Rapid suspension-based screening of Trichinella, Alaria and Sarcocystis spp. in game and processed meat.

Rabies is a viral disease affecting all mammalian species; it is caused by the rabies virus of the genus Lyssavirus (family Rhabdoviridae). It is a highly dangerous infection that leads to irreversible central nervous system damage and has a high fatality rate. Surveillance of animal rabies cases is essential for effective epidemiological monitoring and for preventing the spread of this zoonosis among animals and humans. The research goal was to monitor rabies incidence in animals in the Far Eastern Federal District from 2019 through 2024. Monitoring, epizootiological, and statistical methods were applied. The study analyzed state reports on sanitary and epidemiological welfare in the Russian Federation (2019-2024), annual reports on the epizootic situation regarding socially significant and highly dangerous animal diseases (2019-2024), and veterinary reporting (Form No. 1-vet) from regional state veterinary services of the Far Eastern Federal District. Conclusions: from 2019 through 2024, animal rabies cases were reported in the Jewish Autonomous Region, Amur Region, Republic of Buryatia, Trans-Baikal Region, and Khabarovsk Region. Altogether, 110 rabies-affected locations were identified. Wild animals accounted for the highest percentage of cases (46.2%). Rabies was confirmed in foxes (25.0%), dogs (23.0%), cattle (21.0%), wolves (11.1%), unspecified wild animals (4.5%), horses and raccoon dogs (3.8% each), cats (2.3%), and several other species (0.8% each). The findings highlight the persistent circulation of the rabies virus in both domestic and wild animal populations and underline the importance of continuous monitoring and coordinated veterinary and public health measures to control the disease.

Leptospirosis is the world’s most common zoonotic disease and remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and high exposure risks. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combined interventions: screening, vaccination, treatment, and non-pharmaceutical controls in reducing leptospirosis transmission in human and domestic animal populations. The study develops and analyzes a deterministic compartmental model with eleven compartments representing human, domestic animal, and bacterial populations. Stability analysis reveals that the Disease-Free Equilibrium (DEF) is globally asymptotically stable when the effective reproduction number is less than a unit ( < 1), ensuring disease eradication under these conditions, whereas the Endemic Equilibrium Point (EEP) remains stable when > 1. The study employs the normalized forward sensitivity index to determine the most influential parameters affecting disease dynamics and shows that an increase in the transmission of infections from a contaminated environment to susceptible domestic animals, transmission of infections from a contaminated environment to susceptible humans, contact between infected animals and susceptible humans, and contact among domestic animals (), respectively with humans recruitment rate (), significantly contributes to a higher basic reproduction number , leading to a higher induced infection rate as more people become infected. While parameters related to bacterial decay natural mortality rates(), and disease-induced mortalitywere found to be negatively influencing . Furthermore, numerical simulations demonstrate that implementing a combination of screening, vaccination, treatment, and non-pharmaceutical interventions substantially reduces the reproduction number and disease prevalence compared to implementing single interventions. The findings emphasize that controlling leptospirosis requires an integrated, multi-faceted strategy, including environmental sanitation, reservoir control, fencing, the use of proper protective equipment (PPE), and public health education to reduce exposure risks. The study provides a robust mathematical foundation to support policymakers in developing integrated public health strategies aimed at achieving long-term disease reduction.

The uncontrolled population of dogs and cats in urban areas poses a significant risk for the transmission of zoonotic diseases, including rabies. As a rabies-endemic region in Indonesia, Kupang City requires effective strategies to reduce the population of rabies vector animals, one of which is through sterilization programs. This community service initiative aimed to support population control of dogs and cats as a preventive measure against the transmission of rabies. Sterilization procedures were carried out at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Nusa Cendana during October 2024, involving 25 owned animals (both male and female dogs and cats) from various areas in Kupang, including Penfui, Oesapa, Liliba, and Naikolan. The surgeries were performed by a veterinary medical team using standard surgical techniques, with a focus on animal welfare. The activity received a positive response from the community and demonstrated that sterilization is an effective and socially acceptable method for controlling the domestic animal population. Similar programs can be implemented regularly and sustainably to support rabies elimination efforts in Kupang City.

