Search Results (272)

Glanders is a highly contagious and often fatal zoonotic disease of equids caused by Burkholderia mallei, a pathogen of significant concern due to its potential for bioterrorism. In Brazil, glanders remains endemic, particularly among working equids in the Northeast region. Diagnostic confirmation typically involves serology, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), although false-negative PCR results have been increasingly reported. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and analytical sensitivity of four B. mallei-specific PCR primer sets using samples from 30 seropositive equids. Microbiological cultures were obtained from various organs and swabs, followed by PCR targeting four genomic regions: fliP-IS407A(a), fliP-IS407A(b), Burk457, and Bm17. All animals were confirmed positive for B. mallei via culture, but PCR detection rates varied significantly across primer sets. The fliP-IS407A(b) primer set showed the highest sensitivity, detecting 86% of samples, while the WOAH-recommended fliP-IS407A(a) set had the lowest performance (13.4%). Analytical sensitivity assays confirmed that fliP-IS407A(b) and Bm17 primers detected DNA concentrations as low as 0.007 ng, outperforming the others. These findings suggest that certain widely used primer sets may lack sufficient sensitivity for reliable detection of B. mallei, especially in chronically infected animals with low bacterial loads. The study underscores the need for ongoing validation of molecular diagnostics to improve the detection and control of glanders in endemic regions. Full article

Castration remains a common surgical procedure in equids, yet postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and eventration persist, influencing surgical outcomes. This retrospective study introduced a novel modified semi-closed castration technique aimed at minimizing these complications. Eighty-five sexually intact mature male equids (including horses, ponies, and donkeys) underwent the described inguinal castration procedure under general anesthesia. The technique involved a carefully managed opening and subsequent secure closure of the parietal vaginal tunic, enabling direct inspection of tunic contents while reducing risks associated with fully open or closed approaches. The median surgery duration was 60 min (range, 45–95), with no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, only two equids (2.35%) exhibited scrotal swelling, which was resolved rapidly with NSAIDs. No cases of hemorrhage, pyrexia, or infection occurred. Follow-up, conducted via owner interviews after a minimum of three months, confirmed complete recovery and primary intention healing in all patients, who returned to normal activity within two days post-surgery. Compared to previously documented complication rates ranging from 2% to 48%, the present approach demonstrates superior results. Additionally, this study proposes refining existing castration technique classifications, focusing explicitly on the vaginal tunic’s status post-procedure (open, semi-closed, closed) for clarity and consistency. This novel semi-closed inguinal technique effectively integrates inspection advantages with closed technique safety, offering significantly reduced complication rates and enhanced postoperative recovery profiles in equids undergoing castration. Full article

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi and Babesia caballi. It affects equids, representing significant health and economic concerns for the equine industry. EP is endemic in Portugal, so developing and implementing preventive strategies is essential. Accessing veterinarians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) through a survey is a suitable approach, and no such studies have been conducted in Portugal until now. A KAP survey was applied to 41 Portuguese equine vets, representing mainly the Alentejo region. The average knowledge score went from medium to high, correctly identifying the causative agents, transmission routes and clinical signs. Knowledge gaps mostly concerned the identification of T. haneyi as an agent, transplacental transmission, duration of infection and diagnostic methods. Reported practices were appropriate overall, including enhancing breeders’ awareness of the disease and its prevention. Diagnostic and treatment protocols were generally consistent with current recommendations; however, these protocols are not yet fully standardized. Our findings highlight key areas where increasing expertise is needed and could serve as a foundation for future evidence-based guidelines to improve EP control in Portugal. Full article

