Search Results (736)

Protoparvoviruses are highly contagious pathogens that cause severe, often fatal diseases in both domestic and wild carnivores. Golden jackal (Canis aureus) populations have experienced expansion in recent years, increasingly occupying urban and peri-urban areas. Despite this, they remain largely overlooked in scientific research. This study aimed to detect and characterise Protoparvovirus carnivoran1 circulating in a golden jackal population in Croatia and to assess their role in the epidemiology of parvovirus infections in companion animals. Small intestines from 55 jackals hunted in 2024 and 2025 were tested for Protoparvovirus carnivoran1 using real-time PCR. Positive samples were found across all sampling sites, with an overall positivity rate of 40%. Based on characteristic amino acid residues within the VP2 protein, the viruses detected in jackals were classified as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). Phylogenetic analysis of the VP2 protein demonstrated considerable genetic diversity among strains circulating in Croatia. Additionally, a distinct group was identified, shared exclusively by Croatian domestic cats and golden jackals. Amino acid analysis revealed the novel A91T mutation, found only in jackals, and the E411Q mutation, unique to Croatian FPV strains. Structural modelling of the VP2 protein indicates that the observed mutations are located on the protein surface, within the antibody-binding site. These findings highlight the potential role of wild carnivores in parvovirus epidemiology and underscore the importance of including them in future surveillance and research efforts. Full article

Modern lifestyles are increasingly plagued by physical inactivity, social disconnection, digital addiction, and excessive time indoors—factors that negatively impact the health and well-being of both humans and their companion dogs (Canis familiaris). Evidence shows that nature exposure, physical activity, and human–animal bond (HAB) each enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, yet these domains have rarely been examined together as an integrated therapeutic triad. We introduce a new conceptual framework of bonded green exercise, defined as shared physical activity between a bonded human and dog in natural environments. Synthesizing existing evidence across human and canine sciences into a testable conceptual integration, we posit that bonded green exercise may plausibly activate evolutionarily conserved, synergistic mechanisms of physiological, behavioural, and affective co-regulation. Four testable hypotheses are proposed: (H1) triadic synergy: combined domains produce greater benefits than additive effects; (H2) heterospecific benefit: parallel health gains occur in both species; (H3) behavioural amplification: dogs acts as catalysts to drive human participation in nature-based activity; and (H4) scalable health promotion: bonded green exercise represents a low-cost, accessible, One Health approach with population-level potential. This framework highlights how intentional, shared physical activity in nature may potentially offer a novel low-cost and accessible model for enhancing health, lifespan, welfare, and ecological stewardship across species. Full article

Canine ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis, represents a relevant challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to laboratory-based diagnostics may be constrained. This pilot and exploratory study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a portable electronic olfactometer as a non-invasive screening approach, based on the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in breath, saliva, and hair samples from dogs. Signals were acquired using an array of eight metal-oxide (MOX) gas sensors (MQ and TGS series). After preprocessing, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for dimensionality reduction, and the resulting features were analyzed using supervised machine-learning classifiers, including AdaBoost, support vector machines (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), and Random Forests (RF). A total of 38 dogs (19 PCR-confirmed infected cases and 19 controls) were analyzed, generating 114 samples evenly distributed across the three biological matrices. Among the evaluated models, SVM showed the most consistent performance, particularly for saliva samples, achieving an accuracy, sensitivity, and precision of 94.7% (AUC = 0.964). In contrast, breath and hair samples showed lower discriminative performance. Given the limited sample size and the exploratory nature of the study, these results should be interpreted as preliminary; nevertheless, they suggest that electronic olfactometry may represent a complementary, low-cost, non-invasive screening tool for future research on canine ehrlichiosis, rather than a standalone diagnostic method. Full article

