Numerous unknown factors influence anthrax epidemiology in multi-host systems, especially at wildlife/livestock/human interfaces. Serology tests for anti-anthrax antibodies in carnivores are useful tools in identifying the presence or absence of Bacillus anthracis in a range. These were employed to ascertain if the disease pattern followed the recognized high and low risk anthrax zonation in Zimbabwe and also to establish if anthrax was absent from Hwange National Park in which there has been no reported outbreaks. African lions (Panthera leo) (n= 114) drawn from -free-range protected areas and captive game parks located in recognized high and low risk zones across Zimbabwe were tested for antibodies to anthrax PA antigen using the ELISA immunoassay. A random selection of 27 lion sera samples comprising 17 sero-positive and 10 sero-negative sera were further tested in the species-independent toxin neutralization assay (TNA) in order to validate the former as a surveillance tool for anthrax in African lions. Using the ELISA-PA immunoassay, 21.9% (25/114) of the lions tested positive for antibodies to anthrax. Seropositivity was recorded in all study areas and there was no significant difference (p= 0.852) in seropositivity between lions in high and low risk anthrax zones. Also, there was no significant difference (McNemar’s χ2 = 0.9, p = 0.343) in the proportion of lions testing positive to anti-PA anthrax antibodies on ELISA-PA immunoassay compared to the TNA, with fair agreement between the two tests [Kappa (K) statistic = 0.30; 0.08

Objectives: evaluate the Surveillance Program of Gestational and Congenital Toxoplasmosis. Methods: 424 pregnant women were interviewed regarding their knowledge of prevention measures in 2019. Secondary prevention measures were assessed on the results of anti-Toxoplasma gondii serological tests were collected from pregnant women, from 2015 to 2018. the tertiary prevention measures, we screened the babies of mothers who had recent suspected infections of T. gondii to verify the referrals to the reference service. Results: 45.5% (192/424) reported that they had received guidance from health professionals; 35.4% (68/192) changed their risk habits. The variables of schooling and age, having received prior guidance from health professionals and feline possession, proved to be significant when associated with the notions of preventive measures. 90.2% (17,423 / 19,319) of pregnant women had undergone serological tests to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies but there was an excess in requests for tests and medication and only 40.6% (26/64) of the children were referred to the referral hospital. Conclusions: the Program presents positive results regarding the performance of serological screening in prenatal care; however, the dissemination of knowledge about the prevention of toxoplasmosis and the request for tests need to be improved.

The variety and widespread of coronavirus in natural reservoir animals is likely to cause epidemics via interspecific transmission, which has attracted much attention due to frequent coronavirus epidemics in recent decades. Birds are natural reservoir of various viruses, but the existence of coronaviruses in birds, especially in central China, has been barely studied. The majority of bird coronaviruses belongs to the genus of Deltacoronavirus. To explore the diversity of bird deltacoronaviruses in central China, we tested fecal samples from 415 birds in Hunan Province, China. As the result, we have identified four novel deltacoronavirus stains (HNU1-1, HNU1-2, HNU2 and HNU3) with divergent S genes abounding in common magpies in mainland China. Comparative genomic analysis on the four complete viral genomic sequences showed that these novel magpie deltacoronaviruses containing three different S genes homologous to those of deltacoronaviruses discovered in swine and sparrows. The S genes of HNU1-1 and HNU1-2 showed 93.8% amino acid sequence identities to that of thrush coronavirus HKU12, and the S genes of HNU2 and HNU3 showed 71.1% amino acid sequence identities to White-eye coronavirus HKU16 and sparrow coronavirus HKU17, respectively. Recombination analysis showed that frequent recombination events of the S genes occurred among different deltacoronavirus strains. Two novel putative cleavage sites at the junctions between nonstructural proteins in the HNU CoVs were found. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis showed that the south coast of China might have played a key role in seeding the bird deltacoronavirus epidemics. The results demonstrated that common magpie in China carries diverse deltacoronaviruses with novel genomic features, which indicate an important source of environmental coronaviruses in the biosphere closed to human communities. These findings may contribute to prevention and control the potential coronavirus epidemics.

