Domestic Animal Populations Research Articles

Patterns of animal rabies in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia (2012-2022): the analysis of risk factors.

Animal rabies is a viral disease that poses a significant threat to domestic and wild animal populations, with devastating consequences for animal health and human life. Understanding and assessing the risk factors associated with the transmission and persistence of the rabies virus in wild and domestic animal populations is crucial for developing effective strategies to control and mitigate cases. Studies of the spatial and temporal distribution of rabies cases in the Nizhny Novgorod region during 2012-2022 provided epidemiological evidence of the circulation of infection between animals in the presence of vaccination. Among the wild animals in the area, red foxes play a major role in the spread of rabies, accounting for 96.4% of all wild animal cases. We used spatiotemporal cluster analysis and a negative binomial regression algorithm to study the relationships between animal rabies burden by municipality and a series of environmental and sociodemographic factors. The spatiotemporal cluster analysis suggests the concentration of wild animal rabies cases in the areas of high fox population density and insufficient vaccination rates. The regression models showed satisfactory performance in explaining the observed distribution of rabies in different animals (R 2 = 0.71, 0.76, and 0.79 in the models for wild, domestic and all animals respectively), with rabies vaccination coverage and fox population density being among the main risk factors. We believe that this study can provide valuable information for a better understanding of the geographical and temporal patterns of rabies distribution in different animal species, and will provide a basis for the development of density-dependent planning of vaccination campaigns.

An overview of the challenges and methods for defining the wildlife-disease interface in the context of disease spread modelling, including concepts of infectious diseases epidemiology

ABSTRACT The wildlife-domestic interface is a key concept helping us to understand how diseases affect both wild and domestic animal populations, yet how to define and measure it remains a challenge. One tool which can contribute to our understanding of the wildlife-domestic interface is disease spread modelling. This can provide insight into how diseases spread within and between populations, and guide decision-making for disease control, response and surveillance programs. Specifically, quantitative estimation of contact rates permits such disease spread models to be developed and used confidently. Here we present a case study of the potential spread of rabies (an exotic disease in Australia) within the wild dog-domestic dog (Canis familiaris) ecosystem of northern Australia to illustrate the concept of the wildlife-domestic interface and disease transmission. We summarise a decade of research conducted to understand one such interface, the wild-domestic dog interface at one site in northern Australia, for the purposes of exploring the impact of one specific disease, rabies. Over a period of 10 years, free-roaming domestic dogs and wild dogs in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Cape York, Queensland were studied. Key findings included identification of a small but important group of domestic dogs which regularly roam in bushland areas; peri-urban wild dog activity, particularly in the dry season, likely driven by the availability of food sources; and the potential for interaction between hunting dogs and wild dogs in remote areas, particularly during the wet season. These observations can be used to inform disease spread models and identify strategies to mitigate the risks of disease transmission. However, the collection and incorporation of data into such models needs more consideration regarding what information is usable (such as contact rates) and the best ways to collect it. The scarcity of such models incorporating the wildlife-domestic interface suggests that integrated epidemiological-ecological studies are needed to fill this gap.

Leadership amongst pigs when faced with a novel situation

Leadership is a risky behaviour that can impact individuals and groups. Leaders, i.e. individuals who perform or initiate a task while other individuals in the group follow, have been studied in different contexts, but there is still a lack of understanding on the role of individual characteristics that may predispose them to become leaders, such as dominance and personality. In particular, the characteristics of leaders in domestic animal populations has been poorly examined. We studied leadership within 32 groups of young pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus, n = 366 individuals). Leadership was assessed during a group-based fear test (Human Approach Test) which was repeated three times. The first individual per group to touch the person was identified as leader. We assessed repeatability of leadership and characteristics of leaders as compared to followers. Leadership was marginally repeatable, with 6 out of 26 groups having a consistent single leader across all tests. Females had odds 4.13 times greater than males of being a leader, while there was no effect of body weight (a proxy of dominance) or coping style on leadership. The results indicate a similarity with wild populations, in which females lead the herd even though the males, which are superior in body weight, are often dominant.

