Cattle Sera Research Articles

Risk analysis of bovine viral diarrhea in Kazakhstan

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is an acute infectious disease caused by BVD virus (BVDV). BVD is characterized by fever, lesions of the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, diarrhea, conjunctivitis and rhinitis. This disease is considered as one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in animal husbandry worldwide because of its high prevalence, persistence in the environment, and severe clinical consequences. The purpose of this study is to assess the epizootological situation on BVD of cattle, which has developed by the beginning of 2021 in various regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  For this purpose, we retrospectively analyzed samples of cattle serum collected in 2018-2020 by ELISA for the presence of antibodies to BVDV in them. It was found that BVD in cattle was prevalent even before 2021 in a significant area of Kazakhstan, while the total seroprevalence for BVDV was 67.3% (243/361; 95% CI: 0.37-0.63). Among the animals from which serum was taken, 51.2% of the animals were vaccinated with BVDV vaccines and 48.8% of the animals were unvaccinated. The average seroprevalence of antibodies to BVDV in unvaccinated animals was 36.4% (64/176; 95% CI: 1.2-2.5) positive samples were detected in unvaccinated animals in Zerenda, Astrakhan, Tselinograd and Shortanda districts of Akmola region, also in Akzhar and Kyzylzhar districts of North Kazakhstan region and Aksu district of Almaty region. The results obtained contribute to the disclosure of the epizootological situation of BVD in the territory of Kazakhstan, which will allow the full use of effective control measures, such as total vaccination of livestock in the risky regions of the infection and the introduction of strict restrictive measures to prevent further spread of the infection to other regions of the country. Keywords: Bovine viral diarrhea, cattle, enzyme immunoassay, Pestivirus, Togaviridae.

Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. in cattle serum and questing ticks from Belgium.

Anaplasmosis, borreliosis, rickettsiosis and babesiosis are tick-borne diseases of medical, veterinary and economic importance. In Belgium, little is known on the prevalence of these diseases in animals and previous screenings relate only to targeted geographic regions, clinical cases or a limited number of tested samples. We therefore performed the first nationwide seroprevalence study of Anaplasma spp., A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. in Belgian cattle. We also screened questing ticks for the aforementioned pathogens. ELISAs and IFATs were performed on a representative sample set of cattle sera stratified proportionally to the number of cattle herds per province. Questing ticks were collected in areas where the highest prevalence for the forenamed pathogens in cattle serum were observed. Ticks were analyzed by quantitative PCR for A. phagocytophilum (n=783), B. burgdorferi sensu lato (n=783) and Rickettsia spp. (n=715) and by PCR for Babesia spp. (n=358). The ELISA screening for antibodies to Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia spp. in cattle sera showed an overall seroprevalence of 15.6% (53/339) and 12.9% (52/402), respectively. The IFAT screening for antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. resulted in an overall seroprevalence of 34.2% (116/339), 31.2% (99/317) and 3.4% (14/412), respectively. At the provincial level, the provinces of Liege and Walloon Brabant harboured the highest seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. (44.4% and 42.7% respectively) and A. phagocytophilum (55.6% and 71.4%). East Flanders and Luxembourg exhibited the highest seroprevalence of Borrelia spp. (32.4%) and Rickettsia spp. (54.8%) respectively. The province of Antwerp showed the highest seroprevalence of Babesia spp. (11%). The screening of field-collected ticks resulted in a prevalence of 13.8% for B. burgdorferi s.l., with B. afzelii and B. garinii being the most common genospecies (65.7% and 17.1%, respectively). Rickettsia spp. was detected in 7.1% of the tested ticks and the only identified species was R. helvetica. A low prevalence was found for A. phagocytophilum (0.5%) and no Babesia positive tick was detected. The seroprevalence data in cattle indicate hot spots for tick-borne pathogens in specific provinces and highlights the importance of veterinary surveillance in anticipating the emergence of diseases among humans. The detection of all pathogens, with the exception of Babesia spp. in questing ticks, underlines the need of raising awareness among public and professionals on other tick-borne diseases along with lyme borreliosis.

