Livestock Production Worldwide Research Articles

Antibiotic-Fe3O4 nanoparticles with highly efficient catalytic activity for enhanced chemiluminescence detection of tetracyclines residues in foods

Tetracyclines (TCs) are the most commonly antimicrobial agents that used in livestock production worldwide. It is important to supervise tetracyclines residues in food for environmental monitoring and food safety. In this study, a novel, label-free chemiluminescence (CL) assay without antibody was established. Fe3O4 NPs could facilitate the CL interaction between luminol and H2O2. Interestingly, TCs could enhance the catalytic ability of Fe3O4 NPs and result in a further amplification of the CL intensity. The CL intensity varied linearly with the concentration of tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), chlortetracycline (CTC), and ranging from 10–2400, 10–2800, and 5–2100 nmol/L, respectively; The limits of detection were 4 nmol/L for TC, 6 nmol/L for OTC, and 2 nmol/L for CTC. This CL strategy was applied successfully in testing three TCs residues in milk, eggs and honey samples with more sensitive results, which provided an alternative strategy for monitoring the correct use of TCs.

Indirect hemagglutination assay for diagnosing brucellosis: Past, present, and future

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes enormous losses in livestock production worldwide and has a significant public health impact. None of the brucellosis-free countries is currently able to guarantee their ability to prevent the introduction of the pathogen due to the increase in tourism and the expansion of migration. The timely identification of infected animals is an effective means of preventing brucellosis and minimizing the epidemiological risk. The tube agglutination test, Rose Bengal plate test, complement fixation test, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which are routinely used to identify seropositive productive animals, have limitations and results that do not always correlate. The indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) stands out among non-traditional methods because it is affordable, has a simple protocol, and is more reliable than classical serological tests, especially in cases of questionable and/or false-negative results. The diagnostic value of the IHA has long been studied by laboratories in several countries, but mostly by post-soviet research teams; therefore, the results continue to be published in Russian-language journals, ensuring that the local scientific community can access the results. In addition, the efficacy of this test for the diagnosis of brucellosis and other infectious diseases has not yet been reviewed. The purpose of this review was to summarize the results of studies on the development and use of IHA for the diagnosis of brucellosis and to determine the prospects for further improvement Keywords: brucellosis, diagnostic value, indirect hemagglutination assay, prospects for improving the test, serological tests.

Propolis (bee glue): a promising natural feed additive for poultry and rabbits – a review

Abstract The concerns about the possible adverse effects of synthetic feed additives in livestock production world-wide has led producers to search for alternative natural feed additives. Propolis (bee glue) is a mixture of natural viscous substances that are collected by honeybees from plants. This natural product consists of about 200–300 compounds with high biological and pharmacological properties. Propolis induces an improvement in growth parameters, feed utilization, and meat quality. It also exerts antioxidant, anti-stress, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory and hepatic and cardiac protective effects. The presence of a huge amount of polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acid esters, triterpenes, aromatic acids, diterpenic acids, and lignans are responsible for the biological properties of propolis. Therefore, propolis shows potential promising effects when applied in livestock and poultry production system. Accordingly, this review article is aimed to highlight the influences of propolis on the general health conditions of poultry and rabbits regarding the performance parameters and carcass characteristics, as well as the antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and the immuno-potentiation potentials.

Study the distribution and biological characteristics of field isolates of Bovine immunodeficiency and Spumavirus infection pathogens

Based on the analysis of OIE data and world scientific literature, the spread of spumavirus infection and bovine immunodeficiency in livestock production worldwide, and on the basis of our own research in Ukrainian livestock production was studied. The adaptive ability of field isolates of minor infections to homologous cell cultures for cattle, genetic characteristics of pathogens isolated in different regions of Ukraine, the effect of field isolates of the pathogen when inoculated into the body of laboratory animal models at the hematological, molecular genetic and biochemical levels have been studied

