Vaccination Of Animals Research Articles

Development of toxin-antitoxin self-destructive bacteria, aimed for salmonella vaccination

The most common source of foodborne Salmonella infection in humans is poultry eggs and meat, such that prevention of human infection is mostly achieved by vaccination of farm animals. While inactivated and attenuated vaccines are available, both present drawbacks. This study aimed to develop a novel vaccination strategy, which combines the effectiveness of live-attenuated and safety of inactivated vaccines by construction of inducible self-destructing bacteria utilizing toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems. Hok-Sok and CeaB-CeiB toxin-antitoxin systems were coupled with three induction systems aimed for activating cell killing upon lack of arabinose, anaerobic conditions or low concentration of metallic di-cations. The constructs were transformed into a pathogenic Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis strain and bacteria elimination was evaluated in vitro under specific activating conditions and in vivo following administration to chickens. Four constructs induced bacterial killing under the specified conditions, both in growth media and within macrophages. Cloacal swabs of all chicks orally administered transformed bacteria had no detectable levels of bacteria within 9 days of inoculation. By day ten, no bacteria were identified in the spleen and liver of most birds. Antibody immune response was raised toward TA carrying Salmonella which resembled response toward the wildtype bacteria. The constructs described in this study led to self-destruction of virulent Salmonella enteritidis both in vitro and in inoculated animals within a period which is sufficient for the induction of a protective immune response. This system may serve as a safe and effective live vaccine platform against Salmonella as well as other pathogenic bacteria.

Regulation and safety measures for nanotechnology-based agri-products.

There is a wide range of application for nanotechnology in agriculture, including fertilizers, aquaculture, irrigation, water filtration, animal feed, animal vaccines, food processing, and packaging. In recent decades, nanotechnology emerged as a prospective and promising approach for the advancement of Agri-sector such as pest/disease prevention, fertilizers, agrochemicals, biofertilizers, bio-stimulants, post-harvest storage, pheromones-, and nutrient-delivery, and genetic manipulation in plants for crop improvement by using nanomaterial as a carrier system. Exponential increase in global population has enhanced food demand, so to fulfil the demand markets already included nano-based product likewise nano-encapsulated nutrients/agrochemicals, antimicrobial and packaging of food. For the approval of nano-based product, applicants for a marketing approval must show that such novel items can be used safely without endangering the consumer and environment. Several nations throughout the world have been actively looking at whether their regulatory frameworks are suitable for handling nanotechnologies. As a result, many techniques to regulate nano-based products in agriculture, feed, and food have been used. Here, we have contextualized different regulatory measures of several countries for nano-based products in agriculture, from feed to food, including guidance and legislation for safety assessment worldwide.

Seropositivity of Leptospira in rodents, shrews, and domestic animals in Unguja, Tanzania

Background: Leptospirosis is one of the most commonly neglected zoonoses in developing nations including Tanzania. This study aims to find out the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in rodents, shrews, and domestic animals in different regions in Unguja Island, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to April 2022. The blood samples were collected from rodents and shrews (n=248), cattle (n=247), goats (n=130), sheep (n=32), and dogs (n=80). The blood samples were allowed to clot in a slanted position and serum samples were harvested. A microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed on the sera to check for leptospiral antibodies using five Leptospira serovars as antigens (Sokoine, Lora, Pomona, Grippotyphosa and Hebdomadis). Results: The overall seropositivity of leptospiral antibodies was 9.68% in rodents and shrews, 14.57% in cattle, 10.01% in goats, 31.25% in sheep, and 26.25% in dogs. The seropositivity of Leptospira varied significantly with animal species (OR=1.9, 95 % CI:1.1-3.3, p=0.03). The most frequently detected serovar was Sokoine (27.89%), followed by Pomona (19.47%), Lora (18.26%), Grippotyphosa (17.98%), and Hebdomadis (8.16%), respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that further research should be conducted to find out factors of high seropositivity of leptospiral in Unguja. Vaccination of domestic animals with vaccines against local Leptospira strains should be encouraged, and rodent control and public awareness should be emphasized.

