Mycobacterium bovis causes bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a chronic infectious disease with significant veterinary, public health, and economic consequences. The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay is increasingly used alongside the Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test (SICTT) in Ireland's national bTB eradication programme, but age-specific patterns associated with IFN-γ positivity or post-mortem visible lesion detection (VLD) have not been fully characterised. This retrospective cohort study includes 267,674 SICTT-negative cattle tested with IFN-γ between May 2019 and December 2023 in high-risk Irish herds. Mixed-effects logistic regression models quantify associations between age and (i) IFN-γ positivity and (ii) VLD at slaughter among IFN-γ-positive cattle. Models adjust for sex, herd type, prior inconclusive SICTTs, number of prior 'risky' SICTT tests, and herd-level breakdown size (% of animals positive). Overall, 9.6% of SICTT-negative cattle test positive to IFN-γ. Our findings show that IFN-γ positivity increases with age, peaks in cattle aged 4-6 years, plateaus until 8 years, and declines thereafter. Relative to beef breeding herds, dairy, mixed, and 'other' herd types are associated with higher IFN-γ positivity, as is a history of prior inconclusive SICTTs, and fewer prior 'risky' SICTT exposures. Among IFN-γ-positive cattle, 21.9% exhibit VLD at slaughter. VLD positivity shows a U-shaped relationship with age, highest in the youngest (0-2 years), reducing in cattle aged 2-4, then increasing linearly to oldest (>8 years) cattle. The VLD odds are approximately half in dairy herds compared with beef breeding herds and are elevated in herds in the largest quartile of breakdowns (>6.25% of animals positive). The interpretation of these results should consider that IFN-γ-positivity and VLD likely reflect different stages of bTB infection, with early immune responses detected ante-mortem and visible lesions at post-mortem representing later stage disease; the absence of visible lesions therefore does not exclude M. bovis infection. It appears that age-specific IFN-γ positivity and VLD in high-risk herds are likely shaped by production systems, prior risky SICTT exposures, and herd-level outbreak dynamics rather than simple cumulative risk. The IFN-γ testing helps to identify infected cattle missed by SICTT, particularly in the early infection or large herd breakdowns and serves to support targeted, risk-based deployment to optimize Ireland's bTB eradication programme.

ABSTRACTProtected areas (PA) in African savannas support biodiversity and ecosystem services, but are increasingly surrounded by hard land‐use transitions as surrounding human populations grow. Fencing PAs is a potential, yet contested, response to mitigate growing human–wildlife conflicts at their edges. We test the consequences of such conservation fencing for communities neighboring PAs in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania, in a multi‐year before‐and‐after study of an adjacent fenced (Ikorongo Game Reserve) and unfenced (Serengeti National Park) area, using remote sensing, ground transects, and community interviews. We found that conservation fencing contributed to changes in cropland or livestock grazing coverage. In addition, conservation fencing did not have a clear impact on the spatial zonation of specific crop types. Positive perceptions expressed by community members towards the conservation fence were: (i) more success with crop farming due to less time needed for guarding crops against nocturnal elephant damage, (ii) youth shifting their focus from (risky) poaching to crop farming and small business. Negative perceptions included: (i) more land use conflict because grazing lands close to the fence became cropland, where few livestock keeping households with large herds moved to the unfenced site, (ii) restricted access to resources (livestock grazing, thatch grass, water) within the reserve, despite the illegality of their use. We conclude that conservation fencing can strongly benefit farmers near PAs while protecting wildlife, particularly along hard boundaries, but also risks leakage effects (unwanted spillover into nearby areas). Implementing conservation fencing, therefore, requires careful consideration of the larger socio‐ecological landscape, for instance, by accounting for current land uses and changes in the spatial availability of resources resulting from fencing.

