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One hundred and ninety free-ranging rat individuals from dozens of sampling areas (towns, farms, villages) were investigated for Leptospira infections. From the renal tissues (kidneys and urinary bladders), DNA was extracted, and the samples were screened by an lfb1-specific PCR assay. The PCR products were sequenced. One hundred and three (54.2%) of the samples proved to be positive. All detected Leptospires belonged to the pathogenic phylogenetic cluster, and only one species was detected: all 103 positive samples belonged to L. interrogans lfb1 species group 1. In parallel, 353 human samples (urine, anticoagulated blood, tissues) from 232 patients over the period 2022–2025 submitted with suspected Leptospira infections were tested by commercial multiplex real-time PCR kits. Twenty-nine (8%) positive samples were found, which were retested by lfb1-specific PCR. The quality of 20 PCR products was sufficient for sequencing, representing 14 individual patients. Among the 14 positive patients we identified two Leptospira species: L. kirschneri lfb1 species group 6 in one case and L. interrogans in 13 cases (one lfb1 species group 3 imported case, 12 lfb1 species group 2). Comparison of the lfb1 sequences obtained from rats (lfb1: 1) and human cases (lfb1: 2, 1: 3, 1: 6) indicated that, although rat populations maintain the pathogen in high prevalence, they could not be the sources of the identified human Leptospira infections.
We investigated the emergence and spread of the ha-MYXV (recombinant myxoma virus) in the brown hare (Lepus europaeus) population in Hungary. During PCR genetic analysis of 37 samples collected between October 7 and 28, 2025, at the beginning of the outbreak, we found recombinant myxoma virus DNA in 89.2% of the samples, which are the first known ha-MYXV type epidemic infections in brown hares in Hungary. The recombinant MYXV infecting Lagomorpha species first entered western Hungary as a result of an outbreak near Vienna (Austria), and then appeared in the eastern part of the country within a week. Based on European experience, the new virus strain will have a significant impact on the Hungarian populations of brown hares, which calls into question the possibility of profitable game management with this species in many areas, foreshadowing the need for nationwide monitoring system studies to map the epidemiological characteristics of recombinant MYXV.
We describe Coleophora cytisicolella sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae), a new species from material collected in Austria and Hungary during recent fieldwork. The collected specimens were found only in these countries within the Pannonian Biogeographical Region, and were exclusively associated with Chamaecytisus austriacus (L.) Link (Fabaceae). The taxonomic status of the new species was determined by applying traditional macro- and micromorphological methods and genetic analysis, including genitalia examinations and DNA barcoding (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I). In addition to the results of morphological comparisons and genetic analysis, we present further information on the habitat, life history, and larval food plant of this species. Our results revealed that the examined individuals belong to a species new to science, which is a member of the Coleophora genistae Stainton, 1857 species group, and described here as C. cytisicolella sp. nov. Based on the molecular results, the closest relative of the new taxon is Coleophora bruttia, a species described from southern Italy. Although the examined barcoding sequence poorly differentiated these taxa, the micromorphological features of the genitalia revealed their separate status.
Canine distemper virus (CDV) affects both domestic and wild carnivores and is associated with a high mortality rate. The virus can cross species barriers, infecting a wide range of mammals, which raises concerns for both wildlife conservation and domestic animal health. During our study, we processed a total of n = 552 oral and rectal swab samples from n = 260 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and n = 16 golden jackals (Canis aureus). The samples were collected by the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH) as part of a Rabies monitoring programme from Hungary in 2024. We performed a Real-Time RT-PCR, followed by a CDV-specific amplicon-based sequencing method using Oxford Nanopore Technologies to obtain the complete genome. All golden jackal samples tested negative, while both oral and rectal samples of one red fox tested positive for viral RNA. From this positive sample, we were able to sequence a partial CDV genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the haemagglutinin gene, our CDV sequence was assigned to the Europe lineage, one of the endemic lineages in the continent, infecting both threatened and common animals. This finding highlights the ongoing presence of CDV in wildlife populations and illustrates the value of integrated monitoring systems.
Early post-hatch development represents a critical physiological period during which nutritional interventions may influence metabolic adaptation, oxidative balance, and tissue development in poultry. This study investigated the effects of in ovo threonine (Thr) administration and post-hatch Hydrogel® supplementation, with or without Thr, on growth performance, oxidative status, antioxidant-related gene expression, hematological parameters, and liver histology in ducks subjected to delayed feed access. A total of 606 fertilized duck eggs were randomly assigned to seven experimental treatments, including immediately fed controls and groups exposed to a 36 h post-hatch feed deprivation period. Relative expression of Nrf2 and GPX1 was evaluated at hatch and after feed deprivation using quantitative PCR. Growth performance, FRAP, MDA, leukocyte profiles, and liver histopathology were also assessed. Delayed feed access significantly reduced early growth performance (p < 0.05), whereas partial compensatory growth was observed later in the rearing period. Oxidative status was also significantly affected, as reflected by altered FRAP and MDA values (p < 0.05). The highest antioxidant capacity was observed in the immediately fed saline-injected control and in ovo threonine-treated groups, while increased lipid peroxidation was detected in several delayed-fed treatments. Nrf2 expression generally decreased after feed deprivation, whereas GPX1 expression showed a more variable response pattern among treatments and sampling times. Histological evaluation revealed significant temporal changes in hepatic fat accumulation, hydropic degeneration, and lymphocytic infiltration (p < 0.05). Feed deprivation was associated with increased inflammatory and degenerative liver alterations at later sampling points. Overall, delayed post-hatch feeding induced marked oxidative and metabolic disturbances in ducks, while early nutritional interventions only partially alleviated the negative physiological effects of feed deprivation.
