Veterinaria Italiana

Seroprevalence of small ruminant lentivirus infections (SRLV) in family farming goats from Alagoas semiarid region, Brazil

Alan Correia Camelo Zacarias — 2025-09-09

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are chronic and progressive diseases caused by retroviruses that pose a serious threat to family farming. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with SRLV infection in goats from family farming properties in Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil. In the semiarid region of Alagoas, seventeen family farming properties were visited, distributed across eleven municipalities. An epidemiological questionnaire was administered to collect information on animal management practices and to identify potential risk factors for SRLV. Serological diagnosis of SRLV was performed using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) technique with an in-house kit. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with seropositivity for SRLV. A total of 388 goat serum samples were tested using AGID, resulting in a prevalence of 9.3% (36/388; 95% CI [0.0677–0.1258]). Logistic regression revealed one significant risk factor: “the type of farming” (p < 0.001; OR = 5.13; 95% CI [2.26–11.62]). Given the risk factor identified, it is essential to emphasize prophylactic measures against SRLV during prolonged stabilization periods. The detection of SRLV in family-run livestock operations in socially and economically vulnerable areas of Alagoas underscores the need for public policies that support family farming.

Evaluation of various formulations of Contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia vaccine (T1/44) for thermotolerance and shelf life

Ally Omary Killo — 2025-10-10

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) remains a significant livestock disease in sub-Saharan Africa, with the T1/44 vaccine's heat-lability and reliance on cold-chain infrastructure limiting its efficacy in tropical regions. This study evaluated the thermotolerance and shelf-life of seven CBPP vaccine formulations containing different stabilizing agents. Seven different vaccine formulations, incorporating stabilizing agents such as lactalbumin, casein, gelatin, skimmed milk, maltose, and sucrose, were tested. The formulations were subjected to accelerated stability testing at temperatures of 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C over a 14-day period. The viability of Mycoplasma mycoides was assessed by measuring colony-forming units (CFU) at each time point. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. All formulations showed a decrease in mycoplasma viability over time, with the most significant loss occurring at 37°C. Formulation 2 (Casein + Gelatin) showed the most promising results, with a stable mycoplasma count of 1.09×10⁷ CFU/mL post-lyophilization and only minor reductions in CFU at various temperatures. After 14 days, Formulation 2 maintained the highest titres, with counts of 4.4×10⁷ CFU/mL at 4°C, 1.2×10⁶ CFU/mL at 25°C, and 8.0×10⁶ CFU/mL at 37°C. Other formulations, such as Formulation 1 (Lactalbumin + Gelatin), Formulation 3 (Skimmed Milk), and Formulation 4 (Skimmed Milk + Maltose), showed moderate stability but experienced greater decreases in viability, particularly at elevated temperatures. For example, Formulation 3 (Skimmed Milk) had a significant decline in titre at 37°C, with counts falling to 1.05×10⁵ CFU/mL by Day 14. Formulations 5, 6, and 7 (which included combinations of skimmed milk, sugars, and gelatin) showed poor stability at 37°C, with some formulations losing all viability at higher temperatures. This study highlights the effectiveness of casein and gelatin as stabilizers for enhancing the thermotolerance and shelf life of the T1/44 CBPP vaccine. These findings provide a valuable foundation for the development of more resilient CBPP vaccines that can be more widely used in resource-limited settings, especially in regions with unreliable cold-chain systems.

Quality monitoring of fish through histological assessment of their health status: Proposal for a New Scoring System

Rahma Guelmamene — 2025-10-09

The quality and health of fish are closely intertwined. This study aimed to unveil the effectiveness of histological techniques in characterizing fish health status and deducing their quality. A new classification scoring model was also proposed to provide a holistic assessment. A total of 80 silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) specimens were collected from a freshwater dam, in two areas (Z1-Z2) at two periods (July and September), with twenty fish per sampling. The physico-chemical parameters of the water were measured, and a global pollution index (IGP) was calculated. Histological analysis was carried out on five vital organs (gills, kidneys, liver, intestines, and muscles) using a standard method, specifically the semi-quantitative system of Bernet et al. (1999), to determine the condition of each organ, enabling an organic index (OI) to be assigned (IG, IK, IL, II, IM). These indices were combined to obtain total scores for each specimen, named the IFish. The latter is explored as a biomarker of fish health status and quality to develop an innovative classification system. The results showed that the indices were generally notable in September in Z1, illustrating a significant spatio-temporal influence. A highly significant correlation was observed between the IFish and IGP (P = 0.0001). The proposed scoring system made it possible to classify fish according to their quality. To conclude, a healthy fish is a reliable indicator of its quality, and the use of histology, in particular through the IFish scoring, proved to be an effective biomarker to demonstrate this.

