Infected Carcasses Research Articles

Wild boar deathbed choice in relation to ASF: Are there any differences between positive and negative carcasses?

African swine fever (ASF) is a fatal, infectious disease affecting wild boars and domestic pigs, mostly resulting in their deaths. Previous studies showed that carcasses of infected wild boars pose a serious threat for ASF virus transmission and leaving of dead bodies in the environment enables persistence of the disease in the given affected area. Therefore, the prompt finding and removal of the carcasses is crucial for effective ASF control.This study reveals habitat preferences of ASF-positive wild boars for their deathbeds, which could greatly improve the effectivity in the search for infected carcasses. The vast majority (71%) of carcasses were found in forests (although forests occupy only 26.6% of the high-risk area – Zlin region, Czech Republic), especially in young forest stands; 91.3% of infected wild boar carcasses, which were found in forests, were in stands of up to 40 years of age, where infected individuals search for calm and quiet places. The preference of younger forest stands is significantly higher for infected individuals (p < 0.001). On meadows, infected individuals preferred a higher herb layer (p = 0.002) compared to non-infected individuals. A higher preference of places more distant from roads and forest edges was observed for the infected individuals as well (p < 0.001 in both cases). No differences in deathbed habitat preference were observed between selected sex-age categories. The distance between carcasses and water source was observed to be dependent on current mean temperature. Carcasses were found closer to the water sources at higher mean temperature. Because of the comparable character of the landscape, presented models are applicable across Central Europe and have the potential to greatly facilitate the search for infected carcasses.

Confirmed cannibalism in wild boar and its possible role in African swine fever transmission.

For the monitoring of wild boar interactions with conspecific carcasses, seven wild boar carcasses were placed in different sites in the Czech Republic during winter season. Data were collected by camera traps. In total, 732 visits were recorded of wild boars at the carcass sites. Direct contact with the carcass was detected in 81% of the records. Cannibalism was observed in 9.8% of all recorded visits. The first direct contact was observed on average 30days after the carcass had been placed in its respective site. Cannibalism was observed on average after 70days. The effect of sex-age class on direct contact was not proven in our study. The presented findings show that cannibalism in wild boar can play a substantial role in the ASF epidemic. These results highlighted the importance of the removal of infected carcasses from the habitat, which is crucial for African swine fever eradication.

Modeling the Transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease to Inform Transportation of Infected Carcasses to a Disposal Site During an Outbreak Event.

In the event of a Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the United States, an infected livestock premises is likely to result in a high number of carcasses (swine and/or cattle) as a result of depopulation. If relocating infected carcasses to an off-site disposal site is allowed, the virus may have increased opportunity to spread to uninfected premises and result in exposure of susceptible livestock. A stochastic within-herd disease spread model was used to predict the time to detect the disease by observation of clinical signs within the herd, and the number of animals in different disease stages over time. Expert opinion was elicited to estimate depopulation parameters in various scenarios. Disease detection was assumed when 5% of the population showed clinical signs by direct observation. Time to detection (5 and 95th percentile values) was estimated for all swine farm sizes (500–10,000 head) ranged from 102 to 282 h, from 42 to 216 h for all dairy cattle premises sizes (100–2,000 head) and from 66 to 240 h for all beef cattle premises sizes (5,000–50,000 head). Total time from infection to beginning depopulation (including disease detection and confirmation) for the first FMD infected case was estimated between 8.5–14.3 days for swine, 6–12.8 days for dairy or beef cattle premises. Total time estimated for subsequent FMD cases was between 6.8–12.3 days for swine, 4.3–10.8 days for dairy and 4.5–10.5 days for beef cattle premises. On an average sized operation, a sizable proportion of animals in the herd (34–56% of swine, 48–60% of dairy cattle, and 47–60% of beef cattle for the first case and 49–60% of swine, 55–60% of dairy cattle, 56–59% of beef cattle for subsequent cases) would be viremic at the time of beginning depopulation. A very small fraction of body fluids from the carcasses (i.e., 1 mL) would contain virus that greatly exceeds the minimum infectious dose by oral (4–7x) or inhalation (7–13x) route for pigs and cattle.