Evaluation of the protective immune response of an attenuated strain of Toxoplasma gondii with long-term passages on the Gecko cell line

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes the zoonoses disease, named toxoplasmosis, with global prevalence. Until now, no cost-effective treatment method has been found to deal with toxoplasma, and vaccination is the best way to deal with the infection. In the case of pathogenic protozoa, mainly live vaccines have had successful results compared to other vaccine platforms. This study evaluated the efficacy of a live experimental vaccine through long-term passages on the Gecko cell line (Z1) in inducing a protective immune response in BALB/c mice. Thirty mice were divided into three equal groups; G1: the immunized/challenged group (injection of attenuated strain), G2: the immunized/unchallenged group (injection of attenuated strain), and G3: the control group (injection of culture medium).One month after immunization, the studied mice were challenged with 1ₓ103 live tachyzoites of Toxoplasma acute RH strain. We performed Serological investigations, including evaluating antibodies, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukins 2, 4, 10, and 12 (IL-2,4,10,12). At the study's end, a molecular test was performed on brain and liver tissues in the immunized groups to check the presence of parasites. The results from the serological tests for the evaluation of antibodies, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukins 10 and 12 (IL-10, 12) show a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the vaccinated group and the control group, which are essential indicators of protective immunity against toxoplasma infection. Thus, in the vaccinated group, the survival rate of mice against the challenge was 70%. Also, in group two (G2), the attenuated strain of Toxoplasma gondii had no pathogenicity, and all mice survived until the end of the study period. Molecular results also showed the absence of parasites in the brain and liver tissues in this immunized group and the parasite was found in only one case of liver tissue in G1. Therefore, the attenuated strain has caused significant and protective humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinated groups. This study showed that with the long-term passage of the acute strain on the Gecko cell line, it is possible to quickly obtain a non-diseased attenuated strain with the ability to induce protective immunity. This successful finding can introduce further research to achieve a promising vaccine in the target animals.

Coinfection of Canine Distemper Virus and Rabies Virus in Wildlife Samples Submitted for Routine Rabies Testing.

Canine distemper virus (also known as Canine morbillivirus), the etiologic agent of canine distemper, is a highly contagious pathogen causing a multisystemic infection in carnivores globally. Canine distemper may be clinically indistinguishable from rabies, and outbreaks of either disease are major concerns. In the US, both diseases are endemic and managed by parenteral vaccination in domestic animals. In wildlife, oral vaccination and trap-vaccinate-release programs are available for rabies prevention, but no such strategies exist for canine distemper. We evaluated the prevalence at which canine distemper virus occurred concurrently in animals infected with rabies virus. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on specimens previously diagnosed with rabies during 2017-19 by the New York State Rabies Laboratory. Real-time qRT-PCR detected concurrent canine distemper virus infection in 73 of 1,302 animals with rabies virus. Coinfection rates were approximately 9% in Procyon lotor, 2% in Vulpes vulpes, and 0.4% in Mephitis mephitis, with an overall prevalence of 5.6%. As comorbidities in wildlife occur, laboratory-based surveillance and confirmatory testing are critical to rapid decision making for disease prevention. Rabies virus incursions are expensive and difficult to manage, and spillover events create health risks to humans and domestic animals as well as to free-roaming wildlife.

Is Oral Vaccination against Escherichia coli Influenced by Zinc Oxide?

Although zinc oxide has been banned at therapeutic doses in the EU, its use is still legal in most countries with industrial pig farming. This compound has been shown to be very effective in preventing E. coli-related diseases. However, another strategy used to control this pathogen is vaccination, administered parenterally or orally. Oral vaccines contain live strains, with F4 and F18 binding factors. Since zinc oxide prevents E. coli adhesion, it is hypothesised that its presence at therapeutic doses (2500 ppm) may alter the immune response and the protection of intestinal integrity derived from the vaccination of animals. A group of piglets were orally vaccinated at weaning and divided into two subgroups; one group was fed a feed containing 2500 ppm zinc oxide (V + ZnO) for the first 15 days post-vaccination (dpv) and the other was not (V). Faeces were sampled from the animals at 6, 8, 11, 13, and 15 dpv. Unvaccinated animals without ZnO in their feed (Neg) were sampled simultaneously and, on day 15 post-vaccination, were also compared with a group of unvaccinated animals with ZnO in their feed (ZnO). Differences were found in E. coli excretion, with less quantification in the V + ZnO group, and a significant increase in secretory IgA in the V group at 8 dpv, which later equalised with that of the V + ZnO group. There was also some difference in IFNα, IFNγ, IL1α, ILβ, and TNFα gene expression when comparing both vaccinated groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in gene expression for the tight junction (TJ) proteins responsible for intestinal integrity. Although some differences in the excretion of the vaccine strain were found when comparing both vaccinated groups, there are no remarkable differences in immune stimulation or soluble IgA production when comparing animals orally vaccinated against E. coli in combination with the presence or absence of ZnO in their feed. We can conclude that the immune response produced is very similar in both groups.

