Ticks represent a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, and their numbers are increasing largely in wildlife. This work is aimed at producing maps of suitable habitats for ticks in Aosta Valley, Italy based on multitemporal EO data and veterinary datasets (tick species and distribution in wild hosts). EO data were processed in Google Earth Engine considering the following inputs: A) Growing Degree Ticks (GDT), B) NDVI from MOD09GA, C) NDVI entropy, D) distance from water bodies, E) topography, F) rainfalls from CHIRPS as monthly composites along the 2020, 2021 and 2022 years. Ticks were collected from hunted, injured, and found-dead wild animals ( Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Cervus elaphus); they were labeled at species level using taxonomic keys. Between September 2020 and December 2022, a total of 90 ticks were collected from 89 wild animals. Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent tick species, followed by Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor spp. Molecular analyses demonstrated the presence of Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. pathogens in infected ticks. To assess human population potential exposure to tick Meta® population dataset was used. In conclusion this study shows the potentialities of Remote sensing improving the technological transfer to the veterinarian sector.

During epidemics, pandemics, or animal disease outbreaks, the large-scale disposal of carcasses presents greater environmental and biosecurity challenges. In Europe, disposal through a rendering plant is the preferred option, but the on-site carcasses burial may be authorised due to logistical and economic advantages. This study utilised a comprehensive GIS-based approach and focuses on the challenges and strategies for large-scale carcass disposal, particularly in the context of avian influenza outbreaks in the Lazio Region of Italy. Integrating data from official geospatial sources regarding presence of environmental restrictions and regulations, factors affecting susceptibility to groundwater contamination, factors affecting soil stability over time, potential burial sites were identified. The resulting map provides decision-makers with valuable information for prompt and efficient response during disease outbreaks. The study underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving veterinarians, epidemiologists, GIS experts, and geologists. Further research and international consensus are essential to standardize the selection of geographic variables/layers to use in similar projects. This study significantly contributes to the preparedness of environment, health and animal/human interface events.

Disease maps are integral to spatial epidemiology and public health. The map appearance and analysis of corresponding data may both depend on a map projection used to transform the 3-dimensional world onto a 2-dimensional surface. Map projections necessarily introduce bias - an issue that has not received full attention in the literature. This study aims to demonstrate the impact map projections can have on spatial analysis and disease maps for public health. Case studies applied varying map projections, including the Lambert, Mercator and Robinson projections, to Israel, North Carolina and Southern Ontario as study areas. The effect of projections on various measures, estimates, tests and models was assessed. When the map projection was changed: (i) a distance in Israel increased by 30%; (ii) for Southern Ontario an areal size increased by almost 95%; Moran's I test switched from significant to not; and (iii) a single disease cluster in North Carolina converted into three distinct clusters. Visual bias in disease mapping is unavoidable and should be recognized. Disease maps and spatial analytical inferences, including disease clusters should be reported with their geographic projection. Using geographic coordinates can prevent analytical bias.

One health is based on an interdisciplinary collaboration across professions using a common language. Geographic epidemiology is the study of spatial patterns of population health in a study area. Such spatial patterns (trend, cluster and clustering) require clear definition to be meaningful in science communication. However, the term "disease cluster" has been defined in the literature in various and rather different ways. When geographic epidemiology is unable to make sense of its own concepts it is questionable how respective research results can benefit one health. The goal of this study was to clarify the disease cluster concept. Examples of disease cluster definitions from the literature were used for illustration. The epidemiological triangle of causation (agent, host and environment) was used to conceptualize geographic epidemiological data analysis. The term disease cluster was distinguished from related concepts (clustering, high-risk area, hot spot and outbreak) additionally the semantics and statistical meaning of expectation and prediction were reviewed to further identify the cluster concept as a statistical outlier. The new paradigm of the geographic epidemiological trillium is proposed here and embedded within the spatial generalized linear mixed model to clarify concepts of spatial patterns and guide epidemiological research and teaching.

