Natural Outbreaks Research Articles

Unveiling the genetic landscape of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in Switzerland: Evidence for vaccine-like and wild-type strains

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory disease affecting chickens worldwide. Unlike many countries, Switzerland does not vaccinate against ILT. This study analysed ILT samples from 21 natural outbreaks in Switzerland using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and multiple gene sequencing. Chicken embryo origin (CEO) and tissue culture origin (TCO) vaccine strains were included as references. Both vaccine strains were distinguishable, and 14 out of 21 samples resembled the CEO vaccine. Additionally, four distinct non-vaccine-like groups were identified. Sequencing of three genes from selected Swiss samples and those from neighbouring countries revealed four phylogenetic clades. Notably, four Swiss field strains formed two unique clades, not closely related to vaccine strains or ILTV from neighbouring countries. Overall, RFLP results were supported by sequencing data. This study demonstrates the presence of both vaccine-like and wild-type ILT viruses in Switzerland, where vaccination is de facto prohibited.

Serological responses of horses in response to vaccination in a farm associated with a natural outbreak of strangles

Serological responses of horses in response to vaccination in a farm associated with a natural outbreak of strangles

War and peace in public health education and training: a scoping review

BackgroundArmed conflict and war are public health disasters. Public health action has a crucial role in conflict-related emergencies and rehabilitation but also in war prevention and peace promotion. Translating this into public health training and competencies has just started to emerge, especially in Europe.MethodsWe conducted a Scoping Review to map and identify the role of public health education and training of public health workforce relating to the prevention of war and promoting peace, as reflected in the scientific literature. We searched in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science Core Collections as well as the reference list of included material in English, German and Polish. Focusing initially on the European region, we later expanded the search outside of Europe.ResultsWe included 7 publications from opinion pieces to an empirical assessment of curricula and training. The educational programs were predominantly short-term and extra-curricular in postgraduate courses addressing both public health professionals in conflict-affected countries as well as countries not directly affected by war. Publications focused on public health action in times of war, without specifying the context and type of war or armed conflict. Competencies taught focused on emergency response and multi-disciplinary collaboration during emergencies, frequently drawing on experience and examples from natural disaster and disease outbreak management.ConclusionsThe scientific discourse on competences in public health education for times of war and for the promotion of peace, predominately focuses on immediate emergency response actions. The prevention of war and the promotion of peace are missing foci, that need to feature more prominently in public health training. Public Health Education and training should ensure that war prevention and peace promotion, as well as public health action in times of war, are included in their competencies for public health professionals.

Democracy in distress? Examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on voter behavior in the 2020 general election in the Greater Boston Area

The conditions of a highly anticipated election during the COVID-19 pandemic present an opportunity to further understand how voting accessibility influenced voting behavior in the 2020 United States general election. At the time of the election, nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as wearing a facemask, physical distancing, and crowd avoidance, were the primary defenses against contracting and spreading the virus. In response to the pandemic, several states enacted emergency voting laws that extended early voting days, loosened restrictions on acquiring an absentee ballot, and provided accessible ballot drop-off locations to reduce health and safety barriers to voters during the pandemic. This study uses a mixed methods design to investigate the motivating factors of voting behavior among Democrat and Independent voters in the Greater Boston Area in the 2020 general election. Based on data from an original survey of 169 individuals and 56 follow-up interviews conducted in early 2021, we find that the predicted probability of being a convenience voter (voting by mail, early voting, ballot drop box, or dropping their ballot at their polling location) goes from 50 % (p < .001) among those who did not express safety concerns related to voting to 82 % (p < .0001), an increase of 32 %. These findings were further triangulated in follow-up interviews with the survey participants. In our follow-up interviews, we also found that electoral integrity was a concern among both traditional and convenience voters; many individuals made a plan to vote in person, vote early, or drop their ballot off at a polling site or drop box to ensure their vote was counted. More broadly, the implications of this research place importance on state election law and election administration in a time of crisis. We expect that in a future crisis, such as a natural disaster or disease outbreak, convenience voting such as extended early voting options, ballot drop boxes, and relaxed restrictions around absentee voting options, may reduce barriers to voting experienced during uncertain or unsafe conditions and facilitate institutional certainty.

