, sea and sky) is nutritious, and harvesting country food is an important cultural activity, making understanding of potential zoonotic disease exposure an important concern for public health. The objective of this scoping review was to describe the animal-related research in the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada and Greenland, with a focus on zoonotic pathogens in animals and humans. Overall, 3072 articles described animal-related research, with common topics including animal health, environmental contaminants in animals and animal population estimates, whereas few articles included a consideration of Indigenous Knowledges. Parasites were the most common type of zoonotic pathogens studied, with terrestrial and marine mammals the most studied species groups. <i>Trichinella</i> and <i>Toxoplasma</i> were the most commonly studied zoonotic parasites in both animals and humans. <i>Brucella</i> spp., <i>Leptospira interogans</i> and <i>Francisella tularensis</i> were commonly studied bacterial zoonoses in the animal health literature, whereas <i>Clostridium botulinum</i> (and toxin) was the most studied zoonoses in humans related to bacteria from animals. Rabies or exposure to rabies was the most common zoonotic virus studied in both animals and humans. Common objectives for both animal health and human health studies included estimating prevalence, identifying risk factors and describing morbidity or mortality. Studies estimating disease incidence or evaluating the effectiveness of interventions were uncommon. Climate change considerations were increasingly being included as a study component over time. In conclusion, although there is a substantive body of research on animal and zoonotic health in these regions of the Arctic, further engagement with Indigenous Knowledges and more focused study on disease prevention and intervention are crucial for safeguarding both wildlife and human health in this unique environment.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145551341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anita Dame-Korevaar, Erik Kuiper, Jose L. Gonzales, Kees Veldman
Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is defined by the World Health Organization as one of the most important health threats, that needs a One Health approach. Monitoring AMR in livestock is an important element, which has been done in the Netherlands in a monitoring program since 1998. The aim was to analyse AMR trends during the periods 2010–2018 and 2019–2023.
Methods
A dataset containing the antimicrobial resistance data of > 12,000 indicator E. coli isolates collected from faecal samples from broilers, fattening pigs and veal calves at slaughter houses, as part of the Dutch AMR monitoring program, was built to analyze AMR trends. ECOFF values were used to distinguish wild-type (WT) and non-wild-type (non-WT, phenotypically resistant) isolates.
Results
In the period 2010–2018 decreasing resistance patterns to most antibiotics were seen in broilers, fattening pigs and veal calves. However, in the period 2019–2023 flattening resistance patterns were observed in broilers and fattening pigs for antibiotics amoxicillin/ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, at relatively high levels of resistance, despite a reduction in antibiotic usage during this period.
Conclusions
Following a significant decreasing trend in the prevalence of AMR between 2010 and 2018, no significant changes in the prevalence of AMR were observed between 2019 and 2023 for most antibiotics. To get more insight into the limited correlation between usage and resistance in recent years, further studies are needed to analyse the relation, and underlying factors, between antibiotic usage and AMR more in depth.
{"title":"Flattening Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance Levels in Indicator E. coli in Dutch Livestock","authors":"Anita Dame-Korevaar, Erik Kuiper, Jose L. Gonzales, Kees Veldman","doi":"10.1111/zph.70025","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70025","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is defined by the World Health Organization as one of the most important health threats, that needs a One Health approach. Monitoring AMR in livestock is an important element, which has been done in the Netherlands in a monitoring program since 1998. The aim was to analyse AMR trends during the periods 2010–2018 and 2019–2023.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A dataset containing the antimicrobial resistance data of > 12,000 indicator <i>E. coli</i> isolates collected from faecal samples from broilers, fattening pigs and veal calves at slaughter houses, as part of the Dutch AMR monitoring program, was built to analyze AMR trends. ECOFF values were used to distinguish wild-type (WT) and non-wild-type (non-WT, phenotypically resistant) isolates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In the period 2010–2018 decreasing resistance patterns to most antibiotics were seen in broilers, fattening pigs and veal calves. However, in the period 2019–2023 flattening resistance patterns were observed in broilers and fattening pigs for antibiotics amoxicillin/ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, at relatively high levels of resistance, despite a reduction in antibiotic usage during this period.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Following a significant decreasing trend in the prevalence of AMR between 2010 and 2018, no significant changes in the prevalence of AMR were observed between 2019 and 2023 for most antibiotics. To get more insight into the limited correlation between usage and resistance in recent years, further studies are needed to analyse the relation, and underlying factors, between antibiotic usage and AMR more in depth.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"73 1","pages":"74-82"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.70025","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145534014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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