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Response to the Letter From Dr. Motegi on the Antimicrobial Use Guidelines for Canine Pyoderma by the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID)
No full textLateromedial and oblique radiographs detect most fetlock pathologies as effectively as a full series in horses
No full textBackgroundRadiographic protocols for the metacarpo-/tarsophalangeal joint during pre-purchase examinations (PPE) vary internationally, but their impact on pathology detection remains unclear. Optimising imaging protocols is essential to balance diagnostic accuracy with workflow efficiency and radiation exposure.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of different radiographic view combinations on fetlock pathology detection and observer agreement in a PPE context; hypothesising that detection rates vary with view selection.Study DesignRetrospective observational study.MethodsTwo observers reviewed fetlock radiographic series using four view combinations: lateromedial (LM) alone, LM and dorsopalmar/plantar (LM/DP), LM and oblique projections (LM/OB), and the full series (FULL). McNemar's chi-squared test assessed detection differences; Cohen's kappa evaluated intra- and inter-observer agreement, and diagnostic parameters were calculated for reduced views relative to the full series.ResultsA total of 673 fetlock series were reviewed. The LM/OB combination showed no significant difference in detecting most pathologies compared to the full series. Observer agreement was generally highest with the full series. Intra-observer agreement was highest for LM/OB, except for subchondral bone changes in the proximal phalanx, where LM/DP performed better; though overall agreement was low. Lateromedial projections reliably detected fragmentation, sesamoid fractures, and osseous cyst-like lesions. Oblique views were superior for sesamoid bone changes.Main LimitationsRetrospective design, selection bias, and lack of gold standard confirmation.ConclusionsWhile LM/OB offers a practical compromise in many PPE scenarios, certain pathologies, particularly subchondral bone changes, may require additional views. A tailored approach based on age, discipline, and clinical risk may optimise diagnostic yield. BackgroundLes protocoles radiographiques pour l'articulation m & eacute;tacarpo-/tarsophalangienne durant les examens vente et achat varient d'un pays & agrave; l'autre et leur impact sur la d & eacute;tection des pathologies demeure incertain. L'optimisation des protocoles d'imagerie reste essentielle afin de balancer l'acuit & eacute; diagnostique avec l'exposition aux radiations et l'efficacit & eacute; de travail.Objectifs & Eacute;valuer l'effet de diff & eacute;rentes combinaisons de projections radiographiques sur la d & eacute;tection des pathologies du boulet & eacute;quin et le degr & eacute; d'accord des observateurs dans un contexte d'examen vente et achat, avec l'hypoth & egrave;se que les taux de d & eacute;tection varient selon la projection s & eacute;lectionn & eacute;e.Type d'& eacute;tude & Eacute;tude r & eacute;trospective observationnelle.M & eacute;thodesDeux observateurs ont examin & eacute; des s & eacute;ries de radiographies du boulet en utilisant 4 combinaisons de projections: lat & eacute;rom & eacute;diale uniquement (LM), LM et dorsopalmaire/plantaire (LM/DP), LM et projections obliques (LM/OB) et s & eacute;ries compl & egrave;tes (FULL). Le test du khi carr & eacute; de McNemar a & eacute;t & eacute; utilis & eacute; pour analyser les diff & eacute;rences de d & eacute;tection, le Kappa de Cohen a & eacute;valu & eacute; l'accord inter-intra-observateur et les param & egrave;tres diagnostics ont & eacute;t & eacute; calcul & eacute;s pour les combinaisons de projections comparativement aux s & eacute;ries compl & egrave;tes.R & eacute;sultatsUn total de 673 s & eacute;ries radiographiques du boulet ont & eacute;t & eacute; examin & eacute;es. La combinaison LM/OB n'a montr & eacute; aucune diff & eacute;rence dans la d & eacute;tection de la majorit & eacute; des pathologies, comparativement aux s & eacute;ries compl & egrave;tes. L'accord des observateurs & eacute;tait g & eacute;n & eacute;ralement sup & eacute;rieur avec les s & eacute;ries compl & egrave;tes. L'accord intra-observateur & eacute;tait plus & eacute;lev & eacute; pour les LM/OB, & agrave; l'exception des changements de l'os sous-chondral au niveau de la premi & egrave;re phalange, o & ugrave; les LM/DP & eacute;taient plus diagnostiques, tous avec un accord somme toute bas. Les projections lat & eacute;rom & eacute;diales ont d & eacute;tect & eacute; les fragmentations, les fractures des os s & eacute;samo & iuml;diens proximaux et les l & eacute;sions osseuses de forme kystique.Limitations principalesNature r & eacute;trospective de l'& eacute;tude, biais de s & eacute;lection, manque de gold standard pour confirmation absolue.ConclusionsAlors que les LM/OB offre un compromis pratique pour plusieurs sc & eacute;narios d'examen vente et achat, certaines pathologies, tel que les changements osseux sous-chondraux, peuvent n & eacute;cessiter davantage de projections radiographiques. Une approche adapt & eacute;e & agrave; l'individu, bas & eacute;e sur l'& acirc;ge, la discipline et les risques cliniques devrait optimiser le rendement diagnostic
Safety and efficacy of a novel glycoengineered recombinant vaccine candidate against Haemonchus contortus in sheep
No full textHaemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic nematode in small ruminants, causing major production losses and animal welfare concerns. With increasing anthelmintic resistance, vaccination offers a more sustainable control strategy. This study evaluated a novel glycoengineered vaccine produced in Hi5 insect cells in a randomized, controlled trial including Jura x Lacaune sheep. Animals received either Barbervax (R) (BVAX), the glycoengineered vaccine (GEA) composed of five antigens (H11, H11-1, H11-2, H11-4 and GA1), its non-glycoengineered counterpart (NEA), or served as controls. Over 16 weeks, clinical, immunological, and parasitological data were collected. GEA reduced fecal egg counts by 81.09% and worm burden by 25.36%, showing a lower degree of anemia compared to NEA and control. All vaccinated groups exhibited elevated IgG/IgE responses. The results underscore the importance of glycoengineering in achieving protective immunity against H. contortus, supporting the development of highly effective recombinant vaccines against this and other parasitic worms in the future
