Serologic Survey of Brucella spp. in Culled Invasive Alien Mammals from El Palmar National Park, Argentina, and in Exposed Consumers.

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. and transmitted from domestic and wild animals to humans. Brucellosis causes important economic losses in livestock, has a significant impact on public health, and may affect the health of wildlife. Hunting and consumption of meat from culled wildlife constitute a risk for Brucella spp. infection in humans and hunting dogs. In El Palmar National Park (EPNP), Argentina, the invasive alien mammals wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis) are controlled, slaughtered in situ, and consumed by hunters, with meat trimmings and offal often fed to dogs. In this study, we evaluated but did not detect anti-Brucella antibodies in wild boar (n=95) and axis deer (n=238) from EPNP or in game consumers, dogs (n=39) and humans (n=61). These results suggest a lack of exposure to Brucella spp. at this site during the study period. Despite negative findings in the sampled location, One Health surveillance across multiple species contributes to our understanding of pathogen dynamics and enables targeted interventions to minimize health risks.

Persistent Illegal Hunting of Wildlife in an African Landscape: Insights from a Study in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia.

Decades of illegal hunting (poaching) have adversely affected wildlife populations and thereby limited sustainable wildlife conservation in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia. Despite intervention efforts to address the problem, the illegal hunting of wildlife has persisted. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand the persistence of illegal hunting by investigating the drivers of poaching and intervention measures using a mixed methods approach. Stratified random sampling was used to collect data from 346 respondents through structured questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to collect data through nine focus group discussions and three in-depth interviews with experts. The study revealed that persistent illegal hunting was mainly driven by people's critical need for survival and sustaining their livelihoods and not by inadequate law enforcement as presumed by resource managers. Although law enforcement was the most prevalent intervention measure, it did not deter local illegal hunters because their main motivations for poaching were not effectively addressed. The key implication of these findings is that where the illegal harvesting of natural resources in protected areas by local resource users is driven by people's critical need for survival and a livelihood, which is ineffectively addressed, illegal harvesting may persist even with increased law enforcement. This study provides empirical evidence, novel conceptual knowledge and an understanding of how prevalent drivers of poaching and other factors may have influenced persistent illegal hunting in the Luangwa Valley.

Investigation of Francisella tularensis Seroprevalence and Determination of Risk Factors for Tularemia among Hunters in Northern Cyprus.

Background: Tularemia is a zoonotic disease (reservoir is usually rodents) caused by Francisella tularensis, especially seen in the northern hemisphere. Hunters are in the risk group for this disease. In this study, it was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of tularemia among hunters and determine the risk factors of tularemia in our country. Methods: The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is divided into four regions (Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta/Trikomo, and Morphou/Lefka) and 100 volunteer hunters randomly selected from these regions were included in our study. Tube agglutination test (TAT) and F. tularensis IgG and IgM (ELISA method) were applied in all sera. All hunters were filled with a pre-prepared questionnaire to determine risk factors for tularemia. Results: TAT positivity was found in 11%. While F. tularensis ELISA IgG positivity was 17%, IgM positivity was not found in any hunters. Hunters with positive F. tularensis ELISA IgG test (17%) were accepted as seropositive in terms of tularemia. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean age of IgG-positive and negative hunters (p= 0.915). Of the 86 hunters who kept at least one hunting dog in their garden, 15 (17.4%) were IgG-positive. There was no significant relationship between feeding hunting dogs and tularemia (p= 0.561). Conclusion: Our study showed that the seroprevalence of tularemia was high (17%) among hunters, who are considered a risk group, in our country. We think that more epidemiological research should be done on tularemia infection and it should not be overlooked in the clinic.

Elucidating the daily foraging activity pattern of Oecophylla smaragdina to minimize bite nuisances in Asia large agro-system plantations.

