Search Results (729)

Integrated One Health studies are essential for assessing the risks of leishmaniasis transmission. In Honduras, the most prevalent clinical presentation of leishmaniasis is the non-ulcerated cutaneous form caused by Leishmania infantum; however, research on its transmission dynamics remains limited. This study aimed to characterize the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis and identify potential zoonotic risk factors in the municipality of Ojos de Agua, Department of Comayagua, central Honduras, using a One Health approach. We collected sand flies using CDC light traps placed in intra- and peridomestic settings of households with a history of leishmaniasis. Concurrently, we evaluated domestic dogs and collected blood samples for serological and molecular testing. We also conducted active surveillance among community residents to identify human infections. We collected a total of 644 phlebotomine sand flies, including 186 females. We identified eight sandfly species, with Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis as the predominant species, followed by Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) evansi. Among the 64 engorged females screened, the overall PCR positivity rate for Leishmania spp. was 14.1% (9/64). Blood meal analysis of PCR-positive sand flies identified humans and pigs as blood and meal sources. Additionally, 18.6% (8/43) of domestic dogs were seropositive for Leishmania spp., and 23.3% (10/43) tested positive by PCR. DNA sequencing identified the infecting species as Leishmania infantum. We detected no active human cases during the study period. These findings highlight the value of a One Health approach for improving transmission risk monitoring in newly emerging areas with a history of ulcerative cutaneous leishmaniasis in Honduras. Full article

In recent years, the wild boar population has increased in Italy. Wild boar is one of the most problematic species from a sanitary point of view because it represents a dangerous reservoir of pathogens and viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the circulation of coronaviruses in wild boars, a group of viruses known for their ability to spill over between species. As part of the wild boar population control plan established by the Basilicata region relating to this species, 625 animals were analyzed from May 2024 to January 2026. Nasal swabs were collected at the slaughterhouse in the province of Potenza. Screening was conducted using pan-coronavirus PCR through a nested PCR assay targeting the conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region. Out of all samples analyzed, 1.9% were positive for Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Virus (PHEV), marking the first identification of this neurotropic coronavirus in wild boars in Italy. The detection of PHEV in free-ranging populations highlights the potential for viral circulation at the wildlife–livestock interface and underlines the importance of integrated surveillance systems to prevent possible interspecies transmission and minimize the risk of spillover to domestic pig herds. Full article

This study investigates intraspecific morphometric variability in the archaeozoological assemblages from the multi-period site of Șoimuș-Teleghi (Hunedoara County, Romania), encompassing occupation phases from the Early Neolithic (Starčevo-Criș culture) to the Late Bronze Age. The new AMS radiocarbon dates obtained refine the chronological framework of the site. The results reveal pronounced morphometric variability in cattle (Bos taurus), with horncore flattening indices, dental dimensions, and postcranial measurements enabling the differentiation of males, females, and probable castrates—the latter suggesting traction-oriented management strategies. A notably large horncore from the Vinča level may indicate hybridisation between domestic cattle and aurochs (Bos primigenius). Sheep (Ovis aries) display an increase in estimated withers height from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age, potentially reflecting improved husbandry. The pig (Sus domesticus) scapula scatter plot indicates a female-dominated culling pattern, while postcranial elements suggest relatively robust forelimbs combined with more gracile distal limb segments. Among wild taxa, red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) exhibit clear sexual dimorphism and generally large body sizes, consistent with the selective hunting of prime adult males. Comparative analysis with contemporary assemblages from Transylvania, Banat, and Hungary situates the Șoimuș-Teleghi material within broader regional trends, while highlighting certain distinctive features, particularly the large dimensions of Early Neolithic cattle and the diachronic size increase observed in caprine. Full article