Molecular detection of Babesia infection in cattle in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract. Nugraheni YR, Ariyadi B, Rochmadiyanto, Kesumaningrum N, Imran K, Kartiko BP, Farhani NR, Nurani S, Sahara A, Awaludin A. 2023. Molecular detection of Babesia infection in cattle in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4192-4198. Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoa that poses a significant threat to livestock production worldwide, including in Indonesia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and molecular characterization of Babesia sp., the causative agent of babesiosis, in cattle from multiple regions in Central Java, Indonesia. The disease has had substantial negative economic impacts, highlighting the need for accurate prevalence data and effective disease control measures. A total of 13 blood samples were collected from cattle exhibiting symptoms of hematuria and babesiosis. The samples were obtained from smallholder farmers who reported these cases to local veterinarians in various regions of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The farmers were selected based on their proximity to veterinary clinics and willingness to participate in the study. Upon sample collection, each blood sample was subjected to microscopic examination using Giemsa-stained blood smears. The examination aimed to identify the presence of Babesia parasites within the red blood cells. Positive samples, indicating the presence of Babesia infection, were further analyzed by molecular assay. Molecular tests were performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the DNA of Babesia sp. Two specific genes were targeted: cytochrome b oxidase (cytb) and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA). PCR amplification was carried out following established protocols, and the resulting products were visualized using gel electrophoresis to confirm the presence of Babesia DNA. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the sensitivity and efficacy of the two PCR methods (cytb and 18S rRNA). The data obtained from this study contributes to our understanding of the occurrence of babesiosis in Central Java's cattle population. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive babesiosis disease surveys to obtain accurate prevalence estimates and facilitate the development of effective disease control strategies. Moreover, the more sensitive amplification targeting the cytb gene holds promise for improved diagnostic and surveillance efforts. These insights are crucial for combating babesiosis and mitigating its economic impact on livestock production.

A mixed amplicon metabarcoding and sequencing approach for surveillance of drug resistance to levamisole and benzimidazole in Haemonchus spp.

Anthelmintic-resistant parasitic nematodes present a significant threat to sustainable livestock production worldwide. The ability to detect the emergence of anthelmintic resistance at an early stage, and therefore determine which drugs remain most effective, is crucial for minimising production losses. Despite many years of research into the molecular basis of anthelmintic resistance, no molecular-based tools are commercially available for the diagnosis of resistance as it emerges in field settings. We describe a mixed deep amplicon sequencing approach to determine the frequency of the levamisole (LEV)-resistant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within arc-8 exon 4 (S168T) in Haemonchus spp., coupled with benzimidazole (BZ)-resistant SNPs within β-tubulin isotype-1 and the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) nemabiome. This constitutes the first known multi-drug and multi-species molecular diagnostic developed for helminths of veterinary importance. Of the ovine, bovine, caprine and camelid Australian field isolates we tested, S168T was detected in the majority of Haemonchus spp. populations from sheep and goats, but rarely at a frequency greater than 16%; an arbitrary threshold we set based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of LEV-resistant Haemonchus contortus GWBII. Overall, BZ resistance was far more prevalent in Haemonchus spp. than LEV resistance, confirming that LEV is still an effective anthelmintic class for small ruminants in New South Wales, Australia. The mixed amplicon metabarcoding approach described herein paves the way towards the use of large scale sequencing as a surveillance technology in the field, the results of which can be translated into evidence-based recommendations for the livestock sector.

Molecular Mechanism of m6A Methylation Modification Genes METTL3 and FTO in Regulating Heat Stress in Sheep.

Heat stress is an important environmental factor affecting livestock production worldwide. Primary hepatocytes and preadipocytes derived from Hu sheep were used to establish a heat stress model. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that heat induction significantly increased the expression levels of heat stress protein (HSP) genes and the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification genes: methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14), and fat mass and obesity associated protein (FTO). Heat stress simultaneously promoted cell apoptosis. Transcriptome sequencing identified 3980 upregulated genes and 2420 downregulated genes related to heat stress. A pathway enrichment analysis of these genes revealed significant enrichment in fatty acid biosynthesis, degradation, and the PI3K-Akt and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways. Overexpression of METTL3 in primary hepatocytes led to significant downregulation of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP110, and significantly increased mRNA m6A methylation; FTO interference generated the opposite results. Primary adipocytes showed similar results. Transcriptome analysis of cells under METTL3 (or FTO) inference and overexpression revealed differentially expressed genes enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, as well as the PI3K-Akt and Ras signaling pathways. We speculate that METTL3 may increase the level of m6A methylation to inhibit fat deposition and/or inhibit the expression of HSP genes to enhance the body's resistance to heat stress, while the FTO gene generated the opposite molecular mechanism. This study provides a scientific basis and theoretical support for sheep feeding and management practices during heat stress.