An ELISA to Detect Antibodies to Bovine Alphaherpesviruses 1 and 5 and Bubaline Alphaherpesvirus 1 in Cattle Sera

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (subtypes 1.1, 1.2a, and 1.2b), type 5 (subtypes 5a, 5b, and 5c), and bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV-1) induce highly, though not fully cross-reactive serological responses. Most types and subtypes of these viruses circulate particularly in countries of the southern hemisphere, notably Brazil and Argentina. Therefore, the detection of infected animals is important in defining prevention and control strategies, particularly when flocks are destined for international trade. Identification of infected herds is most often achieved by assays that detect antibodies, such as enzyme immunoassays (ELISAs). However, to date, no ELISA has been evaluated in its capacity to detect antibodies to these alphaherpesviruses. Here, an ELISA was developed to detect antibodies to all currently recognized BoAHV-1, BoAHV-5, and BuAHV-1 types/subtypes, and its sensitivity and specificity were determined. Six hundred bovine sera were screened in serum neutralization tests (SN) against the seven viruses. ELISAs prepared with each of the viruses were compared to SN. Subsequently, a combined assay with multiple antigens LISA was prepared by mixing five viral antigens, chosen for their highest sensitivity in the preparative assays. In comparison to SN, the mAgELISA sensitivity was 96.5% with 96.1% specificity (κ = 0.93; PPV = 95.0%; NPV = 97.3%). The findings reveal that the mAgELISA developed here is highly suitable for the detection of antibodies, comparable in sensitivity and specificity to that of SN when performed with all known types and subtypes of bovine and bubaline alphaherpesviruses.

Diagnostic accuracy of the Enferplex Bovine Tuberculosis antibody test in cattle sera

Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial disease of worldwide economic, zoonotic and welfare importance caused mainly by Mycobacterium bovis infection. Current regulatory diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and require improvement. We have developed a multiplex serological test for bovine tuberculosis and here we provide an estimate of the diagnostic accuracy of the test in cattle. Positive and negative reference serum samples were obtained from animals from Europe and the United States of America. The diagnostic specificity estimate was 98.4% and 99.7% using high sensitivity and high specificity settings of the test respectively. Tuberculin boosting did not affect the overall specificity estimate. The diagnostic sensitivity in samples from Mycobacterium bovis culture positive animals following tuberculin boosting was 93.9%.The relative sensitivity following boosting in tuberculin test positive, lesion positive animals and interferon gamma test positive, lesion positive animals was 97.2% and 96.9% respectively. In tuberculin test negative, lesion positive animals and in interferon gamma test negative, lesion positive animals, the relative sensitivity following tuberculin boosting was 88.2% and 83.6% respectively. The results show that the test has high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and can detect infected animals that are missed by tuberculin and interferon gamma testing.

Viricidal activity of disinfectants "dezon vetklin" and "dezon vet" against the african swine fever virus

In recent years, African swine fever (ASF) has been the main threat to the development of the pig industry not only in Russia, but also in many countries of the world for many years. Due to the lack of effective and safe means of specific prevention of infection, disinfection is one of the ways to combat and prevent the spread of the ASF pathogen in the system of antiepizootic measures. The most important task of modern disinfection is the development and creation of disinfectants with a wide range of bactericidal and viricidal effects. The composition of such despreprates includes several active substances that, due to interaction with each other, enhance the disinfecting ability of the drug.The aim of the work is to study in vitro the viricidal activity of the composite disinfectants "Dezon Vetklin" and "Dezon Vet" against a highly virulent ASF pathogen. The objects of research are domestic modern composite disinfectants "Dezon Vetklin" and "Dezon Vet". The tests of the drugs were carried out on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Center for Animal Health Protection" (FGBI "VNIIZH", Vladimir). As a test culture, a primary culture of pig spleen cells sensitive to ASF virus (CCSS) was used with the addition of Igla growth culture medium containing 20% fetal serum of cattle and 0.1% (v/v) pig erythrocytes. As a protein load, inactivated pig blood serum obtained from animals from ASF-safe farms of the Russian Federation was used. For experimental infection of CCSS, a highly virulent hemadsorbent ASF virus of genotype II strain ASF/Arm/07 (reference) was used in a titer not lower than 6.0 lg GAdE50/cm3. For experimental testing of disinfectants, metal, wooden, concrete and plastic test surfaces with a size of 10x10 cm were used. According to the results of the studies, viricidal activity against the ASF pathogen of two tested disinfectants was established at a concentration of 5.0% with a minimum exposure of 10 minutes each. The tested disinfectants can be recommended for preventive disinfection at veterinary surveillance facilities in ASF.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Cattle in Shanxi Province, North China.