Veterinary medicine costs are a major component to the economic losses caused by diseases in dairy cattle herds. This study aimed to quantify veterinary drug costs with a particular emphasis on antibiotics, in relation to key production parameters on eight large Hungarian dairy farms (average: 864 cows per herd) from 2017 to 2019. Veterinary drug costs were analysed by product group and indication, with antibiotic costs further categorised by substance class and indication. The average annual cost of veterinary drugs was €75.4 per cow and 0.80 € cents*L-1 milk. Antibiotics accounted for the largest share (39.7%) of total drug costs. Main indications were udder diseases (29.6%), reproductive disorders (26.5%), lameness (11.8%), digestive (11.5%) and respiratory diseases (10.0%). The average annual cost of antibiotics was €29.9 per cow and 0.32 € cents*L-1 milk. On average, 51.8% of antibiotic costs were treating mastitis, 27.8% for lameness, 12.1% for respiratory and digestive diseases and 8.3% for reproductive failures. Most antibiotic costs were for cephalosporins (63.2%), fluoroquinolones (11.1%) and antibiotic combinations (9.5%) (e.g., amoxicillin and clavulanic acid), followed by tetracyclines, macrolides and penicillins. The majority of veterinary drug costs in the surveyed Hungarian dairy herds were attributable to antibiotics, followed by hormones and vaccines.

Streptococcus uberis is currently the most notableemerging mastitis pathogen in South Africa. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to investigate the sequence types (STs) of S. uberis isolated from bovine milk and their epidemiological patterns of occurrence. This retrospective, longitudinal study was conducted on a pasture-based herd of 1005 lactating cows, on which slurry-spreading had been recently introduced. Composite cow milk samples were collected quarterly during routine whole herd sampling and from clinical mastitis cases (monthly) during 2021. Streptococcus uberis isolates obtained from two routine samplings and clinical mastitis cases were stored at -80°C. In 2024, seven S. uberis isolates were added; these were from the same cows in consecutive samplings. The prevalence of S. uberis intramammary infection (IMI) was 7.44%, while 21.26% of clinical mastitis cases were caused by S. uberis. Based on conventional microbiology, 31.4% of S. uberis IMIs were recurring in consecutive samplings. A total of 42 S. uberis STs were identified from 70 isolates; 41 were novel and only 1 (ST 1613) had been previously reported in the PubMLST/GenBank database. Of the S. uberis isolates examined, 35.7% had known clonal complexes (CCs); of these, 60% were CC ST-5. Owing to the high heterogeneity, no predominant STs were observed; ST 1613 was isolated six times but did not cause clinical cases. When S. uberis was isolated from a cow more than once, only 50% of the isolates had similar STs. Where cows had multiple infections in an udder, quarters infected had different STs. In summary, this herd showed significant heterogeneity in S. uberis, with all but one ST being novel variants. Results indicate that S. uberis IMI in this herd was transient, possibly of environmental origin rather than persistent udder infections, making a point-source of infection less likely.

In the multiple-use zone of the Royal Manas National Park, over 64 per cent of households rely on subsistence farming, with livestock rearing as the main source of household income through dairy products. The traditional practice of maintaining large cattle herds in the forests increases vulnerability of livestock to carnivore predation, intensifies competition with wild ungulates, and contributes to forest degradation, threatening livelihoods and endangered species such as tigers. To address these challenges, a self-sustaining Jersey calf-sharing scheme was introduced, distributing ‘seed cows’ free of cost with the condition to share any female offspring with other households. Five years after implementation, this study assessed the livelihood and conservation outcomes through a survey of 56 beneficiary households administered via the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) database. The findings indicate a 43.6 per cent increase in Jersey cows, reduced forest grazing, lower livestock losses to carnivores, and improved dairy income. The scheme enhanced equitable benefit sharing, strengthened community engagement, and fostered positive conservation attitudes. We recommend exploring similar conservation livelihood initiatives across protected areas, supported by regular monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability.

