Investigating pigeon circovirus infection in a pigeon farm: molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis and complete genome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pigeon circovirus infections in pigeons (Columba livia domestica) have been reported worldwide. Pigeons should be PiCV-free when utilized as qualified experimental animals. However, pigeons can be freely purchased as experimental animals without any clear guidelines to follow. Herein, we investigated the status quo of PiCV infections on a pigeon farm in Beijing, China, which provides pigeons for experimental use. RESULTS: PiCV infection was verified in at least three types of tissues in all forty pigeons tested. A total of 29 full-length genomes were obtained and deposited in GenBank. The whole genome sequence comparison among the 29 identified PiCV strains revealed nucleotide homologies of 85.8-100%, and these sequences exhibited nucleotide homologies of 82.7-98.9% as compared with those of the reference sequences. The cap gene displayed genetic diversity, with a wide range of amino acid homologies ranging from 64.5% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 29 full-genome sequences revealed that the PiCV strains in this study could be further divided into four clades: A (17.2%), B (10.4%), C (37.9%) and D (34.5%). Thirteen recombination events were also detected in 18 out of the 29 PiCV genomes obtained in this study. Phylogenetic research using the rep and cap genes verified the recombination events, which occurred between clades A/F, A/B, C/D, and B/D among the 18 PiCV strains studied. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, PiCV infection, which is highly genetically varied, is extremely widespread on pigeon farms in Beijing. These findings indicate that if pigeons are to be used as experimental animals, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of PiCV infection on the results.

Oral feed-based administration of phage cocktail protects rohu fish (Labeo rohita) against Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the major freshwater fish pathogens. In the current study, a cocktail of D6 and CF7 phages was given orally to Labeo rohita to assess phage survival in fish organs as well as to determine the therapeutic efficacy of phage treatment against fish mortality caused by A. hydrophila. In the phage-coated feed, prepared by simple spraying method, phage counts were quite stable for up to 2 months with a decline of ≤ 0.23 log10 and ≤ 1.66 log10 PFU/g feed during 4 oC and room temperature storage. Throughout the experimental period of 7 days, both phages could be detected in the gut of fish fed with phage-coated feed. Besides, both CF7 and D6 phages were also detected in fish kidneys indicating the ability of both the phage to cross the intestinal barrier. During challenge studies with LD50 dose of A. hydrophila, phage cocktail doses of 1 × 106 - 1 × 108 PFU/g feed prevented the mortality in L. rohita with relative percentage survival (RPS) of 8.7-65.2. When challenged with LD90 dose of A. hydrophila, an RPS value of 28.6 was obtained at a phage cocktail dose of 1 × 108 PFU/g feed. The RPS data showed that orally-fed phage cocktail protected the fish against the mortality caused by A. hydrophila in a dose-dependent manner. Simple practical approaches for phage cocktail development, medicated feed preparation and oral administration along with phage survival and protection data make the current study useful for farmer-level application.

Recent advances in early pregnancy loss diagnosis in dairy cows: New approaches.

Early pregnancy loss is a primary cause of low reproductive rates in dairy cows, posing severe economic losses to dairy farming. The accurate diagnosis of dairy cows with early pregnancy loss allows for oestrus synchronization, shortening day open, and increasing the overall conception rate of the herd. Several techniques are available for detecting early pregnancy loss in dairy cows, including rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). Yet, there is a need to improve on existing techniques and develop novel strategies to identify cows with early pregnancy loss accurately. This manuscript reviews the applications of rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone concentration, and PAGs in the diagnosis of pregnancy loss in dairy cows. The manuscript also discusses the recent progress of new technologies, including colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), interferon tau-induced genes (ISGs), and exosomal miRNA in diagnosing pregnancy loss in dairy cows. This study will provide an option for producers to re-breed cows with pregnancy loss, thereby reducing the calving interval and economic costs. Meanwhile, this manuscript might also act as a reference for exploring more economical and precise diagnostic technologies for early pregnancy loss in dairy cows.

Development and application of one-step multiplex Real-Time PCR for detection of three main pathogens associated with bovine neonatal diarrhea.

