Seroprevalence of Equine Leptospirosis in the State of Goiás, Brazil.

Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira, is a zoonotic disease that, in horses, is linked to abortions, uveitis, and sporadic occurrences of liver and kidney disease, often resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. Research on the prevalence of leptospirosis in horses in the central-west region of Brazil has been relatively scarce. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in equine herds in the state of Goiás (Central Brazil). Blood samples were collected from 894 equids at 294 randomly selected farms divided into three different strata according to their herd characteristics. The microscopic agglutination test for the detection of anti-Leptospira agglutinins was carried out and the results showed that among the 294 sampled farms, 213 (72.9%; CI 95% 71.7-78.9) had one or more animals positive for leptospirosis, and of the 894 horses sampled, 513 (61.6%; CI 95% 54.3-69.0) were seropositive for leptospirosis. Djasiman, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Australis were the most prevalent serogroups. The results showed a high prevalence of seropositive animals and a widespread distribution of positive farms in the state of Goiás. Thus, environmental sanitation measures and health education to prevent and control equine leptospirosis in the state are required.

The Sarcoptic Mange in Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): Mapping an Emerging Disease in the Largest South American Canid.

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest South American canid. In Brazil, as in other countries, it is considered an endangered species. Habitat loss, landscape changes, hunting, and roadkill are the main threats to this species. In addition, invasive diseases of domestic animals are considered to be an emerging threat to the maned wolf, where parasitic diseases are relevant. Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This disease is currently almost globally distributed, with a remarkable host diversity. In Brazil, reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife include several species, both wild and captive. However, the impact of this disease on wildlife is unknown. At the time of writing, there is only one published report of sarcoptic mange in maned wolves. This study sheds light on the occurrence of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging maned wolves in their natural range. A total of 52 cases (suspected and confirmed) of sarcoptic mange were identified through social media review, camera trapping, chemical immobilization and sample collection. These cases were distributed in southeastern Brazil, in the states of São Paulo (n = 34), Minas Gerais (n = 17), and Rio de Janeiro (n = 1), demonstrating a rapid and widespread spread of this disease, although it still only occurs in part of the species' range. We expect that these results will help to subsidize future actions relevant to the control of this emerging disease.

Economic analysis of bovine brucellosis control in the Rondônia state, Brazil.

Bovine brucellosis, mainly caused by Brucella abortus, is a worldwide distribution anthropozoonosis that causes great economic losses. In 2001, Brazil launched the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT). Contemporaneously, a great effort to characterize the epidemiology of the disease in Brazilian states was started. In the state of Rondônia, a first epidemiological study was carried out in 2004, revealing a prevalence of 35.2% of infected herds and 6.22% of seropositive females. In 2014, after a successful heifer vaccination program with strain 19 (S19), a second study detected a reduction in the prevalence of infected herds to 12.3% and of seropositive females to 1.9%. The present study aimed to quantify and compare the costs and benefits related to the control of bovine brucellosis in the state through an accounting analysis. Vaccinating heifers and performing serological tests to move animals were computed as private costs. The expenditures of the state official veterinary service for brucellosis control were considered public cost. The considered benefits of lowering prevalence were decreased cow replacement, decreased abortions, decreased perinatal and cow mortality, and increased milk production. Considering private and public costs, the net present value (NPV) was estimated at US$ 18.3 million, the internal rate of return (IRR) was calculated at 23%, and the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 1.7. When considering only the private costs, the NPV was US$34.9 million, the IRR was 49%, and the BCR was 3.0, meaning that the bovine producer had a return of 3 for each unit of currency invested. The results showed that the bovine brucellosis control measures implemented in the state of Rondônia, which had as its main strategy the vaccination of heifers with S19, produced highly advantageous economic results. The state should continue with its vaccination program, stimulating the use of the RB51 vaccine in addition to S19, to achieve further reductions in prevalence at low cost.

Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in urban-rural interfaces: community structure associated with pathogen screening in São Paulo-the largest metropolitan region in Brazil.

