Background: Probiotic-based gut flora stabilizers are increasingly used to improve intestinal health, immune function, and production performance in broiler chickens. This study evaluated the effects of TechnoCare200, containing Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016 and Bacillus licheniformis DSM 33806, on growth performance, immunity, intestinal morphology, and gut health. Methods: A total of 500 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to two groups (250 birds/group). The control group received a basal diet, whereas the treatment group received the same diet supplemented with TechnoCare200 at 100 g/MT throughout the trial. Growth performance, mortality, litter quality, footpad dermatitis, carcass traits, immune responses, and intestinal histomorphology were evaluated. Results: TechnoCare200 supplementation reduced mortality by 21%, improved litter condition scores, and decreased footpad dermatitis incidence compared with the control group. Treated birds showed significantly higher body weight, improved body weight gain, lower feed conversion ratio, and increased production number. Carcass evaluation revealed significant increases in carcass, breast meat, and front-part yields. Humoral immunity and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses were significantly enhanced. Histological examination demonstrated improved intestinal morphology, characterized by a higher villus-to-crypt ratio, together with enhanced villus development and normal lymphoid architecture with increased lymphoid activity in immune organs. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with TechnoCare200 containing B. coagulans DSM 32016 and B. licheniformis DSM 33806 improved growth performance, feed efficiency, immune responses, carcass yield, and intestinal health in broiler chickens. These findings indicate that TechnoCare200 is an effective probiotic gut flora stabilizer with potential to enhance poultry productivity and welfare under commercial production conditions.
Background:The One Health (OH) approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, particularly in Southeast Asia, where rapid environmental change and intensive human-animal interactions increase the risk of emerging infectious diseases. Wildlife interaction and environmental exposures are important but underexplored pathways for zoonotic disease transmission, especially in rural and ethnically diverse communities. Understanding these interconnected exposures is essential for informing effective disease prevention and control strategies. Aims and Objectives:This study applied a One Health framework to determine factors associated with wildlife contact, wildlife consumption patterns, and environmentally acquired infections among ethnic communities residing in Thailand's border provinces bordering the Lao PDR and Myanmar. Materials and Methods:An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and August 2022. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, and blood samples were obtained for laboratory testing of melioidosis. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using R statistical software to identify factors associated with wild boar consumption, rodent consumption, self-reported fever within the previous six months, and laboratory-confirmed melioidosis. Variables with P < 0.15 in bivariate analyses were entered into backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results:Four hundred villagers participated in this study. Most of them were females (260, 65.00%), aged between 50 and 59 years old (160, 40.00%), and had agriculture-related occupations (257, 65.25%). They mainly were Thais (214, 53.50%), followed by unspecified Karen (49, 12.25%). Around 94.00% (376) and 63.00% (252) of them reported consuming wildlife in their lifetime and within six months prior to the data collection. Wild boar was the most commonly consumed species (226, 56.50%), followed by rice field rats (164, 41.00%). The results also showed that the participants lacked understanding of the risks associated with wildlife exposure, consumption, zoonotic diseases, and how immunity works to prevent disease recurrence after wild animal consumption. Moreover, only one subdistrict in Wan Yai, Mukdahan, had 11 (19.80%) melioidosis IgG-positive participants. Conclusions and Recommendations:Based on the findings, health education and health literacy should be strengthened among health personnel, village health volunteers (VHVs), and community members regarding the risks associated with wildlife contact and consumption. Risk communication and health education should promote safer practices using culturally appropriate, community-based, and widely accessible approaches.