The information on Chlamydia infection in cattle is limited in Shanxi Province, north China. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia and Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle in Shanxi Province. In November 2020, a large-scale investigation of Chlamydia seroprevalence was conducted on 981 cattle serum samples collected from 40 cattle farms in 11 cities of Shanxi Province. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was examined by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was 52.29% (513/981) and 2.96% (29/981), respectively, in cattle in Shanxi Province. Location was identified as a risk factor for Chlamydia and C. abortus infection (p < 0.05). Under different management patterns, the seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus in large-scale animal farming companies was higher than that in household animal farms and animal farming cooperatives, and only the seroprevalence of Chlamydia was significantly different in different management patterns (p < 0.01). The results showed that there was higher seroprevalence of Chlamydia in cattle in Shanxi Province, while C. abortus was not the dominant species. This study provided baseline information on Chlamydia infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, which constitutes valuable data for monitoring livestock health and preventing potential zoonoses.

Validation of a fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay for cattle serum and plasma progesterone measurement.

Monitoring circulating progesterone concentration ([P4]) is an important component of basic and applied reproduction research and clinical settings. IMMULITE® 2000 XPi (Siemens Healthineers, Cary, NC) is a newly upgraded fully automated immunoassay system marketed for human use to measure concentrations of different measurands including P4. Our objective was therefore to characterize the analytical performance of the IMMULITE® 2000 XPi P4 immunoassay (IPI) across the reportable range in serum and plasma of cattle. The IPI validation protocols included characterization of the method linearity, within-run, and between-run precision through calculation of the coefficient of variation (CV). The method accuracy was assessed through the calculation of the spiking-recovery (SR) bias across the reportable range (0.2-40.0 ng/mL). Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots were used to determine the interlaboratory bias for two laboratories. Three types of observed total error (TEo) were calculated based on the considered type of bias, TEoSR (spiking-recovery), TEoRB (range-based bias), and TEoAB (average-based bias). The IPI was linearly related to the true value (R 2 = 0.997) across the reportable range. The within-run and between-run precision (CV%) of the IPI for both serum and plasma [P4] of clinical relevance (1, 2, 5, and 10 ng/mL) were <5 and <10%, respectively. The TEo reported here for serum and plasma at [P4] of 1 and 5 ng/mL was ~20 and 25%, respectively. Of interest, the three types of TEo were relatively similar regardless of the considered bias. We concluded that the automated IPI provides a precise, accurate, reliable, and safe method for measuring [P4] in both serum and plasma of cattle. Consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations, the serum matrix is more accurate than plasma.

Effect of probiotic lactobacilli supplementation on growth parameters, blood profile, productive performance, and fecal microbiology in feedlot cattle

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) selected on the basis of probiotic characteristics were administered to beef feedlot catlle and the effect on body condition/growth and nutritional-metabolic status as well as on E. coli O157:H7 fecal shedding, were investigated. A feeding trials involving 126 steers were used to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus CRL2074, Limosilactobacillus fermentum CRL2085 and Limosilactobacillus mucosae CRL2069 and their combinations (5 different probiotic groups and control) when 107-108 CFU/animal of each probiotic group were in-feed supplemented. Cattle were fed a high energy corn-based diet (16 to 88%) and samples from each animal were taken at 0, 40, 104 and 163 days. In general, animals body condition and sensorium state showed optimal muscle-skeletal development and behavioral adaption to confinement; no nasal/eye discharges and diarrheic feces were observed. The nutritional performance of the steers revealed a steady increase of biometric parameters and weight. Animals supplied with L. mucosae CRL2069 for 104 days reached the maximum mean live weight (343.2 kg), whereas the greatest weight daily gain (1.27 ± 0.16 Kg/day) was obtained when CRL2069 and its combination with L. fermentum CRL2085 (1.26 ± 0.11 kg/day) were administered during the complete fattening cycle. With several exceptions, bovine cattle blood and serum parameters showed values within referential ranges. As a preharvest strategy to reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cattle feces, CRL2085 administered during 40 days decreased pathogen shedding with a reduction of 43% during the feeding period. L. fermentum CRL2085 and L. mucosae CRL2069 show promise for feedlot cattle feeding supplementation to improve metabolic-nutritional status, overall productive performance and to reduce E. coli O157:H7 shedding, thus decreasing contamination chances of meat food products.