R0 Estimation for the African Swine Fever Epidemics in Wild Boar of Czech Republic and Belgium.

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious haemorrhagic fever that affects both domesticated and wild pigs. Since ASF reached Europe wild boar populations have been a reservoir for the virus. Collecting reliable data on infected individuals in wild populations is challenging, and this makes it difficult to deploy an effective eradication strategy. However, for diseases with high lethality rate, infected carcasses can be used as a proxy for the number of infected individuals at a certain time. Then R0 parameter can be used to estimate the time distribution of the number of newly infected individuals for the outbreak. We estimated R0 for two ASF outbreaks in wild boar, in Czech Republic and Belgium, using the exponential growth method. This allowed us to estimate both R0 and the doubling time (Td) for those infections. The results are R0 = 1.95, Td = 4.39 for Czech Republic and R0 = 1.65, Td = 6.43 for Belgium. We suggest that, if estimated as early as possible, R0 and Td can provide an expected course for the infection against which to compare the actual data collected in the field. This would help to assess if passive surveillance is properly implemented and hence to verify the efficacy of the applied control measures.

Investigating the effects of intervention strategies in a spatio-temporal anthrax model

In this paper, we extend our previous work on optimal control applied in an anthrax outbreak in wild animals. We use a system of ordinary differential equation (ODE) and partial differential equations (PDEs) to track the change in susceptible, infected and vaccinated animals as well as the infected carcasses. In addition to the assumption that the infected animals and the infected carcasses are the main source of infection, we consider the animal movement by diffusion and see its effects in disease transmission. Two controls: vaccinating susceptible animals and disposing infected carcasses properly are applied in the model and these controls depend on both space and time. We formulate an optimal control problem to investigate the effect of intervention strategies in our spatio-temporal model in controlling the outbreak at minimum cost. Finally some numerical results for the optimal control problem are presented.

The potential role of scavengers in spreading African swine fever among wild boar

Understanding the transmission patterns of African swine fever (ASF) among wild boar (Sus scrofa) is an issue of major interest, especially in the wake of the current ASF epidemic. Given the high stability of ASF-virus, there is concern about scavengers spreading infectious carcass material in the environment. Here, we describe scavenging activities on 32 wild boar carcasses in their natural habitat in Germany. Using digital cameras, we detected 22 vertebrates at the study sites, thereof two mammal and three bird species scavenging. The most frequently detected species was the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides (44% of all visits). Raccoon dogs, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and buzzards (Buteo buteo) scavenged in the warm and the cold season, while ravens (Corvus corax) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) scavenged only in the cold season. In summer, however, insects removed most of the carcass biomass. Although most of the material was consumed on the spot, foxes, raccoon dogs and ravens left the study sites in rare cases with a small piece of meat in their mouths or beaks. We conclude that scavengers represent a minor risk factor for spreading ASF, but may contribute to reducing local virus persistence by metabolizing infected carcasses.

Validating Autoclave Cycles for Carcass Disposal in Animal Biosafety Level 2/3 Containment Laboratories.

Animal carcasses differ in composition from other types of solid waste, and through prior testing it was determined that cycle parameters applied to general, solid biohazardous waste did not ensure proper sterilization of ferret carcasses. The goals of this study were to develop and validate an autoclave cycle that would ensure the decontamination of infectious animal carcasses before removal from an animal biosafety level 2/3 containment suite for downstream disposal and to test different ways to prepare and package animal carcasses for autoclaving. Intact ferret carcasses were implanted with biological indicators, and the carcasses were placed in biohazard bags, then into metal pans. To test the efficacy of the autoclave cycle on larger biomasses, 1, 2, or 4 ferret carcasses were placed in a biohazard bag. A total of 4 carcasses were placed in each pan. An autoclave cycle was created to begin the study. After initial tests, minor modifications to the initial test cycle parameters were made, and a new cycle was validated for ferret carcasses up to 2 kg each. Parameters for the validated cycle were as follows: sterilization time 240 minutes, temperature 125°C, 5 prevacuum pulses, and chamber pressure 15 psi. The results of this study indicate that an extended sterilization time is required to successfully decontaminate animal carcasses compared with regular, solid, and biohazardous waste. This study demonstrates that it is possible to sterilize multiple intact ferret carcasses per load under validated autoclave cycle conditions.

