Small Ruminant Species Research Articles

Serological and Molecular Survey of Hepatitis E Virus in Small Ruminants from Central Portugal

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is currently recognized as an emerging problem and a growing concern for public health in developed countries, with HEV infections mainly attributable to foodborne transmission of HEV-3. The zoonotic HEV genotype 3 infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, with swine considered as the primary host. This study investigates the occurrence of HEV among small ruminants in Portugal. The primary aim of the present research was to evaluate the circulation and the potential for HEV infection among sheep and goats. A total of 400 bile samples and 493 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats at a slaughterhouse in the center region of Portugal, between January 2022 and March 2023. The HEV RNA detection in bile samples was performed using a nested broad-spectrum RT-PCR targeting the ORF1 region. Serological analysis to detect anti-HEV antibodies was conducted using a commercial double-antigen sandwich multi-species ELISA. The HEV RNA was not detected in any bile samples using the nested broad-spectrum RT-PCR. Serological analysis revealed an overall HEV antibody seroprevalence of 2% (10/493, 95% CI: 0.98–3.70) among the small ruminants, namely 2.2% in goats and 2.0% in sheep. Curiously, no statistically significant association among the factors, age, sex and species and HEV seroprevalence was observed. Although HEV RNA was not detected in the bile of sheep and goats, this study the evidence of seroprevalence in these small ruminant species. Further research could provide additional insights into the factors influencing HEV transmission dynamics in small ruminants in Portugal and its potential implications for public health.

Review: Goat and Sheep Meat Production in Indonesia

This review describes the production systems and products pertaining to goats and sheep (GS) in Indonesia. These small ruminant species are found across 38 provinces in Indonesia. Almost 99% of the GS are farmed by smallholders, with the animals either being housed in an enclosure (small shed near the farmer’s house) or in a mix of both grazing and confinement. The livestock are typically fed natural and/or artificial feed. Two sheep types, thin-tailed and fat-tailed are the most popular with smallholder producers, while Bali, Etawah, Boerawa, Jawa Randu Kosta, and Gembrong are the dominant goat breeds. As one of the biggest Muslim countries in the world, Indonesian production and consumption of GS is influenced by culture and religious systems. The Halal slaughter method applied is described, as are the religious/cultural festivals in Indonesia, which have a significant relationship on the GS demand and consumption, such as Eid al-Adha and Aqiqah. The preparation, processing, and consumption of GS meat in Indonesia are strongly influenced by the use of spices, being part of the Moluccas archipelago, also known as the “Spice islands” with over 30,000 species of spices grown. Some traditional meats and meat processing technologies in Indonesia are presented to provide insight into how GS meat is processed. The main challenges in the processing of GS meat in Indonesia and some current research on the development of GS production are presented in this paper. Implications: Goat and sheep belong to the most widely consumed meats in the world after pork, poultry, and beef. There are some reasons why GS meat has become one of the more popular protein choices for many families, of which its low-fat levels are one. GS meat is also considered one of the only meats with minimal religious taboos in the world. For these reasons, GS meat is also favored by Indonesian people in the most populous Muslim-majority country. However, information regarding goat and sheep in Indonesia is still lacking. This review aims to provide information on the distribution of GS in Indonesia over 38 provinces, the breed types that grow there, their production, and Indonesian consumption behavior, highlighting the religious festivals that cause the highest demand for these meats. This review provides information to the stakeholders of goat and sheep production chains.

Advancements in Understanding and Enhancing Antioxidant-Mediated Sperm Cryopreservation in Small Ruminants: Challenges and Perspectives.

