Susceptible Animal Species Research Articles

Rift Valley Fever virus M and L genome segment detection: a comparison of field-deployable reverse transcription insulated isothermal PCR (RT-iiPCR) and laboratory-based multiplex reverse transcription real-time PCR.

The content of this manuscript is of interest to the diverse readership of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, including research scientists, diagnosticians, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen that causes major agricultural and public health problems. Current and most sensitive diagnostic approaches that are molecular-based are performed in highly specialized molecular diagnostic laboratories. To address diagnostic needs, we developed a novel, rapid, and sensitive molecular method using a portable PCR machine, POCKIT, capable of immediate deployment at sites of suspected outbreaks. Here, we demonstrate that field-deployable RVFV detection can provide reliable, sensitive, and specific point-of-need viral RNA detection that could be used for diagnostic investigations and epidemiological studies, and can be performed in the field.

Demonstration of SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Korean Native Cattle and Korean Native Black Goats in Korea.

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 virus. A wide range of animals that interact with humans have been investigated to identify potential infections. As the extent of infection became more apparent, extensive animal monitoring became necessary to assess their susceptibility. This study analyzed nasal swabs and blood samples collected from randomly selected Korean native cattle and Korean native black goats. The tests conducted included real-time qPCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens, an ELISA to detect antibodies, and a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to determine the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Among the 1798 animals tested (consisting of 1174 Korean native cattle and 624 Korean native black goats), SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in one Korean native cattle and one Korean native black goat. ELISA testing revealed positive results for antibodies in 54 Korean native cattle (4.60%) and 16 Korean native black goats (2.56%), while PRNTs yielded positive results in 51 Korean native cattle (4.34%) and 14 Korean native black goats (2.24%). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens and/or antibodies was identified in animals on farms where farmworkers were already infected. It is challenging to completely rule out the possibility of reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to livestock in Korea, although the transmission is not to the same extent as it is in highly susceptible animal species like minks, cats, and dogs. This is due to the limited geographical area and the dense, intensive farming practices implemented in these regions. In conclusion, continuous viral circulation between humans and animals is inevitable, necessitating ongoing animal monitoring to ensure public health and safety.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza: Considerations for vaccination and implications for international trade. A primary breeder’s perspective. Proceeding of The First International Avian Influenza Summit, University of Arkansas- October 16-17, 2023"

Vaccination against avian influenza requires the assessment of multiple technical, legislative, and trade aspects related to its epidemiology and the country’s veterinary infrastructure, commerce policies, and interests. According to the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH), vaccination against AI should not preclude a country from eligibility for trade as long as it can prove freedom from natural infection. Importing countries may have policies above the general guidelines offered by WOAH; however. Whether living with the disease for a long(er) time, having to adjust vaccines to better protect against newer avian influenza virus variants or clades, and/or whether there are indemnity incentives available to compensate growers for the losses related to outbreaks, considerations pertaining to the geographic spread of the disease across the country’s territory, the sector(s) of the poultry industry being affected, and whether all alternatives to combat the disease have been explored, and perhaps exhausted, should also be taken into consideration. WOAH’s guidelines for the continuation of trade include zoning that limits restrictions to a geographical area (10 km, county, or state) instead of the entire country. Compartmentalization also offers another approach to the continuation of trade for premises that demonstrate robust biosecurity and management programs backed by testing to demonstrate freedom from infection. Alternatives to avoid or reduce waste products (e.g., meat and eggs) should also be considered according to implications to the risk involved of further spread onto other avian and poultry populations. Considering the fact that the 2.3.4.4b clade has been able to infect a large number of wild bird and mammalian species and, at least for countries where the disease is not endemic in its commercial sectors, vaccinating only poultry, at least in countries with low prevalence and incidence rate would not prevent the spread of the disease amongst that large pool of susceptible animal species. For this latter aspect, perhaps vaccination strategies would be more effective if developed towards mitigating prevalence in the natural reservoirs. This implies developing vaccines capable of being deployed in mass. In the large scheme of things and within the one-health concept, this latter approach may have a larger impact on combatting high pathogenicity avian influenza.

