Domestic Animals Research Articles

Амулеты-натуралии именьковской культуры (III–VII вв.)

This article examines animal bone amulets, a distinct category of artifacts from the Imenkovo culture (3rd–7th centuries CE) in the Middle Volga region. These amulets, minimally modified beyond perforation, were crafted from the bones of both wild and domesticated animals. Wild animal bone amulets were likely linked to hunting magic rituals, while astragali from domesticated animals (cattle, sheep/goat, and pig) may have served as divination tools or gaming pieces (knucklebones). The species composition of wild animals used for amulets likely reflects specific cultural preferences. During the early Middle Ages, amulets made from beaver talus bones and bear canines were widespread across the forest zone from the Urals to the Baltic. In contrast, marten mandibles were predominantly found in the Ural region, while hare limb bones appeared in steppe nomadic burials. The Imenkovo people utilized all these amulet types in roughly equal proportions, highlighting cultural interactions between groups in the southern forest and forest-steppe zones of the Volga region during the Migration Period.

Survey for Babesia spp. in wildlife in the eastern United States

Babesia is a diverse genus of piroplasms that parasitize the red blood cells of a wide variety of mammals and avian species, including humans. There is a lack of knowledge on the Babesia species of carnivores and mesomammals in the eastern United States and the potential impacts of these species on the health of humans and domestic animals. We surveyed 786 wild mammals in the eastern United States by testing blood, spleen, and heart samples with PCR targeting the 18S rRNA region of apicomplexan parasites. We also performed PCR targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) region of each unique clade identified with 18S rRNA sequencing. We found a high positivity of Babesia spp. infection in raccoons (Procyon lotor), foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and low positivity in Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). No Babesia infections were detected in coyotes (Canis latrans), black bears (Ursus americanus), groundhogs (Marmota monax), muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus), or mink (Neovison vison). Skunks carried a diverse number of strains including a potential novel species of Babesia related to B. gibsoni, a strain closely related to a B. microti-like species known to cause disease in river otters, as well as a separate B. microti-like strain. Raccoons primarily carried B. microti-like strains, though there was a high diversity of sequences including Babesia lotori, Babesia sensu stricto MA230, and Babesia sp. ‘Coco.’ Foxes exclusively carried B. vulpes. In addition to Babesia spp., a high positivity of Hepatozoon spp. infection was found in mink, while low positivity was found in raccoons and muskrats. Wildlife in the eastern United States carry a diverse range of Babesia species including several novel strains of unknown clinical significance.

Detection of selected vector-borne pathogens in domestic animals, ectoparasites, and their owners in a rural community in Southwest Guatemala

Detection of selected vector-borne pathogens in domestic animals, ectoparasites, and their owners in a rural community in Southwest Guatemala

Molecular Identification of Host Blood Meal from Phlebotomine Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Kerala, India.

Female phlebotomine sandflies serve as vectors for the transmission of Leishmania parasites, perpetuating an enzootic cycle by disseminating between sylvatic and domestic animals. Humans form a part of this cycle because the sandflies search for a blood source required for egg development. The present study aimed to identify the feeding preferences of different sandfly fauna from six districts of Kerala, India, using molecular tools. An entomological survey was conducted during 2021-2023 in Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Both indoor and outdoor habitats were targeted from sandfly collection using different standard tools and methods. Sandflies were identified using standard taxonomic keys, and DNA was extracted from blood meal collected from sandflies. A total of 7366 sandfly specimens were collected during the study period, which belonged to three different genera and 19 species. Blood source was successfully identified from 119 sandflies revealing that the Sergentomyia genus preferably fed on small reptiles and amphibians, whereas Phlebotomus genus was found to mainly feed on mammalian and avian blood. Sergentomyia zeylanica was an exception, as it primarily fed on mammalian blood sources. Interestingly, humans were the second feeding source for Phlebotomus species, which are the proven vectors. Comprehending the feeding patterns of sandflies is crucial, not just for public health but also for obtaining insights into the ecological dynamics between vectors and hosts, ultimately enabling more efficient strategies for disease control and prevention.