Cost assessment of optimal control strategy for brucellosis dynamic model based on economic factors

In recently years, brucellosis between humans and animals in China has shown signs of outbreak again. Brucellosis always takes a heavy toll on human health and profitability of livestock industry, but for farmers, the purpose of breeding is to make profits. Therefore, the optimal control strategy that can maximize the profits of farmers and effectively control brucellosis is needed. It is important to understand the profit mechanism of farmers and disease transmission mechanism in order to design a more effective and reasonable control strategy to maximize the profits of farmers. We propose a dynamic model combining the economic factors, behaviors of livestock farmers and transmission mechanism of brucellosis. Then we investigate the result of the optimal strategy in theory using Pontryagin Maximum Principle and its existence and uniqueness are proved. To verify the accuracy and applicability of the theory, the model are simulated by the least square method based on the price data and infected people data of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The simulation results show that brucellosis is in an outbreak in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and the current control policy must be adjusted. Sensitivity analysis indicate economic factors have certain influence on the outbreak of diseases. Under different compositions of three control items (including reduce the contact between susceptible and infected animals, increase the vaccination of susceptible animals, and reduce the discharge of Brucella), we evaluate the optimal control strategy for Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from profits and infected brucellosis livestock perspectives. The profit results show that the government should increase financial support for disease control and it is effective to implement control by stages.

The whole genomic analysis of the Orf virus strains ORFV-SC and ORFV-SC1 from the Sichuan province and their weak pathological response in rabbits

The Orf virus (ORFV) is a member of the Parapoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family and can cause contagious diseases in sheep, goats, and wild ungulates. In the present study, two ORFV isolates (ORFV-SC isolated from Sichuan province and ORFV-SC1 produced by 60 passages of ORFV-SC in cells) were sequenced and compared to multiple ORFVs. The two ORFV sequences had entire genome sizes of 14,0707 bp and 141,154 bp, respectively, containing 130 and 131 genes, with a G + C content of 63% for the ORFV-SC sequence and 63.9% for the ORFV-SC1 sequence. Alignment of ORFV-SC and ORFV-SC1 with five other ORFV isolates revealed that ORFV-SC, ORFV-SC1, and NA1/11 shared > 95% nucleotide identity with 109 genes. Five genes (ORF007, ORF20, ORF080, ORF112, ORF116) have low amino acids identity between ORFV-SC and ORFV-SC1. Mutations in amino acids result in changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of ORF007, ORF020, and ORF112 proteins. The phylogenetic tree based on the complete genome sequence and 37 single genes revealed that the two ORFV isolates originated from sheep. Finally, animal experiments demonstrated that ORFV-SC1 is less harmful to rabbits than ORFV-SC. The exploration of two full-length viral genome sequences provides valuable information in ORFV biology and epidemiology research. Furthermore, ORFV-SC1 demonstrated an acceptable safety profile following animal vaccination, indicating its potential as a live ORFV vaccine.