Novel insights on microbiome dynamics during a gill disease outbreak in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The generic term “Gill disease” refers to a wide range of disorders that affect the gills and severely impact salmonid aquaculture systems worldwide. In rainbow trout freshwater aquaculture, various etiological agents causing gill diseases have been described, particularly Flavobacterium and Amoeba species, but research studies suggest a more complex and multifactorial aetiology. Here, a cohort of rainbow trout affected by gill disease is monitored both through standard laboratory techniques and 16S rRNA Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis during a natural disease outbreak and subsequent antibiotic treatment with Oxytetracycline. NGS results show a clear clustering of the samples between pre- and post-treatment based on the microbial community of the gills. Interestingly, the three main pathogenic bacteria species in rainbow trout (Yersinia ruckeri, Flavobacterium psychrophilum, and Flavobacterium branchiophilum) appear to be weak descriptors of the diversity between pre-treatment and post-treatment groups. In this study, the dynamics of the gill microbiome during the outbreak and subsequent treatment are far more complex than previously reported in the literature, and environmental factors seem of the utmost importance in determining gill disease. These findings present a potential novel perspective on the diagnosis and management of gill diseases, showing the limitations of conventional laboratory methodologies in elucidating the complexity of this disease in rainbow trout. To the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first to describe the microbiome of rainbow trout gills during a natural outbreak and subsequent antibiotic treatment. The results of this study suggest that NGS can play a critical role in the analysis and comprehension of gill pathology. Using NGS in future research is highly recommended to gain deeper insights into such diseases correlating gill’s microbiome with other possible cofactors and establish strong prevention guidelines.

Clinical and Histopathological Evolution of Acute Intraperitoneal Infection by Streptococcus agalactiae Serotypes Ib and III in Nile Tilapia

Streptococcus agalactiae is a highly invasive bacterium that causes significant economic losses in tilapia aquaculture around the world. Furthermore, it is a pathogen for mammals, including humans, emphasizing its importance in One Health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the evolution of clinical and histopathological lesions caused by acute infection with two serotypes of S. agalactiae. For this, two strains isolated from natural outbreaks in Brazilian aquaculture farms (S13, serotype Ib; S73, serotype III) were used to challenge juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intraperitoneally. Target organ samples were collected ten times, between 1 and 96 h post-infection, for microbiological and histopathological analyses. Anorexia was the first clinical sign and the first death occurred at 24 and 30 h in the fish infected with strains S13 and S73, respectively. Serotype Ib initially caused more pronounced lesions in the nervous system; however, serotype III lesions progressed more aggressively, reaching the same severity as those of serotype Ib. This trend was repeated in the mortality curve after 32 h. These results elucidated the important stages in the pathogenesis of S. agalactiae serotypes Ib and III in tilapia and suggest “tips and tricks” to improve the positive culture rate in the clinical diagnosis of infections in some tissues.

Status of Infection during a Natural Outbreak of Brucellosis in Unvaccinated Buffaloes at a Livestock Farm of Madhya Pradesh in India by using Competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay

Background: Brucellosis is one of India’s most important bacterial diseases of large ruminants. It is of economic importance. It is caused by members of the Brucella species and responsible for abortion in pregnant bovines usually during the first term and generally after the fifth month of gestation. Hence, livestock farm with a history of abortion in pregnant animals has to be investigated for Brucellosis. Methods: Whole blood samples (of 50 individual buffaloes) were collected aseptically from a herd of buffaloes experiencing a natural outbreak of Brucellosis. Extracted serum samples were tested after clarification in commercially procured competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the serological laboratory diagnosis of Brucellosis. Result: Out of 50 buffalo serum samples tested by using commercially procured competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a total of 24 buffalo serum samples tested positive for the presence of Antibodies against Brucella species. Overall seropositivity of 48% was recorded for Brucellosis in the investigated buffalo herd experiencing a natural infection in the present study even after long-term storage of serum samples at deep freezing conditions.