Background:Skin tests are the main official diagnostic method for granting, maintaining, and regaining the officially tuberculosis free (OTF) herd status in the European Union. Although highly specific, repeated testing may lead to the culling of animals not infected with bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and the suspension of OTF status, a problem especially relevant in low-prevalence regions where most herds are OTF. Identifying risk factors that affect the specificity of the single (SIT) and comparative (CIT) intradermal tuberculin tests is therefore essential to optimize control measures. Materials and Methods:We analyzed 119,465 herd tests (comprising 3,588,477 skin tests) from 23,893 OTF herds tested over 5 years (2014-2018) to estimate the animal-level reactor probability and herd test specificity while accounting for relevant covariates. Results:Median reactor probabilities were low (SIT: 0.050%; CIT: 0.034%). Dairy herds had higher SIT-reactor odds compared to beef herds, whereas CIT showed the opposite pattern. Reactor risk increased over time and was higher in summer compared to spring for SIT, while a reduced risk was observed in cooler seasons for both tests. Herd test specificity remained high (median values >97% for SIT and CIT) but declined with increasing herd size, particularly for SIT. Over 5 years, the median cumulative probability of detecting ≥1 reactor in a herd was 10.9%, with higher values in dairy and large herds. Conclusion:Although skin tests maintain near-perfect animal-level specificity under field conditions, herd-level performance was influenced by several covariates, particularly herd type and size. In dairy herds, using CIT when cross-reactions are suspected and bTB-infection has been ruled out, could mitigate OTF suspensions in low-prevalence settings.
Background: Traditional pig breeds experience a renaissance in public perception to favor biodiversity and resilience to diseases. Moreover, the routine use of parturition induction with exogenous hormones is questioned, as it may compromise the welfare of both dams and piglets.Aims and Objectives: In this study, neonatal complete blood counts were analysed regarding the effects of genotype, i.e., traditional German Saddleback versus modern German Landrace, and the implementation or omission of parturition induction by hormonal intervention.Materials and Methods: Blood samples of n = 296 newborn piglets from 28 farrowings were taken within the first 6 h of life to study hematological traits.Results: The population showed 22% of neonates being anaemic with hemoglobin <11.0 g/dl (P < 0.01). The Saddleback piglets exhibited higher red blood cell count and lower mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels than Landrace piglets (P < 0.001). The Landrace piglets exhibited higher white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio than Saddleback piglets (P < 0.001). The hormonal parturition induction revealed no effects for the analysed indices except for red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation with higher values in spontaneously born piglets compared with piglets that experienced an induced parturition (P < 0.001).Conclusion: The pronounced differences between Saddleback and Landrace neonates suggest a breed-specific setting of the hematological activity at birth, which might be partially modulated by hormone application due to labor induction in pigs.
Background: Cisternal puncture is a widely used technique for cerebrospinal fluid collection, with significant advancements in safety achieved through diagnostic imaging in mammals. However, its use in small avian species remains limited due to anatomical constraints and anesthetic risks. A comprehensive understanding of cisterna magna anatomy in birds is essential for optimizing cisternal puncture safety and enhancing central nervous system access. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate cisterna magna morphology in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), focusing on structural changes associated with cervical flexion. Materials and Methods: Six cockatiels underwent sedation and anesthesia for imaging. Positioned in supine with cervical flexion, anatomical modifications were assessed. Results: Intranasal sedation and anesthesia facilitated high-quality imaging with no adverse outcomes. CT demonstrated that cervical flexion increased the atlas-occipital distance from 1.93 mm (extended) to 3.09 mm (flexed) and the angle from 80.21° to 150.8°. MRI of one individual revealed an increase in cisterna magna cross-sectional area from 0.88 mm² to 3.42 mm², though sufficient flexion was not achieved in others. Discussions and Conclusions: These findings suggest that cervical flexion may facilitate cisterna magna expansion. This study highlights the feasibility of using CT and MRI for cisterna magna assessment in cockatiels and suggests that cervical flexion may enhance its cross-sectional area. These results contribute to advancing avian neurology and may improve cisternal puncture safety in small avian species.