Gastrointestinal parasitic diseases pose significant health risks to equine populations. This study investigated the epidemiological patterns of equine gastrointestinal parasites in Xinjiang by analyzing 83 fecal samples collected from Ili (n = 62) and Urumqi (n = 21) between August and November 2024. The modified McMaster technique was employed to quantify fecal egg counts (EPG) and was complemented by morphological identification to assess infection dynamics related to geography, breed specificity, and management practices. The results demonstrated an overall infection prevalence of 66.3% (55/83), with strongyles, Parascaris equorum, and Eimeria oocysts being present. Significant geographical variation was observed, with Ili exhibiting a higher prevalence (74.2%) compared to Urumqi (42.9%). Breed susceptibility analysis revealed that there was a 94.1% prevalence in Yili horses versus 42.9% in Kazakh horses. Pasture-managed herds showed markedly higher infection rates (94.1%) than stable-based systems (50.0%). Parasite community composition was dominated by strongyles (82.1%), followed by Triodontophorus spp. (27.7%) and P. equorum (2.4%). These findings highlight severe parasitic infection risks in Xinjiang’s grazing equids, underscoring the urgency of implementing targeted anthelmintic protocols to mitigate disease transmission. Full article

Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, is a worldwide tick-borne disease with severe economic, commercial, and sanitary implications for equids. Although diagnosis is based on direct (blood smear or PCR) or indirect (serology) methods, these techniques are expensive, laborious, and false-negative and false-positive results can be yielded. Biochemistry blood profiles are routinely performed in horses. Biochemical parameters and ratios could be a reliable complementary diagnostic tool to assist clinicians in EP diagnosis, mainly in endemic areas, or for discarding similar disorders (piro-like diseases) and prioritizing specific diagnostic testing. This study describes the changes induced by EP infection in blood biochemical parameters and common and novel biochemical ratios in horses. EP-infected horses showed increased serum total and indirect bilirubin, triglycerides, and GLDH concentrations and decreased sodium concentrations compared to non-infected animals. These findings could be linked to hemolysis, diminution of athletic performance, and liver inflammation due to oxidative stress damage. While molecular methods remain the gold standard for EP diagnosis, a complete biochemical profile and ratios could provide valuable complementary information to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of piroplasmosis in horses. Full article

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibodies against equine brucellosis in three distinct equid groups (farm animal, urban carthorse, and sport horse) in Western Pará, Brazil, and to identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study, involving 75 farms across 14 municipalities, sampled 1069 equids composed of urban carthorses and sport horses. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against Brucella spp. using the buffered acidified plate antigen (BAPA) test for screening, followed by the serum agglutination in tubes with 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) for confirmation. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed associations between brucellosis and potential risk factors. Out of the 1059 equids sampled, 4.05% (95% CI: 3–5.5%) tested positive in the BAPA test. Of the 44 BAPA-positive samples, 11 were confirmed positive by 2-ME, 15 were inconclusive, and 18 were negative, yielding an animal-level prevalence of 1.03% (95% CI: 0.5–1.8%) for equine brucellosis in western Pará. Prevalence was higher in the Southwest Pará Mesoregion (p = 0.047) compared to the Lower Amazon Mesoregion. No significant associations were found with animal type, reproductive problems, animal sex, species, breed, and age group. Out of the 75 farms, 8 (10.66%) had at least one seropositive equid. Confirmed cases were identified in five municipalities (Brasil Novo, Uruará, Altamira, Rurópolis, and Itaituba). This first report of equine brucellosis in Western Pará underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to mitigate its zoonotic risk to humans and transmission to other animals. Full article

Equid anaesthetic mortality is of interest to practitioners. Data for donkey and hybrid mortality have not been specifically described. The main aim of this worldwide observational, prospective, multicentre cohort study was to report on mortality in the 7 days following a general anaesthetic or standing sedation in donkeys and hybrids. This study hypothesised that donkeys and hybrids would have higher mortalities compared to horses. Data were collected as part of the fourth Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities (CEPEF4). A total of 825 cases were included, with 757 donkeys and 68 hybrids. Overall, 616 donkeys and 56 hybrids underwent a general anaesthetic. The overall mortality rate for general anaesthesia in donkeys was 1.0% and 3.6% in hybrids. In total, 141 standing sedations were performed in donkeys and 12 in hybrids. Mortality rates for standing sedations were lower, with the donkey mortality rate as 0.7%, and no hybrid mortality was seen. The mortality for donkeys for general anaesthesia appeared similar to the horse, whilst hybrid mortality was higher. COLIC vs. NON-COLIC DEATHs and EUTHANASIAs were also examined in the study. Mortality for standing sedations was lower compared to general anaesthesia. However, the numbers are too low to draw definitive conclusions; further investigation is required. Full article