Sex-related differences in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress are recognized as important modulators of cardiovascular physiology, but they are still insufficiently explored in large animal models. This study examined the influence of sex and gonadal status on oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and hematological parameters in clinically healthy domestic pigs. Twenty sexually mature pigs (10 months old) were divided into four groups: boars, barrows, gilts, and ovariectomized females (n = 5 per group). In serum, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-RD), total superoxide dismutase (TSOD), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), together with concentrations of triglycerides, phospholipids, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were determined. In myocardial and liver tissues, antioxidant enzymes, lipid parameters, and MDA were analyzed. Spectrophotometric methods were used for enzyme activities and lipid parameters, while MDA was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Hematological parameters were determined using an automated hematology analyzer, and serum hormone concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassays. Group-dependent differences were observed, although the relatively small sample size warrants cautious interpretation. In serum, gilts had higher phospholipid, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol concentrations, along with the most favorable LDL: HDL ratio, whereas boars showed the least favorable ratio. Lipid peroxidation, assessed by MDA, was lowest in gilts and highest in barrows. In myocardial tissue, gilts showed higher GSH-RD and TSOD activities and lower MDA concentrations than barrows, suggesting potentially stronger antioxidant protection. In the liver, differences were found in cholesterol, triglycerides, and MDA concentrations, with higher cholesterol in barrows, higher triglycerides in boars, and higher MDA in gilts and ovariectomized females. Hematological differences were also evident, with lower leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in gilts and higher platelet count and plateletcrit in barrows and ovariectomized females. Overall, sex and gonadal status were associated with distinct patterns of metabolic and oxidative responses across serum and tissues. Given the small sample size and cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and as associative rather than causal. Full article

Sporadic cases of trichinellosis have occurred almost every year in Serbia. The success of trichinellosis control in the country depends on effective communication among medical professionals who discover a case of trichinellosis, the Public Health Service, and the Veterinary Service, in line with the One Health concept. The collaborative approach, supported by a robust reporting and monitoring system, has been essential for identifying infection sources and preventing further spread. However, in March 2023, the National Reference Laboratory for Trichinellosis (NRLT) received reports of hospitalized patients with suspected trichinellosis, signaling the possibility of two outbreaks based on their socio-epidemiological history. The investigation revealed separate trichinellosis outbreaks occurred in Grocka, Belgrade municipality, and Dolovo, Pancevo municipality, with pork identified as the source of infection. Serological tests confirmed the presence of Trichinella-specific antibodies in the patients, including their family members and friends. A total of four patients required hospitalization. In accordance with regulations, veterinary inspectors took dried meat and meat products samples and Trichinella larvae were detected using the digestion method. The entire amount of dried meat and meat products was subsequently destroyed. Multiplex PCR confirmed the identification of Trichinella britovi at the species level in both outbreaks. These findings represent the first documented cases of T. britovi infection in domestic pigs in Serbia. The outbreak data once again highlight that inadequate animal husbandry practices, certain human behaviors, and a lack of awareness about the risks continue to be major contributors to the persistence of trichinellosis in Serbia. Full article

Background: Rickettsioses are emerging diseases worldwide caused by intracellular bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. In recent years, these diseases have caused deaths in northwestern Mexico, particularly cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). While ticks are considered the primary vector for RMSF, other possible vectors of rickettsioses, such as fleas, lice, and mosquitoes, coexist with reservoirs, including dogs, cats, and other domestic animals that may interact with humans. This study aimed to detect the presence of Rickettsia spp., including spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia, in arthropod vectors not previously reported in northwestern Mexico using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Methods: Ticks, fleas, lice, and mosquitoes were collected from dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and humans. qPCR was used to detect Rickettsia spp. and SFG Rickettsia. Results: Rickettsia spp. were detected in dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), with pooled positivity rates of 13.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that ticks and fleas are the main arthropod vectors involved in transmitting Rickettsia spp. in northwestern Mexico. Full article

Akabane virus (AKAV) is an orthobunyavirus transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides. This virus mainly affects ruminant species and represents an important threat to animal health across the world, being distributed in regions of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Although adult animals usually develop subclinical infection, AKAV can cross the placental barrier producing abortions, stillbirths, and severe congenital malformations that lead to substantial economic losses. Lately, AKAV has expanded its host range to non-ruminant species such as domestic pigs and bamboo rats, showing a marked virulence in these mammalian species. The host plasticity of AKAV together with the expanding distribution of Culicoides biting midges induced by global warming raise concerns about the potential arrival of AKAV into previously unaffected regions with naïve livestock populations. Due to the absence of therapeutic treatments, vaccination remains the main measure against AKAV. As climate change promotes vector expansion, AKAV can be considered as an increasingly relevant emerging pathogen in animal health, which enhances the need for strengthened surveillance programs, a deeper understanding of the virus biology, virulence and pathogenicity, and the development of novel vaccine candidates against this viral pathogen. This review provides an overview of current knowledge about AKAV biology, epidemiology, and disease, and a discussion about control strategies. Full article