Little is known about the influence of the urban environments on bat species 'ecology. The urbanization process potentially lead to critical ecological changes in bat communities' intra and interspecific pathogenic transmissions dynamics. To date, the monitoring of pathogens in bats in Brazil has only been done with bats found dead or alive in households, from rabies surveillance systems. The present work aimed to investigate how urbanization influenced bat richness, relative abundance and pathogen occurrence. Most captured bats were Phyllostomidae, especially Sturnira lilium, Artibeus lituratus, A. fimbriatus, Glossophaga soricina, and Platyrrhinus lineatus, among others. From preserved-rural towards urban areas the lesser the bat richness, the higher the relative abundance of the captured bats. Noise level, luminosity and relative humidity correlated with bat abundance. The proportion of genders, sexually active bats and their size (weight, right forearm length, and body condition index) were stable throughout the investigation. Still, the proportion of pregnant females was higher in Spring and the number of juveniles in Summer, evidencing the seasonality of reproduction. Several Enterobacteria were isolated, evidencing a significant role of bats in the circulation of pathogens of medical and veterinary interest. These results are crucial in the pursuit of a harmonious coexistence between humans, bats and domestic animals in areas with different levels of anthropization.

Epidemiological Situation of Glanders in the State of Pará, Brazil.

Glanders is an anthropozoonosis caused by the bacteria Burkholderia mallei, affecting mainly equids. It has been eradicated in North America, Australia, and Western Europe, but continues to occur sporadically in countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Its notification is mandatory by the World Organization for Animal Health. After 30 years, the disease reappeared in Brazil in 1999 and, thereafter, 1,413 outbreaks have been reported. However, the epidemiological situation of the disease in the country is not adequately known. Thus, 2718 animals from 654 properties in the state of Pará were randomly selected by sampling and examined using a serial protocol with Complement Fixation and Western Blot serological tests. The prevalence of properties infected with glanders in the state was estimated at 1.68% [0.84; 3.33] and of seropositive animals at 0.50% [0.27; 0.94]. The introduction of animals was individualized as a risk factor for disease introduction in the properties (OR = 5.9 [1.4; 25.5]). Despite the low prevalence of infected properties and seropositive animals, the state must review actions to fight the disease, considering that the strategies implemented have not affected the endemic balance of the disease. This process must involve all public and private agents interested in the topic.

Bats Are Carriers of Antimicrobial-Resistant Staphylococcaceae in Their Skin.

Bats have emerged as potential carriers of zoonotic viruses and bacteria, including antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Staphylococcaceae has been isolated from their gut and nasopharynx, but there is little information about Staphylococcaceae on bat skin. Therefore, this study aimed to decipher the Staphylococci species in bat skin and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile. One hundred and forty-seven skin swabs were collected from bats during the spring and summer of 2021 and 2022. Bats were captured in different areas of the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil, according to the degree of anthropization: Area 1 (Forested), Area 2 (Rural), Area 3 (Residential-A), Area 4 (Slum-- up to two floors), Area 5 (Residential-B-condo buildings), and Area 6 (Industrial). Swabs were kept in peptone water broth at 37 °C for 12 h when bacterial growth was streaked in Mannitol salt agar and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The disc-diffusion test evaluated antimicrobial susceptibility. Staphylococcaceae were isolated from 42.8% of bats, mostly from young, from the rural area, and during summer. M. sciuri was the most frequent species; S. aureus was also isolated. About 95% of isolates were resistant to at least one drug, and most strains were penicillin resistant. Eight isolates were methicillin resistant, and the mecA gene was detected in one isolate (S. haemolyticus). Antimicrobial resistance is a One Health issue that is not evaluated enough in bats. The results indicate that bats are carriers of clinically meaningful S. aureus and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Finally, the results suggest that we should intensify action plans to control the spread of resistant bacteria.

