Recent advances in veterinary diagnostic oncology have significantly improved neoplasia detection in animals, including zoo, exotic, and wildlife species. Emerging technologies including liquid biopsies, proteomics, metabolomics, artificial-intelligence enhanced imaging, and novel histopathology methods such as microscopy with ultraviolet surface excitation, and fluorescence imitating brightfield imaging enable faster, minimally invasive, and accurate diagnosis. These tools complement traditional cytology and histopathology techniques, improving prognosis and treatment outcomes. While validation across diverse species remains ongoing, these innovations hold great promise for enhancing neoplasia detection, prognosis and management in veterinary medicine, especially in species where rapid diagnosis can be critical for long-term survival and health outcomes.

Sepsis is a main cause of death in neonatal foals. While the syndrome is not completely understood, sepsis is a dysregulated inflammatory response of the host to infection. It can be difficult to diagnose because of varying and non-specific clinical signs and imperfect diagnostic tests. Increased circulating nucleosome levels have been detected in humans and animals with sepsis, but this has not been documented in foals. Nucleosomes are released extracellularly during neutrophil extracellular trap formation, as well as from damaged and dead cells. We analysed plasma samples from clinically healthy (n = 16), sick non-septic (n = 31) and septic (n = 36) foals using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that targeted nucleosomes. Septic foals with evidence of hypoperfusion and/or organ dysfunction were classified as severe sepsis (n = 24). The main objective was to determine if nucleosome levels were increased in foals with sepsis, particularly those with severe sepsis.Our data identified that nucleosome levels in foals with severe sepsis on the day of study entry were increased significantly compared to all other foals. There was not a significant difference in nucleosome levels between sick non-septic or clinically healthy foals. Foal groups were not age-matched and factors associated with the clinical nature of the study may have affected the results. Further research with larger numbers of foals of similar ages, would be necessary to determine if the analysis of nucleosomes and related biomarkers are helpful adjuncts for the assessment and understanding of equine neonatal sepsis.

Rotavirus A is a leading cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis in humans and domesticated animals. Despite the vast diversity of bovine Rotavirus A strains documented in South Asian countries, there are very few whole genomes available for phylogenetic study. A cross-sectional study identified a high prevalence of the G6P[11] genotype of bovine Rotavirus A circulating in the commercial cattle population in Bangladesh. Next-generation sequencing and downstream phylogenetic analysis unveiled all 11 complete gene segments of this strain (BD_ROTA_CVASU), classifying it under the genomic constellation G6P[11]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A13-N2-T6-E2-H3, which belongs to a classical DS-1-like genomic backbone. We found strong evidence of intragenic recombination between human and bovine strains in the Non-structural protein 4 (NSP4) gene, which encodes a multifunctional enterotoxin. Our analyses highlight frequent zoonotic transmissions of rotaviruses in diverse human-animal interfaces, which might have contributed to the evolution and pathogenesis of this dominant genotype circulating in the commercial cattle population in Bangladesh.

Background: Birds are known to harbour many pathogens, including circovirus, herpesviruses, adenoviruses and Chlamydia psittaci. Some of these pose zoonotic risks, while others, such as beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), have a significant impact on the conservation of endangered bird species. Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the faecal virome of a group of apparently healthy Monk parakeet using high-throughput sequencing. Methods: Fresh faecal samples were collected from four Monk parakeets at a pet shop in Melbourne, Australia. Virus enrichment and nucleic acid extraction were performed on the faecal samples, followed by high-throughput sequencing at the Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF). Results: Utilising an established pipeline for high-throughput sequencing data analysis, this study revealed the presence of three viruses of the families Circoviridae, Parvoviridae and Adenoviridae. Subsequent sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses further confirmed that the detected viruses belong to the genera Chaphamaparvovirus (unassigned species), Circovirus (species Circovirus parrot) and Siadenovirus (species Siadenovirus viridis). Conclusion: Despite non-pathogenicity, the existence of multiple viruses within a bird species underscores the risk of these viruses spreading into the pet trade. Detection and a better understanding of avian viruses are crucial for the establishment of appropriate management and biosecurity measures in the domestic and international bird trade, which ultimately supports the conservation of vulnerable bird species.

