Vaccinia Virus among Domestic Dogs and Wild Coatis, Brazil, 2013-2015.

To determine their potential role as a source of human infection, we tested domestic dogs (urban) and wild coatis (wild) in Brazil for vaccinia virus. Our findings of positive neutralizing antibodies and quantitative PCR results for 35/184 dogs and 13/90 coatis highlight a potential public health risk.

Realities, perceptions, and strategies for implementation of an ethical population management program for dogs and cats on university campuses.

Stray dogs and cats pose significant challenges for public health and animal welfare due to their potential involvement in zoonotic disease transmission, accidents, and aggressions. Large urban centers exacerbated challenges due to the presence of these animals in public areas with high human density. Ethical Population Management Programs (EPMP), rooted in the One Health approach, are crucial for addressing this issue comprehensively. This study aimed to demonstrate the approach on cats and dogs EPMP and evaluate the perceptions of academic community regarding EPMP implementation on a campus situated in urban territory. The study was conducted at the Pampulha campus of UFMG in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In response to issues of animal abandonment and conflicts, the Permanent Commission for Animal Policies (CPPA-UFMG) was established in 2019 to manage the campus's dog, cat, and wildlife populations. The commission implemented the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, along with health assessments and vaccinations for animals. Interviews were conducted with campus staff to gauge their perception of animal management strategies. Retrospective and prospective analyses of the commission's actions were carried out to assess implementation processes and challenges. The animal population survey conducted on campus between July 2018 and September 2021 revealed a total of 266 animals recorded. Among these animals, 195 were cats (73.3%) and 71 were dogs (26.7%), with the majority being adults. Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2021 showed a slight increase in the animal population, with measures such as sterilization contributing to population control. Perception analysis among campus users indicated strategies such as TNR were widely endorsed for population control. The employees perception questionnaire was applied to 115 individuals, representing 42 units/departments and five gates. Associations were found between these beliefs and support for institutional actions. The majority favored sterilization (92.17%) and agreed that TNR is an appropriate approach to population control. Overall, the study reflects a community concerned about animal welfare and supportive of measures to address population management and cruelty prevention. The continuous efforts of the university's CPPA have led to stability in the resident animal population, indicating success in achieving population control objectives.

Household outbreak of sporotrichosis: towards the One Health approach.

Although sporotrichosis requires a broad approach for control, few reports have described the relationship between the index case and secondary contacts. In the present work, we report an outbreak involving a woman, a dog, and two cats from the same household environment, including the clinical and epidemiological aspects and outcomes, and discuss the importance of a One Health approach to face this neglected disease. The joint efforts of professionals such as veterinarians and physicians are essential for early diagnosis and surveillance, which contributes to the rapid identification and control of zoonotic sporotrichosis outbreaks.

Diagnosis of animal abuse: A Brazilian study.

Due to their intimate relationship with human beings, animals can experience abuse, especially in the family environment. Research on the variables involved in this topic is scarce in Latin America. The objective of this study was to identify the main types of animal abuse in Brazilian municipalities and to characterize animals and perpetrators in addition to identifying the socioeconomic factors associated with the incidents. The occurrences of animal abuse were analyzed from the records of the Police Station Specialized in Fauna Crimes Investigation Department of the Civil Police of Minas Gerais operating in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from September 2016 to September 2018. Events involving cruelty to animals were categorized as active maltreatment, while acts of omission, which refer to neglected animals, were categorized as passive maltreatment, defined according to sets of nutritional, health, behavioral, and comfort indicators. Cruel crimes were the most frequently registered (45.7 %, 101/221), with intoxication and aggression being the most common types. Active maltreatment generated more deaths compared to passive maltreatment (OR: 3.900, 95 % CI: 1.873-8.588, p<0.05). Regarding abuse, dogs were the most affected animals (59.7 %, 132/221), followed by felines (14.9 %, 33/221), equine (5.4 %, 12/221), birds (5.8 %, 13/221), poultry (2.7 %, 6/221), reptiles (2.2 %, 5/221), and other groups of animals (9.0 %, 20/221). Adults were the most frequently reported (55.2 %, 122/221) age of abused animals. Cats were the main cruelty victims, with the highest chance of death (OR: 6.829, 95 %CI: 2.916-16.696, p<0.05) and were those who suffered most from intoxication abuse (OR: 4.72, 95 % CI 1.585-14.996, p=0.001). The perpetrators of abuse were predominantly males (66.8 %, 137/205) aged between 40 and 59 years (38.6 %, 53/137). Perpetrators of committing animal cruelty were 3.57 times more likely to be male and 2.5 times more likely to have no college education. The perpetrators of animal abandonment had a 25 times greater chance of being between 18 and 24 years old compared to the category between 40 and 59 years old and perpetrators of animal intoxication had 5 times greater chance of being also between 18 and 24 years old. Among all victimized animals, dogs and cats were the most affected, probably due to their close relationships with humans. Understanding the profile of victims and suspects involved in neglect maltreatment and cruelty to animals is fundamental to the establishment of policies and strategies to prevent and restrain these activities.

