Pet Owners Research Articles

Possible relationship between long-term post neutering complications in dogs and caregiver burden in the owners

Gonadectomy, commonly known as neutering, is widely used to address dog overpopulation and reduce reproductive disease risks, such as mammary cancer and pyometra. It is also advocated for behavior modification. However, neutering is associated with an increased risk of certain musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, several types of cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and cognitive dysfunction. These conditions may necessitate ongoing care and treatment, that require special care that the caregiver must provide furthermore burdens the caregiver with daily tasks, which encompasses the emotional, physical, social, and financial impact on pet owners caring for chronically ill animals. This burden can result in burnout, health issues, depression, social isolation, and financial stress. The potential benefits and risk of gonadectomy can affect the quality of life of both humans and pets. Relevant research findings should therefore be incorporated into each pet's and owner's particular situation. The purpose of this review is to address the long-term neutering risks and the potential caregiver burden that arises from these risks.

Learning to read and interpret tattoos.

Tattooing has been a facet of many civilizations and cultures for millennia with a recent resurgence in popularity in many Western countries. The reasons for tattooing are diverse ranging from simple decorative designs to enforced tattooing of concentration camp inmates. In a forensic context tattoos are frequently observed and may play a role in some cases of identification, even after decomposition, incineration or dismemberment. More broadly however, tattoos can provide significant information on a decedent's name and age, country or region of origin, religion, names of family members and friends, pet ownership, political affiliations, sporting and recreational activities, military service, gang memberships, drug usage and medical data. Thus, careful reading of tattoos at the time of post mortem examination can sometimes be a very productive exercise delivering background material on a decedent that may not have been provided in police reports.

Management optimization in pet friendly restaurants in Bogotá

Introduction: This research project focuses on presenting a case study of entrepreneurship about a pet-friendly restaurant in the La Candelaria neighborhood of Bogotá, which will offer food services for pets (cats and dogs). Key factors such as location, target market, competition, legal considerations and financial implications will be analyzed. The objective pursued is to investigate the background and costs of these restaurants from a business administration perspective. Scientific management and total quality theories were applied to improve efficiency and profitability. Methodology: It is a quantitative approach that includes a survey directed at pet owners in the center of Bogotá. Initial and fixed costs are analyzed, as well as variable costs per dish, and monthly income is estimated based on daily sales. The results were graphed for greater representation of the data. A search on the topic was carried out in databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar for publications made in the last five years (2029-2023), to check the existence of articles on the topic and assume them as references to this study. Results: Preliminary results indicate a significant demand for pet-friendly restaurants, especially among socioeconomic strata 2 and 3. In addition, pet owners show a willingness to pay prices in line with the gastronomic offer and demand additional services for their pets. Conclusion: Investing in a pet-friendly restaurant in the center of Bogotá is presented as a viable and profitable opportunity due to the growing demand for gastronomic experiences that include pets. The application of scientific management and total quality principles can improve the efficiency and profitability of these businesses

Medication compliance by cat owners prescribed treatment for home administration.

Most veterinary literature examining medication compliance has described the phenomenon in dogs. The evidence available regarding factors affecting cat owner medication compliance is limited. Identify and describe factors associated with cat owners' noncompliance with veterinary recommendations for pet medications, as well as client-reported barriers and aids to administering medications prescribed by primary care veterinarians. Cat owners presenting their animals for veterinary examination and treatment. A cross-sectional survey of cat owners' compliance with veterinary medication recommendations was performed from January 9, 2019, to July 18, 2020. A convenience sample of owners prescribed medication for their pets by veterinarians during or after elective veterinary examination was recruited to respond to questions regarding medication administration experience and compliance. Follow-up was obtained from owners to determine if the course of medication had been completed. Compliance data were analyzed descriptively, and logistic regression was performed. Medication noncompliance was recorded for 39% (26/66) of cat owners. A quarter (16/66) reported challenges in administering medication to their pets; the most commonly cited reason was a resistant pet. Oral administration of antibiotics was significantly associated with noncompliance (P = .01). Clients with limited pet ownership experience were less likely to be noncompliant (P = .04). Clients' inability to medicate their cats PO may have implications for clinical outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship. Alternatives to direct PO administration of solid-form medications in cats should be considered. Demonstrating administration techniques to all clients may improve compliance and influence clinical outcome.