Management of diarrhoea in horses is usually non-specific and supportive. Faecal microbiota transplantations (FMT) are used to manage dysbiosis in horses with diarrhoea. There are few studies investigating the effects of storage on prepared FMT solutions. This study was an in vitro non-randomised controlled experiment that investigated the effects of FMT solution preparation and storage on the faecal microbiota. Fresh faeces were collected from five healthy adult horses and used for DNA extraction and preparation of FMT. From each FMT, seven aliquots were collected and DNA was extracted immediately after FMT preparation (0 hr), after storage at 4 degrees C for 24, 48 or 72 hours, and after storage at -20 degrees C for 7 days, 14 days or 28 days. The extracted DNA was used for 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. The relative abundance, alpha diversity and beta diversity between fresh faeces and FMT 0 hr showed no differences (P >= 0.05). There were minimal changes in the microbiota of FMT stored at 4 degrees C for up to 72 hours and -20 degrees C for up to 28 days. The results of this study indicate that preparation of equine FMT solution has minimal effect on the microbiota in comparison to fresh faeces. FMT solution can be stored at 4 degrees C for up to 3 days and -20 degrees C for 28 days without major change in microbiota.

Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of the venereal disease trichomoniasis which infects men and women globally and is associated with serious outcomes during pregnancy and cancers of the human reproductive tract. Trichomonads parasitize a range of hosts in addition to humans including birds, livestock, and domesticated animals. Recent genetic analysis of trichomonads recovered from columbid birds has provided evidence that these parasite species undergo frequent host-switching, and that a current epoch spillover event from columbids likely gave rise to T. vaginalis in humans. We undertook a comparative evolutionary genomics study of seven trichomonad species, generating chromosome-scale reference genomes for T. vaginalis and its avian sister species Trichomonas stableri, and assemblies of five other species that infect birds and mammals. Human-infecting trichomonad lineages have undergone recent and convergent genome size expansions compared to their avian sister species, and the major contributor to their increased genome size is increased repeat expansions, especially multicopy gene families and transposable elements, with genetic drift likely a driver due to relaxed selection. Trichomonads have independently host-switched twice from birds to humans, and genes implicated in the transition to the human host include those associated with host tissue adherence and phagocytosis, extracellular vesicles, and CAZyme virulence factors.

Wild birds harbour a vast diversity of adenoviruses that remain uncharacterised with respect to their genome organisation and evolutionary relatedness within complex host ecosystems. Here, we characterise a novel adenovirus type within Aviadenovirus genus associated with severe necrotising hepatitis in a captive Timneh grey parrot, tentatively named as Timneh grey parrot adenovirus 1 (TpAdV-1). The TpAdV-1 genome is 39,867 bp and encodes 46 putative genes with seven hitherto not described ones. Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses revealed highest nucleotide identity with psittacine adenovirus 1 and psittacine adenovirus 4 that formed a discrete monophyletic clade within Aviadenovirus lineage suggesting a deep host co-divergent lineage within Psittaciformes hosts. Several recombination breakpoints were identified within the TpAdV-1 genome, which highlighted an ancient evolutionary relationship across the genera Aviadenovirus, Mastadenovirus and Atadenovirus. This study hints towards a host-adapted sub-lineage of avian adenovirus capable of having significant host virulence in Psittaciformes birds augmented with ecological opportunity.

Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is an emerging pathogen in domestic dogs, detected in multiple countries in association with varying clinical and pathological presentations including diarrhoea, vasculitis, granulomatous inflammation, and respiratory signs. Understanding the pathology of CanineCV is confounded by the fact that it has been detected in asymptomatic dogs as well as in diseased dogs concurrently infected with known pathogens. Recombinantly expressed self-assembling Virus-like particles (VLPs) lack viral genomic material but imitate the capsid surface conformations of wild type virion, allowing arrays of biological applications including subunit vaccine development and immunodiagnostics. In this study, full length CanineCV capsid gene was expressed in Escherichia coli followed by two-step purification process to yield soluble capsid protein in high concentration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the capsid antigen self-assembled into 17–20 nm VLPs in glutathione S-transferase (GST) buffer, later utilised to develop an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The respective sensitivity and specificity of the proposed iELISA were 94.10

Changes to the faecal microbiota of horses associated with administration of anthelmintic drugs is poorly defined. This study included horses with cyathostomin infection where susceptibility and resistance to oxfendazole and abamectin was known. This study assessed the changes to the faecal microbiota associated with administration of two different anthelmintics in this population. Twenty-four adult horses were included. Faecal egg counts were performed on all horses prior to random allocation into abamectin (n=8), oxfendazole (n=8) or Control groups (n=8) and at Day 14 post treatment. Faecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis prior to anthelmintic administration and on Day 3 and Day 14. From each faecal sample, DNA was extracted prior to PCR amplification, next generation sequencing and analysis using QIIME2. Anthelmintic treatment was associated with changes in alpha diversity (p <0.05), with increased evenness and diversity at Day 14 and increased richness at Day 3 within the abamectin group. Differences in relative abundance of bacteria at the phyla, family and genus taxonomic levels occurred after treatment; indicating that the microbiota was altered with anthelmintic administration. The results support that anthelmintic administration and removal of cyathostomins from the large intestine of horses is associated with changes in the faecal microbiota. The results suggest that removal of cyathostomins is associated with greater differences in microbiota, compared to anthelmintic drug administration that is ineffective in reducing cyathostomin infection. Cyathostomin removal was supported by adequate reduction of faecal egg counts, determined by faecal egg count reduction testing.

We report the first detection and prevalence of Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) in Australia’s Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus). This is a new host for this pervasive pathogen amongst a growing list of non-psittacine species including birds of prey from the orders Accipitriformes (hawks, eagles, kites), Falconiformes (falcons and caracas), and Strigiformes (owls). The Red Goshawk is the first non-psittacine species listed as Endangered to be diagnosed with BFDV. We report an initial case of infection discovered post-mortem in a dead nestling and subsequent surveillance of birds from across northern Australia. We reveal BFDV prevalence rates in a wild raptor population for the first time, with detections in 25% (n = 7/28) of Red Goshawks sampled. Prevalence appears higher in juveniles compared to adults, although not statistically significant, but is consistent with studies of wild psittacines. BFDV genotypes were associated with the Loriinae (lorikeets, budgerigar, and fig parrots), Cacatuini (Cockatoos), and Polytelini (long-tailed parrots) tribes; species which are preyed upon by Red Goshawks. A positive BFDV status may be associated with lower body mass but small sample sizes precluded robust statistical analysis. We postulate the possible impacts of the virus on Red Goshawks and discuss future research priorities given these preliminary observations.

Columbid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CoHV1) is associated with oral or upper respiratory tract lesions, encephalitis, and occasional fatal systemic disease in naive or immunosuppressed pigeons. Clinical disease is often reported with CoHV1 and coinfecting viruses, including pigeon circovirus (PiCV), which may cause host immunosuppression and augment lesion development. A natural outbreak of CoHV1 and PiCV coinfection occurred in a flock of 60 racing rock pigeons (Columba livia), in which 4 pigeons succumbed within 7 d of clinical onset. Lesions included suppurative stomatitis, pharyngitis, cloacitis, meningitis, and tympanitis, with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies consistent with herpesviral infection. In addition, large numbers of botryoid intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were present in the skin, oral mucosa, and bursa of Fabricius, suggestive of circoviral infection, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The concurrent viral load of CoHV1 and PiCV was high in liver, oropharynx, and bursa of Fabricius. We found PiCV in oro-cloacal swabs from 44 of 46 additional birds of variable clinical status, PiCV alone in 23 birds, and coinfection with CoHV1 in 21 birds. Viral copy numbers were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) for both viruses in clinically affected pigeons than in subclinical qPCR-positive birds. The CoHV1-induced lesions might have been exacerbated by concomitant PiCV infection.

