Veterinaria Italiana (Journal)
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
Transmission Routes of Oropouche Virus: Potential Role of European Biting Midges and First Oral Infection Attempt in Wild-Caught Culicoides (Subgenus Avaritia)
Get PDFOropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging arbovirus primarily endemic to South America, capable of infecting humans, diverse animals, and multiple vector species. Although its ecology remains poorly understood, increased globalisation and human mobility raise concerns regarding potential introduction into Europe. To evaluate European risk, vector competence trials were conducted using Italian Culicoides obsoletus/scoticus and C. imicola, major vectors of livestock orbiviruses, orally exposed to a 2024 Cuban reassortant OROV strain. Of 260 surviving C. obsoletus/scoticus and 65 C. imicola midges, all samples tested negative for OROV RNA, suggesting limited vector competence. These findings indicate that tested European Culicoides populations are unlikely to support OROV transmission. Nevertheless, the virus’s broad host and vector range, reassortment potential, and presence of anthropophilic midges in Europe warrant continued surveillance and vector competence studies. Improved understanding of transmission dynamics, reservoir hosts, and potential vectors is critical for preparedness against Oropouche virus introduction and spread in non-endemic regions
Phylogenetic and mutational analysis of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) tax gene in specialized dairy production systems in Antioquia, Colombia
Get PDFThe 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
Production and Characterization of Egg-Derived Antibodies (IgY) Against Outer Membrane Proteins of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Get PDFNon-typhoidal salmonellosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease, often associated with the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This persistent issue underscores the urgent need for novel strategies for prevention and control. Although conventional approaches such as drug or vaccine development are widely explored, they are often time-consuming, costly, and subject to potential bacterial resistance over time.
As an alternative, egg-derived antibodies (IgY) offer a promising solution. IgY can be produced in large quantities without the need for complex infrastructure or environmental risk. Their production is characterized by a favorable safety profile, scalability, high antibody yield per egg yolk, cost-effectiveness, and lack of cross-reactivity in mammals—attributes that collectively make this technology highly advantageous.
The present investigation aimed to establish a standardized protocol for hyperimmunization, production, and isolation of IgY antibodies from the yolk of immunized hens targeting multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The study further focused on the characterization and specificity assessment of the purified IgY. The findings suggest that the resulting IgY holds strong potential as a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agent against MDR S. Typhimurium
NMR-based-Metabolomics Evaluation in Dogs Infected with Canine Parvovirus: A New Approach for Biomarker/s
Get PDFDespite 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
Spatial seroprevalence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Small Ruminants in Benue State, Nigeria
Get PDFFoot-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
Comparative effectiveness of different biological specimens for PRRSv detection in naturally infected fattening pigs
Get PDFOne of the most critical aspects of PRRS outbreak control in swine herds is the reliable virus detection in both newly introduced animals and replacement gilts. In present study we compared the effectiveness of different biological specimens which - alone or in combination - allow to detect PRRSv carrier animals by mean of Reverse Transcriptase nested PCR (RT-nPCR).
Five different matrices (serum, nasal swab, oral fluid, tracheobronchial swab and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid - BALF), known to be effective for PRRSv detection, were included in diagnostic efficacy comparison. Thirty-five pigs newly introduced into a fattening unit of a PRRS chronically affected farm were randomly selected to be submitted to serial sampling of each of the matrices above described, during the first three months of fattening period. A Bayesian approach was used to analyze the RT-nPCR results (i.e., positive or negative) of each sampling method and their respective sensitivity was estimated. PRRSv was detected by RT-nPCR in at least one matrix from 58% to 100% of the pigs. Tracheobronchial swabbing, as well as the combination of tracheobronchial swabbing plus bronchoalveolar washing, or tracheobronchial swabbing plus serum sampling were proved to be the most sensitive sampling methods to detect PRRSv in naturally infected live pigs. This study enlightens as the tracheobronchial swabbing associated with RT-nPCR could be the most recommended diagnostic tool for assessing infection dynamics in pig herds
Seroprevalence of Rift Valley Fever Viruses Antibodies in Domestic Livestock in the Tahoua Region of Niger
Get PDFRift Valley Fever (RVF) remains a significant public health and economic concern in Niger, particularly in the Tahoua region. This study aimed to update seroprevalence estimates of Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) and identify high-risk areas and animal populations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and May 2024, during which 615 domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, and camels) were sampled and tested for RVFV-specific antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA).