In recent years, there have been important regulatory and management changes in livestock farming in Italy and other European countries. The goal of these changes has been to decrease the use of antimicrobials (antimicrobial stewardship). The objective of this observational study was to explore the potential relationship between the decrease in the use of antimicrobials and the rise in the culling of dairy cattle on 210 farms in the Lodi province. Records of antimicrobials used in dairy herds (measured as the daily defined dose animal for Italy-DDDAit) and culling rates were retrieved from the Italian Ministry of Health official databases. These were statistically analyzed to assess the presence of an association between changes in the DDDAit and changes in the culling rates in 2023 and 2024. The results indicated that the DDDAit exhibited minimal fluctuations over the two-year period (3.61% vs. 2.45%). However, there was a notable shift observed in the culling rates, particularly among smaller herds (24.51 vs. 39.27%). The statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between herd size and antimicrobial treatment, with a higher frequency in larger herds. The results of this study indicate that reducing antimicrobial treatments alone may not necessarily result in better animal welfare or herd sustainability, particularly when it is associated with an increase in the culling rate. It also suggests that antimicrobial treatment rates and culling rates derived from a mandatory recording system provide a simple means of verifying the level of herd health management and of assessing the antimicrobial stewardship approach efficacy.

In 2024 Kenya had a population of 4.78 million camels that contributed to the livelihoods of pastoralist communities in northern Kenya. Previous studies in Kenya, Saudi Arabia and eastern Africa demonstrated high seroprevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-specific antibodies in dromedary camels, as well as sporadic transmission of MERS-CoV from camels to humans. Based on the MERS-CoV data and the very close contact between owners and their camels in northern Kenya, we speculated that camels may also transmit other zoonotic viruses, such as Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). In this study, 493 camel and 197 human sera were collected in Marsabit, Kenya, through a cross-sectional survey in 2018 and analyzed for the presence of RVFV IgG antibodies using a laboratory-developed indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 15.6% of camels and 7.6% of humans were RVFV IgG-positive; IgG-positive camels were predominantly females in large population herds and IgG-positive humans were engaged in farming-related activities and were greater than 18 years old. Of the eight location groups sampled, two had high camel (site 2 and site 6) and two had high human (site 5 and site 6) RVFV seropositivity rates. These data suggest that camelids, such as dromedary camels, may serve as amplifying hosts for vector-borne zoonotic diseases, such as RVFV, and that humans with frequent farming and camel meat, milk, or camel product contact may have increased risk for RVFV exposure or infection.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease affecting livestock, causing significant economic losses. This sero-epidemiological study investigated FMD distribution and associated risk factors in cattle and buffaloes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. A total of 800 serum samples were collected from cattle (n = 610) and buffaloes (n = 190) and tested for antibodies against FMD viral structural proteins (SP) and non-structural proteins (NSP) using ELISA. Overall, 35.25% (282/800) of samples were NSP-positive, indicating natural infection. Serotype-specific analysis showed serotype O as the most prevalent (66.1%), followed by serotype A (50%) and Asia-1 (32%). Cattle exhibited higher FMD prevalence (37%; 95% CI: 33-40) than buffaloes (30%; 95% CI: 23-37). Significant spatial variations in SP and NSP Seroprevalence were observed across different areas. Risk factor analysis identified male sex, young age (1-2 years), crossbred and exotic breeds, summer season, large herd size, smallholders subsistence production systems, poor body condition, and animal movement as factors associated with significantly higher (p < 0.05) FMD circulation. These findings indicate that FMD is highly endemic in the border region and highlight the critical need for government-led mass vaccination campaigns, targeted risk-based surveillance, and stringent movement control to mitigate disease spread. Implementation of such control strategies is essential to safeguard livestock health and protect the regional economy from substantial losses.