Cryopreservation poses significant challenges to the preservation of sperm integrity and function, particularly in small ruminants where cryodamage is pronounced. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm cryodamage and strategies for improving cryopreservation outcomes, with a focus on the role of antioxidants. Cryopreservation-induced alterations in proteins and RNA transcripts critical for sperm function, including motility, capacitation, fertilization, and embryo development, are discussed. Proteomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic advancements have provided valuable insights into these mechanisms, offering potential biomarkers for predicting sperm freezability and enhancing cryopreservation strategies. Combining technologies such as mass spectrometry and flow cytometry allows for a comprehensive understanding of molecular and cellular changes induced by the freezing-thawing process. However, challenges remain in optimizing cryoprotectant formulations and antioxidant supplementation to improve post-thaw sperm fertility. Further research is needed to explore a wider range of novel cryoprotectants, antioxidants, and proteins for cryopreservation media, as well as to validate their efficacy in enhancing sperm viability and function. Additionally, investigations into the effects of cryopreservation on RNA transcripts and epigenetic factors in small ruminant species are warranted to advance our understanding of sperm preservation. Overall, this review highlights the importance of antioxidants in mitigating cryodamage and underscores the need for continued research to refine cryopreservation protocols and improve reproductive outcomes in small ruminants.

A guide to antimicrobial options for common small ruminant diseases

There are few antibiotics approved for use in small ruminant species in the United States. According to the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA), extralabel drug use may only be employed under the direction of a licensed veterinar­ian in the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relation­ship. However, with the implementation of FDA Guidance for Industry #263, producers will no longer have access to antibiot­ics which were previously available over the counter and could have been utilized in an extralabel manner without veterinary oversight. The aim of this discussion is to provide veterinarians with a logical approach to selecting appropriate antibiotics for use in small ruminants.

Comparative Study of Bacterial Contamination in Local Iraqi Sheep and Goats Semen

Background: Semen contamination is a detrimental factor in decreasing fertility. Seasonal changes may affect the contamination, too. Objectives: This study was designed to detect semen contamination in ovine and caprine during different seasons. Methods: Six fully mature male sheep and goats were subjected to electro-ejaculator collection twice monthly from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023 (Spring, February 1, 2022-April 30, 2022; Summer, May 1, 2022, July 31, 2022; Autumn August 1, 2022, October 31, 2022; Winter November 1, 2022, January 31, 2023), for studying the seasonal effect. A total of 288 semen samples were collected from both species (36 samples from each per season). All samples were subjected to bacterial isolation and identification. Results: The results indicated that sheep semen had 4 different types of bacterial contamination with a higher number in contaminated samples than goat, which showed 5 different bacterial isolations. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in bacterial contamination with regard to different seasons. Conclusion: Different seasons appear not to affect bacterial contamination of semen in sheep and goats. Meanwhile, isolating all bacteria types was considered normal flora in both small ruminant species.

Campylobacter species abortion in sheep.

This focus article was prepared by Jasmine Smith of the APHA Small Ruminant Species Expert Group. Data extraction and analysis was done by Anna Brzozowska of the APHA Surveillance Intelligence Unit and Leanne Dempsey from APHA Thirsk.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Peste des petits ruminants in different production systems in Uganda

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and fatal disease of mostly domestic goats and sheep. First reported in Uganda in 2007, the extent of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) exposure, geographical distribution and risk factors of its transmission and spread are not clearly understood. In this study, we used cluster random sampling methodology to select study villages from three districts representing three different production systems along Uganda’s “cattle corridor”. Between October and December 2022, 2520 goat and sheep serum samples were collected from 252 households with no history of PPR vaccination in the past one year. The household heads were interviewed to assess possible risk factors of PPRV transmission using a structured questionnaire. The serum samples were screened with a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for PPRV antibodies. The determined overall true seroprevalence of PPRV was 27.3% [95% CI: 25.4–29.1]. The seroprevalence of PPRV antibodies in different production systems was 44.1% [95% CI: 40.6–47.7], 31.7% [95% CI: 28.4–35.0] and 6.1% [95% CI: 4.4–7.9] for pastoral, agropastoral and mixed crop-livestock production systems respectively. A mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression model revealed strong statistical evidence of association between female animals and PPRV antibody seropositivity compared to males [OR= 2.45, 95% CI: 1.7–3.5, p < 0.001]. The likelihood of being PPRV antibody seropositive significantly increased with increasing small ruminant age. Animals older than 3 years were more than three times as likely to be PPRV seropositive compared to animals aged under 1 year [OR= 3.41, 95% CI: 2.39–4.85, p < 0.001]. There was no statistical evidence of association between small ruminant species and PPRV antibody seropositivity (p = 0.423). Village flocks that interacted with neighboring flocks daily during grazing (IRR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19–2.13) and watering around swamps (IRR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19–2.13) were highly correlated with increased number of PPRV seropositive animals as compared to flocks that were more restricted in grazing and watered around other water sources other than swamps. Flocks from pastoral and agropastoral production systems were more than 10 times more likely to have seropositive animals than mixed crop-livestock flocks. Targeting PPR control interventions (vaccination and livestock movement control) to pastoral and agro-pastoral small ruminant production systems that are very prone to PPR incursions is recommended to prevent PPRV spread to low-risk smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems.

