Matrine and related quinolizidine alkaloids are naturally occurring constituents of Sophora species increasingly used as botanical pesticides, particularly in Asia. Due to their potential transfer into food commodities, including honey, these substances have recently attracted increasing attention from regulatory authorities. The European Union (EU) has encouraged monitoring of matrine and oxymatrine as they appear among compounds frequently detected in honey.This study presents the development and full validation of a targeted LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of matrine and oxymatrine in honey, carried out in accordance with SANTE/11312/2021 performance criteria. The method exhibited robust analytical characteristics, including excellent linearity, recoveries ranging from 76% to 90%, precision with RSDr < 12%, high specificity, and a limit of quantification of 0.010 mg/kg. These parameters confirm its suitability for reliable determination of these quinolizidine alkaloids in honey.The validated method was applied to 135 honey samples of Italian, EU, and non‑EU origin. Matrine and oxymatrine were detected at trace concentrations in two blended EU/non‑EU samples, while no residues were found in samples of exclusively Italian and EU origin. The dataset provides new occurrence information for these alkaloids and underscores the importance of systematic monitoring within food composition studies and official control frameworks.

Minimising honey bee colony losses requires healthy colonies. An important contributor to maintaining good colony health and vitality is effective colony management, but individual beekeepers vary greatly in their knowledge and application of optimal management practices. Beekeepers become knowledgeable through the acquisition of reliable information, but whilst there are many available information sources for the beekeepers, these vary greatly in quality. The COLOSS B-RAP (Bridging Research and Practice) group, a Core Project of the COLOSS (prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes) honey bee research association, studies the means for the effective transfer of the latest beekeeping knowledge from scientists and extension workers to practising beekeepers. A purpose-designed questionnaire was used in an international online survey, translated and published by volunteer national coordinators, to collect data on the information sources preferred and most used by the beekeepers, in order to understand the best means for communication and beekeeping education. The study covered 71 countries and received 11,351 responses, mainly from Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America. It was found that knowledge acquisition differed significantly according to various beekeeper characteristics, with the most influential factors being continent, beekeeper age, beekeeping experience and beekeeping education. The results demonstrate the necessity for researchers and beekeeping advisors to diversify their usage of information channels so that a majority of the beekeeping community can access important new bee research results.

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) play a fundamental role in both natural and agricultural ecosystems through the pollination services they provide, contributing substantially to global biodiversity, crop production, food security, and ecosystem stability [...]

Monofloral honey is valued for its distinctive botanical origin, yet authenticating this origin remains challenging due to the different honeys' complex chemical compositions and potential adulteration. The purpose of this research was to apply non-targeted liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) combined with a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to classify Italian monofloral honey samples from different botanical sources. To this aim, 245 honey samples of different botanical origins (acacia, citrus, eucalyptus, linden, sulla, chestnut) and honey-dew collected from Italian beekeepers taking part in the “Tre Gocce d'Oro” competition held in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were analyzed. During the competition, the authenticity of the honey samples was verified by sensory and physicochemical analyses.A set of 70 samples was analyzed by LC-HRMS and used as training set to build a classification model based on LASSO. The classifier, built on 16 metabolite features selected by LASSO as predictors to classify the honey samples, achieved 98.9% accuracy in internal cross-validation and accuracy above 90% across five separate external validation sets, each consisting of 35 samples (175 samples in total).These results demonstrate that LC-HRMS profiling with LASSO is a reliable tool for determining the botanical origin of monofloral honey, supporting quality control in the honey market.

The health, behavior, and physiology of honeybees and other pollinators are critical areas of research with profound implications for biodiversity, agriculture, and ecosystem stability [...]

