Infectious Diseases In Animals Research Articles

The role of zinc sulfate in enhancing cellular and humoral immune responses to foot-and-mouth disease vaccine

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a rapidly propagating infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, especially cattle and pigs, affecting the productivity and profitability of the livestock industry. Presently, FMD is controlled and prevented using vaccines; however, conventional FMD vaccines have several disadvantages, including short vaccine efficacy, low antibody titers, and safety issues in pigs, indicating the need for further studies. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel bivalent vaccine containing zinc sulfate as an immunostimulant and FMD type O and A antigens (O PA2 and A YC, respectively) against FMD virus in mice and pigs. Zinc sulfate induced cellular immunity in murine peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by increasing IFNγ secretion. Additionally, FMD vaccine containing O PA2 and A YC antigens and zinc sulfate induced early, mid-, and long-term immune responses in mice and pigs, and enhanced cellular and humoral immunity by regulating the expression of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), transcription factors, co-stimulatory molecules, and cytokines in porcine PBMCs from vaccinated pigs. Overall, these results indicated that the novel immunostimulant zinc sulfate induced potent cellular and humoral immune responses by stimulating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T and B cells, and enhanced long-term immunity by promoting the expression of co-stimulatory molecules. These outcomes suggest that zinc sulfate could be used as a novel vaccine immunostimulant for difficult-to-control viral diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF) or COVID-19.

Molecular breeding of livestock for disease resistance

Animal infectious diseases pose a significant threat to the global agriculture and biomedicine industries, leading to significant economic losses and public health risks. The emergence and spread of viral infections such as African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and avian influenza virus (AIV) have highlighted the need for innovative approaches to develop resilient and disease-resistant animal populations. Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, offer a promising avenue for generating animals with enhanced disease resistance. This review summarizes recent advances in molecular breeding strategies for generating disease-resistant animals, focusing on the development of disease-resistant livestock. We also highlight the potential applications of genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library screening and base editors in producing precise gene modified livestock for disease resistance in the future. Overall, gene editing technologies have the potential to revolutionize animal breeding and improve animal health and welfare.

Editorial: The transmission and prevention of infectious diseases in aquatic animals

Editorial: The transmission and prevention of infectious diseases in aquatic animals

The Effect of Subacute Oral Folic Acid Treatment on Growth of Porphyromonas gulae in Dogs.

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in humans and animals. It is a multifactorial disease resulting in attachment loss and tooth loss. Therefore, preventive dentistry, such as daily teeth cleaning or providing dental chews from puppyhood is essential. This study aimed to find an alternative option for preventive dentistry by examining both in vitro and clinically, the antibacterial, antihalitosis, and anti-inflammatory effects of folic acid (FA) in dogs with periodontal disease. The antibacterial and antihalitosis responses of FA were evaluated in vitro using Porphyromonas gulae, a bacterium that plays a significant role in the development of periodontal disease in dogs. Anti-inflammatory responses, such as secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 induced by P. gulae infection in human gingival epithelium have been studied. This study used dogs with P. gulae-associated periodontal diseases and was conducted by providing a dental chew containing 0.13% FA for 28 days. The viability and halitosis production (hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan) of P. gulae was significantly inhibited by FA in a dose and time-dependent manner. IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 secretion were also significantly suppressed by FA treatment in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro bactericidal, antihalitosis, and anti-inflammatory effects of FA were confirmed in dogs with P. gulae-associated periodontal disease. One month of oral treatment with 0.13% FA-containing dental chews significantly reduced halitosis as well as P. gulae activity. This study suggests that oral treatment with FA can be a preventive option for periodontal disease in dogs as well as humans.

