Background: Bovine trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Tritrichomonas foetus that significantly impairs the reproductive health of cattle. While bulls are asymptomatic carriers of this protozoan, cows infected with T. foetus exhibit embryonic death, abortions, reproductive tract infections, or infertility. In Mexico, the first report of T. foetus was made more than 60 years ago; however, efforts to control this disease through diagnosis have been limited despite the negative impact on livestock farming. Objective: To confirm the presence of T. foetus in animals from northwest Mexico through molecular detection, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Methods: Forty biological samples (smegma and mucopurulent vaginal secretions) were collected and analyzed by the PCR technique to identify T. foetus using specific primers. To confirm homology and determine genetic relationships, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed using amplicons obtained from T. foetus-positive animals. Results: The PCR technique identified T. foetus in smegma and in clinical cases of metritis. Sequences obtained from PCR products revealed 99.65% similarity and a bootstrap value of 99% with isolates of T. foetus reported in China, Spain, and the USA. Based on the sequencing results, five new Mexican isolates of T. foetus were published in NCBI. Conclusion: This is the first report confirming the presence of T. foetus in Mexico using sequencing and phylogenetic analyses from positive cattle samples. Our research represents the basis for developing alternative and accurate tests to diagnose T. foetus as part of the strategy to epidemiologically control bovine trichomoniasis in the country.
Background: Castration is one of the most stressful events for suckling pigs. Increasing castration age may help alleviate the stress associated with this procedure, with the effect depending on the pig's birth weight. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of birth weight and castration age on growth performance, hematological and antioxidant parameters of suckling pigs. Methods: At birth, a total of 32 male pigs from eight litters were assigned to castration age and birth weight. Treatments were: 1) d4-HBW: high-birth-weight (HBW; >= 1.5 kg) pigs castrated at 4 days of age, 2) d9-HBW: HBW pigs castrated at 9 days of age, 3) d4-LBW: low-birth-weight (LBW; <= 1.3 kg) pigs castrated at 4 days of age, and 4) d9-LBW: LBW pigs castrated at 9 days of age. Growth performance, hematological and antioxidant parameters were measured at weaning. Results: The HBW pigs had a greater ADG (p<0.05) than LBW pigs during the suckling period, while no difference was observed between pigs castrated at 4 or 9 days of age. An interaction between birth weight and castration age (p<0.05) showed that d4-HBW pigs had a lower ADG from day 4 to 9 than d9-HBW pigs, whereas no difference was observed between d4-LBW and d9-LBW pigs. At weaning, pigs castrated at 9 days had higher hemoglobin levels (p<0.05), but a lower basophil percentage (p=0.07, tendency) and plasma malondialdehyde (p<0.05) concentration than pigs castrated at 4 days. The HBW pigs showed lower hemoglobin (p<0.05) and hematocrit (p=0.06, tendency) levels than LBW pigs. Conclusion: Castration age did not affect the growth performance of pigs until weaning, although early castration may temporarily reduce the growth rate of HBW pigs. Late castration resulted in higher hemoglobin levels and reduced oxidative stress compared to early castration. The HBW pigs exhibited lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels despite growing faster than the LBW pigs.
Background: Clinical mastitis in she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) is a significant concern for camel farming, particularly in regions such as the Oued Souf and Illizi provinces in Algeria. Mastitis affects the health of the animals and the quality of milk, impacting productivity and herd management. Understanding the prevalence, bacteriological characteristics, and risk factors associated with mastitis is critical for developing effective management strategies. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and bacteriological characteristics of clinical mastitis in Sahraoui she-camels in the Oued Souf and Illizi regions of Algeria, with a focus on the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns ofthe pathogens involved. Methods: Atotal of 170 multiparous Sahraoui she-camels were clinically examined. Milk samples were collected from affected animals, and bacterial isolates were obtained and identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on the isolates to determine resistance patterns. Risk factors such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and the use of anti-suckling devices were also assessed. Results: Gram-positive cocci were the predominant pathogens, with Streptococcus agalactiae accounting for 85 % of the bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that oxytetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, and cotrimoxazole showed 100 % efficacy. Sulfamethazine/trimethoprim and tylosin exhibited 85 % susceptibility, while penicillin and amoxicillin were effective in 60 % of cases. Enrofloxacin demonstrated moderate efficacy, with a 50 % susceptibility rate. The study also identified key risk factors such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and the use of anti-suckling devices. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of monitoring bacterial resistance in camel mastitis and suggests that appropriate treatment strategies, including the use of oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin, should be prioritized. Effective management of mastitis in Algerian camel herds requires addressing the identified risk factors, such as tick infestations and udder injuries, and implementing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies to improve animal health and milk quality.
