Veterinaria Italiana

Serological evidence of hidden circulation of three arthropod-borne diseases (Rift Valley fever, West Nile fever, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever) in dromedary camels from the Eastern Algerian Sahara

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Several arthropod vectors, including ticks, sand flies, and mosquitoes, play a prominent role in the introduction and spread of numerous viral diseases. Despite Algeria being at high risk of arbovirus emergence, data on the circulation of arboviruses remain limited, except for some reports on West Nile virus (WNV). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of antibodies against three arboviruses in several regions of the Algerian Sahara in order to document previous viral exposure. Serum samples collected from dromedaries between May and November 2023 were tested for IgG antibodies against the mosquito-borne viruses Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and West Nile virus (WNV), as well as the tick-borne Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), using commercial ELISA kits. A total of 224, 79, and 73 serum samples were tested for RVFV, WNV, and CCHFV, respectively. The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 2.68% for RVFV, 50.63% for WNV, and 75.34% for CCHFV. Co-seropositivity was most frequently observed for WNV and CCHFV (20.55%, 15/73). Place of residence and sex were significantly associated with CCHFV seropositivity in dromedaries (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest widespread circulation of the studied arboviruses in the eastern Algerian Sahara and indicate the possible presence of these pathogens in camels from previously unexplored regions of the country. The results also highlight the imminent risk facing Algeria, particularly from haemorrhagic viruses, and underscore the importance of strengthening arbovirus surveillance and expanding diagnostic panels to include additional arboviruses.

First molecular detection of Leishmania major in the Greater Egyptian Jerboa (Jaculus orientalis) in Algeria (Djelfa)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania major is a major public health concern in Algeria, a recognized endemic hotspot. The parasite is maintained in a transmission cycle involving Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies as vectors and rodents as reservoirs, primarily Psammomys obesus and Meriones shawi. Investigating additional rodent species is essential to better understand transmission dynamics in emerging foci.

This study assessed the potential role of wild rodent species as reservoirs of Leishmania parasites in the emerging focus of leishmaniasis in Djelfa, located in the Algerian central steppe. Rodents were trapped during the active season (February–November) using wire traps and identified morphologically. DNA was extracted from spleen and liver tissues. Samples were screened by PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene for Leishmania detection, and positive samples were confirmed by ITS1 sequencing. Rodent species identification was molecularly validated by sequencing the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene.

A total of 22 rodents were captured: 19 Jaculus orientalis, 2 Psammomys obesus, and 1 Meriones shawi. One asymptomatic J. orientalis tested positive for L. major. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the isolate within the L. major clade. Haplotype analysis revealed a unique haplotype differing by two mutations from the predominant North African haplotype.

This study provides the first molecular evidence of natural infection of J. orientalis with L. major in Algeria. Although based on a single infected specimen, this species should be incorporated into eco-epidemiological surveillance, and its reservoir competence warrants further investigation through expanded sampling and xenodiagnostic studies.

Detection and Genotyping of Chlamydia abortus by qPCR in Aborted Dairy Cows in Algeria: Epidemiological Insights and Risk Factor Assessment

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Chlamydiaceae are Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacteria responsible for reproductive disorders in ruminants, notably Chlamydia abortus, the aetiological agent of enzootic abortion. Despite its veterinary importance, chlamydiosis remains poorly documented in Algeria. This study aimed to detect and genotype Chlamydia spp. in placental tissues from aborted and normally calving dairy cows using quantitative PCR (qPCR), and to identify associated risk factors. A total of 98 placental samples (84 aborted, 14 normally calving) were collected from four Algerian provinces between 2022 and 2024. qPCR targeting the 23S rRNA gene revealed 11 positive samples (11.22%), all from aborted cows. Sequencing of amplified fragments showed 97.22% similarity to Chlamydia abortus strain NL2335-4C, confirming its presence in Algerian herds. Statistical analysis identified the occurrence of abortion, the spring season, poor hygiene, and tick infestation as significant risk factors for Chlamydia positivity (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the active circulation of C. abortus in Algerian dairy cattle and underline the importance of improving herd hygiene, biosecurity, and tick control to reduce infection pressure. Further molecular surveillance and sero-epidemiological studies are warranted to assess better the zoonotic potential of chlamydial infections in Algeria.

Isolation of Moraxella spp. strains in horses

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Two species of Moraxella were isolated from swabs obtained from two symptomatic horses suffering from conjunctivitis and rhinitis. The isolates were identified via MALDI-TOF as Moraxella osloensis and Moraxella equi respectively, with a good genus identification and a probable species identification score. The first one was also confirmed by BLAST sequence analysis with a high homology (99%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing obtained by minimum inhibitory concentration method showed that the two isolates were sensitive to all the tested molecules. The therapeutic protocols applied had an excellent clinical outcome in both cases with no relapses. Notwithstanding the difficulty in assessing the pathologic role of commensal microorganisms such as Moraxella, this genus should be taken into account in the differential etiologies of conjunctivitis and/or rhinitis in horses. Given also the scarce information and the difficulties in the identification of this species, it is important to report clinical cases in order to extend the knowledge in the veterinary field.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in domestic cats: epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and One Health implication

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Historically considered accidental hosts of influenza A viruses, domestic cats (Felis catus) have gained attention during the global expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. In addition to traditional exposure via predation on infected wild birds, recent outbreaks have highlighted novel transmission routes, including contaminated commercial raw poultry products and unpasteurised milk. The susceptibility of cats has been linked to the abundant distribution of α-2,3-linked sialic acid receptors in both the respiratory tract and the central nervous system, while adaptive mutations such as PB2-E627K may enhance viral replication efficiency in mammalian hosts. Clinical disease is characterised by severe respiratory, neurological, and ocular manifestations, including acute bilateral amaurosis, and is associated with high mortality rates. Recent documentation of feline-associated zoonotic transmission highlights the importance of surveillance and infection control measures in veterinary settings. Early recognition of compatible clinical syndromes, combined with rapid molecular diagnosis and appropriate biosafety measures, is essential for case management and risk mitigation. This review summarises current insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and One Health implications of H5N1 infection in domestic cats.