Common Domestic Animals Research Articles

Validation of a plasmonic-based serology biosensor for veterinary diagnosis of COVID-19 in domestic animals

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic recently demonstrated the devastating impact on public health, economy, and social development of zoonotic infectious diseases, whereby viruses jump from animals to infect humans. Due to this potential of viruses to cross the species barrier, the surveillance of infectious pathogens circulation in domestic and close-to-human animals is indispensable, as they could be potential reservoirs. Optical biosensors, mainly those based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), have widely demonstrated its ability for providing direct, label-free, and quantitative bioanalysis with excellent sensitivity and reliability. This biosensor technology can provide a powerful tool to the veterinary field, potentially being helpful for the monitoring of the infection spread. We have implemented a multi-target COVID-19 serology plasmonic biosensor for the rapid testing and screening of common European domestic animals. The multi-target serological biosensor assay enables the detection of total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG + IgM) generated towards both S and N viral antigens. The analysis is performed in less than 15 min with a low-volume serum sample (<20 μL, 1:10 dilution), reaching a limit of detection of 49.6 ng mL−1. A complete validation has been carried out with hamster, dog, and cat sera samples (N = 75, including 37 COVID-19-positive and 38 negative samples). The biosensor exhibits an excellent diagnostic sensitivity (100 %) and good specificity (71.4 %) for future application in veterinary settings. Furthermore, the biosensor technology is integrated into a compact, portable, and user-friendly device, well-suited for point-of-care testing. This study positions our plasmonic biosensor as an alternative and reliable diagnostic tool for COVID-19 serology in animal samples, expanding the applicability of plasmonic technologies for decentralized analysis in veterinary healthcare and animal research.

The Study of Acoustic Phonetics on Frequency Cat Snoring Between Different Ages

Abstract: Cat purring is a sound that has been produced by cats made by several species of felids and two species of genetics. The domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is one of the most common domestic animals we hear of today. This cat also has its own specialties and uniqueness, among them is that the cat is able to produce very low frequencies and is able to provide benefits to all humans. (Wereski, Mike 2015). The first purpose was to study the frequencies that had been produced by both cats and to identify whether the age of the cats influenced the frequencies that had been produced. The second purpose was To identify whether different cat attitudes would influence the frequency produced by cats. The study subjects were two domestic cats where Domestic Cat A, named molly was a 4 -month -old female cat of mixed breed, while domestic cat B, named spooky, was a 36 - month -old female cat and domestic cat C named Neslo which was 17-month-old female cat.. The two study subjects were different mixed breeds. Both cats are domestic cats which have been cared for and cared for since childhood. The selection of the two cats was based on reasons for differences in age and behavior. Data recording using Iphone SE (2020) brand telephone equipment and for cat frequency data were collected while sleeping. This aims to collect standard cat vocalizations. The purs sound production of older domestic cats is higher than that of young domestic cats. In conclusion, sound can also become louder as the age. The older the cat is, the higher the frequency the cat produces.

The Study of Acoustic Phonetics on Frequency Cat Snoring Between Different Ages

Abstract: Cat purring is a sound that has been produced by cats made by several species of felids and two species of genetics. The domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is one of the most common domestic animals we hear of today. This cat also has its own specialties and uniqueness, among them is that the cat is able to produce very low frequencies and is able to provide benefits to all humans. (Wereski, Mike 2015). The first purpose was to study the frequencies that had been produced by both cats and to identify whether the age of the cats influenced the frequencies that had been produced. The second purpose was To identify whether different cat attitudes would influence the frequency produced by cats. The study subjects were two domestic cats where Domestic Cat A, named molly was a 4 -month -old female cat of mixed breed, while domestic cat B, named spooky, was a 36 - month -old female cat and domestic cat C named Neslo which was 17-month-old female cat.. The two study subjects were different mixed breeds. Both cats are domestic cats which have been cared for and cared for since childhood. The selection of the two cats was based on reasons for differences in age and behavior. Data recording using Iphone SE (2020) brand telephone equipment and for cat frequency data were collected while sleeping. This aims to collect standard cat vocalizations. The purs sound production of older domestic cats is higher than that of young domestic cats. In conclusion, sound can also become louder as the age. The older the cat is, the higher the frequency the cat produces.