Background: Chlamydiaabortusisthe etiological agent ofovineenzootic abortion (OEA), a worldwide disease that significantly impacts cattle, sheep, and goat production. This bacterium causes abortions during the last third of gestation and is zoonotic. The lack of prior symptoms before an abortive event complicates the clinical diagnosis of OEA and its differentiation from other infections, highlighting the need for an effective diagnostic tool. Some conventional diagnostic methods are accurate but sometimes require expensive equipment and highly trained personnel, limiting their field application. In this context, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique emerges as an accessible and efficient alternative, capable of operating at a constant temperature and simplifying result interpretation visually through colorimetry. Objective: To validate a new LAMP assay using colorimetry for the visual detection of Chlamydia abortus in domestic ruminants. Methods: Fifty-six DNA samples collected from ruminants with a history of abortion were used as biological reference controls. LAMP-specific primers were designed for the TARP gene of C. abortus. A colorimetric assay was validated for the LAMP test of C. abortus (crLAMP-Chla). The concordance (K), sensitivity (Se), and specificity (Sp) parameters of crLAMP-Chla were calculated considering real-time PCR as a reference. Results: The crLAMP-Chla detected the pathogen within 15 minutes at 65 degrees C, even at low DNA concentrations. The K, Se, and Sp values were 1, 100%, and 100% (P = 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: This methodology represents a significant advancement in the control of C. abortus in ruminants, providing an accessible and efficient diagnostic tool to improve public and animal health.
Background: Skeletal development and the occurrence of skeletal deformities in fish represent critical issues that must be addressed to enhance the overall success and sustainability of aquaculture. Skeletal deformities negatively affect fish survival, growth performance, and nutritional efficiency. Objective: This study aimed to investigate skeletal deformities in juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss, the most extensively farmed trout species in Turkey. Methods: A total of thirty trout farms were surveyed, and 1200 juvenile specimens were collected and examined. To identify skeletal deformities in the collected samples, the observed anomalies were classified into specific groups, and the most frequent pathological findings were evaluated. Results: The predominant skeletal deformity was compression (C), observed in 49.83% of the specimens. Regional analysis revealed that deformities were most prevalent in the caudal lordosis-kyphosis region (73.17%). Furthermore, lordosis was detected in 61% of the specimens examined. Among cranial and appendicular deformities, jawbone deformities showed the highest incidence (12.08%), followed by fin and pterygophore deformities. The most common pathological manifestation among the affected fish was impaired swimming performance (37.58%). Additionally, variations in total deformity rates were associated with different water temperatures across farms. Conclusion: The highest deformation rate was 19.58% at 13 degrees C. The prevalence and distribution of skeletal deformities underscore the necessity for enhanced environmental regulation and management strategies in aquaculture systems to mitigate developmental abnormalities and improve production performance.