Diversity of trypanosome species in small ruminants, dogs and pigs from three sleeping sickness foci of the south of Chad.

Despite considerable data generated on livestock trypanosomoses in tsetse-infested areas, little attention was paid for animal African trypanosomosis (AAT) in sleeping sickness foci. This study aimed to fill this gap by determining the diversity and prevalence of trypanosome species in animals from three Chadian human African trypanosomosis (HAT) foci. Blood samples were collected from 443 goats, 339 sheep, 228 dogs and 98 pigs of the Mandoul, Maro and Moissala HAT foci in the south of Chad. Capillary tube centrifugation (CTC) and specific primers were used to search trypanosomes. The prevalence of trypanosome infections was 6.3% for CTC and 22.7% for PCR. Trypanosomes of the sub-genus Trypanozoon had the highest prevalence (16.6%) while T. congolense savannah (1.9%) was least prevalent. Significant differences were recorded between the prevalence of trypanosome species (χ2 = 8.34; p = 0.04) and HAT foci (χ2 = 24.86; p ≤0.0001). Maro had the highest prevalence (32.7%) and Mandoul the lowest (17.4%). Significant differences were also recorded for T. congolense forest (χ2 = 45.106; p < 0.0001) and all T. congolense (χ2 = 34.992; p < 0.0001). Goats had the highest prevalence (26.9%) and sheep the lowest one (18.6%). Between animals, significant differences were recorded for trypanosome of the sub-genus Trypanozoon (χ2 = 9.443; p = 0.024), T. congolense forest (χ2 = 10.476; p = 0.015) and all T. congolense (χ2 = 12.152; p = 0.007). Of the 251 animals carrying trypanosome infections, 88.8% had single infections while 11.2% had more than one trypanosome species. The overall prevalence of single and mixed trypanosome infections were respectively 20.1% and 2.6% in animal taxa from of all foci. This study highlighted a diversity of trypanosomes in animal taxa of all HAT foci. It showed that AAT constitutes a threat for animal health and animal breeding in Chadian HAT foci. In these tsetse infested areas, reaching the elimination of AAT requires the designing and the implementation of control measures against trypanosome infections.

Pregnancy diagnosis in small ruminants

Pregnancy diagnosis in small ruminant species is crucial for the management of sheep and goats, particularly in commer­cial settings. There are many options for pregnancy diagnosis in these species, including ultrasonography and blood-based assays to detect pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. The meth­od used often depends on the availability of veterinary services to perform pregnancy diagnosis and the management goals of the herd or flock. Regardless of the method chosen, it should be economical for the producer, easily performed in field condi­tions, and highly accurate. Additional information on gestation­al age and fetal number allows for improved nutritional man­agement of the herd or flock to ensure adequate nutrition in the periparturient period to prevent metabolic disease such as pregnancy toxemia. Providing these diagnostic services can be an important source of revenue for the veterinarian while pro­viding invaluable information to aid small ruminant producers in improving profitability in their herds and flocks.

Upcycling post-harvest biomass residues from native European Lupinus species: from straws and pod shells production to nutritive value and alkaloids content for ruminant animals.

