Search Results (15)

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonotic disease that poses significant risks to both livestock productivity and human health. This is the first molecular and epidemiological study of C. burnetii infections on a Boer goat farm in South Korea, encompassing clinical cases in animals and humans, as well as environmental contamination. The investigation was initiated following abortion cases at a farm that co-raised Boer goats and cattle. Samples—including vaginal swabs, aborted fetuses, blood, tissues, feces, dust, and soil—were tested using PCR, confirming C. burnetii infection from multiple sources. Genotyping through Multiple Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis and Multispacer Sequence Typing revealed molecular epidemiological links between farm-detected strains and those previously identified in human cases from South Korea, France, and the UK, suggesting possible zoonotic transmission. C. burnetii was also found in dust, soil, feces, and in farmworkers, indicating ongoing environmental and occupational exposure. These findings emphasize the role of environmental contamination in disease persistence and the need for improved biosecurity and coordinated surveillance. This study supports a One Health approach and offers meaningful implications for public health policy, particularly in establishing effective strategies for monitoring and controlling Q fever in livestock farms and surrounding communities. Full article

The application of organic amendments in agriculture has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure on the yield and biochemical quality of cauliflower cultivated in soil types typical of the Campania region: loam and clay. Three fertilization treatments were tested, an unfertilized control, vermicompost (140 kg N ha⁻¹), and mineral fertilizer (MIN), at the same nitrogen rate. The results showed that vermicompost more significantly improved plant growth compared to the unfertilized control, particularly in loam soil, where the biomass and the leaf number increased by 160% and 335%, respectively. In clay soil, vermicompost enhanced nutrient availability, leading to a 159% biomass increase relative to the control. While mineral fertilization resulted in the highest yields, vermicompost improved the antioxidant capacity and influenced the amino acid composition, particularly in clay soil, where it enhanced the total amino acid content by 35% over that of the control. Additionally, vermicompost increased the quantity of soil organic matter and moderated the oxidative stress responses, suggesting long-term benefits for soil health. These findings highlight the potential of vermicompost as an effective and sustainable soil amendment, particularly in regions with intensive livestock farming and nitrate-sensitive environments. Further research is needed to optimize its integration with conventional fertilization strategies to maximize the agronomic and environmental benefits. Full article

Nodulation in Leguminous spp. is induced by common environmental cues, such as low nitrogen availability conditions, in the presence of the specific Rhizobium spp. in the rhizosphere. Medicago sativa (alfalfa) is an important nitrogen-fixing forage crop that is widely cultivated around the world and relied upon as a staple source of forage in livestock feed. Although alfalfa’s relationship with these bacteria is one of the most efficient between rhizobia and legume plants, breeding for nitrogen-related traits in this crop has received little attention. In this report, we investigate the role of Squamosa-Promoter Binding Protein-Like 9 (SPL9), a target of miR156, in nodulation in alfalfa. Transgenic alfalfa plants with SPL9-silenced (SPL9-RNAi) and overexpressed (35S::SPL9) were compared to wild-type (WT) alfalfa for phenotypic changes in nodulation in the presence and absence of nitrogen. Phenotypic analyses showed that silencing of MsSPL9 in alfalfa caused an increase in the number of nodules. Moreover, the characterization of phenotypic and molecular parameters revealed that MsSPL9 regulates nodulation under a high concentration of nitrate (10 mM KNO₃) by regulating the transcription levels of the nitrate-responsive genes Nitrate Reductase1 (NR1), NR2, Nitrate transporter 2.5 (NRT2.5), and a shoot-controlled autoregulation of nodulation (AON) gene, Super numeric nodules (SUNN). While MsSPL9–overexpressing transgenic plants have dramatically increased transcript levels of SUNN, NR1, NR2, and NRT2.5, reducing MsSPL9 caused downregulation of these genes and displayed a nitrogen-starved phenotype, as downregulation of the MsSPL9 transcript levels caused a nitrate-tolerant nodulation phenotype. Taken together, our results suggest that MsSPL9 regulates nodulation in alfalfa in response to nitrate. Full article

