Veterinaria Italiana (Journal)
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
Seroprevalence of small ruminant lentivirus infections (SRLV) in family farming goats from Alagoas semiarid region, Brazil
Full text linkSmall ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are chronic and progressive diseases caused by retroviruses that pose a serious threat to family farming. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with SRLV infection in goats from family farming properties in Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil. In the semiarid region of Alagoas, seventeen family farming properties were visited, distributed across eleven municipalities. An epidemiological questionnaire was administered to collect information on animal management practices and to identify potential risk factors for SRLV. Serological diagnosis of SRLV was performed using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) technique with an in-house kit. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with seropositivity for SRLV. A total of 388 goat serum samples were tested using AGID, resulting in a prevalence of 9.3% (36/388; 95% CI [0.0677–0.1258]). Logistic regression revealed one significant risk factor: “the type of farming” (p < 0.001; OR = 5.13; 95% CI [2.26–11.62]). Given the risk factor identified, it is essential to emphasize prophylactic measures against SRLV during prolonged stabilization periods. The detection of SRLV in family-run livestock operations in socially and economically vulnerable areas of Alagoas underscores the need for public policies that support family farming
Evaluation of various formulations of Contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia vaccine (T1/44) for thermotolerance and shelf life
Full text linkContagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) remains a significant livestock disease in sub-Saharan Africa, with the T1/44 vaccine's heat-lability and reliance on cold-chain infrastructure limiting its efficacy in tropical regions. This study evaluated the thermotolerance and shelf-life of seven CBPP vaccine formulations containing different stabilizing agents. Seven different vaccine formulations, incorporating stabilizing agents such as lactalbumin, casein, gelatin, skimmed milk, maltose, and sucrose, were tested. The formulations were subjected to accelerated stability testing at temperatures of 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C over a 14-day period. The viability of Mycoplasma mycoides was assessed by measuring colony-forming units (CFU) at each time point. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. All formulations showed a decrease in mycoplasma viability over time, with the most significant loss occurring at 37°C. Formulation 2 (Casein + Gelatin) showed the most promising results, with a stable mycoplasma count of 1.09×107 CFU/mL post-lyophilization and only minor reductions in CFU at various temperatures. After 14 days, Formulation 2 maintained the highest titres, with counts of 4.4×107 CFU/mL at 4°C, 1.2×106 CFU/mL at 25°C, and 8.0×106 CFU/mL at 37°C. Other formulations, such as Formulation 1 (Lactalbumin + Gelatin), Formulation 3 (Skimmed Milk), and Formulation 4 (Skimmed Milk + Maltose), showed moderate stability but experienced greater decreases in viability, particularly at elevated temperatures. For example, Formulation 3 (Skimmed Milk) had a significant decline in titre at 37°C, with counts falling to 1.05×105 CFU/mL by Day 14. Formulations 5, 6, and 7 (which included combinations of skimmed milk, sugars, and gelatin) showed poor stability at 37°C, with some formulations losing all viability at higher temperatures. This study highlights the effectiveness of casein and gelatin as stabilizers for enhancing the thermotolerance and shelf life of the T1/44 CBPP vaccine. These findings provide a valuable foundation for the development of more resilient CBPP vaccines that can be more widely used in resource-limited settings, especially in regions with unreliable cold-chain systems
Evaluation of Biosecurity Measures and Microbiological Quality of Table Eggs in Egyptian Layer Farms
Full text linkTable eggs are widely favored for their affordability, simplicity, and appeal across all age groups. They are a rich source of high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins—nutrients vital for maintaining good health. The hygienic quality of table eggs is influenced by several factors, including the type of housing system and the level of biosecurity implemented on farms. This study evaluated the hygienic quality of table eggs produced in Egyptian layer farms, examining egg production across different housing systems and biosecurity levels. A total of 70 egg samples (both eggshell and egg content) were collected from seven layer farms representing diverse housing conditions and biosecurity standards. Samples were analyzed for total aerobic plate count (TAPC) and the presence of hygiene-indicating bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella.