Rift Valley Fever Virus-Infection, Pathogenesis and Host Immune Responses.

Rift Valley Fever Virus is a mosquito-borne phlebovirus causing febrile or haemorrhagic illness in ruminants and humans. The virus can prevent the induction of the antiviral interferon response through its NSs proteins. Mutations in the NSs gene may allow the induction of innate proinflammatory immune responses and lead to attenuation of the virus. Upon infection, virus-specific antibodies and T cells are induced that may afford protection against subsequent infections. Thus, all arms of the adaptive immune system contribute to prevention of disease progression. These findings will aid the design of vaccines using the currently available platforms. Vaccine candidates have shown promise in safety and efficacy trials in susceptible animal species and these may contribute to the control of RVFV infections and prevention of disease progression in humans and ruminants.

Apocynin, an NADPH Oxidase Enzyme Inhibitor, Prevents Amebic Liver Abscess in Hamster.

Amebiasis is an intestinal infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extraintestinal complication of amebiasis. In animal models of ALA, neutrophils have been shown to be the first cells to come into contact with Entamoeba histolytica during the initial phase of ALA. One of the multiple mechanisms by which neutrophils exhibit amebicidal activity is through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the enzyme NADPH oxidase (NOX2), which generates and transports electrons to subsequently reduce molecular oxygen into superoxide anion. Previous reports have shown that ROS release in the susceptible animal species (hamster) is mainly stimulated by the pathogen, in turn provoking such an exacerbated inflammatory reaction that it is unable to be controlled and results in the death of the animal model. Apocynin is a natural inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. No information is available on the role of NOX in the evolution of ALA in the hamster, a susceptible model. Our study showed that administration of a selective NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) enzyme inhibitor significantly decreases the percentage of ALA, the size of inflammatory foci, the number of neutrophils, and NOX activity indicated by the reduction in superoxide anion (O2-) production. Moreover, in vitro, the apocynin damages amoebae. Our results showed that apocynin administration induces a decrease in the activity of NOX that could favor a decrease in ALA progression.

Diagnostic value of PCR analysis of synovial fluid for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis in dogs

Lyme borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is a chronic multiorgan disease of humans and animals transmitted by ticks of the Ixodidae family and caused by a group of spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Dogs are one of the most susceptible animal species to Lyme disease. Symptoms of the disease in dogs can range from mild lameness and fever to more severe and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as kidney damage and neurological disorders. Due to the variety of clinical manifestations and the lack of a universal diagnostic approach, veterinarians often face difficulties in accurately diagnosing the disease. Therefore, improving the algorithms for diagnosing Lyme borreliosis in dogs remains an urgent issue for practical veterinary medicine. The article describes and analyzes data on two cases of dogs from Kyiv (Ukraine) that presented with musculoskeletal disorders, including lameness, swelling of the knee joints, and tenderness, which raised suspicion of Lyme borreliosis. The diagnostic tests used to confirm the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis included clinical blood test, C-reactive protein test, cerebrospinal fluid cytology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgM and IgG antigens to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, computed tomography and PCR analysis of synovial fluid for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA. As a result, the clinical blood test, C-reactive protein test, and cerebrospinal fluid cytology were not diagnostically important for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. In both cases, serological tests for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were not positive. Computed tomography showed the development of an inflammatory process in the knee joints with the formation of osteophytes, enthesophytes, sclerosis of the articular surfaces, and an increase in the volume of synovial bursa. The final diagnosis of Lyme arthritis in both dogs was established by PCR analysis of synovial fluid from the affected joints for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA. This study emphasizes the importance of considering Lyme borreliosis as a potential cause of musculoskeletal disorders in dogs. We also propose an expanded algorithm for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis in dogs with a pronounced symptom complex of Lyme arthritis using the method of PCR analysis of synovial fluid to detect the DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes. Key words: Lyme borreliosis in dogs, clinical cases, diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.

Canine brucellosis due to Brucella canis: description of the disease and control measures.

Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, which can affect different animal species. Dogs may occasionally be infected with B. abortus, B. melitensis or B. suis, or by the endemic form of the disease, caused by B. canis. Among the brucellosis‑affecting domestic animals, that of the dog is certainly the least frequent, but also the least studied. Canine brucellosis due to B. canis represents the dog‑specific brucellosis, both because it is the main susceptible animal species, and because it constitutes its fundamental reservoir of infection. The disease can also affect humans, although its course does not assume the characteristics of severity typical of the infection determined by the 'classical' species of the genus Brucella. In Italy, there are frequent imports of dogs from countries where the disease is present, often with non‑controlled movements and without sanitary controls. Considering that the zoonotic potential of the disease can be favored by the close cohabitation between man and dog, which occurs especially in urban environments, canine brucellosis has to be regarded as a public health problem susceptible to introduction and spread in the Italian territory.

Persisting Vaccine Hesitancy in Africa: The Whys, Global Public Health Consequences and Ways-Out-COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Rates as Case-in-Point.

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is the seventh among the WHO's top 10 threats to global public health, which has continued to perpetuate the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in Africa. Consequently, this paper systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates (VARs)-including the vaccine uptake and vaccination intention-in Africa from 2020 to 2022, compared the rates within the five African regions and determined the context-specific causes of VH in Africa. Generally, COVID-19 VARs ranged from 21.0% to 97.9% and 8.2% to 92.0% with mean rates of 59.8 ± 3.8% and 58.0 ± 2.4% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Southern and eastern African regions had the top two VARs of 83.5 ± 6.3% and 68.9 ± 6.6% in 2021, and 64.2 ± 4.6% and 61.2 ± 5.1% in 2022, respectively. Based on population types, healthcare workers had a marginal increase in their mean COVID-19 VARs from 55.5 ± 5.6% in 2021 to 60.8 ± 5.3% in 2022. In other populations, the mean VARs decreased from 62.7 ± 5.2% in 2021 to 54.5 ± 4% in 2022. As of 25 October 2022, Africa lags behind the world with only 24% full COVID-19 vaccinations compared to 84%, 79% and 63% reported, respectively, in the Australian continent, upper-middle-income countries and globally. Apart from the problems of confidence, complacency, convenience, communications and context, the context-specific factors driving COVID-19 VH in Africa are global COVID-19 vaccine inequality, lack of vaccine production/maintenance facilities, insecurity, high illiteracy level, endemic corruption, mistrust in some political leaders, the spreading of unconfirmed anti-vaccination rumors and political instability. With an overall mean COVID-19 acceptance rate of 58%, VH still subsists in Africa. The low VARs in Africa have detrimental global public health implications, as it could facilitate the emergence of immune invading SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, which may spread globally. Consequently, there is a need to confront these challenges frontally and engage traditional and religious leaders in the fight against VH in Africa, to restore public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines generally. As the availability of COVID-19 vaccines improves, the vaccination of pets and zoo-animals from which reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported is recommended, to limit the evolution and spread of new variants of concern and avert possible SARS-CoV-2 epizootic or panzootic diseases in susceptible animal species.

A Retrospective Study of Pythiosis in Domestic Animals in Northeastern Brazil

Pythiosis is an endemic disease in northeastern Brazil and we now report the epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings in a retrospective study of naturally occurring cases in domestic animals. From January 1985 to December 2020, the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Federal University of Campina Grande examined 13,542 tissue samples from necropsies and biopsies. Among these samples, 306 were diagnosed as pythiosis: 195 cases in horses, 75 in sheep, 19 in dogs, six in mules, four in cattle, three in cats, two in goats, one in a donkey and one in an ostrich. Affected equids had lesions in the skin, mammary glands and nasal cavities. Affected sheep had cutaneous, nasal and digestive lesions while cattle and goats had cutaneous lesions. Carnivores developed lesions, mainly in the alimentary tract, of sufficient severity to cause death or result in euthanasia. The single affected bird had lesions in the alimentary tract and surgical excision resulted in remission. The disease had a long and life-threatening clinical course in most affected species but resolved spontaneously in cattle. Clinical signs were directly related to the location of the lesions, which were invariably characterized by chronic inflammation associated with intralesional hyphae. Veterinary clinicians and pathologists should be familiar with the clinicopathological features of pythiosis and the wide range of susceptible animal species.

