Table eggs are widely favored for their affordability, simplicity, and appeal across all age groups. They are a rich source of high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins-nutrients vital for maintaining good health. The hygienic quality of table eggs is influenced by several factors, including the type of housing system and the level of biosecurity implemented on farms. This study evaluated the hygienic quality of table eggs produced in Egyptian layer farms, examining egg production across different housing systems and biosecurity levels. A total of 70 egg samples (both eggshell and egg content) were collected from seven layer farms representing diverse housing conditions and biosecurity standards. Samples were analyzed for total aerobic plate count (TAPC) and the presence of hygiene-indicating bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. The results showed that farms with higher biosecurity scores (up to 97.5%), particularly those using closed battery systems, had significantly lower TAPC values and a reduced prevalence of pathogenic bacteria. In contrast, farms operating under open deep litter and backyard systems, with biosecurity scores of 30% and 22.5% respectively, exhibited notably higher microbial contamination. These findings underscore the crucial role of robust biosecurity practices and effective housing management in ensuring the hygienic quality of table eggs and protecting public health.

This study sheds the light on the potential of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root aqueous extract as a cornerstone for mitigating and detoxifying the residues of the widely used agricultural Glyphosate-based pesticides (GBPs). This study examined the GBPs toxic effects on kidney, liver, thyroid functions, and apoptosis using 50 adult male albino rats. All rats were divided into 5 groups, with 10 each. Control: served as untreated rats. GBP: rats were treated with 1 mL glyphosate solution 24% orally for three weeks. The glyphosate-treated rats were gavaged with licorice root aqueous extractsolution (100, 200, and 300 mg/mLdistilled water, respectively) daily for three weeks. Licorice root aqueous extract solution (300 mg/mL distilled water) yielded notable reductions in liver, kidney enzymes, albumin, and AFP levels within the serum. Immunological tests, including immunohistochemical evaluations of caspase-3 and TNF-α expressions revealed a dose-dependent attenuation of apoptosis and inflammation with licorice intervention. This will provide a valuable perspective for agricultural practices future and paving the way for a more sustainable approach for using GBPs in animal agriculture industries.

The mechanism by which an organism can adapt to subtle environmental changes is predicated on modifications to biochemical processes within the cellular metabolism in response to such changes. Changes in these processes have the potential to induce alterations in cellular structures and tissue organization, as well as establish a causal link between fluctuations in these parameters and stressors exposure. This investigation's main goal and innovation is to evaluate the environmental stress indicators in the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Qarun. Pesticide residues in freshwater fish should be the primary focus of evaluation of environmental stressor concentrations, since they serve as bioindicators at different times and places on a spatiotemporal scale. A thorough analysis of suggestive biochemical biomarker reactions should also be conducted. The effects of environmental stressors, specifically pesticide contamination in Qarun Lake, have been observed and investigated in relation to two fish species: Solea aejabtiaca and Oreochronis niloticus. The results of a hazard assessment conducted at six sampling sites using spatio-temporal data revealed elevated mean values for the pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids that were detected. A multi biomarker approach facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of stress responses induced by exposure to pollutants. As a result, the activities of the biochemical biomarkers CYP-450, GST, GSH, and LDH in the blood and liver of fish samples were found to be notably elevated. The suitability of the identified variables for biomonitoring of aquatic pollution was validated, and the data unveiled variations in sensitivity among species, implying that Nile tilapia could potentially function as a bioindicator with high sensitivity. The findings were correlated with the concentrations of detrimental organochlorines, organophosphorus, and pyrethroids in the muscles and gills. The data indicates that pollutants linked to agricultural wastes, runoff, and municipal effluent may be discharged into the lake ecosystem. Consequently, to safeguard the environment, it is essential to enforce and implement policies, acts, and regulations that already exist. Assessing the effects of additional environmental stressors on aquatic ecosystems is another way in which biomarker screening with an integrative approach improves our comprehension of how toxicants impact various levels of biological organization and is particularly useful in realistic environmental exposure scenarios.

