Feral Research Articles

Identification of raccoon rabies virus variant in a stray kitten: the role of veterinary practitioners in detection and reporting of a non-native zoonotic pathogen-Nebraska, 2023.

Rabies is a fatal encephalitic disease affecting all mammals. This report describes identification of raccoon rabies virus variant isolated from a stray kitten in an urban Midwestern city that is nonendemic for this virus variant. The kitten originally presented with nonspecific neurologic abnormalities. Astute veterinary, wildlife, and public health professionals played a critical role in the identification of this fatal zoonotic disease and the extensive public health and wildlife management response that ensued. This case serves as an important reminder of the risk of rabies in unvaccinated animals or those without known vaccination status, including stray animals.

Sustainable Projects by Local Governments in Turkey for Street Animals: An Evaluation and Forward- Looking Recommendations

In Turkey, local governments provide services for the protection of stray animals through many different practices. The research analyses the sustainable practices and projects of local governments, which are legally considered to be the main responsible authorities, for stray animals and develops concrete policy recommendations for the future. In this context, the activities of the three largest local governments in Turkey, namely Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, where a large part of Turkey's population lives, were analysed in detail. By applying to three major local governments from official sources, their activities for the protection of stray animals have been reached. In light of these data, very different practices and projects were encountered. Although the names of the practices and projects are different, it has been seen that the view of the problem of stray animals is the same. The research proposes an alternative application to the struggle of animals for life on the streets and the practices that support this struggle. This solution proposal is both more humane than existing projects and saves animals from the dangers on the streets. In addition, the suggestions are more sustainable than the existing projects.

Assessing the Establishment of American Mink (Neogale vison) Escapees from the Fur Industry in Bulgaria

Mink farming has seen a resurgence in Bulgaria since 2013, and this has led to a high risk of American mink escaping and establishing feral populations. The largest active commercial farm in the country has a capacity of nearly 130,000 animals. The aims of this study were to gather first-hand evidence of the presence of mink in the wild around the farm, assess their level of establishment, and document the native species and local communities for future impact assessment. Surveys were conducted using camera traps within a 3.7 km radius around the farm in the period 2020–2021 at ten stations with 1943 realised trap-nights. Some early signs of the establishment of the American mink in Bulgaria were documented. A large number of registrations was made, as frequently as the Eurasian otter and golden jackal and more frequently than other mustelids in the study area. Mink were observed throughout the two-year study, and escaped mink have been registered in the region as early as 2017. These factors are interpreted as signs of the early stages of establishment. When considering environmental, economic, public health, and social factors, we recommend that mink farming should be banned in Bulgaria and further monitoring and management actions must be undertaken for the individuals in the wild.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards rabies: A preliminary cross-sectional appraisal in Colombia.

Rabies virus infection can cause fatal brain disease in mammals. Any species is susceptible to infection. Any effort aimed at recognizing infected animals and performing first actions in the event of transmission is mandatory. To determine knowledge, attitudes, and practice profiles regarding rabies, or hydrophobia, in a municipality of Colombia, using a multiple correspondence analysis. A descriptive observational study involving 71 pet owners was carried out in the municipality of Ibagué (Tolima). A questionnaire-based survey collected data on rabies knowledge, attitudes, practices, and demographic information. The survey was conducted between October and November 2021, and the data analysis involved descriptive statistics and multiple correspondence analysis. The study revealed a commendable level of rabies awareness among the urban residents in the study municipality. However, there are causes of concern as they allow stray animals to enter their homes and are not aware of the importance of notifying dead animals. The respondents demonstrated a humane approach to bite management and emphasized the importance of wound cleaning. Additionally, they expressed a strong desire for more information to enhance their knowledge and awareness of the disease. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for improving rabies prevention efforts and promoting public health. Health education, evidence-based strategies, and community participation are essential for successful disease control and educational gaps addressing related to sociocultural factors.

