Domestic Animal Species Research Articles

Coronaviruses: Troubling Crown of the Animal Kingdom.

The existence of coronaviruses has been known for many years. These viruses cause significant disease that primarily seems to affect agricultural species. Human coronavirus disease due to the 2002 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and the 2012 outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome made headlines; however, these outbreaks were controlled, and public concern quickly faded. This complacency ended in late 2019 when alarms were raised about a mysterious virus responsible for numerous illnesses and deaths in China. As we now know, this novel disease called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and rapidly became a worldwide pandemic. Luckily, decades of research into animal coronaviruses hastened our understanding of the genetics, structure, transmission, and pathogenesis of these viruses. Coronaviruses infect a wide range of wild and domestic animals, with significant economic impact in several agricultural species. Their large genome, low dependency on host cellular proteins, and frequent recombination allow coronaviruses to successfully cross species barriers and adapt to different hosts including humans. The study of the animal diseases provides an understanding of the virus biology and pathogenesis and has assisted in the rapid development of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Here, we briefly review the classification, origin, etiology, transmission mechanisms, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies, including available vaccines, for coronaviruses that affect domestic, farm, laboratory, and wild animal species. We also briefly describe the coronaviruses that affect humans. Expanding our knowledge of this complex group of viruses will better prepare us to design strategies to prevent and/or minimize the impact of future coronavirus outbreaks.

Entangled, unraveled, and reconfigured: Human–animal relations among ethnic minority farmers and water buffalo in the northern uplands of Vietnam

In the rural rice fields of upland northern Vietnam, Hmong and Yao ethnic minority farmers have been relationally “entangled” with a number of domesticated animal species to secure semi-subsistence livelihoods. Among these different inter-species entanglements, the relationships between farmers and water buffalo are the most profound. However, in recent years, the broader, contextual factors that shape the entanglements between farmers and water buffalo have been changing rapidly, provoked primarily by increasing extreme weather events, government-supported market integration, and rising land constraints. As these environmental, political, and socioeconomic factors have intensified, the complexity and persistence of long-standing entanglements between farmers and water buffalo appear to be diminishing. We offer a new conceptual perspective to the entanglement literature in this regard, suggesting that “unraveling” might best represent these processes. Nonetheless, we present the idea of “resistant” entanglements to indicate how many farmers have halted unraveling processes, while we posit a future of “reconfigured” entanglements, increasingly based on market forces. Drawing from in-depth ethnographic fieldwork with ethnic minority farmers, we analyze the changing characteristics of these farmer–buffalo entanglements, as well as a range of related socioeconomic and cultural consequences.

Molecular diagnostics of Cryptosporidium representatives in industrial pig industry in the Vologda region North-Western federal district of the Russian Federation

Cryptosporidiosis is a widespread parasitic disease of many species of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans, which is a significant problem in the field of medicine and veterinary medicine. Farm animals, in particular piglets, are most often susceptible to this disease, but the species composition of representatives of the genus Cryptosporidium in this species of animals in the Russian Federation has remained unknown to date. For the first time in the Russian Federation, in the conditions of the north-west, on the example of the Vologda region in pig farms with industrial technology for keeping piglets using the latest molecular genetic techniques, namely, using high-throughput sequencing of amplicon libraries of fragments of the 18S rRNA gene obtained as a result of nested PCR, we have established parasitism of C. scrofarum in all age groups of the animals examined. The total invasion of livestock in pig farms was 34% (51/150). Pine piglets were invaded by Cryptosporidium in 40% of cases (12/30), the intensity of Cryptosporidium infection was predominantly strong (+ + +), occurred in 20% (6/30) of cases. The mean (+ +) and weak (+) degree of animal invasion also occurred in 3% (10/30) of cases each. In the age group of weaning piglets at the age of 1-3 months, Cryptosporidium infection was 33.3% (10/30), a strong (+ + +) degree of oocyst production dominated, it was 26.7% (8/30) versus 10% (3/30) of the average (+ +) and 3.3% (1/30) weak (+). The most invasive oocysts are Cryptosporidium of fattening piglets at the age of 4-6 months, the extensinvasion of this group was 60% (18/30). The degree of oocyst release was predominantly moderate (+ +) – 26.7% (8/30) and strong – 23.3% (7/30). In 13.3% (4/30) of cases, there was a weak (+) degree of Cryptosporidium infection . Animals older than 6 months were infected with Cryptosporidium in 20% (6/30) of cases. They also recorded an average (+ +) – 13.3% (4/30) and a strong (+ + +) – 6.7% (2/30) degree of invasion, weak (+) invasion in this age group was not detected. Sows have also been invaded by Cryptosporidium. Their infection rate was 16.7% (5/30), and the degree of cryptosporidiosis was weak (+).