Even though antimicrobial-resistant bacteria have begun to be detected in wildlife, raising important issues related to their transmission and persistence of clinically important pathogens in the environment, little is known about the role of these bacteria on wildlife health, especially on endangered species. The Brazilian merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is one of the most threatened waterfowl in the world, classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In 2019, a fatal case of sepsis was diagnosed in an 8-day-old Brazilian merganser inhabiting a zoological park. At necropsy, major gross lesions were pulmonary and hepatic congestion. Using microbiologic and genomic methods, we identified a multidrug-resistant (MDR) extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) CTX-M-8-producing Escherichia coli (designed as PMPU strain) belonging to the international clone ST58, in celomic cavity, esophagus, lungs, small intestine and cloaca samples. PMPU strain harbored a broad resistome against antibiotics (cephalosporins, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, and quinolones), domestic/hospital disinfectants, and heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead, copper, and silver). Additionally, the virulence of E. coli PMPU strain was confirmed using a wax moth (Galleria mellonella) infection model, and it was supported by the presence of virulence genes encoding toxins, adherence factors, invasins and iron acquisition systems. Broad resistome and virulome of PMPU contributed to therapeutic failure and death of the animal. In brief, we report for the first time a fatal colibacillosis by MDR-ESBL-producing E. coli in critically endangered Brazilian merganser, highlighting that besides colonization, critical priority pathogens are threatening wildlife. E. coli ST58 clone has been previously reported in humans, food-producing animals, wildlife, and environment, supporting broad adaptation and persistence at human-animal-environment interface.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a major zoonotic pathogen responsible for outbreaks of severe diarrhea in humans and calves. Almost all investigations of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks caused by C. parvum have focused on its IIa subtype family in industrialized nations. From December 2018 to April 2019, approximately 200 neonatal calves on a large cattle farm in Hebei Province, China presented watery diarrhea and over 40 died. To investigate the cause of the outbreak, 179 and 223 fecal specimens were collected during and after the diarrhea outbreak from the farm, including 40 and 56 from neonatal calves, respectively. Among them, 18 fecal specimens from ill calves during the peak of the outbreak were analyzed for four common enteric pathogens using enzymatic immunoassay (EIA), 75 additional specimens from neonatal calves were tested for rotavirus by EIA, and all specimens were analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp. using PCR and sequencing techniques. Of the initial 18 specimens from sick calves, ten were positive for C. parvum, five for rotavirus, and one for coronavirus. The overall prevalence of rotavirus in neonatal calves was 20.0% (15/75), with no significant differences during (21.6% or 8/37) and after (18.4% or 7/38) the outbreak. In contrast, the prevalence of C. parvum was significantly higher during the outbreak (60.0%, 24/40) than after the outbreak (30.4%, 17/56). C. parvum infection was associated with the occurrence of watery diarrhea in neonatal calves (odds ratio = 11.19), while no association was observed between C. bovis infection and diarrhea. All C. parvum isolates were identified as subtype IIdA20G1. Older animals were infected with C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. occultus, and C. andersoni. This is one of the few reports of outbreaks of severe diarrhea caused by C. parvum IId subtypes in calves. More attention should be directed toward preventing the dissemination of C. parvum in China.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the duration of protective immunity against Porcine epidemic diarrheoa virus (PEDV). To that, a two phases study was performed. In the first phase, 75 four-week-old pigs (group A) were orally inoculated (0 days post-inoculation; dpi) with a European PEDV G1b strain and 14 were kept as controls (group B). The second phase started five month later (154 dpi), when animals in group A were homologous challenged and animals in group B were challenged for first time. Clinical signs, viral shedding and immune responses were evaluated after each inoculation, including the determination of antibodies (ELISA and viral neutralisation test, IgA and IgG ELISPOTs using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymph node cells) and the frequency of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secreting cells. During the first phase, loose stools/liquid faeces were observed in all group A animals. Faecal shedding of PEDV occurred mostly during the first 14 days but, in some animals, persisted until 42 dpi. All inoculated animals seroconverted for specific-PEDV IgG and IgA, and for neutralizing antibodies (NA). At 154 dpi, 77% of pigs were still positive for NA. After that, the homologous challenge resulted in a booster for IgG, IgA, NA, as well as specific-PEDV IgG, IgA and IFN-γ secreting cells. In spite of that, PEDV was detected in faeces of all pigs from group A, indicating that the immune response did not prevent reinfection although the duration of the viral shedding and the total load of virus shed was significantly lower for previously challenged pigs (p<0.05). Taken together, the results indicated that, potentially, maintenance of PEDV infection within an endemic farm may occur by transmission to and from previously infected animals and also indicates that sterilising immunity is shorter than the productive life of pigs.

