Veterinaria Italiana (Journal)
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Traumatic brain abscess due to Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus in a Foal
Get PDFBacterial infection of the equine central nervous system is rare. This report describes the clinical features, computed tomography (CT) findings, and postmortem results of a 3-month-old female Quarter Horse with an intracranial abscess. Clinical signs included seizures, depression, and bilateral blindness. CT imaging demonstrated a large space-occupying lesion in the left cerebral hemisphere, associated with a frontal bone fracture. Necropsy and histopathology confirmed the presence of an abscess secondary to head trauma. Bacterial culture identified Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus as the causative agent. Brain abscess should be considered a differential diagnosis in foals presenting with seizures and other acute neurological abnormalitie
Quality monitoring of fish through histological assessment of their health status: Proposal for a New Scoring System
Get PDFThe quality and health of fish are closely intertwined. This study aimed to unveil the effectiveness of histological techniques in characterizing fish health status and deducing their quality. A new classification scoring model was also proposed to provide a holistic assessment. A total of 80 silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) specimens were collected from a freshwater dam, in two areas (Z1-Z2) at two periods (July and September), with twenty fish per sampling. The physico-chemical parameters of the water were measured, and a global pollution index (IGP) was calculated. Histological analysis was carried out on five vital organs (gills, kidneys, liver, intestines, and muscles) using a standard method, specifically the semi-quantitative system of Bernet et al. (1999), to determine the condition of each organ, enabling an organic index (OI) to be assigned (IG, IK, IL, II, IM). These indices were combined to obtain total scores for each specimen, named the IFish. The latter is explored as a biomarker of fish health status and quality to develop an innovative classification system. The results showed that the indices were generally notable in September in Z1, illustrating a significant spatio-temporal influence. A highly significant correlation was observed between the IFish and IGP (P = 0.0001). The proposed scoring system made it possible to classify fish according to their quality. To conclude, a healthy fish is a reliable indicator of its quality, and the use of histology, in particular through the IFish scoring, proved to be an effective biomarker to demonstrate this
Genomic Characterization of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus in Sardinia, Italy 2025
Get PDFLumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV) is a Capripoxvirus that causes Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a highly contagious disease of cattle transmitted primarily by blood-feeding arthropods, but also through direct contact and fomites. On 20 June 2025, an outbreak was reported in a beef cattle farm in Orani (Nuoro, Sardinia, Italy), where 21 of 131 animals showed typical clinical signs. Fourteen samples tested positive for LSDV by real-time PCR, and selected specimens underwent whole genome sequencing, generating three high-quality consensus sequences. Phylogenetic analysis placed the Sardinian strains within clade 1.2, closely related to a Nigerian isolate from 2018 and clearly distinct from vaccine-derived strains and those responsible for the Balkan outbreaks between 2012 and 2016. LSD outbreaks also occurred in North Africa during 2023–2024, but genomic data from those episodes are not yet available for comparison. The exact route of introduction into Italy therefore remains uncertain, with possible pathways including windborne dispersal of infected vectors or other anthropogenic activities. This first genomic characterization of LSDV in Italy highlights the need for strengthened genomic and entomological surveillance, data sharing, and integrated approaches to trace virus incursions and assess transboundary risks
Long-term monitoring of four Scutavirus testudinidalpha3-infected Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo spp.) from a 2013 outbreak: a case study
Get PDFScutavirus testudinidalpha3 (formerly known as Testudinid alphaherpesvirus 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 Scutavirus testudinidalpha3-infected Mediterranean tortoises, including two Testudo hermanni hermanni and two T. graeca ibera, 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 Testudo spp. Scutavirus testudinidalpha3 DNA and anti-Scutavirus testudinalpha3 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 Scutavirus testudinidalpha3 infection and its long-term outcomes. These findings should be considered in the management and exchange of tortoises, especially those from different origins
Genetic characterization of the Prion Protein Gene in the indigenous Nguni cattle breed of the Kingdom of Eswatini
Get PDFBovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is one of several fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by misfolded, infectious prion proteins. Polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) associated with BSE susceptibility have been reported in various cattle breeds. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate these genetic variations in the Nguni cattle breed, an indigenous breed in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Southern Africa.
The present study aimed to genetically characterize the PRNP gene in Nguni cattle. Both the coding region and regulatory elements—specifically the promoter and intron 1 regions—were analyzed. Three synonymous polymorphisms were identified: Q78Q, P113P, and I226I. Additionally, the Nguni breed exhibited a higher frequency of deletion alleles in two known insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms: a 23-bp deletion in the promoter region and a 12-bp deletion in intron 1, compared to insertion alleles.
