Pasteurella multocida is an important bacterial pathogen associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), causing substantial economic losses in cattle production worldwide. Rapid field detection of P. multocida remains challenging because conventional diagnostic methods are often time-consuming and require specialized laboratory equipment. This study aimed to establish a rapid visual assay for P. multocida to support field diagnosis and disease management in cattle. A recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-CRISPR/Cas12a assay targeting the species-specific kmt1 gene of P. multocida was developed and combined with lateral flow strips (LFS) for instrument-free visual detection. The assay performance was comprehensively evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, and validation using clinical samples. Under optimized conditions, the RPA amplification was completed within 15 min at 37 °C, and the CRISPR/Cas12a reaction generated clear visual signals on the LFS. The assay achieved a detection limit of 101 copies/µL, showing higher sensitivity compared with conventional PCR. No cross-reactivity was observed with ten common bovine pathogens, indicating high specificity. Repeatability testing demonstrated stable and consistent performance. Among 40 clinical bovine samples, the assay results were fully consistent with conventional PCR, successfully identifying 17 positive and 23 negative samples. The established LFS-based RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay enables rapid, sensitive, and instrument-independent detection of P. multocida. This method provides a practical point-of-care testing (POCT) tool for rapid on-site screening of P. multocida in resource-limited veterinary settings.
This study assessed differences in gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) detection among seasonal sampling periods in fecal samples from free-ranging long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) at Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, Thailand. Three hundred fecal samples were collected during summer, the rainy season, and winter (n = 100 per period) and examined using the formalin–ethyl acetate concentration technique. Balantioides coli was confirmed by PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of an approximately 500-bp ITS1–5.8 S rRNA–ITS2 fragment. Parasite detection differed significantly among sampling periods (p = 0.004). Protozoan and helminth taxa were detected most frequently in rainy-season samples (78
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis, is a tick-borne disease of dogs. We report the first confirmed case of endemic Ehrlichia canis infection in a dog from Ireland, with no travel history. A six-year-old female neutered lurcher, presented with chronic fever, lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, thrombocytopenia, non-regenerative anaemia, hyperglobulinaemia, proteinuria, and ocular abnormalities including chorioretinitis and partial retinal detachment. Diagnosis was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, indirect fluorescent antibody, and polymerase chain reactions. Treatment consisting of doxycycline with systemic corticosteroids resulted in resolution of associated clinical and clinicopathological abnormalities. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostics, tick surveillance, and a One Health approach to identify, prevent, and manage vector-borne pathogens in Ireland. The presence of potentially endemic Ehrlichia canis in this dog raises concern for local transmission, potentially via Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick.
Splenic tumours are rare in horses, with limited published literature consisting primarily of individual case reports and one hepato-splenic lymphoma case series. This case series analyses the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and clinical outcomes of four cases of splenic neoplasia that presented to a university referral hospital over a three year period (2022–2025). Presented are two cases of primary splenic lymphoma, and two cases of metastatic melanoma. Three cases (75
Controlling Mycoplasma bovis is challenging in veal and dairy beef systems that source young calves from multiple origins. Pre‑purchase testing may help reduce pathogen introduction, with serology being the most accessible option. Additionally, given current EFSA recommendations to increase the minimum transport age to five weeks, this period represents the relevant time frame for pre‑purchase examination. However, antibody test performance in 3–5‑week‑old calves during acute infection is unknown. This study aimed to (1) compare the diagnostic accuracy of three commercial antibody ELISAs (ID‑screen, Bio K302 and Bio K432) in Belgian male dairy calves aged 3–5 weeks using Bayesian latent class models at manufacturer and optimized cutoffs, and (2) assess the effect of seroprevalence on predictive values. A prospective diagnostic test accuracy study was conducted using 194 serum samples from calves aged 20–38 days. First, samples were analyzed with each ELISA according to manufacturer’s instructions. Next, test performance, as well as predictive values were evaluated using both manufacturer and optimized cutoff values. Using manufacturer’s cutoffs, sensitivities for ID‑Screen, Bio K302, and Bio K432 were 69.1