The Finding of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in a Wild Eurasian River Otter (Lutra lutra) Highlights the Need for Viral Surveillance in Wild Mustelids.

Animals have been involved in the three known outbreaks of severe respiratory syndromes due to coronaviruses (years 2005, 2012, and 2019). The pandemic nature of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak increases the likelihood of infection from humans of susceptible animal species that, thus, could become secondary viral hosts and even disease reservoirs. We present evidence of spillover infection of wild mustelids by reporting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in a Eurasian river otter found near a water reservoir in the Valencian Community (Spain). We detected the virus using two different commercial RTqPCR assays on RNA extracted from the nasopharynx (swabbing) and from lung tissue and mediastinal lymph node homogenates. The corresponding samples from two additional otters from distant sites tested negative in identical assays. The diagnosis in the positive otter was confirmed by two-tube RT-PCR assay in which RNA was first retrotranscribed, and then specific regions of the spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), and ORF10 genes were separately amplified from the produced cDNA, followed by electrophoretic visualization and Sanger sequencing. The sequences of the amplified products revealed some non-synonymous changes in the N and ORF10 partial sequences, relative to the consensus sequence. These changes, identified already in human patient samples, point to human origin of the virus, although their specific combination was unique. These findings, together with our previous report of SARS-CoV-2 infection of feral American mink, highlight the need for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance of wild or feral mustelids to evaluate the risk that these animals could become SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs.

Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis among Cattle and Buffaloes in the Central Province of Sri Lanka

The Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic disease condition in dairy cattle and a proven global zoonosis. This study was designed to identify the prevalence of bTB in dairy cattle and buffaloes in the Central Province (CP) of Sri Lanka. Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin (SICCT) test was performed in 20 farms (n=616 cattle and buffaloes) in three districts (NuwaraEliya; NE, Kandy; KN, and Matale; MT) in the CP. Out of the SICCT positive samples, randomly selected serum samples (n=33) of eight farms were subjected to the rapid antibody (Ab) test for further confirmation. Results were evaluated for different risk factors; age, sex, parity, body condition score (BCS), breed, herd origin, reproductive status, herd size, type of management, and duration of farm establishment. The prevalence of bTB among individual cattle and buffaloes was 22% with a 50% herd-level prevalence. In NE and KN, 34% and 19% of individuals showed positive reactions for SICCT, respectively, while all the individuals in MT were negative. There were significant statistical associations (P<0.05) were observed with the prevalence of bTB and BCS, breed, herd origin, and reproductive status; however, age, sex, parity, herd size, type of management, and duration of farm establishment were not statistically significant (P>0.05) with the prevalence of bTB.The conclusion is that, based on the SICCT test, the estimated prevalence of bTB in cattle and buffaloes in the central province of Sri Lanka is relatively high (>20%). The SICCT test could be recommended for the screening of the bTB in cattle and buffaloes in all regions of Sri Lanka to assess the island-wide prevalence of bTB, as this disease carries the risk of transmitting to humans and other susceptible animal species.

A Pre- and Within-Pandemic Survey of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Saliva Swabs from Stray Cats in Switzerland.

Cats have been shown to be highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and transmission within the species has been demonstrated experimentally. In cats undergoing natural SARS-CoV-2 infections, human-to-animal transmission was mostly suspected. It can be postulated that, in stray cats with no or only minimal contact with humans, SARS-CoV-2 may pose a minor risk. The current study investigated the prevalence of active SARS-CoV-2 infections in Swiss stray cats using quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Saliva swabs from 1405 stray cats were collected in 14 Swiss cantons. The animals were sampled between February 2019 and February 2020 (pre-COVID-19 cohort: 523 cats) and between February 2020 and August 2021 (COVID-19 cohort: 882 cats). All the samples were tested by RT-qPCR, amplifying the envelope (E) gene and, in case of positive or inconclusive results, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of SARS-CoV-2. No SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA could be detected in any of the tested saliva swab samples. Our findings support the assumption that SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray cats are not highly prevalent in Switzerland. Nevertheless, the monitoring of stray cats and other susceptible animal species is necessary, since the “One Health” approach has been recognized as being essential to successfully fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to a 16-year-old domestic cat with comorbidities in Pennsylvania, USA.