Pets Diseases and Public Health: Zoonosis, Transmission and Treatment: A Review

Zoonotic infections transferred from pets to humans constitute an escalating public health issue exacerbated by the surge in pet ownership worldwide, especially in urban environments. Companion animals operate as reservoirs for several diseases, including viruses, germs, and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans, presenting substantial dangers to animal and human health. This review examines the transmission dynamics, prevention, and treatment techniques associated with zoonotic diseases in companion animals, focusing on the influence of veterinary practices, environmental factors, and human-animal interactions. The main aim of this review is to consolidate existing knowledge, pinpoint significant gaps in the field, and offer insights into successful techniques for managing zoonotic risks linked to pets. The review examines trends and conclusions from recent studies, concentrating on growing zoonotic hazards and the efficacy of preventative methods, including immunization, parasite management, and veterinary surveillance. Literature indicates substantial disparities in zoonotic disease prevalence influenced by regional, social, and environmental factors. Urbanization is a significant component in the proliferation of zoonotic illnesses, as high pet populations and heightened human-animal interactions intensify transmission risks. Moreover, despite advancements in veterinary diagnostics and therapies enhancing the management of zoonoses, there persists a necessity for stronger integration of One Health strategies and more focused research in resource-limited environments. This review culminates in recommendations for future research, specifically regarding the influence of cultural practices on pet care, the effects of climate change on zoonotic transmission, and the significance of cross-sector collaboration in public health and veterinary domains.

Assessment of Human-originated Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) as Effective Contraceptive in Domesticated Queens (Felis catus) in Iraq

Domestic cats (Felis catus) pose a significant challenge for pet owners during the mating season, necessitating effective contraceptive strategies to manage feline populations. This study investigated the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), precisely the human formulation Depo-Provera®, as a potential solution for feline contraception. Ten adult female cats were included in a randomized controlled trial, with the treatment group receiving a single intramuscular injection of 25 mg/cat MPA. Clinical observations, vaginal cytology, and hormonal analysis were conducted to assess treatment efficacy. Results demonstrated that MPA treatment effectively suppresses estrus behaviours, prolongs interestrus duration, and modulates hormonal profiles (estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin). This indicates its promise as a safe and practical contraceptive option for managing feline populations. This study provided a viable, non-invasive alternative for feline population control. Further research is recommended to optimize dosing regimens and evaluate long-term effects on reproductive health‎‎‎.

The Diagnosis and Treatment Status of Common Diseases in Pet Dogs

With the improvement of people's living standards, more and more people need the companionship of pets, and pet dogs are the largest proportion of all kinds of pets, and the number of people entering the human family is also constantly surging, becoming a member of the human family. However, pet dogs are not always healthy, and a variety of common diseases endangering the health of pets will also break out in pet dogs, which requires strengthening the prevention and treatment of common diseases of pet dogs, reducing the pain caused by pet diseases, reducing the mental pain of pet owners, and reducing the economic burden of families. Breeding personnel must deeply understand the importance of pet dog epidemic prevention and control, in addition to seriously do a good job in the daily breeding of feeding, cleaning, disinfection, but also should pay close attention to the external performance of the dog, in order to strictly grasp the prevention and control of pet dog epidemic.