Introduction: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is one of the most common diseases in calves, causing huge economic and productivity losses to the bovine industry worldwide. The main pathogens include bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K99. Since multiple infectious agents can be involved in calf diarrhea, detecting each causative agent by traditional methods is laborious and expensive. Methods: In this study, we developed a one-step multiplex Real-Time PCR assay to simultaneously detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+. The assay performance on field samples was evaluated on 1100 rectal swabs of diseased cattle with diarrhea symptoms and compared with the conventional gel-based RT-PCR assay detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+. Results: The established assay could specifically detect the target pathogens without cross-reactivity with other pathogens. A single real-time PCR can detect ~1 copy/µL for each pathogen, and multiplex real-time PCR has a detection limit of 10 copies/µL. Reproducibility as measured by standard deviation and coefficient of variation were desirable. The triple real-time PCR method established in this study was compared with gel-based PT-PCR. Both methods are reasonably consistent, while the real-time PCR assay was more sensitive and could rapidly distinguish these three pathogens in one tube. Analysis of surveillance data showed that BRV and BCoV are major enteric viral pathogens accounting for calves' diarrhea in China. Discussion: The established assay has excellent specificity and sensitivity and was suitable for clinical application. The robustness and high-throughput performance of the developed assay make it a powerful tool in diagnostic applications and calf diarrhea research. ​.

Preparation of Bispecific IgY-scFvs Inhibition Adherences of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (K88 and F18) to Porcine IPEC-J2 Cell.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are significant contributors to postweaning diarrhea in piglets. Of the ETEC causing diarrhea, K88 and F18 accounted for 92.7%. Despite the prevalence of ETEC K88 and F18, there is currently no effective vaccine available due to the diversity of these strains. This study presents an innovative approach by isolating chicken-derived single-chain variable fragment antibodies (scFvs) specific to K88 and F18 fimbrial antigens from chickens immunized against these ETEC virulence factors. These scFvs effectively inhibited adhesion of K88 and F18 to porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), with the inhibitory effect demonstrating a dose-dependent increase. Furthermore, a bispecific scFv was designed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. This engineered construct displayed remarkable potency; at a concentration of 25.08 µg, it significantly reduced the adhesion rate of ETEC strains to IPEC-J2 cells by 72.10% and 69.11% when challenged with either K88 or F18 alone. Even in the presence of both antigens, the adhesion rate was notably decreased by 57.92%. By targeting and impeding the initial adhesion step of ETEC pathogenesis, this antibody-based intervention holds promise as a potential alternative to antibiotics, thereby mitigating the risks associated with antibiotic resistance and residual drug contamination in livestock production. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for the development of innovative treatments against ETEC infections in piglets.

[Cu(NN1)2]ClO4, a Copper (I) Complex as an Antimicrobial Agent for the Treatment of Piscirickettsiosis in Atlantic Salmon.

Piscirickettsia salmonis is the pathogen that most affects the salmon industry in Chile. Large quantities of antibiotics have been used to control it. In search of alternatives, we have developed [Cu(NN1)2]ClO4 where NN1 = 6-((quinolin-2-ylmethylene)amino)-2H-chromen-2-one. The antibacterial capacity of [Cu(NN1)2]ClO4 was determined. Subsequently, the effect of the administration of [Cu(NN1)2]ClO4 on the growth of S. salar, modulation of the immune system and the intestinal microbiota was studied. Finally, the ability to protect against a challenge with P. salmonis was evaluated. The results obtained showed that the compound has an MIC between 15 and 33.9 µg/mL in four isolates. On the other hand, the compound did not affect the growth of the fish; however, an increase in the transcript levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-1ß, CD4, lysozyme and perforin was observed in fish treated with 40 µg/g of fish. Furthermore, modulation of the intestinal microbiota was observed, increasing the genera of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus as well as potential pathogens such as Vibrio and Piscirickettsia. Finally, the treatment increased survival in fish challenged with P. salmonis by more than 60%. These results demonstrate that the compound is capable of protecting fish against P. salmonis, probably by modulating the immune system and the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

Chagas Disease: A Silent Threat for Dogs and Humans.

