Search Results (899)

Veterinary hospital wastewater (VHW) is a significant environmental concern due to its high nutrient content, organic pollutants, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of VHW, its potential to support Arthrospira platensis cultivation, and its effects on microbial and resistome profiles. VHW contained high levels of ammonia nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), indicating substantial contamination. A. platensis was cultivated for 8 days in Zarrouk medium supplemented with 0–100% VHW. Biomass production peaked in 25% VHW (0.78 ± 0.05 g/L), while growth was strongly suppressed at concentrations ≥75%. Pigment levels in 25% VHW increased significantly compared to the control: 1.3-fold for chlorophyll-a (12.0 μg/mL), 1.5-fold for carotenoids (4.4 μg/mL), 1.7-fold for phycocyanin (120 μg/mL), and 2.3-fold for allophycocyanin (54 μg/mL). Shotgun metagenomic analysis revealed that A. platensis cultivation markedly altered the microbial community and reduced the prevalence of ARGs. In 25% VHW, Proteobacteria dominated the community (97.0%), but their abundance declined to 11.6% when co-cultivated with A. platensis. Likewise, Acinetobacter sp. carrying high levels of the aph gene, along with Methylophaga sp. and Pseudomonas_E sp. harboring oqxB, decreased substantially, suggesting that A. platensis effectively suppressed ARG-rich genera. These findings highlight the dual potential of A. platensis for sustainable pigment-rich biomass production and efficient wastewater treatment. Full article

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), a major swine pathogen, causes severe neurological, respiratory, and reproductive disorders, resulting in substantial economic losses to the global swine industry. Previous studies have shown that the gD glycoprotein of PRV has an effective protective effect. In this study, we constructed a plasmid DNA vaccine (pVAX1-GD-Fc) encoding a gD protein fused with pig IgG Fc and evaluated the adjuvant effects of porcine cGAS, the universal STING complex mimic (UniSTING), or IFN-α in mice. The mice were immunized three times (days 0, 14, and 21) with pVAX1-GD-Fc in the presence or absence of an adjuvant, followed by lethal challenge with PRV-HLJ8 3 days after the final immunization. The results revealed that the pVAX1-GD-Fc group exhibited 20% mortality (1/5 mice) on day 7 postchallenge, and all adjuvanted groups achieved 100% survival during the 14-day observation period. Flow cytometric analysis of splenocytes one week after the second immunization revealed significantly greater CD8+ T cell proportions in the adjuvant groups than in both the mock and pVAX1-GD-Fc-only control groups (p < 0.01). Furthermore, T cell proliferation assays demonstrated a significantly increased stimulation index in the adjuvant-treated mice, confirming enhanced cellular immunity. These findings demonstrate that cGAS, UniSTING, and IFN-α can serve as effective vaccine adjuvants to rapidly enhance cellular immune responses to PRV, highlighting their potential application in veterinary vaccines. Full article

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a highly contagious viral condition caused by Circovirus parrot—commonly known as Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV)—a small, single-stranded DNA virus of the family Circoviridae. The disease primarily affects parrots (order Psittaciformes) and is characterized by progressive feather dystrophy, beak deformities, immunosuppression, and high mortality rates, particularly in juvenile birds. Although PBFD was initially documented in Australian psittacines, the virus has now attained global distribution, facilitated predominantly by the international trade in live parrots, both legal and illegal. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the virology, clinical presentation, molecular epidemiology, and phylogeographic spread of BFDV. Particular attention is given to the role of parrot trade in shaping transmission dynamics and genetic diversification. The review further evaluates existing biosecurity policies, diagnostic challenges, and disease management strategies within both captive and wild avian contexts. Given PBFD’s dual status as a veterinary concern and a growing conservation threat, strengthening international surveillance, regulating wildlife trade, and integrating molecular diagnostics into routine screening are critical priorities. Effective containment of BFDV requires a multidisciplinary approach involving veterinarians, aviculturists, conservation biologists, and policymakers to safeguard the health and genetic viability of endangered psittacine species globally. Full article