Helminth parasites of the invasive European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in Brazil: the first report of Bunostomum trigonocephalum in a hare.

Invasive alien species have the potential to introduce pathogens of economic and health importance in new environments. In Brazil, parasites from the non-native European brown hare can be a threat to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Therefore, we aimed to describe the helminth fauna of the invasive European brown hare in three Brazilian states (São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul). For this, 90 brown hares were collected and examined for helminths. Helminth specimens recovered were morphologically identified and genetically characterized based on the DNA of male specimens using three genetic regions (28S rDNA, ITS-2, and cox-1 mtDNA). Descriptors of infection were calculated, and statistical analysis was performed. Parasites were found only in the small intestine of 14.4% (13/90) of brown hares and low parasite loads per animal were recorded (range = 1-530). The obtained specimens were morphologically identified as Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Bunostomum trigonocephalum. There was a high level of agreement between phylogenetic analysis and morphology for T. colubriformis. The geographical region was the only significant factor for infection; the State of Rio Grande do Sul had a higher general prevalence, higher T. colubriformis specific prevalence, and higher mean abundance than the other states evaluated. All hares were in a good body condition. To our knowledge, this is a new host record for B. trigonocephalum. This is the first study on the helminthological diversity of European brown hares in Brazil, and our results indicate that their helminth fauna is represented by parasites of domestic ruminants with zoonotic potential.

Epithelial barrier dysfunction and associated diseases in companion animals: Differences and similarities between humans and animals and research needs.

Since the 1960s, more than 350,000 new chemicals have been introduced into the lives of humans and domestic animals. Many of them have become part of modern life and some are affecting nature as pollutants. Yet, our comprehension of their potential health risks for both humans and animals remains partial. The "epithelial barrier theory" suggests that genetic predisposition and exposure to diverse factors damaging the epithelial barriers contribute to the emergence of allergic and autoimmune conditions. Impaired epithelial barriers, microbial dysbiosis, and tissue inflammation have been observed in a high number of mucosal inflammatory, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric diseases, many of which showed increased prevalence in the last decades. Pets, especially cats and dogs, share living spaces with humans and are exposed to household cleaners, personal care products, air pollutants, and microplastics. The utilisation of cosmetic products and food additives for pets is on the rise, unfortunately, accompanied by less rigorous safety regulations than those governing human products. In this review, we explore the implications of disruptions in epithelial barriers on the well-being of companion animals, drawing comparisons with humans, and endeavour to elucidate the spectrum of diseases that afflict them. In addition, future research areas with the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being are highlighted in line with the "One Health" concept.

Characterization of Culicoides and mosquito fauna at the National Zoological Garden of Rabat, Morocco

Zoos are considering to be essential places for the conservation of wild animal species. It is essential to prevent their infection by pathogens especially for those belonging to threatened or extinct species. Zoo captive animals are susceptible to several Culicoides and mosquito borne-viruses. In order to further evaluate the risk of pathogen transmission in zoos, it is essential to identify the presence of potential vector species, as well as the animals bitten by those vectors.For this purpose, Culicoides and mosquito species composition was investigated in ten sites from March to June 2021 for Culicoides (18 collection nights) and in four sites from April to June 2022 for mosquitoes (16 collection nights) at the National Zoological Garden of Rabat (ZGR), Morocco. Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were collected using Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute traps (UV-light/suction traps (OVI type)), every two weeks. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected using BG-Pro mosquito trap (BGP) combined with a CO2 source as an attractant, on two consecutive days every two weeks. The blood meal of engorged Culicoides was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and blasted for host species identification.In total, 1584 individuals belonging to the Culicoides genus were collected (88.25 % females and 11.75 % males) belonging to at least 13 different species. Among the species collected, Culicoides newsteadi (33.28 %), C. imicola (23.74 %), C. circumscriptus (18.88 %) and C. obsoletus/C. scoticus (7.96 %) constituted the majority of the total catches. These species are proven or suspected vector species of bluetongue and African hose sickness viruses in the Mediterranean basin. For mosquitoes, 455 individuals belonging to four species of three genera were collected (97.58 % females and 2.42 % males): Culex pipiens s.l. (94.29 %) (vector species of West Nile and Rift Valley fever viruses), Culiseta longiareolata (4.81 %), Aedes detritus s.l. and Ae. caspius (representing together less than 1.00 %). The results of blood meal analyses revealed that Culicoides fed on humans (n = 7), camels (n = 2), and common eland (n = 2).The composition of Culicoides and mosquito fauna is characteristic of the Rabat region. The composition is thus mostly determined by the environment rather than by the animal species presence. The results highlighted that Culicoides fed on humans and ruminants. It is therefore likely that the zoo's animals could be threatened by arboviruses transmitted by domestic animals in the region. Particular attention must be paid to the prevention of vector-borne diseases to ensure the proper conservation of species.