The production of Lupinus seeds for food and feed is increasing worldwide, which results in large amounts of post-harvest biomass residues, considered of low value and left in the field to be burned or incorporated in the soil. To valorize these agricultural wastes, this work aimed to assess their potential as an alternative feed for ruminants. Thus, the production yield, nutritive value, and alkaloid content of straws and pod shells from three native European Lupinus species, L. albus 'Estoril' (white), L. angustifolius 'Tango' (narrow-leafed), and L. luteus 'Cardiga' (yellow), cultivated in two locations, were evaluated. The dry matter (DM) yield of straws and pod shells were the highest for L. albus 'Estoril' (4.10 t ha-1) and the lowest for L. angustifolius 'Tango' (1.78 t ha-1), suggesting a poor adaptation of narrow-leafed lupin to the particularly dry and warm agronomic year. Despite species-specific differences, lupin biomass residues presented higher crude protein (53.0-68.9 g kg-1 DM) and lignin (103-111 g kg-1 DM) content than cereal straws usually used in ruminant feeding, thus resulting in higher metabolizable energy (6.43-6.58 MJ kg-1 DM) content. In vitro digestibility was similar among lupin species (47.7-50.6%) and higher in pod shells (53.7%) than in straws (44.6%). Lupinus albus 'Estoril' and L. luteus 'Cardiga' presented considerable amounts of alkaloids in straws (23.9 and 119 mg kg-1 DM) and pod shells (20.5 and 298 mg kg-1 DM), while no alkaloids were detected in L. angustifolius 'Tango' biomass residues. Considering the combined production of straw and pod shells per lupin species, it is anticipated that lupin biomass residues produced per ha can fulfill 85% of the energy and nearly 50% of protein requirements of a flock of 4 to 9 dry and mid-pregnancy sheep with 50 kg body weight for one year. No negative effects on small (ovine) and large (bovine) ruminant species due to alkaloids are expected, even if biomass residues are consumed at up to 85% DM intake. The large production yield along with its nutritive value unveils the potential of lupin biomass residues valorization as alternative fodder for ruminants, promoting sustainability under a circular economy approach.

Seroepidemiology of tuberculosis in sheep in southern Spain

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-host infectious disease caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). In Mediterranean ecosystems, where multiple animal hosts of TB are present, identifying the role of the different species involved in the epidemiology of TB is a key point to be able to implement proper control measures. Sheep are susceptible to MTC infection but have traditionally been considered a spillover host. However, the occurrence of outbreaks involving sheep in recent years evidences the need to better understand the role of this small ruminant species in the epidemiology of the disease. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep in Andalusia (southern Spain), a region with one of the highest prevalence of MTC infection in both cattle and wild ungulates. A total of 2266 sheep from 83 flocks were tested for antibodies against MTC using an in-house indirect ELISA. Anti-MTC antibodies were detected in 16 (0.7%) of the 2266 sheep (adjusted true prevalence 0.29%, 95% posterior probability interval 0.01–1.05). Seropositivity was found in 14.5% (12/83; 95%CI: 6.9–22.0) of the sheep farms analyzed. A semi-extensive management system was identified as a risk factor associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep farms (OR = 3.7; p < 0.038; 95%CI: 1.1–12.4) in the study area. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first active TB surveillance study carried out to assess MTC exposure in sheep. Our results indicate MTC circulation in sheep farms in southern Spain. However, the low individual seroprevalence obtained suggests that sheep may play a limited role in the epidemiology of TB in this region. Serosurveillance programs could be a valuable tool to detect MTC circulation in sheep in risk scenarios or target farms, in order to optimize control measures on TB animal in multi-host Mediterranean ecosystems.

Evolution of pastoral livestock farming on arid rangelands in the last 15years.

Livestock farming in arid rangelands constitutes a key component in the agricultural sector, particularly in developing countries. Farms have rapidly changed in recent decades, which has resulted in the modification of their structure, management and economic performance. Nowadays, livestock production in arid rangelands is threatened by climate change, coupled with the impact of complex interactions among social, economic and political factors. The present study analyses the main changes that have occurred on farms in the arid rangelands of south Tunisia from 2004 to 2019 and discusses the factors that explain the geographical patterns of such changes. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires with 73 farmers in two years (2004 and 2019). Information included farm structure and management, resources use and economic performance. Multivariate statistical methods analysed the differences in farm typologies between dates and the different pathways of change. Results showed that most farms increased herd size and cereal area for feeding the sheep, and reduced the time spent in rangelands. These changes could be partly explained as a response to decreasing gross margins per livestock unit and the deployment of policies fostering the use of agriculture-based feed resources. Despite these general trends, the variability among pathways of change was wide. Few farms kept using rangelands by focusing on sheep or camel production. Small sheep farms intensified the use of off-farm feeds in the north of the study area, where ecological conditions favoured agriculture. Feed supplementation allowed herd size and animal production to increase, with a substantial risk of susceptibility to market fluctuations. The economic results showed that camel farming combined with small ruminant species can lead to a similar profitability to, or even higher than, large farms that focus solely on sheep and rely on feed supplementation. We conclude that the current situation of livestock farming in arid rangelands remains fragile and their long-term viability is uncertain.

