Search Results (193)

Q Fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that affects domestic and wild ruminants, leading to reproductive disorders. In humans, the disease can manifest with acute and chronic clinical manifestations. Veterinarians, as healthcare professionals in close contact with animals, serve both as the first line of defence in preventing infection at the animal–human interface and as an important sentinel group for the rapid detection of outbreaks. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude of veterinarians in Southern Spain regarding Q Fever. To this end, an online survey was designed, validated, and conducted among veterinarians in the province of Malaga, with a final participation of 97 individuals, predominantly from the private sector (clinic, livestock, agri-food, etc.). The data obtained reflected a general lack of knowledge about the disease, particularly concerning its epidemiology and infection prevention. Regarding perception and attitude, a significant percentage of respondents stated they did not use protective equipment when handling susceptible animals and only sought information about the disease in response to outbreak declarations. The study emphasised the significance of promoting training in zoonotic diseases during and after graduation, the relevance of official channels in occupational risk prevention, and the utility of epidemiological surveys as a tool to identify and address potential gaps in knowledge related to this disease. 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

Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov), a critically endangered ruminant species, faces extinction risks, with captive populations further threatened by prevalent digestive and immune disorders. This study utilized comparative metagenomic sequencing to assess intestinal microbiota structure and functional profiles between wild populations in Chongqing and Hunan and captive individuals. Wild populations exhibited a Pseudomonadota-dominated gut microbiota (significantly more abundant than in captive counterparts), enriched with lignin-degrading genera Novosphingobium and Acinetobacter. In contrast, the captive group demonstrated increased abundances of Bacillota/Bacteroidota, alongside abnormal proliferation of Escherichia and Clostridium. Both alpha and beta diversity analyses confirmed significant compositional divergences among the three groups, with wild populations maintaining higher diversity than captive populations. Notably, while substantial disparities in microbial abundance existed between wild populations (attributed to habitat vegetation differences), core microbial diversity and carbohydrate metabolic functions exhibited convergence. Functional analyses marked divergences in metabolic pathways: Captive microbiota showed enrichment in translation and glycan metabolism pathways, whereas wild populations displayed pronounced enrichment in immune regulation and environmental sensing pathways. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for optimizing wild population conservation strategies and developing science-based captive management protocols. Full article

Rodents are among the most abundant and ecologically diverse mammals, playing key roles in terrestrial ecosystems and often serving as reservoirs for various zoonotic and wildlife pathogens. Among these are protozoan parasites of the genera Hepatozoon and Theileria, which are known to infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals worldwide. However, little is known about the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of these hemoprotozoans in rodent hosts, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and genetic diversity of Hepatozoon sp. and Theileria sp. in rodents from different regions of Saudi Arabia and to determine potential reservoir species. A total of 111 rodents were captured and identified by molecular analysis of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Screening for parasites was performed using PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing, haplotype analysis, and phylogenetic reconstruction using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Our results represent the first molecular detection of Hepatozoon sp. in Arvicanthis niloticus (31.3%), Gerbillus cheesmani (26.5%), G. nanus (28.5%), and Rattus rattus (32.0%) and of Theileria sp. in G. nanus (21.5%) and R. rattus (24.0%) in Saudi Arabia. Haplotype network analysis revealed seven distinct Hepatozoon haplotypes forming a star-like cluster, suggesting host specificity. One divergent haplotype (Hap_2), 19 mutation steps apart, may represent a novel lineage. Phylogenetic analyses grouped Saudi Hepatozoon sequences with those from reptiles and rodents, forming a clade distinct from sequences isolated from felids and canids. In contrast, Theileria sequences showed low diversity, clustering with a single widespread haplotype found in rodents and ruminants in several regions. These findings significantly expand the current knowledge on rodent-associated apicomplexan parasites in Saudi Arabia, revealing novel Hepatozoon haplotypes and highlighting the role of rodents in the transmission of reptile-associated Hepatozoon spp. This study provides basic molecular data crucial to understanding host–parasite relationships and the potential public and veterinary health implications of these parasites in arid ecosystems. Full article