Species Identification of Bovine Bone Marrow from Nonbovine Products Using Multiplex PCR Technology

Bovine bone marrow is traditionally regarded as a highly nutritious food that has been widely used as a medicinal and health food for several decades in China. A large number of adulterated and counterfeit bone marrows from pigs and donkeys have been used in place of bovine bone marrow in commercial products, which are almost identical morphologically between species. Therefore, we explored the feasibility of multiplex PCR technology to differentiate bovine bone marrows from different domestic animals. Three pairs of specific primers for bovine, pig, and donkey were designed according to the conserved sequence in mitochondrial cytochrome b. A modified method was used to extract the genomic DNA from common domestic animals’ bone marrows. The optimal reaction conditions for triple PCR were optimized. A three-fold PCR detection assay was successfully established to identify three species of bovine, pig, and donkey. Three primers have good specificity and high sensitivity. Additionally, the assay sensitivity test confirmed that the extracted DNA concentration was the lowest in bovine bone marrow at 10°pg/μL. The assay also showed 100% specificity. Rapid authentication of bovine bone marrow and differentiation from nonbovine products can be achieved using an improved SDS alkali denaturation method and species-specific PCR assay. Both species-specific PCR methods described in this study can be potentially applied for the quality evaluation of functional food and drug resources.

S6.2d Dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton erinacei caused by contact with African hedgehogs as family pets

S6.2 Resurgence of dermatophytic infections, September 22, 2022, 4:45 PM - 6:15 PMObjectiveTo present a series of cases of various types of dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton erinacei, caused by contact with African hedgehogs.MethodsPatients with clinical suspicion of ringworm caused by T. erinacei were included in the study. Each patient underwent a mycological study, with direct examinations (KOH), cultures in Sabouraud dextrose agar medium with and without antibiotics. With the cultures obtained, molecular identification was made using the PCR technique and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) proteomics. Once confirmed, the patients were given treatment and follow-up. When the pets (hedgehogs) were accessible, they were cultured with a cytobrush and the quills removed.ResultsIn a period of 3.5 years, 16 verified cases were incorporated, 13 were females (72%) and 3 males (18%), the average age was 18.2 years, with the smallest case being 8 years old and the oldest 45 years old. The tineas manifested as follows: tinea manus 11 cases (68.7%); 2 respective cases of tinea corporis and tinea capitis (18.1 respectively) and one case of Majocchi's granuloma. The average evolution was 1.5 months with the case older than 3 months and the younger 15 days. All cases were given terbinafine at variable times and doses (according to weight and age) and clinical and mycological cure was obtained.DiscussionTineas can have epidemiological changes that are favored by a variety of factors, in general, pet ringworms are due to common domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Due to changing fashions, children and adolescents in recent years have changed pets such as hamsters, and recently hedgehogs, especially African variety (Atelerix albiventris) the latter may have T. erinacei as part of their skin microbiota, a similar dermatophyte or that was part of the T. mentagrophyes complex, in general of low virulence, however, its antigenic variants are little recognized by humans, which makes them present in a very inflammatory form, particularly in the hands, due to the handling of the animal, as well as the deeper inoculation (in the dermis) by the spikes left by the inoculum. So, they can generate deep tineas such as Majocchi's granuloma. In general, they respond well to systemic antifungals such as terbinafine and itraconazole, and sometimes the use of topical or systemic steroids is necessary.ConclusionsThis series of cases is a good example of how a change of habits when having pets can introduce new etiological agents that are poorly recognized antigenically, which give rise to more inflammatory and sometimes profound tineas.