Apparent prevalence and risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in the state of Paraná, Brazil: an assessment after 18 years since the beginning of the Brazilian program.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) impacts considerably animal production and one health worldwide. To describe the prevalence, risk factors, and spatial pattern of the disease in the state of Paraná, Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019. The area was divided into seven regions. Within each region, farms were randomly selected, and a predetermined number of cows was selected and tested by a comparative cervical tuberculin test. 17,210 animals were tested across 1757 farms. Herd prevalence of bTB-infected herds in Paraná was 2.5% [1.87-3.00%]. It has varied from 0.8 to 3.98% among seven regions, with clustering being detected in the west, central, and northeast areas. Animal prevalence was 0.35% [0.21-0.59%] and has varied from 0.08 to 0.6% among the pre-set regions. No major shifts in the prevalence of bTB were detected since 2007. Large-sized herds, dairy production, and feeding with whey were detected to be correlated with the presence of bTB. Exclusively among dairy herds, veterinary assistance from cooperatives, possession of self-owned equipment to cool milk, and feeding with whey were correlated with the disease. Considering these results, it is recommended that the state of Paraná seek to implement a surveillance system for the detection of bTB-infected herds transforming them into free ones, if possible, incorporating elements of risk-based surveillance. Health education is also recommended to inform farmers about the risks of introducing animals without testing and of feeding raw whey to calves.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with equine infectious anemia in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an infectious disease affecting equine in most countries and represents a notifiable disease with compulsory euthanasia of positive animals. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of EIAV infected equines in herds of the state of Goiás (Central Brazil) and to evaluate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease. Blood samples were collected from 1170 equids from 332 randomly selected farms divided into three different strata according to their herd characteristics. Also, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied during the visit to the farm. Of the 332 farms evaluated, 12 (3.1%; 95% CI: 1.24 - 6.00) had at least one positive equine for EIA, and of the 1170 evaluated equines, 14 (2%; 95% CI: 0.31-3.00) were positive in agar gel immunodiffusion. Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of a vaccination pistol (p < 0.001) and the presence of water bodies inside the farm (p < 0.01) were risk factors associated with the occurrence of EIA. Thus, the present study demonstrated a low but widespread prevalence of EIAV infected animals in the herds of Goiás state and that iatrogenic and environmental risk factors were associated with the occurrence of the disease.

Leptospira sp. infection in bats: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Bats are the only flying mammalian animals and are distributed worldwide. Bats are well-known hosts of several zoonotic viruses and bacteria, including Leptospira sp. Here, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of evidence of Leptospira sp. infection in bats by examining studies published between 1964 and 2021. We reported the frequencies of various species and serogroups on all continents, several species and feeding habits of bats, and different diagnostic tools. Together, 33 papers from all continents with seven to 2077 individuals from one to 31 species were included. Molecular detection was conducted in most studies, followed by MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) and isolation and identification. Molecular characterization of Leptospira sp. revealed L. borgpetersenii as the most frequent species. Moreover, 179 positive samples for MAT contained the most likely infecting serogroups described, particularly the Australis serogroup. The percentage of positive tests in isolation and identification ranged between 0% and 0.5%. The highest frequency of Leptospira infection among the continents was observed in Asia, whereas South America had the lowest percentage. Finally, Nycteridae and Rhinonycteridae were the most frequently infected bat families. Our study provides valuable information about the epidemiology of Leptospira sp. infection in bats.

Survey of bovine brucellosis on the island of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil / Investigação sobre brucelose bovina na Ilha de Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brasil

Considering the lack of information about livestock diseases on Brazilian oceanic islands, the occurrence of bovine brucellosis was investigated on the island of Fernando de Noronha, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Serum samples were collected in October 2009, from all the 105 cows raised on the island at that time. These were examined concurrently using the Rose Bengal test and the Complement Fixation Test. All the samples were negative in both tests, indicating that the cows on the island were likely free from infection by smooth forms of Brucella. These results can partly be explained by the prohibition of introduction and importation of both small and large-sized animals that had been implemented through District Decree 19 of February 28, 2004.(AU)

Tendo em vista a inexistência de informações sobre a ocorrência da brucelose bovina em ilhas oceânicas brasileiras, investigou-se a presença da infecção na ilha de Fernando de Noronha, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Soros de todas as 105 fêmeas bovinas existentes, colhidos em outubro de 2009, foram examinados concomitantemente pelo teste do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado e pela Reação de Fixação de Complemento. Todas as amostras foram negativas em ambos os testes, indicando que provavelmente os animais presentes na ilha encontravam-se livres da infecção por Brucella. Estes resultados podem ser explicados, em partes, pela proibição da introdução e importação de grandes e pequenos animais, implementada pelo Decreto Distrital 19, de 28 de fevereiro de 2004.(AU)