Chagas disease (CD) is a vector-borne Neglected Zoonotic Disease (NZD) caused by a flagellate protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, that affects various mammalian species across America, including humans and domestic animals. However, due to an increase in population movements and new routes of transmission, T. cruzi infection is presently considered a worldwide health concern, no longer restricted to endemic countries. Dogs play a major role in the domestic cycle by acting very efficiently as reservoirs and allowing the perpetuation of parasite transmission in endemic areas. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, still there is no vaccine against human and animal disease, there are few drugs available for the treatment of human CD, and there is no standard protocol for the treatment of canine CD. In this review, we highlight human and canine Chagas Disease in its different dimensions and interconnections. Dogs, which are considered to be the most important peridomestic reservoir and sentinel for the transmission of T. cruzi infection in a community, develop CD that is clinically similar to human CD. Therefore, an integrative approach, based on the One Health concept, bringing together the advances in genomics, immunology, and epidemiology can lead to the effective development of vaccines, new treatments, and innovative control strategies to tackle CD.

Rescue of Mycobacterium bovis DNA Obtained from Cultured Samples during Official Surveillance of Animal TB: Key Steps for Robust Whole Genome Sequence Data Generation.

Epidemiological surveillance of animal tuberculosis (TB) based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Mycobacterium bovis has recently gained track due to its high resolution to identify infection sources, characterize the pathogen population structure, and facilitate contact tracing. However, the workflow from bacterial isolation to sequence data analysis has several technical challenges that may severely impact the power to understand the epidemiological scenario and inform outbreak response. While trying to use archived DNA from cultured samples obtained during routine official surveillance of animal TB in Portugal, we struggled against three major challenges: the low amount of M. bovis DNA obtained from routinely processed animal samples; the lack of purity of M. bovis DNA, i.e., high levels of contamination with DNA from other organisms; and the co-occurrence of more than one M. bovis strain per sample (within-host mixed infection). The loss of isolated genomes generates missed links in transmission chain reconstruction, hampering the biological and epidemiological interpretation of data as a whole. Upon identification of these challenges, we implemented an integrated solution framework based on whole genome amplification and a dedicated computational pipeline to minimize their effects and recover as many genomes as possible. With the approaches described herein, we were able to recover 62 out of 100 samples that would have otherwise been lost. Based on these results, we discuss adjustments that should be made in official and research laboratories to facilitate the sequential implementation of bacteriological culture, PCR, downstream genomics, and computational-based methods. All of this in a time frame supporting data-driven intervention.

Phenotypic Characteristics, Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Virulence Genotype Features of Trueperella pyogenes Associated with Endometritis of Dairy Cows.

Trueperella pyogenes can cause various infections in the organs and tissues of different livestock (including pigs, cows, goats, and sheep), including mastitis, endometritis, pneumonia, or abscesses. Moreover, diseases induced by T. pyogenes cause significant economic losses in animal husbandry. In recent large-scale investigations, T. pyogenes has been identified as one of the main pathogens causing endometritis in lactating cows. However, the main treatment for the above-mentioned diseases is still currently antibiotic therapy. Understanding the impact of endometritis associated with T. pyogenes on the fertility of cows can help optimize antibiotic treatment for uterine diseases, thereby strategically concentrating the use of antimicrobials on the most severe cases. Therefore, it is particularly important to continuously monitor the prevalence of T. pyogenes and test its drug resistance. This study compared the uterine microbiota of healthy cows and endometritis cows in different cattle farms, investigated the prevalence of T. pyogenes, evaluated the genetic characteristics and population structure of isolated strains, and determined the virulence genes and drug resistance characteristics of T. pyogenes. An amount of 186 dairy cows were involved in this study and 23 T. pyogenes strains were isolated and identified from the uterine lavage fluid of dairy cows with or without endometritis.

Iron Supplementation of Pregnant Sows to Prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia in Piglets: A Procedure of Questionable Effectiveness.

In pigs, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common disorder that occurs during the early postnatal period, leading to the stunted growth and increased mortality of piglets. The main cause of IDA is low iron stores in the liver of newborn piglets; these stores constitute the main source of iron needed to satisfy the erythropoietic requirements of the piglets in their first weeks of life. Insufficient iron stores in piglets are usually due to the inadequate placental iron transfer from the sow to the fetuses. Therefore, iron supplementation in pregnant sows has been implemented to enhance placental iron transfer and increase iron accumulation in the liver of the fetuses. Over the years, several oral and parenteral approaches have been attempted to supplement sows with various iron preparations, and consequently, to improve piglets' red blood cell indices. However, there is debate with regard to the effectiveness of iron supplementation in pregnant sows for preventing IDA in newborn piglets. Importantly, this procedure should be carried out with caution to avoid iron over-supplementation, which can lead to iron toxicity. This article aims to critically review and evaluate the use of iron supplementation in pregnant sows as a procedure for preventing IDA in piglets.