The dog-handler dyad plays a pivotal role in animal assisted interventions (AAIs). This dyad is ideally composed by two highly trained individuals, capable of mutual understanding. Recent research has highlighted the importance of behavioral and relational factors such as personality and the dog-handler relationship in the dynamics of AAIs. In this exploratory study, the personality traits and relationship profiles of 23 Italian AAIs dog-handler dyads were examined, with the aim of exploring associations among these factors. Data were collected through validated questionnaires: the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (CBARQ) for dog personality, the Cat/Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (C/DORS) for the dog-handler relationship, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) for handler personality traits (Big Five), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for handler anxiety. Scores derived from the questionnaires were analyzed using correlation tests, Sparse Principal Component Analysis (SPCA) to identify latent dimensions, and cluster analysis to explore patterns across dog-handler dyads. No significant correlations were observed between the personality traits of the dogs and their handlers. Conversely, significant associations emerged among handlers' personality traits and anxiety, and between these human factors and the dog-handler relationship. The SPCA identified four principal components (PC). PC1 focused on relational aspects (handler agreeableness, emotional closeness, and dog-owner interaction); PC2 on dog personality traits (non-social fear, dog-directed aggression, and separation-related behaviors); PC3 mainly on handler personality traits and anxiety (neuroticism, anxiety, and, to a lesser extent, dog's stranger-directed aggression/fear); and PC4 on dog territoriality, protective behaviors, and excitability. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct dyad profiles, one characterized by higher relational scores (PC1), and another by higher scores across the remaining components. Despite the limited sample size, which precludes the generalization of the results, this exploratory analysis provides initial evidence of an interplay between handler personality traits/anxiety and their perceived relationship with the dog. These findings suggest the importance of considering the dynamics between both members of the dyad, offering preliminary insights toward optimizing the welfare of AAIs dog-handler dyads.

Therapy dogs involved in animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can be a valuable support for individuals with physical or psychological difficulties. The effectiveness of the intervention is influenced by the functioning of the dog-handler dyad. In Italy, handlers who have completed the requisite training are registered on the 'Digital Pet' platform. This study aimed to construct a general profile of the Italian population of therapy dogs and handlers and to investigate the mechanisms underlying the dog-handler relationship. We administered a survey to the handlers registered on Digital Pet. The survey included information on the dyad, an Italian translation of the C/ DORS to assess the relationship between the dog and the owner (in this case, the handler), and of the C-BARQ to assess the dog's personality. The data from both questionnaires were subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Subsequently, factor scores were calculated for each dog-handler dyad and then tested across a series of background variables, including the dog's age, sex, weight, origin, and breed. In conclusion, the correlations between the C-BARQ and C/DORS factors were calculated. A total of 240 respondents were obtained from the 809 handlers who were contacted. EFA identified 14 factors for the C-BARQ and six factors for the C/DORS, which differs from other studies. As expected, the examined cohort of therapy dogs exhibited minimal scores and limited variability for the C-BARQ factors pertaining to behavioral issues, including 'Owner-directed aggression', 'Stranger-directed aggression', and 'Territoriality'. Conversely, the highest median value was observed for the 'Attachment/attention seeking' factor. With regard to the C/DORS, the factor designated 'Perceived costs' exhibited the lowest median scores, while the highest median value was observed for the factor designated 'Perceived emotional closeness - emotional support'. Weak correlations were identified between the factors of the two questionnaires. Moreover, the age and weight of the dog was found to affect some factor scores of both questionnaires. Additionally, specific factors of the C-BARQ were found to be affected by the breed, origin and sex/neuter status of the dog. These preliminary results are part of a multimodal analysis of the dog personality and dog-handler relationship. Further investigation will be conducted through behavioral and hormonal observations, with the aim of elucidating the factors that contribute to the efficacy of AAI teams.

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are neurotropic mosquito-borne orthoflaviviruses maintained in an enzootic cycle, in which birds are amplifying/reservoir hosts, while humans and equids are dead-end hosts. As northern Italy, especially the Veneto Region, is considered an endemic area for WNV and USUV circulation, a surveillance plan based on a One Health approach has been implemented since 2008. This work reports the results of entomological, veterinary and human surveillances for WNV and USUV in the Veneto Region in 2022 and 2023, through virological and/or serological examinations. In 2022, 531 human WNV infections were recorded, and 93,213 mosquitoes and 2193 birds were virologically tested, showing infection rates (IRs) of 4.85% and 8.30%, respectively. The surveillance effort in 2023 provided these results: 56 human WNV infections were confirmed, and 133,648 mosquitoes and 1812 birds were virologically tested, showing IRs of 1.78% and 4.69%, respectively. This work highlights the exceptional circulation of WNV in the Veneto Region, due to the new re-introduction of WNV lineage 1 and co-circulation with WNV lineage 2. This paper confirms the efficacy of integrated surveillance for early warning of viral circulation and gives new insights about avian hosts involved in the enzootic cycle of orthoflavivirus in the endemic region of Italy.

Glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most widely used pesticides worldwide, but data on their occurrence in food products, particularly honey, remain limited. The analytical determination of glyphosate, its primary metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and glufosinate ammonium is technically challenging due to their high polarity and distinctive physicochemical properties, requiring the development of dedicated single-residue analytic methods. In this study, honey samples were prepared by derivatizing the target analytes with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl), followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using hydrophilic–lipophilic balanced (HLB) cartridges to improve matrix clean-up and enhance analytical sensitivity. Quantification was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The optimized method was validated according to the SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines, with all parameters, including sensitivity, linearity, mean recovery (accuracy), precision (RSDr), and limit of quantification (LOQ), meeting the required performance criteria. The validated method was applied to 126 honey samples of various botanical origins, representative of Italian production. The results indicated a frequent detection of glyphosate residues, although concentrations were generally low and remain below levels of regulatory concern.

Small hive beetles (Aethina tumida, Coleoptera: Nitidulidae; SHB) are invasive parasites of bee nests that have spread to all habitable continents since 1996, causing significant damage to apiculture. This paper documents a decade of successful SHB eradication and containment applied in some regions of southern Italy. After the first detection of SHB in Italy in September 2014 in Gioia Tauro, Calabria region, and subsequent detection in Sicily in November 2014, intensive surveillance and eradication efforts were promptly initiated. These measures, including the destruction of infested apiaries, the establishment of protection and surveillance zones, and continuous monitoring through sentinel nuclei, have effectively contained the spread of SHB. No further SHB outbreaks have been detected in Sicily since 2019, and the pest remains confined to a limited area in Calabria region. The successful containment and eradication in Italy emphasize the importance of early detection, prompt action, and continuous adjustment of measures in response to the evolving epidemiological situation. The data suggest that the flight of adult SHBs and the use of hosts other than managed honeybees play a minor role in the spread of the beetle. This case represents an effective model for management of this invasive species, highlighting the critical roles of stakeholder engagement, regulatory support, and financial compensation for affected beekeepers.

Nowadays, talking about animal adoption requires addressing several aspects that are inherent to this field, which collectively influence the outcome of the adoption process to varying extents. This outcome ultimately concerns the quality of the relationship that established through the adoption process between the adopter and the adopted animal, and then between the latter and their social context of life. However, the path of human-animal adoption, as a novel way through which humans choose to relate to domesticated animals, and which has its origins in the domestication process, raises numerous bioethical challenges. Among these challenges are issues related to the initial search for the desired animal, the motivations driving such choices, and the subsequent day-to-day management of the adopted animal. The adopter’s assumption of both legal and moral responsibility must, first and foremost, be supported by an operational system underpinning the adoption framework, in which all stakeholders contribute with ethical expertise. This article aims to examine several key points that are particularly relevant in establishing, at least partially, a bioethics-based framework for promoting a conscientious and responsible adoption process. Such a framework should foster the development of human-animal relationships that safeguard the well-being of both species, closely interconnected yet fundamentally distinct.

Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are attracting interest as potential measures for dog welfare and human-dog interactions. The potential for detection and measurement of these two neuropeptides in canine saliva provides a viable alternative to more invasive collection methods. This scoping review aims to analyse the scientific literature measuring salivary OT and AVP in dogs, the methods employed, and the areas of research. A comprehensive search was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest platforms, yielding a selection of peer-reviewed, primary research studies that specifically measured dog salivary OT and/or AVP. The final selection comprised 16 articles from 2017 to 2024, offering insights into the methods employed for the collection, processing, and analysis of dog saliva samples. The findings highlighted significant variability in OT and AVP salivary concentrations, which also depended on the methods employed. The research areas of the included articles were primarily linked to the social and maternal behaviour spheres. This study draws from extant research to present an overview of the challenges associated with measuring salivary OT and AVP in dogs. It provides a comprehensive picture of this multifaceted issue, which is crucial for accurately interpreting these peptides as indicators of dog welfare.