A comprehensive field study was conducted from August, 2023 to January, 2024 in Tripura, India to understand dairy management practices among cooperative members. Three districts were selected, and a total of 120 respondents were randomly sampled. Based on herd size, the respondents were categorized into three groups: small (&lt; 3 animals), medium (3–8 animals), and large herd (&gt; 8 animals). Using a structured interview schedule, data were gathered on feeding, breeding, housing, milking, calf care, along with reproductive and healthcare management practices. Results showed that dairy cattle were reared semi-intensively, were fed an average daily ration of 5.92±0.39 kg green fodder, 1.85±0.07 kg concentrate, and 7.34±0.27 kg dry fodder per animal. Bran was the predominant concentrate ingredient. Artificial insemination was the primary breeding method (85.83%). In terms of housing, most farmers used concrete flooring (64.17%) and employed a tie-barn system (76.67%), with corrugated galvanized iron (GI) sheet roofing. The average floor space per animal was 19.37±0.52 sq ft while the overall roof height was 9.38±0.19 ft.The manual “knuckling” milking method was used by the majority (64.17%) of farmers. Most farmers (87.5%) dried off pregnant animals two months before parturition and administered colostrum within two hours of birth. Calf deworming was nearly universal (97.5%), though no dehorning was practiced. Repeat breeding and anestrous were the most common reproductive problems. While deworming was widespread, routine vaccination was lacking. In case of illness, Majority of farmers (83.33%) sought treatment from private practitioners.

The genetic diversity of influenza A viruses in swine (IAV-S) in Europe, including key subtypes such as H1N1, H3N2, H1N2, and H1N1pdm09 (which features H1 hemagglutinin genes from the H1A, H1B, and H1C genetic clades), presents challenges for vaccine development and raises concerns about potential swine-to-human transmission. IAV-S also affects the pork industry, requiring management practices such as vaccination and the adoption of biosecurity measures. To evaluate the dynamics of IAV-S infections in large pig herds and assess viral diversity and circulation patterns in pig farms, two Northern Italian farrow-to-finish farms with prior IAV-S infections participated in a 2022 longitudinal study. Sows and their piglets were sampled during farrowing and nursery. In 2023, a follow-up evaluated IAV-S circulation after implementing different vaccination strategies on the two farms, including vaccination of sows and piglets. The circulation of multiple IAV-S strains into the two farms was observed, identifying H1BN2, H1AN1, H1CN1, and H1CN2, characterized by different genetic patterns. We confirmed that maternal immunity was ineffective in preventing virus circulation among piglets. HI tests showed variability in detecting strains, raising concerns about their specificity. After vaccination was implemented on both farms, we detected only H1CN2 strains, but with distinct genetic patterns. The study highlighted the genetic diversity of IAV-S strains circulating in Italian pig farms, including potential incursions from unknown external sources. Vaccination efforts resulted in broad antibody responses; however, as expected, they did not eliminate viral circulation. The diversity of lineage-derived H1C strains, along with the emergence of H1C2.4 strains, will require further investigation.

Kid health problems are important welfare and productivity concerns in goat farming, yet herd-level patterns and management responses remain poorly described in many production systems. This cross-sectional study investigated farmer-reported kid health problems in Swedish goat herds and their associations with herd size and management practices. An online questionnaire distributed through national goat networks during 2024 yielded 684 completed responses, representing approximately one-third of Swedish goat keepers. Overall, 27.63% of farms (189/684) reported at least one kid health problem during the preceding three years, most commonly gastrointestinal disorders (22.8%), followed by joint-related (15.1%) and neurological conditions (9.0%). A subset of farms (6.0%) reported multiple concurrent types of kid health problems, indicating more complex herd health profiles. The proportion of farms reporting at least one kid health problem increased with herd size; large herds (>50 animals) were more likely to report health problems compared with small herds (RR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.08-2.10), while medium-sized herds showed modest, non-significant increases. This herd-level outcome is inherently influenced by herd size, as larger herds have a higher probability of observing at least one case. Farms reporting multiple concurrent kid health problems more frequently implemented management measures such as isolation during kidding, early colostrum provision, and selenium supplementation, likely reflecting reactive adoption following previous health challenges rather than proactive prevention. Longitudinal studies using animal-level data are needed to clarify causal relationships.

As highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreads in US dairy herds, substantial uncertainty remains regarding modes of transmission and net impacts on cattle health and productivity. The objectives of our study were to identify factors associated with risk of clinical HPAI diagnosis (cHPAI) among lactating cows and quantify subsequent productivity and health outcomes of cHPAI versus nonclinical (NC) cows. We used herd management data from a dairy farm in Michigan (44.8 ± 10.4 kg/d ECM, 1.58 ± 0.04 SCS before outbreak; mean ± SD) that experienced an HPAI outbreak in May 2024. Over 13 d, 28.3% of the herd's lactating cows (932/3,293) exhibited clinical signs and were treated for HPAI. Univariate analysis demonstrated greater risk of diagnosis for multiparous versus primiparous cows (odds ratio [OR] 2.36; 95% CI 1.97-2.82); pregnant versus not (OR 1.45; 1.25-1.70); ≥100 DIM versus <100 DIM (OR 1.66; 1.41-1.95); and greater milk yield (OR 1.013 per kilogram per day; 1.005-1.021). Multivariate modeling retained parity, the quadratic effect of DIM, and pregnancy status as risk factors for cHPAI diagnosis. After accounting for DIM, pregnancy tended to be protective rather than increasing risk of HPAI diagnosis (OR 0.71; 0.54-0.92), with peak risk occurring for nonpregnant cows in their fifth lactation at 220 DIM. Effects of HPAI diagnosis in the same lactation were assessed with data from 9 test days from May 2024 to January 2025 in a model that also included parity and the quartic fit of DIM, with repeated measures within cow. At 25 d after onset, cHPAI cows produced 15.1 ± 0.40 kg/d less ECM, and SCS increased 1.89 ± 0.07 units (mean ± standard error of the difference) relative to NC cows. The SCS no longer differed between groups at 98 d post-onset, but ECM yield remained significantly different through 224 d after the outbreak (-4.60 ± 0.63 kg/d). Primiparous cows had a lesser ECM reduction than multiparous cows (-2.05 ± 0.60 vs. -7.39 ± 0.66 kg/d for parity 1 vs. 3). Protein concentrations increased subtly in cHPAI cows at 25 d and 56 d post-outbreak compared with NC. Clinical HPAI cows had a 1.74-fold greater hazard (95% CI 1.16-2.62) of death and a 2.61-fold greater hazard (95% CI 2.16-3.16) of culling during the ongoing lactation compared with NC. Clinical HPAI and NC cows did not differ in the odds of abortion, mastitis, or having at least 1 adverse health event. In summary, primiparous cows were at lesser risk for cHPAI and suffered less production losses than multiparous cows. Milk production of cHPAI cows was impaired for more than 7 mo after HPAI onset, far longer than the effects on SCS. Clinical HPAI diagnosis was strongly associated with subsequent hazards of death and culling. Our findings provide insight into the magnitude and duration of milk production impacts in one large herd while also providing novel insights into cow-level factors linked to risk of clinical HPAI.

Methane (CH4) from livestock farming is a significant environmental hotspot, accounting for a substantial share of global anthropogenic emissions. However, LCA studies often rely on generic or model-based emission data that may lack accuracy. This study aims to develop and validate an innovative UAV-based methodology for direct, on-site measurement of enteric and manure-related CH4 emissions from dairy cattle, to improve LCA emission inventories. Methane emissions from three Italian dairy farms were quantified using a mass balance approach with an open-path TDLAS sensor mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Uncertainty analysis evaluated correlations with wind speed, animal number, wind direction variability, temperature, and time since last feeding. Data quality was assessed using a Data Quality Rating (DQR) following the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, considering technological, geographical, and temporal representativeness as well as methodological consistency. Daily enteric emissions per animal unit (AU) were measured, ranging from 0.18 to 0.24 kg CH4/AU/day. Based on an average live weight of 650 kg per cow (1 AU = 500 kg), this corresponds to approximately 0.23 to 0.31 kg CH4 per head per day, or 84 to 113 kg CH4 per head per year. Results showed that uncertainty decreased with higher wind speeds and larger herds but increased with variability in wind direction and temperature. The UAV-based measurements showed good agreement with IPCC model estimates (93–97% across sites), demonstrating reliability. Direct UAV-based CH4 measurements demonstrated significantly higher data quality (DQR = 1.2) compared to IPCC Tier 2 estimates (DQR = 1.6) and Ecoinvent data (DQR = 2.6), highlighting the added value of high-resolution, site-specific monitoring in agricultural emission assessments. A comparative LCA of a model dairy farm using both UAV-measured and IPCC emission factors demonstrated that direct measurements improve the accuracy and site-specificity of environmental assessments, underscoring the value of primary data for robust, context-specific life cycle inventories. UAV-based methane measurements resulted in a climate change impact 5.2% higher than IPCC Tier 2 estimates, and 11.2% higher than assessments using generic Ecoinvent emission factors, highlighting their greater sensitivity to real-world emission dynamics. This difference was primarily driven by CH4, highlighting its pivotal role in farm-level LCA precision. The UAV-based methodology provides a low-cost, innovative tool for direct, site-specific CH4 emission measurement from dairy cattle, improving the reliability of LCA inventories. Its integration supports more accurate environmental assessments and sustainable decision-making in livestock farming.