The ovaries of ivermectin-resistant Rhipicephalus microplus strains display proteomic adaptations involving the induction of xenobiotic detoxification and structural remodeling mechanisms

Controlling Rhipicephalus microplus is among the most significant challenges for livestock production worldwide. The indiscriminate use of acaricides stimulates the selection of resistant tick populations and is therefore ineffective. Understanding the molecular foundations of resistance could help inform the search for new alternatives for tick control. Although the ovary has been suggested as a relevant target organ for tick control, there are few existing studies that focus on tick ovarian tissue. Therefore, we conducted a comparative proteomic analysis on ovaries of R. microplus strains with differential resistance to ivermectin. In resistant ticks, we observed the over-accumulation of proteins involved in several biological processes, including translation, proteolysis, transport, cellular organization, differentiation, and xenobiotic detoxification. We also observed the accumulation of many structural and extracellular proteins such as papilin-like protein, which glycosylation increase its stability-based molecular modeling. Therefore, we propose that ovaries of ivermectin-resistant ticks overcome the negative impact of ivermectin through the activation of detoxification mechanisms and structural proteins associated with the remodeling of the ovary's extracellular matrix. SignificanceUnderstanding the molecular foundation of ivermectin resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus represents an essential step in cattle farming, which could provide clues and alternatives for tick control. Excessive use of chemicals like ivermectin allows the generation of resistant tick strains in different countries. However, limited molecular information is available concerning the tick's resistance to ivermectin. Detailed proteomics scrutiny in various tick organs will provide more comprehensive molecular information. Thus, we conducted an ovary comparative proteomic-based TMT-SPS-MS3 approach. We highlight in ivermectin-resistant ticks the over-accumulation of structural proteins and enzymes connected to detoxification mechanisms.

Modelling the control of bovine brucellosis in India.

Brucellosis imposes substantial impacts on livestock production and public health worldwide. A stochastic, age-structured model incorporating herd demographics was developed describing within- and between-herd transmission of Brucella abortus in dairy cattle herds. The model was fitted to data from a cross-sectional study conducted in Punjab State of India and used to evaluate the effectiveness of control strategies under consideration. Based on model results, stakeholder acceptance and constraints regarding vaccine supply, vaccination of replacement calves in large farms should be prioritized. Test and removal applied at early stages of the control programme where seroprevalence is high would not constitute an effective or acceptable use of resources because significant numbers of animals would be 'removed' (culled or not used for breeding) based on false positive results. To achieve sustained reductions in brucellosis, policymakers must commit to maintaining vaccination in the long term, which may eventually reduce frequency of infection in the livestock reservoir to a low enough level for elimination to be a realistic objective. This work provides key strategic insights into the control of brucellosis in India, which has the largest cattle population globally, and a general modelling framework for evaluating control strategies in endemic settings.

Pharma-cartography: Navigating the complexities of antibiotic supply to rural livestock in West Bengal, India, through value chain and power dynamic analysis.

