Veterinaria Italiana (Journal)
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
Harmless or Just Neglected? Revisiting the Role of 'Minor' Pig Viral Infections in Italy
Full text linkIn 2023, the Italian National Livestock Registry estimated that the pig population in Italy exceeded 8.1 million animals, with approximately 26,000 pig farms nationwide. The pig farming sector is highly concentrated in the northern regions, which account for about 89% of the national swine stock (ISMEA, 2024). Pig farming worldwide can generally be divided into intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems, each characterized by different management practices and biosecurity levels (Racewicz et al., 2021). In Italy, intensive systems predominate in the north and parts of the centre, often with a high degree of specialization and integrated production chains. Conversely, in the remaining central and southern regions, pig farming tends to be less specialized, frequently family-run, and strongly influenced by local customs and traditions (Bellini et al., 2009). This coexistence of diverse farming systems results in significant differences in herd management, biosecurity standards, production inputs, and market demands, all of which can directly or indirectly influence the spread of infectious diseases. In recent years, several emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens have been identified in swine populations worldwide, some with considerable clinical and economic impact, while others remain largely understudied, with uncertain effects on pig health. Advances in diagnostic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have improved virus detection, revealing the presence of previously undetected agents. This review aims to provide an updated overview of emerging swine viruses reported in the Italian pig industry, with particular attention to those whose roles within current farming systems are still unclear
Assessing Cadmium Levels in Horses Imported from the European Union and Slaughtered in Italy
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to evaluate cadmium (Cd) concentrations in horses imported from various European Union countries and slaughtered in Italy. In addition, we assessed the potential correlation between Cd levels in tissues and organs, and Cd-related gross and histological lesions. The animals were divided into six groups based on age and geographical origin.
Among the 430 animals examined, gross renal lesions were observed in only two kidney samples from Polish horses, which also had the highest Cd concentrations: 9.1 mg/kg w/w and 8.23 mg/kg w/w, respectively. Further histological alterations were identified in the same group, in 19 kidney samples with Cd concentrations exceeding 5.72 mg/kg w/w.
These findings raise important food safety concerns, as Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 and its subsequent amendments establish strict maximum limits for Cd in horse meat and offal. Considering the EU precautionary principle, the results of this study underscore that only the integration of chemical analyses with histological examinations can provide a comprehensive assessment of the risks, ensuring compliance with EU food safety legislation and international trade standards
Neospora caninum in Cattle Herds: Risk Factors, Prevalence and Molecular Characterization in Western Türkiye
Full text linkNeosporosis is a major cause of bovine abortion worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. In western Türkiye, an area characterized by intensive cattle breeding, data on this disease remain limited, and no prior studies have investigated its risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and phylogenetic profile of Neospora caninum in the region.
Visceral tissues from 88 aborted cattle fetuses were analyzed through genomic DNA isolation, real-time PCR (qPCR), and sequencing. In parallel, the presence of N. caninum antibodies was assessed in 973 serum samples using ELISA. N. caninum DNA was detected in 8 (9.09%) fetal samples by qPCR, with three of these further confirmed via conventional PCR and sequencing. Sequence analysis validated the presence of N. caninum in these three samples.
Serologically, 122 of 973 serum samples (12.53%) tested positive for N. caninum antibodies. Statistical analysis of potential risk factors—including province, gender, age group, origin, and farm type—identified farm type as the most significant determinant of seropositivity. Notably, family-operated farms exhibited a higher prevalence of positive cases.
This study represents the first large-scale investigation of N. caninum-associated reproductive losses in western Türkiye. The findings offer valuable insights for the development of targeted control and prevention strategies in affected cattle populations
Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Laying Hen and Broiler Farms in Dakar and Thiès Regions, Senegal
Full text linkAvian influenza, particularly the low pathogenic H9N2 subtype, is a major challenge to poultry and public health in Senegal. As important as it is, little is known about the occurrence and genetic characteristics of the H9N2 detected within the country's poultry farms. This study was therefore carried out to assess the occurrence and the molecular characteristics of H9N2 avian influenza virus strains in broiler and layer farms of the Dakar and Thiès regions. Throughout a period of 16 months, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken, collecting 390 tracheal and cloacal swabs from 39 chicken farms that reported respiratory disease. Viral RNA was isolated and analysed using real-time RT-PCR followed by viral isolation and hemagglutinin gene sequencing on positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine genetic associations with regional strains. Overall, the prevalence was 9.2% across 87 pools made from 390 swabs, with broiler chickens showing a high prevalence of 19.4% and layer hens a low prevalence of 2.0%. The majority of the positive farms were located in the Thiès region, which accounted for 6 out of the 8 positive farms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating strain belonged to the G1 lineage and was closely related to Moroccan strains, indicating likely regional spread through poultry trade. The strains did not possess any molecular markers of increased virulence or zoonotic potential. These findings confirm the endemicity of H9N2 in Senegal's important poultry-producing regions and raise the need for targeted surveillance and improved biosecurity to avoid outbreaks and preserve public health
From Africa to Europe: the rise of epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8
Full text linkSince late 2022, epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) has emerged as a major threat to ruminant health in Europe, most likely introduced from North Africa through windborne Culicoides midges.