Prevalence of Enterotoxemia (Pulpy Kidney Disease) in Goat: A Comprehensive Review

Goat is considered as poor man’s cow and is among the earliest small ruminant species to be domesticated and are reared for meat and milk purpose, at least since 2500 B.C. in the Middle East. Goats contributes largely to the livelihood of livestock keeping households of low- and medium-input farmers, many of whom have few resources beyond their small holdings and livestock. It has been observed that maximum production can be obtained by protecting them from different prevalent diseases like enterotoxaemia. Enterotoxaemia is a fatal disease of small and large ruminant’s animal species; severe outbreak causes huge economic losses to livestock holders. This disease is also known as pulpy kidney disease due to systemic lesions observed on kidney as it causes nephritis and hydro nephrosis. Enterotoxaemia in goats occurs in four forms, i.e. Per acute, acute, subacute and chronic form. Severe outbreak of this disease observed in warm wet weather at the time of start of monsoon season every year and is having worldwide distribution. Factors which are responsible for exposing the animals towards the enterotoxaemia are sudden changing in diet as animals diet change from poor nutrient pastures to the rich nutrient pastures and changing in environmental temperature as warm wet weather is an ideal environment for the multiplication and toxins production of disease-causing microorganism. It can be diagnosed by detection of specific antibodies, clinical signs and post-mortem lesions. Infected animals can be treated by parental injection of specific chemotherapeutic agents or antitoxins and can be controlled by changing in dietary schedule and vaccination. Still, the pathology and pathogenesis of goat enterotoxaemia is not well understood, with limited studies available in goats. This review provides details information regarding the epidemiology, pathology and pathogenesis of enterotoxaemia in goat which might be helpful for future studies.

Small Ruminant Piroplasmosis: High Prevalence of Babesia aktasi n. sp. in Goats in Türkiye.

Small ruminant piroplasmosis is the hemoparasitic infection of sheep and goats caused by Babesia and Theileria species responsible for clinical infections with high mortality outcomes. The disease is transmitted by ixodid ticks and prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Türkiye. A prevalence survey, using molecular methods, is conducted in this study to determine the frequency of newly defined Babesia aktasi n. sp. and other tick-borne piroplasm species in small ruminants in Turkiye. A total of 640 blood samples from sheep (n = 137) and goats (n = 503) were analyzed by nested PCR-based reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization. The results show that 32.3% (207/640) of apparently healthy, small ruminants are infected with three Theileria and two Babesia species. Babesia aktasi n. sp. was the most prevalent species in goats, with 22.5% of samples being positive, followed by B. ovis (4%), T. ovis (2.8%), T. annulata (2.6%), and Theileria sp. (0.6%). None of the sheep samples were positive for Babesia aktasi n. sp.; however, 51.8% were infected with T. ovis. In conclusion, the findings reveal that B. aktasi n. sp. is highly prevalent in goats, but absent in sheep. In future studies, experimental infections will determine whether B. aktasi n. sp. is infectious to sheep, as well as its pathogenicity in small ruminants.

Characterization and Double-Antibody Sandwich ELISA Application of a Monoclonal Antibody Against Akabane Virus Nucleocapsid Protein.

