Assessment of Brazil's vesicular syndrome surveillance system: Profile of notifications and performance of the official veterinary service.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an ailment that causes serious damage to the productive chain, and its control through vaccination is of utmost importance for its eradication. Brazil initiated the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Surveillance Program (PNEFA) with the aim of making the country FMD-free by 2026. As part of the program, notifications of vesicular lesions became mandatory for the Official Veterinary Service (OVS), which is responsible for verifying them. Due to its size, border areas with countries that do not have FMD-free status pose a risk to Brazil and require greater attention. This study described the profile of notifications of suspected outbreaks of vesicular syndrome in Brazil and analyzed the performance of the surveillance system. The results showed 7134 registered notifications of suspected vesicular syndrome outbreaks from 2018 to 2022, with 2022 having the highest number (n = 2343 or 32.85 %). The species that generated the most notifications were swine (90.99 %), cattle and buffaloes (7.54 %), goats and sheep (1.44 %), and others (0.03 %). The sources of notification were "Veterinary medicine professionals" (61.82 %), "Owners or employees" (13.66 %), "Third parties" (8.90 %), "OVS" (7.20 %), and "others" (2.66 %). 41.69 % of notifications originated from non-border municipalities, and 58.32 % from border areas. Only the state of Paraná account for 51.73 % of the total notifications. This state also accounted for 66.70 % of the 32.47 % of notifications with a final diagnosis of "absence of clinically compatible signs or susceptible animals", indicating a certain lack of knowledge in the area, leading to unnecessary notifications and system overload. The performance of the OVS was evaluated based on the service response time from notification registration trough Logistic and Negative binomial regressions. A total of 27.83 % of notifications did not meet the Brazilian legally specified time, and the zone related to the state of Parana needs improvements in performance. The presence and peaks of Senecavirus A cases may have influenced an increased number of swine notifications and led to a decrease in OVS response time. The results demonstrate better performance of surveillance in border areas. Given the vast territory of Brazil, it is not expected that 100 % of responses occur within the legal timeframe, however, the performance of the surveillance system proved to be adequate, with 86 % complied to the legislation. The performance indicators could be used as a monitoring tool, along with indicators to demonstrate system overload. Continued education actions are crucial for strengthening PNEFA.

Non-vaccination of dogs is linked to uncompleted COVID-19 vaccination protocols of owners.

Despite the known importance of vaccines as one of the greatest achievements in medical science, vaccine hesitancy has been increasing in the last decade and has become a major threat to global health. The growth of vaccine hesitancy worldwide became more evident with the onset of COVID-19 and raised the fear that this hesitancy would also impact companion animal vaccination. This study aimed to characterize vaccine-hesitant groups regarding companion animals and human vaccinations, as well as to explore the possible association between vaccine hesitancy in pets and their owners. An anonymous online survey containing 27 closed questions was conducted, including questions about dog health, such as vaccination, neutering, and homeopathy use, as well as questions about the COVID-19 vaccination status of the owner and motivations for vaccinating or not vaccinating their pets. Most participants (81.5 %) reported receiving three or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Not vaccinating against COVID-19 or having an incomplete vaccination protocol was associated with an increase in the age range of participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43), not having higher education (OR = 7.70), and being in extreme income ranges (less than two minimum wages [OR = 7.57] and more than 10 [OR = 5.20]). The use of homeopathy in humans (OR = 3.24) and dogs (OR = 3.74) was associated with non-vaccination against COVID-19. Owners who were not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 were almost six times more likely to not vaccinate their dogs (OR = 5.94). Non-vaccination of dogs was also associated with non-neutering (OR = 3.56), keeping the dog in contact with other dogs (OR = 2.09), and an increase in the number of dogs in the house increased the chance of not vaccinating the animals (OR = 1.30). The present study revealed a strong association between non-vaccination against COVID-19 and non-vaccination in companion dogs, raising the hypothesis that vaccination hesitancy is a growing challenge in veterinary medicine. In addition, the characteristics of Brazilians who are reluctant to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or immunize their companion animals are described here for the first time.

Zoonotic sporotrichosis in humans and domestic cats: Profile of notifications and spatio-temporal distribution in Southeastern Brazil between 2017 and 2023.