This study, conducted jointly by diagnostic institutes from Italy and the Republic of Ko-sovo/Albania, aimed to determine the occurrence of relevant infectious and parasitic agents (IPAs) in managed honeybees from these geographical areas to assess the overall health status of local apiaries. Paenibacillus larvae, Melissococcus plutonius, Nosema ceranae, Nosema apis, acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), deformed wing virus variants DWV-A and DWV-B, and the para-sitoid flies Megaselia scalaris and Senotainia tricuspis were detected by quantitative poly-merase chain reaction (qPCR) and reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) in clinically healthy adult honeybees collected from 131 and 56 apiaries in the Abruzzo and Molise re-gions of Central Italy in 2022 and 2023, respectively, from 140 apiaries in the Republic of Kosovo and 18 in Albania in 2022, and from 66 apiaries in the Republic of Kosovo in 2023. The percentages of positive samples and abundance levels for N. ceranae, P. larvae and DWV-B were significantly higher in the Republic of Kosovo and Albania, while the per-centages of samples positive for M. plutonius, CBPV, DWV-A, and the parasitoid flies were higher in Central Italy. Additionally, P. larvae and some viruses showed significantly dif-ferent occurrence rates between the two years in Italy and the Republic of Kosovo. The co-occurrence of IPAs also differed between the two geographic areas. Their varying dis-tribution could depend on epidemiological dynamics, climatic factors, and management practices specific to each country, whose relative impact should be defined to guide tar-geted interventions to reduce honeybee mortality.

American foulbrood is an infectious disease of the honeybee brood that causes multiple types of damage to beekeeping. The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, which forms resistant infective spores and is viable for decades. After the eradication measures have been implemented, in cases of clinically visible disease, it is necessary to conduct effective final disinfections of equipment and tools. This study aimed to determine the effect of ten commercially available and commonly used disinfectants on certified strains of P. larvae under laboratory conditions, as well as to compare the obtained results among individual genotypes of P. larvae. Selected products were tested by determining the zone of inhibition using an agar diffusion test, a suspension test for viable bacteria, a surface disinfectant test, and a sporicidal effect in the suspension test. Incidin OxyFoam S and Sekusept Aktiv are both effective against all examined genotypes of P. larvae. Despadac and Despadac Secure have a bactericidal effect, but their sporocidal effect is not as satisfactory as that of Genox. Genoll does not exhibit a sporicidal effect, and Ecocide S at 1%, Bee protect H forte, and Bee protect F did not exhibit a satisfactory sporocidal effect. Additionally, EM® PROBIOTIC FOR BEES did not exhibit any bactericidal effect. The effective application of control measures and proper application of final disinfection can reduce the reoccurrence of visible clinical signs of disease, whereas methods of early diagnosis can significantly reduce the incidence of the disease.

Human-dog interaction is the working tool through which the therapeutic, educational and recreational goals of dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) are achieved. A better understanding of the characteristics of this interaction could improve the effectiveness of DAIs. This scoping review addresses the question: how has the human-dog connection been measured in the context of DAIs? After searching the Web of Science and Scopus platforms, only peer-reviewed, primary research studies reporting measures of therapy dog-human interaction, relationship and bond were included. A total of 70 included articles provided information on what was measured (interaction, relationship or bond) and how, as well as the general context (DAIs or experimental situations with therapy dogs). While the majority of the articles identified use behavioural analysis methods to analyse the interaction between the participant/recipient and the therapy dog during DAIs, it was possible to identify some more structured tools that assess the participant/recipient's interaction, relationship or bond with the therapy dog, as well as tools that consider the animal's perspective or focus on the dog-handler dyad, indicating growing areas of research. The tools and methods identified can be used by both practitioners and researchers to further explore aspects of human-dog interaction in the field of DAIs.

Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is a Apis mellifera viral infectious disease, exhibiting dark and hairless abdomen in workers with tremors and ataxita. Clinical signs are also typically linked to adverse weather conditions and overcrowding in the hive. The disease occurs in spring but recently it has been observed cases increase and seasonality loss of the disease incidence. This study analyses the evolution of CBPV in Italy, through data collected from 2009 to 2023 within three monitoring projects comprising nationwide extended detection networks, aimed to investigate the evolution of the CBPV spatial distribution, identifying high-risk areas for the virus spread. This study highlights an increased risk over years. Prevalence increased from 4.3% during 2009-2010 to 84.7% during 2021-2023 monitoring years. CBPV outbreaks were irregular between investigated seasons, highlighting Spring and Autumn as the most susceptible seasons. Risk of CBPV infection has increased, reaching high-risk in last years of monitoring. Sequence analysis showed a high similarity to other isolated Italian CBPVs. The study offers an epidemiological insight into the aetiology of this disease. CBPV distribution is a prerequisite to predict its future spread and factors involved in its propagation not only in honey bees but also in other pollinators and environments.