Early diagnosis of sporotrichosis, along with the surveillance of fungal circulation in both human and domestic animal populations, is critical for global health. Although the gold standard method is microbiological culture followed by microscopic analysis of the fungus, this methodology requires a long period and skilled professionals for pathogen identification. We developed a molecular assay and conducted a preliminary evaluation using clinical samples using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technology that detects Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis fungi, with results in 30min. Results are visually interpreted and do not require DNA extraction, making it a promising tool for point-of-care diagnosis in veterinary settings.

Viruses circulating in wild and domestic animal populations are potential sources of many dangerous infectious diseases in both animals and humans. Zoonotic infections carry a high risk of causing dangerous pandemics, as demonstrated by historical examples of pandemics: the Spanish flu (1918), swine flu (2009) and COVID-19. Influenza viruses are important pathogens that cause damage to both human and animal health. They infect various animal species, with pigs (Sus scrofa) being one of the natural hosts of these viruses. Among the four types of influenza viruses, the most important pathogens responsible for severe epidemics in humans and domestic animals are influenza A viruses. Its epidemiology in pigs involves a complex interaction of viruses of human, avian and porcine evolutionary origin. Infection of the pig organism with influenza of various etiologies is especially dangerous, since the cells of these animals carry receptors for strains of different origin and, as a result, can form reassortant variants that are potentially dangerous for humans as well. Comparative studies of human and swine influenza viruses indicate interspecies transmission. In Kazakhstan, from the 1980s to the present, influenza epizootics have been recorded among pigs caused by various serotypes of the influenza A virus with a predominance of the A/H1N1 subtype. Understanding the routes of interspecies transmission of influenza is crucial for developing effective control strategies and making informed recommendations for epidemiological surveillance. The article is devoted to the zoonotic potential of swine influenza A viruses. Вирусы, циркулирующие в популяциях диких и домашних животных, являются потенциальными источниками многих опасных инфекционных заболеваний как животных, так и людей. Зоонозные инфекции несут в себе высокий риск возникновения опасных пандемий, как это видно на исторических примерах пандемий: грипп «Испанка» (1918 г.), «Свиной грипп» (2009 г.) и COVID-19. Вирусы гриппа (Influenza Virus) являются важными патогенами, наносящими урон здоровью человека и животных. Они заражают различные виды животных, при этом свиньи (Sus scrofa) являются одним из естественных хозяев этих вирусов. Среди четырех типов вируса гриппа наиболее важными патогенами, ответственными за тяжелые эпидемии среди людей и домашних животных, являются вирусы гриппа типа А. Его эпидемиология у свиней включает в себя сложное взаимодействие вирусов человеческого, птичьего и свиного эволюционного происхождения. Инфицирование организма свиньи гриппом различной этиологии представляет собой особую опасность, так как клетки этих животных несут рецепторы для штаммов разного происхождения и, как следствие, могут образовывать реассортантные варианты, потенциально опасные также и для человека. Сравнительные исследования вирусов гриппа людей и свиней указывают на межвидовую трансмиссию. В Казахстане с 1980-ых гг. по настоящее время зафиксированы эпизоотии гриппа среди свиней, вызванные различными серотипами вируса гриппа А с преобладанием субтипа А/Н1N1. Понимание путей межвидовой передачи гриппа имеет решающее значение для разработки эффективных стратегий контроля и вынесения обоснованных рекомендаций по эпиднадзору. Статья посвящена зоонозному потенциалу вирусов гриппа типа А свиней.