Documented freedom from disease is paramount for international free trade of animals and animal products. This study describes a scenario tree analysis to estimate the probability of freedom from Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) in Italy and Slovenia using information gathered via the data collection tool developed in the COST action project SOUND-control. Data on EBL control programmes (CPs) from 2018 to 2021 were used to build the models. Since animals are only sampled on the farm, one surveillance system component (SSC) was considered. The posterior probability of freedom (PostPfree) was estimated in time steps of one year, from 2018 to 2021.  After each year, the calculated from the previous year, combined with the probability of introduction, was used as a prior probability for the next year.  The herd level design prevalence was set to 0.2% in accordance with the Council Directive 64/432/EEC and the within herd design prevalence was set to 15%.  As Slovenia implemented a risk-based surveillance, targeting the herds importing cattle, in its model the design herd prevalence was combined with an average adjusted risk to calculate the effective probability of a herd importing cattle being infected.  The models were run for 10,000 iterations.  Over the study period the mean estimates were: i) for Italy both the surveillance system sensitivity ( SSe) and PostPFree 100%, with no differences between simulations and years, ii) for Slovenia the SSe was 50.5% while the PostPFree was 81.6%.

Pure, potent and efficacious vaccines could help in the control of Newcastle disease (ND). The present study was designed to evaluate the thermo-stability of a live-attenuated ND virus vaccine containing the Mukteswar strain and to genetically characterize the seed virus. Moreover, the presence of extraneous agents (Fowl adenovirus, Mycoplasma, Salmonella Pullorum, and Salmonella Gallinarum) was assessed using polymerase chain reactions (PCR) optimized for detection in a panel. The vaccine was evaluated for its potency and efficacy after storage at 4°C, 25°C and 37°C for 36, 48, 96 and 144 hours. A total of 100 commercial broiler chickens were randomly divided into six groups and immunized with the vaccine stored at specified temperatures for the given times. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-vaccination, sera were separated and antibody titers were assessed using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Reverse-transcription  PCR targeting the F gene of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and subsequent sequence analysis confirmed the presence of NDV in the vaccine seed (deposited to GenBank Acc. Nos. MK310260 and MK310261). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close resemblance of the vaccine virus with other Avian Avulaviruses (NDV class II Genotype III viruses and more specifically with NDV Mukteswar vaccine strains), yet it was distinct from NDV class II Pakistani field isolates, which grouped into genotype XIII.2.1. The PCR testing confirmed that the vaccine was free from extraneous agents. The present study's findings propose an alternative rapid PCR-based method to evaluate the purity of NDV live vaccines. Together these data suggest that the tested vaccine is pure, potent and efficacious, yet continuous maintenance of the cold chain for vaccine storage is recommended to maintain its potency and efficacy.

Rare earth elements (REEs) have shown promising potential in veterinary medicine, particularly as feed additives and diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Moreover, the increasing industrial use of REEs has raised concerns about their potential environmental contamination and bioaccumulation in animal tissues. While numerous studies have focused on the distribution of REEs in marine and freshwater ecosystems, information regarding their presence in terrestrial environments remains fragmented. This narrative review aims to describe the practical applications of REEs in veterinary medicine, with a specific focus on studies evaluating the potential accumulation of these elements in the tissues of terrestrial vertebrate animals. Additionally, the review addresses research on the intentional residual presence of REEs and in-field studies evaluating the contamination burden from REE exposure in domestic and wild animals. In conclusion, this review identifies critical scientific gaps and provides future research directions to advance understanding of the long-term effects, mechanisms of action, and environmental impacts of REEs in veterinary practices.

Over the last decades, the Campania Region in Italy has faced an environmental crisis due to the widespread illegal dumping and burning of waste. This has led to the area being notoriously known as the Land of Fires (Terra dei Fuochi - TdF), sparking serious concerns about public health and threatening the region's agricultural sector, one of its economic mainstays. In such a context, a timely, accurate, and reliable flow of information, aimed both at the population and at stakeholders, is crucial for establishing a proper dialogue between institutions and people, driving the empowerment of citizens. To address this crisis, the Italian Government introduced Law 6 of 2014, establishing a multidisciplinary Working Group tasked with identifying and mapping the sites affected by spills and illegal disposal in the territory. The TdF-WG defined a scientific methodology for classifying these sites in terms of prohibition on the cultivation of specific crops, consequently allowing the adoption of appropriate clean up and restoration measures for the impacted sites. This paper describes the data collection process and the IT platform commissioned by the Government to the IZS-TE and used by the TdF-WG to exchange data, knowledge, and technology, thereby fostering efficient and effective crisis management.