Background:Cryptosporidiosis is a major diarrheal disease with high mortality, primarily in young animals, and poses a zoonotic threat worldwide. Currently, no available drugs are fully effective against Cryptosporidium, and most commercial disinfectants show limited efficacy against its oocysts, underscoring the need for improved control strategies.Aims:We aimed to investigate the ability of Tanabesol (an ortho-agent), calcium hydroxide solution, and their combination to inactivate Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts.Materials and Methods:Oocyst morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Vital dye staining combined with an in vitro excystation assay was applied to assess viability.Results:Ortho formulations induced oocyst wall disruption, rupture, and collapse, as revealed by SEM imaging. In addition, Tanabesol exhibited a dose-and time-dependent effect on Cryptosporidium oocysts, with higher concentrations and longer exposure times causing more significant inactivation. Hydrated lime has shown antimicrobial properties against enteric bacteria and viruses, but its impact on Cryptosporidium oocyst inactivation has yielded varying results. Limewater alone caused a significant decline in the total number of normal oocysts (i.e., >50%). Notably, no potentially viable oocysts were observed after sensitization with Tanabesol diluted in calcium hydroxide solution for 120 min, compared with using water as the diluent. Tanabesol with limewater reduced the viability percentage of oocysts to 30% and prevented sporozoite release by more than 84%.Conclusion:Adding calcium hydroxide to the preparation of Tanabesol should help in the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis in livestock farms.
Background:Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," are synthetic compounds widely used for their unique physicochemical properties. Their environmental persistence and potential link to adverse health outcomes have raised significant concerns, necessitating robust monitoring methods. While numerous studies have quantified PFAS in human biological fluids, there is a critical gap in the availability of validated analytical techniques for companion animals remain scares. Aims and Objectives:The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel analytical method for the quantification of eleven PFAS in biological samples from companion animals, specifically canine serum and feline plasma, and to apply this method to real samples. Materials and Methods:A streamlined sample preparation protocol was developed including protein precipitation, evaporation under nitrogen at 45°C, and reconstitution. Quantification was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in negative electrospray mode, monitoring two transitions for each compound. Results:The method was validated according to European Medicines Agency guidelines and demonstrated excellent analytical performance, with strong linearity (R² ≥ 0.99), high precision (CV% < 15%), and accuracy within ±15% of nominal concentrations. Recovery ranged from 80.0% to 114.9% and process efficiency from 80.7% to 114.0%, with negligible matrix effects and no observable carry-over. Application to real samples from 23 healthy dogs and 4 healthy cats revealed PFAS concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 15.8 µg/L in dogs and from 0.1 to 2.8 µg/L in cats. PFOS was the most prevalent compound in both species, with PFHxS also prominent in cats. Conclusion:The validated UHPLC-MS/MS method provides a reliable and efficient tool for the biomonitoring of PFAS in companion animals. Its application enables large-scale assessment of environmental exposure and supports the evaluation of potential health implications for both pets and their owners.
Background: Synovial fluid examination is vital for diagnosing joint diseases in dogs. However, conventional manual methods are labor-intensive and prone to imprecision. Pretreating synovial fluid with hyaluronidase and utilizing an automated analyzer may enhance the accuracy, precision, and efficiency of synovial fluid analysis, particularly in dogs. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the accuracy, precision, and efficiency of automated analyzer compared with manual cell count (MC) for analyzing synovial fluid in dogs. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two synovial fluid samples with varying cellularity were evaluated for the total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and differential cell count using three methods: hyaluronidase-treated automated cell count (AC-Hy), hyaluronidase-treated MC (MC-Hy), and untreated MC. The accuracy and precision of each method were statistically compared. Results: AC-Hy and MC-Hy provide the strongest agreement in determining TNCC (mean difference: 23.92%, 95% confidence interval: -53.23%-101.07%), with AC-Hy exhibiting the highest precision (coefficient of variations [CV]: 4.42%-4.49%). For differential counts, AC-Hy performed well in high TNCC samples (CV: 0.74%-2.25%) but was less reliable in low TNCC samples. MC-Hy, however, demonstrated consistent accuracy in determining differential count across all TNCC levels and produced superior smear quality compared with MC. In addition, AC-Hy offers shorter analytical times and is technically more efficient. Conclusion: In conclusion, pretreating canine synovial fluid with hyaluronidase enhances the accuracy and precision of synovial fluid analysis. While an automated analyzer enables rapid TNCC measurement, its reliability for differential counts decreases at low TNCC. Integrating automated count with hyaluronidase-treated manual differential counts and clinical evaluations would enhance diagnostic precision.