A programmable CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated hyperbranched hybridization chain reaction for ultrasensitive sensing of Mycobacterium bovis

Mycobacterium bovis results in a serious threat to domestic animal species, wildlife, and humans. Therefore, a novel colorimetric sensor with high sensitivity and specificity was developed for diagnosing Mycobacterium bovis by combining CRISPR/Cas12a with hyperbranched hybridization chain reaction (HB-HCR). In the presence of target DNA, the active Cas12a protein endowed with trans-cleavage activity showed its role in scgRNA. Thus, an auto-catalytic circuit was formed after the released gRNA molecules were converted to form additional active Cas12a effectors. Simultaneously, the released RNA initiator was used to trigger a cascade of HB-HCR events integrated G-quadruplex. Further, the rather low abundance of target could be observed with naked eyes when Hemin, H2O2 and ABTS were added. The results revealed that the limit of detecting Mycobacterium bovis target was 8.9 aM with single-nucleotide mismatch discrimination. Furthermore, the practical application of our designed colorimetric sensor for detecting Mycobacterium bovis performed by the standard addition method, the recovery ranged from 95.7% and 108.9% and the relative standard deviations (RSD) ranged from 1.2% and 2.8%, opened up a new avenue for highly sensitive and specific diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis in real biological samples.

Ecuadorian Children’s Willingness to Protect Endangered Species – Identifying Behavioral Predictors in a Biodiversity Hotspot

Abstract The loss of biodiversity is a problem that particularly affects biodiversity hotspots. Children play a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species. One important prerequisite for conservation behavior is the willingness to protect endangered animal species. The present study investigated the influence of several variables on Ecuadorian children’s willingness to protect domestic endangered animal species (N = 154; MAge = 8.57; SD = 0.55; 48.1% female). Gender, caring beliefs (a subdimension of the wildlife value orientation), dispositional empathy with endangered animals, and threat perception of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) toward humans were strong predictors of the willingness to protect them. Conversely, psychological distance, and threat perception of both the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the jaguar (Panthera onca) had no significant influence on willingness to protect. However, their effects may be indirect. The results of this study are relevant for biodiversity conservation and educators in schools.

Population structure of Vietnamese pigs using mitochondrial DNA.

The D-loop region on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is frequently used for analyses of maternal lineages within domestic animal species. There are many native pig breeds in Vietnam, but their origins remain unclear. This study investigated maternal lineages using the D-loop region on mtDNA of 260 samples collected from native pigs in 20 provinces across Vietnam. The D-loop region of all samples was amplified and sequenced. We obtained 713 bp sequences of the D-loop region for each sample excluding the repeat region, and variants on this region were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. We detected 50 haplotypes from Vietnamese native pigs, with 27 novel haplotypes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed two haplotype groups: one for the MTSEA group, frequently found in domestic pigs in the mountainous areas of Cambodia and Laos; and the D2 group, found in pigs originating from Chinese pigs. No European haplotype was found. Haplotypes in northeast Vietnam comprised only haplotypes of the D2 group, whereas in areas from the northwest mountains to the south, we found haplotypes belonging to both the D2 and MTSEA groups. This study suggested that both origins contributed to maternal lineages of current populations of Vietnamese native pigs.

Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Avian Influenza Type a Virus Infection in Poultry, A Review

Avian influenza (Bird flu) is a highly infectious disease caused by an Orthomyxovirus of the family Orthomyxoviridae. Avian influenza viruses are classified in the genus influenza virus A that infects wide variety of domestic and wild animal species. Aquatic birds are the natural hosts of avian influenza viruses as asymptomatic carriers. Mode of transmission of this virus in poultry flock is through ingestion, inhalation and mechanical transmissions and its clinical signs are variable. Avian influenza is distributed worldwide. According to disease severity avian influenza is classified into two forms: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) also known as fowl plague, and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). HPAI viruses are highly virulent representing the greatest concern for public health and economic importance and categorized as List a disease by OIE. Diagnosis mainly depends on isolation and identification of viruses. Serological tests and RT-PCR are also used. The disease is not treatable except trials for secondary microbial complications. Biosecurity is the most useful method for prevention and control.

Basic haematological and biochemical parameters of farmed red deer and fallow deer blood

Knowing the blood composition and determining the range of reference values for individual species of domestic animals is a key factor in monitoring their individual and herd health. The aim of the study was to determine the values of selected morphological and biochemical blood parameters, and also to compare the results obtained for farm red deer (Cervus elaphus) with fallow deer (Dama dama). Blood haematological parameters were determined using an automatic haematological analyzer with appropriate software, while biochemical parameters were determined using an automatic analyzer using the spectrophotometric method. The values of morphological and biochemical blood parameters of both deer species were close to the reference values of the blood of domestic ruminants. The only significant differences concerned the level of glucose and total cholesterol. Mean glucose levels of 145.90 ± 28.56 g/dl in red deer and 96.31 ± 14.51 g/dl in fallow deer were higher compared to glucose levels in sheep, goats and cattle. In contrast, the cholesterol level of 59.90 ± 3.18 mg/dl and 77.23 ± 13.74 mg/dl, respectively, in of the researched species was significantly lower compared to the reference level for domestic ruminants. To conclude, it can be assumed that these differences in blood composition may result from the species diversity of the tested animals compared to sheep, goats and cattle. In addition, it should be borne in mind that different husbandry procedures are used for these species, including limited interference with their feeding habits, which in this case are closer to the conditions of their natural habitat.

Tulathromycin – a semi-synthetic macrolidе antibiotic. II. Usage in veterinary medicine

This article presents the results of studies on the use of the new macrolide antibiotic tulathromycin in veterinary medicine. The information is presented according to the species of domestic animals, diseases, doses and shemes for therapy and metaphylaxis. The first section includes data for cattle and calves affected by respiratory diseases, caused by M. haemolytica, M. bovis, H. somni and P. multocida, and keratoconjunctivitis caused by M. bovis. The second one shows data for swine and pigs affected by the respiratory pathogens A. pleuropneumoniae, P. multocida, H. parasuis, B. bronhiseptica and M. hyopneumoniae. A third group presents information about small ruminants with manifested respiratory diseases caused by M. haemolytica, P. multocida, Mycoplasma spp., Pseudomonas spp. and hoof diseases from Dehelobacter nodosus. Fourth group includes the first test results of Rhodococcus equi, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Theileria equi, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina, causing diseases in horses. The fifth section includes reports of treated rabbits most commonly suffering from P. multocida respiratory infections. Finally, data from new studies on the use of tulathromycin in exotic animals and cases of some tropical diseases are listed. The provided information gives proof for the high sensitivity of the tested pathogens to tulathromycin and high clinical and economical effect that is efficient in single dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Compared to other antibacterial agents there is no resistance according to data available so far. Local accumulation and prolonged persistence of the drug in lung tissues, that result in a treatment regime with a single low-volume dose (2.5 mg/kg), are associated with positive clinical outcome in domestic animals: large ruminants, pigs, small ruminants and rabbits with respiratory diseases caused by M. haemolytica, H. somni, P. multocida and M. bovis; A. pleuropneumoniae, B. bronchiseptica, P. multocida, H. parasuis and M. hyopneumoniae; S.aureus, C. pseudotuberculosis and Streptococcus spp. and P.multocida