Brucella suis biovar 1 has the broadest animal host spectrum. Affects domestic animals and wildlife species. The aim of our study was to investigate the pathogenesis of B. suis biovar 1 infection in the armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus) under experimental conditions. One gravid female and three adult males were inoculated with a suspension containing 1×106 CFU/mL (colony-forming units) of B. suis biovar 1 by oral route. In addition, the gravid female and one male received the same suspension by the conjunctival route. A young male and two females not inoculated were kept in contact with the animals inoculated. The animals that tested seropositive were euthanized. All inoculated armadillos showed positive antibody titres 2 weeks post-inoculation. Of the three uninoculated animals, one female was seropositive for Brucella infection.  Brucella was isolated from the spleen, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, uterus, testes, and urine. Characteristic histologic lesions were found in the epididymis. These results suggest that armadillos can act as a reservoir for the spread of B. suis infection, and the persistence of Brucella in armadillo tissues constitutes a risk for humans, because of the cultural practice of armadillo meat consumption in rural communities.

Subtilase exhibits strong cytotoxicity that was first described in O113:H21 strain in Australia as a plasmid- encoded cytotoxin (subAB1). Subsequently, chromosomal variants including subAB2-1, subAB2-2, and subAB2-3 were described. We aimed to investigate the presence of subAB genes in a collection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains (n=101) isolated from different sources in Iran. A collection of 101 archived STEC strains isolated from cattle (n=50), goats (n=25), sheep (n=15), wild captive animals (n=8: persian fallow deer, n=3; caspian pony, n=1; Macaca mulatta, n=4), and humans (n=3) during 2007-2016 were analyzed for the detection of different genes encoding the Subtilase variants, plasmidic and chromosomal virulence genes, phylogroups and serogroups. Overall, 57 isolates (56.4%) carried at least one variant of subAB. Most strains from small ruminants including 93% of sheep and 96% of caprine isolates carried at least one chromosomally encoded variant (subAB-2-1 and/or subAb2-2). In contrast, 12 cattle isolates (24%) only harbored the plasmid encoded variant (subAB1). STEC strains from other sources, including deer, pony and humans were positive for subAB-2-1 and/or subAb2-2. Our results reveal the presence of potentially pathogenic genotypes among locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE)-negative isolates, and some host specificity related to Subtilase variants and other virulence markers that may aid in source tracking of STEC during outbreak investigations.

The article describes the results and the experience gained in using a participatory approach to design a strategic development plan (SDP) in a veterinary public health institute. The bottom-up approach utilised was co-designed between the units of "Research and Innovation" and "Training". It included a survey administered to the institute staff (570 people) to collect inputs on three relevant areas: i) innovative research topics; ii) innovation needed to improve services; iii) new tools to carry out activities. After the survey, the following criteria were used to prioritise the research topics: appropriateness, relevance, capacity, impact and innovativeness. Based on the priority topics identified, small working groups were set up on a voluntary basis. The working groups, following the EuropeAid method, co-designed a SDP, set over a three-year period, with indications on aims, objectives, outputs, activities, SMART indicators, means of verification and targets. The method proved useful in continuing the process of institutional innovation, especially by stimulating the participation and commitment of younger innovative staff at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid. The integration of the described method into regular management procedures would be desirable, to achieve more effective results.

Wild passerine birds may serve as environmental reservoirs and as vectors for the long-distance dispersal of microorganisms and resistance determinants. However, there is no much knowledge on pathogenic bacteria in wild birds in Iran. The present study aimed to analyze antibiotic resistance in wild passerine birds collected from the northeast region of Iran as the rich breeding bird fauna with a special focus on Escherichia coli virulence, integron, and phylogenetic groups. A total of 326 isolates were collected and identified from the cloaca of wild birds using a swab. The results showed a high percentage of resistance to tetracycline (45.8%) and ampicillin (26.7%). The resistance genes, tet(A), tet(B), tet(M), and tet(L) were detected in tetracycline-resistant isolates, while the blaTEM gene was the most prevalent in ampicillin-resistant isolates (38.6%). Out of the 129 E. coli isolates examined, 99 isolates were found to have virulence gene, with the highest prevalence of the fimbriae (fimH) gene (22.4%). Additionally, the E. coli strains were most often classified into phylogenetic groups B1 (48.8%) followed by B2 (19.3%). Also, the highest average frequency of class 1 integron was detected among our isolates. Results indicated that wild birds are reservoirs of multidrug resistance and virulence genes that may have the potential to be transferred to other organisms, including humans.