The research addresses zoonotic sporotrichosis in Brazil, particularly caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, highlighting its epidemiological severity. Transmission occurs through contact with sick animals, especially felines, and diagnosis in humans is challenging due to the low fungal load in the lesions. The study analyzed data from Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) and Zoonosis Surveillance Unit (UVZ) from January 2017 to March 2023, carried out in Contagem, Minas Gerais. Geospatial tools and statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in cases, peaking in 2021 for felines and 2022 for humans. The geospatial analysis highlighted areas of higher incidence, suggesting a correlation between human and feline populations. The research contributes to the understanding of sporotrichosis in Contagem, emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches for surveillance and control strategies, aiming to mitigate impacts on the local community.

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infections in stray cats in Brazil.

The zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19), has been identified in cats. Notably, most positive cases were in cats that had close contact with infected humans, suggesting a role for humans in animal transmission routes. Previous studies have suggested that animals with immune depletion are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, there is limited evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray and free-range cats affected by other pathogens. In this study, we investigated infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in stray cats from an urban park in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to September 2021, 78 mixed-breed cats were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and hemopathogens using molecular analysis at Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG in T. gondii. None of the animals in this study showed any clinical signs of infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA was detected in 7.7 % of cats, and a whole virus genome sequence analysis revealed the SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage (B.1.617.2). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from cats was grouped into the sublineage AY.99.2, which matches the epidemiological scenario of COVID-19 in the urban area of our study. Leishmania infantum was detected and sequenced in 9 % of cats. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 23.1 %. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 7.7 % of the cats, with Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum being the most common. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in 38.5 % of the cats, FeLV was detected in 17,9 %, and none of the cats studied tested positive for FIV. This study reports, for the first time, the SARS-CoV-2 infection with whole-genome sequencing in stray cats in southeastern Brazil and co-infection with other pathogens, including Bartonella spp. and Feline leukemia virus. Our study observed no correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and the other detected pathogens. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats to characterize their epidemiological role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinforce the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance.

Análise da correlação dos índices de estrutura e recursos humanos do serviço veterinário oficial em 2019 e as incidências acumuladas (2017 ­ 2019) de doenças de notificação obrigatória em bovinos e equinos no Brasil / Analysis of the correlation between the structure and human resources indexes of the official veterinary service in 2019 and the accumulated incidences (2017 ­ 2019) of notifiable diseases in cattle and horses in Brazil

As doenças de notificação obrigatória em bovinos podem gerar impactos sociais e econômicos significativos na cadeia pecuária brasileira, além de consequências negativas no mercado internacional devido a embargos sanitários. Para auxiliar no entendimento de como um sistema de vigilância epidemiológica com mais recursos pode gerar mais credibilidade para o país, foram realizadas análises de correlação entre a notificação de doenças e a estrutura veterinária disponível nos Órgãos Executores de Sanidade Agropecuária (OESAs), a partir dos dados contidos no Sistema Nacional de Informação Zoossanitária (SIZ), entre os anos de 2017 e 2019. Com base nos dados do serviço veterinário, foram produzidos o Índice de Estrutura Física Oficial (IEFO) e o Índice de Recursos Humanos do Serviço Oficial (IRHSO). Foi realizada análise de correlação entre a notificação de doenças de bovinos com a capacidade de estrutura física e recursos humanos de vigilância epidemiológica disponíveis no Serviço Veterinário brasileiro. Os estados AP, RR e SC foram os que mais notificaram brucelose e tuberculose no período e estão entre os melhores índices de estrutura e recursos humanos do país. A análise dos índices mostrou que a raiva não possui correlação significativa com estrutura e recursos humanos do serviço, entretanto, brucelose e tuberculose possuem correlação positiva com estrutura veterinária oficial disponível para a vigilância em bovinos. Portanto, melhorias na estrutura podem refletir no incremento dos índices de notificação das doenças de bovinos, assim como na qualidade de suas informações.