Comparative studies on camels and human derived Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in eastern province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Coronaviruses causes major economic losses associated with high mortality of domestic animal species. They are widespread in bats worldwide but can infect many other species including birds, camels. cats. dogs. horses, and humans. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) belonging to genus Betacoronavirus associated with human respiratory infections was first detected in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2012. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) identified in the reservoir Dromedary camels persists to occur in the Middle East in interrupted form. The virus is spread in the infected camels’ secretions especially the nasal tract. Deep studies of the evolution of coronaviruses (MERS-CoVs) are pressingly required. In the current study, we studied amplified fragments of nucleocapsid (N) gene of positive sample from naturally infected dromedary camel comparing with human MERS-CoV strains for tracking the evolution of MERS-CoV over time. RNA was isolated from nasopharyngeal swabs of dromedary camels with suspected MERS-CoV infection. Gel based RT-PCR were analyzed for amplification of variable genomic fragments. Sequence comparisons were carried out through different bioinformatics tools available. Our results showed that there are small changes identified in nucleocapsid gene sequence compared to MERS-CoV-EMC-2012.These changes reported in four codons were found to modified C53T, G69A, C207T and C532T. Phylogenetic analysis using N gene sequence revealed clustering of MERS-CoV strains into three main clades. Eventually, MERS-CoV Shows some evolve. So, it is recommended that the molecular characteristics of future MERS-CoV strains should be analyzed on regular basis to prohibit potential outbreaks in the future

Targeted radiocarbon dating of animal bones from ritual wetland depositions in early Iron Age (Denmark)

The biography and chronology of ritual wetland deposits of animal bones has proven difficult to establish and has been based on the study and typology of associated groups of objects (ceramics and weapons) deposited at the same site. As a result, animal bone deposits are often generalised and perceived in plural, even though several sites exhibit evidence of multiple, clearly separate deposits of individual animals or animal parts. To surmount these shortcomings, this study presents and discusses the results of targeted radiocarbon dating of animal bone depositions from a number of well-established ritual wetland sites dated to the early Iron Age within the area of present-day Denmark. The study includes 154 radiocarbon dates from 10 different sites. The results confirm that the biography of ritual animal bone depositions in wetland sites is highly complex and indicate that the use of wetlands during the early Iron Age for ritualized deposition of animal bones lasted for up to 800 years from the 4th – 5th century BC. The study also shows that domestic animal species were preferred over wild animals, and it confirms that some species may have held a special significance. It is further suggested that some animal species were deposited in wetland ritual depositions for a longer period of time than others, and that some wetland sites were in use through multiple centuries, whereas others were not. All in all, the study suggests a complex and dynamic use of wetlands and animals as part of early Iron Age ritual life.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Infection of Wild White-Tailed Deer in New York City.

There is mounting evidence of SARS-CoV-2 spillover from humans into many domestic, companion, and wild animal species. Research indicates that humans have infected white-tailed deer, and that deer-to-deer transmission has occurred, indicating that deer could be a wildlife reservoir and a source of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants. We examined the hypothesis that the Omicron variant is actively and asymptomatically infecting the free-ranging deer of New York City. Between December 2021 and February 2022, 155 deer on Staten Island, New York, were anesthetized and examined for gross abnormalities and illnesses. Paired nasopharyngeal swabs and blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies. Of 135 serum samples, 19 (14.1%) indicated SARS-CoV-2 exposure, and 11 reacted most strongly to the wild-type B.1 lineage. Of the 71 swabs, 8 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (4 Omicron and 4 Delta). Two of the animals had active infections and robust neutralizing antibodies, revealing evidence of reinfection or early seroconversion in deer. Variants of concern continue to circulate among and may reinfect US deer populations, and establish enzootic transmission cycles in the wild: this warrants a coordinated One Health response, to proactively surveil, identify, and curtail variants of concern before they can spill back into humans.