New Method of Vaccination Against Anthrax

The aim of this work was to develop an oral method of vaccination against anthrax, since wide vaccination campaigns using this method require no special conditions, equipment, and instruments. Also, minimum number of medical personnel is sufficient to ensure control over the intake of the drug. Materials and methods. Domestic raw materials, consumables and reagents that passed the incoming inspection and met the requirements of State and industry standards, technical specifications, and the articles of the Pharmacopoeia were used for the work. Batches of anthrax vaccines based on Bacillus anthracis strain STI-1, manufactured at the Research Center (Kirov) of the “48th Central Research Institute” of the Ministry of Defense of Russia were put to the test. Results and discussion. The immunization schemes have been tested on animals, taking into account the features of the antigen. One of the crucial factors that determine the effectiveness of oral vaccination is the correct choice of the type and form of the oral anthrax vaccine administered enterally. It has been shown that in contrast to oral vaccines, the vaccine strain in enteral vaccines must be protected from the harmful effects of stomach contents. Thus, enteric-coated capsules coated with a shell that is resistant to the action of stomach acid were used for the study. The presented experimental data indicate that a single administration of the capsules with oral anthrax vaccine STI protects at least 70 % of laboratory animals from a highly virulent strain of the anthrax microbe and confirm the safety and non-reactogenicity of the drug. The developed laboratory technology makes it possible to obtain a finished product containing one inoculation dose of an oral vaccine for laboratory animals. So, a new method of vaccination has been designed. It is necessary to conduct preclinical and clinical trials to promptly introduce the oral administration of anthrax vaccine into medical practice as the simplest method for mass vaccination of humans.

Reducing Wild Animal Suffering Effectively: Why Impracticability and Normative Objections Fail Against the Most Promising Ways of Helping Wild Animals

ABSTRACT This paper presents some of the most promising ways wild animals are currently being helped, as well as other ways of helping that may be implemented easily in the near future. They include measures to save animals affected by harmful weather events, wild animal vaccination programs, and projects aimed at reducing suffering among synanthropic animals. The paper then presents other ways of helping wild animals that, while noncontroversial, may reduce aggregate suffering at the ecosystem level. The paper argues that impracticability and normative objections against reducing wild animal suffering fail against these ways of helping wild animals.

Role of Spillover and Spillback in SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and the Importance of One Health in Understanding the Dynamics of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is notable both for its impact on global public health as well as its well-publicized transmissibility to other species of animals. Infection of incidental animal hosts is concerning because of possible emergence of novel variants due to viral mutation. Species that are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 include domestic and nondomestic cats, domestic dogs, white-tailed deer, mink, and golden hamsters, among others. We detail possible origins of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans, as well as the ecological and molecular mechanisms needed for the virus to establish infection in humans from animals. We highlight examples of SARS-CoV-2 spillover, spillback, and secondary spillover, demonstrating the breadth in the variability of hosts and current transmission events that have been documented in domestic, captive, and wild animals. Lastly, we turn our focus to the importance of animal hosts as potential reservoirs and sources of variant emergence that can have profound effects on the human population. We note that a One Health approach emphasizing surveillance of animals and humans in certain environments using interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged to manage disease surveillance, regulation on animal trade and testing, and animal vaccine development that will mitigate further disease outbreaks. These efforts will minimize the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and advance knowledge to prevent the spread of future emerging infectious diseases.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of dog and cat owners toward zoonotic diseases in Shiraz, southern Iran

There are increasing concerns about the role of companion animals as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases (ZD). Therefore, knowledge, attitudes and practices of pet owners in Shiraz, southern Iran about ZD were evaluated. Two-hundred pet owners referring to veterinary clinics, completed a structured questionnaire. Mean age of owners was 34 (±12) years, more than half of owners reported they had heard the term “zoonosis”, nearly half had some information about ZD, and veterinarians were their main source of information. Two-thirds of respondents had history of bite or scratching. Participants had satisfactory knowledge regarding high risk groups for ZD, however, nearly half did not know that scratching by animal is a route for contracting ZD and 92 % thought that animal vaccination could prevent a large number of ZD. More than half said when their pet is apparently healthy, they do not concern about ZD, and almost all agreed that it is the responsibility of veterinarians to provide sufficient information about ZD for their clients. Routine vaccinations was practiced by 83 % of the owners, and 79 % washed their hands after contact with pet. Using gloves when emptying feces container and annual stool examination were the least common practices. Education was significantly associated with total knowledge (P = 0.007) and practices scores (P = 0.001), hearing the term “zoonoses” (OR= 2.2, P = 0.015) and concern for ZD in apparently healthy animals (OR= 3.1, P = 0.001). Total practices score was also significantly higher in dog owners (P = 0.005). Age and gender did not show significant associations with any item. This study established baseline estimates for knowledge, attitudes and practices of pet owners toward ZD in the region. Educating pet owners about the interconnection between animal and human health, preferably by veterinarians is highly warranted for prevention of ZD.