Nationwide groundwater monitoring around infectious-disease-caused livestock mortality burials in Korea: Superimposed influence of animal leachate on pre-existing anthropogenic pollution

A foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak during 2010 affected the entire country of South Korea and approximately 3.4 million swine and bovine mortalities were disposed of at approximately 4800 on-farm burial sites for a few months following the first outbreak. Furthermore, outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) have struck Korea consistently since 2014. Public concern regarding the deterioration of the surrounding environment has been raised aiming at the enormous infected animal carcass burials. On behalf of the Ministry of Environment (ME) of the Korean government, we conducted groundwater monitoring at approximately 3000 wells around the burial sites for 7 years from 2011 to 2017. The baseline groundwater already had enriched levels of nitrogen and chloride compounds masking the influence of leachate with the pre-existing anthropogenic contamination. Based on the trend analysis, most monitoring wells had no significant trends in NO3-N and Cl implying that an abrupt degradation in water quality was not expected across the country. Increasing proportions of total coliform detection in the groundwater of the majority of provinces will cause potential damage to human health around the carcass burial sites. Wells showing frequent upward and downward trends near the carcass burial pits were targeted for principal component analysis (PCA) and the results showed that NH4-N, TOC, Cl, and K could be indicators distinguishing the sole impacts of animal leachate on the groundwater. Analyses of the nationwide monitoring data indicated possibly delayed and prolonged impacts of the widespread burials of livestock mortalities on the groundwater environment. The finding provides realistic insight regarding how to manage the mass burial of livestock mortalities to protect groundwater resources.

Occurrence of Bovine Cysticercosis in Two Regions of the State of Tocantins-Brazil and the Importance of Pathogen Identification.

Bovine cysticercosis, caused by Taenia saginata metacestodes, is the cause of significant economic losses to the meat production chain by condemnation and downgrading of infected carcasses. It is also a public health issue causing human taeniasis. This study evaluated the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis at the meat inspection procedures in slaughterhouses of south and north regions of the Tocantins State in Brazil. Specimens identified as cysts of T. saginata were collected and analyzed by molecular (PCR) and histopathological techniques. The cysts were collected from March to December of 2010 in slaughterhouses located in the cities of Alvorada (South) and Araguaína (North). The frequency of cystic lesions during the study was 0.033% (53/164,091) with 69.81% of calcified lesions and 30.9% of live cysts at meat inspection. From 14 samples submitted to molecular analysis, 28.57% (4/14) were positive for T. saginata. The histopathological analysis of the non-T. saginata samples showed lesions suggestive of granuloma and hydatid disease. The results indicated that the identification of the etiological agent is difficult by macroscopic inspection, emphasizing the need to associate specific diagnostic methods at meat inspection in abattoirs. In addition, species-specific PCR would be an effective tool for diagnosis, monitoring, and identifying cysticercosis, assisting the conventional tests.