Introduction: Infection by protozoan hemoparasites that cause malaria in birds can lead to physical, reproductive, and behavioral alterations, resulting in a decline in the populations of affected wild birds. Objective: To identify the presence of parasitic agents causing avian haemosporidioses, also known as avian malaria (caused by Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) in a wild bird population in the municipality of Jardin (Antioquia, Colombia), through blood smears and to explore the bird-level factors associated with positivity. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Blood samples were obtained from wild birds captured with mist nets. Each bird was characterized according to its genus, species, sex, and approximate age group. Three blood smears per bird were prepared and examined for parasites belonging to Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium genera. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and the association between study variables and the dichotomous outcome of blood smear analysis (positive or negative) was evaluated using Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 46 wild birds belonging to 20 different species of the orders Passeriformes and near-Passeriformes were captured at six different locations in the study municipality (between 1,665 and 2,053 m.a.s.l.) in July 2022. Parasites belonging to Haemosporida were found, with an overall infection prevalence of 34.8% (16/46). Among the birds, 32.6% (15/46) were positive for Plasmodium sp., 6.5% (3/46) for Haemoproteus sp., and 4.3% (2/46) for Leucocytozoon sp. In addition, 6.5% (3/46) of the birds were coinfected with two or three parasites belonging to different genera. An association was found between Plasmodium sp. infection and age group (p=0.050). Conclusion: This study contributes to the knowledge of hemoparasites in wild birds in Colombia, reporting the presence of agents causing avian malaria in the study area. Further research is required for the molecular identification of protozoan hemoparasites, their pathogenicity, the health status of infected birds, and the impact on their populations.
Background: In the flooded savannah of the Colombia's Orinoquia region, Creole horse breeds are used for transportation, livestock handling, or sporting events, which makes them valuable in animal production systems and the Llanero culture. However, healthcare is scarce, making them susceptible to diseases caused by different pathogens or parasites. Objective: To identify the different groups of parasites, Rickettsias, and risk factors associated to Creole horses in the flooded savannah subregion of the Arauca department, Colombia. Methods: Coprological (i), hematological (ii) and ectoparasite (iii) samples were taken from 94 horses from 24 farms in three municipalities of this subregion. A questionnaire was applied to relate risk factors (sex, season, control, and location) to the presence or absence of parasites or Rickettsiae. To determine the statistical differences between the parasite species, the Student's t-test and ANOVA were used (p <= 0.05). Results: A total of 91.5% of the horses were infected or infested with one or more parasites, while 87.5% of farms were positive. A total of 24 parasite species and one Rickettsia species were identified. Strongylus spp., Oxyuris equi, Neobalantidium coli and Blepharocorys valvata were associated with horse sex, whereas Strongylus edentatus, Strongylus equinus, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, Triodontophorus spp., Cycloposthium compressum, Cycloposthium elongatum, Blepharocorys spp., Amblyomma mixtum and Dermacentor nitens were associated with previously dewormed horses. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was associated with all risk factors evaluated in this study. Conclusion: This study identified a variety of parasite species that could represent a risk to the health of this horse breed, given that species not commonly found in these animals were recorded. On the other hand, the presence of A. phagocytophilum, A. mixtum, Entamoeba spp. and Strongylus spp. was noteworthy, as these are zoonotic species; therefore, additional studies are needed to classify these species.
Anamnesis: A descriptive series of 12 cats diagnosed with feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) was conducted to describe the lesions and clinical features. Two of them were treated with surgical tooth extraction. Clinical findings: All patients exhibited generalized gingivitis and marked halitosis, and four of them showed proliferative tissue. Seven cats tested positive for Bartonella spp. through molecular testing (qPCR), two were positive for Mycoplasma spp., two for Hepatozoon spp., and one for filariae. Three patients tested positive for at least two hemopathogens. All the patients tested negative for Babesia spp. and Rickettsiales. Therapeutic approach: Among all the patients, two (patients 4 and 7) underwent the surgical treatment of choice for the disease, which involved extraction of incisors, premolars, and molars, according to the recommendations of the specialist veterinarian and with the consent of the owners. Results and conclusion: Successful results were obtained for both cats surgically treated, with proper healing and increased food intake during the first two weeks after treatment.