Combining market and nonmarket food sources provides rural households with more options to achieve better diets in Southern Benin

This study examines the relative contributions to dietary diversity of the diversity of plant and domesticated animal species which rural households produce or collect, i.e., nonmarket food sources, versus the diversity of foods purchased in markets. Although opinions differ in the literature as to their relative importance, clarifying how different sources of food contribute to the dietary diversity of rural households in the developing world is important to inform policies and interventions to improve their food security and dietary quality. This case study was carried out among a random sample of 654 rural households in southern Benin during two seasons: when food is plentiful after harvest; and when food is scarcer between harvests. We collected data on crops, wild plants, and domesticated animals utilized by households, the number of markets they visited, and the diet of a mother in the household, with a structured 24-hour food frequency questionnaire. We hypothesize that the number of markets visited is an indicator of the diversity of foods available in the markets they have access to, and thus shows the contribution of markets as food sources. Results support this hypothesis and show that households that produced more plant and domesticated animal species and those that visited more markets had more diversified diets. Obtaining diverse foods from multiple sources provides households with more options to achieve better diets. These results suggest a need for a more holistic approach that recognizes the complementarities between market and nonmarket sources of foods. This approach should build on the diversity of species rural households already utilize, and on the ways they interact with markets.

Dystocia due to Post-Cervical Uterine Torsion along with Foetal Ascites in a Cross-Bred Holstein-Friesian Cow

A twisting or rolling of the uterus along its longitudinal axis is known as uterine torsion (Roberts, 2004). Compared to other domestic animal species, bovines have a significantly higher prevalence of dystocia (Dutt et al., 2021). Uterine torsion is one of the common causes of dystocia in buffaloes than in cows (Purohit et al., 2011). In dairy cattle frequency of right horn pregnancy is reported as 60% to 68%, counterclockwise torsion would then be detected primarily in cases of right horn pregnancy (Arthur et al., 1996). Blockage of lymphatics, excessive production or inadequate drainage of peritoneal fluid and other factors can result in foetal ascites (Sloss and Duffy, 1980). Additionally, dropsical conditions of foetus such as hydrocephalus, ascites, hydrothorax, and foetal anasarca can also result in dystocia (Purohit et al., 2006; Purohit et al., 2012). The management of dystocia caused by left side post-cervical torsion and foetal ascites is described in the current case study. The patient was successfully treated without any complications

Histological and Immunohistochemical Features of Pulmonary Metastatic Oral Melanoma in a Labrador dog

Melanoma is a malignant tumour that originates from melanocytes. It has been reported in human beings as well as in many domesticated animal species (Reddy et al., 1998), and wild terrestrial and marine animals. Melanomas are the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumours in the oral cavity of canines (Goldschmidt, 1985; Faramade et al., 2017). Gingiva is the most common site for canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) but other parts like palatine, labile or buccal mucosa also act as the sites of origin (Delverdier et al., 1991). It is generally an aggressive tumour, often locally invasive, and frequently metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and lungs but metastasis to other organs like the brain, heart, spleen, and liver is not common (Goldschmidt and Hendrick, 2002). Canine OMM accounts for about 7% of all malignant tumours of canine, 11.5% to 17.1% of all oral tumours (Mikiewicz et al., 2019), and 33% to 35.8% of all malignant oral tumours (Sarowitz et al., 2017). OMM is reported in old age group animals mainly ranging from 7 to 14 years age (Esplin, 2008). Most common breeds affected by OMM include Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, mixed-breed dogs (Gillard et al., 2014) but histologically well-differentiated melanocytic neoplasms (HWDMN) also reported in Golden Retrievers, Labrador, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setters, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, etc. (Esplin, 2008). The diagnosis of melanoma is difficult mainly in tumors without appreciable melanin. Histological appearance resembles carcinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma, and osteogenic tumours. Therefore, immunohistochemistry with numerous melanoma specific markers is mostly used for confirmatory diagnosis in human and veterinary pathology (Wick, 2008). This case report is on the occurrence of oral melanoma with pulmonary metastasis in a Labrador dog.