Seroprevalence and risk factors for bovine brucellosis in the state of Paraná, Brazil: an analysis after 18 years of ongoing control measures.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis (Brucella abortus) in herds and cattle were estimated by a cross-sectional study in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The state was divided into seven regions and a random, two-stage sampling was performed on properties and cattle from each region between 2018 and 2019. Serum samples were collected from 11,592 cows over 24 months from 1,757 properties and a questionnaire was applied to identify potential risk factors. As recommended by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT), serological testing for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies included the buffered plate agglutination test (screening test) and the fluorescence polarization assay (confirmatory test). The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis on properties and in cattle was 4.87% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.98-5.93%) and 2.24% (95% CI: 1.47-3.41%), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified larger herd size and failure to test for brucellosis as risk factors for the presence of anti-B. abortus antibodies. These results demonstrate no change in the prevalence when comparing initial studies conducted in 2002. Given our findings, it is recommended that policies for brucellosis control include a widespread vaccination program for higher prevalence areas and eradication approach to lower prevalence areas. All steps related to correct immunization of the herds should be verified and improved by training and education. Health education action must be carried out informing farmers about the risks of introducing animals not tested for brucellosis into their herds and the benefits of testing their herds regularly.

Antimicrobial Use in Brazilian Swine Herds: Assessment of Use and Reduction Examples.

Brazil, as a major pig producer, is currently experiencing the widespread use of antimicrobials as a serious issue to be addressed. For measures to be taken in this direction, the extent of the problem must be known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of antimicrobials in 25 Brazilian swine herds. Antimicrobial use from birth to slaughter was correlated with biosecurity and productivity. After the first assessment (2016; M0), 13 herds implemented good practices to reduce antimicrobial use. Four years after the implementation of these measures (2020; M1), data about antimicrobial usage from these herds were collected. The results of the first assessment (M0) demonstrated a troublesome scenario: the mean value of antimicrobials used was 358.4 mg/kg of pig produced; the median of the pig's lifetime exposure to antimicrobials was 73.7%, and the median number of drugs used was seven. A positive correlation between the antimicrobials consumed and the pig's antimicrobial exposure time was detected. Nevertheless, these data did not correlate with biosecurity score or productivity. A significant difference was detected in M1, where a median 30% reduction in antimicrobials consumed was detected. There was also a 44.3% reduction of the pig's lifetime exposure to antimicrobials. The median number of drugs used was reduced from seven to five. Antimicrobial use did not always reflect the sanitary condition or the real therapeutic needs, easily leading to overuse.

Seroepidemiological investigation of animal leptospirosis and molecular characterization of the first Leptospira strain isolated from Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil.

Leptospirosis has been widely reported in insular environments worldwide, characterizing a major public health threat. Although low-genetic biodiversity is expected in these regions, the introduction of domestic and synanthropic mammals may contribute to the wider diversity of leptospiral strains in insular settings. This study proposes a large-scale seroepidemiological investigation of Leptospira infection in animals from Fernando de Noronha archipelago and describes the characterization of the first leptospiral strain ever isolated from an insular setting in Brazil. A total of 1,265 blood samples from domestic (n = 682), synanthropic (n = 133) and wild (n = 450) animals were collected between 2007 and 2014, totalling 12 species. The presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was investigated by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and kidney samples from 20 synanthropic rodents were collected for the isolation of Leptospira spp. The leptospires recovered were further characterized by serogrouping with polyclonal antibodies, whole-genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The MAT results revealed the presence of agglutinins in 90 samples (7.1%) and the most frequently found serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 57) in practically all species included. Viable leptospires were recovered from one brown rat, and characterization revealed that the isolate belongs to L. interrogans serogroup Pyrogenes. The results suggest that synanthropic rodents might play an important role in leptospiral infection among wildlife and domestic species in the archipelago.

Agonistic and mating behaviour of the endemic lizard Trachylepis

The skink Trachylepis atlantica is endemic to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. Although this species is abundant in the archipelago, it is increasingly threatened by invasive species, predation, and anthropic interference. However, little is known about its natural history. Here we report on territory use, male-male combat, and mating behaviour of freeranging T. atlantica. During the dry season, we observed two bouts of male combat and two copulations, which suggests some mating seasonality. In male combat, T. atlantica displays ritualised agonistic behaviour with escalated aggressiveness that include - i) visualisation, approaching or following, ii) visual display, iii) bite and body confrontation, and iv) dominance. Adult males were always alert to invaders within their territories. After combat, resident males showed scars on their heads resulting from agonistic encounters. During the two copulations, we observed courtship, immobilisation, and mating.

