Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus), a major gastrointestinal parasitic nematode threatening ruminants worldwide, exhibits albendazole resistance that is primarily associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at specific codons of the β-tubulin isotype I gene, particularly at codons 167 (F167Y), 198 (E198A), and 200 (F200Y). Among these, mutations at codons 198 and 200 are the most frequently detected in resistant isolates in China. To enable rapid and accurate resistance detection, this study aimed to develop a duplex real-time quantitative PCR (duplex qPCR) assay targeting SNPs at codons 198 and 200 of the β-tubulin gene for precise discrimination of albendazole resistance in H. contortus. Specific primers and TaqMan probes targeting codons 198 and 200 of the β-tubulin isotype I gene were designed to establish singleplex and duplex qPCR detection systems. The singleplex qPCR showed a detection limit of 1 × 101 copies/μL for the sensitive, 198-resistant, 200-resistant, and mixed genotypes, with high specificity and good repeatability (intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) < 0.72%, inter-assay CV < 0.77%). Based on this, an optimized duplex qPCR was developed, achieving detection limits of 1 × 10 ³ copies/μL for the sensitive genotype and 1 × 101 copies/μL for the resistant genotype, with intra-assay and inter-assay CVs < 0.55%. This method effectively distinguished sensitive, resistant, and mixed infection samples. Application to 102 clinical samples identified 1 sensitive, 25 resistant, and 76 mixed infections. Sequencing of seven randomly selected samples produced results identical to the qPCR findings, further confirming the assay's sensitivity and accuracy. This study successfully established a rapid, sensitive, and specific duplex qPCR assay capable of accurately discriminating albendazole-resistant genotypes of H. contortus, providing an effective tool for anthelmintic selection and resistance surveillance in veterinary clinical practice.

Trichinellosis is a food-borne zoonosis caused by Trichinella spp., typically acquired through consumption of raw or undercooked meat. Given its broad geographic distribution and persistent gaps in surveillance and reporting, we conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of human Trichinella infection and identify major sources of heterogeneity. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 15 May 2025. Eligible studies reported human Trichinella infection with extractable numerator/denominator data. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed in R. A total of 127 studies were included. Across these studies, 425,225 individuals were examined and 31,401 cases were identified, yielding an overall pooled prevalence of 18 %. Pooled prevalence differed significantly by continent (ranging from 6.30 % in South America to 24.42 % in Oceania, p = 0.0279) and sampling period (20.59 % after 2000 vs. 10.02 % in 2000 or before, p = 0.0290). At the country level, the highest pooled prevalences were observed in Thailand, Germany, and Türkiye. Occupation also differed significantly (p = 0.0145), with the highest prevalence observed in military personnel (41.47 %). Clinical manifestations differed significantly (p < 0.0001), and the most frequently reported symptoms were myalgia (63.19 %), fever (60.77 %), and facial edema (58.98 %). Temporal meta-regression showed no significant trend. Human Trichinella infection remains a global public health concern, with higher prevalence observed in Asia and Europe. Individuals with risk exposure who develop symptoms such as myalgia, fever, or facial edema should undergo prompt medical examination. A One Health approach integrating human, animal, and food-safety surveillance is essential for effective prevention and control of Trichinella infection.

Pasteurella multocida is highly prevalent in animal populations. It is usually a component of the normal microbiome of the oral, nasopharyngeal and upper respiratory tracts of animals and can cause varying degrees of infection and even death in animals. P. multocida poses a threat to public health safety because humans can be infected by being bitten by infected animals or coming into contact with their nasal secretions. This article summarises the morphological and culture characteristics of P. multocida, in addition to serotyping, virulence factors and pathogenesis, aiming to explore the mechanism by which the pathogen establishes acute and chronic infections. The article also summarises the mechanism underlying the activation of inflammasomes after P. multocida infection, providing a reference for exploring the epidemiological laws and pathogenesis of the bacterium and for formulating prevention and control strategies.