These findings suggest that Nguni cattle may be genetically susceptible to BSE. The results underscore the importance of implementing selective breeding strategies aimed at enhancing resistance to BSE within this indigenous cattle population
Insights into Bovine Viral Diarrhea Epidemiology in Moroccan Cattle Population
Get PDFThis study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in Moroccan cattle and to investigate associations with age, sex, breed, housing system, and geographic region. A total of 545 serum samples were randomly collected from cattle across various Moroccan regions between December 2023 and February 2024. Antibodies against BVDV were detected using a commercial competitive ELISA, and herd-level data were gathered via questionnaire. Overall, 25.0% (95% CI: 21.4 – 28.8) of samples tested seropositive. The highest prevalence was observed in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region (44.0%; 95% CI: 24.4 – 65.1), followed by Casablanca-Settat (32.6%; 95% CI: 26.1 – 39.6). Seropositivity was highest among cattle older than 12 months (37.5%) and in crossbred animals (86.1%) compared to purebreds (74.3%). Although not statistically significant, cattle in intensive systems showed higher prevalence (29.3%) than those in semi-intensive systems (23.2%). Females exhibited a higher seroprevalence (27.87%) than males (21.7%), with sex emerging as a significant risk factor. These findings highlight the widespread circulation of BVDV in Morocco and underscore the need for targeted control measures and improved herd management practices to mitigate virus transmission
Exploring the role of circulating microRNAs as potential diagnostic markers in Mycobacterium paratuberculosis
Get PDFExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived and play a notable role in the development of chronic diseases and can be used as biomarkers as they transport microRNAs (miRNA). Existing research has found that most miRNA functions are carried out via intercellular transmission of EVs, which can protect and sort miRNAs. Early detection of disease is crucial for controlling the spread of the disease and improving livestock prognosis. miRNAs play a promising role as circulating biomarkers for early identification of disease. miRNA expressed in paratuberculosis infection has been identified using a variety of samples, including tissue, serum, whole blood, and macrophages. Key findings state that bta-miR-150 and bta-miR-1246 were observed in macrophages, whereas miR-29a and miR-92b were detected in serum and intestinal tissue. such as miR-143 and miR-485 underscore their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in different stages of the disease. Studies on personalized medicine involve the detection of biomarker molecules such as miRNA and modulating therapy depending on the patient's severity of the disease, applying techniques like Northern blotting, qPCR, microarrays, and NGS. The current review assesses the potential use of circulating microRNAs as biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection, where the microRNAs could even serve as a point-of-care test
Predictive Analysis and Time Series Modeling of Canine Parvoviral Enteritis: A Case Study from Ibadan, Nigeria
Get PDFCanine parvoviral enteritis (CPE) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease, particularly affecting young, unvaccinated dogs. Although anecdotal reports suggest seasonal variation in CPE incidence in Nigeria, comprehensive time series analyses remain scarce. This study analyzed clinical records of CPE cases—diagnosed either clinically or via laboratory confirmation—collected from three veterinary clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria, between January 2018 and December 2024. Temporal patterns were decomposed into trend, seasonal, and random components. Stationarity and temporal autocorrelation were assessed using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Ljung-Box tests, respectively. An Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was selected using the auto.arima function implemented in R (Vienna, Austria), and subsequently used to forecast CPE incidence over a 24-month horizon. The Box-Pierce test on residuals (P = 0.9409) confirmed the model’s adequacy. CPE incidence showed distinct seasonal peaks during the dry months, best captured by the ARIMA (1,1,1)(1,0,0) (model non-seasonal autoregressive order =1, differencing order =1, and moving average order =1; seasonal autoregressive order =1, differencing order = 0, and moving average order = 0; monthly seasonality = 12), and exhibited a negative correlation with historical average monthly rainfall (r = –0.55). However, forecasts for 2025–2026 suggest a gradual decline in incidence and a transition toward year-round occurrence with less pronounced seasonal peaks. These findings underscore the need for continuous preventive efforts. Veterinary practitioners should maintain a high index of suspicion for CPE, especially in young dogs with incomplete vaccination status
Helminths of small carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) from a Tropical Dry Forest in the Colombian Caribbean
Get PDFAmong the least explored yet highly relevant aspects of wildlife health are host–endoparasite interactions, particularly those involving helminths with zoonotic potential. Carnivores are known reservoirs of several such parasites. This study investigates the diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in small carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) inhabiting a tropical dry forest ecosystem in the Colombian Caribbean. A total of 60 fecal samples were collected from five species—Cerdocyon thous, Leopardus pardalis, Procyon spp., Eira barbara, and Puma yagouaroundi—within the Sanguaré Natural Reserve (Sucre, Colombia) and subjected to parasitological analysis.
Eleven nematode taxa, two trematode taxa, and three forms morphologically consistent with cestodes were identified. Overall, 56.7% of the samples tested positive for at least one helminth species. The most prevalent parasite was Spirometra sp. (20%), followed by Strongyloides sp. (18%) and Toxocara sp. (13%). Notably, this study constitutes the first report of gastrointestinal helminths in Procyon spp. and Eira barbara in wild populations in Colombia.
The detection of Spirometra sp. and Toxocara sp.—both genera with known zoonotic representatives—underscores the importance of monitoring parasitic infections in wild carnivores to better evaluate the potential risk of spillover to domestic animals and humans
Detection and molecular characterization of the BEF virus in western Türkiye: BEF virus in western Türkiye
No full textBovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is characterized by high fever, nasal and eye discharge, excessive salivation, muscle weakness, yield losses and or with high morbidity and low mortality. The first epidemic of BEFV in Turkey occurred in 1985 since then epidemics were reported every 2-4 years in the south and southeastern regions of Turkey. Since the first detection of the virus in Turkey, the BEF virus was reported from other parts of the country except the Aegean Region. In November 2020, the possible outbreaks of BEF were reported from two different locations of the Aegean Region in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to determine the molecular characterization and possible origin of the virus that caused the epidemic in the Aegean Region. For this purpose, blood samples collected from clinically infected animals were tested by RT-qPCR, and complete G gene sequences were carried out of the positive sample using the primers designed in this study. According to the phylogenetic analysis, virus is located in the Middle East lineage. Based on field observations and the data obtained in the study, it was thought that the spread of the virus to the Aegean Region was caused by animal movements from other regions