A Historical Dreaded Human Nematode Parasite, Dracunculus Worm (Dracunculus medinensis) Whose Awe is Still Alive in Elderly of India! Can’t it Reappear in India?

In the eighties, there was a tremendous infestation of dreaded human nematode parasite, Dracunculus worm (Dracunculus medinensis) in the rural areas of many states of India. Commonly, this roundworm is also known as Guinea worm. Thousands of people were suffering from Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis), a disease caused by this viviparous female worm. In this water-borne disease, this worm is 1-3 feet long, milk-white, thin, cylindrical, and thread-like from any part (arms, legs, neck, breast, chest, abdomen, back, genital organs, etc.) of the person’s body, slowly comes out over a period of 2-3 months. But this worm comes out more from those organs which come more in contact with water, because it makes it easier for it to complete its life cycle. During its emergence, the person feels very severe unbearable pain. Sometimes more than one worm has also been seen coming out of a person’s body, which is an even more serious condition. India is now completely free from this dangerous worm and it was last seen in 2006. Now this is a historical human nematode roundworm whose description is only available in the pages of medical and parasitological history. But now these can be seen in the museum of zoology departments and medical colleges in the form of preserved specimens as evidence. But the old people of dracunculiasis endemic villages still tremble with fear after hearing its name. It is true that the history of this historical Dracunculus worm was very scary and dangerous. However, in India, the young generation is unfamiliar or unknown of this historical worm. There is no doubt that people have got freedom from this worm, but due to its eradication, another new health problem of chronic fluorosis has come in India, which is even more dangerous and painful than this. Due to this, not only thousands of people of all age groups, but many species of domestic animals became victims of lameness, that is, “fell from the sky and got stuck in the palm”. There is no doubt that this worm has ended from India, but the question is also that can it not come back? Because many other beings are its reservoir hosts in which it is hidden. Whatever it is, its fate lies in the womb of the future.

Development of immunodiagnostic tools for in situ investigation of Ovis aries papillomavirus 3 (OaPV3)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a malignant lesion characterized by proliferation and transformation of keratinocytes in the epidermis and infiltrating derma. cSCC is reported in domestic and wild animal species, worldwide. The occurrence and development of cSCC rely on synergic multifactorial conditions, most importantly sunlight exposure and Papillomavirus (PV) infection. In sheep, the development of such lesions represents a threat both to animal welfare and milk production. Ovis aries papillomavirus 3 (OaPV3) is the main cSCC viral determinant and oncogenic properties of viral E6 and E7 proteins were preliminarily investigated. However, E6 and E7 role and mechanisms resulting in cSCC have not been fully clarified, mainly due to the lack specific immunological tools, such as antibodies for in situ detection of ovine papillomavirus. This paper reports the development of specific serological tools for the investigation of OaPV3 pathogenicity, and their preliminary use to screen 4 ovine cSSC formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues. Relevance of immunological tools to investigation of viral biological properties and diagnosis are also discussed.

A comparative study of different animal hairs: A microscopic analysis.

Hair is a feature that is only found in mammals. In all species, it is an epidermal protrusion composed of an outer cuticle, middle cortex, and inner medulla. Hair's primary purpose in mammals is to aid with thermoregulation. Every domestic animal species has a distinct hair pattern that can be used in forensic investigations. The aim of the present study is to observe the different animal hairs under stereomicroscope for forensic analysis. Hair is a unique characteristic seen only in mammals. It is an epidermal protrusion composed of an outer cuticle, middle cortex, and inner medulla in all species. The primary function of hair in animals is to aid with thermoregulation. Every domestic animal species has a specific hair pattern that forensic investigators can employ. The shaft profile was straight in all the animal hairs. In the proximal end, the root was absent because the hair was cut from the respective animals. Cuticles were absent in all the hair strands. The surface texture was smooth in dog hair, rough and spiculated in cat hair, and coarse in horse and rat hair. Microscopic examination of hairs reveals morphological distinctions that allow animal hairs from different species to be distinguished. In forensic investigations, microscopic examinations of various animal hairs are useful.