Aedes (Ochlerotatus) scapularis, Aedes japonicus japonicus, and Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus (Diptera: Culicidae): Three Neglected Mosquitoes with Potential Global Health Risks.

More than 3550 species of mosquitoes are known worldwide, and only a fraction is involved in the transmission of arboviruses. Mosquitoes in sylvatic and semi-sylvatic habitats may rapidly adapt to urban parks and metropolitan environments, increasing human contact. Many of these mosquitoes have been found naturally infected with arboviruses from the Alphaviridae, Flaviviridae, and Bunyaviridae families, with many being the cause of medically important diseases. However, there is a gap in knowledge about the vector status of newly invasive species and their potential threat to human and domestic animal populations. Due to their rapid distribution, adaptation to urban environments, and anthropophilic habits, some neglected mosquito species may deserve more attention regarding their role as secondary vectors. Taking these factors into account, we focus here on Aedes (Ochlerotatus) scapularis (Rondani), Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald), and Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus (Bigot) as species that have the potential to become important disease vectors. We further discuss the importance of these neglected mosquitoes and how factors such as urbanization, climate change, and globalization profoundly alter the dynamics of disease transmission and may increase the participation of neglected species in propagating diseases.

Assessment of domestic pig–bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) interactions through local knowledge in rural areas of Madagascar

In many parts of the world, domestic and wild animal populations interact at the interface between natural and agricultural ecosystems. Introduced with the first inhabitants arriving from eastern Africa, the bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) is the largest living terrestrial mammal in Madagascar. Bushpigs are regularly reported close to human settlements where they damage crops and gardens. As domestic pigs are often raised in free-ranging conditions around the villages, bushpigs and domestic pigs can interact leading to the transmission and circulation of shared swine pathogens that impact both animal and human health. In this study, we characterized the socio-ecological context of bushpig–domestic pig interactions in two different regions of western Madagascar. We conducted participatory mapping sessions and focus group interviews with 65 hunters, 80 pig farmers and 96 crop farmers in 20 fokontany, the smallest administrative unit in Madagascar. After discussing with participants, we gathered information about the spatialization of interactions and their potential geographical drivers. We explored data by performing multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components. Based on the reported occurrence or absence of bushpig-domestic pig interactions we were able to classify areas with high or intermediate levels of interactions or no interactions at all. Interactions between the two pig species were reported in only 25% of the fokontany assessed. Even though both suid species were attracted to fruit trees, crops, and water sources, only indirect interactions in those spots were reported. Direct interactions were reported in 10% of cases and referred to interspecific sexual and/or agonistic behavior. The participatory methods used to acquire local knowledge about natural events were confirmed as valuable, low-cost exploratory methods to characterize areas with wild-domestic animal interactions. The results of this study will help plan future studies to characterize the interface between the two species from an ecological or epidemiological perspective using more sensitive and sophisticated ecological approaches.

Serological and molecular survey of Q fever in the dog population of the Campania region, southern Italy

Q fever is a re-emerging zoonosis whose epidemiological cycle in ruminants is well defined, while the role of other species (including pets) is still debated. In this study, the serological and molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in a sample of dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy was evaluated. A seroprevalence of 5.97 % (16/268) was observed using a commercial multispecies ELISA, compared to only 2.7 % (5/197) at the molecular level. No risk factors correlated with higher levels of exposure except for the size of the animal (small dogs showed significantly higher seroprevalence). Positive samples were further evaluated for reactivity to phase I and II antigens using IFA and phase-specific ELISAs (for specific IgG detection). Two animals showed antibodies against both phases of infection, suggesting that Coxiella burnetii seroconversion in dogs follows similar dynamics to those observed in ruminants.One of the five samples that showed positive results in real-time PCR was confirmed at the PCR endpoint and showed similarity with other Coxiella spp. strains detected in tick and dog samples when sequenced.In this study, we demonstrated exposure to Coxiella burnetii for different categories of dogs in southern Italy, including pet dogs living indoors. Since reports of transmission of infection from pets to humans have been described in both rural and urban areas, careful surveillance of these species is also necessary. In the lack of additional information, comprehending the risk to humans requires monitoring of wild and domestic animal populations.