Characterization of animal sporotrichosis in a highly urbanized area.

An epidemiological characterization of animal sporotrichosis was carried out between 2017 and 2018, in a highly urbanized area in Brazil, including outcomes and the spatial distribution of the cases according to the health vulnerability index (HVI) of the study territory. One hundred and sixty-five cats and four dogs suspected of sporotrichosis were identified by a surveillance and control program previously implemented in the study area. One hundred and five of these animals (62.1 %) were considered positive for Sporothrix spp., of which 103 were cats and two were dogs. Cases predominated among male cats (53.4 %), although gender did not present a statistically significant association (p > 0.05) with sporotrichosis cases. Considering the positive cats, 55.4 % were not neutered and free access to the street was reported as a habit for 86.4 % of them. Roaming free in the streets increased the chance of infection by 2.54 times. We observed a high frequency of euthanasia or death (48.8 %) among 86 infected cats available to be included in the follow-up stage of the study, even when they were treated (46.5 %) and a low cure rate (31 %). The disease spread, unrelated to the HVI in the territory. Data produced suggested that avoiding access to the street seems to have greater importance to sporotrichosis control in cats than neutering and reinforces the importance of health education, especially in relation to responsible feline ownership. The free offer of diagnosis and treatment also should be taken into consideration as important measures to control the disease.

Nodular and sclerosing gastritis caused by Cylicospirura felineus in a puma (Puma concolor).

An adult male puma (Puma concolor), hit by a car in an urban area, died three days later despite the therapeutic support provided. At necropsy, multiple firm nodules were identified in the gastric mucosa. The nodules were coated by an intact mucosa with a central opening from which reddish and cylindrical nematodes protruded into the lumen. Twenty-seven nematodes were retrieved for morphological and morphometric evaluations. During histopathological examination of the gastric tissue, the adult nematodes appear in longitudinal and transverse sections, surrounded by thick bands of collagen, interspersed with mixed inflammatory infiltrates. The nematodes had an eosinophilic cuticle with caudal serrated projections (bulbar type), coelomyarian musculature, pseudocoelom, and females with uterus containing numerous larvated eggs, characteristics consistent with the Cylicospirura genus. Morphologically, female nematodes had six large tricuspid teeth in the oral cavity and the vulva had an opening anterior to the esophagus-intestinal junction. Male nematodes had five pairs of small papillae near the tip of the tail. These findings were consistent with Cylicospirura felineus. This parasite should be included in the differential diagnosis of nodular gastric wall lesions in wild felids.

Associated factors and spatial patterns of the epidemic sporotrichosis in a high density human populated area: A cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2018.

An epidemiological characterization of human and feline sporotrichosis was carried out between 2016 and 2018, in a high density-populated area in Brazil. Professionals were trained to identify suspect cats and notify vets to interview the owners and collect swabs of the wounds from these animals. Mycological cultures were performed, and colonies identified as Sporothrix spp. Subsequently, data regarding the outcome from suspect animals were collected. Confirmed cases of human sporotrichosis (56) were also counted and analyzed for spatial distribution. 118 positive animals were observed. The prevalence of feline sporotrichosis was 8.36 ‰ (CI 95 %, 5.38-9.55 ‰). The odds for being positive in animals that lived only partially at home were 3.02 times greater than for those cats without access to the street (OR 3.02, CI 95 % 1,96-10,43). There was no statistically significant association between environmental variables and positive diagnosis, corroborating the hypothesis that direct transmission by infected cats plays a greater role in the occurrence and continuous outbreaks of sporotrichosis in Brazil. Among the positive animals, 61.90 % (CI 95 % 58.95-64.96) died, and they had an odds to die in the next six months 6.30 times greater than negative animals (p < 0.05, OR 6.30, CI 95 % 2,79-14,42). The case fatality rate was 55.08 % in cats (CI 95 % 49.20-51.15). The cause-specific death rate was 4.6 ‰ in cats (CI 95 % 3.4-6 ‰). Only 7.62 % (CI 95 % 7.12-8.16) positive cats were treated and cured. Among dead positive animals, 29.23 % were inappropriately discarded. In the study period 56 human cases were recorded in the Barreiro region. Regions with highest prevalence of feline sporotrichosis, had greater frequencies of both human and feline cases. This is the first report on the epidemic of sporotrichosis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The free offer for treatment and veterinary care for these animals should be taken into consideration, as well as the collection and incineration of the dead ones, as measures of public health, followed by the guidance and care for the human patient.