Oecophylla smaragdina F., the Asian weaver ant, is one of the oil palm plantation's (Elaeis guineensis) potential predators, for the invasive bagworm species Metisa plana Walker, but this ant is a nuisance species that irritates plantation workers with their sharp bites. Here we assess the foraging activities (FA) of O. smaragdina's major workers, identify its inactive times and the existence of supervision, a novelty for social insects. Between 2018 and 2022, the pattern of trunk foraging activity was used as a mitigation measure. The relationship between trunk FA and air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), air pressure (AP), and rainfall interception (RI) was also investigated. Our results showed that, O. smaragdina is a strictly diurnal ant species, has little to no crepuscular activity, and stopped foraging during darkness. Moreover, veteran bigger workers systematically acted as supervisors by monitoring trails, intercepting, and bringing back to nests smaller individuals during heat peaks. In relation to population size relative abundance, all colonies displayed greater intensity during the warmest daily periods with higher mean forager density among the bigger colony, regardless of the dry-rainy intervals corresponded to minimal activity from late scotophase to early photophase and showed a bimodal pattern. Thus, forager activity peaked between 1100-1530 h and 1745-1845 h, and an average two-fold daily sudden decrease in intensity between 1620 and 1650 h as a partial cut-off period (first report). Furthermore, foraging activity, AT, AP showed a significant positive correlation while RH was negative. Finally, we found that from the base palm trunks, defensive territorial layers extended to 5 m on average with different spatial configurations indicating greater foraging density within the first 2 m. Our study shows O. smaragdina daily low activity periods, before 1000 h, being the most suitable to avoid forager attacks to facilitate pruning and harvesting tasks.

The name of the game: palaeoproteomics and radiocarbon dates further refine the presence and dispersal of caprines in eastern and southern Africa.

We report the first large-scale palaeoproteomics research on eastern and southern African zooarchaeological samples, thereby refining our understanding of early caprine (sheep and goat) pastoralism in Africa. Assessing caprine introductions is a complicated task because of their skeletal similarity to endemic wild bovid species and the sparse and fragmentary state of relevant archaeological remains. Palaeoproteomics has previously proved effective in clarifying species attributions in African zooarchaeological materials, but few comparative protein sequences of wild bovid species have been available. Using newly generated type I collagen sequences for wild species, as well as previously published sequences, we assess species attributions for elements originally identified as caprine or 'unidentifiable bovid' from 17 eastern and southern African sites that span seven millennia. We identified over 70% of the archaeological remains and the direct radiocarbon dating of domesticate specimens allows refinement of the chronology of caprine presence in both African regions. These results thus confirm earlier occurrences in eastern Africa and the systematic association of domesticated caprines with wild bovids at all archaeological sites. The combined biomolecular approach highlights repeatability and accuracy of the methods for conclusive contribution in species attribution of archaeological remains in dry African environments.

African Swine Fever in Wild Boar: German Hunters' Perception of Surveillance and Control-A Questionnaire Study.

Since the first occurrence of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar in Germany in 2020, the disease has primarily affected the wild boar population in the eastern part of the country close to the border with Poland. Local hunters play a crucial role in implementing surveillance and control. To evaluate their perceptions of existing control measures and analyze regional differences between hunters from ASF-affected and non-affected regions, a questionnaire study was conducted among the German hunting community. Hunters from non-affected areas held a more optimistic view regarding the effectiveness of control measures compared to hunters from affected areas. However, control measures that hinder hunting were generally perceived as ineffective. Measures that collided with hunters' understanding of fair hunting practices were regarded as controversial. Financial incentives and reducing bureaucracy were the most favored approaches to increase hunters' participation. Moreover, the possibility of eating or selling the meat of hunted wild boar and the provision of infrastructure for implementing ASF control were considered motivating. Thus, this study highlights the importance of compensating hunters and addressing their concerns to maintain their engagement in ASF control. To enhance compliance with controversial measures, thoughtful communication and raising awareness are essential.

A survey of the spider genus Dysdera Latreille, 1804 (Araneae, Dysderidae) in Iran, with fourteen new species and notes on two fossil genera.