Long-term performance of show-jumping horses and relationship with severity of ataxia and complications associated with myeloencephalopathy caused by equine herpes virus-1.

Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has severe impact on the sport horse population. Study the influence of EHM on the likelihood of affected horses to return to their previous performance and investigate the association of clinical variables with prognosis. Twenty-six horses positive for equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) were admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) during a natural EHM outbreak at an international jumping event. Data collected from the VTH, the International Equestrian Federation, and surveys completed by the riders and horse owners were retrospectively analyzed. Horses affected by EHM had 68% chance of returning to exercise, and 52.9% were able to achieve their preoutbreak performance level. Horses with an ataxia grade at admission ≥4/5 had an increased fatality rate (P < .05) and 10% chance of reaching their preoutbreak performance level. None of the horses with both vascular and urinary complications returned to their previous performance level. Finally, horses vaccinated against EHV-1 and those with urinary complications had a 71.4% and 43.7% fatality rate, respectively. Horses affected by EHM were able to return to their previous performance levels, but certain clinical variables were negatively associated with postoutbreak performance. Ataxia grade upon admission and the development of systemic signs of vasculitis and urinary complications were potential poor prognostic indicators in sport horses. Variables linked to fatality included prior vaccination against EHV-1, ataxia grade upon admission, and the development of urinary complications.

Molecular and pathological investigation of spirochaetosis in a commercial layer flock - case report

The present investigation was carried out of a natural outbreak of spirochaetosis in 46 weeks old layer birds. The most striking post-mortem lesion was an enlarged mottled spleen. Necrotic foci with thickening of the capillary walls in the spleen, severe fatty changes in the liver, and degenerative tubular epithelial cells with casts and lymphocytic infiltration in the kidney were evident histopathologically. PCR amplification of the extracted DNA from spleen tissue indicated 725 and 750 bp amplicon specific for the flagellin gene (flaB) of Borrelia anserina by respective primers. The strain causing the disease was phylogenetically closely related to the Iranian and Brazilian strains of B. anserina. This report describes the genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of B. anserina from a field outbreak of spirochaetosis in layer chickens from India.

Effects of Acipenserid herpesvirus 2 on the outcome of a Streptococcus iniae co-infection in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Acipenserid herpesvirus 2 (AciHV-2) is a large double-stranded DNA virus in the family Alloherpesviridae that causes catastrophic outbreaks in young naive white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) populations, with mortalities of up to 80%. Survivors of these infections are suspected to remain latently infected. The gram-positive zoonotic bacterium Streptococcus iniae is another important sturgeon pathogen that causes severe myositis and up to 50% mortality during natural outbreaks. Throughout the last decade, co-infections of AciHV-2 and S. iniae have been reported in cultured white sturgeon in California resulting in severe presentations of piscine streptococcosis. This phenomenon of herpesvirus and streptococcus co-infection appears to span multiple taxa since in humans, it is recognized that a Human herpesvirus 3 infection (VZV) is a negative prognostic indicator for pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal infections (IGASI). While a decrease in humoral immunity caused by VZV has been hypothesized as a potentially important factor in IGASI cases, no natural animal model exists to study this process. Moreover, no studies have investigated these reported co-infections in white sturgeon. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a recent AciHV-2 infection on the outcome of a subsequent S. iniae challenge in white sturgeon fingerlings. When fish were infected with 108 colony forming units (CFU) of S. iniae intramuscularly (IM), a statistically significant decrease in survival of 41% was detected in the co-infection group compared to the S. iniae group (p-value &amp;lt; 0.001). This difference was not observed when fish were infected with 106 CFU of S. iniae IM. At this lower infection dose, however, a statistically significant downregulation of tnfα was observed in the spleen of fish in the co-infection group compared to the S. iniae group (p-value = 0.0098). Analysis of serum from survivors revealed a statistically significant reduction in anti-S. iniae serum IgM and serum serotransferrin in fish from the co-infection group compared to the S. iniae group (p-value = 0.0134 and p-value = 0.0183, respectively). Further studies are indicated to determine what interactions lead to the decreased production of pathogen-specific IgM, serotransferrin, and TNFα in the host.