Predictive risk model of livestock rabies occurrence in Peru / Modelo de risco preditivo para a ocorrência da raiva bovina no Peru

Livestock rabies is endemic in Peru. Hence, its persistence and annual dissemination represent an important economic impact, especially for impoverished farming communities. The disease is mostly transmitted by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus. The present study aimed to adapt an existing predictive model of the occurrence of livestock rabies to Peru, in which the risk of rabies transmission from bats to livestock was estimated using decision-tree models of receptivity and vulnerability. Official rabies surveillance data between 2010 and 2015 were used along with possible risk factors, such as livestock biomass, environmental changes, and geomorphological characteristics. Several scenarios were established to evaluate the prediction of the occurrence of livestock rabies cases by determining more than one cut-off point of the receptivity variables. During the study period, the precision of the model was estimated through the sensitivity (39.46%) and specificity (98.64%) by using confusion matrices. Targeting control efforts, especially in districts with a high estimated risk, could represent the prevention of a significant proportion of livestock rabies cases, which would optimize the human and economic resources of the Peruvian surveillance service. However, the quality of data produced by the surveillance should be improved not only to obtain higher model precision but also to allow the adequate planning of control actions.(AU)

Raiva de herbívoros é endêmica no Peru. Consequentemente, sua disseminação persistente e anual representa um importante impacto econômico, especialmente às comunidades rurais empobrecidas. A doença é principalmente transmitida pelo morcego hematófago Desmodus rotundus. Este estudo tem por objetivo adaptar um modelo preditivo pré-existente às ocorrências de raiva de herbívoros no Peru, no qual o risco de transmissão de morcegos para os herbívoros foi estimado por meio de árvores de cenários de receptividade e vulnerabilidade. Foram usados os dados oficiais de vigilância da raiva entre 2010 e 2015, assim como os possíveis fatores de risco, tais quais a biomassa de animais, alterações ambientais e características geomorfológicas. Diversos cenários foram criados para avaliar a predição da ocorrência da raiva por meio da determinação de diversos pontos de corte das variáveis de receptividade. Durante o período de estudo, a precisão do modelo foi estimada por meio da sensibilidade (39,46%) e especificidade (98,64%), utilizando matrizes de confusão. Focando em esforços de controle, especialmente em distritos com elevado risco estimado, seria possível prevenir uma proporção significativa dos focos, o que poderia otimizar os recursos humanos e econômicos do serviço oficial peruano. Entretanto, a qualidade dos dados produzidos pelo sistema de vigilância deveria ser melhorada não somente para obter maior precisão do modelo, mas também para possibilitar o melhor planejamento das ações de controle desta doença.(AU)

Epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Tocantins, Brazil / Situação epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no estado de Tocantins, Brasil

The epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis was studied from October 2014 to August 2015 int he state of Tocantins, a traditional beef exporter. The state was divided into five regions and the farms were randomly selected in each region. A predetermined number of animals was randomly selected and diagnosed using the Comparative Cervical Tuberculin Test. A total of 11,926 animals from 757 farms were tested. Animals with inconclusive test results were retested with the same diagnostic procedure at least 60 days later. The prevalence of infected herds in the state was 0.16% [0.02-1.15] and the prevalence of infected animals 0.009% [0.001-0.063]. Only one positive animal was detected in the Araguaína region. The state of Tocantins has a very low prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and, therefore, should evaluate the need of structuring a surveillance system to eradicate the disease.

Entre outubro de 2014 a agosto de 2015, foi estudada a situação epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no estado de Tocantins, tradicional exportador de carne. O estado foi estratificado em cinco regiões. Em cada região, propriedades foram sorteadas aleatoriamente e, dentro dessas, escolheu-se de forma também aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, os quais foram submetidos ao teste tuberculínico Cervical Comparativo. No total, foram testados 11.926 animais, provenientes de 757 propriedades. Os animais que resultaram inconclusivos foram retestados com o mesmo procedimento diagnóstico em intervalo mínimo de 60 dias. No Estado, a prevalência de focos foi de 0,16% [0,02-1,15] e a de animais 0,009% [0,001-0,063].Foi detectado apenas um animal positivo em propriedade da região de Araguaína. O estado de Tocantins apresenta baixíssima prevalência de tuberculose bovina e, portanto, deve avaliar a conveniência de estruturar sistema de vigilância visando à erradicação da doença.

Epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Tocantins, Brazil / Situação epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no estado de Tocantins, Brasil

The epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis was studied from October 2014 to August 2015 int he state of Tocantins, a traditional beef exporter. The state was divided into five regions and the farms were randomly selected in each region. A predetermined number of animals was randomly selected and diagnosed using the Comparative Cervical Tuberculin Test. A total of 11,926 animals from 757 farms were tested. Animals with inconclusive test results were retested with the same diagnostic procedure at least 60 days later. The prevalence of infected herds in the state was 0.16% [0.02-1.15] and the prevalence of infected animals 0.009% [0.001-0.063]. Only one positive animal was detected in the Araguaína region. The state of Tocantins has a very low prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and, therefore, should evaluate the need of structuring a surveillance system to eradicate the disease.(AU)

Entre outubro de 2014 a agosto de 2015, foi estudada a situação epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no estado de Tocantins, tradicional exportador de carne. O estado foi estratificado em cinco regiões. Em cada região, propriedades foram sorteadas aleatoriamente e, dentro dessas, escolheu-se de forma também aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, os quais foram submetidos ao teste tuberculínico Cervical Comparativo. No total, foram testados 11.926 animais, provenientes de 757 propriedades. Os animais que resultaram inconclusivos foram retestados com o mesmo procedimento diagnóstico em intervalo mínimo de 60 dias. No Estado, a prevalência de focos foi de 0,16% [0,02-1,15] e a de animais 0,009% [0,001-0,063].Foi detectado apenas um animal positivo em propriedade da região de Araguaína. O estado de Tocantins apresenta baixíssima prevalência de tuberculose bovina e, portanto, deve avaliar a conveniência de estruturar sistema de vigilância visando à erradicação da doença.(AU)

Predictive risk model of livestock rabies occurrence in Peru / Modelo de risco preditivo para a ocorrência da raiva bovina no Peru

Livestock rabies is endemic in Peru. Hence, its persistence and annual dissemination represent an important economic impact, especially for impoverished farming communities. The disease is mostly transmitted by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus. The present study aimed to adapt an existing predictive model of the occurrence of livestock rabies to Peru, in which the risk of rabies transmission from bats to livestock was estimated using decision-tree models of receptivity and vulnerability. Official rabies surveillance data between 2010 and 2015 were used along with possible risk factors, such as livestock biomass, environmental changes, and geomorphological characteristics. Several scenarios were established to evaluate the prediction of the occurrence of livestock rabies cases by determining more than one cut-off point of the receptivity variables. During the study period, the precision of the model was estimated through the sensitivity (39.46%) and specificity (98.64%) by using confusion matrices. Targeting control efforts, especially in districts with a high estimated risk, could represent the prevention of a significant proportion of livestock rabies cases, which would optimize the human and economic resources of the Peruvian surveillance service. However, the quality of data produced by the surveillance should be improved not only to obtain higher model precision but also to allow the adequate planning of control actions.(AU)

Raiva de herbívoros é endêmica no Peru. Consequentemente, sua disseminação persistente e anual representa um importante impacto econômico, especialmente às comunidades rurais empobrecidas. A doença é principalmente transmitida pelo morcego hematófago Desmodus rotundus. Este estudo tem por objetivo adaptar um modelo preditivo pré-existente às ocorrências de raiva de herbívoros no Peru, no qual o risco de transmissão de morcegos para os herbívoros foi estimado por meio de árvores de cenários de receptividade e vulnerabilidade. Foram usados os dados oficiais de vigilância da raiva entre 2010 e 2015, assim como os possíveis fatores de risco, tais quais a biomassa de animais, alterações ambientais e características geomorfológicas. Diversos cenários foram criados para avaliar a predição da ocorrência da raiva por meio da determinação de diversos pontos de corte das variáveis de receptividade. Durante o período de estudo, a precisão do modelo foi estimada por meio da sensibilidade (39,46%) e especificidade (98,64%), utilizando matrizes de confusão. Focando em esforços de controle, especialmente em distritos com elevado risco estimado, seria possível prevenir uma proporção significativa dos focos, o que poderia otimizar os recursos humanos e econômicos do serviço oficial peruano. Entretanto, a qualidade dos dados produzidos pelo sistema de vigilância deveria ser melhorada não somente para obter maior precisão do modelo, mas também para possibilitar o melhor planejamento das ações de controle desta doença.(AU)