Oral melanoma (OM) is the most common malignant oral tumour among dogs and shares similarities with human mucosal melanoma (HMM), validating the role of canine species as an immunocompetent model for cancer research. In both humans and dogs, the prognosis is poor and radiotherapy (RT) represents a cornerstone in the management of this tumour, either as an adjuvant or a palliative treatment. In this study, by means of RNA-seq, the effect of RT weekly fractionated in 9 Gray (Gy), up to a total dose of 36 Gy (4 weeks), was evaluated in eight dogs affected by OM. Furthermore, possible transcriptomic differences in blood and biopsies that might be associated with a longer overall survival (OS) were investigated. The immune response, glycosylation, cell adhesion, and cell cycle were the most affected pathways by RT, while tumour microenvironment (TME) composition and canonical and non-canonical WNT pathways appeared to be modulated in association with OS. Taking these results as a whole, this study improved our understanding of the local and systemic effect of RT, reinforcing the pivotal role of anti-tumour immunity in the control of canine oral melanoma (COM).

Abstract Background Oriental hornets are large predatory hymenoptera that occur in the southern part of Asia and the southeastern Mediterranean. Among many pests of bee colonies, Vespa orientalis was recorded to be one of the most destructive. Objectives The aim of this study was to: (1) monitor the presence of pathogens carried by V. orientalis that could potentially threaten honey bees and public health; (2) describe the hornet's predatory behavior on honey bee colonies and (3) collect the medical history of a V. orientalis sting suffered by a 36‐year‐old woman. Methods Observations of V. orientalis predatory behavior and the catches of hornets for parasitological and microbiological examination, using molecular and bacteriological analyses, were carried out in three experimental apiaries, both in spring in order to capture the foundress queens and during the summer to capture the workers. Furthermore, the medical history and photographic documentation of a V. orientalis sting suffered by a 36‐year‐old woman have been collected. Results The results obtained highlight that V. orientalis is capable of causing serious damage to beekeeping by killing bees, putting under stress the honey bee colonies and by potentially spreading honey bee pathogens among apiaries. These hornets may also become a public health concern, since they are capable of inflicting multiple, painful stings on humans. Conclusions Only the development of an Integrated Management Control Program will be able to contain the negative effects of anomalous population growth and the potentially negative impact on honey bees and public health of V. orientalis.

Traceability is a cornerstone of sustainable honey production and consumption. Honey fraud and a lack of traceability have been recently highlighted by the European Commission. Innovative systems aimed at guaranteeing food safety ’from farm to fork’ and improved controls are highly recommended. Within the framework of the BPRACTICES project, part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, and the ERA-Net SusAn initiative—focused on Sustainable Animal Production Systems—an advanced traceability system has been developed. This system utilizes QR code and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, along with a user-friendly web application, to facilitate direct interactions between producers and consumers. Despite existing research, studies on the information needs of Italian consumers regarding honey and its traceability remain limited. Understanding these needs is vital for creating effective communication strategies that enhance consumer satisfaction and trust. This study aims to identify the needs of Italian consumers’ honey during the purchasing and consumption decisions. To explore consumer perceptions, behaviors, expectations, and needs regarding honey, we employed diverse social research methodologies, including a quantitative online survey, paper-and-pencil interviews, and focus groups. The results of this study indicate a robust demand for more information on honey’s origin, production processes, and beekeeping practices, aligning with the recent EU Directive 2024/1438, which mandates clear labeling. Italian consumers would be willing to pay a premium for honey that offers detailed information about production practices and transparency. The positive reception of QR code technology by consumers suggests a growing openness to digital tools that enhance transparency and access to information. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the need for the beekeeping sector to adopt sustainable practices, improve traceability systems, and actively engage with consumers to foster trust and ensure long-term viability in the honey market. By addressing these information needs, the sector can align itself with increasing consumer demand for quality, sustainability, and transparency.