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) threatens cattle farming in England. Supplementing tuberculin skin testing with the interferon-gamma blood test during TB incident (breakdown) management can enhance diagnostic sensitivity. We aimed to identify herds at greater risk of recurrence depending on their recent TB history to inform targeted interferon-gamma test deployment. Using observational data, we analysed TB breakdowns in herds with a lesion-positive or bacteriologically positive (officially tuberculosis free-withdrawn [OTF-W]) breakdown in the High-Risk Area or six-monthly surveillance section of the Edge Area of England between 2018 and 2020. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the odds of recurrence 18 months post-breakdown, based on TB status in the 18 months prior (OTF-W, OTF-suspended [OTF-S], none). Covariates previously identified as recurrence risk factors were included. Herds with an OTF-W breakdown history had significantly higher odds of recurrence than those with no history: odds ratio [OR] 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1‒1.6). OTF-S history did not confer increased risk: OR 0.9 (95% CI: 0.8‒1.1). A large herd size was another significant risk factor for recurrence. Limited covariates were included in the analysis, which means that other factors potentially driving the recurrence of disease within herds may have been overlooked. This analysis supports prioritising interferon-gamma testing of OTF-W breakdown herds with an OTF-W history but not an OTF-S history. Large herds, irrespective of breakdown history, may also benefit. Effective interventions against TB recurrence require further investigation.

The CSN2 gene encoding β-casein has gained increasing attention in dairy cattle breeding due to the global adoption of A2-oriented selection strategies. However, robust large-scale evidence assessing potential unintended effects on functional traits, particularly fertility, under intensive commercial conditions remains limited. This study evaluated whether selection for the CSN2 A2 β-casein variant is associated with biologically relevant differences in fertility traits in Holstein cows. Reproductive and genomic data from 7826 lactation records of 2773 Holstein cows collected between 2022 and 2025 in a large commercial dairy herd were analyzed. Fertility indicators included days open, number of services per conception, calving interval, first-service conception rate, and pregnancy by 100 days in milk. Mixed-effects models accounting for repeated lactations and cow- and sire-level clustering were applied, and predefined equivalence margins were used to distinguish statistical non-significance from biological irrelevance. Across all evaluated fertility traits, differences among CSN2 genotypes (A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2) were consistently small, biologically negligible, and well within predefined equivalence margins. Differences in days open were within ±2 days, and effect sizes for count and binary traits were close to unity. Parity and calving year significantly influenced reproductive performance, whereas no CSN2 genotype × parity interactions were detected. These findings indicate that selection for the CSN2 A2 β-casein variant does not compromise reproductive performance under intensive commercial management conditions. From a breeding and industry perspective, the results support the implementation of A2-oriented selection strategies without biologically meaningful adverse effects on fertility.