The Tibetan Plateau has important functions, such as water and soil conservation, wind and sand control, carbon fixation, and biodiversity protection. Agricultural development on the Tibetan Plateau not only maintains local food security but is also related to the important ecological functions in China and Asia. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of reclaimed and abandoned cultivated land in the Yarlung Zangbo–Lhasa–Nyangqu River (YLN) region on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from 2000 to 2020 using high-resolution remote sensing data. Additionally, this study explored the factors influencing spatial distribution patterns using a landscape pattern index and correlation analysis. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, cultivated land reclamation and abandonment coexisted in the YLN region. The total areas of reclaimed and abandoned cultivated land were 558.57 and 196.85 km², and their growth and abandonment rates were 25.47 and 8.29%, respectively. (2) Apparent regional differences existed in the distribution of reclaimed and abandoned lands. The reclaimed land was concentrated in the northeast and southwest of YLN, whereas abandoned land was scattered, with relatively higher fragmentation than in the former. (3) Climate and location affected the spatial distribution of both land types, with precipitation, aspect, and SOM having less influence and temperature, elevation, slope, traffic conditions, and farming radius having relatively prominent influence. (4) Socioeconomic factors were the main factors driving changes in cultivated land area in the region, wherein grain output and the number of livestock positively impacted reclamation and abandonment, relatively more significantly for reclamation. This study helps to understand the land use changes and their impacts in the YLN region on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is of great significance for formulating appropriate sustainable development strategies and land management policies, and ensuring the sustainable development of local ecological environment and cultivated land resources utilization. Full article

Post-weaning diarrhoea and enterotoxaemia caused by Escherichia coli are serious threats in the pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) livestock industry and are responsible for economic losses related to mortality, morbidity and stunted growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an engineered tobacco seeds-based edible vaccine in O138 Escherichia coli-challenged piglets throughout a multidisciplinary approach. Thirty-six weaned piglets were enrolled and randomly divided into two experimental groups, a control (C; n = 18) group and a tobacco edible vaccination group (T, n = 18), for 29 days of trial. At days 0, 1, 2, 5 and 14, piglets of the T group were fed with 10 g of the engineered tobacco seeds line expressing F18 and VT2eB antigens, while the C group received wild-type tobacco seeds. After 20 days, 6 piglets/group were orally challenged with the Escherichia coli O138 strain (creating four subgroups: UC = unchallenged control, CC = challenged control, UT = unchallenged tobacco, CT = challenged tobacco) and fed with a high protein diet for 3 consecutive days. Zootechnical, clinical, microbiological, histological and immunological parameters were assayed and registered during the 9 days of post-challenge follow up. At 29 days post-challenge, the CT group displayed a lower average of the sum of clinical scores compared to the CC group (p < 0.05), while the CC group showed a higher average sum of the faecal score (diarrhoea) (p < 0.05) than the CT group. A decreased number of days of shedding of the pathogenic strain was observed in the CT compared to the CC group (p < 0.05). Specific anti-F18 IgA molecules were significantly higher in the CT group compared to the CC group’s faecal samples during the post-challenge period (p < 0.01). In conclusion, edible vaccination with engineered tobacco seeds showed a protective effect on clinical symptoms and diarrhoea incidence during the post-challenge period, characterized by a limited time of pathogenic strain shedding in faeces. Full article

The introduction of numerous exotic dung beetles across southern Australia in regions where native dung beetles are not generally efficient in processing livestock dung has resulted in significant reductions in the quantity of such dung on the soil surface in recent years. However, the direct impacts of such ecosystem services on pasture quality and soil nutrient mobility have not yet been investigated in the Riverina region of New South Wales (NSW), an area recognised for prime cattle and sheep production in Australia. Utilising 48 soil columns for lysimetry, we quantified the impact of a common introduced dung beetle (Bubas bison) in this region on water quality after permeation through four different soil types sown to winter annual pastures. Dung beetle treatments included dung plus dung beetles, dung alone and no dung beetles, and no dung and no beetles as a control. Dung beetles and soil type impacted on the performance of improved overseeded annual pastures as measured by biomass accumulation over a four-month growing season. The four soil types, namely, Chromosol, Kandosol, Rudosol, and Vertosol, differed considerably with respect to their water-holding capacity and nutrient profiles, as assessed by initial soil testing and soil leachate evaluation following rainfall plus simulated rainfall events. The concentration of Escherichia coli resulting from cattle dung, cattle dung plus beetles, and the control soils without dung or beetles was assessed in collected leachates over a three-month period. E. coli numbers were significantly increased following B. bison activity, when compared to the dung-only and control treatments. Evaluation of the soil microbiome, by assessing genomic DNA in soils sampled 10 cm below the soil surface where dung beetles remained active following tunnelling, revealed significant differences among soil types with respect to bacterial and fungal communities. Within each soil type, dung beetle activity impacted the fungal community structure, but not the bacterial community. Pasture performance as assessed by biomass accumulation was significantly improved following dung beetle activity in later stages of pasture growth, while E. coli numbers and total coliforms appeared unaffected by beetle presence. Full article