Classification of pet owners based on knowledge attitude and practice about rabies and its vaccination in Duc Hue, Long An province during the period 2021 - 2023

Rabies manifests is a zoonotic ailment affecting both humans and carnivorous animals. The administration of rabies vaccination, particularly to domesticated animals such as dogs and cats, is an efficacious prophylactic measure for safeguarding the optimal health of both animal and human populations. The conscientiousness of pet owners regarding rabies vaccination significantly contributes to the effectiveness of rabies prevention initiatives. A comprehensive survey employing the Knowledge-Attitude-Practices framework was undertaken among owners of dogs and cats to appraise the efficacy of the three-year rabies vaccination program spanning 2021 to 2023 in Duc Hue district, Long An province. The primary objectives of this inquiry were to succinctly delineate the program’s outcomes and to gauge the evolution of awareness and behavioral patterns among dog and cat owners. The survey adopted a nuanced approach by categorizing participants into sub-groups, emphasizing the differentiation of outcomes across these delineated groups. Findings indicated that the vaccine coverage exceeded 80% within Duc Hue, Long An province’s dog and cat population in 2023. The analytical assessment consistently identified three to four discernible population clusters annually, based on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice scores, focusing on their alignment with the overall mean within the population. Additionally, specific attention was directed towards clusters exhibiting lower scores, with a location and occupation. Identifying these clusters necessitates further exploration and warrants the development of more tailored communication and approach strategies to optimize the efficacy of the ongoing vaccination campaign.

Pets and related allergens modify the association between early life DEHP exposure and respiratory outcomes in children.

Throughout the perinatal period children are exposed to complex mixtures, including indoor chemicals such as phthalates, and biological agents. However, few studies focus on interactions between early-life co-exposures to shed light on how co-exposures modify their individual effects. Therefore, our study aims to assess whether early-life exposure to pets and related biological agents, namely pet allergens and endotoxin, modifies the association between di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and asthma and wheeze in preschoolers to gain insight into interactions. Using data from a Canadian birth cohort study (CHILD), we conducted two complementary analyses on respiratory outcomes. First, we combined pet ownership with DEHP measurements from house dust (N=726). Second, we focused on a subgroup of children with exposure measurements of both DEHP and biological agents in dust (N=261). We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess whether pets and quantified biological agent levels modify associations between DEHP and asthma at 5 years and recurrent wheeze between 2 and 5 years. Interaction terms were included in the models and stratified analyses were further conducted. Associations between DEHP and asthma and wheeze were modified by pet ownership and related biological agents. For persistent/recurrent wheeze, the association with DEHP became larger among children with dogs at home and with higher dog allergens (p-interaction <0.1) and became smaller and insignificant when exposed to cats. Similarly, for asthma, the association with DEHP tended to be larger among children with dogs (also higher dog allergens) and among children without cats (also lower cat allergens) at home, respectively. Endotoxin levels modified the association between DEHP and persistent wheeze (p-interaction < 0.1). Early-life exposure to pets and related biological agents may modify the associations between phthalates and asthma and wheeze in children. Heterogeneity in single exposure studies could be a result of differences in co-exposures among studies.

Veterinary care providers recognize clinical utility of genetic testing but report limited confidence in interpreting direct-to-consumer results.

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) genetic tests are increasingly accessible to pet owners, with commercial genetic companies entering veterinary distribution markets. This study evaluated veterinary care providers' (VCPs) awareness of the D2C genetic industry, experiences with clients' inquiries, perceptions of clinical utility, and confidence in interpreting test results. Veterinary care providers attending a professional conference (February 19 through 23, 2023) were invited to complete an online survey. 229 VCPs began the survey, and 218 completed all sections. Respondents were predominately veterinarians (131 of 218 [60.3%]), mostly working in small animal practices (160 of 218 [73.7%]), with dogs (206 of 218 [94.9%]) and cats (199 of 218 [91.7%]). 186 of 229 participants (81.2%) encountered clients using or intending to use D2C genetic tests, often seeking recommendations or the VCP's opinion about genetic services. 86 of 131 veterinarians (65.6%) and 36 of 44 registered veterinary technicians (81.8%) perceived genetic testing as clinically useful. Veterinarians reported higher confidence in interpreting dog than cat results, with additional differences related to breed versus health information. This study indicates that VCPs are generally aware of D2C genetic testing, with licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians recognizing its clinical utility. However, veterinarian confidence levels with assisting clients in understanding their results varies by species and test type. As trends in D2C genetic testing persist, there is a need for interventions to address the lack of guidelines and improve VCP attitudes and confidence in assisting clients with these tests. This will involve genetic companies offering targeted support and continuing education to address gaps in confidence related to dog, cat, breed, and health information.

