Veterinary Quarterly最新文献

Bluetongue (BT), caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV), is a vector-borne disease that primarily affects domestic and wild ruminants and is recognized globally for its significant impact on animal health, livestock productivity, and the economy. While traditionally considered as a disease confined to ruminants, recent evidence reveals that BTV has a broader host range, expanding to atypical species, including carnivores. This review consolidates current knowledge on natural and experimental BTV infection in atypical hosts, with particular emphasis on carnivores. The occurrence of acute or subacute infections, together with the detection of BTV-specific antibodies and viral RNA in carnivores such as dogs and lynx, points to a broader ecological interface. Expanding our understanding of BTV infection beyond classical ruminant hosts is essential for refining surveillance and control strategies, and for anticipating shifts in disease ecology under changing environmental and epidemiological conditions.

Pigeon coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is an important veterinary disease with a significant economic impact on the pigeon industry. Preventive measures for Eimeria columbarum in pigeons have been hampered by the lack of extensive genetic, morphological, and biological data on the oocysts. In this study, we examined the prevalence and identity of Eimeria spp. in domestic pigeons from seven cities in Guangdong Province, China. Data show that coccidiosis was prevalent in domestic pigeons in Guangdong Province, with an overall Eimeria spp. detection rate of 73.4%. Five Eimeria species were identified, including E. columbarum (73.4%), Eimeria kapotei (25.6%), Eimeria labbeana (19.6%), Eimeria duculai (19.6%), and Eimeria tropicalis (6.7%). We obtained single oocyst-derived lines of the dominant E. columbarum from fecal specimens. E. columbarum oocysts measured 20.06 ± 0.69 μm × 18.63 ± 1.03 μm, and sporocysts measured 10.29 ± 0.82 μm × 85.38 ± 0.46 μm. In infection experiment using obtained E. columbarum isolates, 60-day-old coccidia-free pigeons exhibited a prepatent period of 105 h and patent period of 9-10 days followed by severe diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and emaciation. Endogenous development of the parasite was observed mainly in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and rectum. Two generations of meronts developed on days 3 and 4 after infection, respectively, while gamont and gamete developed on day 5 after infection. The morphological, genetic, and biological data are expected to be useful in elucidating the biological characterization of pigeon coccidiosis to develop measures against the treatment and containment of this disease.

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and a questionnaire were used as indicators of chronic stress status and quality of life (QoL), respectively, in cats. To date, there has been limited research on the simultaneous application of both indicators in unwell cats. Our aim was to evaluate HCC and questionnaire data obtained from a healthy cat cohort (n = 61) and cat cohorts with either chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 78) or suspected feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) (n = 24). Furthermore, we also investigated the correlation between HCC and clinical pathological data. For this study, hair from the abdomen of cats was collected and analyzed for HCC using a commercial ELISA kit. Owners also completed a questionnaire, from which average-item-weighted-impact-scores (AWISs) were calculated. Cats with late-stage-CKD (median, HCC = 330.15 pg/mg, AWIS = -0.43) presented with a significantly higher HCC (p < 0.01) and a significantly lower AWIS (p < 0.01) than cats with early-stage-CKD (HCC = 183.56 pg/mg, AWIS = 1.08). Similarly, there were significant differences in both HCC (p < 0.001) and AWIS (p < 0.001) between cats with suspected FIP (HCC = 896.27 pg/mg, AWIS = -1.97) and healthy cats (HCC = 181.24 pg/mg, AWIS = 1.24). The degree of consistency between the HCC results and the questionnaire results reminds us that the severity of a chronic disease or the presence of a life-threatening disease can significantly increase stress and thus can affect the QoL of cats.