Background and ObjectivesSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), besides causing human infection, has been shown to naturally infect several susceptible animal species including large cats (tigers, lions, pumas, spotted leopards), dogs, cats, ferrets, gorillas and minks. Cats and minks are continuing to be the most reported species with SARS‐CoV‐2 infections among animals but it needs to be investigated further.Methods and ResultsWe report the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 from a domestic cat that exhibited respiratory disease after being exposed to SARS‐CoV‐2 virus from humans in the same household. SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in two oropharyngeal swabs collected at two time points, 11 days apart; the first, when the cat was reported to be sick and the second, before euthanasia due to poor prognosis. The viral nucleic acid detected at two time points showed no genomic variation and resembled the clade GH circulating in humans in the United States. Clinical and pathological findings noted in this 16‐year‐old cat were consistent with respiratory and cardiac insufficiency.ConclusionsSARS‐CoV‐2 viral infection was likely an incidental clinical finding, as the virus was not detected in fixed lungs, heart, or kidney tissues. Only fresh lung tissue collected at necropsy showed the presence of viral nucleic acid, albeit at a very low level. Further research is needed to clarify the clinical course of SARS‐CoV‐2 in companion animals of advanced age and underlying cardiac disease.

Semi-quantitative risk assessment of peste des petits ruminants introduction with wild animals into Russian Federation

The Russian Federation was officially recognized free from peste des petitts ruminants (PPR). As far as the disease infects both domestic and wild small ruminants, it is important to identify the level of the threat associated with the wild fauna diversity in the neighboring countries, where PPR outbreaks were reported. For that reason, habitats of various disease susceptible animal species were examined. Habitats of the wild susceptible animals were mapped for further examination of the interactions between different animal species using zoological research data; PPR outbreaks in wild animals were also designated in the map thus allowing for the detection of the potential routes of the infection spread in the population and introduction to the country. Analysis of the PPR epidemic situation in the country demonstrated that the disease cases were reported in wild mountain animals (ibices and moufflons) and migratory steppe animals (gazelles and saigas). Risk of this highly contagious viral disease spread in wild small ruminants in Mongolia was reported (probability 0.77). Expert survey was carried out for the determination of possible trends and factors of the infection introduction with the wild susceptible animals, through which small ruminant epizootologists assessed the risk probability. During the survey it was determined that PPR was expected to be introduced from Mongolia (probability 0.81), and of major significance were seasonal migrations of wild animal populations. The resulted semi-quantitative parameters of the potential risk can be recommended for the arrangement and implementation of measures aimed at prevention of PPR introduction and spread in the intact domestic and wild small ruminant populations inhabiting the territory of the Russian Federation.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for domestic and captive animals: An effort to counter COVID-19 pandemic at the human-animal interface

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has already affected millions worldwide. The emergence of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants may pose a significant threat to our efforts in controlling the pandemic. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on the efficacy of available vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics is currently being investigated. SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated to be originated from animals due to cross-species jumping and raises zoonotic concerns due to the potential for reintroduction into the human populations via interspecies transmission between humans and animals. Natural SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported in domestic animals (dog, cat, and ferret), captive animals (tiger, lion, snow leopard, puma, otter, and gorilla), and wild and farmed minks. Vaccination of domestic animals can prevent the possible introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into the feral population and subsequent transmission to wildlife. Although the need to vaccinate susceptible animal species, such as cats, minks, and great apes, might seem irrational from a public health standpoint, the successful elimination of SARS-CoV-2 will only be possible by controlling the transmission in all susceptible animal species. This is necessary to prevent the re-emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in the future.

Identification of the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e Sublineage of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus in Cambodia.

