Veterinaria Italiana https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt <p>A quarterly peer-reviewed journal devoted to veterinary public health and other aspects of veterinary science and medicine, Veterinaria Italiana is published by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise ‘G. Caporale’ (Istituto G. Caporale) in Teramo, Italy.</p> en-US l.ambrogi@izs.it (Laura Ambrogi) l.ambrogi@izs.it (Laura Ambrogi) Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:59:20 +0100 OJS 3.3.0.10 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Molecular identification and characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates from pneumonic sheep and goats https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3000 <p>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 <em>P.</em> <em>multocida</em> and serotypes associated with the disease in the southern region of Telangana. The present study observed a prevalence of 15.7% for <em>P.</em> <em>multocida</em> 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 <em>P.</em> <em>multocida</em> serotype B in small ruminant respiratory disease. The prevalence of virulence genes were found to be 100% for <em>ompH, nanB, sodA, oma87, ptfA </em>and<em> fur,</em> 87.5% for <em>fimA, </em>68.75% for <em>tbpA</em> and 37.5% for <em>toxA</em> indicating the pathogenic potential of the isolates. The high prevalence of virulence associated genes in the isolates indicates the pathogenic potential of the organisms.</p> Venu Gorre, Vamshi Krishna Sriram, Kannaki Ramasamy, Kalyani Putty, J Shiva Jyothi, Srinivas Manchikatla Copyright (c) 2025 Venu Gorre, Vamshi Krishna Sriram, Kannaki Ramasamy, Kalyani Putty, J Shiva Jyothi, Srinivas Manchikatla http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3000 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Spatial seroprevalence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Small Ruminants in Benue State, Nigeria https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3613 <p>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.</p> Emmanuel Ogiji, John Ibu, Chinedu Akwuobu, Hussaini Ularamu, Nathaniel Rabo Copyright (c) 2025 Emmanuel Ogiji, John Ibu, Chinedu Akwuobu, Hussaini Ularamu, Nathaniel Rabo http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3613 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Phylogenetic and mutational analysis of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) tax gene in specialized dairy production systems in Antioquia, Colombia https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3464 <p>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 <em>tax</em> gene in cows that belong to specialized dairies in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. A conventional PCR for the <em>tax</em> 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.</p> Daniela Castillo-Rey, Albeiro López-Herrera, Cristina Úsuga-Monroy Copyright (c) 2025 Daniela Castillo-Rey, Albeiro López-Herrera, Cristina Úsuga-Monroy http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3464 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Enzootic Ovine Abortion among small ruminants in Southern Benin https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3425 <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> Aboudou Habirou Kifouli, Géorcelin Alowanou, Pierre Challaton, Cyrille Boko, Michael Okunlola Copyright (c) 2025 Aboudou Habirou Kifouli, Géorcelin Alowanou, Pierre Challaton, Cyrille Boko, Michael Okunlola http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3425 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Isolation and Characterization of Campylobacter and Salmonella Species from Water Sources in Uttarakhand, India: Assessing Colistin Resistance in the Isolates https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3561 <p>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 <em>Campylobacter spp</em>. and <em>Salmonella spp</em>. as the two leading zoonotic pathogens in the world. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify <em>Salmonella</em> and <em>Campylobacter</em> 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 <em>mcr</em> 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.</p> Iram Ansari, Maansi, Aman Kamboj, A.K. Upadhyay Copyright (c) 2025 Iram Ansari, Maansi, Aman Kamboj, A.K. Upadhyay http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3561 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Relationship between gastrointestinal nematode burden, blood parameters and hair cortisol in Italian local sheep not treated with anthelmintics https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3584 <p>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</p> Maria Novella Benvenuti, Lorella Giuliotti, Chiara Mariti, Angelo Gazzano, Fabio Macchioni Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Novella Benvenuti, Lorella Giuliotti, Chiara Mariti, Angelo Gazzano, Fabio Macchioni http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3584 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100 NMR-based-Metabolomics Evaluation in Dogs Infected with Canine Parvovirus: A New Approach for Biomarker/s https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3578 <p>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-CH<sub>2</sub>CO and sphingomyelin levels will serve as the most useful biomarkers in the prognosis of dogs suffering from CPV infection.</p> Abdullah Basoglu, Rumeyhisa Ozlem Bicici, Francesca Di Cesare, Nuri Baspinar, Leonardo Tenori, Merve Ider, Erdem Gulersoy Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullah Basoglu, Rumeyhisa Ozlem Bicici, Francesca Di Cesare, Nuri Baspinar, Leonardo Tenori, Merve Ider, Erdem Gulersoy http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3578 Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Malignant Sclerosing Biphasic Mesothelioma: first repport in a dog https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3543 <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">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.<br /></span></p> Carolina Santos Ferreira, Atilio Sersun Calefi, José Luiz Guerra, Julia Mitie Yamamora, Carolina de Oliveira Ghirelli, Kátia de Oliveira Pimenta Guimarães, Vivian Fratti Penna Ríspoli Copyright (c) 2025 Carolina Santos Ferreira, Atilio Sersun Calefi, José Luiz Guerra, Julia Mitie Yamamora, Carolina de Oliveira Ghirelli, Kátia de Oliveira Pimenta Guimarães, Vivian Fratti Penna Ríspoli http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3543 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in veterinary medicine: practical applications and tissue distribution in terrestrial vertebrate animals https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3582 <p>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.</p> Antonio Petrini, Giampiero Scortichini, Carmine Merola Copyright (c) 2020 Antonio Petrini, Giampiero Scortichini, Carmine Merola http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3582 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0200 Long-term monitoring of four Scutavirus testudinidalpha3-infected Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo spp.) from a 2013 outbreak: a case study https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3533 <p><em>Scutavirus testudinidalpha</em>3 (formerly known as Testudinid<em> alphaherpesvirus</em> 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 <em>Scutavirus testudinidalpha3</em>-infected Mediterranean tortoises, including two <em>Testudo hermanni hermanni</em> and two <em>T. graeca ibera</em>, 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 <em>Testudo</em> spp. <em>Scutavirus testudinidalpha3</em> DNA and anti-<em>Scutavirus testudinalpha3</em> 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 <em>Scutavirus testudinidalpha3</em> infection and its long-term outcomes. These findings should be considered in the management and exchange of tortoises, especially those from different origins.</p> Maria Luisa Marenzoni, Lorenzo Santoni, Elisa Rossi, Francesco Carlo Origgi Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Luisa Marenzoni, Lorenzo Santoni, Elisa Rossi, Francesco Carlo Origgi http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3533 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100 Multiple Coenurus cerebralis Cysts Detected in a Sheep Brain and Molecular Characterization of the Individual Cysts https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3437 <p><em>Taenia multiceps</em> is found in canids and in its larval stage is known as <em>Coenurus cerebralis</em> 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 <em>C. cerebralis</em> 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 <em>C. cerebralis</em> 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 <em>C. cerebralis</em>.</p> Figen Celik, Afra Sena Tekin, Muhammet Uslug, Sami Simsek Copyright (c) 2025 Figen Celik, Afra Sena Tekin, Muhammet Uslug, Sami Simsek http://127.0.0.1/foo.html https://veterinariaitaliana.izs.it/index.php/VetIt/article/view/3437 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100