Domestic Animals Research Articles

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in Domestic Dairy Cattle and Cats, United States, 2024.

We report highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in dairy cattle and cats in Kansas and Texas, United States, which reflects the continued spread of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses that entered the country in late 2021. Infected cattle experienced nonspecific illness, reduced feed intake and rumination, and an abrupt drop in milk production, but fatal systemic influenza infection developed in domestic cats fed raw (unpasteurized) colostrum and milk from affected cows. Cow-to-cow transmission appears to have occurred because infections were observed in cattle on Michigan, Idaho, and Ohio farms where avian influenza virus-infected cows were transported. Although the US Food and Drug Administration has indicated the commercial milk supply remains safe, the detection of influenza virus in unpasteurized bovine milk is a concern because of potential cross-species transmission. Continued surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in domestic production animals is needed to prevent cross-species and mammal-to-mammal transmission.

Trypanosoma cruzi in Wild and Synanthropic Mammals in Two Regions of Mexico: A Fieldwork and Genetic Discrete Typing Unit Review.

Background: Marsupials and rodents are the most important wild and synanthropic hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi due to the high frequency of infection, maintenance of diverse genetic populations of the parasite, and their close proximity to interact with both transmission cycles, sylvatic and peridomestic. Our aim was to identify the discrete typing units (DTU) of T. cruzi from different wild and synanthropic hosts in two regions of Mexico and to carry out a review of historical data focusing on current knowledge on the diversity and T. cruzi DTUs of host species. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifteen samples were obtained from two areas in Tabasco and Nayarit state. The presence of T. cruzi was evaluated by PCR. Results: The 12.6% (12/95) of samples from Tabasco and 65% (13/20) from Nayarit were found to be positive for parasite DNA. All the sequences analyzed were grouped in T. cruzi DTU I; low nucleotide diversity was observed in Tabasco (π = 0.00566, and ϴ = 0.00632), while high genetic diversity was observed in Nayarit sequences, up to 8.63 (π) to 11.10 (ϴ) times greater than Tabasco sequences. Genetic flow and migration between Tabasco, and Nayarit were scarce (FST = 0.37329 and Nm = 0.42), and genetic exchange was observed only between nearby areas. The bibliographic review of hosts in Mexico, together with our data, shows a heterogeneous T. cruzi prevalence in Chiroptera and domestic animals. For Atelidae and Canids, prevalence is generally below 25%. However, a high prevalence, greater than 25% and up to 100%, was recorded in Didelphimorphia, and Rodentia. Few studies in regions of Mexico have been described as infected with the parasite; in these, the genetic group with the highest prevalence is the DTU I. Conclusion: Marsupials and rodents are important reservoirs of T. cruzi; DTU I was frequently reported; however, recent genetic and reservoir studies have demonstrated the presence of greater diversity of genetic groups.

A participatory approach to move towards a One Health surveillance system for anthrax in Burkina Faso.

The One Health approach calls for collaboration across various sectors and different scales to improve understanding of complex health issues. Regarding epidemiological surveillance, this implies the development of integrated systems that link several surveillance components operating in different domains (human, domestic animals, environment) and involving several actor networks. However, surveillance continues to operate in a very compartmentalized way, with little interaction between sectoral institutions and with the community for the governance and operation of surveillance activities. This is partly explained by the insufficient consideration of the local context and the late involvement of national stakeholders when developing programmes that aimed at strengthening the integration of surveillance. In low- and middle-income countries in particular, there is a strong influence of external partners on the development of intersectoral programmes, including surveillance systems. In this context, we developed and implemented a participatory planning process to support stakeholders of the surveillance system of anthrax in Burkina Faso, in the definition of the One Health surveillance system they wish for and of the pathway to reach it. The workshop produced an action plan that reflects the views and perspectives of representatives of the different categories of stakeholders and beneficiaries of surveillance. In addition, the participation of stakeholders in this participatory co-construction process has also improved their knowledge and mutual understanding, fostering a climate of trust conducive to further collaboration for surveillance activities. However, the quality of the participation raises some questions over the results, and contextual factors may have influenced the process. This underlines the need to include a monitoring and evaluation plan in the process to assess its implementation and ability to produce One Health surveillance modalities that are appropriate, accepted and applied over the long term.

Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5)-like immunoreactivity and mRNA abundance in domestic animal tissues

Irisin is a 112-amino acid peptide hormone that is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), a type I transmembrane protein abundantly found in muscle tissue. Irisin is a putative mediator of the benefits of exercise, neuroprotection, bone growth, and cardiac health. However, few studies have focused on irisin in domestic animals. Further, whether processed irisin is detectable in domestic animal tissues remains uncertain. To address this, we determined FNDC5 mRNA and protein concentration in anatine (duck) and porcine (pig) skeletal muscle, and in equine (horse), swine, and anatine serum samples. RT-PCR analysis identified FNDC5 mRNA in all pig and duck skeletal muscle samples. An approximately 25 kDa band representing FNDC5 was detected in both pig and duck skeletal muscle. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry using a rabbit monoclonal FNDC5/irisin primary antibody and a goat polyclonal anti-rabbit secondary antibody localized FNDC5/irisin-like immunoreactivity in both the glandular and muscular regions of pig stomach. FNDC5/irisin-like immunoreactivity was also identified in horse, pig, and duck serum using a multispecies irisin ELISA. The average values of irisin-like immunoreactivity were 13.7 (duck), 15.4 (horse), and 7.0 (pig) ng/mL in samples tested. Our results support the presence of irisin precursor in several domestic animals. Processed irisin, however, was not detectable. Further studies are required to validate reliable tools to detect and quantify processed irisin in domestic animals.

Antibody Seroprevalence to Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Miraflores, Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Humans and Dogs.

Tick-borne disease burdens are increasing globally, impacting mostly rural and vulnerable communities. Among the most important emerging tick-borne pathogens are the Rickettsia species within the spotted fever group (SFGR) because of their genetic diversity and high lethality rate. Colombia is highly affected by SFGR despite not being reportable diseases; thus, research and clinical management are neglected. Although some departments have demonstrated high seroprevalence rates, in others, such as Boyacá Department, seroprevalence is unknown. Rickettsioses have not been described in Boyacá since 1943, and conversations with local physicians raised suspicions of recent undiagnosed disease compatible with rickettsiosis in some rural areas of the department, warranting epidemiological investigation. Using biobanked human and canine samples from a previous 2021 vector-borne disease study in Miraflores municipality, Boyacá, we had an opportunity to unearth SFGR's exposure in the region. Samples were evaluated using IgG indirect fluorescent assays against SFGR and complemented by survey questionnaires evaluating associated factors. Findings yielded first-time SFGR serological evidence in Boyacá with a 26.5% seroprevalence among dogs and a 20.4% among humans. Human and dog seroprevalences were positively associated, suggesting the presence of domestic transmission. Owning a greater number of domestic animals (prevalence ratio adjusted for all measured factors [aPR], 1.52) and living near crop fields (aPR, 7.77) were associated with an increased likelihood of household seropositivity. Our findings are consistent with the literature in Colombia, uncovering a suspected region where the disease is endemic. Future studies are warranted to continue defining high-risk areas to determine public health intervention plans.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Variability of Hepatozoon canis in Golden Jackals (Canis aureus L. 1758) in Serbia.

Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan tick-borne parasite infecting domestic and wild canids, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. It is mainly found in dogs but has also been detected in several wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. Host transmission primarily occurs through the ingestion of infected ticks, typically Rhipicephalus sanguineus, with documented instances of transplacental transmission from infected females to cubs. In Serbia, the golden jackal is common throughout the country, and its population has increased in recent years. Previous research has documented the presence of several vector-borne pathogens in the jackal population in Serbia, so we conducted this study to determine the presence, prevalence, and genetic variability of H. canis. Over eleven years (2010-2020), 114 animal samples were collected from 23 localities in Serbia. A total of 90/114 (78.95%) jackals were positive for H. canis, and they came from 22 localities. Among 15 juveniles, almost half (6/15 (40%)) tested positive for H. canis. In addition to the high prevalence, high genetic variability of the pathogen was also found. According to the mutated positions, four sequence types (S4-S7) of H. canis were determined. Based on our earlier research on the grey wolf and on this study, it can be observed that various sequence types of H. canis circulate within wild canid populations in Serbia. The prevalence of H. canis infection in wild carnivores raises significant concerns for wildlife conservation and animal health. Infected animals may act as reservoirs for the disease, posing a potential risk to domestic animals by acting as a source of infection.