Dynamics of the immune response in laboratory animals to the introduction of a protective protein of the cause of respiratory syncytial infection in cattle

The authors in the article presented the results of assessing the immune response of guinea pigs using the protective protein of the bovine respiratory syncytial infection virus (RSI), obtained using recombinant E. coli BRSV-F1. The research was carried out in the branch laboratory of veterinary biotechnology and infectious animal diseases of the Vitebsk Order of the Badge of Honor of the State Academy of Veterinary Medicine. The average titer of specific antibodies of guinea pigs to the use of the protective protein of the bovine RSI virus was studied in 9 experimental groups and one control group. Blood sampling was carried out at the beginning of the experiment, before the second immunisation and 14 days after the second immunisation. The average titer of specific antibodies to the use of the protective protein of the bovine RSI virus was determined using an indirect hemagglutination reaction with an erythrocyte diagnosticum containing the bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). With the introduction of samples of the prototype vaccine containing the gene encoding the production of the bovine RSI virus protein: group 1 - whole bacteria E. coli BRSV-F1 with an inducer of protein synthesis IPTG; 2nd, whole bacteria E. coli BRSV-F1 with protein synthesis inducer IPTG + 15% adjuvant IZA-15; 3rd, bacterial lysate E. coli BRSV-F1 with an inducer of protein synthesis IPTG; 4th – E. coli bacterial lysate BRSV-F1 with protein synthesis inducer IPTG + 15% adjuvant IZA-15; 5th - protective protein F1 + 15% adjuvant IZA-15; 6th - protective protein F1 + 2% cellulose, 7th - inactivated bovine RSV (JSC «Belvitunipharm») + 15% adjuvant IZA15; 8th - Hiprabovis 4 vaccines (HIPRA, Spain) and 9th - Bovi-shield Gold FP 5 L5 vaccines (Zoetis, USA) - in the experimental groups, an increase in antibody titer in paired blood sera was noted compared to the control group. From the data obtained, it was concluded that the studied samples of the vaccine prototype containing the gene encoding the production of the bovine RSV protein are not inferior in immunogenic activity to the vaccines Bovishield Gold FP 5 L5 and Hiprabovis 4. Therefore, the protective protein of the bovine RSI virus can be included in the composition of vaccines against this pathology to replace the cultural virus.

Current status of nano-vaccinology in veterinary medicine science.

Vaccination programmes provide a safe, effective and cost-efficient strategy for maintaining population health. In veterinary medicine, vaccination not only reduces disease within animal populations but also serves to enhance public health by targeting zoonoses. Nevertheless, for many pathogens, an effective vaccine remains elusive. Recently, nanovaccines have proved to be successful for various infectious and non-infectious diseases of animals. These novel technologies, such as virus-like particles, self-assembling proteins, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes and virosomes, offer great potential for solving many of the vaccine production challenges. Their benefits include low immunotoxicity, antigen stability, enhanced immunogenicity, flexibility sustained release and the ability to evoke both humoral and cellular immune responses. Nanovaccines are more efficient than traditional vaccines due to ease of control and plasticity in their physio-chemical properties. They use a highly targeted immunological approach which can provide strong and long-lasting immunity. This article reviews the currently available nanovaccine technology and considers its utility for both infectious diseases and non-infectious diseases such as auto-immunity and cancer. Future research opportunities and application challenges from bench to clinical usage are also discussed.

Clinically significant and colonizing <em>Enterobacteria</em> isolates with extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and their significance in horse breeding

This review article is devoted to the problem of the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria producing beta-lactamase in horse breeding. Foal colibacillosis is an acute infectious disease of young animals, manifested by diarrhea, signs of severe intoxication and dehydration of the body, caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli. Foals get sick in the first 3-7 days after birth. Infection occurs alimentary, less often – aerogenic and intrauterine transmission. The source of infection are sick and recovered animals. The duration of the disease is 2-3 days with a mortality rate of up to 90%, which leads to multiple economic losses. Multiresistant Escherichia coli can accumulate in the intestines of healthy animals and be excreted with fecal matter into the environment, which leads to the spread of pathogenic microflora among livestock. In this case, the animals are latent or hidden carriers that do not show clinical signs of the disease. Clinically significant isolates are causative agents of infectious and inflammatory diseases. These microorganisms represent a potential hazard for the development of an infectious process, they exhibit virulent properties that lead to damage to the tissues of the host organism, which significantly limits the possibility of their eradication. Along with clinically significant isolates, there are colonizing isolates that do not cause infection at a specific site. It should be noted that under certain conditions, the colonizing isolate can cause an infectious process. Irrational use of antimicrobials is a key reason for the development of tolerance. Also, the untimely detection of enzyme inactivation of antibiotics by laboratory methods and the spread of resistance genes play an important role. Currently, disks and media with antibacterial drugs are widely used to detect multidrug resistance of microorganisms. Along with these methods, PCR diagnostics and sequencing are used to accurately determine antibiotic resistance genes. Due to the importance and relevance of this topic, many scientists are conducting research to detect and study the multiresistance of enterobacteria such as E. coli, and their spread among animals.

