RESUMEN
Introduction: The persistence of animal tuberculosis (TB) in livestock is a major concern in Sicily, Italy. The objective of this study was to elucidate the transmission dynamics of M. bovis infection in a highly circumscribed, and at the same time geographically diverse, high-risk area of the island through an in-depth geo-epidemiological investigation of TB in cattle and black pigs raised in small-scale extensive farms across the district of Caronia. Methods: We used genotype analysis coupled with geographic information system (GIS) technology and phylogenetic inference to characterize the spatial distribution of TB and M. bovis genotypes in livestock and the genetic relationships between M. bovis isolates. A total of 589 M. bovis isolates collected from slaughtered cattle (n = 527) and Sicilian black pigs (n = 62) over a 5-year period (2014-2018) were included in the study. Results: TB was widespread throughout the district and was most frequent in the north-central area of the district, especially along one of the district's streams. We identified a total of 62 M. bovis genotypes. Identical genetic profiles were isolated from both neighboring and non-neighburing herds. The 10 most frequent genotypes, accounting for 82% of M. bovis isolates, showed geographic specificities in that they tended to cluster in specific spatial niches. The landscape structure of these niches-i.e. steep slopes, rocky ridges, meadows and streams-is likely to have had a significant influence on the distribution of TB among livestock in Caronia. Higher concentrations of TB were observed along streams and in open meadows, while rocky ridges and slopes appeared to have hampered the spread of TB. Discussion: The geographical distribution of TB cases among livestock in Caronia is consistent with several epidemiological scenarios (e.g., high density of infected herds along the streams or in hilly plateau where livestock share pastures). Landscape structure is likely to play an important role in the transmission and persistence of M. bovis infection across the district. Additional potential risk factors, such as livestock trading and extensive breeding methods, are also discussed. Our results will contribute to the improvement of surveillance, control and eradication activities of TB in Sicily by the implementation of ad hoc TB control measures, especially in farms located along streams, sharing common pastures or with mixed animal species.
RESUMEN
In August 2016, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Central Italy, starting a devastating seismic sequence, aggravated by other two events of magnitude 5.9 and 6.5, respectively. After the first mainshock, four Italian institutions installed a dense temporary network of 50 seismic stations in an area of 260 km2. The network was registered in the International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks with the code 3A and quoted with a Digital Object Identifier ( https://doi.org/10.13127/SD/ku7Xm12Yy9 ). Raw data were converted into the standard binary miniSEED format, and organized in a structured archive. Then, data quality and completeness were checked, and all the relevant information was used for creating the metadata volumes. Finally, the 99 Gb of continuous seismic data and metadata were uploaded into the INGV node of the European Integrated Data Archive repository. Their use was regulated by a Memorandum of Understanding between the institutions. After an embargo period, the data are now available for many different seismological studies.