Antibiotic resistance threatens provision of healthcare and livestock production worldwide with predicted negative socioeconomic impact. Antibiotic stewardship can be considered of importance to people living in rural communities, many of which depend on agriculture as a source of food and income and rely on antibiotics to control infectious diseases in livestock. Consequently, there is a need for clarity of the structure of antibiotic value chains to understand the complexity of antibiotic production and distribution in community settings as this will facilitate the development of effective policies and interventions. We used a value chain approach to investigate how relationships, behaviours, and influences are established during antibiotic distribution. Interviews were conducted with key informants (n = 17), value chain stakeholders (n = 22), and livestock keeping households (n = 36) in Kolkata, and two rural sites in West Bengal, India. Value chain mapping and an assessment of power dynamics, using manifest content analysis, were conducted to investigate antibiotic distribution and identify entry points for antibiotic stewardship. The flow of antibiotics from manufacturer to stockists is described and mapped and two local level maps showing distribution to final consumers presented. The maps illustrate that antibiotic distribution occurred through numerous formal and informal routes, many of which circumvent antibiotic use legislation. This was partly due to limited institutional power of the public sector to govern value chain activities. A 'veterinary service lacuna' existed resulting in livestock keepers having higher reliance on private and informal providers, who often lacked legal mandates to prescribe and dispense antibiotics. The illegitimacy of many antibiotic prescribers blocked access to formal training who instead relied on mimicking the behaviour of more experienced prescribers-who also lacked access to stewardship guidelines. We argue that limited institutional power to enforce existing antibiotic legislation and guide antibiotic usage and major gaps in livestock healthcare services make attempts to curb informal prescribing unsustainable. Alternative options could include addressing public sector deficits, with respect to both healthcare services and antibiotic provision, and by providing resources such as locally relevant antibiotic guidelines to all antibiotic prescribers. In addition, legitimacy of informal prescribers could be revised, which may allow formation of associations or groups to incentivise good antibiotic practices.

Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cattle in Three Districts in Central Ethiopia.

Parasitic diseases are a major impediment to livestock production worldwide. However, knowledge about the epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites in many low-income countries is still limited. An epidemiological survey on these parasites in traditionally reared cattle was performed in central Ethiopia (West Shewa Zone), from September 2019 to November 2021. Overall, 691 samples were analyzed qualitatively (flotation technique) and quantitatively (McMaster technique) to detect helminth eggs and Eimeria oocysts. Furthermore, coprocultures were conducted on pooled samples to identify the genera of gastrointestinal strongyles (GIS). The difference in prevalence according to agroecology, season, age, sex and body condition score (BCS) was investigated using univariable tests and through a multivariable logistic regression analysis, whereas abundance values were interpreted using a descriptive approach. The highest prevalence values were observed for GIS (50.2%) and Eimeria spp. (36.0%), whereas Moniezia spp. (16.3%), Strongyloides spp. (5.1%) and Schistosoma spp. (4.2%) showed lower values. Trichuris spp. and Toxocara vitulorum were sporadically found. A coproculture revealed that Haemonchus spp. (34.6%), Trichostrongylus spp. (25.9%) and Bunostomum spp. (19.1%) were the most frequent genera of GIS. A poor BCS was strongly associated with the occurrence of GIS, while seasonal variations were detected for Eimeria spp., GIS, Moniezia spp. and Schistosoma spp., with a higher prevalence and burden during the rainy season, and agroecology also strongly influenced different parasitic taxa. This present study increases the knowledge about the epidemiological features of gastrointestinal parasites in the context of a low-income country, suggesting a more tailored approach for their control. The use of a BCS as an indicator for the selective treatment of highly infested animals is supported by our findings, introducing a possible way to prevent anthelmintic resistance in areas where basic diagnostic services are rarely used by farmers.

Effects of dietary supplementation of Amla, Chicory and Leek extracts on growth performance, immunity and blood biochemical parameters of broilers