Background:Coccidiosis is one of the most economically significant poultry diseases worldwide, caused by the pathogenic Eimeria species, and is characterized by decreased weight gain (WG) and failure to grow due to malabsorption, low feed conversion rate, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. Aim:This study investigated the effectiveness of licorice root extract (LRE) in controlling cecal coccidiosis to determine whether its combination with maduramicin could help alleviate the pathological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of cecal coccidiosis in Sasso broiler chicks. Methods:A total of 125 one-day-old Sasso broiler chicks were categorized into five equal groups (n = 25), each consisting of five replicates (n = 5 per replicate). G1-LE received a basal diet supplemented with LRE (3 g/kg); G2-ME received a basal diet containing maduramycin (0.5 g/kg); and G3-LME received a basal diet containing LRE and maduramicin together with the same rates. G4-E (positive control) and G5-N (negative control) received no additives in their feed. Birds in groups (G1-4) were challenged on day 14 of the experiment by orally intercropping a 1 ml suspension of Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts. Results:Groups of birds fed on LRE and maduramicin separately or together appeared to be in good condition where no deaths or clinical abnormalities were observed, based on the analysis of clinicopathological examination. Compared with the G4-E positive control, the dropping scoring and oocyst shedding of groups G1-LE, G2-ME, and G3-LME along the 10th-day post-challenge (dpc), as well as macroscopic and microscopic lesions scoring at the 7th dpc, was considerably lower. The dual supplementation use of LRE and maduramicin in G3-LME's reduced the harmful effects of coccidian, which appeared only as a mononuclear cellular infiltration and a small number of oocysts invading the intestinal glands. Molecular docking revealed that LRE and maduramicin interacted with E. tenella DNA polymerase, E. tenella apical membrane antigen 1, and microneme protein binding sites resulting in reduced E. tenella replication and invasion. Conclusion:The inclusion of LRE and maduramicin, individually or in combination, in the diet might effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of coccidiosis.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of a B-cell tumor called enzootic bovine leukosis. Preventing BLV spreading is required to reduce economic loss related to BLV infection of livestock. To quantify proviral load (PVL) more easily and rapidly, we developed a quantification system of PVL using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). This method uses a multiplex TaqMan assay of the BLV provirus and housekeeping gene RPP30 for the quantification of BLV in BLV-infected cells. Furthermore, we combined ddPCR with DNA purification-free sample preparation (unpurified genomic DNA). The percentage of BLV-infected cells based on unpurified genomic DNA was highly correlated with that based on purified genomic DNA (correlation coefficient: 0.906). Thus, this new technique is a suitable method to quantify PVL of BLV-infected cattle in a large sample number.

While pathogen-level quantification is an important diagnostic of disease severity and transmissibility, disease-related host biomarkers are also useful in predicting outcomes in infectious diseases. In this study, we demonstrate that combined proviral load (PVL) and host biomarker diagnostics can be used to detect bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection, which has a negative economic impact on the cattle industry.

A combined host biomarker and pathogen diagnosis provides insight into disease progression risk and contributes to appropriate clinical decision-making regarding prevention and treatment. In preventive veterinary medicine, such combined diagnosis could improve risk-based livestock herd management. We developed a single-well based test for combined diagnosis of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and bovine MHC (BoLA)-DRB3 alleles. A fourplex droplet digital PCR method targeting the BLV pol gene, BLV-susceptible DRB3*016:01 allele, resistant DRB3*009:02 allele, and housekeeping RPP30 gene (IPATS-BLV) successfully measured the percentage of BLV-infected cells and determined allele types precisely. Furthermore, it discriminated homozygous from heterozygous carriers. Using this method to determine the impact of carrying these alleles on the BLV proviral load (PVL), we found DRB3*009:02-carrying cattle could suppress the PVL to a low or undetectable level, even with the presence of a susceptible allele. Although the population of DRB3*016:01-carrying cattle showed significantly higher PVLs when compared with cattle carrying other alleles, their individual PVLs were highly variable. Because of the simplicity and speed of this single-well assay, IPATS could be a suitable platform for the combined diagnosis of host biomarkers and pathogens in a wide range of other systems.

Enzootic bovine leukosis is a lethal neoplastic disease caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV), belongs to family Retroviridae. The BLV proviral load (PVL) represents the quantity of BLV genome that has integrated into the host’s genome in BLV-infected cells. Bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) class II allelic polymorphisms are associated with PVLs in BLV-infected cattle. We sought to identify relationships between BoLA-DRB3 allelic heterozygosity and BLV PVLs among different cattle breeds. Blood samples from 598 BLV-infected cattle were quantified to determine their PVLs by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results were confirmed by a BLV-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction identified 22 BoLA-DRB3 alleles. Multivariate negative binomial regression modeling was used to test for associations between BLV PVLs and BoLA-DRB3 alleles. BoLA-DRB3.2*3, *7, *8, *11, *22, *24, and *28 alleles were significantly associated with low PVLs. BoLA-DRB3.2*10 was significantly associated with high PVLs. Some heterozygous allele combinations were associated with low PVLs (*3/*28, *7/*8, *8/*11, *10/*11, and *11/*16); others were associated with high PVLs (*1/*41, *10/*16, *10/*41, *16/*27, and *22/*27). Interestingly, the BoLA-DRB3.2*11 heterozygous allele was always strongly and independently associated with low PVLs. This is the first reported evidence of an association between heterozygous allelic combinations and BLV PVLs.

