Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are two major mycoplasma diseases that cause illness in chickens in the poultry industry. In addition, there are some mycoplasma species with lower pathogenicity such as Mycoplasma gallinarum (MGn) and Mycoplasma gallinaceum (MGC). MG and MS lead to respiratory diseases, synovitis, and airsacculitis, causing significant economic losses. However, data on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated Mycoplasma strains in large-scale farms in South China are limited. This study investigated the infection rates of MG and MS in a large-scale chicken farm in Guangdong Province using PCR targeting the 16 S rDNA gene on 2,040 oropharyngeal swab samples. Subsequently, mycoplasma isolation and culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (MIC), embryo pathogenicity assay, and molecular typing of MS isolates based on the vlhA gene were performed. The results showed that the positive rates of MG in breeder chickens and commercial chickens were 5.5
Industrial-scale renewable energy developments i.e. solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and wind energy facilities, form a central component of Ireland’s national decarbonisation strategy. As these infrastructures expand, they are increasingly being proposed or developed within rural regions that also contain high densities of Thoroughbred breeding establishments. This creates a potential interface between national energy policy, rural land use, equine welfare and the operational requirements of the Thoroughbred industry which is of national and international importance. Direct empirical evidence examining the effects of large-scale renewable energy developments on Thoroughbred mares, foals and youngstock on adjacent stud farms remains limited. However, established evidence from equine sensory physiology, behavioural science, veterinary medicine and environmental studies demonstrates that horses are highly responsive to noise, visual stimuli, airborne particulates and sudden environmental disturbance. These findings provide biologically plausible pathways through which construction and, in some circumstances, operation of large-scale energy infrastructure may adversely affect equine behaviour, health and welfare. Current Irish planning legislation does not specifically require equine welfare considerations to be incorporated into decision-making for developments adjacent to breeding establishments. This commentary argues that the absence of direct equine-specific evidence should not be interpreted as evidence of absence of risk. Rather, it supports a proportionate and precautionary approach incorporating equine-specific assessment, independent veterinary input, appropriate mitigation and site-specific planning where major renewable energy infrastructure is proposed in close proximity to stud farms.
Abstract Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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 10 1 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. Conclusions 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.