Fostering as a conservation breeding tool: Lessons from three case studies in the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola)
No full textValidation and evaluation of Lateral Flow Tests for the Detection of Antimicrobial Residues on Poultry Feathers
No full textPersistence of antimicrobial drugs (AMDs) administered to poultry is longer in feathers than in edible tissues. Hence poultry feathers are a suitable matrix to investigate historical exposure contributing to antimicrobial resistance, since current detection methods are either non-specific or highly technical and costly. Here we present an analysis of the performance of lateral flow test (LFT) panels in the detection of five AMD classes, namely sulfonamides, tetracyclines, beta-lactams, quinolones, and aminoglycosides, on chicken feather samples. The limit of detection (LOD) of eight AMD substances was determined between 4.7 µg/kg for enrofloxacin and 700 µg/kg for streptomycin. The performance of feather LFT were evaluated for four AMD classes against the reference method (LC-MS/MS). From 79 samples collected from the field, LFT test specificity ranged from 0.63 (quinolones) to 0.95 (tetracyclines). Test sensitivity from 0.15 (beta-lactams) to 0.78 (quinolones and tetracyclines). LFT testing had the greatest discriminatory power for tetracyclines (specificity 0.95 and sensitivity 0.78). LFT had similar test characteristics for sulfonamides and quinolones and performed poorly for beta-lactams. Poor recovery rates (<15 %) was observed in neomycin, kanamycin, and ampicillin. These methods are suitable for preliminarily screening tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and quinolones, with recommendations for further extraction protocols
Case Report: Phenotypic and genetic characterization of a presumptive sporadic hypothalamic hamartoma in a standard Schnauzer dog
No full textIntroductionHypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is a rare suprasellar developmental lesion that resembles ectopically located grey matter within the hypothalamus. Genetic mutations in genes involved in the sonic hedgehog intracellular pathway have been reported in humans with HH. Hypothalamic hamartoma has been reported in dogs; however, no genetic mutation has been associated with it. The aim of this study was to phenotypically and genetically characterize presumptive sporadic HH in a dog.Case presentationA 7-month-old male Schnauzer was presented with chronic left head tilt, episodes of imbalance, circling to the left, and continuous repetitive movements of the head and neck to the left. These episodes could increase with stress or interaction, and the dog could not be distracted out of it. Clinical examination was normal. Neurological examination revealed a continuous repetitive involuntary movement of the head and neck to the left and left ocular torsion. Haematology and serum biochemistry were within normal limits. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head raised a suspicion of HH. Whole genome sequencing and genetic analysis identified germline variants with a high predicted impact on the encoding proteins in the candidate genes SEPTIN8, UBXN10, and BLOC1S1, which are involved in ciliogenesis and may be associated with the manifestation of HH in this dog.ConclusionSporadic HH should be considered in the differential diagnoses list for a young dog with chronic progressive intracranial neurologic signs and may be genetically associated with germline mutations in primary cilia-related genes
Characterization of biosecurity practices and viral infections on pig farms in Hong Kong
No full textThe objectives of this study were to characterize the biosecurity practices implemented on pig farms in Hong Kong and determine the between-farm prevalence of economically important viral pathogens. All active pig farms in Hong Kong (n = 40) were invited to participate in an interview-based survey using a Biocheck-UGentTM questionnaire to evaluate their biosecurity practices. Pen-level oral fluid samples were collected by cotton ropes to detect six target viral pathogens using RT-PCR: porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type-2 (PCV-2), swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine delta-coronavirus (PDCoV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). Eighteen farms (45 %) accepted our invitation and participated in this study. Biosecurity practices were found to be inadequate in many areas, with an average overall score of 50.1 f 9.4 (mean f SD). The study farms scored higher for external biosecurity (56.4 f 8.6) than internal biosecurity practices (43.9 f 12.1). Among external biosecurity subcategories, breeding pig and semen purchase scored highest (93.2), while visitors and farmworkers scored lowest (23.5). In internal biosecurity, the disease management subcategory received the highest score (66.7). Only two external biosecurity subcategories, breeding pig and semen purchase (93.2), and farm location (70) exceeded the global average scores. Key deficiencies were identified in biosecurity protocols for visitors and workers, hygiene standards for feed, water, and equipment supplies, and measures to prevent disease transmission between compartments (farrowing, nursery, and finishing units). Over 90 % of participating farms implemented vaccination programs for PRRSV, PCV-2, porcine parvovirus (PPV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) while no farms vaccinated against SIV, and vaccination for swine coronaviruses was sporadic. All target viruses except TGEV were detected at the farm level. The between-farm prevalences among the 18 study farms were PRRSV-2 (94.4 %), PRRSV-1 (38.9 %), PCV-2 (83.3 %), SIV (55.6 %), PDCoV (16.7 %), and PEDV (5.6 %). We provided comprehensive baseline information on the biosecurity practices of pig farms for the first time in Hong Kong. We identified critical areas of biosecurity for improvement and offered tailored recommendations to help the producers implement more effective prevention and control strategies for infectious diseases within and between farms