The high value use of agricultural and livestock waste resources in the context of a low carbon economy is a challenge that currently plagues many countries. Yak dung, as a waste resource from livestock farming in the plateau, is considered to be a misplaced treasure. In this work, yak dung was processed into yak dung fiber (YDF) and yak dung ash (YDA), respectively, and the microscopic morphology of the YDF and YDA was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elements in the YDA were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Moreover, cementitious composites were prepared with YDF at 0%, 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% and by replacing cement with YDA at 5%, 10% and 15% to assess the workability, mechanical properties and shrinkage properties of cementitious composites containing different YDF types (alkali treated and untreated), contents and different YDA contents. The results showed that alkali-treated YDF and YDA contain a large number of honeycomb structure pores, and the strength of cementitious materials with alkali-treated YDF was higher. The addition of YDF had a negative effect on the fluidity and compressive strength of the cementitious material, but the 0.3% YDF was beneficial in increasing its flexural strength. The compressive strength and flexural strength first increased and then decreased with the increase of YDA content. Both YDF and YDA inhibited the shrinkage of the cement paste, and the shrinkage strain of the cement matrix composites containing 0.3% YDF and 10% YDA was reduced by 51.1% compared to the control group. This work is expected to promote the application of yak dung waste in cementitious materials. Full article

Getah virus (GETV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted by mosquitoes, belonging to the Togaviridae family, Alphavirus genus. It was first isolated from mosquitoes in Malaysia in 1955, being widespread in island countries in the South Pacific region. Since the beginning of the 21st century, GETV expanded its range and geographical distribution from low-latitude tropical regions to 60° north latitude, being isolated from 17 different species of mosquitoes belonging to five genera of Culicidae (Culex, Anopheles, Armigeres, Aedes and Mansonia), as well as from midges in Eurasia. Molecular genetic evolution analysis revealed large molecular differences between the mosquitoes currently circulating Eurasia and those in the South Pacific in 1950s. The number of disease outbreaks caused by GETV in animals is increasing alongside the types of animals infected, from horses and pigs to cattle, blue foxes and red pandas. The disease burden is severely underestimated, and the economic cost to livestock production remains unknown. Herein, we review GETV temporal and spatial distribution, molecular genetic evolution, transmission and data on disease outbreaks. This work provides a reference for public health workers engaged in GETV research and zoonotic disease prevention and control. Full article

Early detection of emerging carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in food-producing animals is essential to control the spread of CPE. We assessed the risk of CPE introduction from imported livestock, livestock feed, companion animals, hospital patients, and returning travelers into livestock farms in The Netherlands, including (1) broiler, (2) broiler breeder, (3) fattening pig, (4) breeding pig, (5) farrow-to-finish pig, and (6) veal calf farms. The expected annual number of introductions was calculated from the number of farms exposed to each CPE source and the probability that at least one animal in an exposed farm is colonized. The total number of farms with CPE colonization was estimated to be the highest for fattening pig farms, whereas the probability of introduction for an individual farm was the highest for broiler farms. Livestock feed and imported livestock are the most likely sources of CPE introduction into Dutch livestock farms. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the number of fattening pig farms determined the number of high introductions in fattening pigs from feed, and that uncertainty on CPE prevalence impacted the absolute risk estimate for all farm types. The results of this study can be used to inform risk-based surveillance for CPE in livestock farms. Full article

Brucellosis is still a global health issue, and surveillance and control of this zoonotic disease in livestock remains a challenge. Human outbreaks are mainly linked to the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. The detection of human pathogenic Brucella species in food of animal origin is time-consuming and laborious. Bacteriophages are broadly applied to the typing of Brucella isolates from pure culture. Since phages intracellularly replicate to very high numbers, they can also be used as specific indicator organisms of their host bacteria. We developed a novel real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the highly conserved helicase sequence harbored in all currently known Brucella-specific lytic phages. Quality and performance tests determined a limit of detection of <1 genomic copy/µL. In raw milk artificially contaminated with Brucella microti, Iz_v phages were reliably detected after 39 h of incubation, indicating the presence of viable bacteria. The qPCR assay showed high stability in the milk matrix and significantly shortened the time to diagnosis when compared to traditional culture-based techniques. Hence, our molecular assay is a reliable and sensitive method to analyze phage titers, may help to reduce the hands-on time needed for the screening of potentially contaminated food, and reveals infection risks without bacterial isolation. Full article

Stomoxys calcitrans is considered as a major pest of livestock worldwide. Insecticides have been extensively used to control this pest but resistance to these chemical compounds is now reported in many countries. Therefore, a more sustainable and efficient control is needed. Seven different types of blue screens, with reflectances around 460 nm, were tested during summer 2016 in southwestern France to evaluate their attractiveness and their specificity for stable flies. Height of the screen and orientation (east or west) of a blue screen were also considered. High levels of S. calcitrans captures were recorded during this study (from 141 to 7301 individuals per blue screen and per day) whereas the numbers of tabanids and pollinator insects remained extremely low (less than 10 individuals per screen and per day). No significant difference in attractiveness has been shown between the different types of blue screens. The lower half of the blue screens caught significantly more stable flies (70%) than the higher half (30%). The “east” side of the screen attracted 60% of stable flies but this was not significantly different from the west side. These results are highlighting the interest in these blue polyethylene screens for controlling stable flies in cattle farms, in comparison with more expensive blue fabrics. Full article