In September 2023, the official national reference laboratory confirmed the presence of BTV serotype 3 in The Netherlands. In the following weeks, it appeared that the infection caused very severe clinical signs in sheep, but it was challenging for the involved veterinary clinicians to select appropriate labeled drugs to treat them. The objective of this study was therefore to document the clinical presentation and survival outcomes of sheep affected by bluetongue and to evaluate the effects of a treatment protocol with and without antihistamines. From a group of 83 sheep with acute and clear clinical signs of bluetongue, one group of 41 sheep received a single injection of meloxicam (1 mg/kg) followed by oral paracetamol tablets (10–20 mg/kg, 3dd for 3d). Another group with 42 sheep received the same treatment with the addition of an antihistamine injection (chlorphenamine maleate, 1 mg/kg, 1dd for 3d). Clinical signs and survival rates were monitored for all sheep. Logistic regression and survival analyses were performed to evaluate the data. An overall case fatality rate of 57
Abstract Paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), imposes substantial veterinary burdens globally, with potential zoonotic implications, yet systematic surveillance in Turkish goat populations has been poorly documented. This study presents the first national, multi-breed cross-sectional serosurvey of MAP infection across seven indigenous Turkish goat breeds ( n = 3,372; 36 herds; 11 provinces), employing a commercial indirect ELISA and modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation to generate prevalence ratios (PRs) directly interpretable as relative risks. Overall apparent seroprevalence reached 14.07% (95% CI: 12.83–15.31%), with herd-level positivity of 93.5%—establishing endemic dissemination across geographically and climatically diverse production systems. Breed-level seroprevalence spanned a 2.66-fold gradient (8.45%–22.47%). Four breeds showed significantly elevated adjusted PRs: Colored Angora (PR = 2.702), Turkish Saanen (PR = 2.571), Maltese (PR = 2.027), and Honamlı (PR = 1.469); three retained significance under cluster-robust estimation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.031) indicated low within-herd clustering, suggesting that individual-level factors may contribute more to seroconversion outcome than shared herd environment in this dataset. Population attributable fraction analysis identified Turkish Saanen (19.70%) and Maltese (13.77%) as the dominant drivers of national disease burden. The seroprevalence contrast between White Angora (0%) and Colored Angora (22.47%) warrants controlled investigation of differential exposure, management, and potentially breed-specific factors. These findings provide an evidence base for establishing a national MAP control programme for small ruminants in Türkiye.
Abstract Background Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are non-psychoactive cannabinoids naturally present in hemp-derived products. While these compounds are prohibited during equine competition, horses may be inadvertently exposed through contaminated feed. Data describing systemic and urinary exposure to CBD and CBDA following such low-dose, involuntary intake are limited. This study aimed to describe plasma and urine concentration-time profiles of CBD and CBDA in horses after consumption of experimentally contaminated feed. Results Twelve Standardbred horses received feed containing low doses (10–15 mg) of either CBD or CBDA twice daily for three days. Neither compound was detected in pre-administration samples. Following exposure, CBD was only sporadically quantifiable in plasma, whereas CBDA was detected in plasma from most horses for up to 48 h. In urine, both cannabinoids were quantifiable in all horses, with CBDA consistently present at higher concentrations and for longer durations than CBD. Maximum observed urinary concentrations were markedly higher for CBDA than for CBD. Considerable inter-individual variability was observed in both plasma and urine concentrations. Neither CBD nor CBDA was detected in plasma or urine for more than four days. Overall, systemic exposure following feed contamination was low compared with doses reported to produce therapeutic effects in horses or other species. Conclusions Low-dose oral exposure to CBD and CBDA, mimicking feed contamination, can result in detectable concentrations of cannabinoids in equine plasma and urine, with CBDA representing the predominant analyte. Although the study was not designed to establish detection times and analytical sensitivity may differ from routine doping control, the findings demonstrate that inadvertent exposure through feed may lead to measurable cannabinoid concentrations despite doses well below those associated with reported pharmacological effects. These results highlight the importance of awareness of potential contamination sources and cautious interpretation of low-level cannabinoid findings in equine biological samples.
