INTRODUCTION:Taenia solium places substantial burden on communities in low and middle-income countries, where neurocysticercosis is a leading cause of preventable epilepsy. Current diagnostic tests for T. solium are not suited for low resource settings or perform poorly. Several risk-assessment tools have been developed to support countries in identifying areas for further T. solium investigation and intervention. These tools are based on risk, rather than disease data, and have yet to be validated against biological results. METHODS:Two national quantitative risk-assessment tools (LISA and MCDA), two local semi-quantitative tools (rapid and in-depth), and a local qualitative tool (workshop) had their performance assessed against biological T. solium taeniasis data from 28 villages. The final risk category, risk score and individual components of each tool were assessed independently against village T. solium status by logistic regression. RESULTS:T. solium positive villages had higher odds of being high-risk villages for all tools, however, this was only significant for the LISA and workshop tools. For the LISA tool, the median risk score was also significantly greater in positive villages. A unit increase in LISA risk score led to a significant increase in the odds of a village being positive for T. solium. Other tools that calculated risk scores also showed similar results, however, were not statistically significant. All positive villages were hotspots for unimproved toilets by the LISA tool. The open defaecation component of the local rapid tool was the only component of any tool to demonstrate a significant relationship with positive T. solium villages. CONCLUSIONS:This first biological validation of T. solium risk-assessment tools demonstrates that there are multiple tools that should be considered for further development. Supporting endemic countries to implement recently developed risk-assessment tools is consistent with the World Health Organization's goal of intensified control of T. solium in hyperendemic areas.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected rodent-borne zoonotic virus primarily infecting house mice. The virus can be highly pathogenic, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and in congenital infections. LCMV is distributed worldwide but shows local clustering, probably due to the highly structured populations of its hosts and the vertical transmission of the pathogen. These factors should also promote long-term virus persistence in wild populations, yet this aspect remains largely unexplored. To investigate this, we resampled a transect in the western Czech Republic that was primarily studied more than a decade ago. Additionally, we analyzed a sample collection from Buškovice, a locality where LCMV was first detected in 2008, to trace virus presence back to the year 2000. Positive samples underwent whole-genome characterisation to assess the virus's genetic structure over space and time. We detected intermittent presence over 24 years in a geographically limited area, where LCMV was already present in 2000 and remained detectable in 2023. Phylogenetic analysis showed no clear spatio-temporal clustering, suggesting that virus persistence in Buškovice is a dynamic process involving mouse dispersal between neighbouring villages. Given LCMV's zoonotic potential and house mouse synanthropy, these findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring in the region.
The Arctic is habitat for a range of animal species, many of which are consumed by Indigenous Peoples and are central to Indigenous food sovereignty. Country food (locally harvested food from the land, sea and sky) is nutritious, and harvesting country food is an important cultural activity, making understanding of potential zoonotic disease exposure an important concern for public health. The objective of this scoping review was to describe the animal-related research in the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada and Greenland, with a focus on zoonotic pathogens in animals and humans. Overall, 3072 articles described animal-related research, with common topics including animal health, environmental contaminants in animals and animal population estimates, whereas few articles included a consideration of Indigenous Knowledges. Parasites were the most common type of zoonotic pathogens studied, with terrestrial and marine mammals the most studied species groups. Trichinella and Toxoplasma were the most commonly studied zoonotic parasites in both animals and humans. Brucella spp., Leptospira interogans and Francisella tularensis were commonly studied bacterial zoonoses in the animal health literature, whereas Clostridium botulinum (and toxin) was the most studied zoonoses in humans related to bacteria from animals. Rabies or exposure to rabies was the most common zoonotic virus studied in both animals and humans. Common objectives for both animal health and human health studies included estimating prevalence, identifying risk factors and describing morbidity or mortality. Studies estimating disease incidence or evaluating the effectiveness of interventions were uncommon. Climate change considerations were increasingly being included as a study component over time. In conclusion, although there is a substantive body of research on animal and zoonotic health in these regions of the Arctic, further engagement with Indigenous Knowledges and more focused study on disease prevention and intervention are crucial for safeguarding both wildlife and human health in this unique environment.