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) represents one of the most significant bacterial pathogen groups affecting both animals and humans worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MTBC species distribution across different animal hosts and evaluates current laboratory diagnostic methodologies for pathogen detection and identification. The complex comprises seven primary species: Mycobacterium bovis, M. caprae, M. tuberculosis, M. microti, M. canettii, M. africanum, and M. pinnipedii, each exhibiting distinct host preferences, geographical distributions, and pathogenic characteristics. Despite sharing >99% genetic homology, these species demonstrate variable biochemical properties, morphological features, and pathogenicity profiles across mammalian species. Current diagnostic approaches encompass both traditional culture-based methods and advanced molecular techniques, including whole genome sequencing. This review emphasises the critical importance of rapid, accurate detection methods for effective tuberculosis surveillance and control programmes in veterinary and public health contexts. Full article

Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) is a hematophagous fly species of veterinary importance, known for its negative effects on animal health and productivity. The stress caused by their painful bites results in losses in milk and meat production. Despite its impact, data on its ecology and activity in Algeria are lacking. Such knowledge is needed to evaluate its potential effects on livestock production and rural health, and to support surveillance, outbreak prediction, and control strategies. This study aimed to investigate the monthly and daily dynamics of S. calcitrans in livestock farms in the Batna region and evaluate the influence of climatic factors on its abundance. From July 2022 to July 2023, Vavoua traps were placed monthly from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on four farms in the Batna region, representing different livestock types. Captured flies were identified, sexed, and counted every two hours. Climatic data were collected both in situ and from NASA POWER datasets. Fly abundance was analyzed using non-parametric statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. A total of 1244 S. calcitrans were captured, mainly from cattle farms. Activity occurred from August to December, with a peak in September. Males were more abundant and exhibited a bimodal activity in September. Fly abundance was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation and negatively correlated with wind speed and humidity. This study presents the first ecological data on S. calcitrans in northeastern Algeria, highlighting its seasonal dynamics and the climatic drivers that influence it. The results highlight the species’ preference for cattle and indicate that temperature and rainfall are key factors influencing its abundance. These findings lay the groundwork for targeted control strategies against this neglected pest in Algeria. Full article

Background: Right heart failure (RHF) in dogs is marked by pathological fluid redistribution and extracellular fluid (ECF) accumulation, which intensifies cardiac work-load and disrupts systemic homeostasis. This study aimed to validate the clinical utility of phase angle (PhA), a key biomarker derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), as a non-invasive and real-time indicator of fluid distribution abnormalities in canine RHF. PhA reflects cellular integrity and fluid balance, making it a promising tool for detecting ECF accumulation, one of the hallmark features of RHF. Additionally, the study assessed the feasibility and clinical applicability of the InBody M20 device in veterinary cardiology, supporting its potential role in monitoring and managing fluid-related complications in dogs with RHF. Methods: A total of 110 canine patients presenting to the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Veterinary Hospital were enrolled and categorized into three groups: right-sided heart failure (RHF), left-sided heart failure (LHF), and healthy controls. Phase angle (PhA) was measured using the InBody M20 device, and plasma osmolality (OSM) was also assessed. Additionally, the effects of body weight and age on PhA values were analyzed to account for potential confounding factors. Results: Dogs in the RHF group exhibited significantly lower phase angle (PhA) values and higher plasma osmolality (OSM) compared to those in the LHF and control groups. A strong positive correlation was observed between PhA and OSM (r = 0.9211, p < 0.0001). Additionally, PhA measured at 5 kHz demonstrated a significant negative correlation with body weight (r = –0.4536, p = 0.0007), while PhA at 50 kHz showed a significant negative correlation with age (r = –0.3219, p = 0.0176). Conclusions: PhA is a reliable and non-invasive biomarker for assessing extracellular fluid accumulation and diagnosing right heart failure in dogs. Its strong correlation with plasma osmolality, as well as its associations with body weight and age, highlights its clinical relevance for comprehensive fluid status evaluation. The findings support the feasibility and applicability of using the InBody M20 device in veterinary cardiology to monitor and manage fluid-related complications in canine patients. Full article