Wildfire is a dominant ecological force in Mediterranean pine forests, and post-fire silvicultural practices can substantially alter their recovery trajectories. In this study, we examined how natural regeneration and artificial plantations influence the composition, structure, and functional roles of medium and large-sized mammal communities in burned Pinus brutia forests of southwestern Türkiye. Camera trap data were combined with linear mixed-effects models, functional diversity metrics, and indicator species analysis to assess community responses. Mammalian assemblages showed marked shifts across treatments: generalist carnivores such as Vulpes vulpes and Canis aureus dominated burned areas, whereas higher-trophic specialists like Caracal caracal were restricted to unburned forests. Functional richness was consistently higher in unburned stands, while artificial plantations reduced both richness and evenness. Natural regeneration partly mitigated these declines by sustaining more balanced community structures. Indicator species analysis confirmed these patterns, with Lepus europaeus strongly associated with burned sites and C. caracal with unburned forests. Overall, findings demonstrate that post-fire silvicultural practices strongly shape mammalian community assembly and functional diversity. Natural regeneration preserves structural heterogeneity and supports functionally diverse assemblages, whereas artificial plantations promote homogenization. Effective restoration strategies should therefore integrate wildlife responses with vegetation recovery to strengthen ecosystem resilience and maintain the ecological roles of mammals. Full article

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a primary etiological agent of acute gastroenteritis in domestic dogs. Although molecular and serological evidence have confirmed its circulation in wild carnivores, the clinical impact of spillover events in wildlife hosts remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, we investigated CPV-2 from wild coyote pups (Canis latrans) presenting with clinical gastroenteritis in northeastern Mexico. CPV-2 was successfully isolated in MDCK cells, and whole-genome sequencing was performed on two isolates, B55 and B56 (GenBank accession numbers PQ065988 and PQ065989). A comprehensive analysis identified 23 nucleotide mutations, eight of which were missense mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions in structural (VP) and non-structural (NS) proteins. Notably, amino acid substitution L354V was identified in the NS1 helicase domain of both isolates, a region critical for viral replication. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that isolates B55 and B56 cluster within the CPV-2c subtype, showing high genetic relatedness to circulating Mexican and US canine strains which strongly suggests recent cross-species transmission between domestic dogs and wild coyotes. This study provides the first complete genomic characterization of a clinical CPV-2 infection in wild coyotes in Mexico, underscoring the immediate risk of CPV-2c transmission at the domestic animal–wildlife interface. Full article

Rising numbers of wolf (Canis lupus) populations make traditional, resource-intensive methods of wolf monitoring increasingly challenging and often insufficient. This study explores how wolf howls can be used as a new monitoring tool for wolves by applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to detect and classify wolf howls from acoustic recordings, thereby improving the effectiveness of wolf population monitoring. Three AI approaches are evaluated: BirdNET, Yellowstone’s Cry-Wolf project system, and BioLingual. Data were collected using Song Meter SM4 (SM4) audio recorders in a known wolf territory in Klelund Dyrehave, Denmark, and manually validated to establish a ground truth of 260 wolf howls. Results demonstrate that while AI solutions currently do not achieve the complete precision or overall accuracy of expert manual analysis, they offer tremendous efficiency gains, significantly reducing processing time. BirdNET achieved the highest recall at 78.5% (204/260 howls detected), though with a low precision of 0.007 (resulting in 28,773 false positives). BioLingual detected 61.5% of howls (160/260) with 0.005 precision (30,163 false positives), and Cry-Wolf detected 59.6% of howls (155/260) with 0.005 precision (30,099 false positives). Crucially, a combined approach utilizing all three models achieved a 96.2% recall (250/260 howls detected). This suggests that while AI solutions primarily function as powerful human-aided data reduction tools rather than fully autonomous detectors, they represent a valuable, scalable, and non-invasive complement to traditional methods in wolf research and conservation, making large-scale monitoring more feasible. Full article