Dog Breed Classification Using Convolutional Neural Network

Dogs are one of the most common domestic animals. Due to a large number of dogs, there are several issues such as population control, decreased outbreak such as Rabies, vaccination control, and legal ownership. At present, there are over 180 dog breeds. Each dog breed has specific characteristics and health conditions. In order to provide appropriate treatments and training, it is essential to identify individuals and their breeds. Machine learning gives the strength on the way to train algorithms model that can handle the difficulties of info classification also prediction grounded on totally on arising information as of raw information. Convolutional Neural Networks ( CNNs ) gives single often used methods for image classification and detection. In this exertion , we define a CNN based approach for spotting dogs in perchance complex images and due to this fact reflect inconsideration on the identification of the one of kinds of dog breed. The experimental outcome analysis supported the standard metrics and thus the graphical representation confirms that the algorithm ( CNN ) gives good analysis accuracy for all the tested datasets.

Review Paper on “Dog Breed Classification Using Convolutional Neural Network”

Dogs are one of the most common domestic animals. Due to a large number of dogs, there are several issues such as population control, decreased outbreak such as Rabies, vaccination control, and legal ownership. At present, there are over 180 dog breeds. Each dog breed has specific characteristics and health conditions. In order to provide appropriate treatments and training, it is essential to identify individuals and their breeds. Machine learning gives the strength on the thanks to train algorithms model which will handle the difficulties of information classification also prediction grounded on totally on arising information as of raw information. Convolutional Neural Networks ( CNNs ) gives single often used methods for image classification and detection. In this exertion , we define a CNN based approach for spotting dogs in perchance complex images and due to this fact reflect inconsideration on the identification of the one of kinds of dog breed. The experimental outcome analysis supported the standard metrics and thus the graphical representation confirms that the algorithm ( CNN ) gives good analysis accuracy for all the tested datasets.

New putative animal reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 in Italian fauna: A bioinformatic approach

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus belonging to the betacoronavirus family, causing fatal respiratory disease in humans, which became pandemic in 2020. Italy is one of the most affected countries by COVID-19, particularly in the northern regions. Several studies consider COVID-19 a zoonotic disease and, since Italy is the repository of a high biodiversity, SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals can be considered as a reservoir of the virus or favor the spreading between animals and humans. In this work, we analyzed the amino acid sequences of ACE2 protein of the most common domestic and wild animals present in Italy. Among the latter, we focused on ACE2 of the Chiroptera species present in Italy to identify the primary reservoir in this region. First, we reproduced in silico the Chiroptera ACE2/viral spike (S) protein interactions on the human ACE2/SARS-CoV-2 S complex model and identified the critical residues for the binding. In silico molecular docking of ACE2 belonging to Chiroptera vs SARS-CoV-2 S protein pointed to Rhinolophus ferrumequinum as a bat living in Italy, that may be a potential primary reservoir of the virus. On the other hand, a sequence similarity search on ACE2 of domestic and wild animals living in Italy pointed to domestic (horses, cats, cattle and sheep) and wild (European rabbits and grizzly bears) animal species as potential SARS-CoV-2 secondary reservoirs. Molecular docking of ACE2 belonging to these species vs S protein of Bat coronavirus (Bt-CoV/Rp3/2004) suggests that the primary reservoir Rhinolophus ferrumequinum may infect the secondary reservoirs, domestic and worldwide animals living in Italy, determining a specific risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Next-generation sequencing of a human-animal reassortant G6P[14] rotavirus A strain from a child hospitalized with diarrhoea.

We previously reported the VP4 and the VP7 genotypes of the first G6P[14] rotavirus strain (RVA/Human-wt/GHA/M0084/2010/G6P[14]) from the stool of an infant with diarrhoea in Ghana. In the current study, we obtained the complete genome sequences using Illumina MiSeq next-generation sequencing to enable us to determine the host species origin of the genes by phylogenetic analysis. The genotype constellation was G6-P[14]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A11-N2-T6-E2-H3. Phylogenetic analysis showed that M0084 was a reassortant strain from RVAs of both artiodactyl and human host species origin. The level of sequence identity of the individual genes of M0084 to other sequences in the GenBank ranged from 95.2 to 99.5%; however, there was no single strain from the GenBank database with a complete genome sequence that was highly similar to that of M0084. To help trace the source of such unique gene pools being introduced into human RVAs, it will be useful to examine RVA sequences from potential reservoirs such as sheep and goats, which are common domestic animals in this locality.