Strategic challenges in the global control of high pathogenicity avian influenza.

H5Nx A/Goose/Guangdong/1/96 Eurasian lineage high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have been the main HPAI strains detected globally since 2005. These have spread around the world, causing a panzootic that has spanned six continents, with continual threat to not only wild and captive birds and poultry, but also wild, captive and domestic mammals and humans. The viruses' ecology and epidemiology - especially the 2.3.4.4b clade - have changed, with over 489 species of birds infected and spreading the virus over migratory routes. This results in the death of many birds, including endangered species, and serves as a source of transmission to poultry and mammals. Improved surveillance and sharing of HPAI virus sequences, metadata and viruses across the veterinary, public health, wildlife and environment sectors are needed to elucidate the population dynamics of the infections, which is crucial to addressing this complex One Health issue. The development of appropriate mitigation strategies or changes in husbandry, production and selling practices can reduce the risk of viruses being introduced into farms, as well as their amplification and viral evolution, and any spill-back to wild birds. Approaches to prevention and control of HPAI in countries where these 2.3.4.4b viruses remain entrenched in poultry, or places at risk of virus introduction via wild bird populations, involve measures to reduce the effects of the disease in poultry (including enhanced farm bio-security, vaccination, zoning and compartmentalisation). Their uptake reflects the difficulties encountered in relying solely on biosecurity for disease prevention and on stamping out alone for virus control and elimination. The World Organisation for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code allows use of vaccination of poultry under specific conditions and without negatively impacting HPAI-free status if appropriate surveillance is conducted, thus supporting safe trade in poultry and poultry products. Nevertheless, concerns regarding loss of valuable export markets still interfere with greater utilisation of vaccination.

The Arrival of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in North America, Ensuing Epizootics in Poultry and Dairy Farms and Difficulties in Scientific Naming.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1, first isolated in 1996 in China, spread rapidly across Eurasia and caused major epizootics in wild and domesticated birds, as well as spillover infections in humans characterised by high mortality. Avian influenza viruses are therefore candidate viruses for a human pandemic. Surprisingly, HPAIV was not isolated in North America until 2014. With the help of intensive biological sampling and viral genome sequencing, the intrusion of HPAIV into North America could be retraced to two separate events. First, migratory birds carried HPAIV from East Siberia via Beringia and dispersed the virus along the Pacific flyway. After reassortment with genes of local low pathogenic avian influenza viruses, HPAIV H5 caused 2015 a major epizootic on poultry farms in the US Mid-West. After costly containment, HPAIV dropped below the detection limit. In 2021, Eurasian HPAIV H5 viruses arrived a second time in North America, carried by migratory birds to Canada via the Atlantic flyway, using Iceland as a stop. The H5 virus then spread with water birds along the East Coast of the United States and dispersed across the United States. In contrast to the 2015 poultry outbreak, spillover infections into diverse species of mammals were now observed. The events culminated in the 2024 HPAIV H5 epizootic in dairy cows affecting 300 dairy herds in 14 US states. The cattle epizootic was spread mainly by milking machinery and animal transport. On affected farms infected cats developed fatal neurological diseases. Retail milk across the United States frequently contains viral RNA, but so far only a few milk farm workers have developed mild symptoms. The tracing of HPAIV with viral genome sequencing complicated the taxonomical naming of influenza viruses raising fundamental problems in how to mirror biological complexity in written plain language, rendering communication with the lay public difficult.