Effect of vaccination on the apparent prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the state of Tocantins, Brazil / Efeito da vacinação na prevalência aparente da brucelose bovina no estado de Tocantins, Brasil

A cross-sectional study on the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis was carried out in the state of Tocantins to evaluate the effectiveness of its vaccination program. The state was divided into five regions, and a predetermined number of farms was randomly selected in each one. Females aged 24 months or older were randomly selected in each farm and diagnosed with brucellosis by serial serology (AAT and 2-ME). A total of 6,846 animals from 756 farms were examined. The prevalence of seropositive herds in the state was 6.42% [CI95%: 4.76-8.62], and the prevalence of seropositive animals was 2.21% [CI95%: 1.05-4.01]. The prevalence of seropositive herds was homogeneously distributed among regions. The 2002/2003 study estimated the prevalence of seropositive herds in the state to be 21.22% [CI95%: 19.33-23.11]. In conclusion, the vaccination program implemented in Tocantins, reaching vaccination coverage above 70% as of 2010, significantly reduced the prevalence of seropositive herds. Thus, continuing the vaccination program in the state is recommended, preferably increasing the quality of the processes involved, from commercialization to inoculation in animals, since immunization remains the most effective means to reduce the prevalence of brucellosis. In addition, animal replacement remains a major risk factor for bovine brucellosis in Tocantins since 20022003; therefore, the state must implement a strong health education program explaining to farmers the importance of testing animals for brucellosis before introducing them into their herds.(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo seccional sobre a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no estado de Tocantins com o objetivo de avaliar a eficácia do programa de vacinação implementado. O estado foi dividido em cinco regiões e em cada uma delas foi aleatoriamente amostrado um número pré-estabelecido de propriedades. Dentro de cada propriedade, fêmeas com idade igual ou superior a 24 meses foram aleatoriamente selecionadas e submetidas à sorologia em série para o diagnóstico da brucelose (AAT e 2-Mercaptoetanol). Ao todo foram examinados 6.846 animais oriundos de 756 propriedades. A prevalência aparente de focos no estado foi de 6,42% [IC95%: 4,76-8,62] e a de animais 2,21% [IC95%: 1,05-4,01]. A prevalência aparente de focos apresentou-se homogeneamente distribuída entre as cinco regiões. Como o estudo realizado em 2002/2003 estimou a prevalência aparente de focos no estado em 21,22% [IC95%: 19,33-23,11], conclui-se que o programa de vacinação implementado pelo Tocantins, atingindo coberturas vacinais acima de 70% a partir de 2010, reduziu a prevalência de maneira importante. Assim, recomendase que o estado continue seu programa de vacinação, dando grande ênfase para a qualidade dos procedimentos, desde a comercialização do insumo até a inoculação nos animais, pois a imunização ainda é a maneira mais racional de se reduzir a prevalência da brucelose bovina no seu território. Adicionalmente, o estado deve implementar uma forte ação de educação sanitária para que os produtores passem a testar os animais para brucelose antes de introduzi-los nos seus rebanhos, pois verificou-se que a reposição de animais permanece associada à condição de foco da brucelose bovina desde 2002/2003.(AU)

Prevalence of canine obesity in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Canine obesity is associated with comorbidities, a shortened lifespan, and a poorer quality of life, but epidemiological studies characterizing canine obesity in Latin America are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of canine obesity in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the possible associated causal factors. Randomly-selected households from different city regions were visited. Dogs in each household were evaluated and owners completed a questionnaire whilst their anthropometric measures were taken. Total of 285 dogs from 221 owners were included, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 40.5%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was greater in female dogs (P = 0.003) and in dogs that were neutered (P = 0.001). There was also a positive association between BCS and frequency of visits to a veterinarian (P = 0.026), feeding frequency (P = 0.033), and higher snack intake (P = 0.011). Further, the BCS of dogs was greater when their owners reported consuming more snacks themselves (P = 0.005) and whose had a presence of elderly people in the household (P = 0.006). In conclusion, the prevalence of obesity found in a Brazilian metropolitan region was similar to that if other countries, and neutering and snack intake were associated with the development of this disease.