Effectiveness of the mass use of deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars for preventing transmission of canine leishmaniasis by Lutzomyia spp.: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis that greatly impacts public health, especially in developing countries. The effectiveness of deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars for preventing transmission of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) by the sand fly Lutzomyia spp. in countries with high incidence of the disease, such as Brazil, remains unknown. A cluster randomized controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of these collars in preventing infection of dogs with Leishmania infantum. Two areas were selected in a municipality endemic for VL in Brazil: an experimental area (EA) and a control area (CA). In both areas, blood samples were collected from dogs for detection of CanL. Seronegative dogs from the EA received collars impregnated with deltamethrin 4%. After six months, the dogs were retested for CanL and the incidence of the disease, the relative risk, and the effectiveness of collaring determined. In the baseline survey, 1020 dogs from the EA and 589 from the CA were examined. The prevalence calculated for EA was 4.41% (CI95% 3.27-5.91), and 7.13% (CI95% 5.25-9.59) for CA. In the second evaluation, 454 dogs from the EA and 292 from the CA were examined. The person-time incidence calculated for EA was 3.51% (CI95% 1.30-7.48), and for CA was 11.81% (CI95% 7.03-18.23). The difference between the calculated incidences was statistically significant (p = 0.009). The relative risk was 0.2972 (CI95% 0.1204-0.7339; p = 0.009), and the efficacy of the proposed measure was estimated in 70.27%. This report evaluated the effectiveness of the mass use of deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars in areas of transmission of VL by Lutzomyia spp. Collaring was able to protect dogs and may represent an effective strategy that could be implemented to control infection in both dogs and humans in Brazil and perhaps other countries where Lutzomyia spp. is the main vector of the disease.

Household outbreak of sporotrichosis: towards the One Health approach

ABSTRACT Although sporotrichosis requires a broad approach for control, few reports have described the relationship between the index case and secondary contacts. In the present work, we report an outbreak involving a woman, a dog, and two cats from the same household environment, including the clinical and epidemiological aspects and outcomes, and discuss the importance of a One Health approach to face this neglected disease. The joint efforts of professionals such as veterinarians and physicians are essential for early diagnosis and surveillance, which contributes to the rapid identification and control of zoonotic sporotrichosis outbreaks.

Diagnóstico de animais ilegais recebidos no centro de triagem de animais silvestres de Belo Horizonte, Estado de Minas Gerais, no ano de 2011 / Diagnosis of illegal animals received at the wildlife rehabilitation center of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil in 2011

O centro de triagem de animais silvestres em Belo Horizonte (CETAS-BH) é um dos órgãos responsáveis pelo recebimento de animais silvestres em Minas Gerais (MG). O conhecimento da fauna mantida ilegal é ferramenta importante para a conservação dos animais silvestres, pois permite o aprimoramento da educação ambiental e das ações fiscalizadoras. Objetivou-se diagnosticar as espécies da fauna silvestre apreendidas ou entregues voluntariamente no CETAS-BH e analisar espacialmente sua distribuição. As espécies foram identificadas e classificadas de acordo com a chave taxonômica e o risco de extinção. Na análise descritiva espacial, foram identificadas as coordenadas geográficas dos municípios dos animais para a construção dos mapas de distribuição e de densidade de Kernel. No ano de 2011, foram recebidos 7.426 animais vivos, dos quais 91,5% eram aves, 7% répteis e 1,5% mamíferos. Verificou-se ampla variedade de espécies (166), correspondendo às aves a maioria (79,5%). As espécies mais recebidas foram Sicalis flaveola e Saltator similis. Do total de espécies recebidas, 15% estavam ameaçadas de extinção. A principal procedência foi apreensão (82,7%) e, delas, 79% foram realizadas pela Polícia Militar do Meio Ambiente. Os animais eram de 94 municípios de MG. A análise espacial identificou a Região Metropolitana de BH como o local de maior concentração de ocorrências. A partir dos resultados obtidos, espera-se o aprimoramento e a intensificação das ações de educação ambiental e de fiscalização para essas áreas específicas.

