Search Results (910)

Aizoon africanum (L.) Klak (Synonym Galenia africana L.) is traditionally used for a variety of medicinal purposes; however, it has been reported to cause liver damage and severe ascites, particularly in sheep and Angora goats in the arid regions of the Western Cape. This study explores its cytotoxic properties to identify potential cytotoxic compound(s) in the plant. The methanolic extract of A. africanum was re-investigated and subjected to various chromatographic techniques, including preparative HPLC, resulting in the isolation of eight compounds (1–8). Structural elucidation was primarily based on NMR data. Among the isolated compounds, four were flavanones, one was a flavonone, and three were chalcones. Notably, compound 8 was identified as a new chalcone, while compounds 2 and 3 were reported for the first time from this plant. The toxicity of these isolated compounds was evaluated against the HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. We further investigated markers of cell death using spectrophotometric and luminometric methods. Among the isolated compounds, 7 and 8 exhibited cytotoxic activities within the range of 3.0–20.0 µg/mL. Notably, the compounds demonstrated greater cytotoxicity towards liver-derived HepG2 cells compared to the neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line. Compound 7 (2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone) was identified as inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway without causing overt necrosis. The findings indicate that the phytochemicals derived from A. africanum exhibit differential cytotoxic effects based on cell type, suggesting potential for developing novel anticancer agents, particularly compound 7. Additionally, the identification of compound 8 provides insight into the liver toxicity of this plant observed in sheep in South Africa. Full article

Silvopastoral systems, though ecologically beneficial, remain underrepresented in the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy and are seldom studied in Mediterranean contexts. The current study assesses both the environmental and economic aspects of five typical silvopastoral systems in central Greece, encompassing cattle, sheep, and goat farming. A Life Cycle Assessment approach was implemented to quantify greenhouse gas emissions using economic allocation, distributing impacts between milk and meat outputs. Enteric fermentation was the major emission source, accounting for up to 65.14% of total emissions in beef-based systems, while feeding and soil emissions were more prominent in mixed and small ruminant systems. Total farm-level emissions ranged from 60,609 to 273,579 kg CO₂eq per year. Economically, only beef-integrated systems achieved an average annual profitability above EUR 20,000 per farm, based on financial data averaged over the last five years (2020–2024) from selected case studies in central Greece, while the remaining systems fell below the national poverty threshold for an average household, underscoring concerns about their economic viability. The findings underline the dual challenges of economic viability and policy neglect, stressing the need for targeted support if these multifunctional systems are to add value to EU climate goals and rural sustainability. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. Population genetic studies and phylogeographic patterns are essential to understanding the transmission dynamics of this parasite under varying environmental conditions. In this study, the genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. was evaluated using 46 hydatid cyst samples obtained from sheep, goats, cattle, and humans across three regions of Chile: Coquimbo, La Araucanía, and Magallanes. Mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences were analyzed and compared with reference sequences reported from South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In Chile, the EG01 haplotype was the predominant haplotype. A total of four haplotypes were identified, with low haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.461 ± 0.00637) and low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00181 ± 0.00036). The haplotype network displayed a star-like configuration, with the EG01 genotype at the center, suggesting a potentially ancestral or widely distributed lineage. In Coquimbo (Tajima’s D = −0.93302, p = 0.061; Fu’s Fs = −0.003, p = 0.502) and Magallanes (Tajima’s D = −0.17406, p = 0.386; Fu’s Fs = −0.121, p = 0.414), both neutrality tests were non-significant, indicating no strong evidence for recent population expansion or selection. Star-like haplotype network patterns were also observed in populations from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with the EG01 genotype occupying the central position. The population genetic structure of Echinococcus granulosus s.s. in Chile demonstrates considerable complexity, with EG01 as the predominant haplotype. Further comprehensive studies are required to assess the intraspecific genetic variability of E. granulosus s.s. throughout Chile and to determine whether this variability influences the key biological traits of the parasite. This structure may prove even more complex when longer fragments are analyzed, which could allow for the detection of finer-scale microdiversity among isolates from different hosts. We recommended that future cystic echinococcosis control programs take into account the genetic variability of E. granulosus s.s. strains circulating in each endemic region, to better understand their epidemiological, immunological, and possibly pathological differences. Full article