New Haplotypes of Blastocystis sp. Identified in Faeces from Various Animal Groups in Algeria.

Blastocystis sp. is a single-celled, anaerobic, parasitic protozoan commonly found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans globally. Genetic analysis has revealed significant diversity within its species, leading to the identification of at least 40 subtypes (ST1-ST40). This study aimed to identify and differentiate Blastocystis in faeces samples from various animal hosts in Algeria. A total of 403 fecal samples, collected from both domestic and zoo animals, were subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of Blastocystis-specific small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-RNA) gene. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in animals was found to be 38.9%. Through comprehensive phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses, we identified four distinct subtypes (ST1 in both domestic and zoo animals, and ST3, ST4, and ST5 exclusively in zoo animals), encompassing nine different haplotypes, including five that appear original to Algeria. This study represents the first epidemiological molecular investigation of Blastocystis sp. in animals in Algeria.

Small animal review

The world continues to recover from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, and although the impact of the disease has been reduced as a result of vaccination, increased immunity and less severe variants, it is still a disease of worldwide significance. Four recent studies look at the role of domestic animals in the epidemiology of the disease.

Current understanding and knowledge gaps regarding wildlife as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious health issue shared across all One Health domains. Wildlife species represent a key intersection of the animal and environmental domains. They are a relevant but understudied reservoir and route of spread for AMR throughout the environment. Most wildlife AMR research thus far has focused on avian species, terrestrial mammals, and a selection of aquatic and marine species. Pathogens often identified in terrestrial wildlife include enteric zoonotic organisms such as Eschericia coli and Salmonella spp, in addition to nonenterics such as Staphylococci. Resistances have been commonly identified to antimicrobials important in veterinary and human medicine, including β-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and macrolides. Our emerging understanding of the dynamics of AMR distribution across life on Earth provides further opportunities for us to assess the risk it poses to veterinary and human health. Future work will require prioritizing which wildlife most exacerbates and indicates AMR in domestic animals. However, decreasing prices and increasing ease for metagenomic sequencing allows for synergies with expanding wildlife viral disease surveillance. Improved understanding of how wildlife impacts veterinary and human healthcare may increase opportunities for related research funding and global equity in such research. The companion Currents in One Health article by Vezeau and Kahn, JAVMA, June 2024, addresses in further detail the routes of spread of AMR across different animal populations and actions that can be taken to mitigate AMR with special consideration for wildlife sources.

Unveiling the power of proteomics in advancing tropical animal health and production.

Proteomics, the large-scale study of proteins in biological systems has emerged as a pivotal tool in the field of animal and veterinary sciences, mainly for investigating local and rustic breeds. Proteomics provides valuable insights into biological processes underlying animal growth, reproduction, health, and disease. In this review, we highlight the key proteomics technologies, methodologies, and their applications in domestic animals, particularly in the tropical context. We also discuss advances in proteomics research, including integration of multi-omics data, single-cell proteomics, and proteogenomics, all of which are promising for improving animal health, adaptation, welfare, and productivity. However, proteomics research in domestic animals faces challenges, such as sample preparation variation, data quality control, privacy and ethical considerations relating to animal welfare. We also provide recommendations for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of following best practices in sample preparation, data quality control, and ethical compliance. We therefore aim for this review to harness the full potential of proteomics in advancing our understanding of animal biology and ultimately improve animal health and productivity in local breeds of diverse animal species in a tropical context.