Coronaviruses: modern taxonomy and research chronology

The classification of coronaviruses began in 1968 when five viruses (IBV, MHV, B814, 229E, and OC43) were united into an independent group, “coronaviruses”, based on the characteristic morphology of the virions. In 1971, the genus Coronavirus was formed, and in 1975, the family Coronaviridae, which in 1996 was included in the order Nidovirales. In 2009, the Coronaviridae family was divided into subfamilies. In 2018, new taxa of viruses were created – region, suborder, and subgenus, and in 2019 – kingdom, type, and class. According to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, issue No. 37 of 07.2021 (ratification of 03.2022), the family Coronaviridae belongs to the region Riboviria, kingdom Orthornavirae, phylum Pisuviricota, class Pisoniviricetes, order Nidovirales, suborder Cornidovirineae. The Coronaviridae family includes 54 viruses, which are grouped into three subfamilies (Letovirinae, Orthocoronavirinae, Pitovirinae), six genera (Alphaletovirus, Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus, Alphapironavirus) and 28 subgenera. Representatives of the most numerous subfamily Orthocoronavirinae infect various species of mammals and birds, causing various pathologies: respiratory and intestinal infections, polyserositis, myocarditis, hepatitis, nephritis, neuroinfections, immunopathology. In particular, viruses that cause infectious bronchitis in chickens, transmissible gastroenteritis in pigs, epidemic diarrhea in pigs, encephalomyelitis in pigs, coronavirus infection in cattle, and epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis in minks are relevant for veterinary practice. The natural reservoirs of coronaviruses from the genera Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus are bats and birds from the genera Gammacoronavirus and Deltacoronavirus. Particularly dangerous human coronaviruses are SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, which cause emergent infections. The circulation of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 among animals is shown. The natural reservoir of these viruses is bats, and the intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV are Himalayan civets, one-humped camels for MERS-CoV, and pangolins for SARS-CoV-2. The circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among different species of domestic and wild animals leads to the accumulation of mutations, which causes the adaptation of the virus to new hosts and ecological niches and its subsequent introduction into the human population.

Seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in Qatar

Brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease and one of the most common neglected diseases worldwide. It can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animal species. Infected animals are usually culled, causing substantial economic losses to animal owners and the country’s economy in general. The disease is endemic among cattle, sheep, and goats in many countries around the Middle East and prevalent in most Gulf Cooperation Council countries, comprising a significant public health risk in the region. This study investigated the seroprevalence of brucellosis among camels in Qatar. Two hundred and forty-eight samples were collected from dromedary camels from 28 farms across the entire country. Each sample was tested for Brucella antibodies with both Rose Bengal and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Only samples that tested positive by both tests were considered seropositive for brucellosis. The overall prevalence was (20.6%, 95% CI, 15.7–26.1). The association between sex and seropositivity was slightly significant (Χ2 = 4.32, P = 0.04), with higher seroprevalence in females. Camels below breeding age (i.e., < 4 years old) showed decreased seropositivity (3.4%, 95% CI, 0.1–17.8), compared to (22.8%, 95% CI, 17.4–29.0) seropositivity in camels ≥ 4 years of age, with a significant association between age groups and seropositivity (P = 0.02). Our results indicate that the seroprevalence of brucellosis in Qatar’s camels is alarming, mandating more efforts to control the disease. The findings of this study will aid in selecting better effective measures to control camel brucellosis in Qatar. Further studies need to be conducted on Brucella infection among camels to determine the predisposing risk factors and the steps that should be followed to control brucellosis.