The taxonomy of the Iranian species of the dysderid spider genus Dysdera Latreille, 1804 is revised. Currently, the only species of this genus known from Iran is D.pococki Dunin, 1985, albeit on the basis of a doubtful record. The following 14 species are described as new to science in this paper: D.achaemenessp. nov. (♀; Fars), D.bakhtiarisp. nov. (♂; Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari), D.damavandicasp. nov. (♂; Mazandaran), D.genoensissp. nov. (♂♀; Hormozgan), D.hormuzensissp. nov. (♀; Hormozgan), D.iranicasp. nov. (♂♀; Fars, Hormozgan), D.isfahanicasp. nov. (♂♀; Isfahan), D.mazerunisp. nov. (♀; Mazandaran), D.medessp. nov. (♂; Tehran), D.persicasp. nov. (♂♀; Golestan, Mazandaran), D.sagartiasp. nov. (♂♀; Tehran), D.tapuriasp. nov. (♂♀; Mazandaran), D.verkanasp. nov. (♂; Golestan), and D.xerxesisp. nov. (♂; Bushehr). Distribution records of all species are mapped. Also, the taxonomy of Mistura Petrunkevitch, 1971 and Segistriites Straus, 1967, two fossil genera currently considered in Dysderidae, is discussed and the latter is transferred to Segestriidae.

Risk Practices for Occupational Zoonotic Exposure to Tuberculosis in a High-Risk Population in Portugal.

Concerning large game in Portugal, there is an epidemiological risk area for tuberculosis where the pressure of tuberculosis infection in wild animals is high. Hunters and other people involved in managing carcasses (evisceration and/or initial examination) of these animals should be considered as a high-risk population for sporadic occupational zoonotic infection. This study aims to evaluate and indicate these stakeholders' main risk practices. The survey was carried out in two phases: a first phase with an anonymous survey to hunters about self-consumption of game meat and carcass handling practices, and a second phase of evaluation in loco of the practices carried out at collection points after driven hunts. As the main results suggested in this study, bad practices and improper handling of hunted carcasses potentially infected with tuberculosis were marked in both phases of the survey, mostly related to the lack of recognition of tuberculosis-like lesions and the non-use of individual protection material, such as gloves and masks. It is evident that stakeholders are interested in learning more about how to perform initial examination properly and what kind of biosecurity measures can be adopted to minimize zoonotic infection risk.

Incidental blast injuries to the hands of hunters in suburban Africa.

Background: Civilian blast injuries are common during celebrations and festivities. In the intervening times, civilian nonterrorist blast events are rare. The aim of this report is to highlight the increasing occurrence of blast injuries to the dominant right hand of hunters and the ensuing crippling consequences. Methodology: A review of incidental blast injuries to the hand among hunters was conducted. The case files, clinical photographs, and radiographs of consecutive cases of blast injuries presenting to our unit over 3½ years were studied. Result: Six patients had incidental blast injuries to the hand within the period. All the patients were males and hunters by profession. The age range was 30-49 years. The dominant right hand was involved in all the six cases with high-energy soft tissue and bony injuries. Five patients had staged soft tissue coverage while the sixth patient, after initial resuscitation, discharged against medical advice due to economic constraints. Multiple joint stiffness and significant disability occurred in all the affected hands. None of the patients represented for secondary procedures. Conclusion: Incidental blast injuries to the hands of local hunters are lifestyle threatening. The dominant right hand is invariably involved with attendant crippling socioeconomic consequences. Meticulous clinical care and methodical operative intervention are primal to hand salvage.

Résumé Contexte: Les blessures civiles dues à des explosions sont fréquentes lors des célébrations et des festivités. Dans l'intervalle, les explosions civiles non terroristes sont rares. sont rares. L'objectif de ce rapport est de mettre en évidence la fréquence croissante des blessures par explosion de la main droite dominante des chasseurs et les conséquences invalidantes qui en découlent. conséquences invalidantes. Méthodologie: Une revue des blessures accidentelles par explosion à la main chez les chasseurs a été menée. Les dossiers, les photographies cliniques Les dossiers, les photographies cliniques et les radiographies des cas consécutifs de blessures par explosion qui se sont présentés à notre unité pendant 3½ ans ont été étudiés. Résultat: Six patients ont eu blessures accidentelles par explosion à la main au cours de cette période. Tous les patients étaient des hommes et des chasseurs de profession. La tranche d'âge était de 30 à 49 ans. La main droite dominante était impliquée dans les six cas avec des lésions osseuses et des tissus mous à haute énergie. Pour cinq patients, la couverture des tissus mous s'est faite par étapes. tandis que le sixième patient, après une réanimation initiale, a quitté l'hôpital contre avis médical en raison de contraintes économiques. Raideur articulaire multiple et un handicap significatif sont apparus dans toutes les mains affectées. Aucun des patients ne s'est représenté pour des procédures secondaires. Conclusion: Les blessures accidentelles dues à l'explosion de Les blessures accidentelles aux mains des chasseurs locaux menacent leur mode de vie. La main droite dominante est invariablement touchée avec des conséquences socio-économiques invalidantes. conséquences socio-économiques. Des soins cliniques méticuleux et une intervention chirurgicale méthodique sont essentiels pour sauver la main. Mots-clés: Poudre noire, blessure par explosion, mains de chasseurs, accidentelle, banlieue.

