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Animals
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Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology
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Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 10086

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Cristina Ferreira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, IP), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
2. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
3. BioSystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Edificio Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus da FCUL, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: animal health; bacterial comparative genomics; brucellosis; diagnosis; genetic diversity; molecular epidemiology; one health; phylogenomic; veterinary microbiology; zoonoses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sandra Cavaco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, IP), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
Interests: one health; animal health; zoonotic diseases; brucellosis; tuberculosis; veterinary microbiology; diagnosis; bacterial comparative genomics; molecular epidemiology; phylogenomic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonotic diseases have diverse etiologies, with various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, capable of causing infections in both animals and humans. It is estimated that 60% of emerging infectious diseases globally reported are zoonoses, making their control a priority.  Efficient multisectoral surveillance as well as accurate and timely diagnoses are essential for controling zoonotic diseases, reducing their impact. Advanced diagnostic tools, including next-generation sequencing, are increasingly being employed to enhance the precision and speed of zoonotic disease diagnosis and epidemiology. Intersectoral surveillance involves monitoring both animal and human populations, as well as environments, to identify potential threats and patterns of transmission. Understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases involves studying the patterns, causes, and effects of these diseases within populations. Addressing the challenges posed by zoonotic diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach that spans human, animal, and environmental health. Etiological insights, accurate diagnostic tools, robust integrated surveillance systems, and a thorough understanding of epidemiological patterns are all essential components of effective prevention and control strategies for zoonotic diseases. 

This Special Issue aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge regarding the etiology, diagnosis, surveillance, and epidemiology of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The focus is on fostering a deeper understanding of these aspects to inform effective prevention and control strategies.

We invite researchers to submit original research papers and reviews that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Etiology of zoonotic diseases:
•    Identification and characterization of zoonotic pathogens.
•    Molecular mechanisms underlying cross-species transmission.
•    Investigation of reservoir hosts and intermediate hosts.

Diagnostic tools and techniques:
•    Advancements in diagnostic methods for zoonotic diseases.
•    Application of next-generation sequencing in enhancing diagnostic precision.
•    Case studies on successful diagnostic approaches.

Surveillance systems:
•    Development of robust surveillance strategies for monitoring animal and human populations.
•    Integration of technology and data analytics in surveillance.
•    Comparative analyses of surveillance systems across regions.

Epidemiological patterns:
•    Studies on the patterns, causes, and effects of zoonotic diseases within populations.
•    Modeling and analysis of epidemiological trends.
•    Impact of environmental factors on disease dynamics.

Dr. Ana Cristina Ferreira
Dr. Sandra Cavaco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • animal health
  • diagnostic
  • epidemiology
  • one health
  • surveillance
  • zoonotic diseases