The results showed that farms with higher biosecurity scores (up to 97.5%), particularly those using closed battery systems, had significantly lower TAPC values and a reduced prevalence of pathogenic bacteria. In contrast, farms operating under open deep litter and backyard systems, with biosecurity scores of 30% and 22.5% respectively, exhibited notably higher microbial contamination. These findings underscore the crucial role of robust biosecurity practices and effective housing management in ensuring the hygienic quality of table eggs and protecting public health
Relationship between gastrointestinal nematode burden, blood parameters and hair cortisol in Italian local sheep not treated with anthelmintics
Full text linkThis 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 contex
Serosurvey of Bluetongue virus in small ruminants in Egypt and its associated risk factors
Full text linkBluetongue is an emerging, non-contagious, vector-borne disease that affects both domestic and wild ruminants. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in four Egyptian governorates and to evaluate the associated risk factors. A total of 740 serum samples were collected from 380 sheep and 360 goats and tested using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA). The overall BTV seroprevalence was 16.2%, with 17.1% in sheep and 15.3% in goats. Although the seroprevalence did not differ significantly across the studied regions, the highest prevalence was recorded in Kafr El-Sheikh (20.7%).
Univariable analysis revealed a significant association between BTV seropositivity and several factors, including sex, age, presence of vectors, history of abortion, and contact with cattle. According to the multivariable logistic regression model, females, animals older than 2 years, and those with a history of abortion were respectively 2.3, 2.6, and 1.6 times more likely to be seropositive. Furthermore, the presence of insect vectors and close contact with cattle increased the risk of BTV infection by 1.6 and 2.1 times, respectively.
This study highlights the significant risk factors associated with BTV seropositivity, with a slightly higher prevalence observed in sheep compared to goats. These findings underscore the need for effective disease surveillance, management, and control strategies targeting both sheep and goat populations
Prevalence, Recombination Events, and Risk Factors of FeLV Infection in Domestic Cats from Colombia
Full text linkFeline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the primary pathogens in domestic felines, causing significant immunosuppression, lymphomas, and even death. Various subtypes of this virus have been described, with FeLV-A being the least pathogenic and the most widely distributed subtype. Conversely, the recombination of FeLV-A with endogenous retroviral sequences has resulted in variant B, which is associated with the development of leukemias and lymphomas. FeLV transmission occurs primarily through grooming between individuals, facilitating its distribution and circulation. The aim of this study was to characterize subtype B and analyze risk factors associated with viral infection in a sample of felines from Colombia. To achieve this, blood samples were taken from the cephalic or jugular veins of 151 felines in four municipalities of Antioquia, and data on age, sex, and area of origin were collected. PCR was performed on a region of the pol gene (306 bp), and only FeLV-positive feline samples underwent a second PCR for the env gene (1400 bp). Only env-positive PCR products were sequenced, and phylogenetic and recombination analyses were performed. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) for each variable (age, sex, and area of origin). The overall FeLV positivity rate was 33.77%, with an association found between male sex and FeLV infection (OR = 2.23, p = 0.038), as well as between the area of origin and FeLV infection (OR = 0.22, p = 0.035). Of the total samples, only 11 (7.3%) amplified for FeLV-B, with seven samples from Buriticá and four from Medellín. The recombination analyses confirmed that all sequences belonged to the FeLV-B subtype and were unique recombinants. The molecular presence of the virus in the study area demonstrates that the circulation of this retrovirus remains active. Additionally, the area of origin and male sex are risk factors for FeLV infection. Finally, an increase in FeLV positivity was observed, and while the B variants are generated de novo in each feline, it is crucial to continue health monitoring, especially in regions distant from major urban centers
Streptococcus suis in Water Buffalo Calves: First Report with Histological and Genomic Insights
Full text linkIn this study, two cases of sudden death following infection-like symptoms in dairy water buffalo calves aged 5 – 12 days were investigated by anatomopathological examinations and laboratory tests. Four bacterial infectious agents were isolated from the brain, which presented meningitis-like lesions, and liver, which appeared hyperaemic and with fibrin formations. The four isolates were phenotypically identified as Streptococcus suis and found to be genetically identical by whole genome sequencing (WGS). One of the isolates was further characterized by hybrid short and long reads genome sequencing and found to represent a novel sequence type (ST) of S. suis serotype 2.