Base Characteristics, Preservation Methods, and Assessment of the Genetic Diversity of Autochthonous Breeds of Cattle, Sheep and Pigs in Serbia: A Review.

Preserving local autochthonous domestic animal populations and the products derived from them is a crucial aspect of managing human utilization of the biosphere. This management approach aims to ensure sustainable benefits for both present and future generations. The diversity of autochthonous domestic animal populations plays a vital role in the functionality and sustainability of the food production system. It encompasses both productive and non-productive aspects, contributing significantly to the overall health, nutrition, and food security of the landscape by providing a wide range of animal-derived food resources. Based on the data contained in the Draft Program of Rural Development, a significant presence of more than 44 autochthonous and local breeds of domestic animals has been noted in Serbia. In order to enable the sustainable preservation of local domestic animals, the competent Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia has, through a number of projects, implemented models for the preservation of local breeds on farms (in situ), as well as provided technical assistance to small farms that keep animal collections. It also helps the local population to procure animals, conducts product quality research, and provides opportunities to integrate conservation programs through tourism. Given that molecular characterization is a key factor for the preservation of autochthonous breeds, in the Republic of Serbia, DNA markers are used for identification and to investigate the belonging to a specific breeds or strain. All the mentioned activities led to an immediate increase in the number of animals, which is especially true for the autochthonous breeds of cattle (Busha), sheep (Sjenicka, Svrljiska, and Vlach-vitohorn) and pigs (Mangalitsa, Moravka, and Resavka) that are discussed in this paper. In addition to the significant measures undertaken to preserve animal genetic resources (AnGR), it is necessary to continue to work primarily on ex situ conservation in order to prevent the loss of their gene pools. However, regardless of the evident effort that has been made to preserve autochthonous genetic resources in Serbia, we believe that there is still a lot of room for further improvement. This primarily refers to advanced technologies that have not been applied so far, mostly related to the identification of genomic regions associated with economic traits, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to emerging climate changes. In this way, the production capacity and functional characteristics of autochthonous species and breeds of domestic animals in Serbia will be improved.

Ballou's Ancestral Inbreeding Coefficient: Formulation and New Estimate with Higher Reliability.

Inbreeding is unavoidable in small populations. However, the deleterious effects of inbreeding on fitness-related traits (inbreeding depression) may not be an inevitable phenomenon, since deleterious recessive alleles causing inbreeding depression might be purged from populations through inbreeding and selection. Inbreeding purging has been of great interest in conservation biology and animal breeding, because populations manifesting lower inbreeding depression could be created even with a small number of breeding animals, if inbreeding purging exists. To date, many studies intending to detect inbreeding purging in captive and domesticated animal populations have been carried out using pedigree analysis. Ballou's ancestral inbreeding coefficient (FBAL-ANC) is one of the most widely used measurements to detect inbreeding purging, but the theoretical basis for FBAL-ANC has not been fully established. In most of the published works, estimates from stochastic simulation (gene-dropping simulation) have been used. In this report, the author provides a mathematical basis for FBAL-ANC and proposes a new estimate by hybridizing stochastic and deterministic computation processes. A stochastic simulation suggests that the proposed method could considerably reduce the variance of estimates, compared to ordinary gene-dropping simulation, in which whole gene transmissions in a pedigree are stochastically determined. The favorable property of the proposed method results from the bypass of a part of the stochastic process in the ordinary gene-dropping simulation. Using the proposed method, the reliability of the estimates of FBAL-ANC could be remarkably enhanced. The relationship between FBAL-ANC and other pedigree-based parameters is also discussed.