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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15 pages, 1804 KiB  
Article
Brucella ceti in Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Portugal—Characterization of First Isolates
by Sandra Cavaco, Miguel L. Grilo, Ricardo Dias, Mónica Nunes, Pedro Pascoal, Marcelo Pereira, Catarina Fogaça, Ana Beatriz Costa, Sofia Pardal and Ana Cristina Ferreira
Animals 2025, 15(3), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030374 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1812
Abstract
This study investigates Brucella ceti infection in marine mammals stranded along the Lisbon and Tagus Valley coast between 2022 and mid-2024, marking the first report of Brucella presence in Portuguese waters. Out of 59 examined marine mammals, B. ceti was isolated in three [...] Read more.
This study investigates Brucella ceti infection in marine mammals stranded along the Lisbon and Tagus Valley coast between 2022 and mid-2024, marking the first report of Brucella presence in Portuguese waters. Out of 59 examined marine mammals, B. ceti was isolated in three common dolphins (5.1%), a prevalence rate consistent with previous studies from other coastlines. PCR-based detection indicated a higher infection rate (23.7%), suggesting an underestimation of the prevalence of B. ceti infection in this population. Multi-locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) revealed distinct genetic profiles and close relationships to B. ceti strains from the Atlantic, supporting the hypothesis of specific host-adapted lineages in dolphins. Virulence genes, including those for host interaction (bspE, btpB) and intracellular survival (virB7, vceA), were consistent across isolates, highlighting the pathogenic potential. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, such as mprF and efflux proteins (bepC-G), were also identified. These findings underscore the need for further research and surveillance to understand B. ceti transmission, host range, and impacts on Atlantic cetaceans, as well as to develop effective diagnostic and management strategies to mitigate infection risks in marine environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology)
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9 pages, 1054 KiB  
Article
Performance of Culture Using a Semi-Automatic Needle as a Novel Tool for Collecting Lymph Node Samples for the Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis
by Artur Augusto Velho Mendes Júnior, Fabiano Borges Figueiredo, Luiz Cláudio Ferreira, Lucas Keidel, Renato Orsini Ornellas, Adilson Benedito Almeida, Fernanda Nunes Santos, Luciana de Freitas Campos Miranda, Andreza Pain Marcelino, Sandro Antonio Pereira and Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
Animals 2025, 15(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15010107 - 5 Jan 2025
Viewed by 914
Abstract
Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study compared the performance of parasitological tests using semi-automatic needle puncture (SANP) for collecting popliteal lymph node samples with samples collected from the same [...] Read more.
Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study compared the performance of parasitological tests using semi-automatic needle puncture (SANP) for collecting popliteal lymph node samples with samples collected from the same lymph node by fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) and by necropsy for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Popliteal lymph node samples were collected from 30 CVL-seropositive dogs from an endemic region in Brazil. After clinical examination and euthanasia, samples were collected from the same lymph node by SANP, FNAP, and necropsy. The reference tests were culture, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology. Positivity for Leishmania spp. was 70% for immunohistochemistry and 33.3% for histopathology. Culture positivity using the different sampling techniques was 77% for necropsy (87% in the first week), 73% for FNAP (82% in the first week), and 63% for SANP (95% in the first week). The combination of SANP and culture proved to be an alternative for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. in the lymph node samples of dogs because of its high positivity rate and because it is more practical and faster and has a shorter time to positivity by culture when compared to FNAP and necropsy sampling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology)
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18 pages, 1949 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Procedure-Linked Risk Determinants in Trichinella spp. Inspection under a Quality Management System in Southern Spain
by José Villegas Pérez, Francisco Javier Navas González, Salud Serrano, Fernando García Viejo and Leandro Buffoni
Animals 2024, 14(19), 2802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192802 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 883
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a major foodborne zoonotic disease responsible for 41 human cases, according to the European Union One Health Zoonoses Report. In southern Spain, a quality management system (QMS) was applied to satellite laboratories (SLs) that conduct meat inspections of Trichinella spp. ensuring [...] Read more.
Trichinellosis is a major foodborne zoonotic disease responsible for 41 human cases, according to the European Union One Health Zoonoses Report. In southern Spain, a quality management system (QMS) was applied to satellite laboratories (SLs) that conduct meat inspections of Trichinella spp. ensuring excellence practices. This study aimed to determine how eventual deviations from standard procedures may influence risk levels using Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA). Data were collected during slaughterhouses and game handling establishments’ official audits in 18 SLs located in the provinces of Cordoba and Seville during a 6-year period. Technical requirement deviations regarding technique and trial information, such as performing tests or calculations incorrectly or not following technical procedures, significantly increased risk level differences. Imminent risk levels were detected if the above-mentioned deviations arose. Quality assurance compromising deviations were responsible for 1150 times risk level differences, suggesting finding such may be critical for risk determination. A lack of significant influence of records and documents compromising deviations (incomplete forms or missing-erroneous or illegible data) was found. These results strengthen Trichinella spp. control strategies by pinpointing crucial aspects within QMS that require improvement, particularly in addressing deviations related to technique, trial information, and quality assurance procedures to mitigate associated risks effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology)
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13 pages, 1650 KiB  
Article
A Rapid Detection Method for H3 Avian Influenza Viruses Based on RT–RAA
by Jiaqi Li, Huan Cui, Yuxin Zhang, Xuejing Wang, Huage Liu, Yingli Mu, Hongwei Wang, Xiaolong Chen, Tongchao Dong, Cheng Zhang and Ligong Chen
Animals 2024, 14(17), 2601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172601 - 6 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413
Abstract