INTRODUCTION:The introduction of PCR testing for leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand has reduced the availability of serotyping data, and current diagnostic PCRs do not routinely genotype Leptospira. This study genotyped Leptospira from PCR-confirmed human cases between 2016 and 2023 and compared them with genotypes found in animals to identify potential sources of infection in a 2023 human leptospirosis outbreak. METHODS:Human samples were genotyped using glmU amplicon sequencing and compared to animal genotypes from previous studies. In addition, human national surveillance data were analysed to provide broader epidemiological context including regional distribution to reveal outbreak areas; diagnostic test usage to assess trends; serotyping results to evaluate consistency across methods; and demographic information to evaluate the representativeness of the genotyped dataset. Chi-squared and Poisson regression were used to assess host-genotype associations, and phylogenetics evaluated genetic relatedness. RESULTS:Surveillance data showed flood-associated outbreaks in several regions and a significant shift in diagnostic practice (p ≤ 0.001), with increased use of PCR. Genotyping of PCR-confirmed cases revealed a rise in Pomona infections in 2023 across rural flood-associated regions (Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Waikato and Wairarapa). In contrast, the Auckland region-including Aotearoa's largest city which also experienced flooding-had infections linked to Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ. In animals, Pomona was primarily detected in sheep (Ovis aries), followed by cattle, while Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ were primarily detected in mice (Mus musculus), Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:Flooding-driven outbreaks in rural areas with pastoral livestock were predominantly linked to livestock-associated strains, while urban cases were associated with rodents and small wildlife. These findings highlight the need for tailored mitigation strategies addressing distinct epidemiological risks in rural and urban settings. Surveillance strategies should be adapted to preserve typing capabilities to better inform public health responses in future outbreaks.
INTRODUCTION:Leishmaniosis is a sand fly-borne zoonosis mainly caused by Leishmania infantum in Europe. Exposure to this protozoan has been widely reported in many domestic and wild species. However, epidemiological surveys evaluating the circulation of L. infantum in zoo-kept animals remain limited. This large-scale study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence of L. infantum in zoo-kept species in Spain as well as alterations in serum protein levels in L. infantum-seropositive individuals, to identify potential risk factors associated with L. infantum exposure, and to assess the dynamics of seropositivity in animals longitudinally sampled during the study period. METHODS:Between 2007 and 2023, serum samples from 429 zoo-kept animals belonging to 72 species were collected in nine zoos in Spain using convenience sampling. Additionally, 29 of these individuals from six of the tested zoos were also longitudinally sampled. RESULTS:Anti-L. infantum antibodies were detected in 22 (5.1%; 95% CI: 3.0-7.2) of the 429 animals using an in-house ELISA, as well as in 13.9% (10/72) and 66.7% (6/9) of the species and zoos tested, respectively. Serum protein electrophoresis analyses revealed that polyclonal gammopathy was the most common alteration in L. infantum-seropositive individuals. Three animals longitudinally surveyed seroconverted throughout the study period. The multivariate analysis identified the family Canidae as a risk factor for L. infantum exposure. CONCLUSIONS:Our results indicate a moderate, widespread and endemic circulation of L. infantum in zoo-kept animals from Spain, which may be of animal health, conservation, and public health concern. Surveillance programs and control measures should be implemented in zoos to minimise the exposure of these species to Leishmania spp., particularly in hotspot areas.