Background: Cartagena de Indias is recognized as a tourist city, where coach horses become one of the main means of transportation for visitors. However, overexploitation has led to horses being exposed to long work hours, and inadequate health management conditions, causing deleterious effects on the animal. Objective: determine the effect that the work performed by coach horses has on physiology, hematology, blood biochemistry and muscle stress indicators. Methods: 60 coach horses were studied under normal working conditions. The evaluation of muscle stress indicators was carried out in a group of 12 animals (6 with prolonged rest and 6 with loading activity) with similar age, weight, sex, body condition and clinical diagnosis. Results: 8% of the animals presented morphometric measurements within normal ranges. The average values of total, direct bilirubin, GOT, GPT and ALT in 100% of the animals evaluated were within the reference values except for FAS, while 84% presented values of leukocytes and erythrocytes outside the values. reference. When comparing between groups, there were significant changes in serum values (P ≤ 0.05). The difference in plasma concentrations of CK and LDH peaked between 8 to 10 hours after carrying out the activities; However, 28 hours after work (rest period) these plasma values did not differ statistically. On the other hand, a correlation of total CK with AST and ALT and between AST and ALT was found (P ≤ 0.05, r = 0.44 and P ≤ 0.05, r = 0.43, P ≤ 0.01, R=0.60). Conclusion: The physiological and biochemical variables showed a possible adaptation to the work of coach horses, although were not sufficient to diagnose a welfare problem in most of the animals.
Background: The search for productive and efficient animals in dairy cattle leads to selecting cows by milk yield and morphological traits, such as body-conformation and udder traits suitable to maintain production and permanence in the herd. Body conformation traits have been targeted in dairy cattle breeding because they are associated with lifetime production and, consequently, influence both the welfare and profitability of dairy cattle, by affecting health and leading to the premature culling of cows. Objective: This review aims to explore the genetic importance of linear conformation traits related to “frame”, “foot and leg” and “mammary system”, explaining their relationship with milk production, with a particular focus on Zebu breeds. Conclusion: Heritability estimates for body conformation traits related to the mammary system and structure, as well as for milk production, indicate that changes can be achieved through selection. Some body conformation traits were found to be correlated with milk yield, which suggests that selection to increase milk yield should be approached with caution as it may, in the long term, lead to undesirable changes in conformation traits of the body dimension and mammary system.
Background: mast cell tumor (MCT) is one of the most common neoplasms in canines, and histological grading is crucial for its prognosis. However, there is limited local information on the influence of factors such as sex, age, breed, and anatomical location of the lesion on the malignancy grade of this neoplasm. These factors are important for risk assessment and understanding the biological behavior of the tumor. Objective: to assess the association between risk factors (sex, age, breed, anatomical location) and histological grade of MCTs diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Universidad de Antioquia between 2019 and 2023. Methods: retrospective study based on histopathology reports of canine biopsies; filtering patients diagnosed with MCT. Data on year of report, dog, and tumor characteristics were extracted. Descriptive statistics were presented as relative frequencies, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and Z-tests and Chi-square tests were used to identify differences between proportions. Results: 409 cases of canine MCT were analyzed, of which 74.8% were low grade (LG) and 25.2% high grade (HG). Females presented a higher frequency of high grade MCT (HG-MCT) (50.5%), with no significant differences by sex (p>0.05). Patients aged 5 to 8 years showed greater predisposition to low grade MCT (LG-MCT), while those aged 9 to 16 years to HG-MCT (p<0.05). The Bulldog and French Bulldog breeds had a greater predisposition to HG-MCT (p<0.05) and the Pitbull, Mixed-breed and Pug, were the most frequently associated with the development of MCT, without predisposition to a specific histological grade. The most common location was the trunk, with 20.4% of cases of HG-MCT and 18.6% of LG-MCT, with no significant differences (p>0.05). Conclusions: the findings highlight the relevance of age and breed in the diagnosis and management of MCT. Dogs of certain breeds and ages may be more likely to be susceptible to more aggressive forms of the tumor, which is relevant for clinical management and early risk identification.
Background: Given the growing need to feed a projected population of 9.6 billion by 2050, it is crucial to explore protein sources for the aquaculture industry. Objective: The objective of this article was to identify the nutritional and growth effects observed in aquatic species fed with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) through a literature review. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The research for relevant studies was carried out on June 10, 2024, using databases such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SciELO, and MDPI. Results: The results indicate that the inclusion of BSFLM in aquaculture diets can replace up to 100% of soybean meal in species such as juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) without significantly affecting final body weight or specific growth rate (SGR). In tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), the inclusion of 20% BSFLM resulted in a significant increase in daily weight gain, improving the biosynthesis of fatty acids and amino acids. For white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), an inclusion of up to 22.5% BSFLM had no negative impact on specific growth rate or feed efficiency. In Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), the inclusion of up to 8% BSFLM did not adversely affect growth or feed performance. Conclusion: BSFLM can replace up to 61.3% of fishmeal and 95.4% of fish oil, using fewer resources.