As genetically resistant individuals, the "elite controllers" (ECs) of human immunodeficiency virus infection have been focused on as the keys to developing further functional treatments in medicine. In the livestock production field, identifying the ECs of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in cattle is desired to stop BLV transmission chains on farms. Cattle carrying the bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3*009:02 allele (DRB3*009:02) have a strong possibility of being BLV ECs. Most of cattle carrying this allele maintain undetectable BLV proviral loads and do not shed virus even when infected. BLV ECs can act as transmission barriers when placed between uninfected and infected cattle in a barn. To identify cattle carrying DRB3*009:02 in large populations more easily, we developed a pooled testing system. It employs a highly sensitive, specific real-time PCR assay and TaqMan MGB probes (DRB3*009:02-TaqMan assay). Using this system, we determined the percentage of DRB3*009:02-carrying cattle on Kyushu Island, Japan. Our pooled testing system detected cattle carrying the DRB3*009:02 allele from a DNA pool containing one DRB3*009:02-positive animal and 29 cattle with other alleles. Its capacity is sufficient for herd-level screening for DRB3*009:02-carrying cattle. The DRB3*009:02-TaqMan assay showed high-discriminative sensitivity and specificity toward DRB3*009:02, making it suitable for identifying DRB3*009:02-carrying cattle in post-screening tests on individuals. We determined that the percentage of DRB3*009:02-carrying cattle in Kyushu Island was 10.56%. With its ease of use and reliable detection, this new method strengthens the laboratory typing for DRB3*009:02-carrying cattle. Thus, our findings support the use of BLV ECs in the field.

A cross-sectional study was used to identify and assess prevalence and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Escherichia coli and other enterobacteria isolated from healthy wildlife and livestock cohabiting at a 10,000 acres game ranch near Lusaka, Zambia. Purposive sampling was used to select wildlife and livestock based on similarities in behavior, grazing habits and close interactions with humans. Isolates (n = 66) from fecal samples collected between April and August 2018 (n = 84) were examined following modified protocols for bacteria isolation, biochemical identification, molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using R software, Genetyx ver.12 and Mega 6. Using Applied Profile Index 20E kit for biochemical identification, polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing, sixty-six isolates were identified to species level, of which Escherichia coli (72.7%, 48/66), E. fergusonii (1.5%, 1/66), Shigella sonnei (22.7%, 14/66), Sh. flexinerri (1.5%, 1/66) and Enterobacteriaceae bacterium (1.5%, 1/66), and their relationships were illustrated in a phylogenetic tree. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance or intermediate sensitivity expression to at least one antimicrobial agent was detected in 89.6% of the E. coli, and 73.3% of the Shigella isolates. The E. coli isolates exhibited the highest resistance rates to ampicillin (27%), ceftazidime (14.3%), cefotaxime (9.5%), and kanamycin (9.5%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 18.8% of E. coli isolates while only 13.3% Shigella isolates showed MDR. The MDR was detected among isolates from impala and ostrich (wild animals in which no antimicrobial treatment was used), and in isolates from cattle, pigs, and goats (domesticated animals). This study indicates the possible transmission of drug-resistant microorganisms between animals cohabiting at the wildlife–livestock interface. It emphasizes the need for further investigation of the role of wildlife in the development and transmission of AMR, which is an issue of global concern.

Enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) is a neoplastic disease of cattle caused by Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV). EBL causes great economic losses, so a fast and reliable diagnostic method is critical for understanding the status of BLV. This will allow us to control BLV infections efficiently and mitigate economic losses. In this study, we established a direct diagnostic test for BLV using dried blood-spotted filter papers without sample pre-treatment. The study was based on 159 clinical blood specimens collected in EDTA from one farm in Kyushu, Japan. The blood-spotted filter papers were used as the template for direct filter PCR. When an ELISA was used as the diagnostic gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the direct filter PCR were 90.1% and 97.5%, respectively. The kappa value for the direct filter PCR and real-time PCR methods was 0.97. The dried blood samples spotted onto filter papers were stable for at least 10 days at room temperature, even when the samples were from cattle with a low BLV proviral load. Direct filter PCR is a rapid, easy, reliable and cost-effective diagnostic test that directly detects the BLV proviral genome in clinical blood specimens without DNA extraction. Moreover, it simplifies the collection, transportation and storage procedures for clinical blood specimens.