INTRODUCTION:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is defined by the World Health Organization as one of the most important health threats, that needs a One Health approach. Monitoring AMR in livestock is an important element, which has been done in the Netherlands in a monitoring program since 1998. The aim was to analyse AMR trends during the periods 2010-2018 and 2019-2023. METHODS:A dataset containing the antimicrobial resistance data of > 12,000 indicator E. coli isolates collected from faecal samples from broilers, fattening pigs and veal calves at slaughter houses, as part of the Dutch AMR monitoring program, was built to analyze AMR trends. ECOFF values were used to distinguish wild-type (WT) and non-wild-type (non-WT, phenotypically resistant) isolates. RESULTS:In the period 2010-2018 decreasing resistance patterns to most antibiotics were seen in broilers, fattening pigs and veal calves. However, in the period 2019-2023 flattening resistance patterns were observed in broilers and fattening pigs for antibiotics amoxicillin/ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, at relatively high levels of resistance, despite a reduction in antibiotic usage during this period. CONCLUSIONS:Following a significant decreasing trend in the prevalence of AMR between 2010 and 2018, no significant changes in the prevalence of AMR were observed between 2019 and 2023 for most antibiotics. To get more insight into the limited correlation between usage and resistance in recent years, further studies are needed to analyse the relation, and underlying factors, between antibiotic usage and AMR more in depth.
INTRODUCTION:Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a zoonotic disease caused by hantavirus and transmitted through rodent vectors. China accounts for approximately 90% of global hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome cases. METHODS:In this study, data of cases were obtained from the Chinese Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance data of rodent hosts was derived from the designated surveillance sites across the country. RESULTS:During the study period, 204,039 HFRS cases were reported, with 1,801 deaths and a case fatality rate of 0.88%. Average annual reductions of -4.26% (95% CI, -7.13% to -1.78%, p < 0.001) in incidence rate and -5.39% (95% CI, -8.02% to -3.60%, p < 0.001) in case fatality rate were observed. A concerning upward trend was observed in both the proportion and incidence rate among individuals aged 60-69 years. The proportion increased from 7.70% in 2004 to 18.91% in 2020, with incidence rates reaching 10.35/1,000,000 in 2020. The primary disease cluster has shifted from Heilongjiang to Guanzhong Plain. Higher hantavirus carrying rates were observed in Heilongjiang, Yunnan, and Shaanxi provinces. CONCLUSIONS:The incidence rate of HFRS has been steadily decreasing in China, accompanied by changes in demographic and geographic distributions. In light of shifting epidemiological patterns, the current Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) strategy should be reconfigured to encompass individuals aged 10-70 years. Given the observed changes in disease clusters and high hantavirus prevalence, enhanced rodent host surveillance is essential. Surveillance scope and frequency should be dynamically adjusted in response to prevailing epidemiological trends to facilitate early intervention. Prevention strategies should precisely target high-risk populations and hotspots while enhancing the integrated application of the One Health approach.
INTRODUCTION:Rabies remains a significant public health concern in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), with domestic dogs serving as the primary reservoir host and transmission vector. Despite the endemic presence of rabies virus (RABV) within Lao PDR, molecular data on the current circulation of this virus within the country are limited. METHODS:In this study, we generated 94 new whole-genome sequences of animal RABV isolates collected between 2017 and 2023 in Lao PDR using the Nanopore technology. We then performed phylogenetic analyses by inferring maximum-likelihood trees on the five concatenated rabies genes and on nucleoprotein and glycoprotein genes. RESULTS:Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Lao isolates predominantly cluster in three endemic phylogenetic groups of the Southeast Asian 3 (SEA3) subclade within the Asian clade. Additionally, we report the detection of RABV isolates related to the SEA1b subclade in Lao PDR. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings highlight the complex and dynamic patterns of RABV transmission, likely influenced by transboundary dog movement, and underscore the importance of continuous molecular surveillance at the regional and national levels.