Background: Ionizing radiation in veterinary medicine enhances diagnosis and treatment but poses risks to animals, pet owners, and clinical staff. Inadequate training in radiographic equipment use increases the risk of unnecessary exposure and related hazards. Objective: To systematically gather and analyze the available evidence on ionizing radiation exposure in human individuals involved in X-ray diagnostic procedures performed in dogs and cats. Methods: An electronic search on four platforms, followed by a manual review of references from articles identified in full-text screening, was conducted. References from six selected review articles (1997-2022) were also examined. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly applied, focusing solely on articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: A total of 5 articles met the definitive inclusion criteria. The relevant articles were published between 2007 and 2024. The levels were low (about 90% of the measurements showed doses below 0.005 mSv), with exposure peaks observed in critical anatomical areas such as the veterinary staff´s eyes and hands, particularly during procedures requiring proximity to the radiation field. Conclusion: Our results highlight the need to increase awareness of the need for proper training and the implementation of radiological protection measures to minimize the risks associated with ionizing radiation in veterinary practices. In addition, future research needs to incorporate a wider range of devices and techniques to develop safety protocols that safeguard staff and patients.
Background. The transport of juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a critical phase in aquaculture production, where environmental and nutritional management may significantly influence animal welfare and productive performance. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of water-to-oxygen ratios in transport bags and the type of diet provided before and after handling on welfare indicators and growth parameters of tilapia fry. Methods. A two experiment (3 × 2 factorial) were conducted, testing three oxygen supplementation levels (10, 15, and 20 L) in transport bags (equivalent to water-to-oxygen ratios of 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2), two diets (control and functional) before transport, and two diets (control and functional) after transport. Blood samples were collected at 0, 4, and 28 hours post-transport to evaluate glucose, lactate, and hematocrit as welfare indicators, while final weight, specific growth rate, and feed efficiency were measured after a 28-day period. Results. The 1:2 water-to-oxygen ratio was the most effective, maintaining dissolved oxygen above 3 mg L⁻¹ and promoting superior productive performance. All fish exhibited physiological stress responses after 4 hours of transport, as reflected by elevated glucose, lactate, and hematocrit values. However, partial recovery was observed after 28 hours, especially in fish previously fed the functional diet, which showed lower increases in hematological parameters. The best productive performance was recorded in fish feed a functional diet prior to transport and a control diet afterward, suggesting a beneficial pre-conditioning effect of the functional additives, coupled with an improved post-transport protein supply. Conclusions. An integrated management strategy that includes adequate oxygen supplementation (1:2 water-to-oxygen ratio) and the strategic use of functional additives before transport followed by a balanced control diet afterward, enhances both welfare and growth outcomes in tilapia fry. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing handling practices and supporting sustainable and efficient aquaculture systems.
Sustainable utilization of agro-industrial waste has been established as a key strategy for addressing environmental and economic challenges. This study focused on identifying how agro-industrial waste from fruits and vegetables is utilized globally. To achieve this, the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method was employed, which facilitates the conduct of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This approach allows for a comprehensive and structured literature search, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in the review process. The study's results revealed that 29.9% of the waste is optimized through fermentation processes, while 16% is utilized via supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). These findings conclude that sustainable utilization of agro-industrial waste, through innovative methods such as fermentation and supercritical fluid extraction, provides effective solutions to environmental and economic challenges. These methods not only enable the conversion of waste into high-value products but also contribute to waste reduction and the promotion of a circular economy, aligning with global goals of waste reduction and resource optimization.