Genomic characterization of the Brazilian Crioulo Lageano: Insights for conservation of a Brazilian local bovine breed

Crioulo Lageano (CLAG) is a Brazilian taurine breed traditionally raised in the native fields of mountainous regions in the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná, located in the southern region from Brazil. The present study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity and structure of the breed to provide the basis for the development of strategies for its conservation. Samples from semen and DNA previously stored in the Brazilian Animal Gene Bank (BAGB), and samples collected from eight different farms registered in the Brazilian Association of Crioulo Lageano Cattle Breeders (ABCCL), were genotyped with different panels of SNP markers containing between 50 K and 777 K markers. Obtained estimates of average expected (HE = 0.373) and observed (HO = 0.382) heterozygosities suggest the presence of high levels of genetic variability in the breed. Molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) revealed that only 2.11 % of the observed genetic variation could be attributed to differences between analyzed populations. Obtained pairwise FST estimates varied between 0.002 and 0.056, corroborating that the degree of differentiation between populations is low. Population structure analyses showed substructures between the studied populations, which could be related to the presence/absence of horns in the animals, in addition to other factors. The estimates obtained for the effective population size (Ne) considering bulls with semen stored in BGAB and the set of samples from the eight studied farms were 6 and 22, respectively, revealing that the Ne of the breed is far below that recommended by FAO for conservation of domestic animal populations. Population structure and admixture analyses comparing CLAG with six other taurine and zebu cattle breeds routinely raised in the region revealed evidence of possible unknown introgressions from animals of indicine origin. Obtained results provide solid insights into the diversity and genetic structure of the Brazilian CLGA breed and offer strategic information for the establishment of effective genetic management strategies for production herds, for the enrichment of the BAGB by collecting germoplasm and for the long-term conservation of this breed.

Seasonal syndromic surveillance by sentinel system of ILI, ARI, SARI and pneumonia in Romania – season 2023/2024

Syndromic surveillance was initially developed for early detection compared to traditional methods of an epidemiological event with an impact on public health, but as it was applied by more countries it was observed that it can provide information on the size, dynamics of the spread with an emphasis on the potential for national, regional and global evolution, the severity and the most affected population groups, but also to the development of a quick, specific response. Globalization, which involves the intensification of the movement of people (including sick or incubating infectious diseases), live animals, or products of animal origin in and from any part of the planet, but also climate change and pollution, amplifies the danger of the spread of communicable infectious diseases from areas so-called “specific” diseases in new areas, unknown to populations and healthcare systems. In this context, the One Health initiative needs efficient surveillance methods to help promote the health of people, animals, the environment, and ultimately the planet Earth. Recently, there have been substantial changes in the surveillance and control of infectious diseases with an impact on public health aimed at assessing the risks of the emergence of infectious agents with epidemic and pandemic potential by identifying and analyzing favorable factors related to the infectious agent (virulence, variability, transmissibility, etc.), the host organism (immunity, physiological factors, vaccination status, associated chronic diseases, nutritional status, living conditions, etc.), demographic factors (birth rate, mortality, population agglomerations), climatic factors and insect populations vectors, rodents and wild animals (including birds) and last but not least domestic animal populations (including birds). Among these methods, syndromic surveillance stands out, which in addition has the quality of using automatic data acquisition and generating statistical alerts, monitors disease indicators in real-time or near real-time to detect disease outbreaks earlier than would be possible with conventional methods traditional public health. In this context, we will present the Romanian experience regarding the syndromic surveillance of ILI, ARI and SARI in Romania through the national sentinel system season 2023/2024.