The need for solutions to relieve heat stress and its undesirable effects on broiler production increased, especially in hot climatic areas. The antioxidant and immune stimulant effects of herbal extracts of Emblica officinalis (Amla), Cichorium intybus (Chicory) and Allium porrum (Leek) were examined against the adverse effects of heat stress in broilers. One thousand Cobb 500 one-day-old chicks were used for this experiment. Birds were divided into four equal groups. The first served as the control group. The second received Amla extract (3 g/kg diet), the third received Chicory extract (3 g/kg diet) and the last group received Leek extracts (3 g/kg diet). All groups were daily subjected to heat stress for 12 h by increasing house temperature to 8 ± 2 °C (10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily) using an electric heater, while relative humidity was kept at 47 ± 3%. Results revealed significant improvement in final body weight in treated groups, especially the Chicory and Amla-fed groups. Total weight gain was improved by dietary supplementation with herbal extracts, while feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality percentage were reduced. The positive impact of the herbal extracts was also clear on carcase traits in the treated groups. Meat and serum lipids were significantly reduced in treated groups. White blood cells, phagocytic index and antioxidant enzyme levels were positively improved by dietary supplementations. In conclusion, using Amla, Chicory and Leek extracts positively improved broilers’ growth performance, immunity and oxidative stress status under heat stress conditions. Highlights Heat stress causes huge economic losses in livestock production worldwide. Herbal extracts are rich in antioxidants at low prices than other feed additives. Herbal extracts can enhance the defense system and reduce the negative effects of heat stress.

Epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens of cattle and tick control practices among mixed farming and pastoral communities in Gairo and Monduli districts, Tanzania.

Tick-borne diseases including East Coast fever, anaplasmosis and babesiosis constitute a major constraint to improving livestock production worldwide, including Tanzania. Determination of the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of pathogens in cattle is important for informed decision making on the control and prevention of these diseases. However, little is known about the epidemiology of these pathogens in cattle in some regions of Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Theileria parva in cattle, determine the risk factors associated with infection with these pathogens and also to assess tick control practices in Gairo and Monduli districts of Tanzania. Out of the 520 cattle sampled, the majority (82.9%) were infested with ticks of different species, predominated by Rhipicephalus decoloratus (42.7%), Amblyomma variegatum (31.3%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (23.1%) and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (17.7%). Other ticks that were found on cattle included Rhipicephalus microplus (15.8%), Amblyomma gema (13.8%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (12.9%), Amblyomma lepidum (8.1%), Hyalomma truncatum (2.9%) and Hyalomma albiparmatum (2.1%). On microscopy 23 (4.4%) of 520 cattle were positive for hemoparasites. Of the 23 positive cattle, 13 (2.5%), 6 (1.2%) and 3 (0.6%) were monolithically infected with A. marginale, T. parva, and B. bovis respectively, while one (0.2% %) had co-infections of T. parva and A. marginale. The number of positive cattle increased to 184 (35.4%), when they were subjected to detection with PCR. This included the 23 samples that were positive on microscopy. Based on PCR, the overall prevalence of the pathogens from the two districts was 11.5%, 11.2%, 6.2% and 2.5% for B. bigemina, A. marginale, T. parva and B. bovis, respectively. Hemoparasite co-infection occurred in 6.9% of the cattle examined. The prevalence of co-infections was 2.7%, 4%, and 0.02% for T. parva/A. marginale, B. bigemina/A. marginale and B. bigemina/A. marginale/T. parva, respectively. Cattle with co-infections had significantly lower (p<0.005) mean packed cell volume as compared to cattle with mono-infections. The majority (96%) of cattle examined were subjected to different methods of tick control. A number of risk factors were shown to be associated with the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens in cattle. Higher prevalence of A. marginale may be due to its wide range of biological and mechanical transmission. These findings could be used to strengthen future control programs for ticks and tick-borne diseases in the study areas.

A comparison of logistic regression and classification tree to assess brucellosis associated risk factors in dairy cattle