INTRODUCTION:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to both humans and animals. Zoonotic bacteria, such as Campylobacter, contribute to human infections and the spread of AMR, particularly through livestock, pets and wildlife. We investigated the prevalence, distribution and EUCAST ECOFF-based wild-type (WT) vs. non-wild-type (NWT) phenotypes in Campylobacter spp. isolated from different animal species in northwestern Italy, between 2014 and 2023. METHODS:Stool samples from owned dogs, livestock, wildlife and synanthropic birds were collected for Campylobacter isolation. Preputial lavages were additionally collected from bovines for C. fetus. Samples underwent isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using microdilution. Antimicrobial susceptibility was interpreted based on EUCAST epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs). RESULTS:Campylobacter jejuni was widely spread, accounting for 77.1% of all isolates (n = 384). The occurrence of C. coli and C. upsaliensis was mainly identified in swine and owned dogs, respectively. Overall, 38.0% (95% CI = 32.1-44.2) of the isolates demonstrated NWT susceptibility to at least one antimicrobial, and 23.8% exhibited NWT susceptibility to ≥ 3 antimicrobial classes. Non-wild-type patterns to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines were the most common observed, especially among livestock isolates. The occurrence of NWT phenotypes varied by Campylobacter species and the animal source. C. coli showed a 2.85-fold increase in the risk of exhibiting an NWT phenotype compared to C. jejuni (95% CI = 2.24-3.62), and isolates from livestock displayed a higher probability of being NWT to fluoroquinolones (prevalence risk ratio = 5.49; 95% CI = 3.44-8.77) and tetracyclines (PR = 2.76; 95% CI = 1.58-4.83). CONCLUSIONS:This study provides evidence of NWT Campylobacter isolates based on EUCAST epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) in both wild and domestic animal hosts in northwestern Italy. The high frequency of NWT isolates, particularly of fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines in livestock-associated isolates, aligns with concerns regarding antimicrobial use in the animal production sector. The detection of NWT isolates in wild animals suggests potential environmental dissemination and interspecies transmission.
INTRODUCTION:Trophic interactions between populations of birds are assumed to facilitate the transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). However, evidence from the field is lacking to support the hypothesis of trophic AIV transmission. METHODS:We compared the timing of predatory versus prey wild bird HPAIV cases reported in Denmark (primarily via passive surveillance) between 2016 and 2023. We classified the species reported as 'predator' (case) or 'prey' (control). Spatial clusters of predator reports were identified using the scan statistic. Logistic regression models were fit. RESULTS:Predator species were found more likely to be reported as HPAIV cases in winter (odds ratio (OR) 5.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4-13.8), spring (14.1, 5.8-34.5) and summer (10.2, 2.1-49.6) than in autumn. Controlling for temporal (year of report) and spatial clustering, the estimated risk of predator reports increased in winter (12.1, 3.7-39.2) and spring (OR 21.5, 5.8-79.6) compared to autumn. CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest that predator species become infected later during the transmission season than prey species, which has implications for the design of HPAIV surveillance systems. For example, in active surveillance resources could be more focused on prey species in autumn, and predator species in winter and spring. Likewise, in passive surveillance public messaging could reflect this species shift. The sensitivity of surveillance might further be increased by considering potential seasonal changes in the spatial distribution of species affected by HPAIV.
INTRODUCTION:Recent intercontinental spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) among kept and wild birds, and transmission to mammalian hosts, including cattle and humans, has heightened the need to review public health risk assessments. Biosecurity measures (BMs) are essential for limiting disease spread, but how widely different practices are implemented is not fully known. METHODS:Here, we report on the uptake of BMs and risk perception of avian influenza virus (AIV) in the context of preventing zoonotic transmission to persons potentially at high risk of exposure. Questionnaire data from 225 people in contact with birds in the UK (Avian Contact Study, May to July 2024) were analysed. RESULTS:We found hand washing after contact with birds was the most common BM implemented (89%, 196 of 218), followed by using disinfecting footwear dips (78%, 170 of 218). Individuals in contact with a higher number of birds were more likely to use at least one personal protective equipment (PPE) measure for the face or body or at least one footwear-related PPE measure. Perceived risk of AIV to bird health was high for individuals in contact with large flocks (≥ 1001 birds) and associated with uptake of at least one footwear-related PPE measure (independent of flock size). Perceived risk of AIV to respondents' own health was low, regardless of the number of birds a respondent had daily contact with. CONCLUSIONS:Our results indicate that routinely used BMs are implemented to limit AIV spread among birds, but not with the purpose of limiting zoonotic transmission from birds to humans. Identifying cohort characteristics which could lead to low BM uptake, alongside barriers and facilitators to BM uptake, is important for informing zoonotic AIV public health campaigns.