Metagenomic sequencing sheds light on microbes putatively associated with pneumonia-related fatalities of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

With emerging infectious disease outbreaks in human, domestic and wild animal populations on the rise, improvements in pathogen characterization and surveillance are paramount for the protection of human and animal health, as well as the conservation of ecologically and economically important wildlife. Genomics offers a range of suitable tools to meet these goals, with metagenomic sequencing facilitating the characterization of whole microbial communities associated with emerging and endemic disease outbreaks. Here, we use metagenomic sequencing in a case-control study to identify microbes in lung tissue associated with newly observed pneumonia-related fatalities in 34 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Wisconsin, USA. We identified 20 bacterial species that occurred in more than a single individual. Of these, only Clostridium novyi was found to substantially differ (in number of detections) between case and control sample groups; however, this difference was not statistically significant. We also detected several bacterial species associated with pneumonia and/or other diseases in ruminants (Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Trueperella pyogenes, Pasteurella multocida, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Fusobacterium necrophorum); however, these species did not substantially differ between case and control sample groups. On average, we detected a larger number of bacterial species in case samples than controls, supporting the potential role of polymicrobial infections in this system. Importantly, we did not detect DNA of viruses or fungi, suggesting that they are not significantly associated with pneumonia in this system. Together, these results highlight the utility of metagenomic sequencing for identifying disease-associated microbes. This preliminary list of microbes will help inform future research on pneumonia-associated fatalities of white-tailed deer.

A review on molecular breeding techniques: Crucial approach in livestock improvement

For underdeveloped countries, molecular breeding (MB) has a lot of promise. However, the implementation in developing countries is far from uniform. Livestock improvement programs aim to improve the genetics of domesticated animal populations by selecting males and females who, when mated, will produce progeny that perform better than the current generation's average. The amount of genetic progress made through conventional selection and breeding methods for quantitative traits in livestock is successful, but limitations such as routinely recording phenotypes, animal sacrifice for meat quality traits, recording in particular sex for sex-limited traits, and so on the limit the amount of genetic progress made through conventional selection and breeding methods. Marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide selection (GWS), marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS), and genome-wide sequencing (GS) are examples of modern breeding procedures. Molecular genetics technology may provide a technique to choose breeding animals at an early age (even embryos), to select for a wide variety of features and to improve the accuracy of forecasting an individual's mature phenotype. This paper examines the challenges and potential of applying molecular breeding techniques to improve livestock in developing countries.

Assessment of genetic diversity of Trypanosoma evansi in the domestic animal populations through ITS-1 gene sequence analysis.

Trypanosoma evansi infects domestic animals, causing a debilitating and occasionally fatal disease. The disease leads to significant economic losses to farmers and poses a substantial impediment to the growth of livestock production in developing nations, including India. Considering the challenges associated with managing this infection, there is an urgent need to enhance our understanding of the molecular and genetic diversity of T. evansi. Therefore, this study was planned to analyze the genetic diversity of T. evansi using available internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) gene sequences from India and compare them with sequences from around the globe. Blood samples used in this study were collected from naturally infected animals including dogs, cattle, and buffaloes in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Using the ITS-1 gene, we amplified a 540 base pairs (bp) segment using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequenced it, and identified intra-specific variations. Phylogenetic analysis of 90 sequences, including 27 from India, revealed three distinct clusters with high bootstrap support values. A haplotype network analysis identified 34 haplotypes, with H7 being the most prevalent, indicating a complex evolutionary history involving multiple countries. The genetic analysis of the Indian population revealed distinct characteristics. Despite low nucleotide diversity, there was high haplotype diversity in comparison to other populations. Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D, and Fu and Li's F exhibited non-significant negative values, indicating potential stability. Additionally, the slightly positive values in Fu's Fs, Raggedness (r), and Ramos-Onsins and Rozas (R2) statistics suggested a lack of recent significant selective pressures or population expansions. Furthermore, the presence of genetic differentiation and gene flow among T. evansi populations highlighted ongoing evolutionary processes. These findings collectively depicted a complex genetic landscape, suggesting both stability and ongoing evolutionary dynamics within the Indian population of T. evansi. The findings of this study are important for understanding the evolutionary history and population dynamics of T. evansi, and they may help us develop effective control strategies.