Prevalence and clinico-pathology of PSOROPTIC mange in buffaloes of the Amazon region

Scabies is an important skin disease in several species of domestic and wild animals; however, few reports in Brazil have emphasized its occurrence in buffaloes. This article describes the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects and diagnosis of psoroptic mange in buffaloes in a property in the municipality of Castanhal, PA, Amazon region. Of the 41 buffaloes examined, 38 males and females of the Murrah, Baio, Mediterranean and Carabao breeds and their crossbreeds, aged between 2 and 20 years, had a history of pruritus. Clinical examination was performed to map the lesions, skin scrapings were collected to identify the mites, and a biopsy was performed for histopathological examination. Clinical signs, from mild to severe intensity, varied according to the system of creation and handling of the animals and were more severe in buffaloes raised in bays than those raised under a collective regime (pastures and collective troughs). The characteristic clinical signs were intense itching, extensive areas of alopecia, periocular edema, and thickening of the epidermis with exudative crusts covering the face, chamfer, neck, scapular region, back, base of the horn, thoracic and pelvic limbs and chest. The behavior of rubbing the affected regions of the body against structures (troughs, fence posts, gates) or with the horns was frequently observed and provided relief from itching. In the most severe cases, mites were also noted in the crusts, which were identified as Psoroptes natalensis. Histological skin lesions exhibited alterations consistent with immune-mediated dermatitis, which is typical of hypersensitivity to mite-derived allergens.

Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium in Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in Gansu Province, Northwest China.

Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoa commonly found in domestic and wild animals. Limited information is available on Cryptosporidium in deer worldwide. In this study, 201 fecal samples were collected from Alpine musk deer on three farms in Gansu Province, China. Detection and subtyping of Cryptosporidium were performed by PCR and sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA and gp60 genes. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in Alpine musk deer was 3.9% (8/201), with infection rates of 1.0% (1/100), 2.8% (1/36), and 9.2% (6/65) in three different farms. All positive samples for Cryptosporidium were from adult deer. Two Cryptosporidium species were identified, including C. parvum (n = 2) and C. xiaoi (n = 6). The C. parvum isolates were subtyped as IIdA15G1, while the C. xiaoi isolates were subtyped as XXIIIa (n = 2) and XXIIIg (n = 4). The IIdA15G1 subtype of C. parvum was found for the first time in deer. These results provide important insights into the identity and human infectious potential of Cryptosporidium in farmed Alpine musk deer.

Design and Fabrication of Friction Floor Cleaner for Cattle Shed

Abstract: In the world of advanced technology and scientific evolution our one vision should be there in the health and hygiene of domestic animals. Domestic animals like cows and goats are the source of revenue in the form of milk. Hence it is essential to take care of the health and hygiene of cows as unhygienic surroundings may lead to various diseases among the cattle and can also affect productivity. There also lies the probability of diseases being transmitted to human beings who consume this milk. So considering all these factors we aim to design and fabricate a machine for the cleaning of cowshed. The proposed system uses 4 different arrangements which are friction cleaning arrangement, water distribution arrangement, disinfectant spraying arrangement, and left and right (1-D) movement arrangement of the complete system. The friction cleaning system uses a rotating brush arrangement to make the complete ground surface of cowsheds dirt-free. A watering arrangement is used to distribute water on the ground surface. Disinfectant distribution arrangement uses sprinkler arrangement to distribute disinfectant to make cowshed bacteria-free. 1-D movement arrangement uses rack and pinion arrangement to make the complete system move in one-directional movement

Proteomics is advancing the understanding of stallion sperm biology.

The mammalian ejaculate is very well suited to proteomics studies. As such, research concerning sperm proteomics is offering a huge amount of new information on the biology of spermatozoa. Among domestic animals, horses represent a species of special interest, in which reproductive technologies and a sizeable market of genetic material have grown exponentially in the last decade. Studies using proteomic approaches have been conducted in recent years, showing that proteomics is a potent tool to dig into the biology of the stallion spermatozoa. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the research conducted, and how these studies have improved our knowledge of stallion sperm biology. The main outcomes of the research conducted so far have been an improved knowledge of metabolism, and its importance in sperm functions, the impact of different technologies on the sperm proteome, and the identification of potential biomarkers. Moreover, proteomics of seminal plasma and phosphoproteomics are identified as areas of major interest.

Genetic diversity and haplotypes of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates from slaughtered sheep and goats in Elazig and Bingol provinces of Turkey.