Advances of Nanotechnology Toward Vaccine Development Against Animal Infectious Diseases

AbstractVaccines are the most effective means of controlling infectious diseases. Increasingly epidemics have driven the development of vaccines for human use. However, insufficient attention has been paid to preventing animal epidemics. The spread of animal epidemics directly affects food and nutritional safety, the economy, and outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, which can eventually threaten human health. Reducing safety risks, saving production costs, adapting to mass vaccination, and improving immunogenicity are important that must be considered in animal vaccines. Nanotechnology in vaccine development provides unique advantages in meeting these challenges, both at in vitro preparation and in vivo immune response levels. In terms of in vitro vaccine formulation, nanoparticles offer the possibility to provide multiple antigen display sites, maintain antigen conformation, and improve vaccine stability, which facilitates the development of vaccines with enhanced immunogenicity and thermal stability. In terms of in vivo vaccine‐induced immunity, nanoparticles show superior immunostimulatory activity which facilitates multiple immune response processes, including antigen delivery, cellular uptake, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte activation, thus markedly augmenting vaccine‐mediated immune responses. Herein, the application of nanotechnology to vaccine development and the characteristics of animal vaccines are reviewed, aiming to provide general guidelines for the design of future vaccines against animal infectious diseases and promote harmonious coexistence of humans and animals.

Isolation, characterization, and pathogenicity assessment of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi strains from alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in China.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes lymphadenitis in humans, livestock, and wildlife. In this study, C. pseudotuberculosis biovar equi strains were isolated from three alpacas. Antibiotic susceptibility tests and pathogenicity tests were also conducted. Moreover, one strain was sequenced using DNBSEQ and Oxford Nanopore technology. The three strains exhibited resistance to aztreonam, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin. The median lethal doses (LD50) of strains G1, S2 and BA3 in experimentally infected mice was 1.66 × 105 CFU, 3.78 × 105 CFU and 3.78 × 105 CFU, respectively. The sequencing of strain G1 resulted in the assembly of a chromosomal scaffold comprising 2,379,166 bp with a G + C content of 52.06%. Genome analysis of strain G1 revealed the presence of 48 virulence genes and 5 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Comparative genomic analysis demonstrates a high degree of genetic similarity among C. pseudotuberculosis strains, in contrast to other Corynebacterium species, with a clear delineation between strains belonging to the two biovars (ovis and equi). The data of the present study contribute to a better understanding of the properties of C. pseudotuberculosis biovar equi strains and the potential risk they pose to alpacas and other livestock, as well as the necessity of ongoing surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases in animals.

DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AND OBTAINING HYPERIMMUNE SERUM AGAINST STREPTOCOCCOSIS IN FARM ANIMALS

In the livestock farms of our country, infectious diseases are becoming more and more common in their etiology, the dominant role belongs to the opportunistic microflora. Streptococcus also belongs to this group of microorganisms [1].
 Streptococcosis is an infectious disease of young farm animals, characterized by severe septic phenomena, inflammation of respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, joints.
 All types of young animals are susceptible to streptococcosis, but calves, lambs and foals get sick more often, starting from the first days of life, up to 3-4 months. The disease begins with a respiratory rate, the appearance of breath sounds and wheezing, and cough with the development of pneumonia. The first signs of the disease appear in foals at the age of 1.5-4 weeks. Clinical manifestations differ depending on the location and extent of metastatic abscesses. Mortality from complications reaches 10%. Factors contributing and predisposing to the emergence and development of this disease are inadequate balanced nutrition, violation of the rules for the care and maintenance of calves.
 The basis for the prevention of streptococcosis should be a complex of veterinary and sanitary measures and good nutrition. On dysfunctional farms, it is impossible to keep sick and recovered cows with newborns, as well as drink their colostrum and milk. In this regard, it is very important for veterinary medicine to investigate infectious diseases of cattle, as well as to develop effective means for protecting animals, improving measures related to the prevention and elimination of this disease[7,8].This work presents data on the isolation of a field isolate of bovine streptococcosis, an indication and identification of a bacterial culture. Bacterial mass obtained and prepared antigen for development hyperimmune serum. The scheme of immunization and obtaining hyperimmune serum on laboratory and industrial animals has been worked out. Carried out laboratory and industrial tests of hyperimmune serum.