Notifiable diseases in cattle can generate significant social and economic impacts on the Brazilian livestock chain, in addition to impacts on the international market due to sanitary embargoes. To help understand how an epidemiological surveillance system with more resources can generate more credibility for the country, correlation analyzes were carried out between the notification of diseases and the veterinary structure available in the Executing Bodies of Agricultural Health (OESAs), based on the data contained in the National System of Zoosanitary Information (SIZ), between the years 2017 to 2019. Based on public data from the veterinary service, the Official Physical Structure Index (IEFO) and the Official Service Human Resources Index (IRHSO) were produced. Correlation analysis was performed between the notification of bovine diseases with the capacity of physical structure and human resources for epidemiological surveillance available in the Brazilian Veterinary Service. AP, RR and SC were the states that most notified brucellosis and tuberculosis in the period and are among the best indices of structure and human resources in the country. The analysis of correlation indices showed that the rabies disease does not have a significant correlation with the structure and the human resources of the service, however, brucellosis and tuberculosis does have a positive correlation with the official veterinary structure available for surveillance in cattle. Therefore, Improvements in the structure can reflect in the increase of the notification rates, as well as in the quality of its information.

Serological and molecular detection of Theileria equi in horses from Sinop, Mato Grosso state, Brazil / Detecção sorológica e molecular de Theileria equi em equinos oriundos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Equine piroplasmosis is the most important tick-borne disease to affect horses in Brazil. Theileria equi is one of the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis. Chronic cases are expected, in which the animals show no apparent signs of infection and remain asymptomatic but constitute a source of the infectious agent that ticks can spread. This study was conducted across 81 ranches located in the municipality of Sinop, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A sample calculation was performed to estimate the apparent prevalence of T. equi among horses. A total of 1,853 animals were included in the sampling analysis based on the information available from the Institute of Agricultural and Livestock Defense of Mato Grosso State. The serological analysis of 367 serum samples using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect anti-T. equi antibodies revealed that 337 animals were positive, representing a frequency of 90.70%. The molecular analysis to amplify the EMA-1 gene showed positivity in 20 of 89 tested samples. The fragments of four samples were sequenced and analyzed to determine their similarities to sequences from other species, based on sequences deposited at GenBank. All showed 100% similarity with T. equi. Our study represents the first report of T. equi antibodies among the equids in north-central region of Mato Grosso, revealing the widespread distribution of seropositive animals.

A piroplasmose equina é a doença transmitida por carrapatos mais importante em cavalos no Brasil. Theileria equi é um dos agentes causadores da piroplasmose equina. São esperados casos crônicos, nos quais os animais não apresentam sinais aparentes de infecção e permanecem assintomáticos, mas constituem uma fonte de infecção e disseminação por carrapatos. Este estudo foi realizado em 81 fazendas localizadas no município de Sinop, Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Um cálculo amostral foi realizado para estimar a prevalência aparente de T. equi entre cavalos. No total, 1.853 animais foram incluídos na análise amostral com base nas informações disponíveis no Instituto de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado de Mato Grosso. A análise sorológica de 367 amostras de soro por meio de ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA) para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. equi revelou que 337 animais eram positivos, representando uma frequência de 90,70%. A análise molecular para o gene EMA-1 mostrou positividade em 20 das 89 amostras testadas. Os fragmentos de quatro amostras foram sequenciados e analisados para determinar suas semelhanças com sequências de outras espécies, a partir das sequências depositadas no GenBank. Todos mostraram 100% de similaridade com T. equi. Nosso estudo representa o primeiro relato de anticorpos contra T. equi entre os equídeos na região centro norte de Mato Grosso, revelando a ampla distribuição de animais soropositivos.

