Irish Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), a condition triggered by bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), is recognized globally as a prevalent pathogen among ruminants and markedly affects the economics of animal husbandry. MicroRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs, play pivotal roles in regulating a myriad of biological processes.The ATG7-LC3 pathway, a canonical autophagy mechanism, is integral in defending against pathogenic invasion and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Results: In this study, we observed significant downregulation of bta-miR-221 in cells infected with BVDV. We further established that overexpression of bta-miR-221 markedly attenuated BVDV replication in Madin‒Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Through bioinformatics prediction analysis, we identified ATG7, an autophagy-related gene, as a direct downstream target of bta-miR-221. However, the intricate relationships among bta-miR-221, the ATG7-LC3 pathway, and BVDV infection remained unclear. Our study revealed that ATG7 expression was significantly elevated in BVDV-infected cells, whereas bta-miR-221 mimics repressed both endogenous and exogenous ATG7 expression. Following BVDV infection, we noted a decrease in LC3I expression, its conversion to LC3II, a significant increase in ATG7 expression, and a notable decrease in SQSTM1/p62 expression. By employing laser confocal microscopy and immunoprecipitation assays, we elucidated the regulation of the ATG7-LC3 pathway by bta-miR-221 in MDBK cells. Our findings recealed that BVDV infection enhanced the ATG7-LC3 interaction, inducing autophagy through the suppression of bta-miR-221 in MDBK cells. Consequently, bta-miR-221 emerged as a potent inhibitor of BVDV, impacting its proliferation and replication within the host.

Conclusions: This research sheds light on novel aspects of virus-host interactions and lays a foundation for the development of antiviral therapeutics.

Between October 2018 and December 2020, an opportunistic collection of tissues from 218 foxes was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) in this species. A pooled sample of lymph nodes, lung and other tissues from each fox, was cultured for the presence of M. bovis. The organism was not isolated from any fox samples, but non-tuberculous mycobacteria were recovered from 20 foxes. These results suggest that it is unlikely that foxes represent a significant wildlife source of M. bovis in Ireland.

Background: Dairy cows commonly experience a negative energy balance (NEB) during early lactation as energy demands for maintenance and milk production exceed intake. Although most cows metabolically adapt to NEB and avoid ketosis, those that fail to adapt develop ketosis, which disrupts metabolism and reduces productivity. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters are crucial for understanding these metabolic disruptions. However, limited research has examined how these parameters change from calving to ketosis onset. This study aimed to investigate these changes, identify parameters associated with ketosis classification, and evaluate their implications for dairy cow health. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of Holstein cows and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) was tested once every three days during the postpartum period (8 times in 21 days).

Results: Cows were categorised into three groups based on their highest BHBA concentration: non-ketosis (NK; BHBA < 1.2 mmol/L; n = 75), subclinical ketosis (SCK; BHBA ≥ 1.2 mmol/L and < 3.0 mmol/L; n = 46), and clinical ketosis (CK; BHBA ≥ 3.0 mmol/L; n = 35). The NK group had the highest red blood cell and monocyte counts, red cell distribution width, and alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations. However, this group had the lowest mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and total bilirubin concentrations on the day of calving and at ketosis onset, followed by the SCK and CK groups (p < 0.05). In the NK group, counts of neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils, along with NEFA and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations, decreased from the day of calving to ketosis onset. Conversely, ALT, aspartate transaminase (AST), and magnesium concentrations increased in the SCK and CK groups (p < 0.05). The NK group had the most pronounced changes in glucose, triglyceride, and magnesium and the lowest BHBA, LDH, and AST concentrations, followed by the SCK and CK groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study identified key haematological and serum biochemical changes associated with ketosis classification in dairy cows, highlighting metabolic adaptations in the NK group that mitigate ketosis risk and metabolic dysfunctions in the SCK and CK groups that develop ketosis. These findings provide practical markers for early detection and management of ketosis, supporting improved dairy cow health and productivity.

Foals commonly experience diarrhoea in the first weeks of life. Although this condition is rarely life-threatening, it can have significant health consequences. This study investigated whether new-born foals can benefit from a dietary supplement of nucleotides, as already demonstrated in other species. Dietary nucleotides have positive effects on rapidly proliferating tissues and are considered "semi-essential nutrients" since cells have only a limited capacity to synthesize these compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate whether providing foals with a dietary nucleotide supplementation, in the form of an oral paste, was able to affect diarrhoea incidence, systemic immunity, intestinal microbiota and volatile fatty acid production. Thirty new-born standardbred foals, from 3 different premises within the same area, were equally distributed between two groups: one group received an oral paste containing dietary nucleotides (NUCL group), while the other received a placebo paste (CTRL group). Faecal and blood samples were collected on days 1 and 35 after birth. No statistical differences in cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12) or faecal calprotectin levels were found between the two groups, suggesting that the level of nucleotide supplementation used in this study did not have significant effects on the systemic immune system and on the levels of faecal calprotectin. However, the NUCL group showed a lower relative frequency of number of days with diarrhoea (6.12% vs 13.33%; p < 0.001) and greater weight gain compared with the CTRL group (50.3 ± 5.65 kg vs 44.0 ± 8.65 kg; p < 0.05). Total volatile fatty acids, branched volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, succinic acid and iso-butyric acids in faecal samples were all higher in the NUCL group compared with the CTRL group. This outcome may explain an earlier establishment of a gut microbiota in the foals of the NUCL group that was closer to that typical of an adult horse, characterised by predominant fibrolytic populations. Volatile fatty acid production (especially butyric acid) has also been shown to correlate with the intestinal well-being of the horse, supporting the use of dietary nucleotide supplements for improved health and well-being in new-born foals. Although we noted no clear differences in the faecal microbial communities between the two groups, dietary nucleotide supplementation did appear to have a positive clinical outcome, reducing the number of days of diarrhoea and increasing the levels of volatile fatty acids.