This study analyzes the leather and skin sector in the Far North region of Cameroon. The main objective is to better understand the current dynamics and to identify the levers to improve production and marketing in this sector. To this end, quantitative and qualitative data was collected in four departments, thanks to interviewers who have a good understanding of the sector and who met with several resource persons. The results show that the leather and hide sector contributes 274,187,000 CFA francs to the local economy, without even taking into account non-formal activities, which are in the majority. Several strengths have been identified, such as an average level of artisanal processing, a large herd, and tannery experience well anchored in family traditions. However, there are many weaknesses that hinder profitability and development: limited funding, lack of collective organization, inappropriate hide collection and stone-throwing process, dependence on middlemen, traditional and extensive livestock farming practices, lack of industrialization, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of commercial training. Based on these observations, a business plan was drawn up for the creation of a trade centre dedicated to this sector. This centre should reach profitability in the fourth year with a rate of 1%, and see its profitability increase to 6% in the fifth year, thus allowing additional investments to be relaunched. This centre aims to professionalise the sector, structure collection, improve quality and facilitate access to financing for craftsmen. The key recommendations focus on several areas. It is essential to structure the hide collection network by department, which will facilitate health and quality control. In addition, there is a need to strengthen slaughter techniques through training and extension, and to set up up-to-date market information systems. Access to microfinance should be facilitated through partnerships with banks. Awareness campaigns among key stakeholders are needed to improve practices. Training on the grading and quality of hides according to recognized standards should also be introduced. Finally, the modernization of infrastructure is crucial: setting up centralized slaughterhouses, investing in modern skinning equipment, and equipping the trade center with suitable equipment for finishing and processing. The quality of products must be improved through technical training and the adoption of modern management practices, while encouraging the pooling of services among craftsmen. These measures will increase the competitiveness of the sector and promote its sustainable development.

The article is devoted to using various types of embroidery in everyday life of the Kazakhs: “tuskiiz” (wall embroidered carpet), bedspread, valance, pillowcase, towel, everyday clothes and utensils of the Kazakhs of the Kosh-Agach District in the Altai Republic in modern times. Preservation of the ritual for preparing the bride's dowry among the Altai Kazakhs is exposed. The main item of the Kazakh bride's dowry is tuskiiz, which is embroidered by the mother as a memory of the parental home and as a talisman against the evil eye. Particular attention is paid to the use of tambour embroidery for wall carpets, as well as to the varieties of embroidery, and the use of colour, patterns and ornaments in embroidery and their meanings. The author attempts to identify methods of execution and determine the time and spatial characteristics of the varieties of embroidery techniques of different craftswomen. The author explains significant differences between embroidered Kosh-Agach wall carpets and Mongolian Kazakh carpets in their elaborate ornamental compositions. The Kazakh dowry differed according to regional features and the wealth of the bride's parents. The Kazakh dowry included various items: bedding, clothing, utensils, dishes and livestock for the household. The dowry of rich brides involved a yurt with all the interior furnishings and a large livestock herd. Currently, dowry of the Altai Kazakhs, in addition to embroidered items for the bed, includes sewing machines, furniture, and household appliances. The article examines the history and application features of Kazakh traditional embroidery. The author explains continuity of headpieces of the Kazakhs - tymak, saukele, borik - with headpieces of the Saka period.