Veterinary Student Skills Learned at an Access to Care Clinic: Beyond Medicine and Surgery.

Incorporating curriculum to effectively help veterinary students learn how to provide accessible quality care to all pet owners is needed. The primary aims of this study are to explore how a 2-week rotation at a veterinary medical service-learning clinic (Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education, and Social Services [WisCARES]) improves (a) comfort in working with clients from diverse race and low socioeconomic (SOCI) backgrounds and (2) confidence in leading cases, communication skills, and providing a spectrum of care options. Students were surveyed at five time points pre-rotation: mid-week 1, mid-week 2, end of rotation, and 1-month post. A total of 115 survey series were at least partially completed. Of the 97 responses that include background information, 68 (70%) students reported having "no to a few weeks" of experience working with diverse or low SOCI populations. When comparing themselves to before starting the rotation, student responses indicated increased comfort (mean = 4.54, standard deviation [SD] = 0.54) and compassion (mean = 4.42, SD = 0.78) working with low-income or homeless populations, more comfort interacting with members of different race or ethnicity groups (mean = 4.21, SD = 0.82), and more appreciation for the human-animal bond (mean = 4.42, median = 5). Students also reported that spending time at WisCARES positively impacted their confidence in a clinical setting, managing and communicating about financial decisions, and approaching cases creatively. Giving students an opportunity to lead cases with clients from diverse races and low SOCI backgrounds can enhance levels of comfort with practice and improve confidence.

A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Giardia duodenalis in Rabbits: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity and Possible Zoonotic Concerns.

Giardia duodenalis is a pathogenic protozoan responsible for gastrointestinal infections in various hosts, including rabbits. Understanding its epidemiology, genetic diversity and zoonotic implications is vital for public health and veterinary medicine. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize global data on the prevalence of G. duodenalis in rabbit populations, assess the genetic diversity of the isolates and evaluate the associated zoonotic potential. We conducted a thorough literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for studies published until 18 October 2024. Only peer-reviewed articles reporting original research on G. duodenalis in rabbits were included. We extracted data on prevalence rates, testing times, publication years, countries, continents, WHO regions, diagnostic methods, genes used, assemblages and sub-assemblages. A meta-analysis using random-effects models was performed to calculate pooled prevalence rates, with the I2 index used to assess heterogeneity. A total of 26 studies/datasets were analysed, covering data from 5543 rabbits across 15 countries. The estimated pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis in rabbits was 12.1% (95% CI: 7%-20%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96.5%). Geographic analysis showed higher prevalence rates in Africa and the AFR WHO region (72.3%, 95% CI: 61.7%-80.8%). Genetic analysis revealed three zoonotic assemblages (A, B and E) and two zoonotic sub-assemblages (AI and BIV) of G. duodenalis in rabbits, highlighting concerns over zoonotic transmission. The findings highlight the global presence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis in rabbits, indicating potential zoonotic risks. Ongoing monitoring and research are essential to clarify the transmission dynamics and public health implications of G. duodenalis in these animals. Raising awareness among pet owners, veterinarians and public health officials is vital to mitigate potential zoonosis.

PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PET FOOD MARKET IN UKRAINE

The article examines current challenges and prospects for the development of the pet food market in Ukraine during the war. The main problems of the market include: disruption of logistics, supply and difficulties with the delivery of raw materials and finished products; limited availability of foreign raw materials, on which most feed producers depend; reduced purchasing power of the population, which forces some consumers to switch to more affordable feed or even to alternative types of pet food. Rising prices due to economic instability and declining incomes put additional pressure on the market, limiting growth opportunities. The general dynamics of sales in the Ukrainian cat and dog food market was analyzed, which showed a steady increase in sales of pet food in Ukraine from 2018 to 2021. However, starting in 2022, there was a sharp slowdown in growth rates, and in 2023, a slight decline was even recorded. This indicates that the full-scale war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the pet food market. The reasons for the growth of the feed market in Ukraine in 2024 and the main trends observed are the growing responsibility of pet owners and the formation of a culture of attitude towards animals, which is not only to provide them with quality food; the domestic feed market is not much different from the markets of Eastern Europe and already has about 100 different brands; people want to buy the product in convenient packaging, which makes adjustments to the usual strategies of manufacturers; in Ukraine, sales have somewhat shifted to online shopping. In 2023, we see a positive trend in online sales, which is one third higher than last year. In 2023, online sales reached 4434 tons and UAH 331 million excluding VAT. In general, online channels are growing faster than physical channels year after year, and this trend has continued. Ukrainian companies should focus on is expanding the range of pet food in the middle price category, as 75% of respondents choose a product based primarily on its price. Given the growing demand for pet food produced by Ukrainian producers globally, and the fact that every tenth ton is exported abroad, we believe that Ukrainian companies should increase the supply of all types of pet food to international markets and consider entering new markets, particularly in Northern Europe.

Developing a Robust Fuzzy Inference Algorithm in a Dog Disease Pre-Diagnosis System for Casual Owners.

While the pet market is continuously rapidly increasing in Korea, pet dog owners feel uncomfortable in coping with pet dog's health problems in time. In this paper, we propose a pre-diagnosis system based on neuro-fuzzy learning, enabling non-expert users to monitor their pets' health by inputting observed symptoms. To develop such a system, we form a disease-symptom database based on several textbooks with veterinarians' guidance and filtering. The system offers likely disease predictions and recommended coping strategies based on fuzzy inference. We evaluated three fuzzy inference algorithms-PFCM-R, FHAL, and MNFL. While PFCM-R achieved high accuracy with clean data, it struggled with noisy inputs. FHAL showed better noise tolerance but lower precision. PFCM-R is a variant of well-known fuzzy unsupervised learner FCM, and FHAL is the hybrid fuzzy inference engine based on Fuzzy Association Memory and a double-layered FCM we developed. To make the system more robust, we propose the multi-layered neuro-fuzzy learner (MNFL) in this paper, which effectively weakens the association strength between the disease and the observed symptoms, less related to the body part on which the abnormal symptoms are observed. In experiments that are designed to examine how the inference system reacts under increasing noisy input from the user, MNFL achieved 98% accuracy even with non-erroneous inputs, demonstrating superior robustness to other inference engines. This system empowers pet owners to detect health issues early, improving the quality of care and fostering more informed interactions with veterinarians, ultimately enhancing the well-being of companion animals.

Clinical efficacy and safety of a single administration of fluralaner injectable suspension (BRAVECTO® injectable) vs. monthly administration of oral afoxolaner (NexGard®) in dogs for tick and flea control over one year under European field conditions