Comprehensive Multi-omics Approaches Provide Insights to Summer Mortality in the Clam Meretrix petechialis.

Bivalve mass mortalities have been reported worldwide, which not only can be explained as a result of pathogen infection, but may reflect changes in environments. Although these episodes were often reported, there was limited information concerning the molecular responses to various stressors leading to summer mortality. In the present work, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), tandem mass tagging (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics, and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to explore the natural outbreak of summer mortality in the clam Meretrix petechialis. We identified a total of 172 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 222 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the diseased group compared to the normal group. The inconsistent expression profiles of immune DEGs/DEPs may be due to the immune dysregulation of the diseased clams. Notably, 11 solute carrier family genes were found among the top 20 down-regulated genes in the diseased group, indicating that weakened transmembrane transport ability might occur in the diseased clams. Integration analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic results showed that many metabolic processes such as "arginine and proline metabolism" and "tyrosine metabolism" were inhibited in the diseased group, suggesting metabolic inhibition. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the microbial composition of clam hepatopancreas was disordered in the diseased group. The comparison of DEGs expression between the natural summer mortality event and an artificial challenge experiment involving both Vibrio infection and heat stress revealed 9/15 genes showing similar expression trends between the two conditions, suggesting that the summer mortality might be caused by a combination of high temperature and Vibrio infection. These results would deepen our understanding of summer mortality and provide candidate resistance markers for clam resistance breeding.

Vibrio misgurnus sp. nov., a new pathogen of cultured loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), closely related to Vibrio cholerae

An epidemic with petechial hemorrhages on the body surface recently occurred in the farmed loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) in Sichuan province. Multiple antibiotic treatments were ineffective against this epidemic. This study aims to elucidate the cause of the disease. Two bacterial strains, GVCT and VCS were isolated from diseased loach. Experimental infections with these two isolates resulted in marked symptoms in the loach consistent with those observed in natural outbreaks. The taxonomic status was determined by phenotypic assay, chemotaxonomic and whole genome analysis. Strain GVCT exhibited unique phenotypic characteristics, including its β-glucosidase activity and inability to utilize casein and starch, which distinguished it from Vibrio cholerae ATCC14035T. Paired 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strains GVCT and VCS belong to the genus Vibrio. The primary fatty acids of strain GVCT are C16:0, summed Feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c), and summed Feature 8 (C18:1 ω6c/C18:1 ω7c), and the major respiratory quinone is Q-8. The predominant lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), aminophospholipids (APL) and an unidentified phosphoglycolipid designated PL1. Strains GVCT and VCS have genome sizes of 3.2 Mb and 3.3 Mb, as well as GC contents of 47.0 and 47.2 mol% respectively. Phylogenomic and whole-genome nucleotide sequence analyses further confirmed that these isolates represent a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio misgurnus sp. nov. is proposed, with strain GVCT as the type strain. Strain GVCT was found to be highly pathogenic to loach, causing high mortality and posing a threat to loach aquaculture, with a half-lethal dose (LD50) of strain GVCT for loach is 8.96 × 106 CFU/mL, and it was resistant to drugs such as enrofloxacin, doxycycline hydrochloride, flumequine, neomycin sulphate and florfenicol.

Potential to grow carp oedema virus (genogroup I) in monolayers of carp-derived primary cells with further implication in cell analysis.

Carp oedema virus (CEV) has distinct molecularly identified genogroups of viral mutations, denoted as I, IIa, and IIb. Failure to propagate CEV invitro limits studies towards understanding its interactions with host cells. Here, virus isolates belonging to genogroup I collected during natural outbreaks in the Czech Republic were employed for routine CEV cultivation in monolayers of carp-derived primary cells, common carp brain (CCB) cells, and epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells. Induction of cytopathic effects (CPEs) was observed and recorded in affected cells. Cell survival rate was evaluated under serial dilutions of the CEV inoculum. Virus cell entry was quantified and visualized by qPCR and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Study findings indicate primary gills epithelia likely present the most suitable matrix for CEV growth invitro. Cells of the head kidney and spleen facilitate virus entry with microscopically confirmed CPEs and the presence of cytoplasmic pleomorphic virus particles. Cells of the trunk kidney and gonads are unlikely to permit virus cell entry and CPEs development. Although CEV cultivation in cell lines was inconclusive, EPC cells were CEV permissible. Monolayers of carp-derived primary cells show promise for CEV cultivation that could enable elaborate study of mechanisms underlying cellular binding and responses.