The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize the VP2 gene of parvoviruses from domestic cats in India. For that, 38 fecal samples were screened by PCR with 36.84% positivity. Sequence analysis of those isolates showed canine parvovirus type-2c (CPV-2c) as the predominant variant, followed by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and 2a. Phylogenetic analysis of the CPV-2c sequences revealed clustering with Singaporean, South Korean, Mongolian and Bangladeshi dog 2c sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of the 2a isolate (MZC 2) was found to be clustered with Indian, Thai and Singaporean dog 2a isolates. Similarly, all the four FPV sequences were ancestrally related to Indian dog and cat FPV sequences hinting towards interspecies transmission between dogs and cats. Both synonymous and non-synonymous mutations were evident in CPV-2c, 2a and FPV sequences indicative of active evolution. In cell culture medium, CPV-2 showed cytopathogenic effects at the third passage level. In conclusion, the study provided the first report of CPV-2c in cats from India, which demands for extensive epidemiological surveillance to monitor interspecies spread and to shed more light on viral phylogenomics, their distribution in the country and in the Southeast Asian region and usage of current vaccines.

The management of cattle ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus microplus, poses a global challenge in subtropical regions like Ecuador due to its impact on meat and milk productivity, leading to economic losses. Misuse of acaricides has resulted in resistance and multi-resistance, diminishing their effectiveness. This study evaluated resistance to amitraz, alpha-cypermethrin, and ivermectin using the Larval Packet test, laboratory-reared tick larvae collected from cattle were tested. Data on farm management and tick control practices were gathered via a questionnaire in Northwest Pichincha and Quijos River Valley over two years. Resistance rates in the first year (2020-2021) were 67.21% for amitraz, 57.38% for ivermectin, and 67.21% for alpha-cypermethrin. One year later (2021-2022), resistance levels were 59.57% for amitraz, 57.45% for ivermectin, and 68.09% for alpha-cypermethrin, with multi-resistance rates at 67.21% and 65.96% respectively. No significant differences were found between years or locations. Analysis of larval survival data determined lethal doses for tested acaricides. The study emphasizes the association between the lack of acaricide rotation, the incorrect dosage, and the absence of non-chemical measures in tick management could be associated with the development of resistances in ticks. Likewise, this study promotes the need for collaborative efforts to improve control practices and maintain acaricide efficacy.

Potential prognostic indicators have been associated with decreased survival during canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE), such as body weight, sex, and clinicopathological parameters. Few studies reported the prognostic factors for CPE in Italy; therefore, the aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with the survival of dogs admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Perugia University, naturally infected with canine parvovirus. Seventy-six medical records of dogs with a definitive diagnosis of parvoviral infection admitted from 2017 to 2021 have been reviewed and included in the study. From medical records were extracted data on signalment, history, clinical examination, hematology, serum biochemistry, treatments, progression of clinical signs during hospitalization and outcome. The data have been subjected to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Our results showed winter season, male sex, dog ownership, small breed, normal sensory status, normal heart rate, normal hydration status, abdominal pain, increased capillary reperfusion time, and normal white blood cell count as positive prognostic factors. The survival model confirmed that parameters such as male sex, small breed, and ownership increased the survival rate during hospitalization. Data reported in the present study are partially in agreement with previous studies and added new information on the possible prognostic factors in dogs affected by CPE in Italy.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of TNF-alpha (TNF-α) in dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) and to assess whether there are any changes in TNF-α concentration and their dependence during therapy for heartworm disease (HWD). For this study, 14 client-owned dogs with HWD were selected. Clinical and parasitological examinations (modified Knott test for circulating microfilariae and SNAP Test IDEXX for circulating D. immitis antigen) had been used for diagnosing D. immitis and HWD. All dogs were treated with an alternative therapy for HWD (oral doxycycline 10 mg/kg b.w., once daily for 6 weeks, then alternately 4 weeks without and 2 weeks with the medication, and oral ivermectin 6-14 µg/kg b.w., every 2 weeks). The dogs blood sera at the moment of HWD diagnosis, during and at the end of therapy were frozen for further quantifying of TNF-α (Canine TNF-alpha ELISA kit, Thermo scientific). At the moment of HWD diagnosis TNF-α was detected in 9 dogs (7.21±12.44 pg/ml). Concentration of TNF-α was not significantly change during the therapy, neither related to the level of D. immitis antigen nor to antigen level changes. The alternative therapy for HWD has no influence on TNF-α concentration dynamics.