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders in dogs, characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Epileptic seizures are typically classified as single generalized (SG), cluster seizures (CS), or status epilepticus (SE), with CS and SE representing neurological emergencies linked to high morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study analyzed 254 canine epilepsy cases from two veterinary clinics in Finland and Lithuania, aiming to evaluate the frequency and clinical associations of CS and SE. Patient data included age of seizure onset, sex, weight, neuter status, blood test results, clinical and neurological examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, etiology classification and clinical outcome. Seizure type distribution was as follows: CS in 47.2%, SG in 26.8%, and SE in 26.0% of cases. SG seizures were significantly more common than CS in dogs aged 6–72 months (54.4% vs. 38.3%, p = 0.005), and more frequent in first-time cases compared to previously treated ones (p = 0.005). SE was significantly associated with inflammatory brain disease, abnormal clinical and neurological findings, and a higher rate of euthanasia (29.2%, p < 0.05). Dogs with structural epilepsy were older (median 108 months) and more likely to develop SE (35.5%). Most cases initially presented as SG (58.1%), but 44.5% progressed to CS and 24.6% to SE. MRI revealed lesions in 46.5% of cases, with SE more frequent in dogs with inflammatory changes and SG predominating in neoplastic cases. No significant associations were found between seizure type and sex, reproductive status, or body weight. These findings provide new insights into seizure presentation, progression, and underlying pathology, supporting the importance of early diagnosis and individualized clinical management in canine epilepsy. Full article

The influence of iron deficiency anemia and iron treatments on the gut microbiome was evaluated in young rhesus monkeys. First, the hindgut bacterial profiles of 12 iron-deficient anemic infants were compared to those of 9 iron-sufficient infants at 6 months of age, a time when the risk of anemia is high due to rapid growth. After this screening, the anemic monkeys were treated with either parenteral or enteral iron. Seven monkeys were injected intramuscularly with iron dextran, the typical weekly treatment used in veterinary practice. Four other anemic infants were treated with a novel oral supplement daily: yeast genetically modified to express ferritin. Fecal specimens were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing. Bacterial species richness in anemic infants was not different from that of iron-sufficient infants, but beta diversity and LEfSe analyses of bacterial composition indicated that the microbiota profiles were associated with iron status. Both systemic and oral iron increased alpha and beta diversity metrics. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae and other Firmicutes shifted in the direction of an iron-sufficient host, but many different bacteria, including Mollicutes, Tenericutes, and Archaea, were also enriched. Collectively, the findings affirm the important influence of the host’s iron status on commensal bacteria in the gut and concur with clinical concerns about the possibility of adverse consequences after iron supplementation in low-resource settings where children may be carriers of iron-responsive bacterial pathogens. Full article

Mpox has re-emerged as a global public health threat, particularly in endemic regions such as Nigeria, where human, animal, and environmental health sectors intersect. To inform surveillance and control strategies, this study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward Mpox among One Health stakeholders in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 492 participants from human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, ordinal logistic regression, and margins analysis were used to evaluate levels and predictors of KAP. Results showed that 33.7% of respondents had low knowledge, 43.5% moderate, and 22.8% high. While 62.6% demonstrated high attitude scores, only 48.2% reported moderate preventive practices. Gender was significantly associated with attitudes, with females having lower odds of expressing higher attitudes than males (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.49–1.00, p = 0.052), and margins analysis revealed a predicted probability of high attitude at 56% for females and 64% for males. Multivariable modeling for practice was not pursued because model fit did not improve compared to univariable results, and sparse data led to unstable estimates, thus offering no added explanatory power. These findings underscore persistent knowledge gaps and gender-related disparities that may hinder effective Mpox response. Targeted risk communication and capacity building are recommended to strengthen One Health preparedness in Nigeria. Full article