The virus has caused extensive outbreaks in cattle and red deer across Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal, exposing vulnerabilities in current outbreak prevention and control measures. This review provides an updated overview of EHDV-8, focusing on its clinical presentation in domestic and wild ruminants, its recent geographic spread in Europe, and the rapid development of targeted vaccines.
The European experience highlights the virus’s capacity to induce substantial morbidity not only in cattle but also in wild and farmed cervid populations, particularly red deer. However, several aspects of EHDV-8 biology remain poorly understood, including host susceptibility and the mechanisms underlying viral overwintering.
Furthermore, the limited availability of genomic data from Africa hampers efforts to trace the evolution and dissemination of EHDV. Strengthening collaboration with North African and Sub-Saharan countries will be crucial to enhance and harmonize surveillance systems across regions.
Closing these knowledge gaps is essential for improving preparedness and response strategies, including the development of vaccines tailored to the serotypes currently circulating in endemic areas
Enzootic Ovine Abortion among small ruminants in Southern Benin
Full text linkThe 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.Lo sviluppo dell'allevamento di piccoli ruminanti in Benin si è scontrato con limiti legati a problemi sanitari e alle pratiche di allevamento. Lo scopo di questo studio è stato quello di riportare per la prima volta la prevalenza dell'aborto enzootico degli ovini e di valutare lo stato di salute degli animali rispetto a diverse malattie ricorrenti negli allevamenti tradizionali di piccoli ruminanti del Benin. Nel 2023 è stata condotta un'indagine semi-strutturata su 450 aziende in due centri di sviluppo agricolo del Benin. 385 sieri (200 di pecore e 185 di capre) provenienti da 18 aziende agricole selezionate tra le 450 aziende intervistate, i cui animali mostravano segni di perdita riproduttiva, sono stati analizzati con il metodo Elisa indiretto. Dei 385 sieri analizzati, 30 (7,79%) per il polo 1 e 25 (6,49%) per il polo 2 sono risultati positivi alla Chlamydia abortus. I risultati dell'indagine hanno rivelato che i piccoli ruminanti erano allevati principalmente per risparmiare e, in misura minore, per la produzione di carne e per motivi socio-culturali. Durante la stagione delle piogge, tutti gli allevatori intervistati lasciano liberi i loro animali, ma alcuni li legano o li tengono in semi-libertà. Le principali malattie animali segnalate dagli allevatori sono state la peste dei piccoli ruminanti (PPR), la scabbia, le malattie verminose dell'apparato digerente, la pasteurellosi, la febbre della Rift Valley, il vaiolo ovino, l'agalassia e la tripanosomosi. La malattia enzootica dell'aborto ovino è una minaccia reale sia per gli animali che per la salute pubblica
Malignant Sclerosing Biphasic Mesothelioma: first repport in a dog
Full text linkMalignant 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
Isolation and Characterization of Campylobacter and Salmonella Species from Water Sources in Uttarakhand, India: Assessing Colistin Resistance in the Isolates
Full text linkWaterborne 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
Genotyping and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella strains collected from sheep and cattle samples in Algeria
Full text linkThe present work investigates the genetic relatedness and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella strains collected from the red meat supply chain, highlighting the public health significance of these pathogens. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE-XbaI) was applied to genotype a collection of 84 Salmonella strains isolated from slaughterhouses. The antibiotic susceptibility of these strains to fourteen antimicrobial agents was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method.
The isolates were classified into 22 fingerprints, with two strains being non-typable. The predominant PFGE types identified were Mu1 (n=18), I2 (n=10), and K2 (n=8), indicating a high level of genetic similarity among isolates (>80%). All Salmonella strains exhibited resistance to at least two antimicrobials, with approximately 34.5% displaying resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. Twelve distinct resistant patterns were identified, and notably, only one colistin-resistant Salmonella strain was detected. These findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and control measures in the red meat industry
Development of a recombinant Lactobacillus casei strain expressing Bovine rotavirus VP4 and VP7 proteins as an oral vaccine candidate against calf enteritis
Full text linkRotavirus infection is a leading cause of diarrhea in neonatal calves, resulting in significant economic losses in the livestock industry. Existing commercial vaccines exhibit limitations in inducing effective mucosal immunity and present challenges in field application. In this study, we aimed to develop a probiotic-based oral vaccine candidate by expressing the outer capsid proteins VP4 and VP7 of bovine rotavirus in Lactobacillus casei. Viral RNA was extracted from a previously characterized bovine rotavirus strain, and the VP4 (828 bp) and VP7 (1032 bp) gene segments were amplified by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The resulting amplicons were cloned into the pNZ2103 expression vector and introduced into L. casei via electroporation. Expression of the recombinant proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses using in-house polyclonal antibodies. Protein bands of the expected molecular weights (~27 kDa for VP4 and ~37 kDa for VP7) were successfully detected in the engineered L. casei strains. These findings demonstrate that L. casei is a viable host for the expression of rotavirus antigens and may serve as a promising live oral delivery system for mucosal immunization. This recombinant approach offers several advantages over traditional parenteral vaccines, including the potential for cold-chain independence, needle-free administration, and enhanced mucosal immune responses. Future research will focus on in vivo evaluation of immunogenicity and protective efficacy in relevant animal models