Akabane virus (AKAV) is a Culicoides-borne Orthobunyavirus that is teratogenic to the fetus of cattle and small ruminant species. This study aimed to develop an effective diagnostic assay for the detection of AKAV using produced monoclonal antibody (mAb). First, the mAb against N protein of AKAV was produced and characterized by Western blot (WB) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) assays. Then, the linear epitope of AKAV N protein against the mAb was identified and the mAb was applied to establish a double-antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA). One AKAV N-reactive monoclonal mAb was generated and designated as 2D3. WB and IFA assays indicated that 2D3 could react with both recombinant N protein and AKAV isolate TJ2016. The linear epitope recognized by mAb 2D3 was located at amino acids 168-182 of AKAV N protein. The DAS-ELISA established on based mAb 2D3 was able to detect both the purified AKAV N protein (with a detection limit of 6.25 ng/mL) and AKAV-infected cell culture supernatant (with a detection limit of 250 TCID50/mL). Taken together, we successfully prepared a mAb 2D3 against AKAV N protein and identified its corresponding linear epitope, and then established a DAS-ELISA for the detection of AKAV antigen. A produced mAb against AKAV N protein was used to define a linear epitope of AKAV and establish a DAS-ELISA for AKAV antigen detection.

Morphometric and phylogenetic study of Haemonchus isolates in small ruminants from mountainous (Lorestan) and plain (Khuzestan) regions of Iran

Haemonchus species are among ruminants' important blood-feeding and pathogenic nematodes. This study aimed to determine morphometric and phylogenetic characteristics of Haemonchus spp. isolates from sheep and goats in two different regions of Iran. A total of 340 isolates of adult Haemonchus spp. from the animals of Khuzestan and Lorestan provinces were identified using morphometric and molecular characteristics. Differentiating functions (DF) of male Haemonchus spp. as well as vulvar morphology and flap diversity for female Haemonchus spp. were determined. The twenty-four samples of Haemonchus contortus that showed the most phenotypic differences were analyzed for the sequencing of two genes, ITS-2 and ND4. Since the DF was less than 0.63, all male isolates were H. contortus. The results showed significant differences in some morphometric characteristics of males and females of H. contortus in animals of two regions. H. contortus female worms showed smooth (2–20 %), knobbed (32–65 %), and linguiform (20–66 %) forms as the lowest vulvar morphs and most common vulvar flap types. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis of ITS2 and ND4 sequences revealed the presence of five and three genotypes for all the isolates, respectively. Morphometric and molecular findings in the present study confirmed H. contortus as the only species in small ruminants from two regions of Iran. The morphometric indices of male and female isolated worms of H. contortus were significantly different concerning the species of animal (goat and sheep) and the geographical region. This study showed that ND4 is more valuable for studying the diversity and phylogeny of H. contortus than ITS2. In this study, there was no correlation between genotypes of different isolates and morphological characteristics, indicating variations in genotypes did not appear to affect the phenotype of H. contortus.

Discovery of a Novel Species Infecting Goats: Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Babesia aktasi n. sp.

A novel Babesia sp. infecting goats was discovered based on the molecular findings obtained in the current study, which was conducted in the Mediterranean region of Türkiye. The goal of this study was to isolate this species of Babesia (Babesia sp.) infecting goats in vivo and to assess the genetic and morphological characterization of the parasite. To identify the animal naturally infected with Babesia sp. and isolate the parasite from this animal, field studies were conducted first, and genomic DNA were extracted from blood samples taken from goats (n = 50). The Theileria, Babesia, and Anaplasma species were identified using a nested PCR-based reverse line blotting (RLB) method. The study included one goat that was determined to be infected with Babesia sp. (single infection) in RLB for in vivo isolation. A blood smear was prepared to examine the parasite's morphology, but it was found to be negative microscopically. Following that, a splenectomy operation (to suppress the immune system) was performed to make the parasites visible microscopically in this animal. Parasitemia began after splenectomy, and the maximum parasitemia was determined to be 1.9%. The goat displayed no significant symptoms other than fever, loss of appetite, and depression. During a period when parasitemia was high, blood from this goat was inoculated into another splenectomized goat (Theileria-Babesia-Anaplasma-Mycoplasma spp. free). On the third day of inoculation, 10% parasitemia with high fever was detected in the goat, and on the fourth day, the goat was humanely euthanized due to severe acute babesiosis symptoms. Except for mild subcutaneous jaundice, no lesions were discovered during the necropsy. According to the microscopic measurement results, ring, double pyriform, spectacle-frame-like, and line forms were observed, and it was observed to be between 1.0-2.5 µm (1.38 ± 0.17 to 0.7 ± 0.21-all forms). A phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison using the 18S rRNA and cox1 genes revealed that this species is distinct from the small ruminant Babesia species (18S rRNA 92-94%, cox1 79-80%) and has the highest similarity to Babesia sp. deer, which has been reported in deer. Furthermore, it was determined to resemble B. venatorum, B. divergens, Babesia sp. FR1 and Babesia sp. MO1 species, all of which are zoonotic. Additional research is needed to clarify the clinical status of this parasite in goats and other hosts (mountain goat, sheep, calf).