Anthropogenic activities and rapidly increasing climate change have led to a significant loss of genetic diversity in domestic animals. Genealogical data have traditionally been used to monitor genetic diversity. However, due to dependency on pedigree completeness and significant errors that can occur in genealogical records, inaccurate estimation of population parameters, such as the inbreeding coefficient or effective population size, might occur. To reduce possible errors, it is necessary to combine genealogical data with molecular data. An integrated approach using genealogical and molecular data leads to the optimization of breeding programs while controlling the inbreeding that can occur within the population of domestic animals. Molecular techniques such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), or genome-wide association studies (GWASs) enable a detailed understanding of breed-specific genetic profiles and their use in conservation programs. In addition, molecular methods such as structural variation (SV) analysis and pangenome and epigenomic profiling provide a more comprehensive insight into genetic diversity. The conservation of genetic diversity is of particular importance for an autochthonous domestic breed due to its resilience to unfavorable climatic conditions, its specific productive traits, and its disease resistance. A combined approach of genealogical and molecular data helps to maintain genetic diversity and sustainable agricultural systems under evolving environmental challenges.

In a private 1972 report to the Director of the National Park Service, Jack Anderson, Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, confessed that “we are apprehensive that their proposal would ultimately end up with the complete slaughter of all bison, as occurred on the Crow Indian Reservation.”1 For decades, livestock producers at the local and national level pressured park officials to eliminate a specific disease—brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus—from Yellowstone’s buffalo herds. Following World War II, governments targeted this bacterial contagion in American domestic and wild animal populations to improve public health and livestock producers’ profits. Symptoms of brucellosis, which humans can catch from other mammalian hosts, vary across species. For domestic cattle, it can cause spontaneous abortions and, in rare cases, death. Buffalo seem largely unaffected by brucellosis but for humans, the bacterial infection can cause a plethora of chronic and debilitating symptoms.2

The Amazon Biome is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, many of which are reservoirs or vectors for infectious and parasitic diseases that can impact not only the health of wild animals but also human and domestic animal populations. This narrative review highlights the critical importance of studying infectious and parasitic diseases in wild animals within the Amazon, particularly in the context of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This narrative review examines key pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, that pose significant risks to wildlife conservation and public health. Through a synthesis of recent literature, this article emphasizes the need for comprehensive surveillance, research, and collaboration between the veterinary, medical, and environmental sectors. The results underscore the urgent necessity for an integrated response to emerging diseases, particularly as environmental changes and human activities increasingly disrupt ecosystems in the region. The conclusions advocate for the reinforcement of One Health initiatives in the Amazon Biome to ensure the protection of biodiversity and the prevention of zoonotic disease transmission to human populations.

Rabies is a sporadic-endemic infectious disease common to humans and animals that is transmitted by bite. The disease is characterized by hyperexcitability and aggression followed by paresis, paralysis and death. In Europe, the main reservoir of rabies is represented by wild animals, especially the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The processed data were taken from the National Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Authority (A.N.S.V.S.A.), from the website of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and from the website of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Therefore, we conducted a study on the situation of confirmed rabies cases in wild animals during the period 2001-2010 and 2014-2024 (30.09.2024). The implementation of oral vaccination (ORV) programs with baits for foxes since 2011 has reduced the incidence of rabies in Romania. Oral anti-rabies vaccination programs for foxes, complemented by increased passive surveillance of both domestic and wild animals susceptible to rabies virus infection, represent a major need due to the infectious pressure in the northern and northeastern areas of Romania. The presence of rabies virus in the domestic and wild animal population, as a result of the cases reported in Romania, highlights the need to implement a surveillance program over a longer period of time, to raise awareness among the public, but also among professionals, to ensure the immediate detection of possible rabies cases.

Rabies is a sporadic-endemic infectious disease common to humans and animals that is transmitted by bite. The disease is characterized by hyperexcitability and aggression followed by paresis, paralysis and death. In Europe, the main reservoir of rabies is represented by wild animals, especially the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The processed data were taken from the National Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Authority (A.N.S.V.S.A.), from the website of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and from the website of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Therefore, we conducted a study on the situation of confirmed rabies cases in wild animals during the period 2001-2010 and 2014-2024 (30.09.2024). The implementation of oral vaccination (ORV) programs with baits for foxes since 2011 has reduced the incidence of rabies in Romania. Oral anti-rabies vaccination programs for foxes, complemented by increased passive surveillance of both domestic and wild animals susceptible to rabies virus infection, represent a major need due to the infectious pressure in the northern and northeastern areas of Romania. The presence of rabies virus in the domestic and wild animal population, as a result of the cases reported in Romania, highlights the need to implement a surveillance program over a longer period of time, to raise awareness among the public, but also among professionals, to ensure the immediate detection of possible rabies cases.