Septic synovitis and peritonitis are routinely diagnosed in horses based on clinical examination findings and laboratory assessment of synoviocentesis and abdominocentesis samples, respectively. Diagnosis is difficult in some cases because of an overlap in laboratory results for septic and non-septic inflammation. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is part of the innate immune response against pathogens. Identifying and quantifying NETs, which have not been explored in clinical samples from horses with septic synovitis and peritonitis, to our knowledge, may be helpful in detecting infectious processes. Our main objective was to determine whether NETs could be visualized in septic equine synovial and peritoneal fluid cytology samples using immunofluorescence with antibodies against citrullinated histone H3 (Cit-H3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). We analyzed 9 synovial and 4 peritoneal fluid samples. NET percentages were quantified using a simple counting technique, which is suitable for high-quality, well-preserved, and stained cytospin smears. NETs were evident in all septic samples and were absent in a non-septic sample; NETs were better visualized with Cit-H3 than with MPO immunolabeling. Overall, we believe that there is the potential for NETs and associated markers to be used to investigate and understand septic inflammation in horses.

Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is considered to be genetically diverse, with a relatively small circular single-stranded DNA genome of 2 kb that encodes for a capsid protein (Cap) and a replication initiator protein (Rep). Australasia is known to be the origin of diverse species of the Order Columbiformes, but limited data on the PiCV genome sequence has hindered phylogeographic studies in this species. To fill this gap, this study was conducted to investigate PiCV in 118 characteristic samples from different birds across Australia using PCR and sequencing. Eighteen partial PiCV Rep sequences and one complete PiCV genome sequence were recovered from reservoir and aberrant hosts. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that PiCV circulating in Australia was scattered across three different subclades. Importantly, one subclade dominated within the PiCV sequenced from Australia and Poland, whereas other PiCV sequenced in this study were more closely related to the PiCV sequenced from China, USA and Japan. In addition, PiCV Rep sequences obtained from clinically affected plumed whistling duck, blue billed duck and Australian magpie demonstrated natural spillover of PiCV unveiled host generalist characteristics of the pigeon circovirus. These findings indicate that PiCV genomes circulating in Australia lack host adapted population structure but demonstrate natural spillover infection.

Emerging viral disease is a significant concern with potential consequences for human, animal, and environmental health. Over the past several decades, multiple novel viruses have been found in wildlife species, including birds, and they can pose a threat to vulnerable and endangered species.

TaqMan probe based quantitative polymerase reaction (TaqMan qPCR) is a robust and reliable technique for detecting and quantifying target DNA copies. Quantitative molecular diagnosis of genetically diverse single stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus such as Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) can be challenging owing to difficulties in primer binding or low abundance of template DNA copies in clinical specimens. Several methods have been described for the detection of PiCV, being qPCR the most simple and reliable. As far as is known, two qPCR systems described until now are based on SYBR green. This study reports development and validation of a highly sensitive TaqMan qPCR targeted to Rep for the detection of highly diverse PiCV in pigeon samples with excellent reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity. The limit of detection was determined as low as 2 (two) plasmid copies. Estimations of 100 % specificity and 100 % sensitivity were obtained based on the qPCR results with panel of 60 samples (known PiCV positive, n = 30; known PiCV negative, n = 20; samples positive to Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), n = 5 and samples positive to canine circovirus, n = 5). Co-efficient of variation (CV) for Ct values ranged between 0.27 % and 0.78 % in the same assay and 1.84-2.87 % in different assays.

Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a seabird, wedge-tailed shearwater (Ardenna pacifica). The circular genome has a size of 16,434 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. The study provides a reference mitochondrial genome of wedge-tailed shearwater for further molecular studies.

Circoviruses represent a rapidly expanding group of viruses that infect both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Members are responsible for diseases of veterinary and economic importance, including postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in pigs, and beak and feather disease (BFD) in birds. These viruses are associated with lymphoid depletion and immunosuppressive conditions in infected animals leading to systemic illness. Circoviruses are small nonenveloped DNA viruses containing a single-stranded circular genome, encoding two major proteins: the capsid-associated protein (Cap), comprising the entirety of the viral capsid, and the replication-associated protein (Rep). Cap is the only protein component of the virion and plays crucial roles throughout the virus replication cycle, including viral attachment, cell entry, genome uncoating, and packaging of newly formed viral particles. Rep mediates recognition of replication origin motifs in the viral genome sequence and is responsible for endonuclease activity enabling nicking of the circular DNA and initiation of rolling-circle replication (RCR). Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) was the first circovirus capsid structure to be solved at atomic resolution using X-ray crystallography. The structure revealed an assembly comprising 60 monomeric subunits to form virus-like particles. Each Cap monomer harbors a canonical viral jelly roll domain composed of two, four-stranded antiparallel β-sheets. Crystal structures of two distinct macromolecular assemblies from BFD virus Cap were also resolved at high resolution. In these structures, the exposure of the N-terminal arginine-rich motif, responsible for DNA binding and nuclear localization is reversed. Additional structural investigations have also elucidated a PCV2 type-specific neutralizing epitope, and interaction between the PCV2 capsid and polymers such as heparin. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the structural and functional aspects of circovirus proteins.

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) outbreaks in close quarters such as kennels or shelters can cause substantial case fatality. Thirteen dead Labradors from a secluded kennel of security dogs presented with typical clinical signs and gross pathology of parvovirus infection. Whole genome shotgun sequencing from tissue-extracted genomic DNA detected new CPV-2a as the contributing antigenic variant. Further genotyping using polymerase chain reaction coupled with high-resolution melt assays (PCR-HRM) confirmed new CPV-2a infection in all deceased dogs. PCR-HRM of additional thirty-four clinically suspected dogs suggested that this variant is in wider community circulation, at least in the southeastern part of Bangladesh. We present complete genome sequence of the new CPV-2a variant circulating in the domestic canine population of Bangladesh.

Background Veterinary registration processes, including disclosure of disability or misconduct, vary across jurisdictions in Australasia, and there is currently no clear mechanism for the communication of registration requirements to prospective or current students. Procedures for registration of graduating students are evolving but are not necessarily responsive to conflicting imperatives for confidentiality, protection of stakeholder interests and graduate support. Objective To obtain opinions from members of the veterinary profession in Australasia on issues relating to graduate registration, including communication between veterinary schools and registration bodies. Method This was an online survey. Results Responses were received from 245 members of the profession, including employers, educators, current students, recent graduates and board members. Respondents agreed on the importance of the survey topic to all stakeholder groups, and responses reflected the complex, contestable and nuanced nature of inherent concepts. Responses were strongly polarised between individuals with an appetite for reform, improved discourse around disability and remediation of unprofessional conduct and those with concerns and experiences suggesting boards and educators could not responsibly manage processes that included increased disclosure of disability or prior conduct. Conclusion Issues related to disability and misconduct should be addressed separately in any change to registration processes. A harmonisation of registration processes across jurisdictions is desirable, but the legal implications of any potential changes require careful consideration. There is a need for improved support of disability, remediation of misconduct and a desire to promote diversity within the profession. The survey evoked strong emotions, and future discussion requires sensitivity, empathy and insight.