Abstract Background Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is an acute viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes characterized by marked inflammatory responses, cellular stress, and increased generation of reactive oxygen species, which can exacerbate clinical manifestations and may contribute to delayed recovery. Aim To comprehensively characterize the clinical and biological responses associated with BEF in naturally affected cattle through an integrated analysis of muscle injury markers, mineral–electrolyte homeostasis, glucose metabolism, hormonal responses, and oxidative–antioxidant status, in order to provide a framework that may aid in understanding the underlying disease mechanisms and guiding clinical management. Methods A commercial Holstein–Friesian dairy herd (n = 647) in Beni-Suef, Egypt, experiencing BEF outbreak in summer 2025 was selected for this study, with 293 cattle showing typical clinical signs. From these, 57 lactating cattle were enrolled, while 21 clinically healthy cattle were included as controls based on clinical examination and RT-PCR confirmation. Clinical picture and associated disturbances in muscle enzymes activities, minerals, electrolytes, endocrine, and oxidative- antioxidant balances were demonstrated. Results The findings confirmed that BEF in cattle was characterized by a distinct clinical presentation, featuring abrupt onset of high fever, stiffness, marked lameness, recumbency, bloat, and a sharp decline in milk yield. These clinical manifestations were closely associated hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypoferremia, and hypozincemia, hypoglycemia, decreased level of reduced glutathione (GSH) alongside elevation in serum creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), circulating insulin (INS) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. Collectively, these findings highlight the systemic nature of BEF and underscore the importance of integrated biochemical, metabolic and hormonal assessment in understanding disease pathogenesis and guiding clinical management.
Reversible myocardial thickening has been observed in cats and is considered a potential manifestation of acute myocardial injury associated with stress, toxicosis, or systemic illness. However, this phenomenon has not been previously reported in cats with pre-existing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A 6-year-old castrated male British Shorthair was presented for heart murmur investigation. Based on physical examination, blood analysis, and echocardiography (maximum left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT): 7.5 mm), the cat was diagnosed with HCM phenotype. Three days after the cardiac examination, the cat re-presented with a history of paracetamol ingestion. During hospitalization, the cat developed signs compatible with congestive heart failure. Thoracic radiographs revealed pleural effusion and a diffuse interstitial lung pattern. Echocardiography showed a remarkably increased LVWT (11.4 mm) and an enlarged left atrial diameter. Intravenous fluids were discontinued, and the cat was treated with diuretics, with improvement of its clinical condition. Six months after the cardiac examination, echocardiography revealed a persistent concentric hypertrophy, albeit similar to the initial echocardiographic assessment. The present case report identified presumed acute myocardial damage associated with paracetamol ingestion in a cat with pre-existing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In acutely ill cats, assessment of left ventricular wall thickness should prompt consideration of acute myocardial damage superimposed on chronic cardiac conditions.
