Search Results (1,429)

Modern agriculture faces the critical need to develop sustainable, safe, and effective strategies for enhancing productivity, protecting plants and animals, and ensuring food security. Challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and the adverse environmental and consumer health impacts of chemical agents are driving the search for eco-friendly alternatives. In this context, bacteriocins—naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides synthesized by diverse bacteria—represent a promising alternative to traditional chemical compounds. This article reviews the potential and current advances in bacteriocin applications across agricultural sectors, with particular focus on their targeted antagonistic activity, structural diversity, commercial bacteriocin-based products, and their utilization in livestock farming, crop production, poultry farming, and aquaculture. Key findings demonstrate that bacteriocins, particularly nisin and pediocin PA-1, exhibit potent activity against major agricultural pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli, with efficacy rates reaching 90% in mastitis treatment and significantly reducing pathogen loads in poultry and aquaculture systems. Commercial products such as Nisaplin, Wipe Out, and ALTA 2431 have been successfully implemented in veterinary medicine and food production. In aquaculture, bacteriocins effectively control Lactococcus garvieae, Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, contributing to sustainable disease management with minimal environmental impact. It can be suggested that bacteriocins may play an essential role in combating pathogens and offer viable alternatives to conventional antibiotics across primary food production systems, though optimization of production methods and regulatory frameworks remains essential for broader commercial adoption. Full article

Respiratory diseases remain one of the most significant health challenges in modern swine production, leading to substantial economic losses, compromised animal welfare, and increased antimicrobial use. In recent years, advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning and deep learning, have enabled the development of non-invasive, continuous monitoring systems based on pig vocalizations. Among these, audio-based technologies have emerged as especially promising tools for early detection and monitoring of respiratory disorders under real farm conditions. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of AI-driven audio classification approaches applied to pig farming, with focus on respiratory health and welfare monitoring. First, the biological and acoustic foundations of pig vocalizations and their relevance to health and welfare assessment are outlined. The review then systematically examines sound acquisition technologies, feature engineering strategies, machine learning and deep learning models, and evaluation methodologies reported in the literature. Commercially available systems and recent advances in real-time, edge, and on-farm deployment are also discussed. Finally, key challenges related to data scarcity, generalization, environmental noise, and practical deployment are identified, and emerging opportunities for future research including multimodal sensing, standardized datasets, and explainable AI are highlighted. This review aims to provide researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders with a consolidated reference to guide the development and adoption of robust AI-based acoustic monitoring systems for respiratory health management in swine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus is a multifaceted pathogen responsible for diseases in humans and in several animal species, including dairy cows. This study aimed to characterize and compare the genetic diversity, lineage distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. aureus isolates from bovine milk with human-derived reference genomes to investigate host adaptation and inter-species transmission. Methods: Genomic analyses were performed on S. aureus isolates from quarter milk samples of dairy cows together with human-derived sequences from public databases. Whole-genome sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were used to determine sequence type (ST) distribution, and the presence of key antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) was assessed. Comparative genomics was applied to evaluate gene content, phylogenetic relationships, and lineage–host associations. Results: The dataset encompassed bovine-adapted lineages (CC97, CC133, CC151) and human-associated lineages (CC1, CC5, CC8, CC30, CC45), as well as livestock-associated ST398 in bovine samples and human-adapted ST5 and ST6 in animals. ST8 was the only ST shared between animal and human isolates and showed differing resistance profiles, with animal ST8 carrying resistance determinants absent from human ST8. Bovine-adapted strains were characterized by recurrent loss of human-associated virulence genes and acquisition of bovine-associated mobile genetic elements, and blaZ and mecA were rarely detected in bovine-adapted CC97 but were frequently present in human CC5 and CC8. Overall, animal isolates carried fewer resistance genes than human isolates. Conclusions: S. aureus from dairy cows and humans displayed substantial genetic diversity, with evidence of host-associated lineages and dynamic changes in gene and mobile element content. These findings support the need for integrated One Health surveillance to track shared and host-adapted lineages and their antibiotic resistance determinants. Full article