Insights into hepatitis E virus epidemiology in Croatia.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging virus of global health concern. The seroprevalence rates differ greatly according to geographic region and population group. AIM: To analyze the seroprevalence of HEV in exposed (animal-related professions) and nonexposed populations, as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. METHODS: Forestry workers (n = 93), hunters (n = 74), and veterinarians (n = 151) represented the exposed population. The general population (n = 126) and pregnant women (n = 118) constituted the control group. Transplant patients included liver transplant recipients (LTRs) (n = 83), kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) (n = 43), and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCRs) (n = 39). HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by the immunoblot test. RESULTS: The HEV seroprevalence significantly differed between groups: Veterinarians 15.2%, hunters 14.9%, forestry workers 6.5%, general population 7.1%, and pregnant women 1.7%. In transplant patients, the seropositivity was highest in LTRs (19.3%), while in KTRs and HSCRs, the seroprevalence was similar to the general population (6.9% and 5.1%, respectively). A significant increase in seropositivity with age was observed from 2.9% in individuals less than 30 years to 23.5% in those older than 60 years. Sociodemographic characteristics (sex, educational level, area of residence, and number of household members), eating habits (game meat, offal, and pork products consumption), and environmental and housing conditions (drinking water supply, type of water drainage/sewer, waste disposal, domestic animals) were not associated with HEV seropositivity. However, individuals who reported a pet ownership were more often seropositive compared to those who did not have pet animals (12.5% vs 7.0%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that individuals in professional contact with animals and LTRs are at higher risk for HEV infection. In addition, age is a significant risk factor for HEV seropositivity.

Radiological risk assessment of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS).

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California was deemed a Superfund site by the USEPA in 1989 due to chemical and radiological contamination resulting from U.S. Navy operations from 1939 to 1974. During characterization and remediation efforts, over 50,000 radiological soil samples and 19,000 air samples were collected. This risk assessment, conducted in accordance with federal guidelines, represents the first comprehensive evaluation of past, present, and future health risks associated with radionuclides present at the site. The assessment indicated that before site remediation, most radionuclide soil concentrations were at or near local background concentrations. Had such low remedial goals not been established, significant remediation of surface soils would not have been necessary to protect human health. The pre-remediation lifetime incremental cancer morbidity risks for on-site workers and theoretical on-site residents due to radionuclide contamination were found to be 1.3 × 10-6 and 3.2 × 10-6, respectively. The post-remediation risks to future on-site residents were found to be 6.3 × 10-8 (without durable cover) and 3.7 × 10-8 (with durable cover), while post-remediation risks to on-site workers were found to be 2.6 × 10-8 (without durable cover) and 1.6 × 10-8 (with durable cover). Risk estimates for all scenarios were found to be significantly below the acceptable risk of 3 × 10-4 approved by regulatory agencies. Upwind and downwind air samples collected during remediation indicate that remediation activities never posed a measurable risk to off-site residents. This risk assessment emphasizes the importance of establishing clear and scientifically rigorous soil remedial goals at sites as well as understanding local radionuclide background concentrations.

Consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward hunted wild game meat in the modern world: A literature review.

Hunted wild game meat (HWGM) has a complete nutritional profile, and its environmental impact is lower than farmed meat. However, HWGM derives from hunting, which often relates to consumers' ethical concerns. This review aims to clarify which variables are linked to consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward HWGM. Results highlight that the body of literature about this topic is growing, especially in Europe and U.S. Moreover, gender and residence seem to be good predictors of consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward HWGM. Furthermore, some positive drivers were detected. The positive attitude toward hunting and familiarity with hunting resulted to be linked to HWGM consumption. Conversely, food safety consumers' concerns represent one of the main barriers. Finally, the seasonality of the product and the relative lack of HWGM market supply represent barriers to its consumption. Our findings may assist stakeholders in defining targeted marketing strategies and policies.

