1,721,023 research outputs found
A survey of the main behavioural and natatorial issues observed in non-genetically selected dog breeds trained for water rescue activities
Full text link: In this survey, we collected information on non-genetically selected pure breed dogs trained for water rescue considering the issues highlighted by the instructors of the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs (S.I.C.S.) in Italy over a one-year period. A questionnaire was developed and emailed to thirteen S.I.C.S. sections asking for information on the number of certificates and services carried out in one year, the pure breed dogs used, and the main problems detected in each breed. Only six questionnaires were received and processed. The results revealed that a total of 82 (14.0 as average value) dog-human dyads with certificates with a total number of 157 (26.17 as average value) services recorded in one summer All sections reported certified dogs from three genetically selected breeds (Newfoundland, Labrador, and Golden Retriever), mixed-breed dogs, and other pure-breed dogs, such as Bernese Mountain Dog, Doberman, Pitbull, German Shepherd, and American Staffordshire Terrier dogs. The main problems highlighted in non-genetically selected pure breed dogs were natatorial, linked to an incorrect set-up or to a lack of tail and/or undercoat. To solve these problems, neoprene underwear and/or floating harnesses were used, and the instructors tried to improve the swimming attitude
Canine filarial infections in an area of Central Italy (Tuscany-Latium border) historically free from the disease
No full textThis paper reports the presence of various species of filarial nematodes in dogs in an area of central Italy at the border between two regions (Tuscany-Latium), which had previously been free of infection and for which there are no epidemiological data in the literature. Blood and serum samples from a total of 363 adult dogs were collected during in 2016/17 and 2018/19 in the provinces of Grosseto (Tuscany) and Viterbo (Latium). The dogs were of different breeds or mixed breeds, randomly selected, and living in public kennels or privately owned. Of the 363 samples tested, 55 dogs were positive to Knott's test for microfilariae (prevalence 15.1%; 95% confidence interval: 11.5–18.8%). Dirofilaria immitis was found in 25 cases (prevalence 6.9%; 95% CI 4.3–9.5%), D. repens in 27 (7.4%, 95% CI 4.7–10.1%) and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in 3 (0.8%, 95% CI 0.1–1.7%). Out of 55 dogs, only four were infested with both D. immitis and D. repens (1.1%, 95% CI 0.001–2.2%)
A genealogical survey on the main bloodline of the Australian Cattle Dog in Italy
Full text linkThis paper presents the results of genetic variability analyses using genealogical data on the main genetic bloodline of the Australian Cattle Dog in Italy, a line that has had a significant impact on the development of the breed. All the genealogical data on the progeny and ancestors of one of the first stallions introduced in Italy were considered, i.e. Cattlefarm's Comeback Jack born on 1/2/1997 in Finland. Animals from the bloodline born between 1962 and 2019 were considered. A total number of 1722 animals were found to be from the line which represents the entire population (WP), including the basic population (BP) and the reference population (RP) defined as the animals currently living. A total of 982 animals were in the RP, with the oldest living dogs born in 2004. A total of 854 dogs were inbred. The average inbreeding coefficient (F) in the RP was 5.1%, while the average inbreeding of the inbred animals was 5.8%. The F was < 0.10 in 711 dogs (77.3% of inbred), and > 0.20 in only 36 dogs (3.91% of inbred). Fifteen traced generations were highlighted. A maximum average inbreeding value (6.45%) was observed in the dogs with 11 traced generations. This research highlighted the good genetic variability of this Australian Cattle Dog bloodline thanks to the efficient management of the breeders who in the past introduced some stallions from abroad. Currently, the lines in Italy are not sufficiently high to prevent inbreeding in the new matings, which is becoming frequent. It is, therefore, important to continue to import new stallions for reproduction to expand the genetic variability. However, at the same time, the old lines need to be preserved genetically, aptitudinally and morphologically, as they are an important heritage of the breed in Italy
Inbreeding, phenotypic traits, coat colours and prevalence of health problems in a population of English Cocker Spaniels: the first survey in Italy