Piscine lactococcosis is an emerging bacterial disease that threatens freshwater and marine aquaculture in the Mediterranean region. This study characterized isolates of Lactococcus garvieae and Lactococcus petauri from farmed fish through molecular identification, genomic typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A total of 39 bacterial strains were analyzed using species-specific real-time PCR assays, multilocus sequence typing and broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations. Results suggest a temporal shift in freshwater systems, where L. garvieae predominated in earlier isolates (mainly ST13, CC4), while L. petauri (ST14, CC14) appears as the dominant species in recent years. In marine fish, only L. garvieae was detected, mainly ST95 (CC95), a lineage previously reported in Europe. Molecular variability was found in both species with lineages capable of infecting livestock and humans. Amoxicillin displayed promising results; florfenicol showed moderate activity, while flumequine exhibited no inhibitory effect. Oxytetracycline and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole showed variable results requiring prudent use. These region-specific susceptibility profiles provide updated baseline data to guide empirical antimicrobial therapy while awaiting laboratory confirmation, highlighting the evolution of lactococcosis in aquaculture and emphasizing the need for molecular surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and vaccine updates within a One Health framework to mitigate impacts on Mediterranean aquaculture and public health. Full article

Bluetongue virus (BTV) infects various ruminant species, posing significant threats to animal health and causing substantial economic losses to the livestock industry. Ovine type II alveolar epithelial cells (OAECIIs) play crucial roles in maintaining pulmonary structural integrity and modulating immune responses. Their dysfunction is closely associated with lung disease pathogenesis, making them important therapeutic targets. However, OAECIIs’ immunoregulatory functions and early response mechanisms during BTV infection remain unclear. To address this, we analyzed transcriptomic changes in OAECIIs following BTV-1 infection. RNA-seq revealed 1047 and 852 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 8 and 12 h post-infection (hpi), respectively, compared to uninfected controls. Bioinformatics analysis showed significant upregulation of nucleic acid-sensing receptors, interferon-stimulating factors, inflammatory mediators, and cytokines during early infection, mediated primarily through type I interferon signaling, TNF signaling, and cytosolic DNA-sensing pathways. We identified MAD5, ZNFX1, cGAS, OAS, PKR and ZBP1 as key pattern recognition receptors in OAECIIs during BTV infection. The IFN-β, MX1/2, RSAD2 and PLSCR1 pathways mediated antiviral responses, while IL-15, CXCL10, CCL2 triggered inflammatory responses, collectively causing structural alterations through AQP1/9 and tight junction protein modulation. These findings provide critical insights into early antiviral mechanisms and cellular structural changes in OAECIIs during BTV infection, establishing a foundation for understanding pneumonia pathogenesis and developing targeted BTV therapies. Full article

Galba truncatula acts as an intermediate host for several parasitic flukes of veterinary importance, but a targeted study on its spatial presence as well as the impact of environmental factors in Southeastern Europe has not been conducted. During the summer months of 2017 and 2018, a survey of 191 water bodies in 14 districts in Central, Southern and Western Bulgaria was conducted, with a focus on animal drinking fountains. Each site was assessed for snail presence and characterized by altitude, temperature, precipitation, shade and type of water body. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the important factors related to the occurrence of snail species. The frequency of habitats found was 29.3%, with no differences observed between the studied districts (p > 0.05). Snails were present across a wide range of altitudes (78–1926 m), annual mean temperature (7.8–14.0 °C) and annual mean precipitation (523–796 mm). The high habitat frequencies were recorded in streams (60.0%) and on the banks on small rivers (50.0%). The presence of snails in the two studied types of fountains (without or with a concrete platform) was 24.1% and 17.2%, respectively, with no significant difference between them (p > 0.05). Regression analysis revealed temperature, shade, and type of water body as factors that could significantly influence the spatial presence of G. truncatula. The findings demonstrate the ecological adaptability of G. truncatula and highlight its presence in habitats with high potential for contact with domestic and wild ruminants. This information fills a regional knowledge gap and can support risk assessment and control measures for fluke-borne diseases in livestock and wildlife. Full article

The emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are driven by complex, interconnected mechanisms involving microbial communities, environmental factors, and human activities, with climate change playing a pivotal and accelerating role. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and other environmental disruptions caused by climate change create favorable conditions for bacterial growth and enhance the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Thermal stress and environmental pressures induce genetic mutations that promote resistance, while ecosystem disturbances facilitate the stabilization and spread of resistant pathogens. Moreover, climate change exacerbates public and animal health risks by expanding the range of infectious disease vectors and driving population displacement due to extreme weather events, further amplifying the transmission and evolution of resistant microbes. Livestock agriculture represents a critical nexus where excessive antibiotic use, environmental stressors, and climate-related challenges converge, fueling AMR escalation with profound public health and economic consequences. Environmental reservoirs, including soil and water sources, accumulate ARGs from agricultural runoff, wastewater, and pollution, enabling resistance spread. This review aims to demonstrate how the Mediterranean’s strategic position makes it an ideal living laboratory for the development of integrated “One Health” frameworks that address the mechanistic links between climate change and AMR. By highlighting these interconnections, the review underscores the need for a unified approach that incorporates sustainable agricultural practices, climate mitigation and adaptation within healthcare systems, and enhanced surveillance of zoonotic and resistant pathogens—ultimately offering a roadmap for tackling this multifaceted global health crisis. Full article

Influenza D virus (IDV), an emerging orthomyxovirus with zoonotic potential, infects diverse hosts, causes respiratory disease, and remains poorly characterized in China despite its global expansion. From October 2023 to January 2025, we collected 563 nasal swabs from cattle across 28 farms in Jilin Province, Northeast China, and identified seven IDV-positive samples (1.2%), recovering two viable isolates (JL/YB2024 and JL/CC2024). Full-genome sequencing revealed complete, stable seven-segment genomes with high nucleotide identity (up to 99.9%) to contemporary Chinese D/Yamagata/2019 strains and no evidence of reassortment. Maximum-likelihood and time-resolved Bayesian phylogenies of 231 global hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion (HEF) sequences placed the Jilin isolates within the East Asian D/Yamagata/2019 clade and traced their most recent common ancestor to approximately 2017 (95% highest posterior density: 2016–2018), suggesting a cross-border introduction likely associated with regional cattle movement. No IDV was detected in parallel surveillance of swine, underscoring cattle as the principal reservoir and amplifying host. Bayesian skyline analysis demonstrated a marked decline in global IDV genetic diversity during 2020–2022, coinciding with livestock-movement restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, these findings indicate that IDV circulation in China is sporadic and geographically localized, dominated by the D/Yamagata/2019 lineage, and shaped by multiple independent incursions rather than a single emergence. Both the incorporation of IDV diagnostics into routine bovine respiratory disease surveillance and cattle-import quarantine programs, and the adoption of a One Health framework to monitor potential human spillover and future viral evolution, were recommend. Full article

S. suis is a prominent zoonotic pathogen responsible for diseases such as arthritis in piglets, swine septicemia, and meningitis. The emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) underscores the urgent need for the development of novel antibacterial strategies. In this context, a systematic evaluation of the antibacterial potential of the bacteriophage lytic enzyme Ply900 was conducted in this study, along with an analysis of its domain functions and an in vivo study of its therapeutic dynamics. Ply900 exhibits potent in vitro lytic activity against multiple bacteria, including Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, it possesses broad biochemical stability, with tolerance to diverse environmental conditions. In a mouse model of S. suis serotype 2 SC19 infection, both the direct Ply900 treatment group and the triple therapy group achieved effective eradication of S. suis, with markedly improved survival rates. The remaining bacteria remained susceptible to Ply900, with no evidence of induced resistance development. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the SH3B domain of Ply900 enhances targeted cleavage efficiency by binding synergistically to peptidoglycan with the CHAP domain, with CYS-34, HIS-59, and ASP-28 serving as key amino acid sites for Ply900’s cleavage activity. Collectively, these findings lay the foundation for the potential dual applications of the lysin Ply900, both in the clinical treatment of S. suis infections and in the prevention and control of these pathogenic bacteria in livestock farming. Full article