Tick-borne pathogens in neotropical animals in Trinidad, West Indies.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens that have contributed to the morbidity and mortality of humans and domestic animals worldwide. Wildlife species have also been implicated as reservoir hosts of a variety of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine which tick-transmitted pathogens were present in the animals harvested from the forest in Trinidad for human consumption. METHODS: Thin blood smears from 43 neotropical animals were examined microscopically for tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene were used for amplification of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia while the gltA gene was used for Bartonella, and Rickettsia spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Babesia, Hepatozoon and Theileria species. RESULTS: Pathogen DNA was amplified from four samples (a deer, collared peccary and two agoutis). Sequencing of the amplified products from the deer and collared peccary revealed 99.8% homology to Anaplasma bovis and 98.8% homology to Ehrlichia canis, respectively. Sequences from two agoutis revealed 90.4% homology to Theileria spp. DNA of Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp. Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. was not detected in any of the screened samples. An incidental finding in this study was the presence of bacteria in the blood of animals. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the DNA of tick-transmitted pathogens is present at a frequency of about 10% in the study population and suggests that neotropical mammals may serve as a source for the potential transmission of tick-borne pathogens to domestic animals and humans. In addition, physicians and hunters should be aware of the symptoms associated with zoonotic tick-borne pathogens so that these infections can be recognised, diagnosed and treated promptly. Bacteria present in carcasses can pose a food safety hazard and hunters should be trained in proper harvesting and handling of carcasses.

Detection and Grading of Early-Stage Cochlear Damage in Land Hunters by Comparison of Extended High-Frequency Audiograms with Conventional High-Frequency Audiograms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Firearms used by hunters produce intermittent loud noises. These sounds, which are above the safe limits set by the World Health Organization, can cause cochlear damage. Detection of cochlear damage at an early stage, before clinical complaints appear, will enable serious treatment measures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 105 male hunters without hearing complaints and 45 controls who were not exposed to loud noise were compared and investigated. Extended high-frequency audiograms and conventional audiograms were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: The problem detection rates of conventional high-frequency audiometry, extended high-frequency audiometry, and both tests together were 59.1, 78.1, and 82.9%, respectively. There was no statistical difference between audiometric values at the extended high-frequency and at the acoustic notch at 4 kHz. When the extended high-frequency audiogram was grouped, values at the frequencies of 16, 14, and 12 kHz were affected before that at the acoustic notch at 4 kHz. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that hearing at extended high frequencies was affected before that at conventional high frequencies in individuals exposed to intermittent loud sounds. The first affected extended high frequencies were 16, 14, and 12 kHz. Although there was no statistically significant relationship between values at the notch and at extended high frequencies, the presence of a notch at 4 kHz, provided that 8 kHz is normal, may indicate a later stage of damage.

Make flying-fox hunting sustainable again: Comparing expected demographic effectiveness and hunters' acceptance of more restrictive regulations.

Hunting is a major threat to many species of wildlife. However, managing hunting systems to ensure their sustainability requires a thorough demographic knowledge about the impact of hunting. Here we develop a framework integrating ecological, modelling and sociological data to achieve a sustainability assessment of flying-fox hunting in New Caledonia and assess the relative merits of alternative management policies. Using age-specific stochastic population models, we found that the current annual hunting rate [5.5-8.5%] is likely to lead to a severe decline (- 79%) of Pteropus populations over the next 30 years. However, a majority of hunters surveyed (60%) were willing to soften their practices, offering an opportunity for adaptive management. Recurrent temporary hunting ban (at least 1 year out of 2) in combination with protected areas (≥ 25%) appears as the most effective and most accepted management option. Our integrative approach appears to be a promising method for ensuring that traditional hunting systems can remain sustainable in a rapidly changing world.

Flight muscles in falcons (Falconiformes, Falconinae): A quantitative approach.