SARCOCYSTOSIS OF WATER-FOWL IN THE TERRITORY OF THE KURGAN REGION

Wild duck meat is a popular dietary product, complete in amino acid composition, rich in vitamins of group B, macro- and micro-elements, essential fatty acids. When eaten, such meat should be safe for humans. Sarcocystosis is a zooanthroponotic disease. The causative agent in ducks is S. rileyi. The definitive hosts are domestic and wild carnivores, as well as humans. Intermediate hosts are herbivores, reptiles, mammals, rodents, omnivores. The contamination of birds with sarkosporidii can reach up to 70%. The pathogen is characterized by interspecific specificity. The diagnosis of sarcocystosisis is based on the results of dissection and microscopy. In the territory of the Kurgan Region, sarcocystosis was recorded in two drakes of the mallard and of the common shoveler female, by the detection of multiple muscle cysts in skeletal muscles as a result of the opening of the carcass. Extensiveness of invasion with sarcocystosis was 8% in 2016, 2.7% in 2017. Infected carcasses have an unpleasant, sour muscle odor. The muscles in the incision are sticky, flabby in texture, when pressed with a spatula with a slow recovery of the fossa. To eliminate the spread of helminthiasis, it is necessary to develop effective control and prevention measures against it. Meat of a wild bird without fail should pass Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise. In the case of sarcocystosis, it is prohibited to use such meat for human and domestic animals. Disposal of carcasses affected by sarkosporidia should imply that homeless and wild animals cannot access it. Sarcocytosis duck meat must be disposed of by burning or burying it in pits to a depth of at least 2 m.

Epidemiology of Taenia saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis: a systematic review of the distribution in central and western Asia and the Caucasus

BackgroundThe zoonotic parasite Taenia saginata transmits between humans, the definitive host (causing taeniosis), and bovines as the intermediate host (causing cysticercosis). Central and western Asia and the Caucasus have large cattle populations and beef consumption is widespread. However, an overview of the extent of human T. saginata infection and bovine cysticercosis is lacking. This review aims to summarize the distribution of T. saginata in this region.MethodsA systematic review was conducted, that gathered published and grey literature, and official data concerning T. saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis in central and western Asia and the Caucasus published between January 1st, 1990 and December 31st, 2018. Where no data were available for a country within this period, published data from 1985–1990 were also accessed.ResultsFrom 10,786 articles initially scanned, we retrieved 98 full-text articles from which data were extracted. In addition, two unpublished datasets were provided on the incidence of human taeniosis. Data for human taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis were found for all countries except Turkmenistan. Human taeniosis prevalence varied from undetected to over 5.3%, with regional variations. Where bovine cysticercosis was detected, prevalences varied from case reports to 25%.ConclusionsThe public health burden of T. saginata is assumed to be small as the parasite is of low pathogenicity to humans. However, this review indicates that infection continues to be widespread and this may result in a large economic burden, due to the resources utilized in meat inspection and condemnation or processing with subsequent downgrading of infected carcasses.

Do scavengers prevent or promote disease transmission? The effect of invertebrate scavenging on Ranavirus transmission

Abstract Host–parasite interactions are shaped by the broader web of community interactions, from interspecific competition to predator–prey dynamics. Heterospecific scavengers might also affect parasite transmission from infectious carcasses, which can be an important source of infections for some wildlife diseases. A robust scavenger community can quickly remove carcasses and tissue and thus prevent secondary transmission by necrophagy or contact with infectious carcasses. Alternatively, by spreading infectious particles and tissues throughout the environment, scavengers may increase rates of casual contact with pathogens and thus overall transmission. However, there has been little empirical consideration of the contrasting roles that scavengers might play in infectious disease dynamics. We carried out a series of studies to determine the efficiency with which scavenging invertebrates remove carcasses of Long‐toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) larvae and their role in the transmission of frog virus 3 (Genus: Ranavirus, Family: Iridoviridae) from carcasses. We then estimated the functional response of one efficient invertebrate scavenger (Family: Dytiscidae) to increasing carcass densities in field conditions in order to determine the capacity of scavenging invertebrates to consume large amounts of carcass tissue, as may be present at high prevalence sites. We found that removal of infectious carcasses by scavengers strongly reduced transmission to naïve larvae. Scavengers were as effective at reducing transmission from a carcass as a physical barrier preventing contact with the carcass. There was little evidence that scavenging released sufficient infectious tissues into the water column to rival direct contact as a route of infection. Moreover, while scavenging rates saturated at increasing carcass densities, consistent with a type II functional response, there were sufficient densities of dytiscid larvae, not to mention other scavenging invertebrates, in a surveyed pond to theoretically prevent transmission from carcasses. Our results suggest that at least in systems in which conspecific necrophagy is common, the scavenger community can play an important role in reducing transmission. A plain language summary is available for this article.