Migratory birds have been implicated in the spread of diverse emerging infectious pathogens, including West Nile virus, Usutu virus, Avian influenza viruses, Salmonella, Campylobacter, antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Beyond their roles as vectors and reservoirs, migratory birds are also susceptible hosts whose own health may be compromised by these infections, reflecting their dual position in the ecology of pathogens. As facilitators of pathogen transmission during their long-distance migrations, often spanning thousands of kilometres and connecting ecosystems across continents, these birds can easily cross-national borders and circumvent traditional biosecurity measures, thereby acting as primary or secondary vectors in the transmission of cross-species diseases among wildlife, livestock, and humans. Africa occupies a pivotal position in global migratory bird networks, yet comprehensive data on pathogen carriage remain limited. Gaps in knowledge of pathogen diversity constrain current surveillance systems, resulting in insufficient genomic monitoring of pathogen evolution and a weak integration of avian ecology with veterinary and human health. These limitations hinder early detection of novel pathogens and reduce the continent’s preparedness to manage outbreaks. Therefore, this review provides a holistic assessment of these challenges by consolidating existing knowledge concerning the pathogens transmitted by migratory birds in Africa, while recognizing the adverse effect of pathogens, which potentiates population decline, extinction, and ecological imbalance. It further advocates for the adoption of a comprehensive One Health-omics approach that not only strengthens surveillance and technological capacity but also prioritizes the protection of avian health as an integral component of ecosystem and public health. Full article

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a significant threat to livestock productivity and rural livelihoods in South Africa, particularly among resource-poor communal farmers. This narrative review synthesises findings from case studies on communal farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward TBDs and their control. The analysis reveals that while many farmers can identify TBDs and their symptoms, significant gaps exist in understanding acaricide resistance and effective tick management. Socioeconomic factors, including age, gender, education, and access to veterinary services, strongly influence knowledge and practices. Indigenous ethnoveterinary practices are commonly used alongside conventional methods, although their efficacy remains understudied. The review emphasises the importance of integrated pest management, participatory approaches, and targeted awareness campaigns. A One Health framework is recommended to enhance surveillance, collaboration, and sustainable TBD control. Empowering farmers through training and inclusive communication strategies is crucial for mitigating the impacts of TBDs on communal farming systems. Full article

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) ligands possess a series of immunomodulatory effects such as anti-infection, anti-tumor, and autoimmune-disease-alleviating effects. In this study, porcine TLR7 (pTLR7) and porcine STING (pSTING) were selected as targets, and molecular docking and virtual screening methods were used for screening of dual-target livestock immunomodulators. Finally, two compounds were screened with molecular docking scores higher than the positive control compounds. They have good binding ability with pTLR7 and pSTING proteins, as well as satisfactory predictive safety and pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results also indicated that the above ligands can form stable complexes with two target proteins. The average binding free energies of compound 2 with pTLR7 and pSTING were −28.65 kcal/mol and −30.12 kcal/mol, respectively, and of compound 7 with pTLR7 and pSTING were −35.93 kcal/mol and −31.70 kcal/mol, respectively, which were comparable to that of positive control ligands. The similarity of target proteins between pigs, humans, and mice, as well as the interactions between ligands and TLR7 and STING in different species, were analyzed. And analysis of predicted structure–activity relationship (SAR) was conducted. Briefly, compound 2 and compound 7 were predicted to form stable complexes with pTLR7 and pSTING, with satisfactory predicted physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic characteristics, and represented candidates for experimental validation. This study supplies a research basis for the development, design, and structural modification of immune enhancers for animals. Full article