Operational lessons learned from simulating an elimination response to a transboundary animal disease in wild animals

Animal rabies is a viral disease that poses a significant threat to domestic and wild animal populations, with devastating consequences for animal health and human life. Understanding and assessing the risk factors associated with the transmission and persistence of the rabies virus in wild and domestic animal populations is crucial for developing effective strategies to control and mitigate cases. Studies of the spatial and temporal distribution of rabies cases in the Nizhny Novgorod region during 2012-2022 provided epidemiological evidence of the circulation of infection between animals in the presence of vaccination. Among the wild animals in the area, red foxes play a major role in the spread of rabies, accounting for 96.4% of all wild animal cases. We used spatiotemporal cluster analysis and a negative binomial regression algorithm to study the relationships between animal rabies burden by municipality and a series of environmental and sociodemographic factors. The spatiotemporal cluster analysis suggests the concentration of wild animal rabies cases in the areas of high fox population density and insufficient vaccination rates. The regression models showed satisfactory performance in explaining the observed distribution of rabies in different animals (R 2 = 0.71, 0.76, and 0.79 in the models for wild, domestic and all animals respectively), with rabies vaccination coverage and fox population density being among the main risk factors. We believe that this study can provide valuable information for a better understanding of the geographical and temporal patterns of rabies distribution in different animal species, and will provide a basis for the development of density-dependent planning of vaccination campaigns.

ABSTRACT The wildlife-domestic interface is a key concept helping us to understand how diseases affect both wild and domestic animal populations, yet how to define and measure it remains a challenge. One tool which can contribute to our understanding of the wildlife-domestic interface is disease spread modelling. This can provide insight into how diseases spread within and between populations, and guide decision-making for disease control, response and surveillance programs. Specifically, quantitative estimation of contact rates permits such disease spread models to be developed and used confidently. Here we present a case study of the potential spread of rabies (an exotic disease in Australia) within the wild dog-domestic dog (Canis familiaris) ecosystem of northern Australia to illustrate the concept of the wildlife-domestic interface and disease transmission. We summarise a decade of research conducted to understand one such interface, the wild-domestic dog interface at one site in northern Australia, for the purposes of exploring the impact of one specific disease, rabies. Over a period of 10 years, free-roaming domestic dogs and wild dogs in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Cape York, Queensland were studied. Key findings included identification of a small but important group of domestic dogs which regularly roam in bushland areas; peri-urban wild dog activity, particularly in the dry season, likely driven by the availability of food sources; and the potential for interaction between hunting dogs and wild dogs in remote areas, particularly during the wet season. These observations can be used to inform disease spread models and identify strategies to mitigate the risks of disease transmission. However, the collection and incorporation of data into such models needs more consideration regarding what information is usable (such as contact rates) and the best ways to collect it. The scarcity of such models incorporating the wildlife-domestic interface suggests that integrated epidemiological-ecological studies are needed to fill this gap.

Leadership is a risky behaviour that can impact individuals and groups. Leaders, i.e. individuals who perform or initiate a task while other individuals in the group follow, have been studied in different contexts, but there is still a lack of understanding on the role of individual characteristics that may predispose them to become leaders, such as dominance and personality. In particular, the characteristics of leaders in domestic animal populations has been poorly examined. We studied leadership within 32 groups of young pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus, n = 366 individuals). Leadership was assessed during a group-based fear test (Human Approach Test) which was repeated three times. The first individual per group to touch the person was identified as leader. We assessed repeatability of leadership and characteristics of leaders as compared to followers. Leadership was marginally repeatable, with 6 out of 26 groups having a consistent single leader across all tests. Females had odds 4.13 times greater than males of being a leader, while there was no effect of body weight (a proxy of dominance) or coping style on leadership. The results indicate a similarity with wild populations, in which females lead the herd even though the males, which are superior in body weight, are often dominant.