We undertook a preliminary clinical study to compare the efficacy of lime essential oil shampoo with a conventional 2% miconazole/chlorhexidine formulation, both in combination with pulse oral itraconazole, in cats with dermatophytosis caused by M. canis. Sixteen affected cats were randomly assigned to receive either lime essential oil shampoo or a 2% miconazole/chlorhexidine formulation. All cats were bathed twice weekly and received itraconazole (5 mg/kg once daily) using a pulse regimen (1 week for every 2 weeks) for 56 days. Clinical assessments, including cytological, direct hair examinations, Wood’s lamp evaluation, total skin lesion score (TLS), and fungal pathogen score (FPS), were performed on days 0, 28, 42, and 56. Hematological and biochemical analyses were conducted on days 0, 28, and 56. By day 56, no significant differences were observed between groups in the cytological, direct hair examination, or Wood’s lamp results. Both groups had significant reductions in TLS and FPS on days 28, 42, and 56 compared to day 0 (p < 0.05). No cutaneous or systemic adverse effects were observed. These findings suggest that lime essential oil shampoo has clinical efficacy comparable to the conventional formulation and may represent a safe natural alternative for the topical management of feline dermatophytosis. Full article

Dermatomycoses pose significant zoonotic and public health challenges, involving interactions among fungal agents, host immunity, and environmental reservoirs. Eight cases of dermatophyte infection involving five humans, two cats and one dog were investigated in the Umbria region applying a One-Health approach, as recommended by the CDC. Fungal isolates were identified by mycological and molecular methods as Microsporum canis (n = 4), Nannizzia gypsea (n = 3), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes genotype III* (n = 1). The source of infection was identified in four cases enabling the implementation of appropriate treatment, removal of fomites, and environmental sanitization; as a result, no recurrences were observed. In the remaining cases, environmental assessments showed no fungal burden, indicating likely incidental transmission. Close cohabitation or contact with cats emerged as a risk factor. The patient’s medical history should always include exposure to animals in order to facilitate early recognition, correct management, and prevention. Interdisciplinary collaboration among dermatologists, veterinarians, and laboratory technicians is essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes and to prevent potential antifungal resistance phenomena. Moreover, continuous surveillance under a One-Health framework will enable better epidemiological understanding of dermatophyte species dynamics, particularly zoonotic agents. Full article

The maturation and motility of epididymal sperm (ES) cells are largely driven by changes in protein expression. This study aimed to analyze the proteomic profile of canine (Canis lupus familiaris) ES across groups characterized by different progressive motility (PMOT) values to identify motility-related sperm proteins (MRSPs). ES were obtained from the epididymal semen of 19 dogs. The motility and movement parameters of ejaculated sperm (ES) were evaluated using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Samples were classified into two groups: good sperm motility (GSM), defined as PMOT% ≥ 55%, and poor sperm motility (PSM), defined as PMOT < 55%. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the first two components could explain 88.1% of the total variance between the GSM and PSM groups. Protein profiling of ES was performed using NanoUPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Significant statistical differences were demonstrated between the GSM and PSM groups for the TMOT (p = 0.039) and PMOT (p < 0.001). For five common proteins, their abundance was estimated to be higher in the GSM group than in the PSM group: ACTB (p = 0.2732), CRISP2 (p = 0.1558), LTF (p = 0.2661) and significantly higher: ce10 (p = 0.009) and NPC2 (p < 0.0044). These findings may be used to develop diagnostic MRSP-based tests related to ES quality in assisted reproduction techniques in dogs. Full article