Serological and molecular detection of Theileria equi in horses from Sinop, Mato Grosso state, Brazil / Detecção sorológica e molecular de Theileria equi em equinos oriundos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Equine piroplasmosis is the most important tick-borne disease to affect horses in Brazil. Theileria equi is one of the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis. Chronic cases are expected, in which the animals show no apparent signs of infection and remain asymptomatic but constitute a source of the infectious agent that ticks can spread. This study was conducted across 81 ranches located in the municipality of Sinop, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A sample calculation was performed to estimate the apparent prevalence of T. equi among horses. A total of 1,853 animals were included in the sampling analysis based on the information available from the Institute of Agricultural and Livestock Defense of Mato Grosso State. The serological analysis of 367 serum samples using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect anti-T. equi antibodies revealed that 337 animals were positive, representing a frequency of 90.70%. The molecular analysis to amplify the EMA-1 gene showed positivity in 20 of 89 tested samples. The fragments of four samples were sequenced and analyzed to determine their similarities to sequences from other species, based on sequences deposited at GenBank. All showed 100% similarity with T. equi. Our study represents the first report of T. equi antibodies among the equids in north-central region of Mato Grosso, revealing the widespread distribution of seropositive animals.

A piroplasmose equina é a doença transmitida por carrapatos mais importante em cavalos no Brasil. Theileria equi é um dos agentes causadores da piroplasmose equina. São esperados casos crônicos, nos quais os animais não apresentam sinais aparentes de infecção e permanecem assintomáticos, mas constituem uma fonte de infecção e disseminação por carrapatos. Este estudo foi realizado em 81 fazendas localizadas no município de Sinop, Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Um cálculo amostral foi realizado para estimar a prevalência aparente de T. equi entre cavalos. No total, 1.853 animais foram incluídos na análise amostral com base nas informações disponíveis no Instituto de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado de Mato Grosso. A análise sorológica de 367 amostras de soro por meio de ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA) para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. equi revelou que 337 animais eram positivos, representando uma frequência de 90,70%. A análise molecular para o gene EMA-1 mostrou positividade em 20 das 89 amostras testadas. Os fragmentos de quatro amostras foram sequenciados e analisados para determinar suas semelhanças com sequências de outras espécies, a partir das sequências depositadas no GenBank. Todos mostraram 100% de similaridade com T. equi. Nosso estudo representa o primeiro relato de anticorpos contra T. equi entre os equídeos na região centro norte de Mato Grosso, revelando a ampla distribuição de animais soropositivos.

Characterization of cattle tick fever in calves from the northwestern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil / Caracterização do complexo da Tristeza Parasitária Bovina em bezerros da região noroeste de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract The present study aimed to characterize the importance of the Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in the genesis of cattle tick fever (CTF) among dairy calves in the northwest of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood samples from 300 calves were collected, followed by DNA extraction and nested PCR using oligonucleotide primers to amplify fragments of the semi-nested for the msp5 gene (A. marginale), sbp-4 (B. bovis) and rap-1a (B. bigemina) Among the examined calves, the prevalence of A. marginale was 55.6% (n=167/300), B. bovis was 4.0% (n=12/300) and B. bigemina was 15.3% (n=46/300), by PCR techniques. Parasitic forms of A. marginale and B. bigemina were found in 36,3% and 2,6% of the blood smears while B. bovis was not detected. There was a statistical difference between the positivity of infected animals in the age groups 1 (10-70 days) and (>70-300 days) for A. marginale and B. bigemina. A total of 15 calves with the classic symptoms of disease were examined, and the samples obtained were confirmed as a simple infection by A. marginale through semi-nested PCR. These results confirm bovine anaplasmosis as the primary cause of CTF among the calves of dairy cattle within the studied area.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a importância de Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina e Babesia bovis na gênese da tristeza parasitária bovina em bezerros leiteiros do noroeste de Minas Gerais. Foram coletadas 300 amostras sanguíneas de bezerros, seguidas por extração de DNA e Nested- PCR utilizando oligonucleotídeos iniciadores que amplificam fragmentos dos genes sbp-4 (B. bovis) e rap-1a (B. bigemina) e a Semi-Nested para o gene msp5 (A. marginale). A prevalência de A. marginale foi 55,66% (167/300), B. bigemina, 15,33% (46/300) e B. bovis 4,0% (12/300) dos bezerros examinados. Formas parasitárias de A. marginale and B. bigemina foram encontradas em 36,33% e 2,66% dos esfregaços sanguíneos, enquanto B. bovis não foi detectado. Houve diferença estatística entre as prevalências de animais infectados nas faixas etárias 1 (10-70 dias) e 2 (>70-300 dias). Um total de 15 animais com sintomas clássicos da doença foram examinados, e as amostras foram confirmadas como uma infecção simples por A. marginale através da Nested-PCR. Esses resultados confirmam a anaplasmose bovina como a principal agente da tristeza parasitária bovina nos bezerros do rebanho estudado.