In a 1975 review, red kangaroos in the arid rangelands of Australia were said to be favoured with an anomalous prosperity following the introduction of ruminant livestock. In the western and central locations reviewed, this was not sustained, but in the sheep rangelands of Southern Australia, it is often claimed that such prosperity continues. Here, as elsewhere, the marsupial herbivore guild (kangaroos, wallabies, bettongs and bandicoots) has been simplified by the extinction of the smaller species (the anomaly), while large kangaroos remain abundant. However, the mammalian herbivore guild has gained complexity with not only the introduction of managed ruminant livestock, some of which run wild, but also game like rabbits. We studied the population dynamics, habitat selection and individual mobility of red, western and eastern grey kangaroos, common wallaroos, Merino sheep, feral goats and European rabbits at Fowlers Gap Station in far northwestern New South Wales, Australia. This site is representative of the arid chenopod (Family: Chenopodiaceae) shrublands stocked with sheep, where sheep and red kangaroos dominate the mammalian herbivores by biomass. The study site comprised two contiguous pairs of stocked and unstocked paddocks: a sloping run-off zone and a flat run-on zone, covering a total area of 2158 ha. This three-year study included initial rain-deficient (drought) months followed by more regular rainfall. Red kangaroos showed avoidance of sheep when given the opportunity and heightened mobility in response to localized drought-breaking storms and dispersion of the sheep flock at lambing. Western grey kangaroos were sedentary and did not dissociate from sheep. These effects were demonstrated at the population level and the individual level through radio-tracking a small cohort of females. The other kangaroo species and goats were transient and preferred other habitats. Rabbits were persistent and localized without strong interactions with other species. The results are discussed with a focus on the red kangaroo and some causes for its resilience in the sheep rangelands. Full article

Bluetongue virus (BTV), traditionally considered a pathogen of ruminants, has recently been documented in dogs, challenging conventional understanding of its epidemiology. This narrative review synthesizes emerging evidence regarding BTV infections in domestic and wild carnivores, examining transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges. Carnivores can become infected through vector transmission and oral ingestion of infected material. While some infected carnivores remain subclinical, others develop severe clinical manifestations including hemorrhagic syndromes. BTV infection in carnivores is likely underdiagnosed due to limited awareness, nonspecific clinical signs, and absence of established diagnostic protocols for non-ruminant species. The potential role of carnivores in BTV epidemiology remains largely unexplored, raising questions about their function as reservoirs or dead-end hosts. Additionally, carnivores may contribute to alternative transmission pathways and overwintering mechanisms that impact disease ecology. Current biosecurity frameworks and surveillance systems, primarily focused on ruminants, require expansion to incorporate carnivores in viral maintenance and transmission. This review identifies significant knowledge gaps regarding BTV in carnivores and proposes future research directions, including serological surveys, transmission studies, and investigation of viral tropism in carnivore tissues. A comprehensive One Health approach integrating diverse host species, vector ecology, human interference, and environmental factors is crucial for effective BTV control and impact mitigation on human, animals, and environment. Full article

The red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis (Bonnemaisoniaceae, Rhodophyta) produces a bioactive natural product, bromoform, which, when fed to ruminant livestock, can eradicate methane emissions. However, to cultivate enough A. taxiformis to produce a yield that would have a meaningful impact on global greenhouse gas emissions, we need to advance our current understanding of the biology of this seaweed species. Here, we used both a domesticated diploid tetrasporophyte (>1.5 years in culture) and wild samples to establish a high-quality draft nuclear genome for A. taxiformis (lineage 6 based upon phylogenetic analyses using the cox2-3 spacer). The constructed nuclear genome is 142 Mb in size (including 70.67% repeat regions) and was determined to encode for approximately 10,474 protein-coding genes, including those associated with secondary metabolism, photosynthesis, and defence. To obtain information regarding molecular differences between cultured and wild tetrasporophytes, we further explored differential gene expression relating to their different growth environments. Cultured tetrasporophytes, which contained a relatively higher level of bromoform compared to wild tetrasporophytes, demonstrated an enrichment of regulatory factors, such as protein kinases and transcription factors, whereas wild tetrasporophytes were enriched for the expression of defence and stress-related genes. Wild tetrasporophytes also expressed a relatively high level of novel secretory genes encoding proteins with von Willebrand factor A protein domains (named rhodophyte VWAs). Gene expression was further confirmed by proteomic investigation of cultured tetrasporophytes, resulting in the identification of over 400 proteins, including rhodophyte VWAs, and numerous enzymes and phycobiliproteins, which will facilitate future functional characterisation of this species. In summary, as the most comprehensive genomic resource for any Asparagopsis species, this resource for lineage 6 provides a novel avenue for seaweed researchers to interrogate genomic information, which will greatly assist in expediating production of Asparagopsis to meet demand by both aquaculture and agriculture, and to do so with economic and environmental sustainability. Full article

Wild ruminants often harbor pathogens transmissible to other animals and humans, but their epidemiological role is not always defined for all microorganisms. In this survey, spleens, kidneys, and hearts sampled from 162 fallow deer (Dama dama) were subjected to molecular analyses to detect bacterial (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira spp.) and protozoan (piroplasms, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii) pathogens. Five (3.08%) spleens were positive for A. phagocytophilum, and twelve (7.40%) spleens were positive for Theileria cervi. The remaining pathogens investigated were not detected, and no coinfections were found. The analyzed animals do not seem to have a relevant role in the spreading of these pathogens; however, monitoring is pivotal to understand the epidemiological scenarios and take appropriate preventive measures in areas frequently visited by people. Full article