Prevalence of Cysticercosis Bovis in Eastern Shoa of Oromia, Ethiopia

Bovine cysticercosis is an infection of cattle caused by the larval stage, Cysticercus bovis of the human intestinal cestode, Taenia saginata . It is an infection of public health significance as eating of raw or undercooked beef results in taeniasis in human population and an important cause of economic loss mainly due to condemnation and downgrading of infected carcasses. A cross sectional study was conducted during April 2016 to August 2016 to estimate the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered at Meki municipal abattoir. Routine inspection of carcasses and viability test were amongst the methods employed during data collection. Post mortem examination of 876 slaughtered cattle showed that 269 (30.7%) were infected with T. saginata . Out of the total 447 cysts detected, 216(48.3%) were found to be viable, while 231(51.7%) were died cysts. The tongue, lung, masseter muscles, heart and triceps muscles were the main predilection sites of the cysts. Anatomical distribution based analysis of the cyst showed that highest proportions were observed in tongueas (15.5%) followed by lung (14.4%), masseter muscle 90(10.3%), heart 61(6.9%) and triceps muscle 34(3.9%). Out of the 785 male cattle examined, 237 (30.2%) had cysts of bovine cysticercosis while 32 (35.2%) of the 91 female were infected. The prevalence varied significantly (P&lt;0.05) between age groups, origin of animals and body condition score of animals, but no significant variation between sex of the animals. With respect to viable cysts, it was revealed that lung (51.1%), tongue (48.9%), heart (28.6%), masseter muscle (19.5%) and triceps muscle (14.3%) were infected in decreasing order. The current study suggests that high prevalence of T. saginata metacestodes were observed in the source of animals and therefore sufficient emphasis should be given to this problem so as to improve health, quality and quantity of bovine that may satisfy the domestic requirements of the area and the country as general. Keywords: Bovine, cysticercosis bovis, prevalence, Meki abattoir, Ethiopia DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-7-09 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

The subnivium, a haven for Trichinella larvae in host carcasses.

Parasite nematodes of the genus Trichinella are transmitted from one host to another through the ingestion of larvae present in striated muscles. The longer the survival of muscle larvae in host carcasses, the higher the probability of being ingested by a scavenging host. Thereby, these nematodes developed an anaerobic metabolism favouring their survival in decaying tissues. In addition, muscle larvae of three taxa, namely Trichinella nativa, Trichinella britovi and Trichinella T6, can survive freezing for several months to several years depending on the taxon. The aim of the present work was to investigate the survival time of T. britovi larvae in naturally infected host carcasses preserved beneath or above the snow. Fox and raccoon dog carcasses naturally infected with T. britovi larvae were preserved beneath or above the snow in a cold mountainous area. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded. Every 14 days, muscle samples collected from each carcass, were digested and larvae were counted and given per os to laboratory mice to evaluate their reproductive capacity index (RCI). The RCI of larvae in carcasses preserved beneath the snow (the subnivium) ranged from 23 to 25 at day 0, to 12–18 after 112 days. In contrast, the RCI of larvae in carcasses preserved above the snow ranged from 22 to 27 at day 0, to 0.0 after 112 days. The difference between the RCIs of larvae beneath the snow and above the snow was statistically significant (P < 0.01). These data corroborate the hypothesis that the subnivium with its environmental stability favours the survival of Trichinella larvae in host muscles, increasing the probability of their transmission to other hosts. On the other hand, the environment above the snow, characterized by sudden temperature variations, causes strong environmental stress for larvae in host carrions causing their death.

Parasitic infections as major cause of abattoir condemnations in cattle slaughtered at an Ethiopian abattoir: 10-year retrospective study.