Establishment of the HPLC fluorescence detection method for plasma trace ivermectin and its pharmacokinetics in Bactrian camel.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ivermectin (IVM), a widely used veterinary anthelmintic, lacks recommended doses for Bactrian camels. This study aims to establish its pharmacokinetics in Bactrian camels, comparing with other livestock. METHODS: A method for high-performance liquid chromatography fluorescence detection of IVM in plasma was developed. RESULTS: IVM exhibited linear scaling (y = 0.6946x + 0.0088, R2 = 0.9988) within 0.025-5 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantification of 25.00 pg/mL, high recovery (>70%) and low RSD (<7%). In Bactrian camels, IVM injection showed a low Cmax, extended Tmax and apparent secondary absorption compared to cattle and sheep. CONCLUSIONS: Slow absorption and widespread distribution were observed, with peak concentration and area under the curve correlating positively with the dose. This study provides insights into IVM pharmacokinetics in Bactrian camels, informing dose determination and highlighting potential metabolic differences compared to other livestock.

Expression pattern of germ cell markers in cryptorchid stallion testes.

Cryptorchidism affects spermatogenesis and testis development, often resulting in stallion subfertility/infertility. This study aims to identify the specific germ cells impacted by cryptorchism in stallions. In a previous study, we found that PGP9.5 and VASA are molecular markers expressed in different germ cells within stallions. Herein, we assessed the heat stress-induced response of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of cryptorchid stallion testes (CST) and normal stallion testes (NST). This goal was accomplished by comparing PGP9.5 and VASA expression patterns through reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays. We also compared the cross-sectional ST area between groups. Six post-pubertal Thoroughbred unilateral cryptorchid stallions were used. The relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of PGP9.5 and VASA was significantly upregulated in the NST group than in the CST group. Additionally, the cross-sectional ST area and localization of PGP9.5 and VASA in germ cells were significantly higher in the NST group than in the CST group. Regarding Leydig cells, PGP9.5 staining was observed in both groups. Spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were immunostained with VASA in the NST group, while immunostaining was only observed in spermatogonia in the CST group. These results indicate long-term exposure to heat stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, directly impacts germ cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and compromised fertility in stallions.

Interaction of blood calcium with milk yield, energy metabolites, subclinical mastitis, and reproductive performance in crossbred dairy cows.

Limited literature is available on the consequences of postpartum low blood calcium (Ca) concentration in crossbred cows. The research aimed to investigate the correlation between postpartum serum Ca levels and various parameters, including milk yield, serum energy metabolites, milk somatic cell count, and reproductive factors in crossbred cows. Following parturition, a total of 45 potential high-yielding F2 (HF × Sahiwal; Genotype: 75:25) dairy cows were enrolled . These cows were categorized based on plasma calcium concentrations into three groups: a low calcium group (Ca-L) with a calcium concentration of <5 mg/dL, a medium calcium group (Ca-M) with a calcium concentration ranging from 5 to 8.5 mg/dL, and a high calcium group (Ca-H) with a calcium concentration exceeding 8.5 mg/dL. The study parameters were measured over an 8-week period. The results indicated that overall milk yield and blood glucose were significantly higher in the Ca-H group compared to Ca-M and Ca-L (p < .01). Blood cholesterol was significantly higher in Ca-M (p < .01), while blood triglyceride was significantly lower in both Ca-M and Ca-H. Overall, blood cortisol did not show a significant change between these groups (p < .01); however, progesterone levels were higher (p < .01) in Ca-M and Ca-H cows. Furthermore, somatic cell count (SCC) significantly (p < .01) decreased in cows with Ca-H compared to Ca-L. Additionally, postpartum oestrous interval and interestrus interval decreased significantly (p < .01) in Ca-M and Ca-H compared to Ca-L. These findings suggest that cows with blood calcium levels exceeding 8.5 mg/dL exhibited significantly higher milk yield, blood metabolite levels, a lower likelihood of subclinical mastitis, and earlier reproductive activity after calving.

Fabrication and antimicrobial properties of novel meropenem-honey encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles against multiresistant and biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus as a new antimicrobial agent.