Examining the Relationship Between Social Vulnerability and Animal Shelter Intakes and Outcomes: Patterns and Implications

(1) Background: This study investigates the impact of social vulnerability, as quantified by the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), on animal shelter intakes and adoptions, and the flow of animals between SVI groups at seven shelters within the United States. Understanding how social vulnerability influences these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve shelter outcomes and community support programs. (2) Methods: The research analyzed intake and adoption data from multiple animal shelters to assess the relationship between the social vulnerability at intake and adoption locations based on Census Tract obtained from addresses, focusing on comparison across strays, seized animals, and owner surrenders. Effect sizes were calculated to determine the magnitude and practical implications of these relationships. The study also examined the distribution of outcomes and reasons for animal surrender in relation to SVI levels. (3) Results: The analysis found that animals tended to enter shelters from areas of higher vulnerability while being adopted out to homes from all levels of vulnerability. Stray animals and those seized by authorities were more likely to come from high-SVI areas and showed a stronger disparity between intake and adoption SVI levels than owner surrenders. Racial/ethnic minority status and socioeconomic status were the components of the SVI that produced the strongest differences between intake and adoption vulnerability levels. Adoptions, however, were evenly distributed across different SVI levels, suggesting equitable access to adoption services. The study also identified that animals from high-SVI areas were not euthanized at higher rates compared to those from lower-SVI areas. (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the high numbers of stray adult dogs in areas of communities that are most socially vulnerable as well as programs to address the volume of young animals originating from these areas. The equitable distribution of adoptions across SVI levels suggests that shelters are effectively engaging with socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse communities. Future research should focus on exploring the dynamics of stray animal intakes and enforcement patterns to enhance community and animal welfare initiatives.

Effective methods for population control of dogs and cats in the municipality of Salinópolis, Pará

In Brazil, the overpopulation of dogs and cats is growing exponentially, causing adverse public and environmental health problems. The multiplication of these stray animal’s results in an increase in abandonment and mistreatment, also facilitating the proliferation of zoonoses, causing impacts on human health. Surgical sterilization, linked to educational programs aimed at the population, promotes awareness among owners regarding responsible ownership and can largely solve these problems, especially through greater incentives from public policies. In view of the above, this study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of neutering programs for dogs and cats with the aim of controlling this population, focusing on the One Health approach. On November 15th, 16th and 17th, 2019, the Veterinários da Amazônia group carried out a free surgical sterilization action in the municipality of Salinópolis, Pará, using the minimally invasive technique with a snook hook for ovariohysterectomy in female felines and canines, and pre-scrotal orchiectomy in male canines, and scrotal in male felines, resulting in 98 sterilizations, 55.1% canines and 46.9% felines, demonstrating a greater demand for the castration of female animals. Based on this, it is estimated that approximately 1,152 births of puppies and kittens were presented annually by the sterilization campaign in the municipality of Salinópolis - PA, of which 576 were felines and 576 were dogs, representing an impact of approximately 16.52% on the feline community and approximately 6.27% on the canine community of the municipality. These data indicate that the campaign was of great importance in reducing the birth rate, contributing significantly to the control of the stray animal population and to the promotion of animal welfare in the region. However, for effective birth control, greater awareness of the population regarding responsible guardianship as a predominant factor in animal welfare and subsequently the reduction of abandoned dogs and cats is required.

Insecticidal potential of Cedrus libani tar in eco-friendly control of cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, from different populations in Türkiye

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) tar against adults of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis Bouché, a significant ectoparasite affecting both domestic and stray animals. MethodsTar was obtained through traditional pyrolytic decomposition of cedar wood in the Elmali district of Antalya, Türkiye. The volatile compounds in the tar were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The tar was tested at various concentrations-100 % (pure tar), 50 % tar, 25 % tar, and 10 % tar. Its efficacy was compared to a 0.5 % concentration of fipronil. Fleas were collected from six locations and exposed to treated filter papers for 1 h. Mortality was assessed after 24 h, and statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and probit analysis, were performed to determine LC50 and LC90 values. ResultsThe major components of Ced. libani tar identified were β-himachalene (29.16 %) and α-atlantone (28.70 %). The effectiveness of tar was concentration-dependent, with higher concentrations showing flea mortality rates comparable to fipronil. In Kepez-Teomanpaşa, LC50 and LC90 values were 8.52 % tar and 20.24 % tar respectively, indicating high sensitivity, whereas in Konyaaltı-Pınarbası, LC50 and LC90 values were 19.48 % tar and 46.91 % tar, suggesting reduced susceptibility. The highest concentration (pure tar) resulted in 100 % mortality across all locations, similar to fipronil. ConclusionCed. libani tar demonstrates significant potential as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling flea infestations, with its efficacy varying by region. The findings highlight the need for considering regional differences in susceptibility when developing pest control strategies.