Background: Environmental enrichment is a promising strategy to improve the welfare of dairy goats and sheep. However, studies in this field remain scattered, and its effects on productivity are unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment on behavioral, physiological, and productive parameters in dairy goats and sheep. Data sources: Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies published from 2010 to 2025. Study eligibility criteria: Experimental or observational peer-reviewed studies comparing enriched vs. non-enriched housing in dairy goats or sheep, reporting on welfare or productivity outcomes. Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PICO framework. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed with the SYRCLE tool. Results: Thirteen studies were included, mostly with goats. Physical, sensory, and social enrichments showed benefits for behavior (e.g., activity, fewer stereotypies) and stress physiology. However, results varied by social rank, enrichment type, and physiological stage. Only three studies assessed productive parameters (weight gain in kids/lambs); none evaluated milk yield or quality. Limitations: Most studies had small samples and short durations. No meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Conclusions: Environmental enrichment can benefit the welfare of dairy goats and sheep. However, evidence on productivity is scarce. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness and potential impacts on milk yield and reproductive performance. Full article

Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are small biting midges and are known as vectors for many arboviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). Tengchong County of Yunnan Province, China, which borders Myanmar, has many private farms with goats, sheep, and cattle. To estimate the risk of Culicoides-borne viral diseases such as bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in this area, an investigation of the diversity and abundance of Culicoides in Tengchong between May 2024 and April 2025 was performed. As a result, 70 collections totaling approximately 93,000 Culicoides were carried out at five farms (cattle + Asian buffaloes, goats, and sheep, respectively). Nineteen species were identified, and eight potential cryptic species were found. A total of 13 cox1 sequences and 4 28S sequences for 13 specimens were generated. The most dominant species were Obsoletus (44.1%), C. homotomus (23.3%), and C. arakawae (12.9%) at the bovine farm; C. tainanus (68.0%), C. orientalis (12.6%), and C. newsteadi (Asia) (6.3%) at the goat farm; and C. tainanus (73.6%), C. fenggangensis (7.3%), and C. sp. nr palpifer (6.3%) at the sheep farm. In this investigation, C. tainanus, Obsoletus, and C. orientalis were the most dominant potential BTV vectors, and the period between July and October may be the main period for epidemics of Culicoides-borne viruses in Tengchong. Full article

Background: Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in children, typically resolving by adolescence. In contrast, the clinical spectrum of allergies to non-cow mammalian milk and their patterns of IgE cross-reactivity are less well documented. Nutritional differences between various mammalian milks may also impact dietary management in milk-allergic patients. Objectives: To characterize clinical features, onset age, and IgE cross-reactivity patterns of non-cow mammalian milk allergies in adult patients seen at a tertiary allergy center, and to compare these findings with published cases. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients included in the “Extended Laboratory Investigation for Rare Causes of Anaphylaxis study” with mammalian milk allergy was performed using clinical history, skin testing, and serum-specific IgE measurements. Cross-reactivity patterns were assessed in selected cases using immunoblotting, specific IgE inhibition, and basophil activation testing, and compared with published reports of non-cow mammalian milk allergy. Results: In our case series of 22 patients with mammalian milk allergy and 10 healthy control subjects, 3 patients were identified with isolated adult-onset non-cow mammalian milk allergy (n = 1 buffalo milk; n = 2 mare milk), confirmed via immunoblotting and basophil activation testing. Streptavidin-based specific IgE measurement for buffalo cheese was positive in the buffalo milk allergic patient. The literature review identified 82 cases of non-cow mammalian milk allergy. These cases typically showed late onset (mean age 8.6 years; range 1–70 years), severe reactions (CoFAR (Consortium for Food Allergy Research) grade 3 or 4 in 66%, and one fatality), and selective sensitization (affecting sheep and/or goat, camel, mare, buffalo, donkey, or combinations thereof in 56, 10, 5, 5, 4, and 2 cases, respectively). Conclusions: Non-cow mammalian milk allergies are rare but generally present later in life with selective IgE cross-reactivity, differing from the broader cross-reactivity observed in CMA. This selectivity may allow for safe dietary alternatives. These findings underscore the need for improved diagnostics and personalized dietary management in this patient population. Full article

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), affecting humans, livestock, and wild ruminants. This study aimed to characterize and assess the genetic diversity of RVFV strains circulating among livestock in Uganda. Blood samples were collected between January 2021 and May 2024 from apparently healthy cattle, goats, and sheep in four districts. The samples were first screened for RVFV antibodies using ELISA; antibody-positive samples were subsequently tested for viral RNA using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The PCR-positive samples underwent targeted amplicon sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses of the small (S) and large (L) genome segments were conducted to determine viral lineages. Of the 833 ELISA-positive samples, 10 (all from cattle) tested positive for RVFV RNA using RT-qPCR. Consensus sequences were successfully generated for six S segments and one L genome segment. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences belonged to lineage C, showing close genetic similarity to RVFV strains previously identified in Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Madagascar, and Saudi Arabia. Limited genetic diversity was observed at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels. The detection of RVFV in apparently healthy cattle suggests ongoing, low-level viral circulation in Uganda. These findings offer important insights for guiding RVF surveillance, control, and policymaking in the country. Full article