Consumer demand for pasture raised, antibiotic-free poultry products has led to an increase in pastured poultry operations within the United States. Given the level of environmental interaction and the potential increase in exposure to foodborne pathogens in these settings, a greater understanding of the prevalence and diversity of Campylobacter populations inherent within pastured poultry flocks is needed. To achieve this, 40 pastured poultry flocks from nine farms were sampled using a farm-to-fork strategy, and Campylobacter was isolated and characterised from preharvest (faeces, soil) through postharvest (caeca, whole carcass rinse) to the final product the consumer would purchase (whole carcass rinse). Campylobacter was isolated from 872 of 1820 samples, showing an overall prevalence of 47.91%. The caeca showed the highest ( p < 0.05) Campylobacter load (4.64 log 10 CFU/mL) and prevalence (95.5%), while the final product whole carcass rinses had the lowest ( p < 0.05) Campylobacter load (0.32 log 10 CFU/mL) and prevalence (15.45%), suggesting that the Campylobacter load in the caeca may not be indicative of the Campylobacter load on the final product. Of the 872 positive samples, 337 Campylobacter isolates were selected for further characterisation. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli comprised 74.18% (250/337) and 21.95% (74/337) of the selected isolates respectively. While the Campylobacter isolates displayed resistance to several antibiotics, the most common resistance for both C . jejuni and C . coli was against tetracycline (55.86% and 70.31% respectively). Multidrug resistance phenotypes (≥ 3 antibiotic classes) were relatively low for both C . jejuni (2.80%) and C . coli (9.45%). Campylobacter load, prevalence and diversity were more affected by farm location than by the type of sample from which the Campylobacter was isolated. Overall, these results indicated a need for farm-specific Campylobacter mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of these increasingly in-demand poultry products.
INTRODUCTION:Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has a certain incidence on farms in China, but little is known about its prevalence and the pathogenic Mycobacterium species. With the increasing application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), it is now possible to investigate the genomic diversity, lineage distribution, and drug resistance profiles of M. bovis at high resolution. METHODS:In this study, we sequenced 29 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates from two farms in China and incorporated genomic data from 79 publicly available M. bovis isolates from cattle farms in China for a comprehensive genomic analysis. RESULTS:The majority of the 106 M. bovis isolates (63.2%, 67/106) belong to lineage La1.4. The dataset was screened for isolates of two known clonal complexes, Eu1 and Eu3, corresponding to La1.8.1 and La1.2, respectively. In silico spoligotyping revealed nine previously identified profiles, and the most common spoligotype in this study is SB1903. All isolates have the H57D mutation in the pncA gene associated with pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance. 16.0% (17/106) of isolates have resistance mutations to first- or second-line drugs other than PZA, with one isolate classified as pre-XDR-TB. The distribution of cluster strains suggests the possibility of recent transmission and outbreak in the two farms. It is noted that two M. tuberculosis isolates from tissue samples had detectable drug resistance mutations. CONCLUSION:The results of this study provide the basis for in-depth analysis of genomic population characteristics and drug resistance of M. bovis in China. It should be noted that close contact between humans and cattle increases the risk of M. tuberculosis transmission from humans to cattle in rural areas or developing countries with low levels of human-animal separation.