Monitoring infectious diseases is essential for safeguarding equine health and ensuring the sustainability of the horse industry. In 2019, the Royal Veterinary Association of the Netherlands (KNMvD) and Royal GD (GD Animal Health) launched SEIN (Surveillance of Equine Infectious diseases in the Netherlands), a voluntary surveillance system for laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), equid alphaherpesvirus 4 (EHV-4), equine influenza virus (EIV), and Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. This retrospective study analyzed 364 confirmed outbreaks reported through SEIN between June 2019 and April 2023. S. equi was the most commonly reported pathogen overall (64%). Among outbreaks involving respiratory disease, S. equi accounted for 74% of cases, followed by EHV-4 (16%), EIV (6%), and EHV-1 (4%). The geographical distribution of outbreaks covered 80 of the 90 postal code regions (89%), and approximately half of all participating practices generated at least 1 alert. Vaccination data revealed low coverage against EHV-1/4, EIV, and S. equi among both affected horses and premises. Clinical signs overlapped between pathogens, but some were more pathogen-specific, e.g., coughing in EIV, and abscessation in S. equi. The SEIN system provided spatiotemporal information on confirmed outbreaks. These results underscore the importance of quick diagnostics and structured surveillance systems in guiding prevention strategies. Full article

Horses and donkeys, as integral members of the equine family, exhibit distinct reproductive capabilities and characteristics. Seminal plasma, the fluid component of semen, contains a variety of proteins that play critical roles in sperm function and fertility. This study aimed to systematically compare the protein profiles in the seminal plasma of horses and donkeys, thereby elucidating the molecular differences between these two species. The study utilized 4D-DIA proteomics technology to analyze seminal plasma from horses and donkeys and further validated key proteins through Western blot. Our findings revealed significant variations in seminal plasma protein composition between horses and donkeys. We identified 2380 and 2385 proteins in the seminal plasma of horses and donkeys. Among these proteins, 59 are solely present in the seminal plasma of horses, and 64 uniquely exsit in that of donkeys, respectively. These insights enhance our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the reproductive distinctions between these equine species. Moreover, the identified species specific proteins may be essential for thier sperm quality and function, which holds practical value for breeding programs and investigations. Full article

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease affecting equids worldwide. Diagnosis is based on direct methods (blood smear or PCR) or indirect methods (serology); however, these techniques yield positive and negative results. Thus, an alternative, reliable, rapid, and cost-effective complementary tool, such as hematologic parameters and newly described hematologic ratios, could help in the EP diagnosis. This study describes the changes induced by piroplasmosis infection on hematologic parameters and ratios in horses. B. caballi PCR-positive horses exhibited anemia and thrombocytopenia, whereas T. equi PCR-positive horses showed anemia and leukocytosis. T. equi-seropositive horses had lower neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages than seronegative horses. Hematologic ratios displayed significant differences between negative and infected horses (mostly those infected by B. caballi). Most of the variations observed in these ratios were those previously linked to the worst prognosis or outcome in horses and humans. This study also evaluates the ability to predict the EP status of these hematologic parameters and ratios, with platelet-related parameters showing a fair ability to predict a B. caballi PCR-positive result. While molecular methods remain the gold standard, complete hematology analysis and ratios could provide valuable complementary information to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of piroplasmosis in horses. Full article