Considerations for prevention of and emergency response to tularemia outbreaks in Ukraine: vaccine involvement

Tularemia is a highly dangerous, febrile zoonotic bacterial infection, endemic to many regions of the Northern hemisphere including Eastern Europe. The current war in Ukraine raises the risk for both natural outbreaks of tularemia resulting from destroyed infrastructure, and potential use as a weapon of war or bioterrorism. There has been a substantial history of outbreaks in prior wars in the region, and tularemia has been previously weaponized and stockpiled as an offensive agent. There are current reports of “mouse fever”, where Russian soldiers are affected with a high fever associated with mice in the battlefield. While antibiotic countermeasures to naturally occurring forms of tularemia are available, these may not be appropriate for long-term risks on the battlefield and could contribute to antibiotic resistance. At this time, there are no FDA or EMA approved tularemia vaccines, which are an ideal alternative to antibiotic prophylaxis. Vaccines have advantages in not requiring diagnosis, are generally safe and effective, leading to long-lasting prophylaxis with little impact to the patient and little need for future medical intervention. The potential for engineered forms of the disease for deliberate use may limit the effectiveness of existing countermeasures. The sporadic nature of outbreaks, and likely outcomes following deliberate use raise a number of complexities in a potential emergency response. Means to optimize potential countermeasure assessment, including responsible and effective vaccine candidate testing are discussed.

Evaluation of three inactive vaccines against Veronaea botryosa infection in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Veronaea botryosa is the etiological agent of a systemic phaeohyphomycosis known as “fluid belly” in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). Fluid belly is a critical disease affecting sturgeon aquaculture and the caviar industry for which there are no commercially available vaccines or approved antifungal treatments to manage outbreaks. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a V. botryosa [conidia], a V. botryosa [mold], and a Saccharomyces cerevisiae [yeast] formalin-killed vaccine on sturgeon immune responses to fungal challenge. Immunization consisted of an initial intracoelomic injection with one of the three treatment preparations, followed by a vaccine booster four weeks later by the same route and dose. Experimental challenge by intramuscular injection with a virulent V. botryosa conidia suspension followed after another four weeks. Non-challenged control fish received injections of PBS. The inactivated vaccines proved safe for white sturgeon fingerlings. Sturgeon immunized with either V. botryosa [mold] or S. cerevisiae [yeast] exhibited a significantly different pro-inflammatory response upon challenge with V. botryosa compared to non-immunized fish. Challenged fish developed clinical signs similar to those reported during natural outbreaks of fluid belly. Positive control treatments (those not immunized but challenged with V. botryosa) experienced the highest mortality; however, survival curves were similar amongst all treatments (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the S. cerevisiae [yeast] vaccine resulted in comparatively lower fungal persistence and fewer lesions following histological analysis. Further efforts evaluating the potential of Saccharomyces spp. as a vaccine candidate against fluid belly are warranted.

Crowdlending Behaviors in the Aftermath of a Crisis: Evidence From a Natural Experiment

