Veterinaria Italiana

Phylogenetic and mutational analysis of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) tax gene in specialized dairy production systems in Antioquia, Colombia

2024-04-17T08:08:13+02:00

The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a pathogen of high importance for the dairy industry. Currently, twelve genotypes have been described worldwide with different pathogenicity and virulence, so it is critical to evaluate the circulating genotypes in each country/region to associate this information with risk situations. The aim of this work was to perform a phylogenetic and mutational analysis of the BLV tax gene in cows that belong to specialized dairies in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. A conventional PCR for the tax gene was performed on 86 bovine samples. Sanger sequencing was carried out on 22 PCR products with a size of 959 bp. The sequences obtained were aligned and analyzed using the Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic approaches. A predictor was used to analyze the possible impact of amino acid substitution on the Tax structure and function. Although all sequences were found to belong to genotype 1, four of the 22 sequences were grouped into a different subclade G1A. Fifty percent of the samples showed punctual mutations in their amino acids. Mutation S104L was identified as "possibly harmful," while the V146A change found in all subclade G1A samples was identified as "possibly benign." Although further studies are necessary to determine whether there is an effect of these mutations on the development of the disease, this study presents part of the evolution of the virus and the changes at the amino acid level that are occurring in cattle from specialized dairy farms in Antioquia.

Enzootic Ovine Abortion among small ruminants in Southern Benin

2024-02-05T10:32:08+01:00

The advancement of small ruminant farming in Benin has encountered challenges associated with health issues and agricultural practices. This study aimed to provide the initial documentation of the prevalence of enzootic ovine abortion and evaluate the health status of animals concerning various recurring diseases on traditional small ruminant farms in Benin. In 2023, a semi-structured survey of 450 farms was carried out in two agricultural development centers in Benin. Additionally, 385 sera samples (200 sheep and 185 goats) from 77 farms, selected from the 450 surveyed farms, where animals exhibited signs of reproductive loss, underwent testing using the indirect Elisa method for Chlamydia abortus species. Among the 385 sera samples tested, 30 (7.79%) from pole 1 and 25 (6.49%) from pole 2 were positive for Chlamydia abortus. The survey results unveiled that small ruminants were primarily raised for savings and, to a lesser extent, for meat production and socio-cultural reasons, predominantly in Pole 1. During the rainy season, the common practice among farmers is to let their animals run free, although some opt to tie them to a fixed stake or keep them in loose confinement, the latter being more common in pole 2. The primary animal diseases reported by farmers included peste des petits ruminants, scabies, verminous digestive diseases, pasteurellosis, Rift Valley fever, sheep pox, agalactia, and trypanosomosis. The incidence of these diseases varied between the poles.

Enzootic Ovine Abortion emerges as a substantial threat to both animal well-being and public health. This research sheds light on the overlooked nature of this perilous disease, aiming to contribute to the enhancement of small ruminant livestock.

Isolation and Characterization of Campylobacter and Salmonella Species from Water Sources in Uttarakhand, India: Assessing Colistin Resistance in the Isolates

2024-08-06T10:24:48+02:00

Waterborne diseases can affect a large number of individuals in a short span of time; hence the possibility of them turning into an outbreak is high. Zoonotic pathogens represent an important fraction as causative organisms of waterborne illnesses. WHO has ranked Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. as the two leading zoonotic pathogens in the world. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Salmonella and Campylobacter species from the surface water bodies in two districts of Uttarakhand, India- Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital. Water samples from various locations were analyzed for the presence of these bacteria, with the latter coming out to be the predominant one. Thereafter, they were tested for resistance against Colistin, an antibiotic considered to be the last resort antibiotic against gram-negative bacteria and for the presence of mcr genes as the cause behind the resistance. The number of isolates showing the presence of these genes was significantly higher as compared to a previous study where an attempt was made to test their presence.