Hemorrhagic septicemia vaccination induced changed immunoglobulin G in Bali Cattle

Hemorrhagic septicemia is a fatal bacterial disease in cattle with high morbidity and mortality and causes economic losses. This study aims to measure the Immunoglobulin G titer in Bali cattle after Hemorrhagic septicemia vaccination. A total of 35 calves were divided into two groups. The treatment group was vaccinated with the Hemorrhagic septicemia vaccine, and the control group consist of non-vaccinated animals. The experiment animal was observed for 21 days. Blood samples were taken before and after 21 days of vaccination. The serum obtained was tested serologically using IgG ELISA Kit. The results of observation after vaccination all cattle still live without any clinical symptoms. The study showed vaccination of cattle by HS vaccine produced a significant rise of IgG titers in the serum of Bali cattle.

Polymorphism of the glutathioneperoxidase-1 gene (GPX-1 g. 189 T/C) and biochemical parameters of the blood serum of Holstein cattle

The study examined the polymorphism of the glutathione peroxidase-1 gene (GPX-1, g. 189 T/C) effect on the GPx enzyme activity and biochemical parameters in the blood serum of Holstein cows of indigenous and foreign selection. The work was carried out in the Lenin Breeding Farm Integrated Agricultural Production Center (IAPC) and the Mukhametshin Z.Z. Peasant Farm Enterprise (PFE) of the Republic of Tatarstan. DNA genotyping by the locus of the Bos taurus GPX-1-Bsc4 I gene was performed by PCR-RFLP. As a result of genetic typing of cattle, 2 alleles (C and T) and 3 genotypes (CC, TC and TT) were identified. The classification carried out by PIC values in two populations of Holstein cattle showed that there is a moderate polymorphism of the GPX-1 gene. A negative inbreeding coefficient (F) indicates excessive outbreeding in both populations. In both populations, the numerical advantage of heterozygous genotype TC cows is 60.1 and 56.7 % of the total livestock. Indigenous breeding cows, compared with imported cattle had higher: GPx activity, AST, ALT, cholesterol level, total protein and albumin fraction. Analysis of the association between the GPX-1 gene polymorphism and the GPx enzyme level indicates that the activity of this enzyme varies depending on the genotype, and there is also a variation in the biochemical parameters of the Holstein cattle blood serum.

Status of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in soil, fodder and blood serum of cattle from Parbhani district of Maharashtra

Status of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in soil, fodder and blood serum of cattle from Parbhani district of Maharashtra

IMPLEMENTATION OF ESSENTIAL BIOSTIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPLEMENTARY FEED AS A MIXTURE OF REINFORCING FEED ON HAEMATOLOGICAL AND NUTRIENT PROFILES OF BEEF CATTLE SERUM (CASE STUDY OF BEEF CATTLE FATTENING ON PEOPLE'S LIVESTOCK)

The national meat self-sufficiency program in Indonesia aims to increase the cattle population to meet the country's meat consumption. Beer dregs are a potential alternative feed supplement, as they contain high crude protein and soluble carbohydrates that can affect the rumen microbial population. In addition, essential oil biostimulators derived from citronella are added to the feed as a mixture of reinforcing feed to support cattle health and productivity. This study investigates the effect of essential biostimulators in supplementary feed as a mixture of reinforcing feed on the haematological and nutrient profiles of beef cattle serum, using the case study of beef cattle fattening in People's Livestock. Results showed that the addition of citronella essential oil improved nutrient digestibility and rumen health, and the combination of beer dregs and essential biostimulators positively impacted the haematological and nutrient profiles of beef cattle serum.

Identification and Prevalence of Brucella Species Circulating among Cattle Slaughtered in the Douala and Buea Municipalities of Cameroon

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease affecting the livestock sector in low‐income countries. Cameroon, a lower‐middle‐income country in sub‐Saharan Africa, has reported the prevalence of brucellosis in regions where livestock rearing is the principal economic activity. However, the presence of the disease has not been reported in southern regions receiving cattle for consumption by their population. In addition, there is no report on the Brucella species circulating in Cameroon. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in cattle slaughtered in the Buea and Douala slaughterhouses and identify the Brucella species circulating among these animals. A total of 576 cattle serum samples were collected from the Buea and Douala slaughterhouses and analysed by ELISA. Following the ELISA assay, all samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The bcsp31 gene primers were used for the genus‐specific PCR. All bcsp31‐positive samples were subjected to species‐specific PCR. Primers targeting the IS711 gene sequence were used to identify the abortus‐melitensis‐ovis‐suis species. The prevalence of brucellosis in both locations was 3.1% and 5.4% using the ELISA and PCR assays, respectively. Out of the 18 ELISA‐positive samples, 5 (27%) were positive with PCR, while 26 (4.7%) of the ELISA‐negative samples were positive with PCR. The Brucella species in circulation were identified using the Sanger sequencing technique. The sequences were 99.3% to 100% identical to the B. abortus strain BJ1‐23 and the B. abortus strain BJ1‐1 of the 31 kDa antigen (bcsp31) gene from India. This is the first report on the genotypic characterisation of Brucella species in Cameroon and confirms brucellosis in cattle at the Buea and Douala slaughterhouses.