Background: Pasture structure directly influences the ingestive behavior and feed intake of grazing ruminants, particularly under continuous stocking systems. More heterogeneous swards, with greater variability in plant height, may increase selectivity and alter intake dynamics and feeding efficiency. Objective: To evaluate how different horizontal structures of marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) pastures, maintained at an average height of 25 cm, affect feeding behavior and nutrient intake by sheep.Methods: The study was conducted from September 2019 to March 2020, using 16 crossbred sheep (Santa Inês × Dorper) allocated to eight paddocks under two treatments: 1) less heterogeneous pasture (plant height CV <35%) and 2) more heterogeneous pasture (CV >35%). Variables evaluated included nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior (grazing, rumination, idleness, meal time, number and interval between meals, and rumination bouts), as well as forage mass, morphological composition, and chemical composition of the pasture. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the F test at a 10% probability level (P<0.10).Results: More heterogeneous swards promoted greater dry matter intake by grazing sheep (P<0.10). However, pasture heterogeneity did not significantly affect nutrient digestibility, chemical composition of hand-plucked samples, or behavioral parameters (P>0.10).Conclusion: Under continuous stocking, marandu grass pastures with higher structural heterogeneity (CV between 50.32% and 60.64%) increase dry matter intake in sheep. Although heterogeneity did not influence digestibility or quantitative aspects of behavior, animals showed more frequent grazing during the day and concentrated rumination and idleness at night under the same experimental conditions.
Background: Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by Tritrichomonas foetus, is a venereal disease that affects the reproductive efficiency of cattle, especially in extensive breeding systems. Infected bulls could spread the protozoan by artificial insemination if the semen is contaminated. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an alternative assay to detect genetic material of pathogens without the need to purify inhibitors contained in a biological sample. Objective: Detection of T. foetus in cryopreserved semen and genital fluids from bulls raised in Sonora Mexico by a colorimetric LAMP assay. Methods: The conditions for a colorimetric LAMP assay were standardized using PCR as analytical reference in order to detect T. foetus (crLAMP-TF). A total of 110 preputial samples were tested by crLAMP-TF. From positive males to T. foetus (TF+), seminal samples were collected, cryopreserved and tested by crLAMP-TF. Results: The crLAMP-TF assay was sensitive, and allow the visual detection at 35 min. without inhibitors purification of biological samples previous to DNA extraction. The 29.1% of the bulls were bTF+ and 27.3% of the thaws were contaminated. Conclusion: This survey confirms the presence of T. foetus in Sonora, Mexico and the ability of the protozoan to contaminate semen, which represents a potential risk of transmission during assisted reproduction programs by artificial insemination. The crLAMP-TF assay represents a viable alternative against traditional molecular techniques and its potential in the epidemiological surveillance of pathogens under field conditions.
Background: Florfenicol treatment is often necessary in intensive swine clinics, and appropriate dosing should be followed. However, the pioneer manufacturer's original registration stated that the dose could be set at 40 ppm as in feed medication. Other generic brands have established other doses (80, 100, and 200 ppm). Objective: This trial aimed to assess the PK/PD rationale of the referred doses, and determine the serum concentrations of florfenicol achieved in pigs after dosing them in feed and ad libitum with florfenicol at four different dose levels: 40, 80, 100, and 200 ppm. Then, the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics ratios are established. Methods: Through HPLC, serum concentrations of florfenicol achieved in Landrace/Duroc spayed pigs weighing approximately 10 kg were determined. Medicated feed was administered ad libitum. The selected in feed concentrations were 40, 80, 100, and 200 ppm. Considering the farm-established feed intake of 4% of their body weight, doses achieved were: 1.6, 3.2, 4, and 8 mg/kg, respectively. Only florfenicol was determined through a chromatographic method. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out. Results: As expected, there are significant differences when comparing the mean serum concentrations of florfenicol achieved with each dosage level of the antibacterial drug. Since florfenicol is considered a time-dependent antibacterial and, as established in the literature, is only 15% bound to plasma protein in pigs, Monte Carlo simulations were based on 85% of the serum concentrations reached with each dose. Based on the available literature, target attainment was set either at MIC0.4 µg/mL or MIC2.0 µg/mL, and %T to reach those values within the dosing interval (DI) was set at 100%, i.e., 24 h. The 40-ppm dose only achieves 14 h of useful concentrations (%T ≥ MIC0.4 µg/mL = 58% of the DI). The 100 to 200 ppm doses achieved %T ≥ MIC0.4 µg/mL = 100% of the DI. The %T reaching MIC2.0 µg/mL was only possible with 200 ppm, achieving 95% of the DI, while the 100 ppm dose achieved only 70.8% of the DI. As metaphylactic treatment is often necessary in intensive swine farms, and florfenicol should only be administered when a given pathology has been proven, the 40-ppm dose resulted unsuitable, while 100 and 200 ppm appear to be acceptable, and the 80 ppm marginally acceptable for susceptible pathogens.