More than 3550 species of mosquitoes are known worldwide, and only a fraction is involved in the transmission of arboviruses. Mosquitoes in sylvatic and semi-sylvatic habitats may rapidly adapt to urban parks and metropolitan environments, increasing human contact. Many of these mosquitoes have been found naturally infected with arboviruses from the Alphaviridae, Flaviviridae, and Bunyaviridae families, with many being the cause of medically important diseases. However, there is a gap in knowledge about the vector status of newly invasive species and their potential threat to human and domestic animal populations. Due to their rapid distribution, adaptation to urban environments, and anthropophilic habits, some neglected mosquito species may deserve more attention regarding their role as secondary vectors. Taking these factors into account, we focus here on Aedes (Ochlerotatus) scapularis (Rondani), Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald), and Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus (Bigot) as species that have the potential to become important disease vectors. We further discuss the importance of these neglected mosquitoes and how factors such as urbanization, climate change, and globalization profoundly alter the dynamics of disease transmission and may increase the participation of neglected species in propagating diseases.

Currently, it is known that the population of domestic animals increases exponentially, especially dogs (D.) and cats (C.). Due to the proximity of these animals to humans, the transmission of zoonotic diseases can occur, which are largely caused by ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks. To this end, effective methods of controlling and preventing parasites are necessary. Thus, the present study aimed to describe the occurrence of ectoparasites in D. and C. in the southern region of Minas Gerais (Brazil), and to understand the knowledge of tutors regarding the main ectoparasites of small animals and their control and prevention methods. It was possible to establish the profile of the 91 tutors who participated in the research through questions that addressed gender, age, education level and city of residence. A total of 181 C. and 260 D. were counted. 49 participants claimed to have only D., 41 only C., and seven had both species. These data highlight the preference for D. in Brazilian territory. Regarding the sex of D., females prevail as the largest uncastrated population, with the prevalence of intact males for C. Regarding the number of animals receiving veterinary care, the total number of responses was 47 for no and 106 for yes. The brown tick was found in 122 animals, the star tick in 54, the flea in 202, myiasis in 45, and 16 tutors responded that they found another type of parasite. Regarding the control of ectoparasites, control is carried out monthly (63 animals), quarterly (91), semi-annually (111), annually (82) or no control is carried out (59). 98 D. and 60 C. receive oral ectoparasiticides, 11 D. and 4 C. used collars, and the use of pipettes occurs in 3 D. and 28 C. 15 tutors do not know which method to use. 13 D. were diagnosed with ehrlichiosis, 3 animals with babesiosis and 10 with other parasitic diseases. Regarding the treatments carried out: 26 tutors stated that they followed the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, 20 did not know the origin of the prescription and one stated that it was someone else's recommendation. In the end, it is concluded that tutors recognize the risks of disease transmission but know little about zoonoses. Therefore, it is up to health professionals and veterinarians to provide guidance on ectoparasites and their relationship with zoonoses. The occurrence of ectoparasites is frequent but, with proper control, the well-being and health of the animals is guaranteed.