Hyalomma asiaticum is a dominant tick vector in arid and semi-arid regions. It transmits multiple pathogens affecting livestock health and production. Long-term spatiotemporal patterns of this tick and associated pathogens remain poorly characterized across the Belt and Road region. We systematically integrated 1970-2025 Chinese and English language literature to construct spatiotemporal distribution and pathogen risk databases for H. asiaticum. Standard deviational ellipse (SDE) analysis, kernel density estimation (KDE), and centroid shift methods were applied to quantify tick expansion and pathogen distribution. Host composition and environmental and human activity-related factors were evaluated as potential ecological correlates. H. asiaticum showed a literature-derived apparent spatial expansion pattern over the past half century. However, this pattern may partly reflect increased sampling effort and publication intensity over time. Five key pathogen groups (CCHFV, SFGR, Anaplasma spp., Coxiella burnetii, piroplasmids) displayed heterogeneous spatial patterns. For comparative interpretation, these pathogens were operationally grouped according to their major One Health risk relevance, primarily related to livestock production and trade or to public health. Livestock-associated pathogens showed higher detection metrics in hub regions, whereas public health risk pathogens showed no significant hub-region difference and only a weak HFP-related trend. This study provides a comprehensive, long-term assessment of H. asiaticum and its associated pathogens, highlighting livestock interfaces as key risk areas. Findings support targeted tick surveillance and cross-border biosecurity strategies, offering practical guidance for veterinary public health management along the Belt and Road corridor.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian pathogen. It primarily causes diarrhea and weight loss in infected humans and animals, resulting in substantial economic losses to the livestock industry. Therefore, establishing a highly sensitive and specific detection method for E. bieneusi is critical for its prevention and control. crRNA and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) primers were designed based on partial sequences of the 18 S ribosomal RNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of E. bieneusi. DNA extracted from fecal samples was amplified using RPA or nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR amplicons were treated with a Tris-saturated phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol mixture to obtain purified target DNA, which was subsequently introduced into the CRISPR–Cas12a reaction system. Post-reaction detection was performed via qPCR instrumentation, fluorescence visualization, and lateral flow strip (LFS) assays. The operational parameters for E. bieneusi detection were subsequently optimized using RPA/CRISPR–Cas12a or nested PCR/CRISPR–Cas12a platforms. The aforementioned methodology was concurrently validated using 50 clinical specimens with known E. bieneusi infection status. The limits of detection were 7.13 copies/µL for RPA/CRISPR–Cas12a and 2.35 × 10− 2 copies/µL for nested PCR/CRISPR–Cas12a. When the concentration of unamplified DNA in the CRISPR–Cas12a reaction system reached ≥ 1 × 10− 4 µg/µL, the single-stranded DNA reporter was efficiently cleaved, resulting in a detectable fluorescence signal. The nested PCR/CRISPR–Cas12a technology was used to analyze 50 fecal samples with confirmed E. bieneusi–positive or –negative status. The results obtained from instrument-based detection, fluorescence observation, and lateral flow test strip detection were completely consistent. We established the first integration of nested PCR with CRISPR–Cas12a for the detection of E. bieneusi. and were also the first to quantitatively explore the detection limit of Cas12a using non-amplified E. bieneusi DNA. This approach offers a rapid, specific, and highly sensitive diagnostic method. Furthermore, the wide selection of appropriate visualization methods facilitates adaptation to various laboratory conditions and sample template concentrations, enabling accurate result interpretation.

Nitrotoluene isomers are vital chemical intermediates, but their separation is challenging due to similar properties. This work introduces a supramolecular strategy using cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) to selectively isolate orthonitrotoluene (ONT). Through methods including single-crystal XRD, ITC, GC, and theoretical calculations, host-guest interactions in formic acid were characterized. Gradient solvent volatilization of Q[8] with isomer mixtures enabled controlled crystallization. Results show Q[8] strongly prefers ONT, with binding constants of 3.628x106 M-1 (ortho) vs. 8.712x105 M-1 (meta) and 2.173x105 M-1 (para), giving selectivity ratios of 4.16 and 13.37, respectively. Crystal structures reveal stabilization via it-it stacking and hydrogen-bonding networks. These interactions drive multidimensional assembly into ordered architectures through synergistic surface interactions, hydrogen bonding, and aromatic stacking. This work extends cucurbituril applications in adsorption and separation.