Background/Objective: African swine fever (ASF), caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars, causing severe economic losses. Although commercial ASF vaccines have recently been approved in Vietnam, controlling ASF transmission remains challenging. Since injection-based vaccination is impractical for wild boars, oral vaccination is considered essential. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and dose-related outcomes of ASFV-G-ΔI177L/ΔLVR, a live attenuated ASFV vaccine candidate with deletion in the I177L gene and left variable region (LVR), administered orally to convention pigs. Methods: The ASFV-G-ΔI177L/ΔLVR vaccine candidate was orally administered to conventional pigs at three dose levels (10^2.25, 10^5.0, and 10^6.0 TCID₅₀/dose). At 28 days post-vaccination, pigs were challenged intramuscularly with a virulent ASFV field strain at 10^2.0 HAD₅₀/mL and monitored clinically. Protection was assessed by ASFV-specific antibody responses (p32) and survival following challenge. Results: Oral immunization was well tolerated, with no vaccine-associated clinical signs observed before challenge. Following challenge, vaccinated pigs showed different protective outcomes among the tested dose groups, with survival rates of 1/4 (10^2.25 TCID₅₀/dose), 4/4 (10^5.0 TCID₅₀/dose), and 3/4 (10^6.0 TCID₅₀/dose), respectively. Pigs that succumbed to infection showed neither detectable viremia nor ASFV-specific antibodies before challenge, suggesting incomplete vaccine uptake may have resulted in insufficient immune induction rather than an adverse effect associated with vaccination. In contrast, pigs that seroconverted prior to challenge were fully protected and exhibited lower viral loads than the control animals. Conclusions: ASFV-G-ΔI177L/ΔLVR was well tolerated as an oral live attenuated vaccine candidate and induced protective immunity against virulent ASFV challenge under the present experimental conditions. Notably, complete protection was observed in the 10^5.0 TCID₅₀/dose group, supporting the potential of this vaccine candidate for oral immunization strategies against ASF. However, the present data do not allow a definitive conclusion regarding the dose–response relationship, and further studies with larger group sizes and field-relevant models are needed to refine dose selection and practical applicability, particularly for wild boar vaccination. Full article

Background/Objectives: African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal disease of domestic pigs and wild suids that continues to cause substantial economic losses worldwide. Despite recent progress in live attenuated ASF vaccine development, evidence supporting durable protection under repeated exposure conditions representative of endemic settings remains limited. Here, we assessed the long-term safety and protective efficacy of a live attenuated ASFV-G-ΔI177L/ΔLVR vaccine using a repeated-challenge experimental design intended to model re-exposure in ASF-endemic regions. Methods: Vaccinated pigs were subjected to homologous virulent ASF virus challenges at multiple intervals, including repeated challenges (three sequential inoculations) and single challenges administered at 8 and 12 weeks post-vaccination. Results: Across all challenge regimens, vaccinated animals survived and remained clinically healthy, including those receiving three challenges, supporting sustained protection under repeated exposure pressure. Animals challenged at 8 or 12 weeks post-vaccination likewise exhibited complete survival, indicating maintained efficacy through at least 12 weeks. No vaccine-associated adverse clinical outcomes were detected over the study period, and post-challenge viral shedding was minimal. Conclusions: Overall, these data demonstrate that the candidate live attenuated ASF vaccine provides excellent protective efficacy and confers sustained protection against homologous ASF virus infection. This result is expected to be equally applicable under repeated exposure conditions in regions with unstable ASF biosecurity, making it a sufficiently promising model experiment for field application in ASF epidemic areas. However, this is still a vaccine variant, and further studies are planned to evaluate its genomic stability and transmissibility. Full article