Evidence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) susceptibility among big felids in Namibia: leopards (Panthera pardus) and lions (Panthera leo)

Gloria Plebani — 2025-10-10

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), primarily transmitted by Hyalomma ticks. The virus has been detected in a wide range of domestic and wild animals, contributing to its persistence in endemic regions. However, felids of the Panthera genus have not been previously investigated in this context. The present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of CCHFV antibodies in leopards (Panthera pardus; n=250; 1997-2017) and lions (Panthera leo; n=7; 2023) in Namibia using a commercial ELISA kit. CCHFV antibodies were detected in 36/250 leopards (14.40%; 95% CI: 10.59-19.29) and 3/7 lions (42.86%; 95% CI: 15.82-74.95). No tested animals had a known history of CCHFV-related clinical signs. Statistical analyses did not reveal significant temporal trends in seroprevalence. The presence of CCHFV antibodies in large felids suggests past exposure but does not confirm a definitive role in viral transmission. Further virological studies, including molecular detection and investigations of carcasses are needed to determine whether these species serve as viral reservoirs or dead-end hosts. Given the zoonotic potential of CCHFV and the role of wildlife in its epidemiology, increased surveillance is warranted. From a One Health perspective, awareness among veterinarians, caretakers, and conservationists is crucial. Vector control measures in livestock should be reinforced to limit spillover events between domestic animals, wildlife, and humans, particularly in the face of climate-driven tick expansion and the geographical spread of CCHFV.

Detection and molecular characterization of the BEF virus in western Türkiye

Kemal Pekmez — 2025-09-22

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is characterized by high fever, nasal and eye discharge, excessive salivation, muscle weakness, yield losses and or with high morbidity and low mortality. The first epidemic of BEFV in Turkey occurred in 1985 since then epidemics were reported every 2-4 years in the south and southeastern regions of Turkey. Since the first detection of the virus in Turkey, the BEF virus was reported from other parts of the country except the Aegean Region. In November 2020, the possible outbreaks of BEF were reported from two different locations of the Aegean Region in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to determine the molecular characterization and possible origin of the virus that caused the epidemic in the Aegean Region. For this purpose, blood samples collected from clinically infected animals were tested by RT-qPCR, and complete G gene sequences were carried out of the positive sample using the primers designed in this study. According to the phylogenetic analysis, virus is located in the Middle East lineage. Based on field observations and the data obtained in the study, it was thought that the spread of the virus to the Aegean Region was caused by animal movements from other regions.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Laying Hen and Broiler Farms in Dakar and Thiès Regions, Senegal

Mireille Catherine Kadja — 2025-10-10

Avian influenza, particularly the low pathogenic H9N2 subtype, is a major challenge to poultry and public health in Senegal. As important as it is, little is known about the occurrence and genetic characteristics of the H9N2 detected within the country's poultry farms. This study was therefore carried out to assess the occurrence and the molecular characteristics of H9N2 avian influenza virus strains in broiler and layer farms of the Dakar and Thiès regions. Throughout a period of 16 months, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken, collecting 390 tracheal and cloacal swabs from 39 chicken farms that reported respiratory disease. Viral RNA was isolated and analysed using real-time RT-PCR followed by viral isolation and hemagglutinin gene sequencing on positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine genetic associations with regional strains. Overall, the prevalence was 9.2% across 87 pools made from 390 swabs, with broiler chickens showing a high prevalence of 19.4% and layer hens a low prevalence of 2.0%. The majority of the positive farms were located in the Thiès region, which accounted for 6 out of the 8 positive farms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating strain belonged to the G1 lineage and was closely related to Moroccan strains, indicating likely regional spread through poultry trade. The strains did not possess any molecular markers of increased virulence or zoonotic potential. These findings confirm the endemicity of H9N2 in Senegal's important poultry-producing regions and raise the need for targeted surveillance and improved biosecurity to avoid outbreaks and preserve public health.