Annual short-burst mass anthelmintic administration reduces tuberculosis severity but not prevalence in a wildlife reservoir

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB), caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), is an important disease in both human and animal systems. Helminths are commonly found in coinfection with MTC and TB is often exacerbated in such coinfections. Long-term anthelmintic administration, to control helminths, can improve a host’s ability to control MTC infection. Mass drug administration programmes, in which anthelmintics are given only once or twice a year, leaving periods where helminth reinfection can occur, are common in both human and domestic animal populations. To date, the effect of such intermittent control programmes on MTC infection and severity has not been explored.MethodsHere we investigate the consequences of a ten-day, annual, mass ivermectin administration on TB prevalence and severity in free-ranging juvenile and yearling (<2 years) wild boar (Sus scrofa).ResultsThis single annual anthelmintic treatment administered over six years reduced TB severity. Further, the proportion of wild boar with severe TB continued to decrease with successive treatments. TB prevalence, however, did not decrease significantly over the course of the study.DiscussionWhile ivermectin has direct anti-mycobacterial effects in vitro, the short duration of treatment means that the reduction in TB severity we observe in wild boar is unlikely to be accounted for by such a direct mechanism. Disruption of the helminth community and subsequent modification or enhancement of the host immune response is a potential mechanism. Future work should examine the consequences of annual anthelmintic drug administration on helminth community composition and structure and on the host immunological responses through time.

Concurrent colonization of rodent kidneys with multiple species and serogroups of pathogenic Leptospira.

Rodents are important reservoir hosts of pathogenic leptospires in the US Virgin Islands. Our previous work determined that trapped rodents were colonized with Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Ballum (n = 48) and/or Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 3). In addition, nine rodents appeared to be colonized with a mixed population comprising more than one species/serogroup. The aim of this study was to validate this finding by characterizing clonal isolates derived from cultures of mixed species. Cultures of presumptive mixed species (designated LR1, LR5, LR37, LR57, LR60, LR61, LR68, LR70, and LR72) were propagated in different media including Hornsby-Alt-Nally (HAN) media, incubated at both 29℃ and 37℃, and T80/40/LH incubated at 29℃. Polyclonal reference antisera specific for serogroup Ballum and Icterohaemorrhagiae were used to enrich for different serogroups followed by subculture on agar plates. Individual colonies were then selected for genotyping and serotyping. Of the nine cultures of mixed species/serogroups, a single clonal isolate was separated in five of them: L. borgpetersenii serogroup Ballum in LR1, LR5, and LR37, and L. kirschneri serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae in LR60 and LR72. In four of the cultures with mixed species (LR57, LR61, LR68, and LR70), clonal isolates of both L. borgpetersenii serogroup Ballum and L. kirschneri serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae were recovered. Our results definitively establish that rodents can be colonized with more than one species/serogroup of Leptospira concurrently. The identification and characterization of multiple species/serogroups of Leptospira from individual reservoir hosts of infection are essential to understand the epidemiology and transmission of disease to both human and domestic animal populations. IMPORTANCE Pathogenic Leptospira, the causative agent of human and animal leptospirosis, comprise a diverse genus of species/serogroups which are inherently difficult to isolate from mammalian hosts due to fastidious growth requirements. Molecular evidence has indicated that reservoir hosts of Leptospira may shed multiple species concurrently. However, evidence of this phenomena by culture has been lacking. Culture is definitive and is essential for comprehensive characterization of recovered isolates by high-resolution genome sequencing and serotyping. In this work, a protocol using recently developed novel media formulations, in conjunction with reference antisera, was developed and validated to demonstrate the recovery of multiple species/serogroups of pathogenic Leptospira from the same host. The identification and characterization of multiple species/serogroups of Leptospira from individual reservoir hosts of infection are essential to understand the epidemiology and transmission of disease to both human and domestic animal populations.