Relationship between gastrointestinal nematode burden, blood parameters and hair cortisol in Italian local sheep not treated with anthelmintics

2024-12-04T09:28:08+01:00

This study explored the interplay between gastrointestinal nematode burden, blood parameters, and hair cortisol in Zerasca sheep, a local breed of Northeastern Tuscany (Italy). Moreover, the correlation between BCS and Eggs per Gram (EPG) was analyzed to verify the possible parasite impact. The study involved twelve ewes sampled for faeces, blood and wool three times, in the morning, from August 2022 to March 2023. Complete blood count, alanina-aminotransferase, aspartate-aminotransferase, nitrogen ureic, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids, total proteins, creatinine, calcium, chloride, potassium, and oxygen free radicals were analyzed. Fresh faecal samples were collected and subjected to the Mac Master technique for EPG. Wool was collected to quantify hair cortisol. BCS was recorded using a 1-5 scale. The ANOVA test was performed to detect differences in metabolic and immunological parameters, as well as hair cortisol levels, in relation to EPG levels. Non parametric correlation between EPG and BCS was conducted. Only red blood cells, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and calcium were significantly associated with EPG levels. Some parameters were outside the normal range. The correlation between BCS and EPG resulted negative and statistically significant. These results showed an overall well-being of the tested animals within this specific context

NMR-based-Metabolomics Evaluation in Dogs Infected with Canine Parvovirus: A New Approach for Biomarker/s

2024-11-14T18:16:56+01:00

Despite aggressive treatment, canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in puppies. Identifying reliable biomarkers of CPV enteritis is important for determining severity, length of hospital stay, and predicting clinical outcomes. This the first study that aims to emphasize the relevance of the manuscript. Forty-three (43) CPV-infected dogs were diagnosed by a rapid antigen test kit and subsequent PCR, and 10 healthy dogs were enrolled. In this prospective study, metabolomics and cardiac troponin were measured by NMR and ELISA, respectively. The diseased dogs showed statistically significant lower levels of fructose, glucose, citrate, glycerate, glutamate, carnitine, glycine, formate, and higher levels of isoleucine, isovalerate, glycolate, and creatine compared with healthy dogs. The same analysis performed on lipid parameters showed statistically significant higher levels of cholesterol variants, fatty acyl variants, free cholesterol, glycerol backbone, and sphingomyelin and lower levels of phosphoglycerates and esterified cholesterol in the diseased groups. The changes in metabolomics could be attributed to energy deficit, fat mobilization, gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle deficiency, and multiple organ failure. Decreased citrate, and increased fatty acyl chain-CH₂CO and sphingomyelin levels will serve as the most useful biomarkers in the prognosis of dogs suffering from CPV infection.

Molecular identification and characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates from pneumonic sheep and goats

2023-07-07T20:23:01+02:00

Pasteurellosis is an important bacterial disease of small ruminants which is characterized by severe respiratory disease complex causing high morbidity and mortality. The present study was done to know the prevalence of P. multocida and serotypes associated with the disease in the southern region of Telangana. The present study observed a prevalence of 15.7% for P. multocida by PCR and 16 isolates (8.37%) were recovered in pure cultures. Among the isolates, 56.25% were identified as capsular type A and 43.75% as capsular type B suggesting the involvement of P. multocida serotype B in small ruminant respiratory disease. The prevalence of virulence genes were found to be 100% for ompH, nanB, sodA, oma87, ptfA and fur, 87.5% for fimA, 68.75% for tbpA and 37.5% for toxA indicating the pathogenic potential of the isolates. The high prevalence of virulence associated genes in the isolates indicates the pathogenic potential of the organisms.

Spatial seroprevalence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Small Ruminants in Benue State, Nigeria

2024-11-29T13:40:22+01:00

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) presents a significant challenge to the livestock industry and food animal security. In small ruminants such as sheep and goats, FMD infections often remain asymptomatic, which can result in undetected viral transmission across various species. Despite the global significance of FMD, the epidemiological role of small ruminants in its spread remains poorly understood, particularly in specific regions. In Benue State, Nigeria, there is a notable gap in research concerning the seroprevalence of FMD in small ruminants and its associated spatial distribution. 3ABC-trapping enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies to non-structural protein (NSP) 3ABC of FMD virus (FMDV) in serum samples of sheep and goats from three local government areas representative of high risk zones of Benue State. The seroprevalence of FMDV in small ruminants was found to be 15.92%, with 14.75% in goats and 19.59% in sheep. Regional differences were also evident, with Zone A (Katsina-Ala) showing seroprevalence of 14.71%, Zone B (Makurdi) at 14.72%, and Zone C (Otukpo) at 19.42%. Overall, our study suggests that small ruminants in Benue State are significantly exposed to FMDV, with prevalence rates comparable to some regions in Nigeria and lower than others, especially when compared to large ruminants like cattle. The findings underscore the necessity for region-specific control strategies, taking into account the dynamics of animal movement and trade routes. Establishing robust surveillance and biosecurity protocols, especially along high-risk trade routes, is essential for reducing the impact of FMDV and ensuring the productivity of livestock farming in the region.