Exploring the Communication Impact of New Media Platforms Based on Pet-Based Short Videos

In recent years, pet short videos have attracted a large number of viewers as a popular topic, and as a result, have raised awareness of pets and stray animals. However, to shoot eye-catching video content, some creators abuse or abandon pets. These problems not only cause harm to the animals but also trigger a social crisis of trust, accompanied by ethical and legal issues. This paper explores the reasons for the popularity of pet-based short videos and the positive and negative impacts on the public and society of this issue. The study will adopt a case study research method to analyze the overall influence of pet bloggers by collecting relevant videos from short video platforms; meanwhile, popular videos and comments involving pet abuse and other incidents will be analyzed for content and public opinion. The final results of the study show that although pet short videos can effectively raise public concern about pets and stray animals, their negative ethical and social effects cannot be ignored, such as pet abuse and blind pet ownership, which hurt society. Future research should further focus on how to improve the ecology of short-form pet content thereby mitigating the negative social and animal impacts of pet-based short-form videos, thus enabling more positive impacts of video communication.

Clinical trials of intratesticular administration of nanostructured lipid carriers encapsulated alpha-mangostin: Safety and efficacy on feline reproductive health

Surgical castration is a primary method for controlling male fertility, but it is impractical for large-scale population control of stray animals. Developing nanoparticle-mediated sterilants that induce cell apoptosis rather than necrosis is a complex and promising area of research. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intratesticular administration of alpha-mangostin encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (AM-NLC) on testicular changes and any associated adverse effects over a 168-day observation period. Thirty-two healthy mature tomcats were enrolled. None of the cats treated with either AM-NLC (n = 28) or blank NLC (n = 4) exhibited noticeable complications related to pain or stress throughout the study, as assessed by clinical examination, blood profiles, and serum amyloid A levels. Histopathological analysis of AM-NLC treated cats revealed seminiferous epithelium degeneration, leading to defective tubules. Key findings included germ cell depletion, disorganized spermatogenic cells without spermatids in certain areas, apoptotic bodies, and intracytoplasmic vacuolization. The intertubular compartment showed no signs of inflammation, hyalinization, fibrosis, or necrosis. Despite widespread degeneration, some normal tubules were present in focal areas. The severity score of seminiferous tubule degeneration significantly increased from day 56 onwards (P < 0.05), suggesting a gradual and progressive compromise of the seminiferous epithelium. In contrast, testes from the blank-NLC group exhibited normal spermatogenesis. Overall, there were no significant changes in the volume of dissected testes, serum testosterone levels, or apoptotic index in AM-NLC-treated cats (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this study represents the first in vivo investigation of apoptotic-inducing agents as a novel nanomedicine-based antifertility compound for non-surgical castration in male animals. While the AM-NLC formulation proved safe for intratesticular administration, it failed to induce infertility in cats, as epididymal spermatozoa persisted throughout the study. Further research into alternative apoptosis-inducing nanomedicine sterilants remains both essential and challenging.

Estimating sediment delivery ratio using the RUSLE-IC-SDR approach at a complex landscape: A case study at the Lower Snowy River area, Australia

Understanding the dynamics of sediment transport and deposition in natural landscapes is critical to developing cost-effective mitigation measures to control soil erosion and protect ecosystems. However, none of a single existing model can quantify sediment delivery ratio (SDR) and the impact factors such as vegetation and geomorphology, especially in a complex landscape. In this case study, we applied an integrated approach including the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and the index of connectivity (IC) to assess hillslope erosion and SDR, namely RUSLE-IC-SDR, across a complex landscape in the Lower Snowy River area, Australia. The RUSLE factors were derived from a high-resolution (2 m) digital elevation model (DEM), digital soil maps, high-resolution rainfall data and remotely sensed fractional vegetation cover. A seven-class landform classification was delineated from the high-resolution DEM using a fuzzy logic landform model (FLAG). We further examined the impacts of rainfall, vegetation cover and geomorphology on sediment dynamics and distribution across the study area. Field and laboratory data from 10 plot sites across the study area were collected and used for model validation. This case study showed that the RUSLE-IC-SDR approach can assess the overall sediment budget and the impacts of rainfall, vegetation cover and geomorphology across a complex landscape. Findings from this study can identify and track the areas likely to generate high sediment yield for developing ecological restoration, feral animal management and other catchment management measures.