The cestode Taenia hydatigena uses canids, primarily dogs, as definitive hosts, whereas the metacestode larval stage cysticercus infects a range of intermediate hosts, including domestic animals such as goats, sheep and pigs. In this study, we aimed to determine the genetic differences and haplotypes of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates obtained from sheep and goats slaughtered in the Bingol and Elazig provinces of Turkey. C. tenuicollis isolates were collected from 44 sheep and 26 goats slaughtered in slaughterhouses in Bingol and Elazig. After the isolation of total genomic DNA from C. tenuicollis isolates, the genetic characterization of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene region (866bp) was amplified using specific primers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the products were then sequenced, and haplotype and genetic diversity analyses were carried out. As a result of the haplotype network analyses, 34 different haplotypes were detected around the main haplotype (Hap02) arranged in a star-like configuration and separated from other haplotypes by 1-28 mutation steps and covering 22.85% (16/70) of all isolates. Twenty-seven polymorphic fields were detected, 77.77% (21/27) of which were parsimony-informative, and secondary haplotype and nucleotide diversity were observed. Additionally, we detected high intraspecies haplotype diversity (hd: 0.933) and high nucleotide diversity (π: 0.00383), with 27 different nucleotide variation positions among the haplotypes of the isolates. Tajima's D value was negative, indicating population expansion and/or selection purification. The significantly negative Fu's Fs values indicated recent population expansion or the presence of expected rare haplotypes. The results of this study confirmed that C. tenuicollis isolates clustered in one lineage and were closely related to the relevant reference sequences in different countries, confirming the circulation of C. tenuicollis in different geographical regions.

Use of drug in the form of spray based on Flumethrin, Moxidectin and Pyriproxyfen against entomosis in small domestic animals

The purpose of the research is to study the efficacy of a Flumethrin-, Moxidectin and Pyriproxyfen-based spray against entomosis in dogs and cats.Materials and methods. The therapeutic efficacy of the multicomponent spray against entomosis of cats and dogs was evaluated in the Podolsk Experimental Production Base of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV on 100 animals naturally infected with fleas Ctenocephalides spp. (20 cats and 20 dogs), Linognathus setosus (20 dogs), chewing lice Felicola subrostratus (20 cats) and Trichodectes canis (20 dogs). The animals were divided into experimental and control groups of 10 animals each. The experimental dogs and cats were given the drug topically with a bottle pump directed to the skin and fur from 20–25 cm, treating the entire body of the animal at a dose of 3–6 pumps per 1 kg of animal weight, and the control animals were not given the drug. The animals were observed for 60 days after a single dose of the drug; clinical examination was performed before and at 24, 48 hours and 5, 30 and 60 days after the start of the experiment.Results and discussion. The examination of the skin and coat of some experimental animals infected with ectoparasites found single ectoparasite imago at 24 hours after treatment. At 48 hours and on day 5, 30 and 60 of the experiment, all animals treated once with the drug were free from ectoparasites, which was evidenced by clinical studies. The study results showed that the study drug had high therapeutic efficacy against ctenocephalidosis, linognathosis, and trichodectosis in dogs and cats.

Assessing the impact of preventative measures to limit the spread of Toxoplasma gondii in wild carnivores of Madagascar.

Novel multihost pathogens can threaten endangered wildlife species, as well as humans and domestic animals. The zoonotic protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted by members of Felidae and can infect a large number of animal species, including humans. This parasite can have significant health consequences for infected intermediate hosts and could further endanger wild carnivore populations of Madagascar. Building on an empirical characterization of the prevalence of the pathogen in local mammals, we used mathematical models of pathogen transmission in a multihost community to compare preventative measures that aim to limit the spread of this parasite in wild carnivores. Specifically, we examined the effect of hypothetical cat vaccination and population control campaigns on reducing the risk of infection by T. gondii in wild Eupleridae. Our model predicted that the prevalence of exposure to T. gondii in cats would be around 72% and that seroprevalence would reach 2% and 43% in rodents and wild carnivores, respectively. Reducing the rodent population in the landscape by half may only decrease the prevalence of T. gondii in carnivores by 10%. Similarly, cat vaccination and reducing the population of definitive hosts had limited impact on the prevalence of T. gondii in wild carnivorans of Madagascar. A significant reduction in prevalence would require extremely high vaccination, low turnover, or both in the cat population. Other potential control methods of T. gondii in endangered Eupleridae include targeted vaccination of wild animals but would require further investigation. Eliminating the threat entirely will be difficult because of the ubiquity of cats and the persistence of the parasite in the environment.