The wildlife rehabilitation center in Belo Horizonte (CETAS - BH) is one of the responsible for the receipt of wild animals in Minas Gerais (MG). The knowledge about the animals traffic is an important instrument for the wild species conservation as it allows the improvement of environmental education and the enforcement actions. The research aimed to diagnose the species of wildlife seized or voluntarily surrendered in CETAS-BH and analyze their spatial distribution. The species were identified and classified according to the taxonomic key and the risk of extinction. Descriptive spatial analysis identified the geographic coordinates of the cities where the animals were found to make maps showing their spatial distribution and the Kernel density. In 2011 were received 7426 live animals, 91.5 % of these birds, 7% reptiles and 1.5% mammals. It was found a range of species (166), most of them birds (79.5%). The most received species were Sicalis flaveola and Saltator similis. Fifteen percent of the species were endangered. The main category of receiving was the seizure (82.7%), and 79% of them were conducted by Environment Police. The animals were from 94 cities in the state of Minas Gerais. The spatial analysis identified the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region as the region with the highest concentration of occurrences. In this context, this study suggests the improvement and intensification of environmental education and supervision in those specific areas.

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.

Experiência multiprofissional na investigação de infecção por Toxocara spp em crianças atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde / Experiência multiprofissional na investigação de infecção por Toxocara spp em crianças atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde

A toxocaríase é uma doença causada geralmente pela ingestão acidental de ovos larvados de Toxocara canis e/ou Toxocara cati, acometendo principalmente crianças. Esses ovos larvados permanecem viáveis por longos períodos no ambiente. Objetivou-se detectar focos de Toxocara spp a partir da análise do local habitado por crianças diagnosticadas com a doença em 2012 e 2013 em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Os responsáveis pelos pacientes foram entrevistados e foram coletadas amostras de solo dos domicílios para pesquisa de ovos de Toxocara spp. pelo método de Faust. Também foi realizada entrevista com as pediatras responsáveispela notificação e tratamento na suspeição do diagnóstico de Larva Migrans Visceral (LMV). As famílias tinham características socioeconômicas semelhantes, viviam em lotes multifamiliares e em 100% dos casos havia contato com cães filhotes e adultos. Verificou-se presença de fezes caninas expostas em locais de risco, sem recolhimento diário, e as crianças diagnosticadas tinham contato diário com essas áreas, não eram orientadas quanto à higiene das mãos e alimentos crus eram lavados apenas com água. Havia ovos infectantes viáveis de Toxocara spp. em 100% das amostras coletadas. Mesmo sob tratamento, no período do estudo, não houve mudança nos fatores de risco ambientais, nem desverminação de algum cão após o diagnóstico nas crianças. Foram propostas atividades de educação em saúde sobre este tema, sob forma de cartilhas direcionadas para a população e para os profissionais de saúde. Este trabalho proporcionou aos participantes do PET-Saúde ampla visão sobre os desafios do trabalho multiprofissional no SUS na intervenção de uma importante zoonose.

Toxocariasis is a disease that mainly affects children and is generally caused by the accidental ingestion of Toxocara canis and/or Toxocara cati embryonated eggs. These embryonated eggs remain viable for long periods in the environment. This study aimed at detecting outbreaks of Toxocara spp by analyzing places inhabited by children who had been diagnosedwith the disease in 2012 and 2013, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The patients? guardians were interviewed, and soil samples were collected from their households to survey the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs through the method of Faust. The patients? pediatricians, who notified and treated the suspected cases with a diagnosis of (LMV), were also interviewed. All interviewed families had similar socio-economic characteristics, lived in multi-family lots, and had contact with puppies and adult dogs. The presence of exposed canine feces, which were not collected daily, was observed in places of risk; the diagnosed children had daily contact with these areas and were not oriented with regard to hand hygiene; in addition, raw food was washed with water only. Infective viable eggs of Toxocara spp. were detected in 100% of collected samples.Changes in environmental risk factors or dog deworming were not executed even after the diagnosed children were placed under treatment, during the study period. Health education activities on this topic were proposed with the use of booklets directed to the population and health professionals. This study provided ample insight to PET-Health participants into the challenges of multi-professional work in the SUS about intervention on an important zoonosis.