Background:Fractures of the diaphyseal region account for roughly half of all feline long-bone lesions; however, evidence regarding the mechanical performance of alternative fixation systems remains limited. The paraosseous clamp-cerclage stabilization technique (PCCS) is used in cats because its low implant profile suits the small feline tibia, but its behavior under torsional loading-and in comparison with external skeletal fixators (ESF)-has not been previously evaluated. Aims and Objectives:To compare the torsional stiffness of PCCS with two acrylic ESF constructs (Type Ia and Type II) in a feline tibial fracture model. Materials and Methods:Fourteen paired tibiae with intact fibulae from adult cats were collected postmortem. A 5-mm mid-diaphyseal osteotomy was created in each specimen. PCCS was applied to the right tibia of 12 pairs; the contralateral tibiae received ESF Type II. A second cohort of paired limbs was instrumented with ESF Type Ia. Each construct underwent biomechanical testing three times under an axial preload of 0.5 N. Specimens were rotated ±15° at 10° min-1, torque-rotation curves were recorded, and torsional stiffness (Nm/°) was calculated from the linear region. Intact tibiae (n = 4) served as native controls. Results:Twenty-four osteotomized tibiae were analyzed. Mean torsional stiffness was 0.114 Nm/° for ESF Type II, 0.049 Nm/° for PCCS, and 0.045 Nm/° for ESF Type Ia, compared with 0.264 Nm/° in native bone. ESF Type II retained 43.2% of intact stiffness, whereas PCCS and ESF Type Ia each retained approximately 18%. Coefficients of variation were 0.12 (ESF Type II), 0.18 (ESF Type Ia), and 0.52 (PCCS), indicating greater reproducibility for the fixator constructs. ESF Type II was significantly stiffer than PCCS and ESF Type Ia (P < 0.01). Conclusion:PCCS and ESF Type Ia provide comparable but relatively low torsional rigidity, making them suitable for simple, non-comminuted fractures but likely insufficient for stabilizing large segmental defects. ESF Type II provides substantially greater torsional stability, approaching half that of intact bone, and may therefore be more appropriate for bridging comminuted fractures where minimizing interfragmentary strain is essential for bone healing. Selecting the fixation method according to the required torsional stability may help optimize clinical outcomes in feline fracture management.
Background: Cannabis oils are progressively being investigated as potential treatments for various health conditions in dogs. However, their safety profiles in this species remain poorly understood. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of incremental doses of cannabis oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and their combination (THC + CBD) on cardiovascular and respiratory parameters in dogs. Materials and Methods: Six male Beagles participated in a 3 × 3 crossover study. Acute cumulative doses (1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg) were administered via the oromucosal route at 2-h intervals. Measurements included rectal temperature, electrocardiography, heart rate variability, blood pressure, and respiratory plethysmography. Results: All dogs tolerated the treatments, although adverse clinical signs were observed with THC and THC + CBD, including shivering and vomiting, with THC alone additionally causing ataxia and urinary incontinence. Both THC and THC + CBD caused significant hypothermia starting at a dose of 2 mg/kg, and they also shortened PQ intervals at doses of 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg. THC also significantly prolonged RR and QT intervals at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg, but not THC + CBD. CBD tended to increase standard deviation of normal RR intervals, root mean square of successive differences, and total power at doses of 8 and 16 mg/kg, while THC and THC + CBD had no significant effect on these parameters. These oils did not produce significant effects on blood pressure or respiratory function within these dose ranges. Conclusions: CBD oil was well-tolerated, whereas THC and THC + CBD oils induced significant side effects starting at 2 mg/kg. This study establishes a basis for determining appropriate cannabis oil dosages for future clinical studies in dogs.