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are widespread and have a long co-evolutionary history with their hosts, namely sheep and goats. These viruses induce insidious pathologies, causing significant financial losses and animal welfare issues for the affected flocks. In Switzerland, in the 1980s, an eradication campaign was launched targeting these viruses, exclusively in goats, eliminating the virulent SRLV-B strains from the goat population, in which SRLV-B-induced arthritis was prevalent. Nevertheless, although they do not seem to induce clinical diseases, SRLV-A strains continue to circulate in Swiss goats. For this study, we contacted farmers who had animals testing positive for these strains during the census from 2011 to 2012 and visited six of these flocks, conducting serological, virological, and clinical analyses of the animals. We confirmed the absence of SRLV-B; however, we have detected SRLV-A in these flocks. Positive and negative animals lived in close contact for ten years and, except for a small flock of 13 animals, 7 of which tested positive, the transmission of these viruses proved inefficient. None of the positive animals showed any pathology attributable to SRLV infection. These encouraging results allowed us to formulate recommendations for the continued surveillance of these viruses in the Swiss goat population. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bluetongue (BT), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) are major emerging and re-emerging viral infections affecting ruminants. These diseases can threaten livestock health, food security, and economic stability in low- and middle-income countries, including Algeria. However, their dynamics remain mostly unknown, limiting the implementation of effective preventive and control measures. We analyzed outbreak data reported by Algerian veterinary authorities and the WAHIS database from 2014 to 2022 for FMD; from 2006 to 2020 for BT; and from 2011 to 2022 for PPR to investigate their spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers. Over these periods, Algeria reported 1142 FMD outbreaks (10,409 cases; 0.16/1000 incidence), 167 BT outbreaks (602 cases; 0.018/1000), and 222 PPR outbreaks (3597 cases; 0.096/1000). Small ruminants were the most affected across all diseases, although cattle bore the highest burden of FMD. BT primarily impacted sheep, and PPR showed a higher incidence in goats. Disease peaks occurred in 2014 for FMD, 2008 for BT, and 2019 for PPR. Spatial analyses revealed distinct ecological hotspots: sub-humid and semi-arid zones for FMD and BT, and semi-arid/Saharan regions for PPR. These patterns may be influenced by species susceptibility, animal movement, trade, and climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall. The absence of consistent temporal trends and the persistence of outbreaks suggest multiple drivers, including insufficient vaccination coverage, under-reporting, viral evolution, and environmental persistence. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted species- and region-specific control strategies, including improved surveillance, cross-border coordination, and climate-informed risk mapping. Strengthening One Health frameworks will be essential to mitigate the re-emergence and spread of these diseases. Full article

The specific objectives of the current paper were the assessment of potential associations of weather conditions with the presence of Coxiella burnetii in the milk-tank of sheep and goat farms and the investigation for possible interactions between weather conditions and management practices on these farms. The presence of C. burnetii in milk-tank samples collected from 325 sheep flocks and 119 goat herds was assessed by means of a commercially available real-time PCR. Climatic variables present at the location of each farm were downloaded from ‘The POWER Project’. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out. Among the climatic variables assessed, only the average wind speed during the 15 days that preceded each visit was found to be a significant predictor for both sheep (p = 0.003) and goat (p = 0.034) farms. The current findings serve to provide information about the epidemiology of C. burnetii infections in small ruminant farms and the possibilities for contamination of the milk produced in these farms, which is important due to the zoonotic nature of the pathogen; these findings thus provide guidance to implement appropriate preventive measures. Full article

Intestinal microbial eukaryotic parasites represent a significant public and veterinary health burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries, yet their transmission dynamics at the human–animal–environment interface remain poorly characterized in certain countries. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of key microbial eukaryotes, including Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, in a rural village in Iraq. Samples collected from humans (n = 50), livestock (sheep and goats, n = 50), water (n = 20), and soil (n = 20) were analysed using microscopy and molecular methods (qPCR and nested PCR). Blastocystis spp. (78% animals, 16% humans, 45% soil, 5% water) and Cryptosporidium spp. (26% animals, 12% humans, 5% soil, 15% water) were the most frequently found microeukaryotes using either microscopy and/or molecular detection. Molecular methods identified Cryptosporidium parvum in humans and sheep, hinting at zoonotic transmission potential. Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia were also found. Cryptosporidium ubiquitum and E. bieneusi genotypes BEB6 and COS-I, respectively, were detected exclusively in sheep, suggesting roles as potential reservoirs. Blastocystis ST1 was detected in humans, while ST4 and ST10 occurred in sheep. Notably, molecular detection rates of Blastocystis were much lower than those of microscopy. Entamoeba histolytica was not detected. The detection of the same organisms in humans, animals and the environment suggest zoonotic and environmental transmission pathways, which warrant further investigation using the One Health approach. Full article