African swine fever in both domestic and wild pig populations is caused by the extremely infectious African swine fever virus (ASFV). It seriously endangers biodiversity and results in large financial losses for the worldwide pork sector. The major capsid protein p72 is molecularly chaperoned by the ASFV pB602L protein, which is essential to viral assembly. Furthermore, as a nonstructural protein expressed at late stages of infection, pB602L induces a distinct antibody response that may complement existing serological assays based on structural proteins. Given its strong immunogenicity, pB602L represents a promising antigen for developing supplementary diagnostic tools for African swine fever (ASF). In this study, we successfully generated and separated the ASFV pB602L protein, and we verified its responsiveness using serum from pigs infected with ASFV. Additionally, we produced four monoclonal antibody-specific hybridoma cell lines that targeted the pB602L protein exclusively. These cell lines demonstrated high immunoreactivity and responsiveness toward ASFV pB602L. These results highlight the potential enhancement of diagnostic skills. We have detected two previously unknown linear B-cell epitopes (¹³⁸TIDSFL¹⁴³ and ¹⁶⁴TNVDTC¹⁶⁹) using overlapping peptide and truncated protein fragment analysis. Due to their high degree of conservation across various ASFV strains, these epitopes offer trustworthy candidates for the creation of particular diagnostic instruments. This study expands the known ASFV antigenic repertoire by systematically mapping immunodominant epitopes of pB602L. The identified epitopes provide potential molecular targets for the rational design of multi-epitope subunit vaccines. Full article

Female empowerment in post-conflict rural contexts is strategic for food security and socioeconomic resilience. This study analyzed the relationship between women’s productive empowerment and food security in 40 rural women involved in pig production in Santa Rosa del Sur, Bolívar, Colombia. A mixed approach with a descriptive–exploratory design and longitudinal scope was used. Data collection employed adapted versions of the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAgI) and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), alongside participant observation and reflective thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. The baseline revealed low empowerment regarding income, resources, technical capacities, and time. The global A-WEAgI reached 21%, while HFIAS showed moderate food insecurity in 52% of households. Spearman analysis (CS) indicated moderate negative correlations between food insecurity and income (CS = −0.56), access to resources (CS = −0.51), and technical capacities (CS = −0.49), suggesting that greater women´s empowerment was associates with lower food insecurity. Post-intervention, improvements occurred in technical skills, leadership, and organizational participation. Qualitative findings showed increased confidence in Agroindustry activities, though limitations in economic autonomy, commercialization, and domestic workloads persisted. Gender-focused rural strategies enhance productive capacities and food resilience; however, structural barriers related to economic autonomy and gender inequality persist. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal, febrile infectious disease of domestic pigs and wild boars caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). Recently, highly virulent recombinant ASFVs with chimeric genomes derived from p72 genotype I and II viruses have emerged in China, Vietnam, and Russia. These genotype I/II recombinants can evade immunity induced by genotype II–based vaccines, thereby complicating disease control efforts. To address this challenge, a novel duplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed to simultaneously detect and differentiate genotypes I, II, and I/II recombinants in a single reaction. The assay exhibited high sensitivity and specificity, with a reliable detection limit of 10 copies/reaction for genotype I and II ASFV DNA. Validation using clinical samples collected in northern Vietnam in 2025 confirmed a robust performance in accurately distinguishing circulating genotype II viruses from recombinant genotype I/II viruses, including the detection of potential co-infection. Whole-genome sequencing of selected positive samples further corroborated these findings. Overall, this qPCR assay provides a precise and efficient tool for identifying currently circulating ASFV genotypes, thereby facilitating improved disease surveillance and supporting a comprehensive understanding of the evolving epidemiological landscape of ASF in regions with increasing viral genetic diversity. Full article