Animal Farm: Using Common Domestic Animals to Teach Comparative Psychology

As money for animal facilities at colleges and universities has declined, so too has the accessibility of students to hands-on experiences with animals. However, we know that laboratory experiences with animals provide students with better ideas of the challenges and joys of animal research. Faculty can be creative about using local resources or even their own pets to teach simple experiments in comparative cognition. This paper describes an animal lab utilizing locally available animals to test understanding of the human communicative gesture of a point. Outcomes of the lab provide interesting discussion for students, and students enjoy the experiences of using live animals to learn about comparative psychology.

Kisspeptin and the regulation of the reproductive axis in domestic animals.

The control of reproductive processes involves the integration of a number of factors from the internal and external environment, with the final output signal of these processes being the pulsatile secretion of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. These factors include the feedback actions of sex steroids, feed intake and nutritional status, season/photoperiod, pheromones, age and stress. Understanding these factors and how they influence GnRH secretion and hence reproduction is important for the management of farm animals. There is evidence that the RF-amide neuropeptide, kisspeptin, may be involved in relaying the effects of these factors to the GnRH neurons. This paper will review the evidence from the common domestic animals (sheep, goats, cattle, horses and pigs), that kisspeptin neurons are i) regulated by the factors listed above, ii) contact GnRH neurons, and iii) involved in the regulation of GnRH/gonadotrophin secretion.

A PCR Method That Can Be Further Developed into PCR-RFLP Assay for Eight Animal Species Identification.

There are many PCR-based methods for animal species identification; however, their detection numbers are limited or could not identify unknown species. We set out to solve this problem by developing a universal primer PCR assay for simultaneous identification of eight animal species, including goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, cattle, yak, pig, and camel. In this assay, the variable lengths of mitochondrial DNA were amplified using a pair of universal primers. PCR amplifications yielded 760 bp, 737 bp, 537 bp, 486 bp, 481 bp, 464 bp, 429 bp, and 359 bp length fragments for goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, cattle, yak, pig, and camel, respectively. This primer pair had no cross-reaction with other common domestic animals and fish. The limit of detection varied from 0.01 to 0.05 ng of genomic DNA for eight animal species in a 20 µl PCR mixture. Each PCR product could be further digested into fragments with variable sizes and qualitative analysis by SspI restriction enzyme. This developed PCR-RFLP assay was sufficient to distinguish all targeted species. Compared with the previous published related methods, this approach is simple, with high throughput, fast processing rates, and more cost-effective for routine identification of meat in foodstuffs.

Development and validation of a universal primer pair for the simultaneous detection of eight animal species.

In the present study, we developed a novel simplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of eight animal species, including goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, cattle, yak, pig and camel. A unique pair of universal primers was designed to target mitochondrial DNA variable regions in the eight animal species, generating, 787, 763, 563, 512, 507, 491, 455 and 385bp long fragments for goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, cattle, yak, pig and camel, respectively. The assay showed no cross-reactivity with other common domestic animals, and was validated by sequencing and enzyme digestion. Detection limit for DNA samples from the eight animal species varied between 6 and 20pg in a 20μl PCR mixture. Interestingly, the newly developed method successfully identified 170 commercial meat products, and is simple, fast, sensitive, specific, and cost-effective. Therefore, it could be used for the detection of goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, cattle, yak, pig, and camel species in foodstuffs.

Snapshot fecal survey of domestic animals in rural Ghana for Mycobacterium ulcerans.