Transmission Routes of Oropouche Virus: Potential Role of European Biting Midges and First Oral Infection Attempt in Wild-Caught Culicoides (Subgenus Avaritia)

Michela Quaglia — 2025-10-10

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging arbovirus primarily endemic to South America, capable of infecting humans, diverse animals, and multiple vector species. Although its ecology remains poorly understood, increased globalisation and human mobility raise concerns regarding potential introduction into Europe. To evaluate European risk, vector competence trials were conducted using Italian Culicoides obsoletus/scoticus and C. imicola, major vectors of livestock orbiviruses, orally exposed to a 2024 Cuban reassortant OROV strain. Of 260 surviving C. obsoletus/scoticus and 65 C. imicola midges, all samples tested negative for OROV RNA, suggesting limited vector competence. These findings indicate that tested European Culicoides populations are unlikely to support OROV transmission. Nevertheless, the virus’s broad host and vector range, reassortment potential, and presence of anthropophilic midges in Europe warrant continued surveillance and vector competence studies. Improved understanding of transmission dynamics, reservoir hosts, and potential vectors is critical for preparedness against Oropouche virus introduction and spread in non-endemic regions.

Microbiology of Otitis externa in dogs reveals wide variation in Staphylococcus species

Maninder Singh — 2025-09-09

Bacterial infections are a major cause of otitis externa in dogs, with Staphylococcus species frequently implicated. This study analyzed samples from 24 dogs with otitis externa to identify the Staphylococcus species involved. The isolates included Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus schleiferi, Staphylococcus simulans, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. While S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi are well-recognized pathogens in canine otitis externa, S. simulans and S. haemolyticus are rarely reported. Given their zoonotic potential, these findings emphasize the importance of further investigations to clarify the microbiology of otitis externa and to
identify the pathogens of greatest clinical relevance.

From Africa to Europe: the rise of epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8

Remigio Martínez — 2025-09-04

Since late 2022, epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) has emerged as a major threat to ruminant health in Europe, most likely introduced from North Africa through windborne Culicoides midges.

The virus has caused extensive outbreaks in cattle and red deer across Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal, exposing vulnerabilities in current outbreak prevention and control measures. This review provides an updated overview of EHDV-8, focusing on its clinical presentation in domestic and wild ruminants, its recent geographic spread in Europe, and the rapid development of targeted vaccines.

The European experience highlights the virus’s capacity to induce substantial morbidity not only in cattle but also in wild and farmed cervid populations, particularly red deer. However, several aspects of EHDV-8 biology remain poorly understood, including host susceptibility and the mechanisms underlying viral overwintering.

Furthermore, the limited availability of genomic data from Africa hampers efforts to trace the evolution and dissemination of EHDV. Strengthening collaboration with North African and Sub-Saharan countries will be crucial to enhance and harmonize surveillance systems across regions.

Closing these knowledge gaps is essential for improving preparedness and response strategies, including the development of vaccines tailored to the serotypes currently circulating in endemic areas.

Harmless or Just Neglected? Revisiting the Role of 'Minor' Pig Viral Infections in Italy

Umberto Molini — 2025-09-22

In 2023, the Italian National Livestock Registry estimated that the pig population in Italy exceeded 8.1 million animals, with approximately 26,000 pig farms nationwide. The pig farming sector is highly concentrated in the northern regions, which account for about 89% of the national swine stock (ISMEA, 2024). Pig farming worldwide can generally be divided into intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems, each characterized by different management practices and biosecurity levels (Racewicz et al., 2021). In Italy, intensive systems predominate in the north and parts of the centre, often with a high degree of specialization and integrated production chains. Conversely, in the remaining central and southern regions, pig farming tends to be less specialized, frequently family-run, and strongly influenced by local customs and traditions (Bellini et al., 2009). This coexistence of diverse farming systems results in significant differences in herd management, biosecurity standards, production inputs, and market demands, all of which can directly or indirectly influence the spread of infectious diseases. In recent years, several emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens have been identified in swine populations worldwide, some with considerable clinical and economic impact, while others remain largely understudied, with uncertain effects on pig health. Advances in diagnostic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have improved virus detection, revealing the presence of previously undetected agents. This review aims to provide an updated overview of emerging swine viruses reported in the Italian pig industry, with particular attention to those whose roles within current farming systems are still unclear.