Development of a multiplex-based immunoassay for the characterization of diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis antigens in human combined DTaP vaccines

Routine batch quality testing before vaccine release, notably for potency evaluation, still relies on animal use for several animal and human vaccines. In this context, the VAC2VAC project is a public-private consortium of 22 partners funded by EU whose the main objective is to reduce the number of animal used for batch testing by developing immunoassays that could be implemented for routine potency assessment of vaccines. This paper focused on the development of a Luminex-based multiplex assay to monitor the consistency of antigen quantity and quality throughout the production process of DTaP vaccines from two human vaccine manufacturers. Indepth characterized monoclonal antibody pairs were used for development and optimization of the Luminex assay with non-adsorbed and adsorbed antigens and with complete vaccine formulations from both manufacturers. The multiplex assay demonstrated good specificity, reproducibility and absence of cross-reactivity. Analysis of over and underdosed formulations, heat and H2O2-degraded products as well as batch to batch consistency of vaccines from both manufacturers brought the proof of concept for a future application of the multiplex immunoassay as a useful tool in the frame of DTaP vaccine quality control.

The effectiveness of the use of mastitis vaccine in breeding farms

The article presents data showing the effectiveness of the use of anti-mastitis vaccine in breeding farms of the Sverdlovsk region, based on the study of the level of diagnosed mastitis and the indicator of somatic cells in milk. Studies have shown that the use of animal immunization against mastitis has a positive effect, so 6 months after the first vaccination of animals in the breeding reproducer and plant, the number of detected mastitis decreased by 16,6% and 7,3%, respectively, and the level of somatic cells in the milk of highly productive cows by 26,5% and 10,7%, respectively. 12 months after the first vaccination scheme was applied, the total number of animals with signs of mastitis in the breeding reproducer and plant was 13,3% and 7,5%, respectively. The level of somatic cells in the nucleus amounted to 290 thousand. /ml., and the stud farm of 450 thousand/ml 24 months after first use of vaccination schemes, the level of mastitis was identified at 6,0% and 5,7% of the studied population of high yielding cows breeding farm and breeding farm, respectively. The average number of somatic cells found in milk of animals of a farm decreased by 80 thousand/ml, the farm – to 79 thousand/ml, in comparison with the previous study period. The study revealed a significant decrease in diagnosed mastitis in animals after 32 months due to the use of the STARTVAK antimastitic vaccine, the total number of diseases in the breeding reproducer decreased by 30,6% compared to the period of the beginning of vaccination, and in the breeding plant – by 26,2%. As a result, the dynamics of reduction of subclinical and clinical mastitis in the breeder compared to the period at the time of immunization was 19,5% and 11,1%, respectively. And in the stud farm, the level of subclinical and clinical mastitis decreased by 16,9% and 9,0%, respectively. The number of somatic cells in the milk of cows contained in the breeding reproducer was 152 thousand/ml, which is 83,9% lower compared to the initial study period. The level of somatic cells in the studied samples of milk of animals kept in the breeding plant was 263 thousand/ml, which is 62,2% lower than this indicator before the application of the animal vaccination program against mastitis.

Mapping rabies distribution in China: a geospatial analysis of national surveillance data

ObjectivesDog-mediated human rabies remains an important public health problem in China. In this study, we aimed to understand the spatiotemporal variation of rabies and examine its nonmedical ecological factors. MethodsIn this study, we used the annual incidence data for rabies at the province level in China to describe the incidence trends for the period 2004-2019 and used a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model to determine the impacts of environmental, economic, and demographic factors. ResultsFrom 2004 to 2019, there were 26,593 cases reported in 31 provinces in Mainland China, and the annual incidence increased from 0.02 per 100,000 in 2004 to 0.14 in 2007, substantially decreased in 2008, and was gradually declining thereafter. Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan, and Hainan were four high-risk provinces, and Yunnan and Anhui provinces showed an increased risk in 2018 and 2019. Temperature and per capita gross domestic product were significantly positively correlated with the disease risk. The standardized morbidity ratio of rabies is likely to increase by 28% (relative risk: 1.28, 95% credible interval: 1.13-1.36) for every 1°C rise in temperature, and 17% (relative risk: 1.17, 95% credible interval: 1.01-1.34) for every 10,000 yuan increase in per capita gross domestic product. ConclusionIn most provinces in China, the risk of rabies has been reduced to a persistently low level. However, the progress of rabies control in six provinces have been less than satisfactory. The study highlights interventions, such as enhancing animal vaccination need to be implemented in these priority areas.