Pancreatic alpha amylase (P-AMY) is used as a biomarker of acute pancreatitis (AP) in human medicine. To our knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the usefulness of P-AMY in dogs with AP. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of P-AMY, currently not verified in veterinary medicine. The AP group (n = 40) consisted of dogs with AP diagnosed using clinical signs and laboratory examinations, including abnormal canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) concentration, and compatible abdominal ultrasound examination at first presentation. Evaluation of the canine AP severity (CAPS) score was performed. The control group (n = 38) was composed of normal dogs without any abnormalities in clinical findings, blood exams or diagnostic imaging. The correlation of P-AMY with cPL was confirmed by Pearson's correlation analysis (r = 0.564, p < .001). The sensitivity and specificity for the most appropriate cut-off values of P-AMY were recorded similar to the values of DGGR. The dogs with AP and CAPS ≥11 had significantly higher serum P-AMY (p = .016) contrary to DGGR lipase and cPL. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the median P-AMY dependent on the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (p = .001). P-AMY showed similar level of diagnostic accuracy along with sensitivity and specificity compared to DGGR lipase. In addition, P-AMY showed a significant association with CAPS score, contrary to cPL and DGGR lipase. Along with other biomarkers associated with AP, P-AMY has the potential of usefulness as a supportive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of AP in dogs.

Animal industry seeks cost-effective solutions to enhance performance and health of domestic animals. This study investigated the effects of supplementing Bacillus spp. probiotics and xylanase on 2000 one-day-old Japanese quails, randomly assigned to four treatment groups (10 replicates). The control group received no supplementation, while the others were supplemented with a Bacillus-based probiotic at 7.5 × 10⁷ cfu/kg of feed, xylanase enzyme (2,000 U/kg) alone or in combination. Quails receiving both probiotic and enzyme exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher weekly and overall weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios compared to the control group. Dressing percentage was higher (p < 0.01), and mortality lower in birds supplemented with a combination of enzyme and probiotic. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in quails receiving combined probiotic and enzyme supplementation, while titres against Newcastle disease virus were higher (p < 0.01) in groups supplemented with probiotic and enzyme individually or in combination. Additionally, digestibility was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in groups receiving combined enzyme and probiotic supplementation, with higher apparent metabolizable energy compared to the control. The populations of beneficial Lactobacillus increased, while harmful E. coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both probiotic and enzyme. In conclusion, supplementing xylanase enzyme and probiotic together in Japanese quails positively influenced growth, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and cecal microbiota.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual plant belonging to the family of Cannabaceae with several varieties characterized by different fatty acid profile, content in flavonoids, polyphenols, and cannabinoid compounds. Hemp is mostly used in livestock nutrition as oil or as protein cake, but not as inflorescences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary hemp inflorescences on milk yield and composition in grazing dairy goats. Twenty Camosciata delle Alpi goats at their 3rd parity and with a mean body weight of 45.2 ± 2.0 kg, immediately after kidding, were equally allocated into two groups (G: Grazing and GH: grazing and hemp). For three months, all goats were fed on a permanent pasture and received 700/head/day of concentrate; diet of group GH was supplemented with 20 g/head/day of hemp inflorescences. Goats' body weight did not change during the trial. Individual milk yield was daily recorded and samples collected every 20 days for chemical composition and fatty acid profile analysis. No significant differences were found for milk yield and chemical composition. Caproic (C6:0) (1.80 vs. 1.74%; p < 0.01) and lauric acids (C12:0) were significantly higher in milk of group GH (4.83 vs. 4.32%; p < 0.01) as well as linoleic (C18:2) (2.04 vs. 1.93%; p < 0.05), adrenic acid (C22:4) (0.046 vs. 0.031%, p < 0.05), omega-6/omega-3 ratio (3.17 vs. 2.93, p < 0.05) and total conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) (0.435 vs. 0.417%; p < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that the supplementation of grazing goats' diet with hemp inflorescences may enhance the milk nutritional characteristics by increasing its content of CLAs and other beneficial fatty acids.