Canine Circovirus (CanineCV) is an emerging viral pathogen affecting dogs and wild canids worldwide. Belonging to the Circoviridae family, CanineCV exhibits genetic variability and has been associated with various clinical manifestations, including gastroenteritis, respiratory symptoms, and neurological disorders. While its prevalence is notable, gaps persist in understanding its pathogenicity and evolutionary origins. CanineCV often co-infects with other canine viruses, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Prevention strategies are hindered by the lack of targeted vaccines and the virus's resilience in the environment. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge on CanineCV and discusses the virus's genetic features and taxonomy, epidemiology in both domestic and wild populations, clinical manifestations, diagnosis methods, and prevention strategies. Additionally, the article highlights gaps in knowledge regarding CanineCV's pathogenicity, evolutionary aspects, and potential zoonotic transmission risks. Overall, it underscores the importance of further research to better understand and mitigate the impact of CanineCV on canine health and public health.

Formosan Reeve's muntjac is a Cervidae species endemic to Southeast China and Taiwan. However, research on different anesthetic protocols, their effects, and their safety in Formosan Reeve's muntjac is limited. This study evaluated the effects of ketamine-xylazine (KX) and alfaxalone-xylazine (AX) administered via blow darts to nine muntjacs. Induction and recovery times as well as the quality were assessed by a blinded observer. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were recorded for at least 30 min. Tolazoline (4 mg/kg) was used post-procedure to reverse xylazine's effects. The mean doses were 4.68 ± 2.18 mg/kg for ketamine and 3.22 ± 1.33 mg/kg for xylazine in the KX group. In the AX group, the mean doses were 4.38 ± 0.31 mg/kg for alfaxalone and 1.19 ± 0.26 mg/kg for xylazine. The median induction times were 339.5 s (range 180.0-375.0) for KX and 125.0 s (range 71.0-334.0) for AX, with both groups scoring 3.0 for induction quality. The recovery times were 507.5 s (range 266.0-1081.0) for KX and 243.0 s (range 92.0-480.0) for AX, with recovery scores of 2.3 and 3.0, respectively, showing no significant difference. Hypoxemia (SpO₂ < 90%) was more severe in the KX group when compared to the AX group (SpO₂ > 92%), and rectal temperatures were higher in the former during the first 15 min. Heart and respiratory rates showed no significant differences between groups. Our findings demonstrate that both anesthetic combinations achieve reliable induction and satisfactory recovery in Formosan Reeve's muntjac, with the ketamine-xylazine combination causing a more profound hypoxemia post-induction compared to the alfaxalone-xylazine combination.

Background: Biosecurity measures are crucial to the introduction and spread of pathogens both within and between farms. External biosecurity focuses on preventing pathogens from entering or leaving the farm, while internal biosecurity aims to limit or stop the spread of pathogens within the farm. Implementing biosecurity measures not only protects animals from disease but also has positive effects on productivity, welfare and farm profitability. By reducing the need for antimicrobials, biosecurity measures also contribute to combating antimicrobial resistance. To assess and improve biosecurity, tools like Biocheck.UGent have been developed. In Ireland, the Biocheck.UGent tool has been widely used in pig farms since 2018. The aims of this study were firstly to assess temporal trends on biosecurity scores in Irish pig farms from 2018 to 2023 using the Biocheck.UGent tool and secondly to identify areas for improvement.

Results: There was an increase in the number of annual assessments over the study period, with the majority of farms being assessed multiple times. Overall, external biosecurity scores were higher than internal scores. Improvements in the scores were observed over time for most of the subcategories for external and internal biosecurity and across the different farm types. Analysis of the subcategories within the scoring system revealed areas with lower scores, including disease management, cleaning and disinfection, and measures between compartments. Weaner-to-finisher farms tended to have lower scores compared to other farm types.

Conclusions: While external biosecurity in Irish pig farms is generally high, there is room for improvement in internal biosecurity. This study highlights the importance of continuous efforts to improve biosecurity. The data obtained will aid in estimating the cost-benefit of implementing biosecurity measures, crucial for decision-making and better returns on investments.