Nosological profile and classification of infectious diseases of farm animals in the territory of the Pepublic of Sakha (Yakutia)

The results of the classification of infectious diseases of farm animals spread on the territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the period 2001-2021 are presented. It was found that there were 42 nosological units of animal diseases involved in the epizootic process on the territory of Yakutia. Infections in cattle are caused by 18 types of pathogens, horses - 12, reindeer - 4, pigs - 10, birds - 11, small ruminants - 3, fur-bearing animals - 7, other types of animals - 9. According to the OIE classification, 10 nosoforms of diseases are common in Yakutia: rabies, brucellosis, viral hemorrhagic septicemia, equine infectious anemia, avian infectious bronchitis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, paratuberculosis, pasteurellosis and tuberculosis. Diseases not on the OIE list, including Marek’s disease, swine dysentery, colibacillosis, parvoviral enteritis, salmonellosis, diamond-skin disease, blackleg were registered. A number of nosoforms common in Yakutia belong to particularly dangerous diseases for which restrictive measures (quarantine) may be imposed. These include actinomycosis, rabies, brucellosis, infectious equine anemia, avian infectious bronchitis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine leukosis, leptospirosis, paratuberculosis, diamond-skin disease, tuberculosis and canine distemper virus. A number of diseases (Marek’s disease, carnivorous infectious hepatitis, bovine leukosis, horse strangles, avian ornithosis, egg drop syndrome, diamond-skin disease, and blackleg) are peculiar to only one species of animals. Many infections are characterized by the persistence of the pathogen in different species of farm and small domestic animals, birds and wildlife, which determines the interspecies degree of epizootic danger of these infections. Infections of bacterial etiology (bacterioses) prevail in Yakutia with 21 nosoforms. Viral diseases (viroses) are represented by 15 nosoforms, mycoplasmosis and chlamydia - one each. The most numerous infections are those with the main alimentary, or fecal-oral, route (22 diseases). Ten infections, including infectious atrophic rhinitis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, distemper, are classified as airborne or respiratory (major) pathogen transmission. Transmissive carry-over (by vectors) is characterized by actinomycosis and infectious equine anemia; through the outer covers (without the participation of vectors) - 5 diseases, including balanoposthitis and rabies. The majority of the infections are characterized by one or more additional mechanisms of transmission (rabies, Marek’s disease, bovine leukemia, diamond-skin disease, etc.) in addition to the main mechanism of transmission of the pathogen. According to the source of the causative agent for all diseases (ktenonoses) they are domestic animals, but for such infections as rabies, Marek’s disease, viral hemorrhagic septicemia, leptospirosis and others, along with domestic animals, wild animals are an additional source (ktenotherionoses). In terms of susceptibility, most infections (30) belong to zoonoses peculiar only to animals; the remaining 12 belong to the more dangerous zooanthroponoses common to animals and humans.

Awareness and Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance and Risks of Self-Medication With Antibiotics Among the Aseer Region Population, Saudi Arabia, 2023.