Following the increase in wild boar population recorded in urban and peri-urban areas through Europe, the present survey aimed to assess the occurrence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in animals and their ticks collected from southern Italy, in order to evaluate the potential risk of infection for animals and humans. From October to December 2019, a total of 176 ticks collected from 93 wild boars and their spleen samples were molecularly screened for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, Coxiella burnetii and spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia species. Overall, all the wild boars were infested by ticks (mean intensity, 1.9) with Dermacentor marginatus and Ixodes ricinus being identified in 99.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Out of 93 wild boars, 17 (18.3%) were infested by ticks positive to spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia species. Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii were identified in 16 (9%) and 1 (0.6%) D. marginatus, respectively, whereas a single I. ricinus (0.6%) was infected by R. slovaca. A single wild boar (1.1%) scored positive to R. slovaca. All ticks and wild boars scored negative to C. burnetii and B. burgdorferi s.l. complex. Data herein obtained suggest wild boars are involved in the dissemination of D. marginatus, especially in peri-urban settlements of the study area. An integrated management approach is advocated for wild boar population control and preventing the potential risk of tick-borne bacteria in animals and humans.

Animal health information systems or risk analysis tools are indispensable not only for animal health surveillance, but also to observe the evolution and risk of disease incursion into a disease-free area. Given their essential function in animal disease prevention, different international and national organizations have created their own aforementioned systems/tools. Moreover, with the increase of technology and data storage, they have become more accessible and widely used by professionals in animal and human health sciences. This study aimed to establish their preferences, needs and constraints in respect of these tools. An online survey was conducted and answered by 213 respondents from 132 countries. The respondents were animal or public health professionals in different employment sectors (mostly in government, research and university institutions) and various fields of competency (highest for animal and public health). The majority of respondents used the animal health information systems frequently and on a weekly basis, with prevention measures of diseases being regarded as the most useful information. Descriptive epidemiology is more used/needed than analytical epidemiology. Risk analysis was performed by the majority of the respondents (70%), using a qualitative approach more than a quantitative or semi-qualitative. The primary objectives was to produce risk assessment and preparedness in areas involving origin and spread of animal diseases. The features most sought after in risk assessment tools were pathways of introduction and spread assessment. The level of satisfaction was higher for the platform which is most used by the respondents. Thus, the platform choice is most likely influenced by its efficiency and functionality. Overall, these results could be taken into consideration when improving an already available platform, or when creating a new efficient tool.

The current COVID-19 global pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) of probable bat origin, has highlighted the ongoing need for a One Health response to emerging zoonotic disease events, which are significantly increasing over time. Understanding the human-animal interface and its relevance to disease transmission remains a critical control point for many emerging zoonoses. Determination of the susceptibility of various animal species to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the role of animals in the epidemiology of the disease will be critical to informing appropriate human and veterinary public health responses to this pandemic. A scoping literature review was conducted to collect, evaluate and present the available research evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. Experimental studies have successfully demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission in cats, ferrets, hamsters, bats and non-human primates under experimental settings. Dogs appear to have limited susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, while other domestic species including pigs and poultry do not appear susceptible. Naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals appear uncommon, with 14 pets, 8 captive big cats and an unreported number of farmed mink testing positive to date. Infections typically appear asymptomatic in dogs, while clinical signs of respiratory and/or gastrointestinal disease tend to be mild to moderate in felines, and severe to fatal in mink. Most animal cases have been infected by close contact with COVID-19 patients. In domestic settings, viral transmission is self-limiting, however in high density animal environments there can be sustained between-animal transmission. To date, two potential cases of animal-to-human transmission are being investigated, on infected mink farms. Given the millions of COVID-19 cases worldwide and ongoing potential for further zoonotic and anthroponotic viral transmission, further research and surveillance activities are needed to definitively determine the role of animals in community transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

The Chinese pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla) is a critically endangered scale-covered mammal belonging to the order Pholidota. Wild pangolins are notably susceptible to pathogen infection and are typically characterized by impoverished health. However, little is currently known regarding the viruses prevalent among pangolins. In this study, we report the detection of two subtypes of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), namely, CPV-2a and CPV-2c, both of which caused severe diarrheal disease in two post-rescue pangolins with fatal consequences. As in CPV-2-infected dogs, intensive lesion of the mucosal layer of the small intestines is a prominent feature in infected pangolins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the VP2 viral protein sequences isolated from one pangolin were classified into the CPV-2c subclade, with 99.8% identities to a CPV-2c strain (MN832850) isolated from a Taiwanese pangolin found in Taiwan Province. In contrast, VP2 sequences obtained from the second pangolin were classified into the CPV-2a subclade, with 99.8% identities to a CPV-2a strain (KY386858) isolated from southern China. In this study, we thus confirmed the infection of pangolins with CPV-2c in mainland China and demonstrate that CPV-2a can also infect pangolins. Based on these findings, we recommend that further investigations should be conducted to establish the interspecies transmission of these viruses among wild pangolins, wild carnivores, and stray dogs.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects goats and sheep in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The PPR virus (PPRV) can be classified into four genetically distinct lineages (I, II, III, and IV). All have been historically present in Africa, except the Asian lineage IV that has been spreading across the globe and Africa for the last decades. Previous studies have identified the presence of the lineage IV in Nigeria since 2010. In this study, samples were taken from 268 small ruminants with PPR symptoms across Nigeria in 2017-2018 to provide an update on the distribution and genetic diversity of the lineage IV in the country. Sequence from a portion of the PPRV nucleoprotein (N) gene could be obtained from 72 samples, and all but one belonged to lineage IV. Phylogenetic analysis identified at least 5 lineage IV sub-clusters in Nigeria, re-grouping samples across multiple regions. Our results suggest an extensive endemic circulation of PPRV lineage IV across Nigeria and across borders with neighbouring countries, highlighting the difficulty of the control of this disease in the region.