Transitional, fused and/or supernumerary vertebrae inthe lumbosacrocaudal region ofthe spine-Areality inmany domestic mammals.

The aim ofthis study was toidentify the presence oftransitional lumbosacral and sacrocaudal vertebrae indomestic mammals, torealise acomparative analysis ofthe localisation and conformation ofthis abnormal condition. The research included the following species: cattle-29 specimens, sheep-32 specimens, horse- 31specimens, pig-26 specimens, rabbit-33 specimens, dog-89 specimens and cat-57 specimens. The spine oftheanimals was analysed post-mortem orradiologically. The investigations revealed the presence oftransitional vertebrae asfollows: incattle-3 cases (8.7%), all being about the lumbarisation ofthe first sacral vertebra (S1); insheep-3cases(9.37%), two lumbarisation cases ofS1 and one caudalisation ofS4 (the last sacral vertebra);inhorses- 4 cases (12.9%), all about the sacralisation ofCd1 (first caudal vertebra); inpigs-3 cases (11.53%), two lumbarisation cases ofS1 and one sacralisation ofCd1; inrabbits-3 cases (9.09%), alumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and two cases ofcaudalisation ofS4; indogs-4 cases (4.49%), alumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and 3 cases ofsacralisation ofthe last lumbar vertebra (L7 orL8); incats-3 cases (5.26%), two sacralisation cases ofthe last lumbar vertebra and one case ofcaudalisation ofthe last sacral vertebra (S3). Astrong lumbarisation process was observed inruminants (especially incattle), then inpigs, the sacralisation being prevalent incarnivores. The sacrocaudal transitional vertebra was predominant inhorses. Noevident influence ofthe sex and age ofthe animals was observed.

Effective electrochemical detection of furazolidone based on iron tungstate decorated carbon black composite modified glassy carbon electrode

Furazolidone (FUZ), an antibiotic drug widely used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections, poses significant risks to human health and domestic animals. Therefore, detecting FUZ is crucial to prevent environmental contamination. In this study, Iron Tungstate (FeWO4) nanosheets were synthesized using the hydrothermal technique and anchored with Carbon black (CB) to form a FeWO4/CB nanocomposite. This composite was applied onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for electrochemical FUZ detection. Material characterization involved various techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high resolution-transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Additionally, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry studies (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were conducted to assess the electrochemical behavior of the FeWO4/CB/GCE electrodes. The FeWO4/CB electrode demonstrated a low detection limit of 0.01 μM, a wide linear response range of 0.01–135 µM, and a higher sensitivity of 1.3 μA μM−1 cm−2. Moreover, the electrodes exhibited excellent repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. Practical application of the FeWO4/CB/GCE electrodes included the successful detection of FUZ in tap water and river water samples with a high recovery percentage. Additionally, these electrodes were utilized in the field of biotechnological applications for practical FUZ detection.

Microbial assessment of commercial pet foods marketed in the United Arab Emirates

Examining the microbiological characteristics of pet food is imperative to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals, pet owners, and the surrounding environment. Domestic animals, known for carrying harmful microorganisms, pose a significant health risk, especially in close proximity to people and children. Notably, no studies have previously investigated pet food quality in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in particular, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study examined the microbiological quality of all stock keeping units (SKUs) of pet foods marketed in UAE (n = 118). Parameters assessed include Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), Enterobacteriaceae, Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC), Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium species. Among the 118 samples, 33 (28%) exceeded the acceptable TAMC limit of 106 CFU/g, highlighting significant variations based on manufacturers and ingredients. Eight samples (7%) surpassed the maximum Enterobacteriaceae limit of 3 × 102 CFU/g. TYMC levels exhibited variation, with 33 (28%) exceeding the limit of 104 CFU/g. L. monocytogenes was identified in 44 (37%) of the samples, while Salmonella was not detected. Clostridium contamination was observed in 28 (24%) of the samples. Statistical analyses revealed associations between pet food characteristics and microbial quality, underscoring the imperative for international standards to ensure the safety of pet food. These findings carry significant implications for pet owners, regulatory bodies, and the pet food industry, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the overall quality and safety of pet food products.