Abattoirs are vital for gathering information on animal diseases and protecting the public from consuming infected or unhygienic meat. To assess the major reasons for organ and carcass condemnations and their financial implications, we reviewed 10-year abattoir records of slaughtered bovines between January 2005 and December 2014 at Kombolcha ELFORA abattoir, north-east Ethiopia. Of the 46,913 cattle slaughtered during that period, 17,963 (38.3%) had at least one disease condition. Lungs (10.67%) and liver (25%) were the most affected and condemned organs, followed by heart (1.53%), head (0.56%), tongue (0.17%) and kidney (0.32%). The major conditions responsible for condemnation were fasciolosis (49.89%), hydatid cyst (55.55%), pericarditis (78.2%), hydronephrosis (35.8%), abscess (71.7%) and abscess (43.9%), in liver, lung, heart, kidneys, head and tongue, respectively. The direct financial losses incurred from organ and carcass condemnation over the 10-year period amounted to ETB 1,219,399 (USD 61,946.9), with parasitic diseases such as fascioliasis and hydatidosis accounting for ETB 256,837.5 (USD 13,047.64) and ETB 170,827.5 (USD 8678.23) in losses, respectively. This study describes a significant loss of cheap and reliable sources of protein due to non-utilization of infected organs or carcasses, emphasizing the need to implement integrated approaches in disease surveillance and control programmes.

SimInf for spatio-temporal data-driven modeling of African swine fever in Swedish wildboar

SimInf for spatio-temporal data-driven modeling of African swine fever in Swedish wildboar

Risk Factors Associated with the Occurrence of Porcine Cysticercosis in Kiambu, Kenya

Porcine cysticercosis is parasitic diseases of pigs caused by the larval stages of Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) and appears as cysts in the muscles, organs and central nervous system. Pigs acquire the infection by ingestion of contaminated feed and water with taenia eggs shed in faeces by infected humans. This condition leads to economic loss as infected carcasses are condemned at slaughter. Humans acquire the infection by consumption of infected and undercooked pig meat where the adult worm resides in the small intestines of infected humans (Taeniasis) and the larval stages are found in the muscles, brain and other tissues in humans with neurocysticercosis being of major public health concern. A study to evaluate the risk factors in pig production management systems that would contribute to the occurrence of porcine cysticercosis was carried out in four study sites in 2016. A total of 81 pig farms were visited, structured questionnaires were administered to the pig farmers to collect data on socio- demographic, water and sanitation, pig husbandry practices and awareness on porcine cysticercosis from one member of each household. Observations were made on the management systems especially feeding and housing of the pigs. In an earlier study, the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis had been estimated by lingual examination. Logic regression analysis was done to determine the relationships between porcine cysticercosis and management practices level. The pig stock sizes were ranging from 1 pig to 78 pigs and with an average of 11.12. Majority (97.5%) of pig farmers in the study area practiced zero grazing system. In order of preference, the farmers reported to feed their pigs on manufactured commercial feeds, home mixed feeds, swill from hotel and garbage, household left over, and fodder from garden. The main source of water for watering livestock was tapped water within the compound which was reported by 71.6% of the respondents. Other sources were wells and borehole reported by 27.2% and 1.2% of the respondents respectively. On animal health practices, 88.9% of the pig keepers de-wormed their pigs while 97.5% sought veterinary services. There were 69.1% of the respondents who reported that they usually buy replacement pigs. All the respondents kept pigs for commercial purposes. Porcine cysticercosis was significantly associated with sources of household income (p=0.033, the practices of feeding pig on home mixed feeds (p=0.006), neighbors' leftovers (p=0.001), and swill (P=0.001) and also frequency of de-worming pigs (p=0.027). The main risk factor for porcine cysticercosis was the feeding of uncooked swill (odd ratio=7.97). This study is significant in that it has documented for the first-time management risk factor associated with cysticercosis in the study area. The results of this study may be used to advice on improved pig husbandry practices and to design strategies for the control of Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis in the study area.