Shell Quality Parameters of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Eggs as Estimated by Non-Destructive Testing Technology
No full textThe quality parameters of quail eggshells find extensive utility in studies of production efficiency and basic biology. Non-destructive evaluation methods are of particular relevance. Herein, we developed a non-destructive technology for assaying such shell characteristics as shell strength (F), thickness (T), and weight (W-s). Studies were conducted using 176 eggs laid by 11-month-old quails from a resource population of F-2 crossbreds. The main set of measured and calculated parameters included egg weight (W), volume (V), and surface area (S). In addition, we determined an indicator of elastic shell deformation under a non-destructive load of 0.5 kg (delta(0.5)). Use of this parameter set allowed us to make the most accurate non-invasive prediction of the values of F (R = 0.756), T (R = 0.266), and W-s (R = 0.450) for quail eggs. As a result of comparative analysis of the current and previously obtained equations for calculating W-s, the disadvantages of using empirical equations were also identified. Herewith, we proposed the so-called index approach to forming mathematical dependences, simplifying their further use, for example, in breeding studies. As such, we selected the following conditionally called indices: metabolism index (S/V) and specific elastic shell deformation (delta(0.5)/W). Following the approximation, more convenient and compact dependences were produced. The correlation coefficients between the true and computed values were 0.749 for predicting F, 0.262 for T, and 0.443 for W-s, with corresponding RMSE values equal to 0.416 for F, 0.019 for T, and 0.105 for W-s. The established index representation of empirical equations will serve as a crucial instrument for eggshell quality control and application in quail breeding
A bibliometric analysis of One Health research, guided by the Joint Plan of Action, 2010–2024
No full textBackground: This study aimed to assess whether current research trends in One Health emphasise zoonotic and foodborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance, as has historically been the case, or whether they increasingly align with a more holistic understanding of the One Health concept. This is achieved by exploring the global trends in One Health-labelled research and examining how these align with the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022-2026) (OH JPA). Methods: A combination of bibliometric analysis and Social Network Mapping was used to meet the study objectives. Specifically, 6168 publications (January 2010-October 2024) were retrieved from the Dimensions database for bibliometric analysis. A full-accounting approach was used to attribute publications to countries or institutions, while Social Network Analysis centrality measures were used to quantify the scale and impact of collaboration among institutions engaged in One Health research. A topic model was also developed and visualised using the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection machine learning algorithm. Results: We found that globally, in the last decade, there has been an increase in the volume of One Health research publications, with the largest annual publication growth occurring after 2018. Half of all 6168 One Health research publications from 2010 are focused on six primary research topics, five of which are a lead topic for one of the six action tracks under the OH JPA. We also found that while there are more outputs on zoonotic epidemics and pandemics, the proportions of other areas of One Health research are increasing, although integrating the environment is still comparatively underrepresented. Although global collaborations exist in One Health research, there exist disparities between countries where One Health research is being conducted (largely in Africa and Asia) and countries leading One Health research (primarily high-income countries). There is some evidence of the use of One Health research in policy making, but the evidence base to determine this is limited, especially for low-and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Efforts are needed to strengthen One Health research capacity in the Global South, while continuing, globally, to conduct collaborative research to better understand changes in One Health research priorities, topical gaps and collaborations. One Health impact statement This article contributes to ongoing debates on One Health priorities, conceptual thinking and ways of working. The 'One Health' approach has galvanised many policy makers, practitioners and researchers across the human, environment, animal and plant health sectors to tackle interconnected health challenges through a more integrated and collaborative lens. However, tendencies towards disciplinary and sectoral silos as well as lack of coordination of One Health in policy persist. This study involved data scientists, social scientists, plant pathologists, ecologists, veterinarians, public health scientists, One Health specialists and policy experts engaged in providing scientific and strategic advice on One Health for institutions working across the globe. This cross-sectoral, transdisciplinary team allowed interpretation of results in ways that would not have been possible with a less diverse team. Research and policy documents self-labelled as One Health were analysed to provide insights that can be used by One Health global scientific and strategic platforms for reform. In addition, insights on One Health research collaborations offer fuel for all stakeholders in the One Health landscape to continue working collectively to tackle complex, global health issues