The continued evolution of H3 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV)—which crosses the interspecific barrier to infect humans—and the potential risk of genetic recombination with other subtypes pose serious threats to the poultry industry and human health. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of H3 [...] Read more.
The continued evolution of H3 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV)—which crosses the interspecific barrier to infect humans—and the potential risk of genetic recombination with other subtypes pose serious threats to the poultry industry and human health. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of H3 virus is highly important for preventing its spread. In this study, a method based on real-time reverse transcription recombinase-aided isothermal amplification (RT–RAA) was successfully developed for the rapid detection of H3 AIV. Specific primers and probes were designed to target the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of H3 AIV, ensuring highly specific detection of H3 AIV without cross-reactivity with other important avian respiratory viruses. The results showed that the detection limit of the RT–RAA fluorescence reading method was 224 copies/response within the 95% confidence interval, while the detection limit of the RT–RAA visualization method was 1527 copies/response within the same confidence interval. In addition, 68 clinical samples were examined and the results were compared with those of real-time quantitative PCR (RT–qPCR). The results showed that the real-time fluorescence RT–RAA and RT–qPCR results were completely consistent, and the kappa value reached 1, indicating excellent correlation. For visual detection, the sensitivity was 91.43%, the specificity was 100%, and the kappa value was 0.91, which also indicated good correlation. In addition, the amplified products of RT–RAA can be visualized with a portable blue light instrument, which enables rapid detection of H3 AIV even in resource-constrained environments. The H3 AIV RT-RAA rapid detection method established in this study can meet the requirements of basic laboratories and provide a valuable reference for the early diagnosis of H3 AIV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology)
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14 pages, 2099 KiB  
Article
Rabies in the Endemic Region of Algeria: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey among University Students
by Mohamed Lounis, Mousab Zarif, Zoubida Zeroug, Salma Soulaf Ferial Brahimi and Zineb Meddour
Animals 2024, 14(15), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152193 - 27 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2144
Abstract
(1) Background: Rabies is a neglected zoonosis considered to be one of the most significant health threats in the world, responsible of thousands of deaths globally. Algeria is one of the main countries of concern, with more than 15 deaths and more than [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Rabies is a neglected zoonosis considered to be one of the most significant health threats in the world, responsible of thousands of deaths globally. Algeria is one of the main countries of concern, with more than 15 deaths and more than 100,000 bites by rabid-suspected animals being reported annually. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) toward this disease among university students in the endemic region of Algeria. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted between June 2023 and March 2024 using a self administered questionnaire. (3) Results: a total of 409 students completed the questionnaire. Overall, 91.2% of them were singles, 70.7% were females, and two-thirds (66%) were between their twenties and thirties in regard to age. The majority were studying for Bachelor’s degrees, and the most represented fields of study were Humanities (31.5%) and Natural and Life Sciences (29.1%).The findings revealed a moderate level of knowledge (63% of correct responses), a positive attitude, and appropriate practices. However, the surveyed students have certain gaps in their information regarding disease transmission, its risk factors, and its clinical signs. In addition, some of them have also shown some negative attitudes, including approving of the systematic killing of a dog who bites someone regardless of its vaccine status (59.2%), and inappropriate practices, especially in regard to unawareness of the importance of early washing of bite wounds, which was reported among 64.5% of the surveyed students. The study also revealed the association of health sciences education with knowledge (AOR: 2.723, CI 95%: 1.317–5.634), attitude (AOR: 2.306, CI 95%: 1.113–4.779) and practice (AOR: 3.560, CI 95%: 1.632–7.769), and the effect of the high level of knowledge on the attitude of surveyed students (AOR: 1.607, CI 95%: 1.052–2.456). (4) Conclusion: These results provide the first report regarding rabies KAP among Algerian university students. Based on these results, the health deciders could adopt their preventive strategy by raising awareness of the less-informed categories, which would consequently affect their behaviors regarding this fatal disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology)
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16 pages, 1526 KiB  
Systematic Review
Meta-Analysis of Seroprevalence and Prevalence of Influenza A Viruses (Subtypes H3N2, H3N8, and H1N1) in Dogs
by Ivan Ramos-Martínez, Edgar Ramos-Martínez, Manuel Saavedra-Montañez, Saraí Santos-Paniagua, René Segura-Velázquez, Onasis Vicente-Fermín, Mayte Martínez-Aguirre, Juan C. Ramos-Martínez, Sheila Irais Peña-Corona, Rodolfo Pastelin-Palacios and José Ivan Sánchez-Betancourt
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233467 - 1 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1312
Abstract
Influenza A is a zoonotic disease that affects dogs, pigs, horses, poultry, and birds. In this report, a meta-analysis according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was conducted. Studies of influenza A viruses in dogs providing prevalence or seroprevalence [...] Read more.
Influenza A is a zoonotic disease that affects dogs, pigs, horses, poultry, and birds. In this report, a meta-analysis according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was conducted. Studies of influenza A viruses in dogs providing prevalence or seroprevalence in any location worldwide were included. The results in this study show that the seroprevalence for the H3N8 influenza subtype was 7.96% (95% CI: 2.03–16.8, p < 0.001), for the H3N2 subtype was 7.44% (95% CI: 4.51–10.5, p < 0.001), and for the H1N1 subtype was 3.10% (95% CI: 0.890–6.01, p < 0.001). In the case of the prevalence analysis, a prevalence of 0.395% (95% CI: 0.160–2.44) for the H3N8 subtype. For the H3N2 subtype, a prevalence of 17.8% (95% CI: 6.66–32.6, p < 0.001) was found. No publication bias was observed in the studies evaluating seroprevalence in the H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes. In the H3N8 subtype, Begg’s test indicated publication bias, but Egger’s test showed no bias. It is essential to know the approximate prevalence and seroprevalence worldwide of canine influenza, so this study reports the presence of influenza subtypes in dogs, placing this species as a reservoir for human, swine, equine, and avian influenza A viruses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology)
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