High prevalence of antibodies against feline calicivirus in Australian feral and stray cat (Felis catus) populations.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) commonly causes upper respiratory tract, oral and ocular infections in species of the family Felidae, with high prevalence amongst domestic cat (Felis catus) populations worldwide. Detection of FCV-specific antibodies in serum provides evidence of previous infection with FCV and an indication of whether a cat may be protected against clinical FCV disease. This study describes the most extensive sampling for anti-FCV antibodies in feral and stray cat populations in Australia, and examines variation in prevalence associated with cat age, sex and location. Blood samples were opportunistically collected from 669 feral, stray or Indigenous community cats from the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria, south-east Tasmania and south-west New South Wales. The sera were harvested and tested for antibodies capable of neutralising the FCV vaccine strain F9 by serum-virus neutralisation assay. Of the 669 cats tested, 69.7% had detectable FCV-F9-neutralising antibodies (titres ≥5). Maturity was significantly associated with higher seroprevalence and higher antibody titres, with adult cats being more than twice as likely to have detectable FCV-neutralising antibodies than subadults. Male cats had a higher seroprevalence and slightly higher antibody titres than females. Cats living in closer proximity to humans had significantly higher seroprevalences and higher FCV-neutralising antibody titres than feral cats from more remote regions of Australia. Australian feral and stray cats have a high risk of natural exposure to and infection with FCV, with the prevalence and levels of pre-existing immunity to FCV being highest amongst adult cats living in highly modified urban, peri-urban and agricultural environments.

From Weeds to Feeds: Exploring the Potential of Wild Plants in Horticulture from a Centuries-Long Journey to an AI-Driven Future

Given the increasing food needs of humanity and the challenges cultivated species face in adapting to the climatic uncertainties we experience, it is urgent to cultivate new species. A highly relevant repertoire for this purpose is offered by the array of edible wild plants. We analyzed data from Murcia (Spain), involving 61 species and 59 informants, and the Global Database of Wild Food Plants, which includes 15,000 species, 500 localities, and nearly 700 references. Using local consensus, global distribution, and GBIF occurrence data, we built simple unimodal or bimodal models to explore their limitations. Our study highlights that approximately 15,000 wild or feral plant species are consumed as food, underlining the urgent need to support existing crops with new species due to current food crises and climate irregularities. We examined wild plant diversity from a horticultural perspective, considering their relationships with weeds and invasive species. Partial criteria, such as local consensus or global use, were found insufficient for selecting candidate species. We propose developing a specific artificial intelligence to integrate various factors—ecological, nutritional, toxicological, agronomic, biogeographical, ethnobotanical, economic, and physiological—to accurately model a species’ potential for domestication and cultivation. We propose the necessary tools and a protocol for developing this AI-based model.

Determinants of Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Completion in Sarawak

Objective: Rabies remains persistent in Sarawak despite efforts to control its spread. This study investigates the determinants of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) completion among individuals in Sarawak that have been exposed to potential rabies transmission through animal bites.Material and Methods: A retrospective cohort study, using a universal sampling approach was employed, utilizing data from the Sarawak i-Bite System. Binary logistic regression was used to identify significant variables: a p-value&lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The mean age of people having experienced animal bites was 38.1 (S.D.=22.4) years. Most were male (51.6%) and of Chinese ethnicity (37.2%). The predominant sites of animal bites were the upper (53%) and lower limbs (39.5%). Category 3 bite injuries and bites from fully confined pets were the most frequently reported (68.9% and 43.9%, respectively). In total 56.5% of the study population had a complete rabies vaccine regimen as post-exposure prophylaxis, while 5.4% had incomplete vaccinations, and 38% received no vaccination. The majority received treatment at government hospitals (59.1%). The significant determinants of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis completion in Sarawak were the Iban ethnicity (odd ratio (OR)=2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.08-2.44, p-value=0.02), grade 3 bite (OR=3.9, 95% CI=,1.86-4.68, p-value&lt;0.001), pet mixed with stray (OR=2.41, 95% CI=1.32-2.33, p-value&lt;0.001), stray animals (OR=2.41, 95% CI=1.78-3.25, p-value,0.001) and treated in a government hospital (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.47-0.83, p-value&lt;0.001).Conclusion: This study reported that only 56.5% of patients completed the rabies PEP series. The important determinants of PEP completion status were found to be the Iban ethnicity, bite severity, category of animal, and place of treatment. These findings offer valuable insights to assist the Sarawak State Health Department in prioritizing strategies to enhance the compliance rate, with the ultimate goal of eliminating dog-mediated Rabies deaths by 2030.