In Cambodia, livestock production plays an important role in the national economy and food security, yet tick-borne diseases remain an underrecognized constraint on animal health and productivity. Domestic animals may also serve as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens in this predominantly rural setting. To address the lack of baseline molecular data on tick-borne pathogens in Cambodia, we conducted a cross-sectional study of ticks collected from November 2022 to April 2023 across 24 provinces. Ticks were collected from various hosts and environments, including cats, cattle, dogs, goats, pangolins, pythons, wild pigs, and bat cave floors, representing urban, rural, farm, wildlife rescue center, and forest fringe habitats. A total of 1526 ticks belonging to nine species were pooled into 352 samples and screened using conventional PCR (cPCR) targeting Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Coxiella. Additionally, a subset of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks was analyzed using metatranscriptomic next-generation sequencing (NGS). Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from cattle tested positive for Anaplasma marginale (1.1% of pools) and Ehrlichia minasensis (0.9% of pools), whereas Rhipicephalus linnaei ticks collected from dogs were positive for Anaplasma platys (0.3% of pools) and Babesia canis (2.0% of pools). A high prevalence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts (15.6% of pools) was found in R. microplus from both cattle and goats. Metatranscriptomic analysis also identified six tick-associated viruses in R. microplus from cattle; with Guangdong tick manly virus being the most dominant (32.5% of samples); followed by Zhangzhou Totiv tick virus 1 (15.0%), Jingmen tick virus (5.0%), and Mogiana tick virus; Rhipicephalus-associated rhabdo-like virus; and Rhipicephalus-associated flavi-like virus; each at 2.5%. These findings provide the first molecular evidence of numerous bacterial, protozoal, and viral pathogens circulating in R. microplus and R. linnaei in Cambodia. The study highlights the need for integrated One Health surveillance to better understand, prevent, and control tick-borne diseases in the region. Full article

Wound (especially burn) healing, is a complex process involving cells e.g., leukocytes, macrophages, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and platelets. Additionally, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and collagen participate in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is well-known that collagen, especially type I and III, are products of fibroblasts. These cells proliferate in the final phase wound healing. The various stages of skin regeneration, i.e., processes such as hemostasis, inflammation, cells’ growth, differentiation and migration, can be accelerated by certain natural, biologically active, factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a propolis-incorporated nonwoven on collagen organization and tissue architecture in a porcine burn model. Propolis, a bee-product rich in numerous diverse phenolic compounds, has been used since ancient times for the treatment of skin diseases and repairing various types of wounds. The research material consisted of tissue sections taken from burn wound beds inflicted in domestic pigs. The samples of skin sections were evaluated using routine light microscopy. Also, ultrastructural studies have been performed with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Nonwovens were made by electrospinning of a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) 85:15 copolymer (PLGA) without active compound as well as containing 5 wt% and 10 wt% of propolis. Electrospining solutions were dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). In the burn wound bed, propolis-incorporated dressings were associated with improved epithelial and dermal tissue organization and with an increased presence of organized collagen bundles (without direct assessment of collagen subtypes). These observations suggest that propolis incorporation is associated with improved collagen organization and tissue architecture at the histological level. The enhanced collagen deposition and organization observed in wounds treated with propolis-containing nonwovens indicate improved extracellular matrix remodeling and structural tissue organization in burned skin. Full article

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major zoonotic pathogen, with pigs serving as the principal animal reservoir. While consumption of raw or undercooked pig liver is a well-recognized risk factor, systematic data on HEV contamination in retail pork meat remain limited. In this study, 1546 retail pork samples collected from eight geographic regions across Japan were analyzed for HEV RNA using a validated nested RT-PCR method. Analytical sensitivity was determined using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard for HEV RNA, yielding a 95% limit of detection (LOD95) of 134 IU/g (95% CI: 105–193). Overall, 15 samples (1.0%) tested positive for HEV RNA, with no significant regional variation (0.4–1.8%; p = 0.8375) or difference between domestically produced (1.0%, 12/1260) and imported pork (1.0%, 3/286; p = 0.7478). Viral loads in quantifiable samples (n = 11) ranged from 9.3 × 10² to 1.0 × 10⁵ IU/g. Genotyping based on partial ORF2 sequences revealed subtype 3b as predominant (n = 7), followed by 3a (n = 5), 3f (n = 2), and 4c (n = 1). Each of the 15 strains showed high nucleotide sequence identity (98.8–100%) to its closest reported Japanese strain(s). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all strains clustered with their closest reported HEV strains, with high bootstrap support, despite genetic diversity within subtypes. These findings demonstrate that retail pork meat in Japan is contaminated with HEV RNA and may represent a potential source of human exposure. However, whether HEV RNA-positive retail pork meat contains infectious virus capable of causing human infection remains to be determined. Full article