The overall RVFV seroprevalence in the Tahoua region was 11.87% (±2.55%). Camels exhibited the highest seroprevalence (36.56%), followed by cattle (17.69%), while small ruminants showed much lower rates: 3.55% in goats and 3.37% in sheep. Significant geographic heterogeneity was observed, with the highest prevalence recorded in Birni N'Konni (30.53%, p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in seroprevalence were found by sex (p = 0.909) or age (p = 0.876), although adults and females tended to have slightly higher rates.
These findings confirm ongoing RVFV circulation in the region and identify camels as the most affected species. The results underscore the need for enhanced, species-specific surveillance, targeted vaccination campaigns, and vector control strategies in high-risk areas to prevent future outbreaks and protect both animal and human health
Microbiology of Otitis externa in dogs reveals wide variation in Staphylococcus species
Get PDFBacterial infections are a major cause of otitis externa in dogs, with Staphylococcus species frequently implicated. This study analyzed samples from 24 dogs with otitis externa to identify the Staphylococcus species involved. The isolates included Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus schleiferi, Staphylococcus simulans, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. While S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi are well-recognized pathogens in canine otitis externa, S. simulans and S. haemolyticus are rarely reported. Given their zoonotic potential, these findings emphasize the importance of further investigations to clarify the microbiology of otitis externa and toidentify the pathogens of greatest clinical relevance
Mon 32 Manuale per la gestione delle popolazioni di colombi in ambito urbano
No full textI colombi sono stati presenti nei villaggi prima e nelle città poi, per migliaia di anni (Levi 2013) e ancora oggi continuano a essere una specie di uccelli presente in molte aree urbane. Oggi la città può essere considerata un ecosistema artificiale innestato su uno naturale (Obara 1988), caratterizzato da ambienti frammentati ad alta densità di strutture fabbricate e da superfici con forte capacità di conservazione del calore e livelli elevati di alcune risorse (Rebele 1994), estremamente favorevoli allo sviluppo dei colombi.
Le Amministrazioni Pubbliche sono sempre più spesso sollecitate a porre rimedio alla proliferazione dei colombi in ambito urbano,trattandosi di uno dei problemi più diffusi e di più difficile soluzione (Treves e Karanth 2003, Dickman 2010, Redpath et al. 2013), in quantosono animali estremamente confidenti e capaci di suscitare nell’essere umano tutta una serie di comportamenti epimeletici da non sottovalutare nel momento in cui si redige un protocollo di contenimento della popolazione.Tuttavia, nel momento in cui la densità supera la capacità di carico biologico, si creano dei conflitti reali e non solo percepiti (Mantovani1993, Messmer 2009, Dickman 2010).
Non a caso, negli ultimi tempi, i Comuni Italiani maggiormente urbanizzati hanno creato gli Uffici che si occupano di Benessere Animale,affiancandoli alle Aziende Sanitarie Locali. Pur con funzioni diverse, operando sinergicamente, facilitano il compito istituzionale del medico veterinario pubblico, garantendo un buon livello di benessere agli animali urbanizzati. Questa collaborazione consente inoltre l’attuazione di protocolli finalizzati a migliorare la relazione uomo‑animale.
Il presente Manuale ha lo scopo di esaminare i diversi impatti che il colombo esercita in città sulle attività umane, di introdurre la necessaria conoscenza di base di ecologia ed etologia nonché degli eventuali strumenti di lavoro necessari alle diverse professionalità pubbliche e private potenzialmente coinvolte nella gestione del fenomeno, in modo da poter eseguire interventi atti a diminuire la popolazione a un livello di convivenza armoniosa ed equilibrata, di ridurre i danni agli edifici, ai beni artistici e architettonici e di abbattere i problemi igienico‑sanitari. In generale, avere riscontro dalla cittadinanza dei successi raggiunti e ottenerne quindi la collaborazione
Molecular identification and characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates from pneumonic sheep and goats
Get PDFPasteurellosis 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