The family Falconidae has contrasting behaviors on its flight within the subfamilies. Falcons are primarily aerial predators requiring accuracy, high speed, and controlled movements during flight. Caracaras are generalists that seek food while walking and their flight is characterized as slow and erratic. We aimed to explore the muscle mass of the primary wing muscles in several species of Falconinae and to identify possible differences related to the role that these muscles perform during flight. We studied 34 wing muscles in 11 specimens of five species of falcons. The percentage of each muscle with respect to body mass was calculated as well as the total wing muscle mass. The search for differences between muscles of falcons and caracaras was analyzed using Bayesian statistical inference. Published data from Polyborinae were used for comparison. Five muscles were significantly different between both subfamilies mm. latissimus dorsi pars caudalis, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, and extensor digitorum communis. The first two muscles were larger in Polyborinae, which could be useful to achieve more strength and stabilization. In falcons the last three muscles listed were larger, which might be associated with their fast and acrobatic flight. Variations in certain muscles generate, in turn, differences in function, which is reflected in their type of flight and its use. These findings reinforce the modular character of the locomotor system of birds whereby the regions involved in locomotion can have morphological peculiarities according to their lifestyle.

Hunters who will not report illegal wolf killing: Self-policing or resistance with political overtones?

Illegal killing of wildlife is challenging conservation efforts worldwide. Ecological research has shown that illegal killing is severely affecting the transboundary Swedish-Norwegian wolf population. A previous study indicated that unwillingness to report illegal killing of wolves among Swedish hunters contains an element of protest against perceived unjust treatment of hunting and hunters but that it could also simply be a reflection of ineffective law enforcement in the backcountry, driving hunters to effect forms of self-policing. Based on a survey of Norwegian hunters, the present research goes one step further. One in five hunters decline to report illegal wolf killings, and unwillingness to report is predicted by lack of trust in environmental institutions and a general anti-elite sentiment. Hunting-related issues and other factors also affect outcomes, but to a lesser degree. We conclude that unwillingness to report is often part of an oppositional stance related not only to wildlife management and conservation, but to contemporary social change in rural areas and perceived societal power relations. It is unlikely that reluctance to report is driven by frustration over inefficient official enforcement. While a political dimension is not always articulated, overlooking it may stoke conflicts and fortify a perception of unjust power relations.

Hepatitis E virus in professionally exposed: A reason for concern?

The zoonotic risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is well established. The HEV seroprevalence rates vary according to geographical region, assays used, and study cohorts. HEV infection is still underdiagnosed, implying the need to evaluate the disease's burden in the general population and specific risk groups, such as professionally exposed. Close contact with various animal reservoirs such as pigs, rabbits, sheep, dogs, wild boars, and deer has been associated with higher anti-HEV seroprevalence as a part of occupational exposure. While exact transmission routes remain to be determined, some general preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, the usage of personal protective equipment, and the thermal processing of food before consumption should be followed. A "One-Health" multisectoral approach should be implemented to achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes, recognizing the interconnections between humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment, in which a vaccine against the zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 and swine vaccination should be considered as a possible public health measure. This opinion review comprehensively addresses the HEV burden of professional exposure for butchers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, farmers, hunters, and forestry workers delineates the current limits of protective work measures, and tackles future directions.

First Report of Echinococcus ortleppi in Free-Living Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Portugal.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis that is prevalent worldwide. It is considered endemic in Portugal but few studies have been performed on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and their hosts. In this study, CE cysts are reported for the first time in a free-living wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Portugal. The presence of the metacestodes in the liver of the wild boar was identified by morphological features, microscopic examination and molecular analysis. The sequencing of part of the DNA nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region revealed a G5 genotype that presently corresponds to Echinococcus ortleppi. This is the first report of E. ortleppi in Portugal and to the best of the authors' knowledge, in Europe. These results suggest that wild boar may be a host of CE, namely, crossing the livestock-wildlife interface, which has important public health implications. Wildlife reservoirs must be taken into account as CE hosts and surveillance of game as well as health education for hunters should be implemented using a One Health approach, with implementation of feasible and tailor-made control strategies, namely, proper elimination of byproducts in the field.

Novel quaranjavirus and other viral sequences identified from ticks parasitizing hunted wildlife in Trinidad and Tobago.

Hunters are at a higher risk for exposure to zoonotic pathogens due to their close interactions with wildlife and arthropod vectors. In this study, high throughput sequencing was used to explore the viromes of two tick species, Amblyomma dissimile and Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, removed from hunted wildlife in Trinidad and Tobago. We identified sequences from 3 new viral species, from the viral families Orthomyxoviridae, Chuviridae and Tetraviridae in A. dissimile.