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a neuroendocrine system involved in the coping response to stressful challenges during exercise stimuli. Exercise represents a significant disruptor of homeostasis, inducing an ACTH-cortisol co-secretion, based on different characteristics of exercise in sport horses. Based on this statement, the aim of this study is to evaluate the circulating adrenocorticotropin and cortisol changes in Standardbred trotters, after training and racing sessions, considering the different age and sex. In particular, the aim is to determine to what extent the level of ACTH and cortisol increases during maximum effort in competition conditions (racing), and to compare two exercise conditions of different intensity, training and racing sessions, and effects on ACTH and cortisol responses. Ten Standardbreds, three females and seven males, clinically healthy, were enrolled and subjected to two exercise conditions: a non-competitive session (training) and then a competitive event (racing). Four of them were 2-year-olds and a further six were 3-year-olds. Training and racing effects on both ACTH (p < 0.01) and cortisol (p < 0.01) values were obtained. Compared to the training session, horses showed greater ACTH concentrations at rest (p < 0.001), at 5 (p < 0.01) and 30 min (p < 0.001), and lower cortisol concentrations only at rest (p < 0.01) after racing; 2- and 3-year-old horses showed the greater ACTH concentrations at 5 and 30 min (p < 0.01) post-racing; males showed the greater ACTH concentrations at 5 min and 30 min (p < 0.01) post-racing. The different stimuli of the two contexts, and differences in exercise intensity, such as training and competitive event, may have affected the direction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response, both as an ability to adapt to physical stress of different intensity and as a preparatory activity for coping with stimuli. In conclusion, training and racing events induced a different HPA axis response in which both emotional experience and physical maturity could induce a significant adaptive response. As ACTH and cortisol concentrations in adult equids are extremely heterogeneous, further investigation is required to explore how different variables can influence the hormonal dynamics and their role as expressions of adaptive strategies to stress in horses. Full article

Equid milk (donkey or mare) has traditionally been consumed raw or fermented due to its distinctive chemical composition, which closely resembles human milk, and its nutritional benefits. Nowadays, interest in it is increasing, despite limited research on its microbiological risk. Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), a globally re-emerging zoonotic agent, has rarely been investigated in equid milk. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the applicability of selected analytical methods for detecting C. burnetii in raw equid milk. A commercial molecular assay was tested on three serial dilutions of one donkey milk sample contaminated with a C. burnetii plasmid, which showed no interference of donkey milk with real-time PCR detection. The commercial molecular assay and a serological assay routinely used in the laboratory were also applied to screen a total of 106 equid milks from 16 farms to assess their applicability to diagnostic samples. No C. burnetii DNA or anti-C. burnetii antibodies were detected in these screenings. In our study, the implemented methods appeared to be suitable for C. burnetii investigation in equid milk. While the overall low prevalence recorded in Italy among domestic species is reassuring, strategic surveillance and risk assessment remain essential considering the low infectious dose of C. burnetii and its zoonotic potential. Full article

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a major problem in equine veterinary medicine. Typically, a commensal in horses, SEZ can cause severe disease including respiratory infections, septicaemia and reproductive tract infections under certain conditions. Recent evidence suggests that humans can also develop severe disease infection through direct contact with infected animals or the consumption of contaminated unpasteurised milk and milk products. This study investigates SEZ strains isolated from nasal swabs of equidae in central Italy in 2023 to describe the epidemiology and genomic characteristics of circulating strains. A sampling plan was implemented to randomly collect nasal swabs from equid farms in the Abruzzo and Molise regions. In addition, a sampling form was designed to collect information on risk factors related to the presence of the bacterium and the potential development of respiratory disease. Relative risk was used to measure the association between the presence of SEZ in the samples and various variables. The swabs were analysed by real-time PCR and isolation. To confirm the identification and characterise the strains, the isolates were fully sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the Illumina platform. A total of 478 animals from 99 farms were sampled and 30% of the animals tested positive for SEZ (79% horses, 20% donkeys, 1% mules). Forty-five percent of the farms tested positive for SEZ. Monitoring the clonal spread of SEZ is essential to understand the ecology of this emerging zoonotic pathogen, to assess the risk, and to implement effective control measures. In addition, genomic assessments are recommended to investigate the pathogenicity of circulating strains. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology and genomic diversity of SEZ strains isolated in central Italy. Full article