In many parts of the world, domestic and wild animal populations interact at the interface between natural and agricultural ecosystems. Introduced with the first inhabitants arriving from eastern Africa, the bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) is the largest living terrestrial mammal in Madagascar. Bushpigs are regularly reported close to human settlements where they damage crops and gardens. As domestic pigs are often raised in free-ranging conditions around the villages, bushpigs and domestic pigs can interact leading to the transmission and circulation of shared swine pathogens that impact both animal and human health. In this study, we characterized the socio-ecological context of bushpig–domestic pig interactions in two different regions of western Madagascar. We conducted participatory mapping sessions and focus group interviews with 65 hunters, 80 pig farmers and 96 crop farmers in 20 fokontany, the smallest administrative unit in Madagascar. After discussing with participants, we gathered information about the spatialization of interactions and their potential geographical drivers. We explored data by performing multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components. Based on the reported occurrence or absence of bushpig-domestic pig interactions we were able to classify areas with high or intermediate levels of interactions or no interactions at all. Interactions between the two pig species were reported in only 25% of the fokontany assessed. Even though both suid species were attracted to fruit trees, crops, and water sources, only indirect interactions in those spots were reported. Direct interactions were reported in 10% of cases and referred to interspecific sexual and/or agonistic behavior. The participatory methods used to acquire local knowledge about natural events were confirmed as valuable, low-cost exploratory methods to characterize areas with wild-domestic animal interactions. The results of this study will help plan future studies to characterize the interface between the two species from an ecological or epidemiological perspective using more sensitive and sophisticated ecological approaches.

Q fever is a re-emerging zoonosis whose epidemiological cycle in ruminants is well defined, while the role of other species (including pets) is still debated. In this study, the serological and molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in a sample of dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy was evaluated. A seroprevalence of 5.97 % (16/268) was observed using a commercial multispecies ELISA, compared to only 2.7 % (5/197) at the molecular level. No risk factors correlated with higher levels of exposure except for the size of the animal (small dogs showed significantly higher seroprevalence). Positive samples were further evaluated for reactivity to phase I and II antigens using IFA and phase-specific ELISAs (for specific IgG detection). Two animals showed antibodies against both phases of infection, suggesting that Coxiella burnetii seroconversion in dogs follows similar dynamics to those observed in ruminants.One of the five samples that showed positive results in real-time PCR was confirmed at the PCR endpoint and showed similarity with other Coxiella spp. strains detected in tick and dog samples when sequenced.In this study, we demonstrated exposure to Coxiella burnetii for different categories of dogs in southern Italy, including pet dogs living indoors. Since reports of transmission of infection from pets to humans have been described in both rural and urban areas, careful surveillance of these species is also necessary. In the lack of additional information, comprehending the risk to humans requires monitoring of wild and domestic animal populations.

Preserving local autochthonous domestic animal populations and the products derived from them is a crucial aspect of managing human utilization of the biosphere. This management approach aims to ensure sustainable benefits for both present and future generations. The diversity of autochthonous domestic animal populations plays a vital role in the functionality and sustainability of the food production system. It encompasses both productive and non-productive aspects, contributing significantly to the overall health, nutrition, and food security of the landscape by providing a wide range of animal-derived food resources. Based on the data contained in the Draft Program of Rural Development, a significant presence of more than 44 autochthonous and local breeds of domestic animals has been noted in Serbia. In order to enable the sustainable preservation of local domestic animals, the competent Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia has, through a number of projects, implemented models for the preservation of local breeds on farms (in situ), as well as provided technical assistance to small farms that keep animal collections. It also helps the local population to procure animals, conducts product quality research, and provides opportunities to integrate conservation programs through tourism. Given that molecular characterization is a key factor for the preservation of autochthonous breeds, in the Republic of Serbia, DNA markers are used for identification and to investigate the belonging to a specific breeds or strain. All the mentioned activities led to an immediate increase in the number of animals, which is especially true for the autochthonous breeds of cattle (Busha), sheep (Sjenicka, Svrljiska, and Vlach-vitohorn) and pigs (Mangalitsa, Moravka, and Resavka) that are discussed in this paper. In addition to the significant measures undertaken to preserve animal genetic resources (AnGR), it is necessary to continue to work primarily on ex situ conservation in order to prevent the loss of their gene pools. However, regardless of the evident effort that has been made to preserve autochthonous genetic resources in Serbia, we believe that there is still a lot of room for further improvement. This primarily refers to advanced technologies that have not been applied so far, mostly related to the identification of genomic regions associated with economic traits, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to emerging climate changes. In this way, the production capacity and functional characteristics of autochthonous species and breeds of domestic animals in Serbia will be improved.