Abstract Background There is evidence that data recorded by electronic sow feeding (ESF) systems can generate useful information to support decision-making at farms. More specifically, healthy and diseased animals exhibit different patterns of feeding station usage. However, for feeding records to be used as a monitoring tool, it is necessary to understand feeding patterns, and how they differ across age groups and gestation stage, or how they change in response to disease. This study aimed to identify feeding patterns of gestating sows using ESF and to study their associations with parity and reproductive performance. Results Feeding records of 276 group-housed sows in a dynamic group were analysed. These comprised 15 weeks of data for each sow. Visits made to ESF stations were mostly non-nutritive visits (60.01 ± 19.8%), and daily rations were consumed predominantly in a single visit (98.3 ± 1.7% of all individual feeding cycles). Animals displayed a clear preference for a specific feeding station and the number of non-nutritive visits made was negatively related to gestation week (b = -0.067) and parity (b = -0.230) (P < 0.001). Despite the dynamic nature of the group, sows kept the feeding order relatively stable over time, especially among those feeding first. Moreover, the odds of a sow being among the first 15% to eat increased with every additional parity [OR: 2.16, P < 0.010]. Concerning reproductive performance, pre-weaning piglet mortality was negatively associated with average feeding time (P = 0.011). Conclusions The analysis of ESF data revealed evident patterns in the use of feeding stations by sows. These patterns varied according to parity and gestation stage and were associated with reproductive performance. Further research characterizing the feeding behaviour of gestating sows is necessary to support the implementation of ESF records as a monitoring tool for group-housed sows.
INTRODUCTION: Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a notifiable zoonotic pathogen in Ireland. While typically subclinical in ruminants, infection is associated with reproductive losses. In humans, disease can range from asymptomatic to more serious complications. Ruminants have been identified as the main reservoir for human infection. Ireland’s dairy cattle industry has expanded substantially in recent years, yet current data on the national prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in dairy herds are limited. Understanding the herd-level prevalence and associated risk factors is essential for informing disease management and control strategies. METHODS: Bulk milk tank testing results from an Irish dairy cooperative herd health programme were analysed to determine the apparent and true prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies, using 2022 data. Further analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between Coxiella burnetii prevalence and co-morbid disease and herd characteristics. RESULTS: 2687 dairy herds were included in the sample. The true prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies was 61.7%. Coxiella burnetii prevalence was associated with increasing herd size, whereas higher herd average EBI and lower replacement rates were associated with decreased odds of infection. CONCLUSION: This study provides updated data, revealing the highest herd-level prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies reported to date in Ireland. The association with larger herd size is particularly relevant with the substantial growth in the national dairy herd over the past decade. These findings reinforce the need for further research into transmission dynamics, impact on production and zoonotic risk.
Abstract Chronic skin wounds in companion animals, particularly cats, often persist due to a combination of impaired healing responses and underlying primary etiologies, such as trauma, post-surgical dehiscence, pressure ulcers, allekirgic dermatitis, or immune-mediated conditions. Effective management therefore requires both accurate diagnosis and treatment of these primary causes and the implementation of strategies to promote tissue repair and regeneration. While an acute wound typically heals within 4–6 weeks through orderly phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, a chronic wound remains unresolved beyond this period, often due to prolonged inflammation or disruption of one or more healing stages. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of WJ-MSC-derived EVs in adult cats with chronic ulcers persisting for more than four weeks. These EVs support essential biological processes, including immune modulation, tissue regeneration, cellular homeostasis, anti-inflammatory actions, and anti-fibrotic activity. Twenty cats were divided into two groups: an EV-treated group receiving carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gel loaded loaded with Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (WJ-MSC-derived EVs) (100 μg EV protein/cm2 wound area) alongside standard care, and a control group receiving CMC gel (in house prepared 2% concentration) alone. EV treatment significantly accelerated ulcer healing, with markedly enhanced wound contraction and near-complete closure by Day 16 (92.4 ± 6.8%) compared with controls (58.3 ± 12.1% at Day 16). Histopathology revealed superior epithelialization, earlier collagen deposition, and better connective tissue organization in EV-treated wounds. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased α-SMA and CD31 expression, indicating active angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. Additionally, scratch assays showed improved cellular migration in response to EVs. Overall, In this pilot study of client-owned cats, WJ-MSC-derived EVs demonstrated beneficial effects on wound healing, with significantly accelerated contraction and improved histological organization compared to standard care alone. However, due to the small sample size, etiological and therapeutic heterogeneity, and study design limitations, external validity remains limited. These findings suggest WJ-MSC-derived EVs may represent a promising adjunctive therapy for feline chronic ulcers, but larger, etiology-stratified trials are needed before recommending this as an established alternative treatment. Further research should focus on standardizing treatment protocols, identifying optimal patient selection criteria, and evaluating long-term outcomes.