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Mycoplasma bovis are the most commonly isolated mastitis pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new mixed vaccine against mastitis caused by  Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycoplasma bovis. For this purpose, a mixed inactivated vaccine was administered subcutaneously to 24 heifers as one dose (2 mL) on the 45th day before birth and the second dose 21 days later. In 9 heifers, 2 mL of PBS was administered as placebo instead of vaccine. Then, heifers were divided into 3 groups as 7 vaccinated and 3 unvaccinated animals. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycoplasma bovis were administered to the groups through intramammary route. Three vaccinated heifers were considered the common control without bacteria in all groups. The parameters considered to assess the effect of vaccination were clinical findings, bacterial count in milk, somatic cell count, and antibody titers. Clinical signs were observed only in the unvaccinated placebo group. Bacteria count and somatic cell count in milk increased in vaccinated and unvaccinated heifers. However, this increase was less in vaccinated animals and gradually returned to the normal level. In the unvaccinated heifers, it was ever high. Serum antibody titers were measured before and after vaccination. Antibody titers were high in vaccinated heifers after vaccination and were negative in unvaccinated heifers. In conclusion, the mixed vaccine had beneficial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycoplasma bovis mastitis and stimulated the immune response of vaccinated heifers.

Strongyloides stercoralis is a zoonotic parasite, infecting human, cats and dogs. The infection is typical of tropical and subtropical areas, while it is underestimated in temperate countries. In Europe, data from humans demonstrate a large variability of infection prevalence; while scarce literature is available for dogs, with most cases reported in kennel dogs from southern Italy. A privately owned 8-month-old French Bulldog was examined because of chronic cough, diarrhea, and poor body conditions. Radiography of the thorax revealed a diffuse bronchial pattern and abdominal ultrasound showed unspecific signs of inflammation. Cytological analysis of a rectal swab revealed the presence of larvae compatible with Strongyloides sp. A parasitic infection causing protein-losing enteropathy and bronchopneumonia was suspected and fenbendazole was administered with a poor clinical response. Fecal Baermann test revealed S. stercoralis rhabditiform larvae and thinshelled eggs. Clinical signs resolved progressively after two subcutaneous ivermectin administrations (off-label) given two weeks apart. Serial coprological controls scheduled in the following 6 months were negative for larvae and eggs. Fecal real-time PCR confirmed negative results 6 months after treatment. The authors describe for the first time a case of S. stercoralis infection in a privately-owned dog from north-west of Italy (Piedmont).

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a phage cocktail to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis contamination on perishable food items viz. chicken breast meat and shell eggs using different concentrations. Initially, four bacteriophages €P54, €P59, €P66, and €P72 were isolated from sewage water using Salmonella Enteritidis as a target strain. €P54 and €P66 were found to be Myoviruses while €P59 and €P72 belonged to the Siphoviridae family. A phage cocktail was applied at a concentration of 100 and 10,000 multiplicity of infection (MOI) after artificially contaminating both food items with Salmonella Enteritidis. Results showed that, phage cocktail significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced Salmonella Enteritidis count at both concentrations. However, the increased reduction was witnessed at 10,000 MOI. In comparison to untreated control, on chicken breast meat bacterial count was reduced to 1.94 and 3.17 Log10 cfu/g at 100 and 10,000 MOI respectively at 4oC. Similarly, on shell eggs, the bacterial count was reduced to 3.09 and 2.81 Log10 cfu/mL at 10,000 MOI at 4°C and 25°C respectively, while at 100 MOI there was less drop in bacterial count at both 4°C and 25°C. The results showed a better reduction at 4°C as compared to 25°C. Our data showed that the phage cocktail is an effective alternative and additional measure compared to conventional bacterial control methods for meat and eggs.

Bovine papillomatosis is an infectious viral disease of cattle characterized by development of benign cutaneous warts. The present study describes bovine papillomavirus infection in cattle on clinco-pathological and molecular bases and compares the identified strains with the previously characterized papillomavirus isolates in Egypt either of bovine or equine origin. Out of sixty examined cattle, skin lesions were collected from eleven clinically diseased cattle exhibiting typical papillomatosis clinical signs and subjected to histopathological and molecular identification. Histological sections showed well-developed papillary projections of squamous epithelium associated with fibrovascular stroma. Type 1 bovine papillomavirus (BPV-1) was identified in the cutaneous lesions based on the results of L1 gene-based PCR using degenerated primer followed by DNA sequencing. Comparative sequence and evolutionary analysis revealed that papilloma sequences (OP777901, OP777902, OP777903) obtained in the current study are clustered along with MW018705.1, MG547343.1isolated from cattle in Egypt in 2017/2018 and MT502095.1.1, and MT502105.1 isolated from equine in Egypt in 2019. Results prove the circulation of BPV-1 in the areas under investigation and shed light on the role of multispecies grazing in Egypt as a risk factor for transmission of BPV-1 from cattle to horses.