Pain assessment in cats is challenging, especially for non-veterinarians. Most validated acute pain scales are designed for clinical use, limiting their applicability for pet owners. This study developed a feline acute pain assessment scale for owners and evaluated its criterion validity, internal consistency reliability, and agreement with three veterinary scales: Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Feline (CMPS-Feline), Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), and Colorado State University Feline Acute Pain Scale (CSU-FPS). Of 146 enrolled cats, 130 were analyzed after exclusions. The owner-assessed scale showed strong correlation with CMPS-Feline (rho = 0.66) and moderate correlations with FGS (rho = 0.53) and CSU-FPS (rho = 0.57) (all p < 0.001). Agreement was substantial with CMPS-Feline (kappa = 0.74), moderate with FGS (kappa = 0.44), and fair with CSU-FPS (kappa = 0.28) (all p < 0.001). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.76). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated good discriminatory ability for identifying cats requiring analgesia, with area under the curve values of 0.87 (CMPS-Feline), 0.79 (FGS), and 0.75 (CSU-FPS). A cut-off score of 9 achieved 96% sensitivity and 78% specificity relative to CMPS-Feline. These results support the scale’s potential as a valid tool for pain detection by cat owners in non-clinical settings. Full article

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of ovarian cysts in bitches and queens, to classify cyst subtypes, and to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies reported in the literature. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 4321 articles, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria, providing data on 428 bitches and 273 queens. The pooled prevalence of ovarian cysts was 41.7%, with follicular cysts being the most frequently reported subtype. Dogs were significantly more likely to develop cysts than cats, and animals older than five years had a markedly higher risk. Histopathology and ultrasonography were the predominant diagnostic methods, though only one study assessed diagnostic sensitivity. All included studies reported surgical treatment, while non-surgical options and postoperative outcomes were not evaluated. The studies suitable for analysis were also highly variable in reporting, from large studies with near 100% cyst presence in the sample studied, to small studies with relatively low cyst presence, which limits the ability to compute statistical outcomes in a highly reliable way. These findings highlight the high prevalence of ovarian cysts in small animals, particularly in older queens and bitches, and reveal major gaps in standardized diagnostic criteria, non-invasive biomarkers, and therapeutic research. Future prospective studies are needed to validate diagnostic tools, investigate medical management options, and improve evidence-based clinical decision-making in veterinary practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a major global health challenge, limiting the effectiveness of conventional therapies and complicating infection control. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial potential of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNP), alone and in combination with ampicillin (AMP) and enrofloxacin (ENRO), against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates of clinical and veterinary relevance. Methods: The antibacterial activity of Bio-AgNP, AMP, and ENRO, alone or in combination, was assessed against reference strains and MDR isolates of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined, and bacterial tolerance to prolonged antimicrobial exposure was evaluated. Additionally, assays were conducted to explore potential mechanisms of action, including cell membrane permeability and oxidative stress induction. Results: All bacterial strains developed increased MIC values after prolonged exposure to conventional antibiotics, confirming resistance. Only E. coli developed resistance to Bio-AgNP. Notably, the Bio-AgNP + AMP combination effectively restored susceptibility in E. coli, while only S. Enteritidis developed resistance to this combination upon prolonged exposure. The synergistic effect of Bio-AgNP with conventional antibiotics significantly reduced bacterial growth within two hours, compared with longer times observed in monotherapy. Mechanistic analysis suggested that the combinations increased membrane permeability, facilitating antibiotic entry. Conclusions: Bio-AgNPs combined with AMP or ENRO enhanced antibacterial activity and overcame resistance in MDR isolates, representing a promising therapeutic alternative. The biological synthesis of Bio-AgNPs, capped with organic biomolecules, supports their potential as safe adjuvants to conventional antibiotics in combating MDR bacterial infections. Full article