Livestock contributes to global warming through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing these emissions is an ongoing challenge for the small ruminant sector. Despite its significant role in national economies, limited studies on the carbon footprint (CF) of dairy small ruminants in Mediterranean countries exist. The study aimed to achieve the following: (a) estimate the GHG emissions of eleven semi-extensive sheep and goat farms in a mountainous region of southern Greece, using the Tier 1 and Tier 2 methodologies; (b) compare the outcomes of both methods; and (c) calculate farms’ CF, as a means of their environmental impact evaluation. All on-farm activities (except machinery or medicine use) related to sheep or goat production were considered to estimate GHG emissions. The results show differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 estimates, reflecting the simplified computational approach of Tier 1. The average CF values estimated via Tier 1 for goat and sheep farms were 2.12 and 2.87 kg CO₂-eq./kg FPCM, respectively. Using Tier 2, these values increased to 2.73 and 3.99 kg CO₂-eq./kg FPCM. To mitigate environmental impact, farms could enhance productivity by improving herd management and feeding strategies. Full article

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), first reported in 1957 in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India, has spread significantly over the past two decades, reaching both northern and southern states, with reports of monkey deaths. Haemaphysalis spp. ticks are the primary vectors, transmitting the disease to monkeys, humans, and other mammals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of Ixodidae ticks, including the KFD vector, in domestic animals across selected localities of the Western Ghats. A total of 2877 domestic animals were surveyed, revealing an overall tick prevalence of 44.91% (CI: 43.10–46.73), with sheep showing the highest prevalence at 47.92% (CI: 40.96–54.95). The most abundant tick species was Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, with a mean of 2.53 ± 0.66 ticks per host, which also represented the most proportionally dominant species, accounting for 39.63% of the total ticks collected. The highest mean intensity was recorded for Haemaphysalis intermedia (7.35 ± 2.03 ticks per infested animal). Regionally, Rh. (Bo.) microplus was found in 96.15% of buffaloes examined in Tamil Nadu, Haemaphysalis bispinosa in 85.19% of cattle in Maharashtra, and in 98.46% of goats in Goa. Ha. intermedia was common in 99.11% of sheep examined in Karnataka, while Ha. bispinosa was observed in 90.82% of goats in Kerala. The proportional representation of the KFD vector Haemaphysalis spinigera was 0.97%, with a mean intensity of 2.34 ± 0.04 ticks per infested animal and an overall mean abundance of 0.06 ± 0.01 ticks per host. Adult Ha. spinigera were recorded from cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and dogs; however, no nymphs were detected. This study also reports the first documented occurrence of Ixodes ceylonensis in domestic animals. These findings suggest a notable presence of tick infestations in the region and emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and targeted control measures to better understand and manage potential KFD transmission risks in the Western Ghats. Full article

Q fever, caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a significant zoonotic disease for which ruminants are the main reservoir. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in farm animals (sheep, goats, cattle, and camels) across Saudi Arabia. A total of 7760 serum samples were collected from 2253 sheep, 2224 goats, 1111 cattle, and 2172 camels, representing various regions of the country. The samples were screened for C. burnetii antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The findings revealed significant regional and species-specific differences. The findings revealed notable regional and species-specific variations in seroprevalence. In goats, seropositivity was detected in 92% of the tested herds; however, only 48% of the individually tested animals were found to be positive. Similarly, camels exhibited herd-level seropositivity of 92.9% of the examined herds, with only 46.7% of the individually examined animals testing positive. For sheep, 80% of the examined sheep flocks were positive, while 30.2% of the individually tested animals were positive. Cattle showed a significantly lower seroprevalence, since only 27.6% of the screened herds were found to be positive, and only 8.2% of the individually tested animals were positive. In conclusion, the results indicate that C. burnetii infection is widespread among livestock in Saudi Arabia, with goats, camels, and sheep posing a particularly elevated risk of zoonotic transmission. The observed regional disparities and species-specific infection rates highlight the need for comprehensive surveillance and targeted control strategies to mitigate the spread of Q fever in Saudi Arabia. Full article