Anthrax is a natural foci disease in Inner Mongolia, which poses a severe threat to public health. In this study, the incidence number, rate, and constituent ratio were used to describe the epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in the region from 1956–2018. The molecular correlation and genetic characteristics of the strains were investigated using canonical single-nucleotide polymorphisms (CanSNP), multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-15), and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in Inner Mongolia have altered significantly. The incidence was decreased annually, the regional distribution of anthrax gradually transferred from central and western regions to the eastern. Moreover, the occupation distribution was evolved from multiple early occupations to predominated by farmers and herdsmen. This indicates that reformulate the control and prevention strategies is essential. Both A. Br. Ames and A. Br. 001/002 subgroups were the predominant CanSNP genotypes of Bacillus anthracis in Inner Mongolia. A total of 36 strains constituted six shared MLVA-15 genotypes, suggesting an epidemiological link between the strains of each shared genotype. The six shared genotypes ((GT1, 9, 11, and 15) and (GT8 and 12)) consisting of 2–7 strains confirmed the occurrence of multiple point outbreaks and cross-regional transmission caused by multiple common sources of infection. Phylogenetic analysis based on the core genome showed that strains from this study formed an independent clade (CⅢ), suggesting a common origin. Moreover, B. anthracis showed a high genetic similarity with strain from Japan and South Korea, the strains from this study may be originated from Japan.

Worldwide, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) are the main agents responsible for chronic respiratory disease in poultry. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate their occurrence. We searched electronic databases to find peer-reviewed publications reporting the molecular detection of MG and MS in poultry and used meta-analysis to estimate their pooled occurrence (combined flock and individual), aggregating results at the regional and national levels. We performed a subgroup meta-analysis for subpopulations (broilers, layers, breeders, and diverse poultry including turkeys, ducks, and ostriches) and used meta-regression with categorical modifiers. We retrieved 2,294 publications from six electronic databases and included 85 publications from 33 countries that reported 62 studies with 22,162 samples for MG and 48 studies with 26,413 samples for MS. The pooled occurrence was 38.4% (95% CI: 23.5-54.5) for MS and 27.0% (20.4-34.2) for MG. Among regions, Europe and Central Asia had the lowest occurrence for both pathogens, while MG and MS were highly prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. MG occurrence was higher in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, whereas China, Egypt, and Ethiopia reported a higher occurrence of MS. MS and MG were more prevalent in the breeders and layers (62.6% and 31.2%, respectively) than in diverse poultry. The year of publication, the sample size, and the level of ambient air pollution (measured indirectly by PM2.5) were associated with the occurrence of both mycoplasmas. Our study revealed a high and heterogeneous occurrence of MG and MS and justifies the need for an early detection and improved control measures to reduce the spread of these pathogens.

A new Respirovirus, Porcine parainfluenzavirus type 1 (PPIV-1) was first identified in 2013 in Hong Kong and later in the USA. Here, we report the first detection of PPIV-1 outside these two regions. Our research group has analyzed 15–15 (3–3 piglets from five litters) nasal swab samples obtained from three-week-old piglets originating from 22 Hungarian farms altogether from which only one farm was found to be positive. Subsequently, 20–20 nasal swab samples were obtained from 2, 4, 6 and 8-week-old piglets of this farm. Virus detection by qRT-PCR showed that although all investigated age groups were positive to PPIV-1, higher number of infected animals and higher viral loads were found among 4-year-old animals. Based on the phylogenetic analyses of partial F and L genes, the 3 Hungarian strains are almost identical and are highly similar to the very first PPIV-1 genome submitted from Hong Kong in 2013, whereas the overall genetic difference compared to the recently described North American isolates was around 10%.