Abstract Background Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a major disease affecting broiler productivity, primarily caused by Clostridium perfringens. The extensive use of antibiotics to control NE has led to concerns about antimicrobial resistance and food safety, highlighting the need for safe and effective alternatives. Chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their antibacterial, biodegradable, and nontoxic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CsNPs against C. perfringens infection in broilers by assessing clinical signs, mortality, growth performance, bacterial load, immune response, and histopathological changes. Sixty 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly divided into four groups (15 birds each): G1 (negative control), G2 (C. perfringens-infected), G3 (infected + CsNPs), and G4 (CsNPs only). Birds in G2 and G3 were orally inoculated with C. perfringens (4×10⁸ CFU/mL) for two consecutive days, while CsNPs (250 µg/bird) were administered to G3 and G4. During the experiment, the birds were assessed for growth performance, intestinal microbial loads, immune organ indexes, and histopathological lesions. Results Over the 35-day trial, CsNPs treatment significantly improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in G3 and G4 compared to G2 (P < 0.05). CsNPs reduced clinical signs and mortality and markedly decreased intestinal colonization by C. perfringens. Immune organ indices (spleen, bursa, and thymus) were significantly enhanced in CsNP-treated birds. Histopathological examination revealed that CsNPs mitigated lesions in the intestine, liver, and lymphoid organs. Conclusion Chitosan nanoparticles effectively reduced the severity of necrotic enteritis in broilers, improving growth performance, intestinal health, and immune response. These findings indicate that CsNPs could serve as a safe, natural, and sustainable alternative to antibiotics for controlling C. perfringens infections in poultry.
Toxoplasma gondii is a foodborne protozoan that poses significant health risks to both animals and humans. Raw milk contaminated with T. gondii has been identified as a potential infectious source for humans. This cross-sectional study investigated the occurrence of T. gondii in raw milk from domestic ruminants and in the serum pregnant women in Aswan, Upper Egypt. A total of 250 milk samples collected from various lactating domestic ruminants and 90 serum samples from pregnant women were examined using ELISA (IgG and IgM) and PCR. Overall, 31.2% of milk samples were seropositive, and 21.6% were PCR-positive. T. gondii antibodies were found in 34% of cows, 18% of buffaloes, 38% of ewes, 52% of does, and 14% of she-camels by ELISA, while T. gondii DNA was identified in 22% of cows, 8% of buffaloes, 28% of ewes, 42% of does, and 8% of she-camels by PCR. The serum of pregnant women showed that 26.7% were seropositive, and 21.1% had T. gondii DNA by PCR. In conclusion, these results demonstrate widespread circulation of T. gondii in the study area and highlight raw milk as a potential transmission route. Public health awareness and strict milk pasteurization practices are essential to reduce infection risk, particularly among pregnant women.