Relationship between Vaccine Application and Climate Factors in Sheep and Goat Farms in Greece.

The objectives of the present study were (a) to evaluate the importance of climate-related variables in the vaccination patterns applied in sheep and goat farms in Greece and (b) to assess potential interactions between these factors and previously established important health management- and human resources-related factors applied in the farms. Vaccination patterns against chlamydial abortion, clostridial infections, contagious agalactia, contagious ecthyma, foot-rot, paratuberculosis, pneumonia or staphylococcal mastitis were assessed. Climatic variables (2010-2019 and 2018-2019) were obtained for 444 locations with small ruminant farms throughout Greece. Patterns of vaccine administration in the farms were obtained through interviews with farmers. The following nine outcomes were considered: 'vaccination against chlamydial abortion', 'vaccination against clostridial infections', 'vaccination against contagious agalactia', 'vaccination against contagious ecthyma', 'vaccination against foot-rot', 'vaccination against paratuberculosis', 'vaccination against bacterial pneumonia', 'vaccination against staphylococcal mastitis' and 'total number of optional vaccines administered'. Univariable and multivariable analyses were first performed to establish associations of each of the above outcomes with climatic variables. Then, the same approach was employed to assess the importance of climatic variables against health management- and human resources-related factors in the administration of vaccines in the farms of the study. Climatic variables had a higher association with vaccinations against infections in sheep flocks (26 associations) than in goat herds (9 associations) (p = 0.002) and in farms with semi-extensive or extensive management (32 associations) than in farms with intensive or semi-intensive management (8 associations) (p < 0.0001). In 26 cases (38.8% of all analyses evaluated), the climatic variables overshadowed the management- and human resources-related variables assessed as significant predictors for vaccination. In most cases, these referred to sheep flocks (nine cases) and farms with semi-extensive or extensive management (eight cases). For all eight infections, there were changes in the climatic variables found to be significant predictors from the 10-year dataset to the 2-year dataset. The results indicated that, in some cases, climate factors overshadowed factors traditionally considered for the formulation of vaccination programs. This points out the significance of taking into account climate conditions in the health management of small ruminant farms. Future studies can be focused on formulating vaccination programs in accordance with climate factors and also on setting the optimum season(s) for vaccination of animals based on the circulation of the pathogens, the risks for the development of diseases and the stage within the annual production cycle of the animals.

Seroprevalence, associated risk factors, and molecular detection of bovine brucellosis in rural areas of Egypt.

The study was carried out on six villages in northern Egypt to evaluate the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis among 989 unvaccinated household cattle by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA (iELISA) and to investigate the existence of Brucella DNA using real-time PCR in 100 milk and 100 sera from seropositive cattle and 50 sera from seronegative cattle. The overall seroprevalence was 20.7% and 23.7% by RBPT and iELISA, respectively. Based on the iELISA results, the seroprevalence was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the village II (34.7%) and cattle >7 years (30.1%). More males than females were non-significant seropositive (P=0.6). There was 95% agreement between RBPT and iELISA, although iELISA showed a higher positivity rate (23.7%, 95% CI: 0.21-0.26) than RBPT (20.7%, 95% CI: 0.18-0.24). DNA of Brucella was confirmed in 16 milk samples by IS711 qPCR from seropositive cattle, however, no Brucella DNA was detected in serum samples tested positive and negative. Brucella abortus was the only species detected based on the alkB gene. Prevalence is highly related to the sampling site and the age of the animals. In conclusion, although qPCR is more accurate and commonly used in the diagnosis of most infectious diseases but in this situation iELISA is preferred and recommended for continuous screening and animal movement restriction and vaccination protocols, especially in high-risk areas.