Natural disasters and disease outbreaks cause substantial social turbulence and economic damage. The survival and continued operation of local small businesses and entrepreneurs are critical to the development activities in post-disaster recovery. However, these small businesses and entrepreneurs face greater challenges in accessing funding through traditional channels during a crisis. Crowdlending, also known as peer-to-peer microfinancing, has been successfully used to bypass traditional channels and raise funds directly from crowd lenders. However, it is unclear if such platforms can also be effectively used in the aftermath of crises, given that disasters induce both prosocial motivations and risk considerations in lender responses. To understand the operational implications of crowdlending for small businesses, we examine how crowdlenders respond to loan requests during a crisis and what factors moderate their responses. Drawing on the literature on disaster management and crowdlending, we hypothesize that lenders respond positively to loan requests from crisis-affected areas, and such responses are moderated by fundraising objectives and the lender's national culture. With observational data from an influential crowdlending platform and the 2014 Ebola outbreak as the treatment in a natural experiment design, we find that, on average, lenders respond positively to loan requests from crisis-affected areas, and they tend to favor loan requests emphasizing economic rather than social objectives. Furthermore, lenders from collectivistic cultures are more likely to respond positively during a crisis than lenders from individualistic ones. Our study contributes to research and practice in disaster management, particularly small business operations management during crises, by showing that crowdlending can be a useful fundraising channel for small businesses, which is meaningful for post-disaster economic development and recovery. We also offer implications for the recent conversation on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by analyzing and discussing the similarities and differences between the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an inactivated infectious bronchitis virus vaccine candidate from a local isolate of Bangladesh

Objective: Infectious bronchitis (IB), a highly infectious acute viral disease, is a major burden to the chicken industry worldwide. The research aimed to develop an inactivated IB vaccine using local isolates and assess its immunogenicity compared to other commercial live IB vaccines. Materials and Methods: An inactivated vaccine using a candidate IB virus (PP067159.1: Alim_IB_1001) of the QX genotype was developed according to WOAH guidelines. Chickens were vaccinated with three doses (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 ml) at 7 days old, with a booster at 37 days old via subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) routes. Blood samples were collected on days 7, 37, and 67 to measure immune response by indirect ELISA. On day 67, chickens were challenged with a virulent IBV strain to assess vaccine protection. The experimental IB vaccine’s immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and antibody duration were compared to a live IB vaccine (Live CEVAC® IBird) using three vaccination schedules: killed-followed-killed, live-followed-killed, and live-followed-live. Results: Chickens vaccinated with SC with 1.0 ml showed higher antibody titers compared to other SC and IM routes of vaccination. SC vaccination with 0.5 and 1 ml provided the highest protection (93%). The killed-followed-killed vaccination method produced a more consistent and protective level of antibody titers in chickens compared to the other vaccination schedules. The experimental inactivated IB vaccine led to a higher survival rate (93%) compared to live-followed-killed (87%) and live-followed-live (73%), with statistical significance (p &lt; 0.01). All three chicken groups maintained protective antibody titers (&gt;396) at 307 days, but titers declined faster in the live-followed-live and live-followed-killed groups compared to the killed-followed-killed group. Conclusion: The study found that the experimental inactivated IB vaccination can protect com¬mercial-layer chickens from natural IB outbreaks of the QX genotype.

Effects of increasing omega-3 fatty acids on growth performance, immune response, and mortality in nursery pigs.

Three experiments evaluated omega-3 fatty acids, provided by O3 trial feed, on nursery pig growth performance, mortality, and response to an LPS immune challenge or natural Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) outbreak. In experiment 1, 350 pigs (241 × 600, DNA; initially 5.8kg) were used. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of the five dietary treatments containing increasing omega-3 fatty acids (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% O3 trial feed) with 14 replications per treatment. On day 25, two pigs per pen were injected intramuscularly with 20 μg Escherichia coli LPS per kg BW and one pig per pen was injected with saline as a control. Body temperature was taken from all three pigs prior to and 2, 4, 6, and 12h post-LPS challenge. Serum IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations were determined in LPS-challenged pigs 24h prior and 4h post-LPS challenge. There was no interaction between treatment and time for change in body temperature (P > 0.10). Overall, increasing the O3 trial feed did not affect (P > 0.10) ADG, ADFI, G:F, IL-1β, or TNF-α. In experiment 2, 1,056 pigs (PIC TR4 × [Fast LW × PIC L02] initially 7.3kg) were used. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments containing increasing omega-3 fatty acids (0%, 0.75%, 1.5%, and 3% O3 trial feed) with 12 replications per treatment. Oral fluids tested negative on days 7 and 14, but then positive for North American PRRSV virus via PCR on days 21, 28, 35, and 42. Overall, increasing O3 trial feed increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG, ADFI, and G:F and decreased (linear, P = 0.027) total removals and mortality. In experiment 3, 91,140 pigs (DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initially 5.1kg), originating from PRRSV-positive sow farms, were used across eight nursery sites. Each site contained five barns with two rooms per barn and ~1,100 pigs per room. Rooms of pigs were blocked by nursery site and allocated within sow source to one of the two dietary treatments (control or 3% O3 trial feed) with 40 replications per treatment. Oral fluids from 61 of the 80 rooms tested positive for North American PRRSV virus 1wk postweaning and 78 of the 80 rooms tested positive 3wk after weaning. Overall, O3 trial feed did not affect ADG, ADFI, or G:F but increased (P < 0.001) total removals and mortalities. In summary, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, sourced by O3 trial feed, did not improve growth performance or immune response in healthy pigs given an LPS challenge. However, it appears that if omega-3 fatty acids are fed prior to a natural PRRSV break (as in experiment 2), growth performance may be improved, and mortality reduced.