Environmental Modulators on the Development of the Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis): Effects of Temperature on the Embryogenesis

Members of the Ascarididae family are common zoonotic pathogens in humans and play an economic role in domestic and livestock animal husbandry. This family includes the obligatorily parasitic nematodes of the genus Baylisascaris, with the raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis being the most well-known representative. B. procyonis uses the raccoon (Procyon lotor) as its primary host and can utilize a broad range of mammals as paratenic hosts. Sexual reproduction of the adult nematodes occurs in the small intestine. Eggs are excreted into the environment through feces, where they develop into the infectious stage under suitable conditions within a few days to weeks. Infection of primary and paratenic hosts occurs through the oral ingestion of these infectious eggs. Raccoons can also become infected by ingesting infected paratenic hosts. Humans serve as accidental hosts and can suffer significant damage to organ tissues, the visual system, and the central nervous system after ingesting infectious eggs. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ambient temperature on embryonic development and to document the morphological changes during embryogenesis. Live specimens were collected from the raccoon intestine and incubated. Single-celled eggs were collected during this process. The eggs were decorticated and then preserved. To test the effects of ambient temperature, the eggs were incubated at 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 38°C and monitored at 24-hour intervals for their developmental stages. Detailed photographic documentation of the developmental stages was conducted. An increase in ambient temperature led to a reduction in development time. The temperature range within which embryogenesis proceeded to the L1 larval stage was between 10°C and 30°C. Incubation at 5°C did not produce L1 larvae even after 11 months. Incubation at 35°C and 38°C resulted in the complete degeneration of the eggs before reaching the L1 larval stage.

Operationalization of One Health Approach in India: Still Miles to Go?

One health (OH) has been a buzzword in the political and academic fraternity during the last couple of years in India and globally. While OH is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems, it recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent. OH approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy, and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development. Here, a comprehensive roadmap for operationalizing the One Health approach in India is proposed as the way forward.

The science of animal welfare in the One Health-One Welfare agenda: local solutions for global challenges.

In recent years, the importance of working holistically on the global One Health and One Welfare agendas has become evident. The success of these policies in addressing shared challenges depends on a science-based global strategy for animal welfare that allows local efforts to resolve conflicts related to how human beings take advantage of natural resources, including domestic and wild animals. These policies need to be developed jointly by the World Organisation for Animal Health, the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. They should be based on scientific evidence, gathered from existing information and through transdisciplinary research, to quantify synergies and trade-offs between environmental, social, economic and animal welfare criteria. This approach will make it possible to articulate and implement local policies and solutions associating animal welfare with efficient and sustainable livestock production, biodiversity conservation and disease prevention, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, economic and rural development, biomedical research based on ethical principles, and responsible animal ownership.

Recognition of Animal Pain

Abstract Animal pain and suffering is mostly caused by humans, particularly by the human use of domestic animals. This calls for the recognition of animal pain and suffering. My focus is on pain-related suffering. I argue for recognition in the phenomenological sense of giving adequate regard to pain experience in animals and their capacity to express it in their own species-specific terms, in a way that will motivate us to prevent it. My advocacy for the recognition of pain in animals consequently includes a consideration of moral and political action to avert their suffering.