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in veterinary medicine: practical applications and tissue distribution in terrestrial vertebrate animals

2024-08-02T10:16:45+02:00

Rare earth elements (REEs) have shown promising potential in veterinary medicine, particularly as feed additives and diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Moreover, the increasing industrial use of REEs has raised concerns about their potential environmental contamination and bioaccumulation in animal tissues. While numerous studies have focused on the distribution of REEs in marine and freshwater ecosystems, information regarding their presence in terrestrial environments remains fragmented. This narrative review aims to describe the practical applications of REEs in veterinary medicine, with a specific focus on studies evaluating the potential accumulation of these elements in the tissues of terrestrial vertebrate animals. Additionally, the review addresses research on the intentional residual presence of REEs and in-field studies evaluating the contamination burden from REE exposure in domestic and wild animals. In conclusion, this review identifies critical scientific gaps and provides future research directions to advance understanding of the long-term effects, mechanisms of action, and environmental impacts of REEs in veterinary practices.

Long-term monitoring of four Scutavirus testudinidalpha3-infected Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo spp.) from a 2013 outbreak: a case study

2024-09-06T12:07:36+02:00

Scutavirus testudinidalpha3 (formerly known as Testudinid alphaherpesvirus 3) is a virus causing severe and ultimately fatal diseases in Mediterranean tortoises. The virus can alternate between a lytic phase, involving viral replication, and a latent stage. It is considered a threat for all the Testudinidae, including endangered species. Long-term outcomes of surviving animals post-primary infection remain unstudied. The aim of this work was to conduct an 8-year long-term monitoring study of a group of Scutavirus testudinidalpha3-infected Mediterranean tortoises, including two Testudo hermanni hermanni and two T. graeca ibera, that survived a high mortality-associated outbreak in 2013. Serological (ELISA) and molecular test (PCR from oral swab) were employed for the long-term monitoring of the infection on the four Testudo spp. Scutavirus testudinidalpha3 DNA and anti-Scutavirus testudinalpha3 antibodies were detected in three animals after 7- and 8-years post-outbreak, respectively. The fourth individual tested negative both by PCR and serology after an initial transient positivity recorded during the outbreak. Despite the limited sample size, the combination of clinical diagnosis and laboratory results assessed during investigation underscore the complexity and unpredictability of Scutavirus testudinidalpha3 infection and its long-term outcomes. These findings should be considered in the management and exchange of tortoises, especially those from different origins.

Multiple Coenurus cerebralis Cysts Detected in a Sheep Brain and Molecular Characterization of the Individual Cysts

2024-03-19T09:30:12+01:00

Taenia multiceps is found in canids and in its larval stage is known as Coenurus cerebralis causes coenurosis. The disease has a significant impact on the economic value of sheep and goats. The aim of the current study was to identify multiple cysts in the brain of a sheep displaying common symptoms of C. cerebralis and to amplify and sequence analyse the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene of each individual cyst by PCR. The research material used was the head of a sheep exhibiting neurological symptoms. Seven cysts associated with C. cerebralis were detected in the brain upon thorough examination. The mt-CO1 gene was amplified by PCR, and all isolates were sequenced. Sequence alignment revealed the presence of point mutations, and 20 polymorphic sites were identified, of which 7.7% (1/13) were parsimony informative. The isolates demonstrated significant haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. In this study, only one isolate obtained from Turkey belonged to the fourth main haplotype, while the remaining six isolates constituted a distinct and unique single haplotype. This is the first time that haplotypic distinctions have been identified among isolates obtained from a sheep brain that is multiply infected with C. cerebralis.

Malignant Sclerosing Biphasic Mesothelioma: first repport in a dog

2024-10-23T12:15:14+02:00

Malignant Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor arising from the peritoneum, pleura or pericardium. It’s rarely reported in dogs. Currently, there are two classifications of neoplasia: one for human medicine and other for veterinary. A 10-year-old female mixed-breed dog with bulging abdomen for 2 weeks and achesia for 1 day, was diagnosed with ascites and dirofilariasis and treated. On the first day, the animal weighed 32.5kg and, after drainage of cavity fluid, it weighed 27kg. Even after treatment, the animal's condition did not improve and euthanasia was performed. The body was sent for necroscopic evaluation. The morphological diagnosis comprises malignant mesothelioma, been with both mixed and sclerosing type. This is the first worldwide case reported with all this characteristic.