Seroprevalence of Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in India: A 5-year study.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a highly contagious disease of bovines causing respiratory symptoms, abortions, and reduced milk yield, leading to huge economic losses. Reports on seroprevalence in bovines in India are available and restricted to districts/states. In the present study, a nationwide seroprevalence of IBR in bovines was conducted to provide a national IBR seroprevalence to the Chief Veterinarian who in turn can design the control strategies. A total of 15,592 cattle and buffalo serum samples from 25 states and 3 Union Territories viz., Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands were tested for IBR antibodies using Avidin‑Biotin (AB) ELISA. Cumulative seropositivity was found to be 31.37%. Maharashtra and Rajasthan states, part of the west zone of the country, showed the highest and lowest seroprevalence, respectively. A total of 11,423 cattle and 4,169 buffalo serum samples were tested, which showed 33.91% and 24.39% seropositivity, respectively. India has the highest buffalo population. Presently, India no IBR vaccination programs are implemented in India. Considering the high seroprevalence, the authorities should plan control strategies for vaccinating dairy cows and buffaloes in India.

Investigation of serum leptin, ghrelin, irisin, insulin levels and their correlations in cattle with subclinical ketosis

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the correlations with leptin, ghrelin, irisin and insulin levels in the blood serum of cattle with subclinical ketosis. For this purpose, 10 healthy and 10 Holstein cattle with subclinical ketosis obtained from farms in Burdur region were used. A diagnosis of subclinical ketosis was made according to the Rothera test performed in milk, by performing a general clinical examination of the animals. Blood samples were taken from vena jugularis into tubes without anticoagulant. Serum leptin, ghrelin, irisin and insulin levels were measured in the obtained sera using commercial ELISA kits. In cows with subclinical ketosis, serum ghrelin, leptin, irisin and insulin values were increased compared to the control group (p

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., and Coxiella burnetii-associated antibodies in dairy cattle with reproductive disorders.

In cattle dairy farms, abortions and other reproductive problems due to major infectious diseases are overlooked, and identifying their causative agents is very challenging without a confirmatory diagnosis. Further, a prevalence study in animals will provide important hints of pathogen reservoirs and provide necessary direction to disease burden with appropriate control and biosecurity measures at the farm level. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dairy cattle associated with reproductive problems along with coexisting antibodies against abortifacient zoonotic (Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira spp.) pathogens. Cattle sera (n = 246) from dairy farms (n = 35) situated in different locations in India were screened for anti-T. gondii and C. burnetii antibodies with enzyme-linked immunoassay and Leptospira spp. antibodies with microscopic agglutination test. The overall prevalence of 11.4% (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 7.99%-15.96%) antibodies in cattle associated with reproductive problems (p < 0.021) with farm-level seropositivity of 43% was observed. Further, on analysis of screened sera, 49.8% (95% CI: 42.6%-55%) and 77.6% (95% CI: 72%-82.4%) of samples were found to be positive for C. burnetii and Leptospira spp. antibodies, respectively. Moreover, the seropositivity of 91.9% (226/246) for at least one of the screened zoonotic pathogens was observed, indicating antibodies against either of these organisms in association with reproductive disorders (p < 0.005). The percentage of cattle found to have T. gondii antibodies was only 1.8%, whereas 11.5% and 41.6% of cattle were found to have C. burnetii and Leptospira spp. antibodies, respectively. Nevertheless, the predominantly mixed infections observed were of Leptospira and C. burnetii (34.5%), followed by all three infections (4.9%); toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis (3.5%); and toxoplasmosis and Q fever (2.2%). The serological detection of antibodies against these pathogens in cattle may have significant implications for the livestock industry and public health, suggesting the need for continuous surveillance and monitoring of these infections to prevent their spread.