A putative new Besnoitia species in the southern black-eared opossum Didelphis aurita

Besnoitia spp. are cyst-forming coccidian parasites with a broad host range, infecting various wild and domestic animal species. Northamerican opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are severely affected by the infection with B. darlingi. This study presents a case of infection with Besnoitia in a road-killed female southern black-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) in Misiones, Argentina. Many 0.5 to 1 mm cysts were observed in several muscles and visceral organs and were microscopically identified in skeletal muscles, tongue, and heart. Histological analysis disclosed multiple spherical cysts with a myriad of bradyzoites like-cells and a well-defined cyst wall. A small number of degenerate and ruptured cysts, surrounded by mild to moderate inflammation were observed. Genomic DNA from an individual cyst and muscle was extracted and ITS1 marker and 18S rRNA gene fragments from sarcocystid protozoa were successfully amplified by PCR and sequenced. The 18S sequence exhibited 100% identity with sequences of B. darlingi and B. oryctofelisi. Comparison of the complete ITS1 sequence (259 bp) revealed an identity of 99.2% with B. oryctofelisi and 97.7% with B. darlingi. This result together with the phylogeny positioning, suggest that the Besnoitia sp. in the present case differ from B. darlingi, being closely related with B. oryctofelisi.

A New Perspective on Pig Genetics and Breeding: microRNA.

microRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that are widely expressed in organisms and play an important role in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In recent years, researchers have begun to explore its effects on the development of domestic animals and have begun to think about its potential role in modern molecular breeding. Increasing evidence shows that miRNA play a central role in the regulation of pig fertility, pork product quality and disease resistance. Understanding the physiological mechanism of miRNA will be able to better guide future breeding work. In this paper, we will review the research progress of the function and mechanism of miRNA in combination with the above economic characteristics of pigs. The reported miRNA and their target genes were sorted out to evaluate their potential role in improving economic traits such as pig fertility, meat quality and disease resistance, to provide a reference for modern pig molecular breeding.

Clinical applications of in vivo confocal microscopy enhance the detection and management of ocular surface disease in dogs and cats.

In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a unique imaging technique that permits noninvasive evaluation of the ocular surface on the cellular level. High-resolution images of all layers of the cornea are obtained in real-time with IVCM, and the acquired images are often comparable to ex vivo histochemical analysis of corneal biopsy specimens. The basic morphological features of the healthy living cornea as viewed by IVCM are reported in many domestic animal species, and the number of published descriptions of ocular surface pathologies in companion animals is progressively expanding. There is great potential for IVCM to improve the detection, characterization, and management of diverse ocular surface diseases in companion animals. This review summarizes several established and emerging clinical applications of IVCM in companion animal ocular surface disease, including infectious keratitis, corneal foreign bodies, corneal dystrophies and degenerations, ocular surface masses, corneal endotheliitis, pigmentary keratitis, and evaluation of corneal nerves.

A clinical and hematologic approach to basophilia in dogs, cats, and horses.

Basophils are the rarest blood leukocyte in most healthy domestic mammals and the clinical significance of basophilia is poorly understood. To empirically determine magnitude thresholds for basophilia, identify its hematologic correlates, and identify associations between breeds, specific diseases, disease categories, organ systems, and basophilia in dogs, cats, and horses. CBCs and clinical information from dogs, cats, and horses were collected from the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine between 2000 and 2020. Relationships between basophil concentration and other CBC parameters were evaluated by computing Pearson's correlation (r). Magnitude thresholds for basophilia (ie, mild, moderate, severe) were determined by evaluating the distribution of basophil counts for each species. For severe cases of basophilia, the clinical diagnoses were categorized by the organ system affected and the underlying pathomechanism. Basophilia groups were compared to a time-matched, randomly selected control group, and chi-square analyses were performed to evaluate associations with disease. A total of 143 841 (dog), 32 576 (cat), and 44 887 (horse) CBCs were collected. For all three species, basophilia was over-represented in some breeds. Basophilia was associated with respiratory disease in both dogs and cats. In dogs, lymphoma and mast cell neoplasia were associated with basophilia. In horses, an increased incidence of basophilia was not associated with any disease category or organ system. This is the largest study evaluating the hematologic correlations and disease associations with basophilia in dogs, cats, and horses. While basophilia was reported alongside many diseases, certain associations may aid clinicians in narrowing down underlying causes.