Gut microbiota provide various benefits to their mammalian hosts; however, knowledge regarding interspecific differences in gut microecology remains limited. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing combined with metagenomic functional prediction (potential functions or functional potential) to conduct a comparative analysis of the gut microbial composition and functional adaptability of two sympatrically distributed gerbil species with distinct diets: the herbivorous Rhombomys opimus (RO) and the omnivorous Meriones meridianus (MM). The results revealed that the omnivorous MM exhibited a level of gut microbial alpha diversity comparable to that of the herbivorous RO, whereas RO showed significant enrichment of norank_f__Muribaculaceae, a taxon associated with fiber degradation, and demonstrated higher abundance of genes related to complex fiber degradation. Notably, bacterial genera significantly enriched in the gut of MM, such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Desulfovibrio, may play important roles in maintaining gut health and enhancing chitin degradation efficiency. Furthermore, the abundance of genes related to monosaccharide and chitin degradation was significantly higher in MM than in RO. Functional network analysis indicated that the cellulose degradation gene networks in both gerbil species were predominantly synergistic, but the synergistic effect was stronger in RO than in MM (ratios of positive to negative correlation edges: 2.44: 1.59). Further analysis revealed that the monosaccharide and chitin degradation gene networks in MM both exhibited synergistic interaction patterns (ratios of positive to negative correlation edges: 1.69 and 2.95, respectively), whereas these two networks in RO were primarily antagonistic (ratios of positive to negative correlation edges: 0.831 and 0.73, respectively). This suggests that the gut microbiota of RO are more conducive to digesting complex plant fibers, while those of MM are better adapted for digesting starch and chitin. This differentiation in gut microbiota optimizes the utilization of different food resources by the two species, thereby promoting their sympatric coexistence. This study enhances our understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of gut microecology in rodents with different diets and provides an important foundation for further research on the microbial ecology of wild rodents and the mechanisms underlying sympatric species coexistence.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) represent an increasing threat to human and animal health worldwide, with several bacterial pathogens detected in or maintained by tick populations. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the prevalence of Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Coxiella-related bacteria and their associated factors in ticks in China remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of these pathogens and evaluate epidemiological and methodological factors associated with pathogen detection. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 and September 2025. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using R to estimate pooled prevalence, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate potential factors associated with pathogen detection. A total of 203 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Coxiella-related bacteria in ticks was 6

Lyme borreliosis has been reported across China, but data on Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato exposure in humans and infection in questing Ixodes ticks remains fragmented and heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato exposure in humans and infection prevalence in questing or unfed Ixodes ticks in China and to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Six English- and Chinese-language databases were searched from inception to 10 September 2025. Eligible cross-sectional studies reported both the number examined and the number positive, with a minimum sample size of 30. Human analyses were restricted to serological evidence, whereas tick analyses included questing or unfed Ixodes ticks collected from vegetation or the environment. Random-effects models, subgroup analyses, and univariate random-effects meta-regression were applied. A total of 186 studies were included, of which 167 reported human data, 22 reported PCR-based data from questing Ixodes ticks, and 3 reported both human and tick data. The pooled human seroprevalence was 7% (95% CI: 6–8%), and the pooled PCR-confirmed infection prevalence in questing Ixodes ticks was 20% (95% CI: 10–32%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed in both analyses. For questing Ixodes ticks, infection prevalence showed marked geographical heterogeneity, with the highest pooled estimate observed in Northeastern China. In univariate meta-regression, Northern China showed a significantly lower estimate than Northeastern China, whereas sampling year, reported Borrelia genospecies, and Ixodes species were not significantly associated with pooled prevalence. Leave-one-out analyses indicated that the pooled estimates were not driven by any single study. These findings demonstrate that human exposure and environmental circulation of B. burgdorferi sensu lato have been documented across multiple regions of China but remain highly heterogeneous.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of equids caused by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Theileria haneyi. We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalence in China and identify associated risk factors. PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP were searched through 15 August 2025. Of 2626 records identified, 80 studies met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects models were used to pool prevalence estimates, and prespecified subgroup analyses and univariate meta-regression were used to explore heterogeneity and temporal trends. Overall pooled prevalence during 2000-2025 was 31%; species-specific estimates were 24.28% for T. equi and 18.37% for B. caballi. Only one eligible study reported T. haneyi, so its prevalence was summarized descriptively rather than pooled. Statistically significant subgroup differences were observed by host species, fever status, climate class, and detection method. Prevalence was higher in horses than in donkeys and mules, although the mule estimate was based on only five studies and 31 positive cases. Febrile equids had a higher prevalence than afebrile equids, prevalence was highest in Dwb and lowest in Cfa climates, and PCR-based studies yielded a higher pooled prevalence than ELISA-based studies (36.40% vs 23.97%). No significant differences were detected by region, age, sex, season, management system, or sampling year, and meta-regression showed no significant temporal trend. These findings support risk-based surveillance, prioritization of testing in febrile equids, and combined serological and molecular testing to distinguish exposure from active infection.

Leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., poses ongoing challenges in China due to shared environmental exposure of humans and dogs. To summarize available epidemiological evidence, we conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of human and canine leptospirosis in China. Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP) were searched for eligible studies published up to 11 November 2025. Cross-sectional data were synthesized using random-effects models, with subgroup analyses applied to explore heterogeneity. A total of 109 studies from 29 provinces were included, comprising 111,542 human samples and 8875 dog samples. The pooled prevalence was estimated at 25.00% in humans and 12.00% in dogs, with substantial heterogeneity across studies. In humans, higher prevalence estimates were generally observed in central regions, earlier decades, middle-aged adults, populations classified as having higher exposure, and rural areas. Serovar distributions also differed across populations, with Icterohaemorrhagiae predominating in humans. In dogs, prevalence and serovar distributions varied across studies, with Canicola being the most frequently reported serogroup, and higher prevalence estimates commonly observed in unvaccinated and free-roaming animals. Overall, this study provides a descriptive synthesis of leptospirosis in humans and dogs in China. Given the substantial heterogeneity, wide confidence intervals, and data limitations, the findings should be interpreted cautiously as reflecting broad epidemiological patterns rather than confirmatory evidence of causal risk factors. Nonetheless, the results highlight populations, regions, and serovars that may warrant prioritization in surveillance and One Health-oriented prevention efforts.

Brucellosis remains a neglected zoonosis that threatens livestock production and human health in China. Small ruminants are key reservoirs, yet brucellosis in sheep and goats is still insufficiently characterized in terms of seroprevalence, risk factors, and spatial-temporal dynamics. We conducted a nationwide systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) of studies published up to 1 August 2025. We pooled eligible cross-sectional data using a random-effects model, explored determinants by subgroup analysis and meta-regression, and applied ARIMA models to forecast trends. We included 306 studies from 27 provinces. The overall pooled seroprevalence was 3.0 % (95 % CI 2.3-3.8), with strong geographic heterogeneity. The highest burden occurred in North China, especially Inner Mongolia. Risk was higher in spring and in BSk (cold semi-arid) climates. Seroprevalence was slightly higher in goats, young animals (<1 year), and stall-feeding systems, indicating the need to strengthen housing hygiene and farm biosecurity. Diagnostic methods explained substantial heterogeneity: RBPT tended to yield higher estimates, whereas ELISA/cELISA offer better diagnostic performance. Seroprevalence rose around 2016-2017 and then declined only modestly. Forecasts suggested a continued upward drift (0.76 % in 2026-0.84 % in 2027), implying sustained One Health risks. These findings support region-specific vaccination with priority for goats, expanded standardized ELISA/cELISA use, and integrated human-livestock surveillance with harmonized reporting and targeted protection for high-risk workers in hotspot regions.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are among the most important parasites constraining small-ruminant production. However, epidemiological evidence in China remains fragmented because existing studies differ substantially in geographic coverage, host species, sampling periods, diagnostic approaches, and ecological settings. We applied a multiscale framework integrating a regional survey in Inner Mongolia with a national systematic review and meta-analysis. In the regional survey, 2,084 fecal samples were collected from sheep aged 6–12 months in Ulanqab, Alxa, and Ordos from August 2020 to September 2021 and examined using a modified McMaster method. Detected eggs were classified into broad morphologic categories. For the national analysis, six databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines, and eligible cross-sectional studies were synthesized using random-effects models. The regional survey showed an overall GIN prevalence of 28.8