Avian influenza in wild birds and mammals in the United States. Proceeding of The First International Avian Influenza Summit, University of Arkansas- October 16-17, 2023"

Avian influenza, caused by influenza A viruses, has emerged as a critical zoonotic threat with implications for both public health and wildlife conservation. This abstract provides an overview of the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and potential impacts of avian influenza in wild birds and mammals within the United States. Drawing on comprehensive surveillance data and scientific studies, we highlight the diverse range of avian influenza strains circulating in wild bird populations and emphasize their potential spillover into mammalian species. The intricate interplay between wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals in the context of avian influenza ecology is examined, shedding light on potential transmission pathways. Furthermore, we delve into the consequences of avian influenza outbreaks on both wild avian and mammalian species, elucidating the varying susceptibility and potential reservoir roles of different taxa. The function of migratory birds in the long-distance dissemination of avian influenza strains across geographical boundaries is explored, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in surveillance and response efforts. Additionally, we discuss the implications of avian influenza for public health and address the possibility of viral adaptation and reassortment events that may lead to novel strains with pandemic potential. We highlight the importance of early detection and robust surveillance systems to mitigate the risks associated with avian influenza outbreaks in both wildlife and human populations. In conclusion, this abstract underscores the critical need for interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts between public health authorities, wildlife biologists, and veterinary experts to understand better the dynamics of avian influenza in wild birds and mammals in the United States. By elucidating these complex interactions, we aim to inform targeted interventions, policies, and strategies for effective prevention and control of avian influenza outbreaks in both wildlife and domestic animal populations.

Understanding the interface between European wild boar (Sus scrofa) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) in Sweden through a questionnaire study

BackgroundIn recent years, the wildlife/livestock interface has attracted increased attention due to disease transmission between wild and domestic animal populations. The ongoing spread of African swine fever (ASF) in European wild boar (Sus scrofa) emphasize the need for further understanding of the wildlife/livestock interface to prevent disease spill-over between the wild and domestic populations. Although wild boar may also act as a potential source for other infectious disease agents, ASF is currently the most severe threat from wild boar to domestic pigs. To gather information on the wild boar situation at commercial pig producing farms in Sweden, a digital questionnaire survey was distributed through the animal health services.ResultsMost pigs produced for commercial purposes in Sweden are raised without outdoor access. Of the 211 responding pig producers, 80% saw wild boar or signs of wild boar activity in the vicinity of their farm at least once during the year. Observations were significantly correlated with geographical region, but there was no correlation between farm characteristics (farm size, main type of production, outdoor access) and observed wild boar presence or proximity. However, a reported higher frequency of wild boar observations was positively correlated with the observations being made in closer proximity to the farm.Hunting and strategic baiting were the most common mitigation strategies used to keep wild boar at bay. Of the 14 farms raising pigs with outdoor access, 12 responded that these pigs could be raised solely indoors if needed.Pigs with outdoor access are required to be fenced in, but double fencing in these outdoor pig enclosures was not practiced by all. A perimeter fence surrounding any type of pig farm was very rare. More than half of the producers that grew crops with intended use for pigs reported crop damage by wild boar.ConclusionThis study shows that although pigs raised for commercial purposes in Sweden are, to a large extent, kept indoors the potential for indirect contact with wild boar exists and must be considered. Variable local situations regarding wild boar abundance may require an adaptive approach regarding biosecurity efforts.

A review of foot-and-mouth disease status and control measures in Botswana.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), an economically important disease of livestock, is endemic in Botswana. The country has been affected by this disease since the early 1930s, and FMD virus (FMDV) continues to circulate in both domestic and wild animal populations. Botswana is affected by the Southern African Territories (SAT1-3) of FMDV. Up to 80% of the income in the agricultural sector in Botswana is derived from the beef production, and about 70% of Botswana's beef exports go to the European Union (EU) market. Thus, trade restrictions caused by FMD outbreaks may result in declines in revenue. In this review, the FMD status of Botswana from 2006 to 2022 is discussed. During the report period, SAT2 was responsible for 80 out of a total of 87 FMD outbreaks, while SAT1 was responsible for 7 out of 87 outbreaks. These outbreaks were a result of SAT1 topotype I and SAT2 topotypes I, II, and III. There were no outbreaks associated with serotype SAT3 over the review span, suggesting absence of this serotype in the country, although it is still maintained in vaccines formulated for use in Botswana. Most of the outbreaks reported in this review occurred in the North West district of Botswana; an area that is heavily populated with cloven hooved wildlife. This highlights the role of wildlife-domestic animal interaction in FMD spread and maintenance. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has created a progressive control pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) for the global elimination of FMD to reduce FMD-related losses. This review highlights how Botswana takes part in the PCP-FMD by putting in place control measures such as surveillance and vaccination. The review also touches on the disease control challenges such as limitations to separation of livestock with populations of buffaloes and lapses in livestock vaccination which contribute to maintenance of FMDV circulation in Botswana.

