Molecular Epidemiology of Animal Viral Diseases

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 1283

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
Interests: One Health; veterinary public health; animal health; epidemiology; virology and genetics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Animal viral diseases represent serious risks for the health and welfare of domestic animals, highly impacting the zootechnics economy and threatening biodiversity in wild animal populations.

Despite enforced international animal health rules and biosecurity measures, dangerous outbreaks are still occurring, as demonstrated, for example, by the recent reports on foot and mouth disease virus in Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Investigations on genetic characteristics are therefore necessary to better understand the epidemiology of these pathogens, applying advances in laboratory techniques, such as full genome sequencing, to elucidate specific aspects on the molecular level, such as the means of diffusion, transmissibility, and virulence, or mechanisms to escape host defense.

This information is especially relevant for the viral pathogens possessing transboundary and emerging, as well as zoonotic potential traits. The study of control and prevention strategies, encompassing research on new vaccines, forms part of the various efforts that scientists and healthcare providers must consider in order to challenge sanitary threats, amplified by climatic changes and a globalized world.

Prof. Dr. Massimo Giangaspero
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • animal health
  • epidemiology
  • molecular characterization
  • virology

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 907 KB  
Article
Epidemiological Analysis of Rabies Outbreaks in the European Union and Türkiye (2013–2023)
by Ralitsa Rankova, Dilek Muz, Koycho Koev and Gergana Balieva
Life 2026, 16(6), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060877 - 24 May 2026
Viewed by 882
Abstract
Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease that continues to pose a significant threat to both animal and public health worldwide. Despite considerable progress in its control across Europe, sporadic outbreaks still occur, particularly in regions where wildlife reservoirs and stray animal populations [...] Read more.
Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease that continues to pose a significant threat to both animal and public health worldwide. Despite considerable progress in its control across Europe, sporadic outbreaks still occur, particularly in regions where wildlife reservoirs and stray animal populations sustain virus circulation. This study provides one of the first comparative longitudinal analyses integrating European countries and Turkiye rabies surveillance data over a decade (2013–2023). Information on reported outbreaks was obtained from the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS) and the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) database. The analysis focused on temporal trends, regional differences, and the distribution of affected animal species. During the study period, a total of 4865 outbreaks were reported in 16 countries. The number of detected outbreaks declined considerably over time, decreasing from 1022 cases in 2013 to 325 cases in 2023, representing an overall reduction of approximately 68%. The temporal trend was not uniform, with periods of decline followed by temporary increases. The highest number of outbreaks was registered in Türkiye, followed by Romania and Poland, indicating pronounced regional disparities. Domestic dogs represented the most frequently affected species, while cases were also recorded in wildlife and domestic cats, confirming the epidemiological importance of both domestic and wild reservoirs. The observed reduction in the number of outbreaks reflects the impact of vaccination programs and coordinated control measures, but may also be influenced by differences in surveillance systems and reporting practices. Nevertheless, the persistence of rabies in several regions indicates that the disease remains an epidemiological concern. Sustained vaccination of domestic animals, continued wildlife immunization, and strengthened surveillance and cross-border cooperation are essential for long-term control and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Animal Viral Diseases)
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