Identifying the source reservoirs of Mycobacterium ulcerans is key to understanding the mode of transmission of this pathogen and controlling the spread of Buruli ulcer (BU). In Australia, the native possum can harbor M. ulcerans in its gastrointestinal tract and shed high concentrations of the bacteria in its feces. To date, an analogous animal reservoir in Africa has not been identified. Here we tested the hypothesis that common domestic animals in BU endemic villages of Ghana are reservoir species analogous to the Australian possum. Using linear-transects at 10-meter intervals, we performed systematic fecal surveys across four BU endemic villages and one non-endemic village in the Asante Akim North District of Ghana. One hundred and eighty fecal specimens from a single survey event were collected and analyzed by qPCR for the M. ulcerans diagnostic DNA targets IS2404 and KR-B. Positive and negative controls performed as expected but all 180 test samples were negative. This structured snapshot survey suggests that common domestic animals living in and around humans do not shed M. ulcerans in their feces. We conclude that, unlike the Australian native possum, domestic animals in rural Ghana are unlikely to be major reservoirs of M. ulcerans.

Dynamic changes in subcellular localization of cattle XLF during cell cycle, and focus formation of cattle XLF at DNA damage sites immediately after irradiation.

Clinically, many chemotherapeutics and ionizing radiation (IR) have been applied for the treatment of various types of human and animal malignancies. These treatments kill tumor cells by causing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Core factors of classical nonhomologous DNA-end joining (C-NHEJ) play a vital role in DSB repair. Thus, it is indispensable to clarify the mechanisms of C-NHEJ in order to develop next-generation chemotherapeutics for cancer. The XRCC4-like factor (XLF; also called Cernunnos or NHEJ1) is the lastly identified core NHEJ factor. The localization of core NHEJ factors might play a critical role in regulating NHEJ activity. The localization and function of XLF have not been elucidated in animal species other than mice and humans. Domestic cattle (Bos taurus) are the most common and vital domestic animals in many countries. Here, we show that the localization of cattle XLF changes dynamically during the cell cycle. Furthermore, EYFP-cattle XLF accumulates quickly at microirradiated sites and colocalizes with the DSB marker γH2AX. Moreover, nuclear localization and accumulation of cattle XLF at DSB sites are dependent on 12 amino acids (288–299) of the C-terminal region of XLF (XLF CTR). Furthermore, basic amino acids on the XLF CTR are highly conserved among domestic animals including cattle, goat and horses, suggesting that the CTR is essential for the function of XLF in domestic animals. These findings might be useful to develop the molecular-targeting therapeutic drug taking XLF as a target molecule for human and domestic animals.

Mitochondrial genomes of domestic animals need scrutiny.

More than 1000 complete or near-complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences have been deposited in GenBank for eight common domestic animals (cattle, dog, goat, horse, pig, sheep, yak and chicken) and their close wild ancestors or relatives, as well. Nevertheless, few efforts have been performed to evaluate the sequence data quality. Herein, we conducted a phylogenetic survey of these complete or near-complete mtDNA sequences based on mtDNA haplogroup trees for the eight animals. We show that errors due to artificial recombination, surplus of mutations and phantom mutations do exist in 14.5% (194/1342) of mtDNA sequences and all of them should be treated with wide caution. We propose some caveats for future mtDNA studies of domestic animals.

Neurological dysfunction in a ball python (Python regius) colour morph and implications for welfare

There is widespread and growing public and professional awareness of genetic disorders associated with artificial breeding selection, and their implications on the health and welfare of companion animals. Despite increased captive breeding and the popularity of atypical colour/pattern variants, little research has been conducted, to date, into genetic variants of reptiles relative to common domestic animals (e.g., dogs and cats). This article aims to raise awareness in the animal welfare science community of the potential for welfare problems in genetic variant reptiles and to stimulate further research in this field. A survey of expert opinion was used to establish a description of a heritable disorder, the “wobble syndrome,” associated with a widely propagated phenotype, the “spider” morph of the ball python (Python regius), a common “pet” snake species. This information was used to provide an assessment of animal welfare effects of the wobble syndrome condition.