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) belongs to the genus Pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae. Recently, APPV has been identified as the causative agent of congenital tremor (CT) type AII. The disease is a neurological disorder that affects newborn piglets and is characterized by mostly generalized trembling of the animals and often splay legs. CT is well known worldwide, and the virus seems to be highly prevalent in major swine producing areas. However, little is known about the epidemiology of the infection, the transmission and spread of the virus between herds. Here, we show the high prevalence of APPV in processing fluid samples collected from Hungarian pig herds which led us to investigate the cellular targets of the virus in the testicles of newborn piglets affected by CT. By the development of an RNA in situ hybridization assay and the use of immunohistochemistry on consecutive slides, we identified the target cells of APPV in the testicle: interstitial Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells and endothelial cells of medium-sized arteries. Previous studies have shown that APPV can be found in the semen of sexually mature boars suggesting the role of infected boars and their semen in the transmission of the virus similar to many other members of the Flaviviridae family. As in our case, the virus has not been identified in cells beyond the blood-testis barrier, further studies on infected adult boars’ testicles are needed to analyze the possible changes in the cell tropism that enable the virus to be excreted by the semen.

Influenza A virus (IAV) outbreaks constitute a constant threat to public health and pose a remarkable impact on socio-economic systems worldwide. Interactions between wild and domestic birds, humans, and swine can lead to spillover events. Backyard livestock systems in proximity to wetlands represent a high-risk area for viral spread. However, some gaps remain in our knowledge of IAV transmission at the wildlife – livestock interface in Mexico. Hence, the study aimed at molecular identification and phylogenetic characterization of IAV in the wild duck – backyard livestock interface at a wetland of Mexico. A total of 875 animals were tested by real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). We detected IAV in 3.68% of the wild ducks sampled during the winter season 2016 – 2017. Nonetheless, the samples obtained from backyard poultry and swine tested negative. The highest IAV frequency (11.10%) was found in the Mexican duck (Anas diazi). Subtypes H1N1, H3N2, and H5N2 were detected. Phylogenetic analysis of influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks of the Lerma marshes revealed that hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequences were related to waterfowl, swine, and poultry IAV strains previously isolated in the United States and Mexico. In conclusion, the co-circulation of three IAV subtypes in wild ducks close to backyard farms in Mexico, as well as, the local identification of HA gene sequences genetically related to Mexican livestock IAV strains and also to North American waterfowl IAV strains, highlight the importance of the Lerma marshes for influenza surveillance given the close interaction among wild birds, poultry, pigs, and humans.

The hypothesis that feed ingredients could serve as vehicles for the transport and transmission of viral pathogens was first validated under laboratory conditions. To bridge the gap from the laboratory to the field, this current project tested whether three significant viruses of swine could survive in feed ingredients during long-distance commercial transport across the continental US. One-metric ton totes of soybean meal (organic and conventional) and complete feed were spiked with a 10 mL mixture of PRRSV 174, PEDV, and SVA and transported for 23 days in a commercial semi-trailer truck, crossing 29 states, and 10,183 km. Samples were tested for the presence of viral RNA by PCR, and for viable virus in soy-based samples by swine bioassay and in complete feed samples by natural feeding. Viable PRRSV, PEDV, and SVA were detected in both soy products and viable PEDV and SVA in complete feed. These results provide the first evidence that viral pathogens of pigs can survive in representative volumes of feed and feed ingredients during long-distance commercial transport across the continental US.

Sarcoptic mange, a disease caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is globally endemic and an emerging threat to wildlife. Although many studies have shown that wildlife diseases play key roles in biodiversity conservation, knowledge about sarcoptic mange is still insufficient. In this study, we aim to improve the understanding of the impacts of sarcoptic mange on wildlife populations, the mechanisms involved in its ecoepidemiology, and the associated risks to public and ecosystem health by investigating mass death events in gorals and serows in the Qinling Mountains. We conducted interviews with practitioners and local people in the central Qinling Mountains. From the same locations, we collected 24 cutaneous samples from various animals and surveillance data from infrared cameras. Pathological, parasitological and microbiological examinations of the samples were performed. Mite-induced cutaneous lesions, mites and eggs were observed in samples from dead gorals and one dead serow, but not in other species. Molecular analysis confirmed the mites to be S. scabiei that originated from rabbits. The data obtained from the interviews and infrared cameras indicated that the death of wildlife was related to sarcoptic mange infection and that there had been a decrease in the goral population since the outbreak of the disease. We confirmed that sarcoptic mange was the major cause of the mass death events and may have spread from the western to eastern Qinling Mountains. Based on our findings, we propose several protection strategies to help preserve biodiversity in the Qinling Mountains.