Isolation and characterization of duck viral enteritis (Duck plague) virus from ducks in field outbreaks in Bangladesh

Duck viral enteritis (DVE) also known as duck plague (DP) is a fatal viral disease of ducks globally that causes huge economic losses in the duck industries. The main objectives of the current study were: the isolation of the circulating duck viral enteritis virus (DVEV) from clinical specimens of field outbreaks, molecular identification of the virus and genetic characterization of DVEVThe natural outbreaks of duck plague (DP) were reported between February and June 2018 on three commercial duck farms located at Netrokona, Mymensingh and Nilphamari districts of Bangladesh. A total of 42 dead ducks were collected from the three farms. Postmortem examination of dead ducks was carried out and gross lesions of the visceral organs were recorded.Liver and spleen samples were collected aseptically and 10% viral inoculum was prepared from liver and spleen. Isolation of DVEV was done by injecting viral inoculum into 9-13 days old embryonated duck eggs through the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) route.Molecular detection of DVEV in liver, spleen and CAM homogenate was performed by PCR targeting 446 bp fragment of DNA polymerase gene of DVEV. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out by comparing the amino acid sequence of field isolatesof DVEV with the amino acid sequence of global isolates of DVEV deposited in the GenBank. Enlargement of the liver and spleen, abdominal haemorrhage, and annular rings of the trachea were seen in the affected ducks which were characteristics gross lesions in DVE.18of 42 samples (42.85%) were found positive for DVEV by PCR assays. Embryos of duck experimentally inoculated with DVEV were found dead at 3-5 days post infection.Degenerated blood vessels of the CAM, dwarfism of the embryos was observed. The phylogenetic study revealed that the DVEV isolates causing disease outbreak in ducks in the current study were 100% similar to the isolates of DVEV thatpreviously reported from Bangladesh, Vietnam and China.

The GIBACHT fellowship: a multilateral initiative for strengthening capacity in biosafety and biosecurity towards pandemic preparedness.

The German Biosecurity Programme was launched in 2013 with the aim to support partner countries overcome biological threats including natural outbreaks or the intentional misuse of highly pathogenic agents. As part of this programme, this paper describes the development and implementation of a multilateral biosafety and biosecurity training initiative, called 'Global Partnership Initiated Biosecurity Academia for Controlling Health Threats' (GIBACHT). To achieve its objectives, GIBACHT implemented a blended-learning approach with self-directed, distance-based learning phases and three training-of-trainer workshops. The programme follows Kirkpatrick's model of learning to guarantee sustainable effects of improved knowledge and skills. One hundred nine fellows from 26 countries have been trained in seven cohorts. Many GIBACHT alumni have established additional biosafety/biosecurity trainings in their home countries. The knowledge exchange is strengthened by the implementation of a Moodle-based alumni network. GIBACHT has the potential to contribute to strengthening the capacities of partner countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia to respond and build resilience to biological threats.