Indonesia has a long history of livestock brucellosis, but the overall pooled prevalence remains unclear. This study aims to determine the pooled estimated prevalence of livestock brucellosis in Indonesia using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Five databases were searched and screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from included studies were extracted and analyzed using a random effects model in R 4.3.0 for pooled estimated prevalence, subgroup meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Publication bias and sensitivity tests were conducted using Egger's test, funnel plot, trim and fill plot, and leave-one-out. The screening process identified 46 included studies, representing 47,057 samples for brucellosis testing. The pooled estimated prevalence for livestock brucellosis was 3.25% (95% CI, 1.81%-5.78%) with high heterogeneity (Q = 2130.91, p = 0, I²=98%). Subgroup meta-analysis indicated no significant difference in the prevalence of livestock brucellosis across the main islands in Indonesia (p = 0.44) and across provinces in Sulawesi Island (p = 0.83), but significant differences were found among provinces in Java (p < 0.01). The subgroup meta-analysis based on animal type showed no significant difference between cattle, small ruminants, and pig brucellosis estimated prevalence (p = 0.26). Between serological tests, no significant difference was found (p = 0.77). Meta-regression showed no significant difference in brucellosis prevalence from 1988-2023. Egger's test and funnel plot showed publication bias. Trim and fill test indicated 21 studies should be added. As most studies were conducted in Java and Sulawesi Islands, caution should be exercised in interpreting the results, emphasizing the necessity of increasing the study of brucellosis in other regions.

SARS-CoV-2's rapid global spread caused the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. Alongside humans, domestic dogs and cats are also susceptible to infection. However, limited reports on pet infections in Chile prompted a comprehensive study to address this knowledge gap. Between March 2021 and March 2023, the study assessed 65 pets (26 dogs and 39 cats) from 33 COVID-19+ households alongside 700 nasal swabs from animals in households with unknown COVID-19 status. Using RT-PCR, nasal, fecal, and environmental samples were analyzed for the virus. In COVID-19+ households, 6.06% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, belonging to 3 dogs, indicating human-to-pet transmission. Pets from households with unknown COVID-19 status tested negative for the virus. We obtained 2 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from animals, that belonged to Omicron BA.4.1 variant, marking the first report of pets infected with this lineage globally. Phylogenetic analysis showed these sequences clustered with human sequences collected in Chile during the same period when the BA.4.1 variant was prevalent in the country. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Chilean pets was relatively low, likely due to the country's high human vaccination rate. Our study highlights the importance of upholding and strengthening human vaccination strategies to mitigate the risk of interspecies transmission. It underscores the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing emerging zoonotic diseases, calling for further research on infection dynamics and risk factors for a comprehensive understanding.

This article attempts to present, for the first time, the usefulness and feasibility of using endoscopic techniques in the cloacal region of Varanus cumingi and Varanus macraei. This method can serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as offering an early approach to sex determination through the observation of the urodeum which in males ends in a blind end while in females it consists of two ostia which represent the outlets of the oviducts. In this context, commonly employed sex determination techniques, such as post-cloacal spur detection, have shown unreliability. The study involved the examination of ten specimens, approximately one year old, from a private breeding farm, following a complete clinical evaluation to confirm their general state of health. All subjects underwent sedation, which allowed the evaluation of anatomical structures, the health status of the cloaca and the determination of sex. This study and its findings may provide a critical basis for addressing population declines of these species, particularly for V. macraei, which has already been classified as 'endangered' by the IUCN.

Southern pudu (Pudu puda) is a threatened endemic deer of the temperate forests of Chile. In recent years pudu populations rates have decreased mainly due to anthropogenic causes including forest loss and landscape fragmentation. In this context, the parasitic fauna of Chilean pudu has been scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the parasitic status of rescued pudu n = 13 from its natural habitat in Central Chile (Maule region) during March 2022 and June 2023 by applying morphological, histopathological, and molecular analyses. As result, we report the presence of transmission of parasites from dogs to pudus as showed by the presence of metacestodes of the parasite Taenia hydatigena on omentum, liver, and pleura of pudus during postmortem examinations, being the first molecular report on the presence of this parasite on Chilean pudu. Meanwhile, ectoparasite examinations determined the presence of chewing and sucking lice on pudu exemplars here analysed. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of lice revealed new insights on Bovicola and Anoplura lice parasitizing P. puda in Chile, equally being the first genetic characterization of lice parasitizing pudu exemplars in Chile. In addition, parasite loads of lice and metacestodes were analysed. However, no statistically significance was observed when comparing environmental and individual traits influence on parasite load variation. Overall, the study area is the northern limit of habitat distribution of this specie in Chile and we here provide novel information on pudu deer parasites, thus making a useful and valuable contribution to the parasitological knowledge on this threatened species.