This review synthesizes research on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in intestinal health across human, livestock, and mouse models. The Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as a master regulator of cellular antioxidant defenses and a key therapeutic target for intestinal inflammatory disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The interplay between oxidative stress, Nrf2 signaling, and NF-κB inflammatory cascades represents a critical axis in the pathogenesis and resolution of intestinal inflammation. Under normal physiological conditions, Nrf2 remains sequestered in the cytoplasm by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), which facilitates its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. However, during oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and electrophilic compounds modify critical cysteine residues on Keap1, disrupting the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction and enabling Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Once in the nucleus, Nrf2 binds to antioxidant response elements (ARE) in the promoter regions of genes encoding phase II detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant proteins, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence demonstrating that activation of Nrf2 signaling confers protection against intestinal inflammation through multiple interconnected mechanisms: suppression of NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cascades, enhancement of cellular antioxidant capacity, restoration of intestinal barrier integrity, modulation of immune cell function, and favorable alteration of gut microbiota composition. We systematically examine a diverse array of therapeutic agents targeting Nrf2 signaling, including bioactive peptides, natural polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, probiotics, and synthetic compounds. The mechanistic insights and therapeutic evidence presented underscore the translational potential of Nrf2 pathway modulation as a multi-targeted strategy for managing intestinal inflammatory conditions and restoring mucosal homeostasis. Full article

Vaccination remains a cornerstone of livestock disease control, yet its effectiveness under field conditions is often compromised by concurrent infections, particularly parasitic helminths. This review explores how infections shape vaccine-induced immunity in cattle, emphasizing the immunoregulatory mechanisms by which helminths interfere with protective responses. Chronic infections with Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi induce Th2-biased and regulatory immune environments that suppress antigen presentation, cytokine production, and memory formation and maintenance, leading to reduced vaccine efficacy. Evidence from experimental and field studies is scarce and constitutes a gap in our knowledge on how vaccines work in the field. Available data indicate that infection timing, intensity, and chronicity critically determine the extent of vaccine interference. The review highlights diagnostic approaches that can support targeted deworming before vaccination and proposes integrated management strategies combining parasite control, immunization, and nutritional optimization. Such approaches can mitigate helminth-driven immune suppression, enhance herd protection, and reduce dependence on anthelmintics. However, the impact of helminth infections on vaccine efficacy in cattle should be further assessed in the field. Understanding parasite–vaccine interactions is essential to refine vaccination programs, guide the development of next-generation vaccines, and promote sustainable livestock health in parasite-endemic areas. Full article

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is an important livestock disease caused by Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). The recent incursion and wide distribution of EHDV in Europe have increased the need for effective vaccine candidates. Background/Objectives: The VP2 protein of EHDV forms the outer capsid layer of the virion and is essential for viral assembly and host cell entry. Owing to its antigenic properties, VP2 represents a major target for vaccine development. However, the recombinant production of VP2 is limited by low stability and poor yields, representing a significant barrier for the generation of safe and effective subunit vaccines. Methods: To overcome these limitations, the VP2 protein from EHDV serotype 8 (EHDV-8) was rationally engineered with targeted modifications at both the amino and carboxyl termini of its coding sequence. Recombinant expression was performed using a baculovirus vector-mediated system in Trichoplusia ni pupae (CrisBio^® technology), employed as living biofactories. Results: The engineering of VP2 resulted in up to a tenfold increase in protein yields compared with the wild-type sequence, while maintaining the trimeric structural integrity of the recombinant protein. Both wild-type and engineered VP2 protein variants were formulated and used to immunize IFNAR(−/−) mice, a model susceptible to EHDV infection. Both engineered and wild-type VP2 formulations elicited comparable neutralizing antibody responses in vaccinated animals. Furthermore, immunization with either formulation conferred full protection against lethal EHDV-8 challenge. Conclusions: In this work, we demonstrated that the rational engineering of the VP2 protein significantly improved recombinant expression yields in a baculovirus-based system without compromising structural integrity or immunogenicity. These findings additionally demonstrate the feasibility of producing high-quality VP2 antigens in T. ni pupae using CrisBio^® technology and support their potential application in the development of subunit vaccines against EHDV. Full article