Estimating the abortion risk difference in Neospora caninum seropositive dairy cattle in Brazil / Estimativa da diferença do risco de aborto em vacas leiteiras soropositivas para Neospora caninum no Brasil

Neosporosis in cattle herds is associated with large economic losses, with abortion being the only clinical sign perceptible to the producer. Losses are estimated at over one billion dollars worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the abortion risk difference in seropositive animals using specific data for dairy herds in Brazil. Differences in the risk of abortion between seropositive and seronegative animals were calculated through a meta-analysis of previous data from several Brazilian states, and an increase of 10.04% (0.091 to 0.118) in the specific risk was identified. This finding indicates that more than 474,000 abortions caused by neosporosis may be occurring only in dairy cattle herds in Brazil, causing a major economic loss in the milk production chain. The use of this specific measure for Brazilian herds opens the possibility of developing cost-benefit analysis for neosporosis in Brazil using data that are more reliable

A neosporose está relacionada a grandes perdas econômicas em rebanhos bovinos, tendo o abortamento como único sinal clínico perceptível ao produtor, com prejuízos estimados em mais de um bilhão de dólares em todo o mundo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estimar a diferença no risco de aborto em animais soropositivos, especificamente com dados procedentes de rebanhos leiteiros do Brasil. A diferença do risco de aborto foi calculada através de uma meta-análise, com dados precedentes de vários estados brasileiros, tendo como resultado um aumento de 10,04% (0,091-0,118) no risco específico. Este resultado demonstra que podem estar ocorrendo mais de 474 mil abortamentos no Brasil, devido à neosporose, apenas em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros, causando grandes perdas econômicas para cadeia produtora de leite. A utilização dessa medida específica de rebanhos brasileiros abre a possibilidade de modelagem econômica do custo da doença no Brasil com dados mais fidedignos

Prevalência e distribuição espacial da leishmaniose visceral em cães do município de Juatuba, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Prevalence and spatial distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs Juatuba, Minas Gerais, Brazil

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência e a distribuição espacial da leishmaniose visceral em cães (LVC) do município de Juatuba, Minas Gerais, Brasil, no ano de 2010. Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal por meio de coleta de amostras sanguíneas de 957 cães, definidos aleatoriamente em todos os bairros do município. No diagnóstico sorológico, foram utilizados os testes de Imunofluorescência Indireta (IFI) e Teste de Adsorção Enzimática (ELISA), preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS). Foram marcadas as coordenadas geográficas dos imóveis participantes da pesquisa para verificar a distribuição espacial dos casos caninos. A prevalência da LVC foi estimada em 10,6%, com variação de 3 a 50%, distribuída em 70,6% dos bairros do município. A distribuição espacial pode ser observada por meio da varredura de agrupamentos e obtida à demarcação das áreas de risco diferenciado perante a ocorrência da doença no município de Juatuba. Foi observado aumento de 2,80 vezes mais chances em adquirir a LVC no cluster primário. A partir deste trabalho, as ações de prevenção e controle à LVC foram feitas de acordo com a especificidade de cada localidade, para evitar a expansão da doença entre os cães e novos casos humanos em Juatuba, Minas Gerais.

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and spatial distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs (VLD) at Juatuba city, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2010. A cross-sectional observational study was performed collecting blood samples from 957 dogs, defined randomly in all city districts. For the sorological diagnosis was used indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), recommended by the Ministry of Health. Geographical coordinates of properties that participated in the survey were marked in order to check the spatial distribution of canine cases. The VLD prevalence was estimated in 10.6%, ranging from 3% to 50.0%, distributed between 70.6% of city districts. Spatial distribution could be observed by scanning the clusters and according to the disease occurrences the demarcation of different risk areas could be obtained. There was an increase of 2.80 times more likely to acquire the VLD on the primary cluster. As of this research the prevention and control actions for VLD were made according to the specificity of each location to prevent the disease spread among dogs and new human cases.