INTRODUCTION:We present the findings of a citizen science project conducted in the Autonomous Region of Aragón (northern Spain), which engaged rural schoolchildren, wildlife rangers, hunters, and members of the general public. METHODS:Over the course of one year (April 2022-April 2023; three months for the schoolchildren), participants collected a total of 913 ticks (98.8% adult specimens) representing 13 species from across the region. The contributions included 373 ticks collected by schoolchildren, 319 by hunters, 108 by rangers, 91 by other volunteers, and 22 by the research team. Of these, 54 ticks were gathered from vegetation, 422 from wildlife (spanning nine animal species), 362 from pets, 44 from humans, and 30 from livestock. RESULTS:Species identified were Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s., Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Dermacentor marginatus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes frontalis, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis inermis, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hyalomma lusitanicum. DNA of a subset of 349 individual ticks was extracted and the presence of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (the latter, only in Ixodes spp.) was analysed either individually (n = 62) or in pools containing 2-5 ticks (n = 79), of which 101 resulted positive: 88 were positive for Rickettsia spp., revealing the presence of Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia helvetica, and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae; 34 for Anaplasmataceae (both Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., but in many cases was identified as endosymbionts); and three for B. burgdorferi s.l., with only one readable sequence (Borrelia valaisiana). Pathogens detected in ticks from humans included R. massiliae (n = 3), R. conorii raoultii, R. aeschlimannii and Ca. R. barbariae. CONCLUSIONS:This study identified previously unreported tick-host-pathogen associations and contributed to raising awareness about the public health significance of ticks and strategies for their prevention.
Lyme disease (LD), a tick-borne infection, is endemic in Nova Scotia. One decade ago, the seropositivity rate to Borrelia burgdorferi was 2/1855 (0.14%). In the current study, using residual sera representing ages 10-64 years, we demonstrate an increase in seroprevalence, to 25/1872 (1.60%), with the highest seroprevalence in the western area of the province.
INTRODUCTION:Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health concern in Iran and particularly in Isfahan Province. Although numerous studies have determined the phlebotomine sand-fly fauna and CL occurrence in this region, no dedicated investigation of sand fly spatial distribution and Risk mapping has been conducted in recent years. Furthermore, no previous study has systematically assessed leishmaniasis vectors across 19 distinct sites in this province over a continuous five-year period from 2019 to 2023. Therefore, this study conducted comprehensive entomological surveillance to determine sand fly species composition, seasonal activity, and high-risk transmission zones for C in this endemic area. METHODS:This retrospective study conducted on sand fly entomological surveillance in 10 counties of Isfahan Province from 2019 to 2023, utilising sticky traps for sand fly collection. Collected specimens were identified morphologically, and species distribution, seasonal activity, and abundance trends were analysed using statistical methods. Spatiotemporal maps were created using GIS tools to assess the geographic patterns of sand fly populations. RESULTS:A total of 17,453 specimens were collected, with Sergentomyia sintoni (48.0%) and Phlebotomus papatasi (30.0%) being the most abundant species. The highest sand fly abundance was recorded in 2022. Seasonal activity patterns varied by species, with S. sintoni and Ph. Papatasi exhibiting bimodal peaks in June and August. The majority of specimens (96.5%) were collected from outdoors, which indicates the exophilic behaviour of sand flies. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings establish an essential basis for public health decision-making and support the formulation of targeted, cost-effective, and ecologically responsible interventions to reduce sand fly populations and mitigate the spread of sand fly-borne diseases.