Background/Objectives The leopard (Panthera pardus), an apex predator listed in CITES Appendix I and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is undergoing severe population declines driven by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Rapid and reliable species and individual identification is critical for conservation and forensic applications, particularly when analyzing highly processed or degraded seized wildlife products, where morphological identification is often impossible. We aimed to develop and validate a robust multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay combined with a short tandem repeat (STR) system for the species-specific detection and individual identification of P. pardus. Methods The qPCR assay (Ppar Qplex) was designed to target a mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cyt b) fragment for species confirmation, a nuclear marker (PLP) for general Feliformia detection and quantification, and an artificial internal positive control (IPC) to monitor PCR inhibition. The assay’s performance was validated for robustness, specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility, utilizing DNA extracted from 30 P. pardus individuals (hair and feces) and tested against 18 related Feliformia species and two outgroups. Individual identification was achieved using a set of 18 STR loci and a sex determination system adapted from previously published Panthera panels. Results Validation demonstrated high specificity for the Ppar Qplex: mitochondrial amplification occurred exclusively in P. pardus samples. The nuclear marker consistently amplified across all 18 tested Feliformia species but not the outgroups. The assay showed high analytical sensitivity, successfully detecting DNA at concentrations as low as 1 pg/µL, with consistent results confirmed across different sample types, replicates, and independent users. Furthermore, the STR multiplex successfully generated 30 unique individual profiles using the 18 polymorphic loci and the sex determination system. Conclusions The combined qPCR assay and STR system provide a fast, sensitive, and highly specific molecular framework for rapid leopard detection, quantification, and individual identification from a wide range of sample types. These tools strengthen forensic capacity to combat wildlife crime and provide critical data to support evidence-based conservation management of P. pardus. P. pardus, an apex predator listed in CITES Appendix I and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is undergoing severe population declines driven by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Rapid and reliable identification of seized specimens is therefore critical for conservation and forensic applications, mainly when products are highly processed. We developed and validated a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome b (Cyt b) for species-specific detection. The assay was tested on verified leopard individuals and validated across 18 Feliformia and two outgroup species (Homo sapiens, Canis lupus familiaris). Analytical performance was assessed through robustness, specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. Mitochondrial amplification occurred exclusively in leopard samples, while nuclear markers amplified consistently across Feliformia but not in outgroup species. The assay’s limit of DNA detection is 1 pg/µL and produces consistent results across replicates, tested types of samples (hair, feces), and independent users, with internal controls confirming the absence of inhibition. In addition, we present the results of successful individual identification using the set of 18 STR loci and the sex determination system. The developed qPCR and STR systems provide a fast, sensitive, and specific solution for leopard detection and quantification, reinforcing forensic efforts against wildlife crime and supporting conservation of P. pardus. Full article

In Serbia, Babesia canis is the predominant cause of canine babesiosis, while B. gibsoni and B. vulpes have been reported only sporadically. Limited awareness of these small Babesia species often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. International reports indicate that American Staffordshire Terriers (ASTs) and related breeds are particularly affected. This study examined 101 ASTs over a two-year period to determine the occurrence of small Babesia species and identify dog- and owner-related risk factors. Collected data included age, sex, body condition score (BCS), clinical signs, presence of scars, history of vector-borne diseases (VBD), living conditions, antiparasitic prophylaxis, and tick exposure. Molecular identification using PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that 37 dogs were positive for Babesia spp.; among them, 36 were infected with B. gibsoni and one with B. vulpes. Significant risk factors associated with infection included the presence of scars, low BCS, history of VBDs, tick exposure, and living in rural areas. These findings demonstrate a notably high occurrence of B. gibsoni and the presence of B. vulpes in ASTs in Serbia. The results highlight the need for improved awareness, accurate molecular diagnostics, and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures. Additionally, observed risk factors suggest chronic infection and support transmission pathways linked to dog bites and tick exposure. Full article

Taenia crassiceps is a cestode capable of causing severe and atypical cysticercosis in accidental intermediate hosts, including domestic dogs. Here we report a fatal disseminated T. crassiceps infection (cystiscercosis) in a 4-year-old castrated male German Shepherd from Poland that had been undergoing long-term prednisone therapy for Addison’s disease. The dog developed multiple soft subcutaneous nodules containing numerous asexually proliferating cysticerci. Necropsy revealed extensive dissemination of larvae throughout the subcutis and the thoracic and abdominal cavities, accompanied by serosanguineous effusions, necrosis, and chronic inflammatory lesions. Histological examination demonstrated cestode larvae with a scolex bearing two rows of hooks, consistent with T. crassiceps. Immunosuppression and endocrine alterations, including chronic glucocorticoid treatment and low levels of testosterone, likely promoted rapid asexual proliferation of larvae. A literature review shows that although dogs are definitive hosts of T. crassiceps, immunosuppressed individuals may also serve as accidental intermediate hosts. Early cytological evaluation of subcutaneous nodules may facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment decisions. Given the zoonotic potential of T. crassiceps and the increasing number of European cases, this parasitic infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules in immunosuppressed dogs. The presented case underscores its epidemiological relevance within the One Health framework. Full article