The use of the HOMA (Homeostatic Model Assessment) index in veterinary medicine is emerging as a promising and valuable method for evaluating insulin resistance and beta-cell function in companion animals, particularly in dogs and cats. Originally developed for use in human medicine, HOMA enables a minimally invasive assessment of glucose and insulin homeostasis, offering clinicians a practical tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus in animals. Its application in veterinary practice brings several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and the potential for early detection of metabolic disturbances before clinical symptoms appear. Nonetheless, important limitations persist, such as inter-individual variability, the effects of stress and comorbidities on glucose and insulin values, and the absence of standardized, species-specific reference ranges. These factors highlight the need for methodological refinement and the establishment of validated protocols tailored to the unique physiological characteristics of dogs and cats. Despite these challenges, HOMA represents a promising avenue for advancing the understanding of diabetes pathophysiology in veterinary patients. Future longitudinal studies and controlled trials are essential to confirm its reliability and enhance its clinical relevance. With further development, the HOMA index could become an essential tool in improving diagnostic accuracy and optimizing the management of diabetes in companion animal practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: The veterinary profession is associated with a variety of psychological stresses that increase the risk of exhaustion and burnout. There are no published systematic studies on work-related stress among veterinarians. The aim of this study was to apply work-related behaviour and experience patterns to this occupational group and to analyse age-related differences. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 832 practising veterinarians in Germany. The questionnaire was used to record work-related behaviour and experience patterns. The data were evaluated in terms of the frequency of the four AVEM patterns (G, S, A, and B) and age-related differences. Correlation and multivariate variance analyses were performed. Results: Overall, 61.1% of the respondents exhibited a risk pattern (A or B). Pattern B (burnout) was the most common, at 40.3%. Significant differences were found between age groups in several AVEM dimensions, particularly in terms of the tendency to resign in the face of failure, distancing ability, and experience of success at work (all p = 0.001), with older veterinarians showing more favourable values. The strongest correlation was weakly negative between age and work-related ambition (ρ = −0.262 with p < 0.001). Multivariate variance analysis of various AVEM dimensions and independent variables (e.g., gender, field of study, professional status, place of work, and age group) explained a maximum of 6.7% of the variance in the AVEM dimension of work-related ambition. Conclusions: This study fills an existing research gap by applying the AVEM model to the occupational group of veterinarians and identifying age-related differences in the experience of occupational stress. The high prevalence of patterns that are harmful to health underscores the importance of occupational health prevention and highlights the potential of the AVEM approach for occupational psychological assessment and intervention in veterinary practice. Full article

Infectious diseases remain a global threat, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected due to socio-economic and demographic vulnerabilities. Robust laboratory systems are critical for early detection, outbreak containment, and guiding effective interventions. This study aimed to map and evaluate Jordan’s laboratory diagnostic network for communicable diseases, identify gaps, and recommend strategies to strengthen capacity, harmonization, and alignment with international standards. A multi-method approach was employed in 2023 through collaboration between the Jordan Center for Disease Control and the Health Care Accreditation Council. Data were collected via (i) a desktop review of 226 national and international documents; (ii) 20 key informant interviews with stakeholders from the public, private, military, veterinary, and academic sectors; and (iii) 23 field visits across 27 laboratories in four Jordanian governorates. Data were analyzed thematically and synthesized using the LABNET framework, which outlined ten core laboratory capacities. Findings were validated through a multi-sectoral national workshop with 90 participants. The mapping revealed the absence of a unified national laboratory strategic plan, with governance dispersed across multiple authorities and limited inter-sectoral coordination. Standard operating protocols (SOPs) existed for high-priority diseases such as T.B, HIV, influenza, and COVID-19 but were lacking or outdated for other notifiable diseases, particularly zoonoses. Quality management was inconsistent, with limited participation in external quality assurance programs and minimal accreditation uptake. Biosafety and biosecurity frameworks were fragmented and insufficiently enforced, while workforce shortages, high turnover, and limited specialized training constrained laboratory performance. Despite these challenges, Jordan demonstrated strengths including skilled laboratory staff, established reference centers, and international collaborations, which provide a platform for improvement. Jordan’s laboratory network has foundational strengths but faces systemic challenges in policy coherence, standardization, quality assurance, and workforce capacity. Addressing these gaps requires the development of a national laboratory strategic plan, strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks, enhanced quality management and accreditation, and integrated One Health coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. These measures will improve diagnostic reliability, preparedness, and alignment with the global health security agenda. Full article