No full textThis paper presents a survey on inbreeding (F), phenotypic traits, coat colours and prevalence of health problems in a population of English Cocker Spaniels. The aims were to analyse the health and genetic variability of the population and to check whether the population falls within the standards for the breed from a morphological point of view. In addition, we studied the influence of F on phenotypic traits and on the occurrence of various genetic diseases (progressive retinal atrophy, familiar nephropathy, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and the juvenile renal dysplasia). All data were collected in relation to 83 adult (mean age 4.42 ± 2.528 years) dogs (20 males and 63 females) born in the period 2011–2018 and belonging to one Italian breeder. The F of each dog and other genealogical parameters were calculated. The prevalence of each highlighted disease within the population was performed. ANOVA was used to test the differences in F values among the animals subdivided into different groups (healthy and un-healthy dogs, coat colour, birth year and sex). Differences between sexes in morphological traits and proportions were also analysed showing sexual dimorphism. The predominant colours were Blue-Roan (30.12%) and Red (26.51%). We found an excellent health status and a good genetic variability of the analysed population. The only disorder that caused concern was juvenile renal dysplasia (26.51%, 95% CI 14.27–38.74%). A relationship was suggested between inbreeding and the disorder as F was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in sick (F = 0.068) than in healthy animals (F = 0.014)
Indagine sulla popolazione di muflone ( Ovis Orientalis musimon ) nel Parco Regionale della Alpi Apuane: analisi veterinarie e stato sanitario
No full textIndagine sulla popolazione di muflone ( Ovis Orientalis musimon ) nel Parco Regionale della Alpi Apuane: analisi veterinarie e stato sanitario
No full text
CARATTERIZZAZIONE MOLECOLARE E STUDI EPIDEMIOLOGICI SU ELMINTI DI INTERESSE ZOONOSICO IN PRODOTTI ITTICI NAZIONALI: PARAMETRI PER LA VALUTAZIONE DEL RISCHIO PER IL CONSUMATORE
No full textNell'ambito delle problematiche di valorizzazione del prodotto ittico italiano, la salubrità e la sicurezza alimentare per il consumatore sono sicuramente il requisito più importante. Tra i parametri che contribuiscono alla loro definizione, alcuni parassiti zoonotici hanno un ruolo rilevante potendo rappresentare un rischio per la salute del consumatore e potendo influire negativamente sul valore commerciale del pescato. Il cambiamento di abitudini alimentari, con l’aumento del consumo di prodotti ittici a crudo, come sushi e sashimi o come il "carpaccio di pesce", o di preparazioni culinarie a base di prodotti ittici marinati o affumicati a freddo, ha determinato una crescente attenzione verso le zoonosi parassitarie di origine ittica anche in Italia. In anni recenti sono stati infatti documentati numerosi casi di anisakidosi umana anche in Italia, nella maggior parte dei casi legati al consumo di alici fresche marinate. Inoltre negli ultimi anni sono stati descritti casi di opistorchiasi in soggetti che avevano consumato pesci lacustri dell'Italia centrale in preparazioni a crudo e nuovi casi di difillobotriasi in seguito al consumo di carpaccio di pesci lacustri dell’Italia settentrionale. Vista la segnalazione di questi casi in Italia e data la carenza di dati sulle infestazioni da elminti zoonotici, risulta opportuno intraprendere e/o ampliare le ricerche volte a delineare la presenza e la diffusione di agenti parassitari zoonotici negli animali acquatici in Italia, mettendo a punto idonei metodi diagnostici per la loro identificazione, chiarendone le caratteristiche biologiche ed ecologiche e individuando le possibili vie di trasmissione all'uomo. Scopo della ricerca in oggetto è pertanto quello di ottenere un quadro aggiornato sulla presenza e diffusione di elminti parassiti, agenti eziologici di zoonosi, in specie ittiche di ambienti dulciacquicoli, salmastri e marini, destinate al consumo alimentare. Obiettivo primario sarà l'identificazione degli agenti eziologici in Italia delle seguenti zoonosi: opistorchiasi, difillobotriasi ed anisakidosi, dovute a forme larvali di elminti in specie ittiche di diversi ambienti d'acqua dolce, salmastra e marina dell'Italia settentrionale, centrale, e della Sardegna. Ciò verrà realizzato mediante l'esame parassitologico di numerosi esemplari di diverse specie ittiche dai diversi siti di campionamento,e mediante l'analisi genetico-molecolare che permetterà l'identificazione degli elminti presenti aventi interesse zoonotico. I risultati permetteranno di ottenere una stima dei livelli di infestazione nelle specie ittiche esaminate, ottenere marcatori genetico-molecolari sempre più precisi per la loro identificazione ed ottenere dati ecologici riguardanti il loro ciclo biologico. Lo scopo finale sarà quello di individuare parametri attraverso i quali poter stabilire e monitorare la presenza e la diffusione di parassiti zoonotici in specie del pescato nazionale che vengono sottoposte a preparazioni culinarie che non garantiscono la devitalizzazione degli agenti parassitari e che possono rappresentare quindi un rischio per il consumatore. Inoltre la tipizzazione a livello molecolare di questi elminti mediante lo studio di geni altamente polimorfici consentirà non solo la loro identificazione a livello specifico, ma anche di valutare se esiste una correlazione tra varianti geniche di questi parassiti e diverse manifestazioni patologiche nell'uomo in Italia
Parasitological, serological and anatomopathological survey on a muflon population (Ovis aries) living in the Central Italy
No full text- …