Electronic application for rabies management improves surveillance, data quality, and investigator experience in Haiti.

Integrated bite case management (IBCM) is a multi-sectoral response to animal-bites which reduces human and canine rabies mortality through animal quarantine, bite-victim counseling, and vaccination tracking. Haiti's national rabies surveillance program was established in 2013 using paper-based IBCM (pIBCM) with adoption of an electronic smartphone application (eIBCM) in 2018. We evaluated the feasibility of implementing the electronic app in Haiti and compared pIBCM and eIBCM data quality collected January 2013-August 2019. Deaths prevented, cost-per-death averted, and cost-per-investigation during use of pIBCM and eIBCM were estimated using a previously validated rabies cost-effectiveness tool that accounted for bite-victim demographics; probability of acquiring rabies; post-exposure prophylaxis; and costs including training, supplies, and salaries. We compared pIBCM and eIBCM based on data comprehensiveness, completeness, and reporting efficiency. Surveys were administered to IBCM staff to evaluate the usefulness, simplicity, flexibility, and acceptability of eIBCM. Of 15,526 investigations, 79% were paper-based and 21% electronic. IBCM prevented 241 (estimated) human rabies deaths. Using pIBCM, cost-per-death averted was $2,692 and the cost-per-investigation was $21.02; up to 55 data variables were collected per investigation; data transmission took 26 days to reach national staff, and 180 days until analysis. Using eIBCM, the cost-per-death averted was $1,247 and the cost-per-investigation was $22.70; up to 174 data variables were collected per investigation; data transmission took 3 days to reach national staff, and 30 days until analysis. Among 12,194 pIBCM investigations, 55% were mappable by commune, compared to 100% of eIBCM investigations mappable by GPS. Animal case definitions were incorrectly ascribed by investigators in 5.5% of pIBCM investigations and zero for eIBCM; typically, errors were in determining probable vs. suspect case assignments. Overall, eIBCM was well-accepted by staff, who reported the app is easy-to-use, facilitates investigations, and compared to pIBCM hastens data reporting. In Haiti, eIBCM showed improved data completeness, data quality, and shorter notification times with minimal increase in operational cost. The electronic app is simple-to-use and facilitates IBCM investigations. Rabies endemic countries could refer to eIBCM in Haiti as a cost-effective means to reduce human rabies mortality and improve surveillance capacity.

The History of Anthrax Weaponization in the Soviet Union.

In this paper, we reveal the anthrax weaponization in the Soviet Union and its impact on biowarfare research, technology, and public health that resulted in the development of the first Soviet Anthrax vaccine and the subsequent vaccination of animals and humans en masse. We assume that there are cases that a biowarfare technology was incorporated into the civilian industry and benefited public health. However, the legacy of bioweapons today still poses an asymmetric threat to public health and safety.

Nanotechnology for Animal Sciences-New Insights and Pitfalls: A Review

Nanotechnology applications are increasingly recognized as potential tools in animal sciences, veterinary medicine, drug delivery, disease diagnosis and vaccine development. The nanoparticles and their therapeutic trends provide a realistic glimpse of current and future trends in veterinary diagnosis and medicine. Nanotechnology is ascribed to provide new horizons for applications in molecular biology and biotechnology by revolutionizing almost every field of veterinary or animal sciences by offering novel nano-scale tools and materials which can benefit society in all walks of life. The nanoparticles have been employed in diverse biological and non-biological functions. Nanomaterials can contribute to the farm animals for long-term sustainability by increasing the quality and quantity of safe, healthy and functional animal products. Although there are advantages while using nanoparticles to enhance performance and heal diseases in livestock, it is universally recognized that some nanoparticles can cause toxic and adverse effects on living creatures. Apart from that, the promise of nanoscience in veterinary medicine and livestock reproduction is yet to be explored. A few studies have been made on the uses of nanoparticles in veterinary medicine, livestock health and reproduction. Awareness is needed about the possible toxic effects and hazards, which could harm the living world. To improve the efficient and accurate diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, more sophisticated research on nanomaterials and nanomedicines is required.