Abstract Background Long-distance transport and associated extended fasting periods challenge the physiological state of young calves, leading to energy loss, dehydration, and potentially hunger and exhaustion. Older calves with greater body reserves may better withstand fasting, while providing larger volumes of milk replacer pre-transport could help sustain energy balance and hydration. The aim of this study was to investigate how calf age and pre-transport feeding protocols affect the physiological status of unweaned calves during and after long-distance road and ferry transport. Results We followed a commercial shipment of 138 male dairy calves from an assembly centre (AC) in Ireland via road and roll-on-roll-off ferry to a lairage in France and then via road to a veal farm in the Netherlands (total transport duration 51 h). Study design was a 2 × 2 factorial with factors calf age (2–3 or 4–5 weeks) and pre-transport feeding protocol (2–4 L of milk replacer). We collected four blood samples (AC, lairage, arrival, Day 7 post-transport) and analysed them for 15 variables indicating energy balance, hydration status, muscle fatigue, and physiological stress responses. Twenty calves were fitted with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to measure interstitial glucose from 13 h before to 90 h after departure. Body weight was recorded at AC, lairage, arrival, Day 7 and 21 post-transport. The effects of age and feeding protocol on physiological responses were assessed using linear mixed models with repeated measures and random effects for calf and farm of origin. Younger calves weighed less than older calves overall (49.8 vs. 53.0 kg, P = 0.004) and at all sampling moments; they had higher plasma glucose concentrations than older calves overall (4.61 vs. 4.42 mmol/L, P = 0.038) and at all sampling moments except lairage, lower sodium concentrations at arrival (139.9 vs. 140.8 mmol/L, P = 0.034) and lower chloride concentrations at AC (97.4 vs. 99.0 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and lairage (96.6 vs. 97.5 mmol/L, P = 0.009). Calves fed 2 L pre-transport had lower CGM glucose readings for two hours after feeding at AC and higher urea concentrations at lairage (4.01 vs. 3.10 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than calves fed 4 L. Conclusion Although feeding 4 L compared to 2 L before transport had some positive effects on calf energy balance and hydration, our findings suggest that pre-transport feeding has only limited capacity to alleviate the negative impacts of transport and prolonged fasting on the physiological status of calves, especially during multi-day transport. Effects of age on calf resilience were few and inconclusive, and further research should include a larger age range.
Abstract Background Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, infects both humans and a broad range of animal species. While human disease has been well characterized, animal data are dispersed across studies and lack a comprehensive global synthesis. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the pooled global prevalence of animal melioidosis and examined regional and diagnostic influences. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, studies reporting B. pseudomallei detection in animals were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to April 2025. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses explored moderators of heterogeneity. Results Twenty-eight studies from 11 countries, encompassing 98,885 animal samples, were included. The global pooled prevalence was 7.3% (95% CI: 0.039−0.117), with high heterogeneity (I² = 98.8%). Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, showed consistently higher prevalence across livestock, wildlife, and companion animals. Diagnostic methods and study period contributed to variability but were not statistically significant. Conclusions Animal melioidosis is globally distributed, with Thailand serving as a key endemic region and research hub. Strengthening One Health surveillance, standardizing diagnostic tools, and expanding genomic monitoring are essential for improved detection and control of B. pseudomallei across animal populations.
Tongue gangrene is a rare but serious condition in buffaloes. Despite its clinical and economic importance, it remains poorly documented in Egypt. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical presentation, etiological factors, histopathological findings, and surgical outcomes of tongue gangrene in Egyptian buffaloes. Forty-four buffaloes examined between January 2022 and November 2025 were classified based on the extent of tongue loss, as determined by the length (cm) of the excised gangrenous segment. Microbiological analyses included culture of deep tissue samples from the demarcation zone and rice straw samples taken from the batches fed to affected buffaloes on their farms of origin. Viral RNA was extracted from affected tongue tissues, and FMDV detection and serotyping were performed using RT-PCR targeting the 5′UTR and VP1 regions. Sequenced PCR products were analyzed using BLAST and phylogenetic reconstruction. Partial glossectomy was performed in all cases, and recovery was monitored for up to 24 weeks based on medical records. The buffaloes showed systemic illness with fever and dehydration, along with characteristic dry tongue gangrene (discoloration, foul odor, loss of sensation, and a clear demarcation line). Most cases (31/44) had a recent history suggestive of FMD; the remaining cases were classified as suspected traumatic tongue injury (9/44) or no identified predisposing factor (4/44). Deep tongue tissue cultures yielded bacterial growth in 24/44 and fungal growth in 3/44 cases (presumptive identification), while rice straw samples yielded Fusarium-like fungi (12/44) and clostridia-like organisms (28/44). Histopathology confirmed coagulative necrosis with vascular congestion, bacterial colonization, and neutrophilic infiltration. FMDV serotype O was detected, showing 98