Machine learning approaches have been increasingly utilized in the field of medicine. Brucellosis is one of the most common contagious zoonotic diseases with significant impacts on livestock health, reproduction, production, and public health worldwide. Therefore, our objective was to determine the seroprevalence and compare the logistic regression and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) data-mining analysis to assess risk factors associated with Brucella infection in the densest cattle populated Egyptian governorates. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 animals (383 cows, 17 bulls) distributed over four Governorates in Egypt's Nile Delta in 2019. The randomly selected animals from studied geographical areas were serologically tested for Brucella using iELISA, and the animals' information was obtained from the farm records or animal owners. Eight supposed risk factors (geographic location, gender, herd size, age, history of abortion, shared equipment, and disinfection post-calving) were evaluated using multiple stepwise logistic regression and CART machine-learning techniques. A total of 84 (21.0%; 95% CI 17.1–25.3) serum samples were serologically positive for Brucella. The highest seroprevalence of Brucella infection was reported among animals raised in herd size > 100 animals (65.5%), with no disinfection post-calving (61.7%), with a history of abortion (59.6%), and with shared equipment without thorough cleaning and disinfection (57.1%). The multiple stepwise logistic regression modeling identified herd size, history of abortion, and disinfection post-calving as important risk factors. However, CART modeling identified herd size, disinfection post-calving, history of abortion, and shared equipment as the most potential risk factors for Brucella infection. Comparing the two models, CART model showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC = 0.98; 95% CI 0.95 – 1.00) than the binary logistic regression (AUROC = 0.89; 95% CI 0.73 – 0.92). Our findings strongly imply that Brucella infection is most likely to spread among animals raised in large herds (>100 animals) with a history of abortions and bad hygienic measures post-calving. The CART data-mining modeling provides an accurate technique to identify risk factors of Brucella infection in cattle.

Effect of arecoline, aqueous and methanolic areca nut extracts on rumen fluke

Paramphistomosis is a parasitic disease that causes a reduction of livestock production and economic losses worldwide. In order to avoid side effect and chemical residue from usage of chemical drugs, medicinal plant is an alternative drug for treatment. Areaca nut (Areaca catechu) which one of the domestic plants in Southeast Asia had antihelmintic activity. In this study, arecoline, aqueous and methanolic extracts of areca nut prepared in solutions were tested for antihelmintic activity against rumen flukes (Paramphistomum sp.). The parasites were incubated in a culture media (RPMI-1640, pH 8) at 39°C in a carbon dioxide-incubator containing 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/mL of the tested compounds for 15, 30 min, 1 h and 24 h. The results showed that the methanolic and aqueous crude extracts from seeds of Areaca catechu and arecoline HBr at concentration of 1 mg/mL solutions could destroy the tegument (surface membrane) of the flukes and killed them all at initial time. Thus, these areca nut extracts exhibited the potential alternative medicine with antihelmintic activity against rumen flukes.

Identification of CCp5 and FNPA as Novel Non-canonical Members of the CCp Protein Family in Babesia bovis.

Bovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia bovis, is an economically significant tick-borne disease that imposes restrictions to livestock production worldwide. Current methods to control bovine babesiosis have severe limitations and novel approaches, including transmission-blocking vaccines, are needed. Members of the widely conserved CCp family are multidomain adhesion proteins containing LCCL motifs, which are differentially expressed on gametocytes of apicomplexans, including Babesia spp. and Plasmodium spp. While Plasmodium parasites contain 6 distinct CCp genes, only three members (CCp 1-3) were previously identified in B. bovis. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of two novel non-canonical members of the CCp gene family in B. bovis, named CCp5 and FNPA. The genes were identified in silico by TBLASTN using P. falciparum CCp family domains as queries. Unlike CCp1-3, the B. bovis CCp5 and FNPA proteins lack the LCCL canonical domain but contain other typical multidomain adhesion motifs which are present in classical CCp proteins. In addition, the B. bovis CCp5 and FNPA are in synteny with known CCp genes in related apicomplexans. Sequence analysis of these two proteins demonstrated high sequence conservation among B. bovis different isolates. Transcription, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated expression of CCp5 and FNPA in blood and in vitro induced sexual stages of B. bovis. The FNPA, in contrast to CCp5, has a predicted transmembrane domain, suggesting that it might be expressed in the surface of sexual stage parasites. Altogether, finding of this study support FNPA as a possible target of a transmission-blocking vaccine against B. bovis.