BackgroundYear-round control of canine flea and tick infestations requires owner compliance with recommendations for regular treatments. Compliance failures can result in increased exposure of dogs to tick-borne pathogens and resurgence of flea populations. This study investigated the year-long efficacy of fluralaner 150 mg/ml injectable suspension (BRAVECTO® injectable), developed to remove the need for multiple owner-administered, within-year treatments.MethodsThis randomized, examiner-masked, non-inferiority study enrolled household dogs at veterinary clinics in Germany, France, and Spain. Each household contained a primary dog infested with ≥ 4 ticks or ≥ 5 fleas. Additional dogs in each household received the same treatment as the primary dog, either a single injection with fluralaner (15 mg/kg) on day 0, or 12 monthly treatments with oral afoxolaner (NexGard®) beginning on day 0. Owners presented their dogs for tick and flea assessments at visits 2 through 10 (days 14, 28, 56, 84, 112, 224, 280, 336, 365). Primary endpoints were the percentages of primary dogs free of live ticks or fleas at visit 10. Secondary endpoints were the percentage reductions of live ticks and fleas in primary dogs. All treated dogs were observed for adverse reactions throughout the study.ResultsThe analyzed per-protocol population included 415 primary dogs (fluralaner 279, afoxolaner 136) from 976 treated dogs (fluralaner 653, afoxolaner 323). From visits 2 through 10, ≥ 95% of primary dogs in each group were tick-free, and ≥ 93% were flea-free. The percentage of dogs free of ticks or fleas was non-inferior (P ≤ 0.0048) in the fluralaner group compared to the afoxolaner group at visit 10 and all earlier visits. Compared to baseline, fluralaner-group tick and flea counts were reduced by > 99%; afoxolaner-group tick and flea counts by > 98% and > 97%, respectively. There were no unexpected adverse events in any treated dog in either group, nor any sign of interactions between concomitantly administered vaccines and medications.ConclusionsA single subcutaneous fluralaner injection provided a level of tick and flea control equivalent to that of 12 monthly administrations of afoxolaner. The sustained fluralaner efficacy helps maintain canine health by retaining treatment with the veterinarian and eliminating treatment-compliance failures by pet owners between veterinary visits.Graphical

“I Would Never Take My Pet to Someone I Didn’t Trust … My Pet’s Health Is My Health”: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Evaluative Language in English and Italian Reviews of Veterinary Clinics

This study examines the linguistic and cultural characteristics of positive online reviews left by pet owners for veterinary clinics, with a comparative focus on English and Italian reviews. As pets increasingly become integral family members, online feedback has a significant impact on pet owners&amp;rsquo; choices of veterinary services. Using a self-compiled corpus, this analysis employs corpus-assisted tools to explore how reviewers in each language articulate their experiences, expectations, and emotions, identifying thematic differences. English reviews prioritize interpersonal attributes such as kindness and empathy, frequently anthropomorphizing pets as &amp;ldquo;family members&amp;rdquo; or &amp;ldquo;babies&amp;rdquo;. Conversely, Italian reviews emphasize professionalism and technical competence, often commending staff expertise and attentiveness. The findings reveal cross-cultural distinctions in satisfaction expression, with English reviews highlighting emotional bonds and Italian reviews focusing on professional efficacy. These insights may inform strategies for veterinary clinics to better align communication with clients&amp;rsquo; cultural expectations in various markets.

Case report: Treatment of non-medical tetrahydrocannabinol toxicosis with transmucosal cannabidiol-infused dissolving sheets in six dogs

Increased cases of canine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) toxicosis have been reported in North America in recent years. Cases are often evaluated on an emergency basis and treatment has relied upon supportive care which can be costly and prohibitive for some pet owners. The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical findings and outcomes in dogs with non-medical, presumptive THC toxicosis treated by administration of a cannibidiol (CBD)-infused transmucosal dissolving sheet. Medical records of six cases of non-medical, presumptive THC toxicosis from a private primary care practice and a private after-hours emergency practice were reviewed and summarized. Five of six cases were treated exclusively with transmucosal CBD (0.4–2.6 mg/kg); one case also received injectable anti-emetic therapy. Lethargy and ataxia noticeably improved and all additional clinical signs resolved within 45 min of treatment in five of six cases. No further follow-up measures for THC toxicosis were required in any case; one case required additional follow-up for presumably unrelated gastrointestinal distress. This is the first report of treatment of canine THC toxicosis by administration of CBD. The use of transmucosal CBD-infused dissolving sheets resulted in expedient resolution of clinical signs in a minimally invasive manner that is accessible to both clients and veterinary practitioners.