The cattle industry is suffering economic losses caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV)and enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), the clinical condition associated with BLV infection. Thispathogen spreads easily without detection by farmers and veterinarians due to the lack of obviousclinical signs. Cattle movement strongly contributes to the inter-farm transmission of BLV. Thisstudy quantified the farm-level risk of BLV introduction using a cattle movement analysis. Ageneralized linear mixed model predicting the proportion of BLV-infected cattle was constructedbased on weighted in-degree centrality. Our results suggest a positive association between weightedin-degree centrality and the estimated number of introduced BLV-infected cattle. Remarkably, theintroduction of approximately six cattle allowed at least one BLV-infected animal to be added to thefarm in the worst-case scenario. These data suggest a high risk of BLV infection on farms with ahigh number of cattle being introduced. Our findings indicate the need to strengthen BLV controlstrategies, especially along the chain of cattle movement.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV) causes enteritis, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and high mortality in suckling pigs, threatening the swine industry. Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) re-emerged globally in 2013 in many important swine-producing countries in Asia and the Americas. Several studies have identified the risk factors for the spread of PEDV in acute outbreaks. However, limited information is available on the risk factors for the transmission of PEDV in endemic regions. We hypothesized that poor biosecurity, location, and some social or cultural practices are the main risk factors for PEDV transmission in the Vietnamese pig population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential risk factors for the transmission of PEDV in an endemic area in Vietnam. In this case-control study, questionnaires containing 51 questions were completed for 92 PEDV-positive and 95 PEDV-negative farms. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors associated with PEDV infection. Province and the total number of pigs were included as random effects to determine their influence on the risk of PEDV infection. Twenty-nine variables of interest that have been associated with PEDV status were analyzed in a univariate analysis (P<0.20), with backward stepwise selection. Only three of these 29 variables in four models remained significant PEDV risk factors in the final model: farrow-to-wean production type, distance from the farm to the slaughterhouse (<1,000 m), and the presence of chickens on site (P<0.05). This is the first study to identify the main risk factors for PEDV infection in an endemic area. Our findings suggest that hygiene measures should be strictly implemented on farms for the effective control and prevention of PEDV infection.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) footprint has spread across the globe and is responsible for one of the most economically important diseases in cattle. In Japan, some regional surveillance and preventive measures to control bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) have been implemented. However, BVDV infection is poorly understood in cattle industries, and there is no systematic BVD surveillance system and control program. Kyushu is the center for raising beef cattle in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the BVDV infection using a slaughterhouse survey among beef cattle in Kyushu, Japan. A total of 1,075 blood samples were collected at two regional slaughterhouses in Miyazaki prefecture from December 2015 to June 2016. Antigen ELISA was used for detection of BVDV antigen in blood samples. Two samples showed positive results (2/1,075; 0.18%). BVDV RNA was extracted from positive blood samples; the sequence was determined and analyzed by the neighbor-joining method for construction of the phylogenetic tree. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 5'-UTR revealed that the two positive samples were grouped into the same subtype BVDV-1b in the BVDV-1 genotype, but the infected cattle belonged to two different farms. In conclusion, this is the first study to identify the presence of BVDV in a slaughterhouse survey in Kyushu. These findings suggest that a slaughterhouse survey is a useful tool for developing a surveillance system for monitoring infectious diseases in cattle.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks engender a severe economic impact on the poultry industry and public health. Migratory waterfowl are considered the natural hosts of HPAI virus, and HPAI viruses are known to be transmitted over long distances during seasonal bird migration. Bird migration is greatly affected by the weather. Many studies have shown the relationship between either autumn or spring bird migration and climate. However, few studies have shown the relationship between annual bird migration and annual weather. This study aimed to establish a model for the number of migratory waterfowl involved in HPAI virus transmission based on meteorological data. From 136 species of waterfowl that were observed at Futatsudate in Miyazaki, Japan, from 2008 to 2016, we selected potential high-risk species that could introduce the HPAI virus into Miyazaki and defined them as 'risky birds'. We also performed cluster analysis to select meteorological factors. We then analysed the meteorological data and the total number of risky birds using a generalised linear mixed model. We selected 10 species as risky birds: Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern pintail (Anas acuta), Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope), Eurasian teal (Anas crecca), Common pochard (Aythya ferina), Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), Northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), Common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) and Herring gull (Larus argentatus). We succeeded in clustering 35 meteorological factors into four clusters and identified three meteorological factors associated with their migration: (1) the average daily maximum temperature; (2) the mean value of global solar radiation and (3) the maximum daily precipitation. We thus demonstrated the relationship between the number of risky birds and meteorological data. The dynamics of migratory waterfowl was relevant to the risk of an HPAI outbreak, and our data could contribute to cost and time savings in strengthening preventive measures against epidemics.