Antibiotics are a groundbreaking discovery that revolutionized the treatment of infectious diseases in both humans and animals during the 20th century. However, their overuse and misuse led to serious public health threats, causing widespread concern and significant social and economic consequences. Microorganisms have a natural ability to develop resistance to antibiotics over time through genetic mechanisms, which has further exacerbated the problem. Unfortunately, in the last two decades, there has been a dearth of new antibacterial substances discovered, which has only worsened the situation. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of antibiotic resistance and risks of self-medication with antibiotics among the Aseer region population, Saudi Arabia 2023. An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia targetingpersons aged 18 to 80 years old living in the Aseer region, Southern of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire after an intensive literature review and expert's consultation. The questionnaire was distributed throughout the social medial channels. The study questionnaire was uploaded online till no more new cases participated and nonew answers were obtained. Results: A total of 300 participants completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 80 years with a mean age of 31.5 ± 12.9 years old. Exactly 200 participants (66.7%) were females. As for the educational level, 209 (69.7%) had a university level of education. Two-hundred and three (67.7%) participants had an overall poor knowledge and awareness about antibioticresistance and risks of self-medication.Also, 103 (34.3%) participants used antibiotics without prescription before and 100 (33.3%) used leftover antibiotics from a previous infection. In conclusion, the current study showed that nearly one out of three participants in the Aseer region had unprescribed antibiotics. Another unsafe practice was that the same percent used leftover antibiotics from a previous infection. As for participants' knowledge of antibiotic resistance, also one-third of the respondents had good knowledge about the issue.

The Epidemiology of Animal-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains an important etiological factor of human and animal infectious diseases, causing significant economic losses not only in human healthcare but also in the large-scale farming sector. The constantly changing epidemiology of MRSA observed globally affects animal welfare and raises concerns for public health. High MRSA colonization rates in livestock raise questions about the meaning of reservoirs and possible transmission pathways, while the prevalence of MRSA colonization and infection rates among companion animals vary and might affect human health in multiple ways. We present the main findings concerning the circulation of animal-associated MRSA (AA-MRSA) in the environment and factors influencing the direction, mechanisms, and routes of its transmission. Studies have shown it that S. aureus is a multi-host bacterial pathogen; however, its adaptation mechanisms enabling it to colonize and infect both animal and human hosts are still rarely discussed. Finally, we elaborate on the most successful strategies and programs applied limiting the circulation of AA-MRSA among animals and humans. Although MRSA strains colonizing animals rarely infect humans, they undergo host-adaptive evolution enabling them to spread and persist in human populations.

VECTOR ZOONOSES THAT MAY THREAT THE REGION OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE

The first Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was founded in France (Lyon) in 1762, in order to prevent the cyclical waves of rinderpest at the beginning of the 18th century in Europe. Three centuries later, infectious diseases, including zoonoses, cannot be eradicated in the regions where they appear enzootically, and also thair spread is a real threat to distant regions of the world. A special segment of the infectious diseases studies is focused to the group of zoonoses that are transmitted by vectors. There are numerous infectious diseases of animals and humans, whith the causative agents that are transmitted by insects and arthropods, and in some cases, vectors appear as real hosts and reservoirs of zoonotic agents. Until two decades ago, the appearance of West Nile fever in regions of the world where this zoonosis was enzootic and endemic (for example, the African continent), did not attract the attention of epizootiologists and epidemiologists. However, this infectious disease has caused a disease in a numerous people in our region over the past twenty years, and in some cases the outcome was fatal. Analogous to the example of West Nile fever, it can be assumed that a greater number of vector-borne zoonoses are practically “knocking on the door” of the Southeastern Europe region. That region can be considered a buffer zone, where there are more or less distant regions to the south and east, where until nowadays “exotic” zoonoses appear enzootically, and from which direction we can expect the penetration of vectors, and the infectious diseases they transmit. The potential for the transmission of vector-borne zoonoses primarily refers to diseases transmitted by insects and arthropods. In the case of insects, a sudden outbreak could be expected, for example, of Rift Valley fever, Chikungunya virus infection, Japanese encephalitis or Yellow fever. The fight against such zoonoses should primarily be based on vector control. For some of these zoonoses, vaccines have already been developed for use in human (e.g. Japanese encephalitis) and veterinary (e.g. West Nile fever) medicine. In the case of zoonoses transmitted by arthropods (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tickborne encephalitis), it is expected that the infection will spread slowly but steadily, whereby diagnostic tests and the application of methods of monitoring the presence in animal species that can be indicators of the disease are of more importance. The paper presents the basic mechanisms in the transmission of vector-borne zoonoses as well as certain infectious diseases transmitted by insects and arthropods, which have a significant potential to threaten the region of Southern and Eastern Europe.