BACKGROUND: Honey exhibits a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ones. Chitosan (Cs) is a mucoadhesive polymer that also has antibacterial properties. Special attention has been paid to the design of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as new nano drug delivery systems to overcome bacterial resistance and its problems. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to synthesize Cs-meropenem NPs with/without honey as an antibiofilm and antibacterial agent to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: This study synthesized meropenem and honey-loaded Cs nanogels and subsequently characterized them by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and DLS-zeta potential. Using the broth microdilution and crystal violet assays, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of meropenem and honey-loaded Cs nanogel, free meropenem, free honey, and free Cs NPs were investigated in vitro against MRSA strains. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) was also used to test the cytotoxicity of several Cs-NPs compound against the HEK-293 regular cell line. RESULTS: The average size of meropenem and honey-Cs-NPs was reported to be 119.885 nm, and encapsulation efficiency was 88.33 ± 0.97 with stability up to 60 days at 4°C. The NPs showed enhanced antibiofilm efficacy against S. aureus at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of meropenem and honey-encapsulated Cs against the HEK-293 normal cell line was insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that meropenem and honey-Cs-NPs might be potential antibacterial and antibiofilm materials.

Nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast from the paper industry as a protein feed for ruminants: A comparison with soybean meal.

We compared nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast (NTY) with soybean meal (SBM) to evaluate NTY as a potential protein feed for ruminants in a metabolic trial using four castrated male goats. NTY was replaced isonitrogenously with SBM at a 25% crude protein (CP) level on a dry matter (DM) basis. NTY has 55% CP and 74% total digestive nutrients on DM. Absorbed N was lower on the NTY diet, but since the urinary N excretion was lower on the NTY diet, no significant between-diet difference in retained N was observed. The efficiency of N utilization (retained N/absorbed N) was significantly higher on the NTY diet. The Lys and Met contents (presumed limiting amino acids for dairy cattle) were higher in NTY than SBM, which may be why N utilization efficiency was higher for the NTY diet. Ruminal ammonia-N and blood serum N were lower on the NTY diet, suggesting that NTY has more rumen undegradable protein than SBM. There was no significant between-diet difference in the visceral disorder indicators or antioxidant activities. Our results indicate that NTY is a safe protein feed with a high CP ratio and high-quality amino acid profile for ruminants that is equivalent to SBM.

The Use of Diets in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Gastrointestinal Diseases in Dogs and Cats.

The nutritional health of dogs and cats is important to pet owners around the world. Nutrition is inextricably linked to the health of the gastrointestinal system and vice versa. Gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or weight loss, are one of the most common reasons that dog and cat owners make non-routine appointments with veterinarians. Those patients are evaluated systematically to identify and/or rule out the causes of the symptoms. Some causes of chronic diarrhea are within the gastrointestinal tract while others are secondary to pathogenic factors outside the digestive system. Some useful biomarkers of chronic intestinal disease (enteropathy) exist in serum and feces. After determination that the clinical signs are due to primary gastrointestinal disease and that there is no parasitism, specific diets are used for at least two weeks. There are several types of diets for pets with chronic enteropathies. There are limited ingredient diets and hydrolyzed protein diets with reduced levels of allergens. There are also highly digestible and fiber-enhanced diets. Some diets contain probiotics and/or prebiotics. If symptoms do not improve and the patient is stable, a diet from a different class may be tried. For chronic enteropathies, the prognosis is generally good for symptom resolution or at least improvement. However, if interventions with novel diets do not ameliorate the symptoms of chronic enteropathy, then antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressant therapy or further, more invasive diagnostics such as taking an intestinal biopsy, may be indicated. Pancreatitis is a common gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats and patients may present with mild to severe disease. Many patients with mild to moderate disease can be successfully treated with early supportive care, including feeding a low-fat diet. A novel pharmaceutical, fuzapladib (Panoquell-CA1) looks very promising for treating more severe forms of acute pancreatitis in dogs. Maintenance on a low-fat diet may prevent pancreatitis in at-risk dogs. Future advances in medicine will allow pet owners and veterinarians to use dietary management to maximize the health of their dogs and cats.

Differential responses of rumen and fecal fermentation and microbiota of Liaoning cashmere goats after 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester supplementation.