Background: Understanding the metabolic adaptations of wild bighorn sheep (Ovis c. canadensis) to nutritional stress is crucial for their conservation. Methods: This study employed ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics to investigate the biochemical responses of these animals to varying sub-maintenance nutritional states. Serum samples from 388 wild bighorn sheep collected between 2014 and 2017 from December (early sub-maintenance) through March (severe sub-maintenance) across Wyoming and Montana were analyzed. Multivariate statistics and machine learning analyses were employed to identify characteristic metabolic patterns and metabolic interactions between early and severe sub-maintenance nutritional states. Results: Significant differences were observed in the levels of 15 of the 49 quantified metabolites, including formate, thymine, glucose, choline, and others, pointing to disruptions in one-carbon, amino acid, and central carbon metabolic pathways. These metabolites may serve as indicators of critical physiological processes such as nutritional intake, immune function, energy metabolism, and protein catabolism, which are essential for understanding how wild bighorn sheep adapt to nutritional stress. Conclusions: This study has generated valuable insights into molecular networks underlying the metabolic resilience of wild bighorn sheep, highlighting the potential for using specific biochemical markers to evaluate nutritional and energetic states in free-ranging ungulates. These insights may help wildlife managers and ecologists compare populations across different times in seasonal cycles, providing information to assess the adequacy of seasonal ranges and support conservation efforts. This research strengthens our understanding of metabolic adaptations to environmental stressors in wild ruminants, offering a foundation for improving management practices to maintain healthy bighorn sheep populations. Full article

The infestation of ruminants by fly larvae of the Oestridae family can lead to nasopharyngeal or subcutaneous myiasis, which can harm animal welfare and productivity on sheep and cattle farms. The infestation of wild ruminants allows them to serve as reservoirs for subsequent transfer to domestic animals. The fly species most commonly responsible for myiasis have been well studied in many parts of the world, but less so in southeastern Europe. Here, we identified three botfly species among 197 subcutaneous larvae and 138 nasopharyngeal larvae from 36 wild roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 9 wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) at 30 locations across Croatia. Instars were stored in 75% ethanol and their species and developmental stage were identified based on morphological and morphometric keys. Subcutaneous larvae in both cervid species were identified as Hypoderma diana, while nasopharyngeal larvae were identified as Cephenemyia simulator in roe deer and Pharyngomyia picta in red deer. Partial sequencing of the gene-encoding mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I confirmed the taxonomic classification of C. stimulator and P. picta but was unable to confirm that of H. diana for lack of previously published sequences. This study appears to be the first to combine the morphological and molecular characterization of myiasis-causing botflies in wild cervids in southeastern Europe. Full article

The introduction of the holobiont concept has triggered scientific interest in depicting the structural and functional diversity of animal microbial symbionts, which has resulted in an unprecedented wealth of such cross-domain biological associations. The steadfast technological progress in nucleic acid-based approaches would cause one to expect that scientific works on the microbial symbionts of animals would be balanced at least for the farmed animals of human interest. For some animals, such as ruminants and a few farmed fish species of financial significance, the scientific wealth of the microbial worlds they host is immense and ever growing. The opposite happens for other animals, such as snails, in both the wild and farmed species. Snails are evolutionary old animals, with complex ecophysiological roles, living in rich microbial habitats such as soil and sediments or water. In order to create a stepping stone for future snail microbiome studies, in this literature review, we combined all the available knowledge to date, as documented in scientific papers, on any microbes associated with healthy and diseased terrestrial and aquatic snail species from natural and farmed populations. We conducted a Boolean search in Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect until June 2024, identifying 137 papers, of which 60 were used for original data on snail bacterial communities in the gastrointestinal tract, hepatopancreas, and feces. We provide a synthesis on how representative this knowledge is towards depicting the possible snail core microbiota, as well as the steps that need to be taken in the immediate future to increase the in-depth and targeted knowledge of the bacterial component in snail holobionts. Full article