Species-specific multiplex real-time PCR assay for identification of deer and common domestic animals

A multiplex real-time PCR method for discriminating deer and common domestic species, including cattle, goat, horse, donkey, pig, and chicken was developed. Species-specific primer pairs were designed and used to produce different size DNA fragments with diverse melting temperature (T m ) values. The specificity and sensitivity of these primer pairs were separately confirmed using simplex real-time PCR analysis. Multiplex real-time PCR analysis was performed using combined primers, yielding distinct melting curve profiles for each species. The sensitivity limit of the multiplex PCR method was evaluated. Trace DNA of other species in deer DNA could be identified. Common deer products, including blood, meat, and antler were tested using this multiplex PCR method and different species of deer and domestic animals were identified. The rapid multiplex real-time PCR assay described herein is a specific, sensitive, and reliable method for high-throughput authentication of deer and domestic animal products.

An update on the detection and treatment of Rickettsia felis.

Rickettsia felis was described as a human pathogen almost two decades ago, and human infection is currently reported in 18 countries in all continents. The distribution of this species is worldwide, determined by the presence of the main arthropod vector, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché). The list of symptoms, which includes fever, headache, myalgia, and rash, keeps increasing as new cases with unexpected symptoms are described. Moreover, the clinical presentation of R. felis infection can be easily confused with many tropical and nontropical diseases, as well as other rickettsial infections. Although specific laboratory diagnosis and treatment for this flea-borne rickettsiosis are detailed in the scientific literature, it is possible that most human cases are not being diagnosed properly. Furthermore, since the cat flea infests different common domestic animals, contact with humans may be more frequent than reported. In this review, we provide an update on methods for specific detection of human infection by R. felis described in the literature, as well as the treatment prescribed to the patients. Considering advances in molecular detection tools, as well as options for as-yet-unreported isolation of R. felis from patients in cell culture, increased diagnosis and characterization of this emerging pathogen is warranted.

Vaccination of humans and domestic and wild animals against rabies in Lithuania 2006–2010

The incidence of rabies and vaccination against this disease in human and animal populations were investigated in Lithuania in 2006–2010. In the last five years, up to 7–10 thousand people in Lithuania suffered from the diseased animals every year. Dogs are the most common domestic animals that humans suffer from (in earlier years, about 70–80% every year); in 2006–2009, 23–30% of human victims were exposed to rabid dogs, whereas in 2010 only 1.92%. The exposed people were vaccinated with inactivated vaccine against rabies Verorab® (Sanofi Pasteur, France) and immunoglobulin Imogam®Rabies (Sanofi Pasteur, France). For about a year (2006–2007) Favirab immunoglobulin (Sanofi Pasteur, France) has been used. This preventive method is applied to 60–70% of people exposed to potentially rabid animals every year. During the time frame of investigation only in 2007 a case of human rabies was reported in a person who had not been preventively vaccinated. That was a man who travelled in India and was bitten by a stray dog. Dogs, cats and cattle are the most common domestic animals responsible for transmission of human rabies, while red foxes and raccoon dogs are most common in the wild animal group. In the last five years, 9 554 domestic and wild animals were investigated for rabies. Among 2 980 samples taken from domestic animals and 6 574 samples from the wild ones, 16.77% and 35.39%, respectively, were positive. Since 2006 in Lithuania twice a year (in spring and autumn) wild animals are orally vaccinated using “Lysvulpen” vaccine (Bioveta, Czech Republic). In 2006–2010, 3 130 blood serum samples from wild animals were examined for efficiency of rabies oral vaccination (ORV). The greatest number of serologically positive samples was taken from red foxes and raccoon dogs: 57.55% and 50.00%, respectively. Systematic ORV is responsible for the rabies decline in animals. In 2010, rabies was reported in 13 Lithuanian districts: Ignalina, Salcininkai, Zarasai, Sirvintos, Molėtai, Vilnius, Varėna, Utena, Kaunas, Raseiniai, Skuodas, Panevėžys and Pasvalys. Vaccination against rabies is the main immunopreventive measure controlling the disease in animals. Keywords: rabies, humans, animals, risk, vaccination