The 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi), a rumen protective methionine, has been extensively studied in dairy cows and beef cattle and has been shown to regulate gastrointestinal microbiota and improve production performance. However, knowledge of the application of HMBi on cashmere goats and the simultaneous study of rumen and hindgut microbiota is still limited. In this study, HMBi supplementation increased the concentration of total serum protein, the production of microbial protein in the rumen and feces, as well as butyrate production in the feces. The results of PCoA and PERMANOVA showed no significant difference between the rumen microbiota, but there was a dramatic difference between the fecal microbiota of the two groups of Cashmere goats after the HMBi supplementation. Specifically, in the rumen, HMBi significantly increased the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria (such as Fibrobacter) compared with the CON group. In the feces, as well as a similar effect as in the rumen (increasing the relative abundance of some fiber-degrading bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group and ASV32), HMBi diets also increased the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria (including Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group). Overall, these results demonstrated that HMBi could regulate the rumen and fecal microbial composition of Liaoning cashmere goats and benefit the host.

A first report of Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817), an alien intermediate host for liver fluke, in Malawi.

Starting in October 2021, quarterly malacological surveys have been undertaken in Malawi, with the sampling of 12 specified freshwater habitats throughout a calendar year. Each survey monitors the presence of aquatic intermediate snail hosts of medical and veterinary importance. In March 2023, the alien lymnaeid species Pseudosuccinea columella was encountered for the first time in the surveys, in Nsanje District. This species identity was later confirmed upon DNA analysis of mitochondrial ribosomal 16S sequences. In July 2023, P. columella was also noted at single sites within Mangochi and Chikwawa Districts, and again in Nsanje District, with an additional location observed. Of particular importance, our sampled location in Mangochi District was directly connected to Lake Malawi, which expands the species list of invasive molluscs in this lake. While P. columella is a well-known intermediate snail host for human and animal fascioliasis, screening collected snails for trematode cercariae, alongside molecular xenomonitoring, did not yield equivocal evidence of active fluke infection. However, the newly recognized presence of this alien intermediate snail host within Lake Malawi, and along the Shire River Valley, flags a new concern in altered local transmission potential for human and animal fascioliasis.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus prevalence in livestock of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Central India and its implications for public health.

The rise of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), poses a significant global health challenge, urging immediate action and continuous surveillance. With no available vaccines, monitoring pathogen presence is critical to identify at-risk areas promptly. A study was designed to assess the incidence of CCHF virus in goats and cattle using commercial ELISA IgG kits in tribal-dominated regions. Overall, 16% of the samples (n = 63/393) were positive for CCHF virus-specific IgG antibodies, whereas sero-prevalence detected in cattle 11.6% [95% CI:7-17.7] and in goats 18.9% [95% CI: 13.76-24.01], respectively. Statistically, Animal gender and age didn't significantly affect prevalence (p-value >0.05). Our finding indicates unnoticed CCHF virus circulation. Notably, lack of public awareness about zoonotic diseases in the study region was recorded. To combat this emerging tick-borne disease effectively, it's crucial to screen individuals with hemorrhagic manifestations in healthcare settings and active surveillance of ticks to prevent unwarranted public health outbreaks and design preventive interventions.

Supplementation of rumen-protected lysine during the close-up period improves vaginal discharge clearance in Holstein dairy cows.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected lysine (RPL) supplementation during the close-up period on uterine involution and the resumption of ovarian function in dairy cows. Fifty-two multiparous Holstein cows were categorized based on parity and expected calving date and randomly assigned to the RPL or control (CON) groups. The RPL group received 80 g of RPL daily from day 21 before the expected calving date until parturition. Blood samples were obtained twice weekly from pre-supplementation to 6 weeks postpartum. The onset of luteal activity postpartum was determined via ultrasonography twice weekly for up to 6 weeks postpartum. Uterine involution was tracked at 3 and 5 weeks postpartum through the vaginal discharge score, percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in endometrial cytology samples, presence of intrauterine fluid, and gravid horn diameter via ultrasonography. Before supplementation, the RPL group showed amino acid imbalance, which was improved by RPL supplementation. There were no significant differences in the onset of luteal activity, percentage of PMN, intrauterine fluid, or the diameter of the uterine horn between the two groups. The vaginal discharge score in the RPL group decreased from 3 to 5 weeks postpartum, whereas that in the CON groups did not decrease. The number of cows with clinical endometritis was lower in the RPL group. Overall, RPL supplementation during the close-up period enhanced vaginal discharge clearance, potentially averting clinical endometritis, but did not affect the first ovulation in dairy cows.