Differential TLR2 and TLR4 mediated inflammatory and apoptotic responses in asymptomatic and symptomatic Leptospira interrogans infections in canine uterine tissue

Leptospirosis is major zoonotic disease with global implications, affecting both domestic animals and humans. It is caused by Leptospira interrogans (L. interrogans), which can damage multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, testes, and uterus. Despite this, L. interrogans can also persist asymptomatically in tissues, akin to nonpathogenic strains. The mechanisms driving asymptomatic infections remain poorly understood. This study investigated the role of L. interrogans in asymptomatic infection within the uterine tissue of canines, focusing on the differential expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs)2 and 4 and their roles in inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. We hypothesized that TLR2 and TLR4 coexpression is crucial for eliciting inflammation and apoptosis, whereas TLR4 alone might be insufficient. Our findings revealed that in symptomatic infections, both TLR2 and TLR4 are coexpressed, leading to markedly elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. This enhanced inflammatory response is further evidenced by increased CD4 expression, indicating robust T helper cell activation. In contrast, asymptomatic infections are characterized by exclusive TLR4 expression, with inflammatory markers remaining at baseline levels. Additionally, we observed that L. interrogans induces apoptosis in symptomatic animals through TLR2 and TLR4 mediated activation of Caspase 8 and Caspase 3. These findings illustrate that L. interrogans drives both inflammation and apoptosis via the combination of TLR2 and TLR4 actions. When only TLR4 is activated, the immune response is insufficient, resulting in an asymptomatic disease course. This study provides novel insights into the differential roles of TLR receptors in leptospirosis, offering potential directions for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Outbreak Investigation and Economic Impact of Foot and Mouth Disease in Bovine in Western Amhara Regional State, North Western Ethiopia

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed wild and domestic animals and causes significant economic losses in the livestock industry. This aim of this study was to identify the circulating serotypes and determine it’s economic impact on cattle production. A a retrosepective questionnaire survey was conducted with 100 farm owners from six districts to determine the economic losses associated with foot and mouth diseases over one year. During the survy, fourteen active case epithelial tissue samples from three districts, which outbreak occure, were collected from the fourteen cattle. The collected tissue sample detected using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The foot and mouth diseases serotype O, A, SAT1, and SAT2 were identified using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition questionnaire survey data revealed that the average economic loss was 5553.21ETB (132.21$USA) per herd and 1124.13ETB (26.76$USA) per individual animal. The present investigation indicated that still foot and mouth disease outbreaks occurred in different areas of the northwestern Amhara region, and the economic impact of the disease is extremely severe, resulting in massive economic losses. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies on the epidemiology, vaccine trials, and socioeconomic consequences should be conducted to design appropriate control options.

Thelaziasis in an urban woman in Beijing: a case report and literature review

BackgroundThelaziasis is a zoonotic disease mainly caused by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae, Thelazia), which can cause mild to severe signs and lesions, such as foreign body sensation, itching, tearing, eye pain, conjunctival bleeding, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and even blindness. Thelaziasis cases have been reported mainly in agricultural areas and areas with high potential for contact with domestic animals [1].Case presentationWe report a case of Thelazia callipaeda infection in the right eye of a 41-year-old woman working in an office. The patient presented with persistent foreign body sensation, pruritus, and redness despite initial treatment with polyethylene glycol and levofloxacin eye drops. Subsequent examination revealed the presence of multiple Thelazia callipaeda worms, which were successfully removed. Postoperative treatment with gatifloxacin eye ointment resulted in significant symptom relief with no recurrence over two months.ConclusionsThis case highlights the thelaziasis in urban settings, emphasizing the need for ophthalmologists to consider parasitic infections in differential diagnosis even in well-maintained environments. Then, we provided an overview of human thelaziasis in China by mining publicly available databases from 2014 to 2023, suggesting a difference in regional distribution that warrants further epidemiological studies.