Foot-and-mouth (FMD) is endemic in Cambodia with numerous outbreaks in cattle, pigs and other susceptible animal species reported every year. Historically, these outbreaks were caused by the FMD virus (FMDV) of serotype O PanAsia and Mya-98 lineages and serotype A Sea-97 lineage. However, the trans-pool movement of FMDV between inter-pool regions or countries throughout FMD endemic regions has raised concerns regarding infection with the new genotype or serotype of FMDV in Cambodia. In this study, 19 sequences of VP1 coding region obtained from 33 clinical samples collected from FMDV-affected cattle farms in Cambodia during January to March 2019 were genetically characterized to identify the genotypes/lineages of FMDV.Phylogenetic analysis of VP1 coding sequences revealed that recent field viruses belonged to O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e (15.8%), O/ME-SA/PanAsia (52.7%), and A/ASIA/Sea-97 (31.5%). Besides, the field viruses of O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e in Cambodia showed 93.5–96.8% identity with the VP1 coding sequences of the same sublineage viruses from pool 1 and 2 surrounding Cambodia. This is the first report of O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e infection in Cambodia, suggesting that the trans-pool movement of the new genotype should be closely monitored for efficient control of FMD.

Evolutionary Dynamics and Epidemiology of Endemic and Emerging Coronaviruses in Humans, Domestic Animals, and Wildlife.

Diverse coronavirus (CoV) strains can infect both humans and animals and produce various diseases. CoVs have caused three epidemics and pandemics in the last two decades, and caused a severe impact on public health and the global economy. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the emergence and evolution of endemic and emerging CoV diversity in humans and animals. For diverse bird species, the Infectious Bronchitis Virus is a significant one, whereas feline enteric and canine coronavirus, recombined to produce feline infectious peritonitis virus, infects wild cats. Bovine and canine CoVs have ancestral relationships, while porcine CoVs, especially SADS-CoV, can cross species barriers. Bats are considered as the natural host of diverse strains of alpha and beta coronaviruses. Though MERS-CoV is significant for both camels and humans, humans are nonetheless affected more severely. MERS-CoV cases have been reported mainly in the Arabic peninsula since 2012. To date, seven CoV strains have infected humans, all descended from animals. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) are presumed to be originated in Rhinolopoid bats that severely infect humans with spillover to multiple domestic and wild animals. Emerging alpha and delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in pets and wild animals. Still, the intermediate hosts and all susceptible animal species remain unknown. SARS-CoV-2 might not be the last CoV to cross the species barrier. Hence, we recommend developing a universal CoV vaccine for humans so that any future outbreak can be prevented effectively. Furthermore, a One Health approach coronavirus surveillance should be implemented at human-animal interfaces to detect novel coronaviruses before emerging to humans and to prevent future epidemics and pandemics.

Study of enterobacteria biofilms critical point control technologies livestock and food production

The relevance of the study and the presence of gaps in the existing knowledge on the topic. Monitoring studies of the biological safety of food raw materials for microbiological indicators is an urgent problem due to the increase in the number registered diseases transmitted to humans through raw materials and products of animal origin. There is a tendency for a statistically significant increase in epidemiological indicators throughout the world, the proportion of these pathologies is increasing both in humane medicine and veterinary medicine. The aim of the work is a comparative assessment and selection of effective methods for studying the formation biofilms enterobacteriaceae circulating among susceptible animal species and isolated from food raw materials.Methods. Аnalysis of growth and dynamics development biofilms Enterobacteriaceae was carried out during cultivation on nutrient media containing growth factors for the repair of the cell wall and the reversal viable uncultured microorganisms. To study the morphological and functional patterns of the development a population microorganisms in vitro and in vivo, we used the conventional and developed methods for preparing preparations for scanning, transmission phase contrast, optical and luminescence microscopy.Results and its discussion. During microbiological control critical points in the technology of animal husbandry and food production, the morphological and functional characteristics biofilms, which are communities microorganisms secreting a polymer matrix and adhered to the tissues of susceptible animal species and abiotic surfaces livestock buildings and food industries, were studied. The developed methods of biofilm cultivation made it possible to study enterobacteriaceae biofilms in vitro and in vivo, without disturbing the natural architectonics of the population microorganisms, to determine the components extracellular matrix. For the study dynamics morphological and functional patterns of the development populations microorganisms, routine and technological advances present are recognized as promising, for example, scanning electron microscopy makes it possible to assess the degree of formation and morphological composition biofilms. Phase contrast microscopy to reveal processes depending on the composition medium and the oxygen content in the culture medium.Conclusions. Methods for cultivating biofilms in vitro and in vivo without disturbing the natural architectonics of biofilms made it possible to optimize the preparation samples for research and eliminate the routine stages of colony counting, and significantly increase the number of analyzes. Due to the simplicity of operations and minimization manual labor, productivity increases, safety of work is increased, cost of personnel working time is reduced, and subjective factors are excluded. For the development of a complex antiepizootic and diagnostic measures, a priority direction is the disclosure of scientific knowledge in the field fundamental studies of ecological plasticity and adaptation potentially pathogenic enterobacteria to parasitism in the warm-blooded organism of birds and mammals. This will allow solving applied problems controlling the critical points of livestock and food production technology, developing effective chemotherapeutic and disinfecting drugs to reduce cell coaggregation and detect viable uncultured microorganisms.