The public health and economic impact of brucellosis remain a significant concern in Ethiopia. The high seroprevalence rates observed in both camels and humans indicate the potential for cross-species transmission, highlighting the risk of brucellosis spreading. However, there is limited evidence concerning the relationship between brucellosis prevalence in humans and camels in the pastoralist regions of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 camels and 390 camel farmers in the Dire district from November 2023 to March 2024, using multistage sampling. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camel farmers and their camels. During screening and confirming the presence of brucellosis, a modified rose Bengal plate test (MRBPT) and an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) were used, respectively, as a test series. Among 390 camels, 7.17%, 95% CI (4.99-10.22) and 4.36%, 95% CI (2.72-6.91) were seropositive for Brucella using MRPT and I-ELISA, respectively. Among 390 camel farmers, Brucella seroprevalence was 7.69% (95% CI: 5.42-10.81) by MRBPT and 3.08% (95% CI: 1.75-5.35) by I-ELISA. In camels, adult (OR: 5.59, 95% CI: 1.67-44.48), female (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.54-12.81) and large herds (OR: 5.10, 95% CI: 1.27-20.49) were statistically significant risk factors for the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis. In humans, the presence of a positive animal in the household (OR: 5.07, 95% CI: 1.10-23.34) and camel farmers who consume raw milk (OR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.51-5.21) were also statistically significant risk factors for the seroprevalence of brucellosis. The presence of a Brucella-positive camel in households and the consumption of raw milk highlight shared exposure at the human-animal interface. In marginal areas of Ethiopia, such as the Dire district, camel herders often face challenges accessing public services and information regarding zoonotic diseases. Consequently, promoting preventive strategies and raising awareness about the public health effects of camel brucellosis are encouraged to decrease the impact of this zoonotic disease in pastoral communities.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), caused by Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), represents a significant economic burden on the global dairy industry through reduced productivity, reproductive disorders, and abortion. This cross-sectional study estimated the seroprevalence of IBR and identified associated risk factors among cattle in Eastern and Southern Algeria. Between September and December 2023, blood samples were collected from 380 cattle across 45 unvaccinated dairy farms in thirteen provinces. Sera were tested for BoHV-1 antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), and seropositive samples underwent DIVA testing (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) to detect glycoprotein E (gE) antibodies. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed risk factor associations with seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence was 38.95% (148/380), with a 100% herd-level prevalence. Among seropositive animals, 66.89% (99/148) were gE-positive, indicating natural infection, while 33.11% (49/148) were gE-negative, suggesting prior vaccination or vaccination exposure. Multivariable analysis identified four significant risk factors (p < 0.05): exotic origin (aOR = 5.33), large herd size (aOR = 2.12), age >3 years (aOR = 1.77), and breed, with crossbreeds showing lower susceptibility (aOR = 0.15) compared to Prim'Holstein cattle. These findings demonstrate widespread circulation of IBR in Algerian cattle, predominantly through natural infection rather than vaccination. The implementation of comprehensive control strategies, including official vaccination programmes utilizing DIVA-compatible vaccines and enhanced biosecurity measures, is crucial to mitigate economic losses in Algeria's dairy sector.

IntroductionLumpy skin disease (LSD) threatens cattle health and productivity in Ivory Coast, where limited resources for livestock management hinder disease control. Moreover, the lack of studies on its prevalence and genetic profile leaves critical gaps in understanding its epidemiology and local risk factors. This study addresses these gaps by investigating LSD viruses’ prevalence, its molecular characteristic and the associated risk factors among cattle in the Poro Region of northern Ivory Coast.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, nodule and nasal swab samples were collected from 405 cattle across 36 villages between September 2023 and December 2024 based on syndromic surveillance. The samples were analyzed PCR to confirm LSD virus presence, followed by sequencing of four viral genes: RPO30, GPCR, EEV glycoprotein, and B22R.ResultsOverall, LSD prevalence among cattle showing pox-like lesions and clinical symptoms was found to be 51.85% and varied significantly across localities, reaching 66.67% in M’bengué and 70.87% in Dikodougou. Larger herds (over 50 cattle) had a higher prevalence (76.51%) compared to smaller herds (34.72%), and transhumant herds showed increased prevalence (p < 0.001). No significant associations were identified between sex, age, or breed. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Ivory Coast LSDV strains clusters with other African field strains, distinct from South-East Asian and Russian recombinants.DiscussionThe present study shows a notable regional difference in the prevalence of LSD in cattle in Ivory Coast, with big and transhumant herds having a higher prevalence rate making the herd size and movement a major risk factor. Molecular analysis demonstrated that Ivory Coast LSD strains are in the same group with other strains found in the African field, indicating that it is necessary to take control measures within the region and provide further surveillance.