Background: Control strategies against contagious agalactia (CA), considered one of the most important diseases affecting small ruminants in countries surrounding the Mediterranean, are mainly based on traditional strategies considered suboptimal such as the use of inactivated vaccines and antibiotics. This manuscript analysed the efficacy of an alternative non-mandatory official control programme based on a multi-platform diagnostic panel and biosecurity developed and started in 185 herds placed in a contagious agalactia endemic area of Spain, using the data of 74,080 samples collected and analysed during a 4 years-period (2018-2021).

Results: Globally, the combined analyses of bulk tank milk (BTM), ear or nasal swabs (in goats or sheep, respectively) and the serology to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma), allowed the detection of 40.54% of positive farms (n = 75), with Ma the species always detected in sheep (100%) and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc, 68,8%), Ma (29,3%) or both of them (1,9%) in goats. Taking into account productive aptitude and vaccination against CA, the use of BTM, ear or nasal swabs, and serology for herd classification demonstrated either a lack of concordance or only weak concordance. In herds that did not vaccinate, the classification of positives by male serology or swab detection showed moderate concordance. Vaccination against AC proved to be a protective factor against the occurrence of herds with bucks or rams testing positive.

Conclusions: Since the different diagnostic techniques are not interchangeable, it is necessary to apply a multi-platform diagnostic panel for the accurate classification of herds. Based on official classification, strict biosecurity standards, including the prohibition of the entry of animals with unknown health status, allowed the completion of the CA control program.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic bacterial disease. It has considerable negative consequences on the animal production industry worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic and molecular variations in Shami goat susceptible to Brucella infection. Blood samples were collected from fifty mature Shami goats (30 Brucella-infected does and 20 non-infection). DNA was extracted and selected parts the immunity; solute carrier family 11 member 1 (SLC11A1), toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), SP110 nuclear body protein (SP110), the adenosine A3 receptor (ADORA3), caspase activating recruitment domain 15 (CARD15) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), antioxidant glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and erythritol related transketolase (TKT), ribose 5-phosphate isomerase (RPIA) and Adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD) genes were sequenced. Likewise, the levels of gene expressions were investigated. The results identified polymorphic variants between healthy and infected does. Levels of gene expression of SLC11A1, TLR1, TLR9, SP110, ADORA3, CARD15, IRF3, HMOX1, TKT, RPIA and AMPD were significantly (P < 0.05) up regulated in the infected compared to the non-infected ones. On the other hand, GPX1, NOS, NQO1 and Nrf2 genes were significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated in the infected compared to the non-infected does. The results of serum profile indicated that there is a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the activities of AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, ALP as well as serum level of globulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, MDA, NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, IgM, IgG, haptoglobin and amyloid A. On the other hand, there were significant reductions in the glucose, total protein albumin, urea, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, copper, zinc, iron, TAC, GSH, SOD, GPx, IL-10 and fibrinogen in the infected compared to the non-infected does. Our results provide valuable information about the serum profile variations and putative genetic markers for Brucella infection in goats. This could be utilized in controlling goat brucellosis through selective breeding of natural resistant animals.

Long-distance transport and associated fasting of unweaned calves have the potential to compromise the animals' welfare. This observational study aimed to determine how transport and fasting durations impacted the physiology and health of 115 transported calves in three transport groups; IRE (n = 20, mean age 29.8d; short road transport (~ 29 h incl. resting time) and short feed deprivation (~ 11 h)), INT (n = 65, mean age 24.9d; long road/ferry transport (~ 79 h incl. resting times) and long feed deprivation (~ 28 h and 25 h)), and NLD (n = 30, mean age 17.7d; short road transport (~ 28 h incl. resting time) and long feed deprivation (> 18 h)). All calves travelled through an assembly centre. Each calf was blood sampled (arrival at destination farm, 1-week and 3-weeks post-arrival), health scored (arrival, 1, 3, 7, 8, 20d post-arrival) and weighed (farm/mart of origin [IRE and INT only], arrival, and 3-weeks post-arrival). (Generalised) linear mixed models were used to analyse differences in blood variables, weight, and health scores on arrival and during recovery (all other timepoints). Despite differing transport durations, both INT and NLD calves exhibited glucose, beta-hydroxy-butyrate, non-esterified-fatty-acids and sodium levels outside reference limits upon arrival, which were different from values observed in IRE calves (p < 0.05). Lactate and potassium were above reference range for INT calves on arrival, and higher than in IRE and NLD groups (p < 0.05). One- and three-weeks post arrival, most variables returned to within reference ranges, and differences between groups were minimal and not clearly associated with either transport duration or fasting during transport. Health scores did not differ between transport groups at arrival, and differences were minimal during the three-week recovery period. INT calves lost more weight during the journey than IRE calves (p < 0.01), while INT and NLD calves gained similar weight in the 3-weeks post-arrival, but less than IRE calves (both p < 0.01). Overall, changes in the physiological status of calves post transport appeared to relate more to the duration of feed deprivation than to the duration of transport, except for potassium and lactate (muscle fatigue), which were impacted more for INT calves. Most variables showed clear signs of recovery to within reference levels for all groups within three weeks. Minimizing the duration of feed deprivation during transport should be a key consideration for the dairy industry to reduce the impact of transport on calf welfare.