INTRODUCTION:Black flies (Simuliidae) are globally distributed blood-feeding arthropods and vectors of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens to many animal species, including humans. We investigated the occurrence of selected vector-borne pathogens in black flies in South Moravia, Czech Republic, and evaluated their possible role in the circulation of vector-borne pathogens. METHODS:A total of 11,600 black flies comprising four species of the genus Simulium, namely Simulium (Boophthora) erythrocephalum (De Geer, 1776), Simulium (Wilhelmia) lineatum (Meigen, 1804), Simulium (Wilhelmia) balcanicum (Enderlein, 1924), and Simulium (Wilhelmia) turgaicum (Rubtsov, 1940) were pooled and screened for the following arthropod-borne pathogens and parasites endemic in Central Europe: viruses (alphaviruses, bunyaviruses and flaviviruses), bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, and Brucella spp.), protista (Babesia spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon spp.) and filaria (Dirofilaria spp., Setaria spp., and Onchocerca spp.). RESULTS:Almost all pools were negative for known arthropod-borne pathogens and parasites. However, four new Bartonella spp. variants were found that share similarity with other bartonellae reported from diverse arthropods and humans. The phylogenetic analysis of Bartonella sequences from Czech black flies provides further evidence about an expanding diversity of Bartonella lineages in arthropods globally, including hematophagous species (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies) and non-hematophagous species (e.g., bees and ants). These bartonellae have the potential to cause pathogenic infections in humans who are exposed to arthropods carrying these bacteria. CONCLUSIONS:Summing up, this study provides for the very first time valuable data for characterising the risk to public and veterinary health from black flies and the infections they may carry in Europe. Further testing, however, should include a wider geographic, seasonal, and taxonomic range of black flies.
INTRODUCTION:Despite international efforts to monitor antimicrobial (AAM) use, gaps persist, especially in Colombia's livestock sector. Therefore, this study aims to assign Defined Daily Doses (DDDCo) and Defined Course Doses (DCDCo) for cattle in Colombia. METHODS:A systematic search was performed from the online veterinary products registry database to identify veterinary products containing at least one AAM, marketed in Colombia for use in cattle, between 2023 and 2024. The monograph was retrieved from the label, and standard weights were applied to compute doses if required. DDDCo and DCDCo were assigned by calculating an average of daily and course doses, respectively. Overall, 856 records containing at least one AAM were listed as active for the market. RESULTS:A total of 321 injectable parenteral medications and 32 oral parenteral products were identified. For non-systemic use, the medications included 89 intramammary, 14 intrauterine, and 38 topical formulations. DDDCo and DCDCo values were assigned successfully for each AAM identified by route of administration. CONCLUSIONS:This study systematically assigned DDD and DCD to quantify antibiotic use in Colombian cattle, highlighting 90% comparability with Canada and Europe but noting differences in administration routes, drug combinations, and cattle weight assumptions.
INTRODUCTION:Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is the vector of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever, arboviruses of major public health importance. The mosquito has a high adaptability, requiring the elimination of its primary breeding sites. In Brazil, breeding sites are classified by the Rapid Survey of Indices for Aedes aegypti (LIRAa) as water-holding containers suitable for larval development. They are categorized into five groups: A (A1-elevated water tanks, A2-ground-level water deposits), B (mobile containers), C (fixed containers), D (D1-tires, D2-trash), and E (natural breeding sites). This study aimed to verify whether the types of breeding sites changed in the course of 2 years and if socio-economic factors, neighbourhood population density, and illiteracy rates impact the occurrence of these types of breeding sites. METHOD:Data were obtained from the larval surveillance program of the Vector-borne Disease Control Coordination (CCEV) and socio-economic data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Spatiotemporal variations were assessed using an Additive Multinomial Multilevel Statistical Model with a Bayesian approach. We hypothesized that areas with higher human population density would show a higher presence of mobile containers and trash, while areas with higher illiteracy rates would show a frequency of water tanks and trash. Regarding seasonality, we hypothesized that water-filled water tanks and mobile containers would be more frequently present throughout the year. RESULTS:Our findings highlight the predominance of trash and mobile containers, while natural breeding sites were the least relevant throughout the years analysed. Mobile containers' frequency increased in overcrowded neighbourhoods, and water tanks' frequency decreased. This finding suggests that urban density influences the frequency of these types of breeding sites. Areas with higher illiteracy rates showed a decrease in movable and fixed containers but an increase in trash and water tanks, indicating potential knowledge gaps or structural limitations in water storage practices. CONCLUSION:In conclusion, the variety of container types found in different urban and socioeconomic contexts emphasizes the need for interventions that are tailored to local conditions. These findings offer valuable insights for health agencies to improve entomological control strategies, potentially leading to a reduction in the incidence of arboviral diseases in Campo Grande, MS.