Liquid fertilizer production by alkaline hydrolysis of carcasses and the evaluation of developed fertilizer in hot pepper cultivation

Alkaline hydrolysis was used to develop a liquid fertilizer which was then applied to hot pepper plants in field in order to assess its potential to be used as a fertilizer. The treatments were control (Cn), developed liquid fertilizer (DLF), inorganic fertilizer (NPK), and DLF + NPK treatments. The chemical properties of the final DLF product were a pH of 10.2, TN of 2.26%, and K of 6.12%, respectively. The length and weight of the plant in hot pepper cultivation were higher in the order of DLF + NPK > NPK > DLF > Cn treatment. The fresh weight of hot pepper under DLF + NPK treatment increased by 312% compared to control. Although the DLF showed a significant increase in fruit length and fruit fresh weight in the hot pepper cultivation compared to the control, the effect of DLF treatment on plant growth was limited due to the unbalanced N-to-P ratios in the DLF. In the potting experiment, the DLF could potentially be used as a supplement to inorganic fertilizer, demonstrating that alkaline hydrolysis is a promising technique for recycling bio-hazardous materials such as infected animal carcasses into value-added liquid fertilizer.

Clinicopathological Features of Contagious Ecthyma-Like Lesions in a Dog

Background: Contagious ecthyma or orf is a poxviral disease of goat and sheep, with incidental infection appearing in humans, cows, camels, and many wild ruminants, and very rarely in dogs. Case description: In the present paper was described gross morphology and histopathology of contagious ecthyma in a dog with a large ulcerated cutaneous mass in the neck (under the collar) which was managed by local surgery. Clinical findings: The mass was solitary, soft, well circumscribed and grey to brown color. Cut surfaces of the mass contained discrete, round without any lobulation and liquefied foci in the centers. Histologically, there were vacuolar degeneration of keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum, marked epidermal proliferation associated with deep epidermal pegs and dermal papilla, and accumulation of scale-crust with ortho- and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis. Dermal lesions included superficial edema, marked capillary dilation, and an influx of neutrophils, followed by a marked accumulation of lymphocytes. It is guessed that the dog was fed with infected carcass. Clinical relevance: As regards the virus has zoonotic potential, it should be given more attention.

Spatio-temporal epidemiology of anthrax in Hippopotamus amphibious in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Uganda.

BackgroundAnthrax is a zoonotic disease primarily of herbivores, caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium with diverse geographical and global distribution. Globally, livestock outbreaks have declined but in Africa significant outbreaks continue to occur with most countries still categorized as enzootic, hyper endemic or sporadic. Uganda experiences sporadic human and livestock cases. Severe large-scale outbreaks occur periodically in hippos (Hippopotamus amphibious) at Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, where in 2004/2005 and 2010 anthrax killed 437 hippos. Ecological drivers of these outbreaks and potential of hippos to maintain anthrax in the ecosystem remain unknown. This study aimed to describe spatio-temporal patterns of anthrax among hippos; examine significant trends associated with case distributions; and generate hypotheses for investigation of ecological drivers of anthrax.MethodsSpatio-temporal patterns of 317 hippo cases in 2004/5 and 137 in 2010 were analyzed. QGIS was used to examine case distributions; Spearman’s nonparametric tests to determine correlations between cases and at-risk hippo populations; permutation models of the spatial scan statistics to examine spatio-temporal clustering of cases; directional tests to determine directionality in epidemic movements; and standard epidemic curves to determine patterns of epidemic propagation.Key findingsResults showed hippopotamus cases extensively distributed along water shorelines with strong positive correlations (p<0.01) between cases and at-risk populations. Significant (p<0.001) spatio-temporal clustering of cases occurred throughout the epidemics, pointing towards a defined source. Significant directional epidemic spread was detected along water flow gradient (206.6°) in 2004/5 and against flow gradient (20.4°) in 2010. Temporal distributions showed clustered pulsed epidemic waves.ConclusionThese findings suggest mixed point-source propagated pattern of epidemic spread amongst hippos and points to likelihood of indirect spread of anthrax spores between hippos mediated by their social behaviour, forces of water flow, and persistent presence of infectious carcasses amidst schools. This information sheds light on the epidemiology of anthrax in highly social wildlife, can help drive insight into disease control, wildlife conservation, and tourism management, but highlights the need for analytical and longitudinal studies aimed at clarifying the hypotheses.