Background: Maintaining hygiene in hatcheries is crucial for improving hatchability and ensuring healthy chick performance while reducing the risk of food contamination. Bacterial and fungal contamination, particularly on eggshells, is a major concern in the poultry industry. Egg disinfection before incubation has garnered global interest, especially with the rise in demand for natural alternatives to conventional disinfectants, which are often toxic and can lead to bacterial resistance. Aims and Objectives: This study evaluated the potential of rosemary essential oil (REO) as a natural disinfectant for eggshells and its impact on hatching success. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 Japanese quail eggs were divided into five groups: A negative control (nondisinfected), two positive controls treated with alcohol or SANIVIR (Quaternary Ammonium) (10%), and two groups disinfected with REO at the concentrations of 10 µl/ml and 100 µl/ml. Eggshells were swabbed to measure bacterial, coliform, fungal, and mold counts using serial dilutions and agar cultures. Hatching rate, chick weight, and mortality were also recorded. Results: The findings revealed that REO effectively reduced bacterial loads, with the 10 µl/ml group achieving the lowest contamination levels and significantly higher hatchability. In addition, chicks from this group had a greater average body weight. However, the 100 µl/ml group experienced higher embryonic mortality, likely due to its stronger concentration. Conclusion: In conclusion, REO at 10 µl/ml demonstrates promise as a safe and natural eggshell disinfectant. Its use not only improved hatchability but also positively influenced chick performance, making it a valuable alternative in commercial poultry operations.
Pigs are widely used as large animal models in biomedical research due to their physiological and anatomical similarity to humans. The Oncopig, a genetically engineered pig model harbouring Cre recombinase-inducible KRASG12D and TP53R167H transgenes, serves as a valuable model for cancer research. This study describes the generation of Oncopig breeding herds and provides a characterization of their growth rate, body size, and physiological parameters, including haematologic, biochemical, and coagulation profiles. Body weight and size were measured in male and female Oncopigs, and blood samples were collected at multiple time points from birth to one year of age. A total of 13 haematologic, 18 biochemical, and 3 coagulation parameters were analysed. While male and female Oncopigs had a comparable growth rate within the first 6 months of age, male Oncopigs exhibited a significantly higher growth rate between 6 and 12 months of age and a higher body weight at 12 months. The mean body weight at 6 months of age was 52.3 kg for male Oncopigs and 48.0 kg for female Oncopigs, while at 11 months of age it was 96.4 kg for male Oncopigs and 71.7 kg for female Oncopigs. Haematologic, biochemical, and coagulation parameters were analysed for Oncopigs under 6 months of age, over 6 months, and collectively for Oncopigs within a year of age. By providing comprehensive data on growth, haematologic, and serum biochemical parameters, this study provides a critical resource for researchers utilizing Oncopigs as large animal models for cancer research and other translational studies.
Oral mucositis is a complex inflammatory and ulcerative condition frequently associated with a heightened risk of infections, malnutrition and diminished quality of life in both humans and animals. Despite the availability of various preventive and therapeutic interventions, their overall efficacy remains unclear. Considering that vitamin D exhibits pronounced anti-inflammatory properties by modulating autophagic pathways via activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the present study aims to determine whether supplementation with vitamin D after the mucogingival replacement surgery (MGRS) would effectively enhance autophagy, and therefore, protect the integrity of mucosal lining in cases of severe oral mucositis. Adult domestic cats suffered from feline chronic gingivostomatitis and undergoing MGRS were used in this study. After MGRS, experimental cats were orally administered either fat-soluble or water-soluble vitamin D at a dose of 200 ng/kg twice daily for 6 weeks. Quantitative analysis revealed that in cats with oral mucositis and received MGRS, post-operative supplementation of both types of vitamin D greatly improved the quality of life and increased the anti-inflammatory reactivity. Moreover, both types of vitamin D considerably enhanced the expression of VDR and light chain 3B (LC3B, a biochemical marker for autophagy) within the affected tissues, with the most notable change observed in cats that received fat-soluble vitamin D. Based on these findings, incorporating vitamin D into the post-operative care regimens may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of surgical interventions targeting severe mucosal injury. This strategy may also hold a novel promise for improving the overall management of oral mucositis and associated complications.