Background: The genus Chlamydia comprises obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria responsible for various diseases in animals and humans. In pigs, the species C. suis is transmitted via aerogenic, genital, and oral routes, with its pathogenicity associated with conjunctival tissue, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the reproductive system. In addition to C. suis, other Chlamydia species have been identified in pigs. In Mexico, chlamydiosis was considered an exotic disease until 2016, the year it was recognized as endemic in birds and ruminants; however, there are no reports of this disease in pigs. Objective: This study aimed to detect the presence of Chlamydia suis and Chlamydia abortus in sows that had experienced abortion and conjunctivitis. Methods: This study examined the presence of Chlamydia suis and Chlamydia abortus in pigs from four farms in central Mexico between 2016 and 2022, focusing on animals exhibiting reproductive issues, conjunctivitis, or diarrhoea. A total of 141 samples, including vaginal exudates (122), conjunctival exudates (17), and faeces (2), were analysed using real-time PCR (qPCR) to detect Chlamydiaceae and specific Chlamydia species. Results: The results revealed that 40.42% of samples tested positive for Chlamydiaceae. Among these, 43.85% were positive for C. abortus and 24.56% for C. suis, with 13 samples showing co-infection. Neither C. pecorum nor C. psittaci were detected. Furthermore, 54.4% of positive samples could not be identified at the species level, highlighting the necessity for further genomic analysis. Conclusions: These results align with global reports on Chlamydia prevalence in pigs and underscored the significance of co-infections, which were observed in vaginal exudates, faeces, and conjunctival samples. This study constituted the first report of porcine chlamydiosis in Mexico, raising concerns about potential health risks for pig farms and zoonotic implications for humans. The study emphasized the need for improved surveillance of Chlamydia species across production stages and advocates further research into the genetic diversity and prevalence of Chlamydia in Mexico.
Background: Clinical mastitis in she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) is a significant concern for camel farming, particularly in regions such as Oued Souf and Illizi provinces in Algeria. Mastitis affects the health of the animals and the quality of milk, impacting productivity and herd management. Understanding the prevalence, bacteriological characteristics, and risk factors associated with mastitis is critical for developing effective management strategies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and bacteriological characteristics of clinical mastitis in Sahraoui she-camels in the Oued Souf and Illizi regions of Algeria, with a focus on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the pathogens involved. Methods: A total of 170 multiparous Sahraoui she-camels were clinically examined. Milk samples were collected from affected animals, and bacterial isolates were obtained and identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on the isolates to determine resistance patterns. Risk factors, such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and the use of anti-suckling devices, were also assessed. Results: Gram-positive cocci were the predominant pathogens, with Streptococcus agalactiae accounting for 85% of bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that oxytetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, and cotrimoxazole showed 100% efficacy. Sulfamethazine/trimethoprim and tylosin exhibited 85% susceptibility, while penicillin and amoxicillin were effective in 60% of cases. Enrofloxacin demonstrated moderate efficacy, with a 50% susceptibility rate. The study also identified key risk factors such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and anti-suckling devices. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of monitoring bacterial resistance in camel mastitis and suggests that appropriate treatment strategies, including the use of oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin, should be prioritized. Effective management of mastitis in Algerian camel herds requires addressing the identified risk factors, such as tick infestations and udder injuries, and implementing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies to improve animal health and milk quality.