Invasive wild boar affected feral hog skull evolution over 25 years in Brazilian Pantanal wetland

Abstract The morphological plasticity of the Sus scrofa wild–domestic species complex is evident in both free-ranging morphotypes and domestic breeds. The Brazilian Pantanal feral hog (“porco-monteiro”) evolved after a long-term feralization process and represents a significant proportion of the mammalian biomass in the region. Its coexistence with native fauna brings several ecological impacts, which are mitigated by the Brazilian Pantanal wetland vastness and resource availability. They are a local subsistence game resource but also impact crops and pastures. Around the 2000s to mid-2010s, numerous European wild boar were introduced in Brazil to fulfill a demand for gourmet meat. Wild boar was also introduced to the Brazilian Pantanal as a game species and to breed with porco-monteiro feral hogs in a commercial venture to produce an even more exotic meat. The craze for wild boar meat has since dwindled, but their populations remain widespread and uncontrolled. Moreover, the full impact of the wild boar introduction on feral hog populations is still unknown. This study analyzes the skulls of porco-monteiro feral hogs from the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s to assess possible morphological and functional variations along with skulls of wild boar and hybrids from Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil. The results indicate a trend of broadening of feral hog skulls at the coronal plane and a progressive reduction of the semispinalis capitis muscle scars over the decades. Biomechanical analysis denoted a decrease in head-elevation force that could affect the rooting performance of the latest feral hog morphotypes. Taken together, results show that wild boars likely influenced the evolution of the Pantanal feral hog skull. The magnitude of ecomorphological implications of these morphofunctional changes is unknown, as well as its effects in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland ecology.

Plant extinction in the Anthropocene

Abstract Species go extinct each day, most without notice. The current human-induced extinction rate is up to 700 times higher than the background rate. Extinctions are not different for plants, animals, or fungi, although botanical and invertebrate extinctions are much more poorly documented than those of charismatic vertebrates. In a recent book on extinct plants (Christenhusz &amp; Govaerts, 2023), an overview of botanical extinctions since 1753 was presented, listing which species became extinct and the probable reason for their extinction. As most have a date when they were last documented, a timeline of extinction can also be compiled based on these data. This timeline shows an increase from 1890 to 1940, but a decline in new recorded extinctions after the 1980s, which is likely a result of taxonomic impediment. Extinction rates before 1800 are impacted by the lack of data (here named Berkeley extinction). It can be concluded that extinction is highest in biodiversity-rich areas with high human influence (extinction hotspots). Two new combinations and a new name are proposed here, showing the importance of taxonomy to conservation. Although anthropogenic plant extinction is a global phenomenon, areas of particular concern are the Hawaiian Islands, southern Africa, Australia, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Extinctions have been mainly caused by land clearing for agriculture and urbanization, invasive feral animals, mining, river dams, diseases, and poaching. We predict that the unusual weather patterns associated with rapid climate change may result in more plant extinctions. Reintroduction, even if a species persists in cultivation, is not always possible due to lack of suitable remaining habitat where threats are decreased or removed. Successful reintroduction cannot be guaranteed. It is costly and usually dependent on short-term funding, after which these efforts may be in vain. Protection of species in their natural habitat is much more cost-effective in the long term. Sometimes, rescued plants should be introduced in similar habitats outside their natural range where the threats are absent. This follows the programmes of assisted migration for climate change mitigation, but this can also be assisted introduction to prevent extinction. Protection of critically endangered species that have naturalized outside their native range should also be considered.

Serosurveillance of Coxiella burnetii in feral swine populations of Hawai'i and Texas identifies overlap with human Q fever incidence.

Feral swine are invasive in the United States and a reservoir for infectious diseases. The increase in feral swine population and the geographic range are a concern for the spread of zoonotic diseases to humans and livestock. Feral swine could contribute to the spread of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of human Q fever. In this study, we characterized the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in feral swine populations of Hawai'i and Texas, which have low and high rates of human Q fever, respectively. Seropositivity rates were as high as 0.19% and 6.03% in Hawai'i and Texas, respectively, indicating that feral swine cannot be ruled out as a potential reservoir for disease transmission and spread. In Texas, we identified the overlap between seropositivity of feral swine and human Q fever incidence. These results indicate that there is a potentially low but detectable risk of C. burnetii exposure associated with feral swine populations in Hawai'i and Texas.

Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic DNA Fragmentation Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Phyllanthus niruri L. in Vero and Primary Feline Testicular Cells

Phyllanthus niruri or Dukung Anak is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and has been used as traditional preparations and as health supplements. However, previous studies have found that P. niruri can impair the male reproductive functions. With booming population of stray animals within the community, a new controlling method that is more affordable and safer must be developed. This study was aimed to explore the safety of P. niruri as a male herbal contraceptive to be used in veterinary medicine as one of the non-surgical sterilisation methods. For the preliminary part of this ongoing research, we have investigated the cytotoxicity activity of P. niruri ethanolic extract on Vero and primary feline testicular cells (FTC) and DNA apoptotic activity in FTC. Phyllanthus niruri extract was prepared using cold maceration method in 50% ethanol. The FTC were prepared from feline testes obtained from post-routine castration from local private veterinary clinics, while Vero cells were obtained from the archived cells of Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (FPV UMK). The MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of these plant extracts on FTC and Vero cells. Apoptosis was assessed using DNA laddering assay on extracted DNA of the treated FTC cells and observed the DNA patterns in gel electrophoresis. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the ethanolic extract of P. niruri was a dose dependent. The DNA laddering assay revealed that the plant extract does not induce apoptosis in FTC. Therefore, the study outcomes indicated that the ethanolic extract of P. niruri is potentially safe for animal use. However, in vivo studies are required to confirm these findings.

The Domestication of Wild Boar Could Result in a Relaxed Selection for Maintaining Olfactory Capacity.

Domesticated animals are artificially selected to exhibit desirable traits, however not all traits of domesticated animals are the result of deliberate selection. Loss of olfactory capacity in the domesticated pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is one example. We used whole transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq) to compare patterns of gene expression in the olfactory mucosa of the pig and two subspecies of wild boar (Sus scrofa), and investigate candidate genes that could be responsible for the loss of olfactory capacity. We identified hundreds of genes with reductions in transcript abundance in pig relative to wild boar as well as differences between the two subspecies of wild boar. These differences were detected mainly in genes involved in the formation and motility of villi, cilia and microtubules, functions associated with olfaction. In addition, differences were found in the abundances of transcripts of genes related to immune defenses, with the highest levels in continental wild boar subspecies. Overall, the loss of olfactory capacity in pigs appears to have been accompanied by reductions in the expression of candidate genes for olfaction. These changes could have resulted from unintentional selection for reduced olfactory capacity, relaxed selection for maintaining olfactory capacity, pleiotropic effects of genes under selection, or other non-selective processes. Our findings could be a cornerstone for future researches on wild boars, pigs, feral populations, and their evolutionary trajectories, aimed to provide tools to better calibrate species management as well as guidelines for breeders.

SARS-CoV-2 exposure in hunting and stray dogs of southern Italy.

Evidence of exposure to the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 has been described in numerous animal species, including pets, which are predisposed to coming into contact with this virus due to their close relationship with owners. It has been accepted that dogs are poorly susceptible to this virus and that seroconversion, rather than shedding, occurs following infection, which can occur directly through contact with infected owners or indirectly through environmental contamination. In this study, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in apparently health hunting and stray dogs of Campania region, southern Italy (sampled in September 2023). A total of 5/112 (4.5%) animals tested seropositive using two different commercial ELISAs. Stray animals had greater exposure than hunting dogs. The feces and blood of each animal were tested with a real-time PCR targeting the nucleocapsid and ORF1ab coding sequences. No animal tested positive in molecular investigations, indicating a past exposure without active infection at the time of sampling.

The role of gastropods in African swine fever virus ecology

The spread of the African swine fever virus (ASF virus) genotype ii in the Eurasian region has been very successful and often inexplicable. The virus spreads rapidly and persists in areas with wild boar populations, but areas without feral pig populations are also affected. The virus has shown the ability to survive for a long time in the environment without a population of susceptible hosts, both pigs and Ornithodoros soft ticks. Published data indicated that ASF viruses persist significantly longer in an environment with some freshwater snails (especially Pomacea bridgesii, Tarebia granifera, Asolene spixii, Melanoides tuberculate, and Physa fontinalis), compared to freshwater without snails. Data obtained in this study suggest that gastropods theoretically can be the hosts of the ASF virus. Also, we have proven the possibility of long-term existence of an infectious virus when infected in vitro.