Exploratory assessment of the parent attitudes about childhood vaccines survey tool to assess vaccine hesitancy and pet vaccination status among pet owners.

To assess the applicability of the parent attitudes about childhood vaccines (PACV) survey to pet owners and its association with vaccine hesitancy. A national survey including an adapted version of the PACV was administered to 2,853 dog and 1,977 cat owners. Respondents were queried about the vaccination status of their pets. Exploratory factor analysis, Mokken scale analysis, Cronbach α, McDonald ω, and bivariate analyses were used to assess the validity and reliability of the PACV and shortened versions. The Fisher exact test and linear probability models were used to assess the association between the PACV and other factors and vaccination status. The PACVs for pet owners were valid and reliable with high internal consistency and served as correlates for vaccination status. In multivariate analyses, long-term relationships with veterinarians were also associated with vaccination. Individual survey items indicated substantial concerns about vaccine safety, side effects, and efficacy. Most respondents indicated trust and good relationships with their veterinarian, had not avoided or delayed vaccinations, understood the severity of pet diseases, supported the recommended vaccine schedule, and did not self-identify as vaccine hesitant (VH). The PACV identified 21.7% of dogs and 25.9% of cat owners as VH. The full and the reduced versions of the PACV are valid and reliable tools to assess VH status in dog and cat owners. The PACV could serve as an important tool for veterinary researchers to identify factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and develop effective interventions.

How Guilt Drives Emotional Exhaustion in Work-Pet Family Conflict.

Work-pet family conflict has emerged as a novel form of work-life conflict, reflecting the increasingly significant role that pets play in modern families. Guided by role theory, work-pet family conflict is anticipated to produce outcomes similar to those of traditional work-life conflict. Accordingly, we developed a conceptual model to examine how work-pet family conflict affects employees' emotional exhaustion. Drawing on role theory, we tested whether the experience of guilt serves as an affective mechanism linking work-pet family conflict to emotional exhaustion. Data were collected from 356 pet owners to empirically test the model. The results revealed a significant relationship between work-pet family conflict and emotional exhaustion, mediated by employees' experienced guilt. This study underscores the relevance of work-pet family conflict as a distinct form of work-life conflict and highlights the role of guilt as a key emotional driver that contributes to employees' emotional exhaustion in this context. Hence, organizations can delineate strategies to mitigate work-pet family conflict by offering flexible work arrangements, implementing pet-friendly policies, providing pet care benefits, and fostering a culture that supports work-life balance. These measures can potentially help employees better manage the demands of both work and pet responsibilities.

Sporothrix brasiliensis as the major causative species of the zoonotic outbreak of human sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Amazon.

Sporotrichosis is a neglected tropical disease and the most common subcutaneous mycosis, mainly caused by Sporothrix species, particularly S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii and S. globosa, which exhibit varying biological behaviours and virulence. The epidemic of sporotrichosis in Brazil, initiated in Rio de Janeiro in the late 1990s, rapidly spread to other states, including Amazonas in 2021. This study aimed to identify the specific Sporothrix species responsible for the human sporotrichosis outbreak in the Brazilian Amazon. A cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling clinically suspected cases of sporotrichosis attended at a reference dermatologic centre, in Manaus (Brazil). Biological material was collected from their skin lesions for culture (Mycosel) and for species identification (qPCR). Sporothrix cultures were obtained from 150 cases. Sporotrichosis predominantly affected females (67.3%), aged 44.5 years on average, with lymphocutaneous lesions (72.7%). Sporothrix brasiliensis was identified in 89.3% of patients. Up to 83.3% of these patients reported contact with cats previously to the skin lesion, and the time-spatial progression of the human cases followed the notification of cases in cats, in the metropolitan region of Manaus. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the dominant species in the zoonotic outbreak of human sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Amazon, with cats identified as the primary vectors. Effective sanitary control measures, education and responsible pet ownership are crucial to mitigating zoonotic sporotrichosis' impact in Brazil and preventing its spread to neighbouring Latin American cities.