Multi-pollutant assessment of river pollution from livestock production worldwide

Livestock production is often a source of multiple pollutants in rivers. However, current assessments of water pollution seldomly take a multi-pollutant perspective, while this is essential for improving water quality. This study quantifies inputs of multiple pollutants to rivers from livestock production worldwide, by animal types and spatially explicit. We focus on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and Cryptosporidium (pathogen). We developed the MARINA-Global-L (Model to Assess River Inputs of pollutaNts to seAs for Livetsock) model for 10,226 sub-basins and eleven livestock species. Global inputs to land from livestock are around 94 Tg N, 19 Tg P, and 2.9 × 1021 oocysts from Cryptosporidium in 2010. Over 57% of these amounts are from grazed animals. Asia, South America, and Africa account for over 68% of these amounts on land. The inputs to rivers are around 22 Tg Total Dissolved Nitrogen (TDN), 1.8 Tg Total Dissolved P (TDP), and 1.3 × 1021 oocysts in 2010. Cattle, pigs, and chickens are responsible for 74–88% of these pollutants in rivers. One-fourth of the global sub-basins can be considered pollution hotspots and contribute 71–95% to the TDN, TDP, and oocysts in rivers. Our study could contribute to effective manure management for individual livestock species in sub-basins to reduce multiple pollutants in rivers.

Green Veterinary Pharmacology Applied to Parasite Control: Evaluation of Punica granatum, Artemisia campestris, Salix caprea Aqueous Macerates against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep.

Resistance to anthelmintic drugs in gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of sheep is of high concern for livestock production worldwide. In Calabria (southern Italy), many plants have been used in ethnoveterinary medicine for parasite control in small ruminants. Here, we present an in vivo evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of three plant extracts. The first was based on bark and leaves of Salix caprea, the second and the third were based on the whole plant Artemisia campestris and whole fruit (seeds and peel) of Punica granatum, respectively. Anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated according to the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) performed with the FLOTAC technique. The results showed a significant anthelmintic effect of Punica granatum macerate (50%), a low effectiveness of the Artemisia campestris macerate (20%), and a complete ineffectiveness of Salix caprea macerate (0.1%). With these outcomes, we report a P. granatum-based remedy reducing 50% GIN egg output. This result was obtained without using any synthetic drug, paving the way for the employment of green veterinary pharmacology (GVP) as a complementary and sustainable method to reduce the use of chemicals and to counteract anthelmintic resistance.

Tick-Borne Pathogens and Diseases in Greece.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are recognized as a serious and growing public health epidemic in Europe, and are a cause of major losses in livestock production worldwide. This review is an attempt to present a summary of results from studies conducted over the last century until the end of the year 2020 regarding ticks, tick-borne pathogens, and tick-borne diseases in Greece. We provide an overview of the tick species found in Greece, as well as the most important tick-borne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) and corresponding diseases in circulation. We also consider prevalence data, as well as geographic and climatic conditions. Knowledge of past and current situations of TBDs, as well as an awareness of (risk) factors affecting future developments will help to find approaches to integrated tick management as part of the ‘One Health Concept’; it will assist in avoiding the possibility of hotspot disease emergencies and intra- and intercontinental transmission. Increased surveillance in Greece is required to ensure clear and effective policies for TBD control.

A multiplex assay for the detection of antibodies to relevant swine pathogens in serum.

Livestock industry supports the livelihood of around 1.3 billion people in the world, with swine industry contributing with 30% of total livestock production worldwide. To maintain and guarantee this production, a pivotal point according to the OIE is addressing potential biohazards. To control them, permanent sero-surveillance is crucial to achieve more focused veterinary public health intervention and prevention strategies, to break the chains of transmission, and to enable fast responses against outbreaks. Within this context, multiplex assays are powerful tools with the potential to simplify surveillance programs, since they reduce time, labour, and variability within analysis. In the present work, we developed a multiplex bead-based assay for the detection of specific antibodies to six relevant pathogens affecting swine: ASFV, CSFV, PRRSV, SIV, TB and HEV. The most immunogenic target antigen of each pathogen was selected as the target protein to coat different microsphere regions in order to develop this multiplex assay. A total of 1544 serum samples from experimental infections as well as field samples were included in the analysis. The 6-plex assay exhibited credible diagnostic parameters with sensitivities ranging from 87.0% to 97.5% and specificities ranging from 87.9% to 100.0%, demonstrating it to be a potential high throughput tool for surveillance of infectious diseases in swine.