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common and aggressive primary bone tumor in dogs. OSA frequently metastasizes to the lungs and has a poor prognosis despite current standard treatment. This case report described the clinical course of a 3-year-old castrated male Jindo dog diagnosed with right tibial OSA and a pre-existing pulmonary metastasis. Initially, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and maintained a stable disease state for approximately five months (21 weeks from initial diagnosis) until radiographic and computed tomography (CT) examinations revealed progressive pulmonary metastasis. In response to this progression, the treatment was shifted to a triple-combination regimen of carboplatin, high-dose losartan (angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker [ARB], 10 mg/kg PO BID), and toceranib (2.75 mg/kg PO EOD). Nine weeks (30 weeks from diagnosis) after initiating this new regimen, a comprehensive CT re-evaluation demonstrated a significant positive response, marked by the radiographic disappearance of pulmonary nodules and complete resolution of the pleural effusion. This substantial improvement indicated a potential clinical benefit of the triple-combination regimen, which may suggest a synergistic effect when used alongside concurrent carboplatin cycles, in addition to losartan’s proposed capacity to remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) and enhance toceranib efficacy. However, following the conclusion of the carboplatin cycles at week 30, the patient’s condition ultimately deteriorated despite the continuation of losartan and toceranib combination therapy, confirming extensive disease progression by week 40. A subsequent attempt with doxorubicin as a third-line agent resulted in severe adverse effects, including bone marrow suppression and life-threatening neutropenia, leading to the patient’s death shortly thereafter (43 weeks from diagnosis). This case presents a notable clinical observation of a favorable short-term response of high-dose losartan in combination with toceranib for progressive pulmonary metastatic OSA, potentially through favorable TME modulation. It also highlighted the inherent virulence of canine OSA and the challenges in achieving sustained long-term control. The development of innovative multimodal therapeutic approaches for the management of canine OSA is critically important.
Understanding the attitude of farmers towards infectious diseases and government interventions is essential for understanding behavioural responses during outbreaks, compliance with control measures, and preventing and eradicating diseases. This study aimed to improve the understanding of farmers’ attitudes towards bluetongue (BT) and bovine tuberculosis (bTB), which are key epizootic and endemic diseases in Northern Ireland, and provide insight into how this may affect disease control and eradication. Short answer question slips, each containing a single question, relating to BT and bTB were presented on the Department of Agricultural, Environment and Rural Affairs stand at the Balmoral Show in May 2025. Visitors were encouraged to anonymously complete the questions. Simultaneously, visitors to the show were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires on either BT or bTB. The conversations were recorded and transcribed. Grounded Theory was used to analyse transcripts. A total of 141 question slips, each containing a single question, were completed. Of which, 99 questions related to bTB and 42 to BT. Interviews ranged between 1 and 3 minutes. There were 77 interviews: 46 for BT and 31 for bTB. Results show that stagnation in bTB eradication has led to frustration and disillusionment creating an environment fertile for blame, conspiracy theories and superstition. Respondents were aware of the limitations of bTB diagnostic tests. However, their confidence in a negative bTB skin test varied depending on the situation. Most farmers expressed concern about the risk of a BT incursion. However, the impact was perceived in terms of government-imposed control measures rather than the clinical impact of cases. Most farmers were supportive of movement restrictions. A small number of farmers expressed cynicism and highlighted the negative impact of movement restrictions. Information is available continuously through various platforms, but misinformation and disinformation is widespread. Combatting this, and disseminating accurate, timely information is increasingly challenging but necessary for eradication to be successful. Ascertaining the extent to which farmers’ confidence in the bTB skin test varies across different situations and how it impacts behaviour would be beneficial to disease control policy. Discussing BT usually elicited an acute, often abstract, fear from farmers compared to bTB where they focused on the financial burden and mental health impact of long-term control measures.