Review of Veterinary Legislation for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals and its Situation in Nepal

Available within the full article

Spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and mechanisms of their transmission from animal to human

Antimicrobials are essential for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in both humans and animals. However, the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has become a global problem of the World Health Organisation. Transmission of antibiotic-resistant macroorganisms from animals to humans is conducted directly or indirectly through the environment. This spread affects the epidemiology of resistant bacterial infections in humans. Thus, the purpose of the study was to establish and analyse the methods of distribution and mechanisms of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms from animal to human, analyse the experience of different countries in solving problems of antibiotic resistance. Through methods of analysis and systematisation of scientific research of researchers from different countries of the world, it was established that antimicrobial agents have been used in agriculture as feed additives and maintain the health and productivity of animals since the middle of the 20th century. Animal products at all stages of food processing also often contain large amounts of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. A substantial relationship was established between drugs used in humane and veterinary medicine. It is noted that difficult socio-economic conditions, limited laboratory facilities, and lack of regulatory authorities in developing countries also create favourable conditions for the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. As a result, the treatment of many infectious diseases of people is substantially complicated or becomes impossible. The application of antibiotics should be accompanied by constant and enhanced monitoring of their spread in the animal–human– environment chain, a rational prescription in humane, veterinary medicine, and the food industry to minimise the risks of unjustified use of them

When Everything Becomes Bigger: Big Data for Big Poultry Production.

In future decades, the demand for poultry meat and eggs is predicted to considerably increase in pace with human population growth. Although this expansion clearly represents a remarkable opportunity for the sector, it conceals a multitude of challenges. Pollution and land erosion, competition for limited resources between animal and human nutrition, animal welfare concerns, limitations on the use of growth promoters and antimicrobial agents, and increasing risks and effects of animal infectious diseases and zoonoses are several topics that have received attention from authorities and the public. The increase in poultry production must be achieved mainly through optimization and increased efficiency. The increasing ability to generate large amounts of data ("big data") is pervasive in both modern society and the farming industry. Information accessibility-coupled with the availability of tools and computational power to store, share, integrate, and analyze data with automatic and flexible algorithms-offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop tools to maximize farm profitability, reduce socio-environmental impacts, and increase animal and human health and welfare. A detailed description of all topics and applications of big data analysis in poultry farming would be infeasible. Therefore, the present work briefly reviews the application of sensor technologies, such as optical, acoustic, and wearable sensors, as well as infrared thermal imaging and optical flow, to poultry farming. The principles and benefits of advanced statistical techniques, such as machine learning and deep learning, and their use in developing effective and reliable classification and prediction models to benefit the farming system, are also discussed. Finally, recent progress in pathogen genome sequencing and analysis is discussed, highlighting practical applications in epidemiological tracking, and reconstruction of microorganisms' population dynamics, evolution, and spread. The benefits of the objective evaluation of the effectiveness of applied control strategies are also considered. Although human-artificial intelligence collaborations in the livestock sector can be frightening because they require farmers and employees in the sector to adapt to new roles, challenges, and competencies-and because several unknowns, limitations, and open-ended questions are inevitable-their overall benefits appear to be far greater than their drawbacks. As more farms and companies connect to technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and sensing technologies will begin to play a greater role in identifying patterns and solutions to pressing problems in modern animal farming, thus providing remarkable production-based and commercial advantages. Moreover, the combination of diverse sources and types of data will also become fundamental for the development of predictive models able to anticipate, rather than merely detect, disease occurrence. The increasing availability of sensors, infrastructures, and tools for big data collection, storage, sharing, and analysis-together with the use of open standards and integration with pathogen molecular epidemiology-have the potential to address the major challenge of producing higher-quality, more healthful food on a larger scale in a more sustainable manner, thereby protecting ecosystems, preserving natural resources, and improving animal and human welfare and health.