Development and application of an indirect ELISA to detect antibodies to Neospora caninum in cattle based on a chimeric protein rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7.

Neospora caninum is an important apicomplexan parasite causing neosporosis in cattle. The disease is recognized as one of the most important cause of reproductive problems and abortion in cattle worldwide. In this context, we developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with chimeric protein rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7 to diagnose antibodies to Neospora-infection. This indirect ELISA was compared to indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and western blotting (WB), and the sensitivity and specificity results of ELISA were calculated to be 86.7 and 96.1%, respectively. The overall coincidence rate was 92.6% using IFAT and WB. Additionally, 329 aborting dairy cattle serum samples were tested using this ELISA to evaluate the prevalence of N. caninum in Ningxia, China. The positive rate of N. caninum in these farms was from 19.05 to 57.89%, and the mean rate was 41.64% (±11.01%), indicating that infection with N. caninum may be one of the important causes of cattle abortion in this region. This established rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7 indirect ELISA is capable for detecting the antibodies against N. caninum, and it could be a useful screening tool for monitoring the epidemiology of neosporosis in cattle.

Quantitative analysis of minor and trace elements in blood serum of dairy cattle (Bos taurus) by WDXRF

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Assessment of heavy metal content in biological fluids is essential to determine human and animal health as a result of exposure to contaminated environments, food, and water. WDXRF is a non-destructive method that involves no chemical treatments. It is possible to perform fast chemical analysis without producing hazardous waste and uses a small sample volume (± 50 mL), which is useful to veterinary usage. Therefore, the aim of this work was to implement an alternative method for minor and trace elements in blood serum samples of dairy cattle (Bos taurus) using WDXRF. It was implemented for the determination of Al, Cr, Co, Fe, Cu, As, and Hg, and the method was evaluated by comparing WDXRF and ICP-OES results of a set of 14 blood serum samples of dairy cattle using principal component analysis (PCA). Results of WDXRF and ICP-OES were statistically equivalent to all analyzed elements, except for Fe and Al, which were still comparable. WDXRF proved to be a suitable alternative methodology for heavy metal detection in animal blood serum samples due to the low sample volume. The results of this study enable a new and fast method for veterinary internal medicine, which requires a technique that quickly detects animals with a high concentration of toxic elements to assure the correct protocols to prevent the animal's death.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection and associated risk factors in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause abortions in cattle and pose considerable economic losses to the cattle industry. As a major livestock province, little is known of N. caninum infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China. In order to investigate the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle in Shanxi Province, 978 cattle serum samples were collected from 11 cities in three representative geographical locations in Shanxi Province, and the N. caninum-specific IgG antibodies were examined using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit commercially available. The results showed that 133 of the 978 examined cattle serum samples (13.60%, 95% CI = 11.45-15.75) were positive for N. caninum antibodies, and the seroprevalence in different cities ranged from 0 to 78.89%. The geographical location and management mode were the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection in cattle herds in Shanxi Province. Cattle in Northern and Central Shanxi Province as well as cattle whose management mode is that of large-scale cattle farming companies are more susceptible to N. caninum infection. This was the first large-scale survey of N. caninum seroprevalence and assessment of associated risk factors in cattle in Shanxi Province, which provided baseline information for the prevention and control of N. caninum infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) Exposure in Smallholder Dairy Cattle in Tanzania.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease, resulting from infection with Coxiella burnetii. Infection in cattle can cause abortion and infertility, however, there is little epidemiological information regarding the disease in dairy cattle in Tanzania. Between July 2019 and October 2020, a serosurvey was conducted in six high dairy producing regions of Tanzania. Cattle sera were tested for antibodies to C. burnetii using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A mixed effect logistic regression model identified risk factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. A total of 79 out of 2049 dairy cattle tested positive with an overall seroprevalence of 3.9% (95% CI 3.06-4.78) across the six regions with the highest seroprevalence in Tanga region (8.21%, 95% CI 6.0-10.89). Risk factors associated with seropositivity included: extensive feeding management (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.25-3.77), and low precipitation below 1000 mm (OR 2.76, 95% 1.37-7.21). The disease seroprevalence is relatively low in the high dairy cattle producing regions of Tanzania. Due to the zoonotic potential of the disease, future efforts should employ a "One Health" approach to understand the epidemiology, and for interdisciplinary control to reduce the impacts on animal and human health.