IntroductionThe control of parasites infections in livestock is an ongoing concern, with parasites developing resistance to commonly used antiparasitic drugs. The current study investigated in vitro the destructive effect of the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia on the eggs and oocysts of several equine parasites, as well as assessing the safety of the fungus in mice.MethodsS. equinus, P. equorum, Anoplocephala spp eggs and Eimeria spp. oocysts were treated with P. chlamydosporia. The prepared preparation was also administered to mice, and the physiological indexes and lesions of major tissues and organs, as well as pathological sections of tissue, were then observed.ResultsP. chlamydosporia exhibited varying degrees of efficacy in the control of S. equinus, P. equorum, Anoplocephala spp eggs and Eimeria spp. oocysts. The acute toxicity test demonstrated that there was no death or toxicity symptom observed in the mice, with no significant difference in clinical observations, such as respiration, mental state, appetite, or feces, between the control and treated mice after the feeding of the biological preparation of P. chlamydosporia.DiscussionThese findings suggested that administration of P. chlamydosporia would be safe to use in livestock and provided a rationale for its potential clinical application, pending further analyses.

Cryptosporidium is a globally distributed protozoan parasite and a major cause of diarrheal disease, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Despite its growing recognition as an important zoonotic pathogen, large-scale epidemiological data specific to the Chinese population remain scarce. We systematically retrieved articles on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in humans in China through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP Chinese Journal Database, with the literature search current through May 15, 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 193 studies were included, covering data from 27 provinces. A total of 193 studies were included, covering data from 27 provinces, with a total sample size of 249,142 individuals, of whom 11,339 tested positive. Pooled prevalence and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random-effects model. Funnel-plot inspection and Egger's test indicated small-study effects/publication bias (p = 0.0082); trim-and-fill adjustment suggested some missing studies but produced broadly consistent adjusted estimates, so findings are reported with appropriate caution. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in humans in China was estimated at 5.0 %. Higher infection rates were observed in Northwestern China (6.61 %, 95 % CI: 3.20-11.13) and among individuals aged 17-30 years (8.43 %, 95 % CI: 3.55-14.61), and a significant decline in prevalence was noted in studies conducted after 2015. C. parvum and C. hominis were identified as the main infecting species, while other Cryptosporidium species (C. meleagridis, C. canis, C. felis, C. viatorum, C. baileyi, C. andersoni, C. bovis and C. suis) were only sporadically detected. In addition, higher infection rates occurred in HIV-positive individuals (7.63 %, 95 % CI: 5.34-10.28) and rural populations (5.18 %, 95 % CI: 3.46-7.23). These findings highlight the need for improved surveillance, accurate diagnostics, and targeted prevention strategies in high-risk regions and populations, with attention not only to young children but also to adults, who may face overlooked exposure risks.

Duddingtonia flagrans is a nematode-trapping fungus that is widely used to control parasitic nematodes in livestock. After oral ingestion and passage through the digestive tract of animals, this microorganism captures nematodes in feces. Although many researchers have examined the safety of this fungus for humans, animals, and the environment, few reports have discussed the safety of nematode-trapping D. flagrans biologics for animals. In this study, D. flagrans safety was tested, while adverse effects and toxicities were examined in sheep. First, the nematode killing effects in naturally parasitized sheep after administration of lyophilized D. flagrans preparations were tested.lyophilized D. flagrans preparations were administered to sheep at various doses, followed by key blood factor monitoring and an examination of major tissues, organ lesions, and pathology. Lastly, lyophilized D. flagrans preparations were administered to sheep at various doses, followed by key blood factor monitoring and an examination of major tissues, organ lesions, and pathology. the nematode killing effects of naturally parasitized sheep after administration were tested. The results demonstrated that treatment with D. flagrans isolates significantly reduced developing larvae numbers in feces, with an efficiency of 92.99%. Lyophilized preparations had no observable effects on physiological parameters in sheep, thus indicating a wide safety range in target animals, with potentially minimal risks in veterinary clinical practice. Overall, D. flagrans freeze-dried biologics effectively helped to controlled parasitic infections, which are safe in animals like sheep, and thus may provide a practical platform for nematode-trapping fungi in veterinary clinical settings.

Cryptosporidiosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Cryptosporidium, is a significant threat to both livestock and human health. In this study, we systematically reviewed the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in bovines and ovines in China. We conducted a comprehensive search of six databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, covering studies published up to May 15, 2025. A total of 276 studies from 31 provinces were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 17 % (95 % CI: 15 %-19 %) in bovines and 12 % (95 % CI: 8 %-15 %) in ovines. The most prevalent species were C. parvum (26.87 %; 95 % CI: 17.69 %-37.14 %) in bovines and C. xiaoi (26.80 %; 95 % CI: 11.81 %-45.21 %) in ovines, with dairy cattle and goats identified as the highest-risk hosts. Significant risk factors included region, age, host species, presence of diarrhoea, and sampling year. Higher infection rates were observed in Northwestern China, in younger ruminants (<6 months for bovines and <3 months for ovines), in free-ranging ruminants, and in those with diarrhoea. Prevalence was also higher in studies conducted before 2004. These findings provide important epidemiological insights and highlight the need for targeted control strategies that address key risk factors in the Chinese ruminant industry, and underscore the importance of a One Health approach that integrates animal, human, and environmental health.

Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic gastrointestinal nematode that significantly impacts ruminant health and productivity. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive understanding of the global prevalence of H. contortus infections and associated risk factors remains lacking. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature on H. contortus in ruminants was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to January 1, 2025. Pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using a random-effects model. A meta-analysis of 64 studies on H. contortus infection in ruminants worldwide revealed a pooled prevalence of 37%. Continent subgroup significantly influenced prevalence (p < 0.05), with the highest rate reported in Europe and the lowest in Oceania. Environmental factors played a critical role, with regions classified under the Cwb climate exhibiting significantly higher infection rates than other climate zones (p < 0.05). Higher prevalence was also associated with high-altitude areas, annual rainfall ≥800 mm, and lower temperatures. Host-related factors were equally important, with animals over 1 year of age and females showing greater susceptibility. These findings underscore the importance of developing control strategies adapted to different climates and host species, with a particular emphasis on targeted surveillance and deworming efforts against H. contortus in high-risk regions to reduce infection burden and support sustainable ruminant production.

Haemonchosis, caused by Haemonchus contortus, is a major parasitic disease impacting ruminants, with serious consequences for animal health and ruminant production. Despite numerous studies on its prevalence, a comprehensive understanding of the disease in China is still lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining H. contortus infection in sheep and goats across 17 provinces in China. A total of 52 studies were included, revealing an overall pooled prevalence of 72 %. The highest infection rate was observed in central China (71.31 %), with Henan and Liaoning provinces showing particularly high rates of 87.22 % and 85.57 %, respectively. Region, season, and climatic factors significantly influenced infection rates (P < 0.05), with free-ranging small ruminants and over 6 months of age being more susceptible. Additionally, the study emphasized that goats are more susceptible to infection than sheep, with infection rates rising after 2015. These findings highlight the widespread distribution of H. contortus in China and the urgent need for targeted control measures. Efforts should focus on improving management practices during the autumn season, implementing rotational grazing, using anthelmintics judiciously, and ensuring adequate nutritional support to reduce infection risks and minimize small ruminants production losses, all of which are crucial for advancing the small ruminants industry and fostering broader socioeconomic development.

Utilizing entomopathogenic fungi as a biological control method for parasitic houseflies in livestock presents a promising and innovative alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the control efficacy of a lyophilized Metarhizium brunneum preparation, both alone and in combination with the insecticide low-dose deltamethrin, to control houseflies in Hu sheep on a farm based in Gansu Province, northwestern China. The experimental design included four groups: M. brunneum wettable powder (WP) treatment group, M. brunneum + deltamethrin combination WP treatment group, deltamethrin group, and a control group. By observing the mortality rate of houseflies at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-treatment, the data were analyzed, and control efficacy was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of each treatment group on houseflies at different time points. On day 7, the combination of WP with deltamethrin resulted in 79.2% control of housefly larvae and pupae and 85.42% control of adult houseflies, respectively, surpassing the efficacy observed in the deltamethrin-only group. The incorporation of low-dose insecticides into the fungal treatment increased the mortality rate by 17.1% compared to the use of M. brunneum alone, significantly reducing the overall pesticide usage while enhancing the efficacy of biological control.