Polymer quantum dots doped in metal organic framework for sono-catalytic degradation of sulfamethazine

Sulfamethazine as one of sulfa drugs could be discharged in the surface, drinking and ground water, to be accumulated in the organs, migrating later to foodstuff and eventually raises the possibility of developing a variety of infectious diseases in human beings and animals. On the other hand, polymer quantum dots (PQDs) as a type of carbon-based nanostructures are exhibited with excellent photoluminescent properties, abundancy, easy of surface decoration and biocompatibility with low toxic effects. Herein, simple and environmentally benign technique was reported to reuse acrylate waste fibers (AWF) for nucleation of PQDs (size = 5.6 nm, zetapotential = -6 to -11). The so-nucleated PQDs were successively doped within metal organic framework (namely, MIL-125-NH2) to prepare PQDs@MIL-125-NH2 composite, to be applicable as sono-photocatalyst for degradation of sulfamethazine. Successive doping of PQDs within MIL-125-NH2 was approved via different instrumental analysis such as Electron Microscope, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. Kinetic parameters for sono-photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethazine were also estimated. The recyclability of PQDs@MIL-125-NH2 composite was also approved. PQDs@MIL-125-NH2 composite as sono-photocatalyst exhibited the highest affinity for full degradation (99.9%) within 90 min of rate constant of 28.79 ± 1.21± 1.5 × 10−3 min−1. For PQDs@MIL-125-NH2 composite, the percentage of sono-photocatalytic degradation for sulfamethazine was lowered from 99.9% to be 96% to be reduced with only 4% after recycling for 5 times. Reaction mechanisms for ingraining PQDs and the sono-photocatalytic action of the prepared of PQDs@MIL-125-NH2 composite for degradation of sulfamethazine were elucidated.

Risk Factors and Spatiotemporal Distribution of Lumpy Skin Disease Occurrence in the Asian Continent during 2012–2022: An Ecological Niche Model

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging transboundary infectious disease of animals with high morbidity and low mortality rates. The infection occurs in cattle, buffalo, and some closely related wild animals, with cattle and buffalo showing higher susceptibility than other species. The primary mode of disease transmission is the mechanical dispersion of bloodsucking insects. The disease symptoms, including animal fur damage, weight loss, decline in milk production, infertility, and miscarriage, lead to huge economic losses in regions and countries with LSD outbreaks. The present study aimed to analyze the incidence data of LSD in the Asian continent from January 2012 to September 2022, identify spatiotemporal clusters and risk factors of the disease, and establish a maximum entropy ecological niche model to predict high-risk areas for disease outbreaks. The studied variables included bioclimatic factors, land type, and population density. Following the screening process, 12 variables were included in the maximum entropy model. Among them, the variable contribution rates of cattle density, land cover, isothermality, buffalo density, and maximum temperature of the warmest month were 53.8%, 10.9%, 9.2%, 8.9%, and 8%, respectively. Accounting for more than 90% of the total variable contribution rate, these five variables were considered to be the important influencing factors of LSD outbreaks. According to the results, nine spatiotemporal clusters approximately matched the high-risk areas predicted by the model. The Caucasus region of Russia; the Russian border areas of Kazakhstan, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel; and the western regions of Iran, India, and Southeast Asia were predicted to be high-risk areas. Thus, this study provides the spatiotemporal clusters, risk factors, and high-risk areas of LSD outbreaks in the Asian continent, which can help formulate more effective disease prevention and control policies.

Trend-analysis of biological hazard for food production based on the correlation between alimentary-caused infectious and parasitic diseases of animals and humans

The article presents analytical data for assessing cyclical trends in morbidity and mortality, correlation analysis of morbidity due to zooanthroponoses, and trend analysis of biological threats based on statistical data for the Ryazan region from 2017 to 2021. This analysis made it possible to compile a matrix of pairwise Pearson correlation coefficients for infectious and parasitic diseases of animals and humans, which are zooanthroponoses, and to reveal a correlation between the incidence of humans and animals.The highest score rank (2.208) and correlation coefficient (0.88) are typical for tuberculosis caused by mycobacteria. This disease is zooanthroponosis and is particularly dangerous. The second place of the trend is occupied by bacteria of the genus Salmonella (point rank — 1.362, correlation coefficient — 0.75). The third, fourth and fifth places of the trend are occupied by acute intestinal infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (score rank —0.577, correlation coefficient — 0.79), Escherichia coliform bacteria (score rank—0.397, correlation coefficient — 0.82), Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella (score rank — 0.308, correlation coefficient — 0.87).