Cellulose is essential in the growth and development of herbivores. However, its limited utilization by herbivores is a key factor restricting their feed conversion rates. Cellulase can hydrolyze cellulose into glucose, and the addition of exogenous cellulase preparations to feed is an effective method for improving the cellulose utilization rate of ruminants. Nevertheless, the decomposition efficiency of exogenous cellulase is unstable and susceptible to various external factors. In this study, the endoglucanase III gene from Apriona germari (AgEGase III) was introduced into silkworms to investigate whether transgenic silkworms with cellulose-digesting capabilities outperformed normal silkworms in terms of growth, reproduction, and economic traits. The results show that the transgenic silkworms exhibited increased body size, weight, feeding efficiency, and digestibility compared to the wild-type silkworms. The cocoon weight, shell weight, cocoon–shell ratio, and pupa weight were notably elevated by 11%, 37%, 23%, and 9%, respectively. Additionally, the egg weight and egg-laying quantity of the female moth were also significantly increased compared to those of the wild type. Furthermore, feeding transgenic silkworms with an artificial feed containing additional cellulose demonstrated their ability to digest and utilize cellulose, leading to improved growth and development. This study offers theoretical support for the development of transgenic ruminant species that express cellulolytic enzymes. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread foodborne parasite that affects both humans and animals worldwide. The genetic characterization of this parasite has become crucial due to its epidemiological and clinical implications. The present study focused on the direct genetic characterization of T. gondii-positive DNA samples from Northern Italy, using three standardized genotyping methods. Of the 87 PCR-positive DNA samples obtained from livestock, wild, and captive animals, 9 were confirmed, quantified, and subsequently subjected to typing procedures: microsatellite analysis, PCR-RFLP, and partial sequencing of GRA6 and SAG3 genes. Most of the typed samples, derived from clinical cases of toxoplasmosis, specifically related to abortion outbreaks in small ruminants, as well as one case of systemic toxoplasmosis in lemur (Lemur catta). Predominantly, Type II strains were observed, with non-clonal variants identified in a sheep and a lemur. Sequencing of SAG3 revealed specific single nucleotide polymorphism, previously documented in European type-II variants, with phylogenesis suggesting a potential genetic relatedness between T. gondii population in Italy, Spain, and France. By utilizing three distinct genotyping methods, this study provides the first comprehensive microsatellite profiles of T. gondii in Italy, and additional insights into the molecular variability of T. gondii strains circulating in this country from different epidemiological settings. Full article

Objectives: Although bluetongue is not a contagious disease, it is easily transmitted and spread by appropriate insect vectors, causing great economic damage. Climate change has led to the fact that vectors and diseases have spread to the top of Northern Europe, causing great economic losses in livestock production. An even greater problem is controlling the disease, because numerous species of domestic and wild ruminants are susceptible to bluetongue. The most effective tool against bluetongue disease is vaccination. Methods: Our goal was to carry out laboratory tests of the starting material and the finished product of the candidate inactivated vaccine against BTV4, and to comment on the obtained laboratory results and the results of previously performed clinical studies. There is no ideal vaccine against the bluetongue virus (BTV) due to the serotype diversity of its strains. Thus, there is a need for a vaccine for at least 24 clinically significant serotypes. Sometimes, it is difficult to obtain the desired amount of vaccine against a defined serotype on the market, and this has led to the need for a new vaccine against bluetongue disease. In this study, we tested an experimental inactivated vaccine against BTV4. The master seed BTV4 was examined and characterized by sequencing. Results: The candidate BTV4 vaccine induced the onset of immunity at the latest at day 21 after the application of the first dose in more than 80% of the vaccinated individuals, while the ELISA test detected specific antibodies against BTV for more than a year. Along with our laboratory results, the preliminary results of safety and efficacy trials are also presented. Conclusions: The side effects of this inactivated BTV4 vaccine are within the limits of permissible local reactions without generalized changes in the health status, while the serology and challenge test leads to the conclusion that this vaccine against BTV4 protects a high percentage of vaccinated individuals against BTV4 or causes a significant reduction in the intensity and duration of the clinical signs in the vaccinated sheep. Based on the trial results, the new vaccine has given encouraging results in terms of quality, safety, and preliminary efficacy tests. Thus, we believe that a new vaccine against BTV is on the horizon. Full article

The Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii) is a small deer species endemic to the island of Bawean in Indonesia. The species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. The current population is assessed to be less than 500 adults living in the wild. The cerebral arterial circle (also called the circle of Willis) is an anastomosis of arteries that supply the brain. The aim of this study was to describe the arterial vascularization of the brain in this species. Three different methods were used to obtain a complete arterial pattern of this region—latex injection, corrosion cast, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The arterial vascularization of the brain was described. The pattern of the arterial vessels supplying the brain in this species was similar to that described previously by ruminants. The vessel with the biggest lumen branching off from the circle of Willis was the medial cerebral artery. The basilar artery is a vessel with a narrow lumen and does not mediate the delivery of blood to the encephalon from the caudal side. The results of the study may be useful in creating veterinary protocols for treating vascular diseases in this species and further studies from the field of pathophysiology or pathology. Full article