Vulnerability Assessment of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Davao City, Southern Philippines: Utilizing Global Predictors to Develop Localized Interventions

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) – influenced by socioeconomic, environmental, andecological factors – pose a significant threat to both global economies and public health.Multiple EIDs have emerged in the 21st century, including the current coronavirus disease(COVID-19) pandemic associated with a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV2). Understanding the factors contributing to the emergence of EIDs is crucialfor mitigating its risks and preventing disease outbreaks that could escalate into epidemics andpandemics. Thus, this study developed a scoring index that could estimate the vulnerability ofan area concerning the emergence of novel EIDs using established global predictors – whichinclude socio-economic and demographic factors (population density, housing, and businesspermits), weather variables (humidity, precipitation, and temperature), animal hosts (livestockand domestic animal populations), and wildlife-livestock-human interfaces (wet markets,urban green spaces, and commercial animal farms). Davao City, located in the Southern partof the Philippines, was used as a study site, wherein its barangays represent the smallest unitof geopolitical communities. Barangays vulnerable to EIDs were determined based on theresulting EID index. Clustering of vulnerability index scores across communities was identifiedusing the Global Moran’s I and Getis-Ord General G statistic. The Getis-Ord Gi* and AnselinLocal Moran’s I were then used to identify the hotspot barangays most vulnerable to EIDs. Themost vulnerable areas to EIDs were barangays with larger urban green spaces and a highernumber of commercial animal farms and wet markets in Davao City. These most vulnerablebarangays were also clustered and located in the districts of Toril, Tugbok, and Calinan. Hence,an appropriate basic action plan for these most vulnerable barangays should be provided.Moreover, policies related to wildlife management and urban planning should be revisited,with emphasis on mitigating the risks (i.e. infectious disease surveillance, zoning, animal biosecurity, and sanitation and hygiene) associated with EIDs while giving equal importancetoward maintaining a stable local economy.

Low Prevalence of Schistosoma mekongi Infection and High Prevalence of Other Helminth Infections among Domestic Animals in Southern Lao People's Democratic Republic.

The prevalence of Schistosoma mekongi in humans in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has been relatively well monitored and has decreased due to effective interventions such as preventative chemotherapy with mass drug administration of praziquantel and community awareness programs. However, the prevalence among potential domestic reservoir animals remains broadly unclear, except for a few villages in the endemic area. Therefore, we conducted S. mekongi surveys for the domestic animals that had contact with Mekong River water. We conducted a cross-sectional study of the domestic animals in the seven sentinel villages in the Khong and Mounlapamok Districts of Champasak Province in southern Lao PDR in 2018 by random sampling with a statistically reliable sample size. Stool samples of the five predominant domestic animal species, cattle (n = 160), pig (n = 154), buffalo (n = 149), dog (n = 143), and goat (n = 85), were collected and examined using parasitological FECT method and the LAMP technique. The microscopic analysis did not detect any eggs of S. mekongi in the stool samples of any animal species. However, S. mekongi DNA was detected by the LAMP test in dog stool samples (0.7%; 1/143). On the other hand, the prevalence of other helminths was quite high and heterogeneous among animal species and sentinel sites by the microscopic analysis. These findings suggested that an intervention for S. mekongi infection should focus solely on human populations. However, periodic surveillance for S. mekongi infection among dogs should be conducted to monitor a possible resurgence of S. mekongi infection in the domestic animal population.