In Mongolia, the Ecological Footprint (EF) has increased from 6.8 million global hectares (gha) in 1961 to 14.6 million gha in 2012; whilst the Biological capacity (BC) has decreased from 50.6 million gha in 1961 to 39.0 million gha in 2012. Throughout the study period, the grazing land footprint and carbon uptake land footprint have been the two major contributors to the EF variation. If the current trend continues, the EF will surpass the BC by around 2083. To ensure sustainable development in Mongolia, policy directions are advised. For the grazing land footprint, regulating the livestock numbers and herding practice changes are suggested. For the carbon uptake footprint, an increase in the combustion efficiency of the coal fired power plants and the extensive utilization of the renewable energy are suggested. Simple estimations of future carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission changes based on various scenarios have been carried out. The amount of CO₂ emissions in the mitigation scenarios decreased by up to 31.4% compared with the baseline scenario in 2030 in Mongolia. This case study is the first attempt to propose sustainable development strategies based on the estimation of Mongolia’s ecological consumption pattern. Full article

The multiple agroforestry land uses of oak forests are of great ecological and economic interest as they contribute to the improvement of animal husbandry, wildlife, and environment. However, herbivory by wildlife and livestock highly affects the structure and the dynamic of forest ecosystems including its regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effect of wild boar and small ruminants herbivory on the regeneration of a deciduous oak forest in northern Greece. Eight sites were selected in an even aged stand of similar canopy cover and forest site quality: four sites with long-time use mainly by wild boar and four sites with long-time grazing by sheep and browsing by goats. A plot of 150 m² in each of the sites was fenced in order to be protected from herbivory. The plant cover and number of oak seedlings and acorns was measured in both grazed and protected plots for four consecutive years. The plant cover increased in the protected plots independent of the type of animals. The seedling cover decreased about 29% and 9% in sites where small ruminants and wild boars foraged respectively. Similarly, the number and the weight of acorns significantly decreased in the sites grazed by small ruminants mainly during the mast year of the oaks. Forest management has to control the small ruminants grazing in terms of intensity, timing, and duration in order to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem. Full article

Recent outbreaks of Rift Valley fever in ruminant livestock, characterized by mass abortion and high mortality rates in neonates, have raised international interest in improving vaccine control strategies. Previously, we developed a reliable challenge model for sheep that improves the evaluation of existing and novel vaccines in sheep. This sheep model demonstrated differences in the pathogenesis of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection between two genetically-distinct wild-type strains of the virus, Saudi Arabia 2001 (SA01) and Kenya 2006 (Ken06). Here, we evaluated the pathogenicity of these two RVFV strains in mixed breed beef calves. There was a transient increase in rectal temperatures with both virus strains, but this clinical sign was less consistent than previously reported with sheep. Three of the five Ken06-infected animals had an early-onset viremia, one day post-infection (dpi), with viremia lasting at least three days. The same number of SA01-infected animals developed viremia at 2 dpi, but it only persisted through 3 dpi in one animal. The average virus titer for the SA01-infected calves was 1.6 logs less than for the Ken06-infected calves. Calves, inoculated with either strain, seroconverted by 5 dpi and showed time-dependent increases in their virus-neutralizing antibody titers. Consistent with the results obtained in the previous sheep study, elevated liver enzyme levels, more severe liver pathology and higher virus titers occurred with the Ken06 strain as compared to the SA01 strain. These results demonstrate the establishment of a virulent challenge model for vaccine evaluation in calves. Full article

The environment in livestock buildings must be controlled to ensure the health and welfare of both workers and animals, as well as to restrict the emission of pollutants to the atmosphere. Among the pollutants generated inside these premises, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is of great interest in terms of animal welfare and ventilation control. The use of inexpensive sensors means that complete systems can be designed with a number of sensors located around the building. This paper describes a study of the suitability of multipoint simultaneous CO₂ sensors operating in a wireless sensor network, which was found to operate satisfactorily under laboratory conditions and was found to be the best alternative for these applications. The sensors showed a highly linear response to CO₂ concentrations, ranging from 500 to 5000 ppm. However, individual sensor response was found to differ, which made it necessary to calibrate each one separately. Sensor precision ranged between 80 and 110 ppm CO₂, and sensor response to register a 95% change in concentration was estimated at around 5 min. These features mean this type of sensor network can be used to monitor animal welfare and also for environmental control in poorly ventilated livestock premises. According to the tests conducted in this study, a temporal drift may occur and therefore a regular calibration of sensors would be needed. Full article