Current Status of Putative Animal Sources of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Humans: Wildlife, Domestic Animals and Pets.

SARS-CoV-2 is currently considered to have emerged from a bat coronavirus reservoir. However, the real natural cycle of this virus remains to be elucidated. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to novel opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and susceptible animal species. In silico and in vitro evaluation of the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and eucaryotic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor have tentatively predicted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection of several animal species. Although useful, these data do not always correlate with in vivo data obtained in experimental models or during natural infections. Other host biological properties may intervene such as the body temperature, level of receptor expression, co-receptor, restriction factors, and genetic background. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 also depends on the extent and duration of viral shedding in the infected host as well as population density and behaviour (group living and grooming). Overall, current data indicate that the most at-risk interactions between humans and animals for COVID-19 infection are those involving certain mustelids (such as minks and ferrets), rodents (such as hamsters), lagomorphs (especially rabbits), and felines (including cats). Therefore, special attention should be paid to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with pets.

Emergence of Bat-Related Betacoronaviruses: Hazard and Risks.

The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with more than 111 million reported cases and 2,500,000 deaths worldwide (mortality rate currently estimated at 2.2%), is a stark reminder that coronaviruses (CoV)-induced diseases remain a major threat to humanity. COVID-19 is only the latest case of betacoronavirus (β-CoV) epidemics/pandemics. In the last 20 years, two deadly CoV epidemics, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS; fatality rate 9.6%) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS; fatality rate 34.7%), plus the emergence of HCoV-HKU1 which causes the winter common cold (fatality rate 0.5%), were already a source of public health concern. Betacoronaviruses can also be a threat for livestock, as evidenced by the Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome (SADS) epizootic in pigs. These repeated outbreaks of β-CoV-induced diseases raise the question of the dynamic of propagation of this group of viruses in wildlife and human ecosystems. SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and HCoV-HKU1 emerged in Asia, strongly suggesting the existence of a regional hot spot for emergence. However, there might be other regional hot spots, as seen with MERS-CoV, which emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. β-CoVs responsible for human respiratory infections are closely related to bat-borne viruses. Bats are present worldwide and their level of infection with CoVs is very high on all continents. However, there is as yet no evidence of direct bat-to-human coronavirus infection. Transmission of β-CoV to humans is considered to occur accidentally through contact with susceptible intermediate animal species. This zoonotic emergence is a complex process involving not only bats, wildlife and natural ecosystems, but also many anthropogenic and societal aspects. Here, we try to understand why only few hot spots of β-CoV emergence have been identified despite worldwide bats and bat-borne β-CoV distribution. In this work, we analyze and compare the natural and anthropogenic environments associated with the emergence of β-CoV and outline conserved features likely to create favorable conditions for a new epidemic. We suggest monitoring South and East Africa as well as South America as these regions bring together many of the conditions that could make them future hot spots.