This study sought to investigate the presence of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in georeferenced serum samples from equids across all regions of the state of Goiás, while also presenting variables that indicate risk factors for the circulation of rickettsiae, and evaluating the presence of rickettsial DNA in ticks collected from equids and the surrounding environment in the municipalities of Uruaçu and Porangatu, located in the northern region of the state. A total of 1156 equid serum samples provided by the Goiás Agricultural Defense Agency (Agrodefesa) were analyzed for antibodies against 4 Rickettsia antigens. Additionally, 39 blood samples were collected from equids during a 3-day field expedition in January 2024, alongside 938 ticks collected from both animals and the environment. In total, 297 adult ticks were randomly selected for molecular analysis and tested by qPCR targeting the rickettsial gltA gene. Positive samples were further analyzed using cPCR to target the ompA and gltA genes. Results revealed that 9.6% (111/1156) of the serum samples were seroreactive to at least one Rickettsia antigen. Among these, 36% had antibodies against Rickettsia rickettsii, 18.9% against Rickettsia parkeri, 69.4% against Rickettsia amblyommatis, and 14.4% against Rickettsia bellii. Furthermore, the possible antigen responsible for a homologous reaction was found in 3.6% of equids for R. rickettsii, and in the same proportion for R. bellii, while 23.4% of animals showed antibodies for R. amblyommatis, and none exhibited a homologous reaction to R. parkeri. Meanwhile, 28.2% of the serum samples collected during the field expedition had antibodies against R. amblyommatis, with 72.7% identifying R. amblyommatis as the antigen involved in the homologous reaction. In the logistic regression analysis, the variables of education level, altitude below 500 m, and presence of female mules demonstrated a positive effect on seropositivity. Ticks from animals were identified as Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato, Amblyomma sculptum, Dermacentor nitens, and Rhipicephalus microplus, while environmental ticks were identified as A. cajennense s.l., A. sculptum, and Amblyomma nodosum. In the qPCR assays, two specimens of A. cajennense s.l., one of A. sculptum, and one of D. nitens amplified a fragment of the gltA gene. Of these, one A. cajennense s.l. specimen amplified a fragment of both the ompA and gltA genes, and one A. sculptum specimen amplified a fragment of the gltA gene through conventional PCR. Sequencing confirmed the detection of R. amblyommatis. These findings highlight the presence of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in equid serum samples from all regions of the state of Goiás, emphasizing the important role of equids as sentinels for Rickettsia spp. To our knowledge, this study represents the largest effort to detect anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in equid serum samples in Brazil. Additionally, it is the first nationwide investigation of its kind conducted in collaboration with the Agricultural Defense Agency (Agrodefesa), serving as a significant example of the One Health approach. Full article

Dermacentor nitens (tropical horse tick) is a tick species commonly found parasitizing horses and other equids in the Amazon region, causing economic losses. Currently, tick control is based on chemical acaricides, usually in a power formulation for topical use. However, its indiscriminate use results in the emergence of resistant tick lineages. Several plant compounds have been tested for their acaricide activity. In the Amazon, several plants are used for oil extraction, resulting in the production of solid residue (waste) that may contain chemical molecules with biological activities. Thus, we aimed to test the in vitro acaricidal potential of the ethanolic extract of the industrial residue of andiroba (Carapa sp.) against D. nitens. In a larval immersion test (LIT), D. nitens larvae were tested with 2.5%, 5%, and 10% andiroba extract concentrations in three replicates. Subsequently, the envelopes were kept in a BOD chamber (28 °C ± 1 °C; 80% ± 5% humidity) for 24 h. At the end of this period, live and dead larvae were counted, and efficiency was calculated from the mortality rate caused by the extract and corrected by the Abbot formula. In the three repetitions, the andiroba extract at a concentration of 5% caused the death of 100% of the larvae. At concentrations of 2.5% and 10%, they caused the death of, respectively, 12.38% (±3.5%) and 69.79% (±7.98%) of the larvae. These results indicate that the extract from the industrial residue from the production of andiroba oil has acaricidal activity. It is concluded that the solid waste from industrial andiroba oil extraction has the potential for the development of natural acaricides against D. nitens. Full article