Determination of Virulence-Associated Genes and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Brucella Isolates Recovered from Humans and Animals in Iran Using NGS Technology.

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease in Iran. Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Brucella isolates have been reported from different developing countries, posing an imminent health hazard. The objective of this study was to evaluate AMR and virulence-associated factors in Brucella isolates recovered from humans and animals in different regions of Iran using classical phenotyping and next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Our findings revealed that B. melitensis is the most common species in bovines, small ruminants and camels. B. abortus was isolated only from one human case. Probable intermediate or resistant phenotype patterns for rifampicin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin-sulbactam and colistin were found. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified mprF, bepG, bepF, bepC, bepE, and bepD in all isolates but failed to determine other classical AMR genes. Forty-three genes associated with five virulence factors were identified in the genomes of all Brucella isolates, and no difference in the distribution of virulence-associated genes was found. Of them, 27 genes were associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 12 genes were related to a type IV secretion system (virB1-B12), two were associated with the toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing proteins (btpA, btpB), one gene encoded the Rab2 interacting conserved protein A (ricA) and one was associated with the production of cyclic β-1,2 glucans (cgs). This is the first investigation reporting the molecular-based AMR and virulence factors in brucellae isolated from different animal hosts and humans in Iran. Iranian B. abortus and B. melitensis isolates are still in vitro susceptible to the majority of antibiotics used for the treatment of human brucellosis. WGS failed to determine classical AMR genes and no difference was found in the distribution of virulence-associated genes in all isolates. Still, the absence of classical AMR genes in genomes of resistant strains is puzzling, and investigation of phenotypic resistance mechanisms at the proteomic and transcriptomic levels is needed.

Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia massiliae in ixodid ticks infesting small ruminants in agro-pastoral settlements in Plateau State, Nigeria

Arthropods, especially ixodid ticks, have been incriminated in the epidemiology of Spotted Fever Group rickettsioses globally leading to an increasing spectrum of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses with attendant consequences on trade and tourism. The objective of this study was to determine the role of ixodid ticks infesting small ruminants in Plateau State, Nigeria, in the epidemiology of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae (SFGR) in the study area. DNA from 130 out of 323 ixodid ticks collected from 179 goats and 121 sheep owned by agro-pastoralists in Plateau State were screened for the evidence of SFGR by molecular methods. Six tick species from four genera were identified: Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) and Rhipicephalus. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) was the predominant (54.5%) species among collected ticks. Tick infestation was significantly associated with the species of small ruminants, the sex of the animals and the sampling locations except for Jos South. Conventional PCR targeting the 381bp of the citrate synthase (gltA) and 820bp of the outer membrane protein B (ompB) genes detected DNA of SFGR in nine and eight samples, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that five sequences obtained from Amblyomma variegatum were 99-100% identical to Rickettsia africae and three sequences from Rh. sanguineus (s.l.) were 100% identical to Rickettsia massiliae reported from Spain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of R. africae DNA in Am. variegatum collected from small ruminants in Plateau State. Ixodid ticks infesting small ruminants in Plateau state harbor DNA of SFGR with potential veterinary and public health implications.

Haemonchus contortus: an overview.

This focus article was prepared by Amanda Carson, Rudolf Reichel, Suzie Bell, Rachael Collins and Jasmine Smith of the APHA Small Ruminant Species Expert Group, and Dave Bartley from the Moredun Research Institute.