Further investigations are needed to better understand its pathogenic potential, host specificity and environmental sources of infection
Ecological niche modeling of epidemiological significance ticks: an experimental study with the modleR workflow in Brazil
Full text linkSpotted fever rickettsioses are tick-borne diseases of major epidemiological importance worldwide. Ticks can interact pathogenically with humans through endemic foci or sporadic epidemic outbreaks. Novel analytical tools and decision-making frameworks for tick-borne disease surveillance may improve resource allocation and enhance the response capacity of public health services.In this study, we characterize and model the bioclimatic suitability of three tick species—Amblyomma aureolatum, A. ovale, and A. sculptum—across Brazil. The climatic niche of each species was quantified using four modelling algorithms (BIOCLIM, GLM, Maxent, and SVM) implemented within an automated modelling workflow (modleR). A total of 585 occurrence records were retained for modelling: 55 for A. aureolatum, 120 for A. ovale, and 410 for A. sculptum, covering the entire Brazilian territory.Amblyomma sculptum exhibited a broader tolerance to temperature and precipitation variability, suggesting a wider potential distribution range compared to the other two species. This species was primarily associated with grassland habitats, such as those in the Cerrado biome. In contrast, A. aureolatum and A. ovale were more strongly associated with forested areas, particularly along the Atlantic Forest coastal region.The modelling outputs presented here provide valuable insights to support targeted health surveillance and intervention strategies for tick-borne diseases in Brazil
First report on the molecular characterization and successful treatment of Anaplasma platys infection in a dog from Tripura, northeast India
Full text linkThis study presents the first report of the molecular characterization of Anaplasma platys infection in the Bangladesh-India border region, specifically in the state of Tripura, along with its successful treatment. Anaplasma platys is a rickettsial organism transmitted by hard ticks that infest dogs, with marked thrombocytopenia and anemia being among the most important clinical manifestations, related to the formation of morulae in the platelets. A dog with a history of suspected anaplasmosis was presented for clinical investigation. Hematological analysis revealed a hemoglobin level of 6.8 g/dL, a hematocrit of 19.4%, a total red cell count of 3.5 × 10¹²/dL, a total white cell count of 7.8 × 10⁹/dL, and a platelet count of 48 × 10⁹/dL. Upon microscopic and molecular examination, A. platys was identified as the causative organism responsible for the alterations in blood parameters. Treatment involved the intravenous administration of doxycycline at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for five days, followed by oral doxycycline tablets at the same dosage for 15 days. The dog showed gradual improvement and complete recovery within 20 days of treatment. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic inference targeting the 16S rRNA gene revealed low divergence within the species
Genomic insight of avian reovirus circulating among desi-chickens in Tamil Nadu, South India
Full text linkAvian reovirus (ARV) is a major causative agent of viral arthritis (VA), tenosynovitis, and malabsorption syndrome (MAS) in chickens, with significant economic consequences due to growth retardation, reduced production performance, and immunosuppression. Despite routine vaccination of breeder chickens against ARV, cases of VA and MAS continue to be reported in commercial flocks in recent years. Moreover, there is a lack of recent data on the genetic characteristics of circulating field ARV strains in India.
In light of these concerns, a study was conducted to investigate the involvement of ARV in chickens exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of VA or MAS. Samples were collected from 27 commercial broiler and desi-chicken flocks across the mid-western region of Tamil Nadu, South India. Molecular confirmation was performed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting a partial region of the σC gene within the S1 segment. Of the 27 flocks sampled, only two samples - both from desi-chickens aged two and three weeks - tested positive for ARV.
Sequence analysis of these positive samples, compared against available ARV sequences in GenBank (including vaccine strains) revealed that the identified strains clustered within ARV genogroup II. This represents the first report of cluster II ARV in India, indicating the circulation of genetically distinct ARV strains in Indian poultry populations.
These findings underscore the need for routine molecular surveillance of ARV genotypes in India and highlight the potential mismatch between circulating field strains and current vaccine strains. Comprehensive genotype monitoring is essential to upgrade vaccine design and implement effective control strategies for ARV-associated diseases in Indian poultry production