The wolf (Canis lupus) is an apex predator with high mobility and trophic plasticity, serving as a valuable indicator of helminth transmission at the wildlife–livestock interface. Given the ecological overlap between wolves and both wild and domestic ungulates in Romania, we aimed to identify and molecularly characterize cestodes from wolves’ small intestines. Between November 2022 and June 2025, small intestines from nine wolves were collected across four Romanian counties, frozen, and examined using classical parasitology (macroscopic and microscopic) and molecular methods (PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of mitochondrial cox1, nad1, and 12S rRNA fragments). Taeniids were detected in three (33.33%) out of nine tested individuals. Genetic analyses confirmed the presence of Taenia krabbei and Taenia hydatigena—species not previously reported in wolves from Romania. This study provides the first molecular evidence of T. krabbei and T. hydatigena in wolves from Romania, and likely Eastern Europe, indicating active transmission and underscoring the need for broader surveillance of hosts to clarify their ecology and regional dynamics within a One Health context. Full article

Tick-borne diseases (TBD) pose a significant threat to both animal and public health, particularly in tropical regions. In the Colombian Caribbean region, there is limited knowledge of the epidemiology of TBD in domestic animals and their vectors. In this study, conducted in northern Colombia from 2021 to 2022, we analyzed the molecular diversity of Anaplasmataceae in a total of 1156 ticks and blood samples collected from their infested hosts: 56 cattle and 17 equids (horses and mules). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed, using primers to amplify the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene for tick identification and bacterial 16S and 23S rRNA to detect Anaplasmataceae. The amplified products were sequenced and analyzed for molecular characterization of species. Four tick species were identified: Dermacentor nitens (55.6%), Rhipicephalus microplus (43.0%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (0.7%), and Amblyomma patinoi (0.7%). Overall, 9.4% of the pooled tick samples were identified as R. microplus, and 64.4% of the blood samples tested positive for Anaplasmataceae. Molecular analyses identified Anaplasma marginale in cattle and several species in ticks, including an Anaplasma sp. closely related to A. platys-like, Ehrlichia ruminantium, and E. muris and Ehrlichia variants closely related to Candidatus E. rustica, E. canis, and E. minasensis. The results indicate high infection rates and the circulation of both well-known and potentially novel Anaplasmataceae species, suggesting complex transmission dynamics among ticks and hosts. Full article

Background: Canine lymphoma comprises the majority of haematopoietic malignancies in veterinary clinical practice. Several prognostic factors have been studied and, more recently, there has been an increased interest in the role of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) for its prognostic value. To date, the prognostic value of absolute monocyte and lymphocyte counts as well as LMR at the time of relapse in dogs with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has not been evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the absolute monocyte, lymphocyte or LMR at relapse can predict clinical outcomes for relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma dogs treated with chemotherapy. Additionally, the parameters were evaluated for their prognostic value at the time of diagnosis and throughout different timepoints during the course of their first-line chemotherapy treatment. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from 50 dogs with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, treated with a CEOP-based first-line chemotherapy protocol. Lymphocyte and monocyte count and LMR were evaluated at different timepoints: at diagnosis, during chemotherapy and at the time of relapse. Overall survival time (OS) and disease-free interval (DFI), as well as overall survival time from relapse (OS_r), were measured. Friedman nonparametric ANOVA was used to compare blood cell counts at different timepoints. Spearman rank correlation was used to test for association between blood cell count at various timepoints with the duration of remission and survival time. Results: Monocyte and lymphocyte counts and LMR at the time of first relapse were not found to be adverse prognostic factors for OS_r in this population of dogs. Monocyte and lymphocyte counts differed significantly between different timepoints during the chemotherapy protocol. Conclusions: Absolute monocyte and lymphocyte counts and LMR at the time of relapse were not found to be prognostic indicators of OS_r in this population of dogs with multicentric lymphoma. Additional studies evaluating absolute monocyte and lymphocyte counts during chemotherapy treatment and following completion of chemotherapy in larger population of dogs are needed to assess whether these counts have clinical utility in detecting disease progression. Full article