Canine hepatoid gland neoplasms (HGNs) are significant clinical concerns due to their high prevalence and diverse biological behaviour. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a tyrosine kinase receptor implicated in various aspects of tumorigenesis, has been extensively studied in human and animal neoplasms but remains unexplored in HGNs. This study aimed to assess HER2 immunoexpression in canine HGNs and its association with clinicopathological and morphological features. A total of 61 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, including normal hepatoid glands (n = 10), hepatoid gland adenomas (HGAs, n = 20), hepatoid gland epitheliomas (HGEs, n = 16), and hepatoid gland carcinomas (HGCs, n = 15), were analysed using immunohistochemistry. HER2 expression was scored based on percentage positivity and staining intensity. HER2-positive expression was detected in 50% of HGEs (score 2 + ) and 73.3% of HGCs, with 36.4% of cases scoring 3 + . In contrast, all HGAs and normal hepatoid tissues were HER2-immunonegative. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in HER2 expression among normal and neoplastic hepatoid glands (p < 0.001). Only in HGCs, HER2 expression was significantly associated with tissue invasion (p = 0.007), mitotic count (p = 0.033), and nuclear pleomorphism (p = 0.007). These findings suggest that HER2 may play a role in the progression of malignant HGNs, particularly HGCs. This preliminary study highlights the potential of HER2 as a diagnostic marker and emphasizes the need for further investigation into its prognostic value and role in HER2-targeted therapy for canine HGCs.
Metastasis-related disease is a major cause of death in canine mammary tumours (CMTs). Immunotherapy has been investigated due to the less successful outcomes of systemic therapy. This study aims to examine the expression of Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) in canine mammary tumours in dogs of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and determine the relationship between the level of mRNA expression and clinicopathologic characteristics. A total of 28 CMT samples were collected at the Small Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai University. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays were performed. The results revealed that all CMTs in this study expressed PD-L1 mRNA and PD-L1 protein. The mean relative mRNA expression showed no significant differences between groups categorized by age, tumour size, or histopathological findings. However, the mean relative mRNA expression in tumours with a TNM stage >3 was significantly lower compared to those with TNM stage ≤2. In conclusion, this study investigates the expression of PD-L1 mRNA and PD-L1 protein, particularly in malignant CMTs. The findings strongly support the potential for developing effective immunotherapy methods targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway for advanced CMTs in the future. For further conclusive assessment, future studies should focus on refining immunotherapy strategies for CMT cases expressing PD-L1.
This study compared injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from canine blood, focusing on their cellular content and cytokine profiles to evaluate their suitability for various veterinary clinical applications. Blood samples were collected from 20 client-owned dogs. i-PRF and PRP were prepared using low-speed centrifugation and double centrifugation methods, respectively. Blood cell counts were quantified using automated cell analysers, while growth factors and cytokines were measured using a Luminex assay. The results showed that both i-PRF and PRP significantly reduced red blood cell content compared with whole blood. PRP achieved a 3.81-fold increase in the platelet concentration compared with whole blood, significantly higher than the 1.89-fold increase achieved by i-PRF. PRP also contained significantly higher levels of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes and monocytes. Growth factor and cytokine profiles between the two products were unexpectedly similar. In conclusion, while PRP demonstrated superior platelet and white blood cell concentrations compared with i-PRF, its preparation process was more complex and time-consuming. Conversely, i-PRF offered the advantages of shorter preparation time and the absence of anticoagulants, making it potentially more suitable for certain clinical applications despite the similarity in growth factor and cytokine profiles between the two products.
Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an acute and life-threatening infection of livestock population caused by Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida), responsible for huge mortality, morbidity and production losses. The increase in antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, posing a significant threat to animals and public health. There is limited data on P. multocida disease burden, serotypes, antibiotic susceptibility, and resistance gene profiles in Pakistan. In the current study, 1017 nasal swabs from haemorrhagic septicaemic cattle and buffaloes were collected to isolate P. multocida through microbiological and molecular methods. Susceptibility against commonly used antibiotics was performed and antibiotic resistance genes were evaluated. A prevalence rate of 7.57% was found, where buffaloes were more prone to infection (8.3%) as compared to cows (6.7%). Molecular and sequence analysis confirmed P. multocida isolates in 94.8% (73/77) of samples. Capsular typing revealed all isolates belong to serotype B. Antibiogram analysis showed that enrofloxacin 85.7% (66/77) and ceftiofur 56/77 (72.7%) were the most effective antibiotics. The highest resistance was observed against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 54/77 (70.1%), followed by erythromycin 52/77 (67.5%). Most of the isolates (31.5% (23/73)) carried β-lactamase resistance genes (blaTEM n = 10, blaROB-1 n = 6, blaOXA-2 n = 5, blaNDM n = 2) followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (sul2) resistance genes (26% (19/73)). The current study indicates that HS is consistently circulating among the animal population in Punjab, Pakistan. The current scenario of higher resistance in P. multocida needs continuous surveillance of the infection and mass awareness programs about the non-prescribed and excessive use of antibiotics in the animal sector.
Avian malaria, a vector-borne disease caused by Plasmodium spp., poses significant threats to various bird populations, particularly captive penguins like the endangered African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). Penguins, originating from regions with low malaria prevalence, are highly susceptible when housed in malaria-permissive areas. This study evaluates the efficacy of an atovaquone/proguanil hydrochloride treatment protocol to manage avian malaria in a captive African penguin colony in an Italian zoo. The study involved 30 penguins monitored over 3 years. Thirteen penguins tested positive for Plasmodium spp., with 11 undergoing treatment. The treatment protocol consisted of atovaquone/proguanil hydrochloride (10/4 mg/kg) administered orally for 3 days, repeated after a week. Post-treatment monitoring at 7, 30, and 60 days, and follow-ups up to 2 years, showed that all but one penguin cleared the infection. The treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse effects observed. The findings suggest that this protocol is effective as a treatment of avian malaria and could be a valuable tool in avian malaria management, particularly for endangered species in captivity. However, the persistence of Plasmodium relictum in one case highlights the need for careful post-treatment monitoring to prevent recurrence or reinfection. The study underscores the importance of developing tailored antimalarial protocols for captive birds to enhance conservation efforts and mitigate the risks posed by avian malaria.
The genus Phortica (Diptera: Drosophilidae) includes five species of small flies in Europe. Phortica variegata, the zoophilic fruit fly, is the main vector of Thelazia callipaeda, a zoonotic parasite that is rapidly spreading througout Europe. Despite extensive studies on thelaziosis in animals and humans, there is limited knowledge about the geographical distribution and hovering activity of these vector flies. In 2023, 1,462 Phortica flies were sampled across 12 Spanish provinces, providing new records of Phortica variegata and Phortica oldenbergi. Surprisingly, P. oldenbergi, previously considered a rare Afrotropical species, was prevalent in most regions sampled in Spain. However, Phortica semivirgo was not collected. The abundance of Phortica spp. correlated positively with altitude and certain tree species. Rural oak-wooded areas in central and northern Spain showed the highest densities of P. variegata. Both drosophilid species were analysed morphologically and molecularly, providing new morphological descriptors and sequence barcodes for species identification. Phylogenetic analysis based on COI sequences, showed P. oldenbergi grouped with Asian origin Phortica species, while P. variegata in America was closer to Spanish sequences than those from other European countries. The hovering activity of P. variegata causes significant discomfort to humans during outdoor activities. This paper also reviews the historic records of P. variegata, P. semivirgo and P. oldenbergi in Spain over the last 90 years. This study enhances the understanding of the distribution, identification, ecology, and behaviour of these zoophilic flies in Europe.
