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Background: Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonoses in the world which is associated with a severe febrile disease in humans causing a variety of syndromes including meningitis, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis, and sometimes death. Leptospirosis is caused by different pathogenic Leptospira species divided into almost 30 serogroups and more than 300 serovars which are carried by some animal asymptomatic chronic infections. Humans can become infected through direct contact with animal urine or indirectly by coming into contact with fresh water or mud contaminated with urine. Methodology/Principal findings: In this research, we looked for leptospiral DNA in urine samples from dogs living in a rural, low-income and highly endemic community in the coast of Ecuador. We used molecular biology and next-generation sequencing for the detection. Our results showed evidence of two Leptospira species, L interrogans and L. santarosai, genomes in three dogs. Conclusions/Significance: It has been widely known that animal carriers are typically infected with a single leptospiral strain. However, recent reports, including the present one, indicate that carrier animals may be coinfected with two or more leptospiral species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, farm animal-assisted therapies have become popular. However, the effects of farm animals on healthy people's mental states have not yet been investigated. In Study 1, we aimed to explore whether positive effects of human-animal interaction (HAI) can be detected in healthy farm volunteers even after short-term (2–3 hours) work with goats and goatlings on a goat farm. We found that the participants' state anxiety decreased (p < 0.001) while their trust levels increased (p < 0.001) after interacting with goats. Nevertheless, it is possible that time spent in nature alone can have a beneficial effect on well-being. Therefore, in Study 2, we compared the results of Study 1 with those of a similar short-term outdoor treatment, walking in a botanical garden as a visitor. Similar but smaller effects were found for garden visitors. Decreases in anxiety scores and increases in trust scores were more pronounced in farm volunteers (anxiety: 25% vs 13%, p < 0.001; trust: 13% vs 3%, p = 0.002) after the treatments. Overall, the results suggest that the novel experience of interacting with goats and goatlings has a more positive effect on the mental state of healthy humans than walking in a botanical garden. This finding offer a strong foundation for developing animal assisted therapy methods for individuals with short or long term mental problems, but they can also enhance the wellbeing of mentally healthy people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can result in symptoms including infertility, abortion, testicular inflammation, and arthritis in affected sheep and cattle. The disease can spread through a range of mechanisms, making outbreaks difficult to control such that affected farms often suffer severe economic losses. In addition, humans can be affected by brucellosis, and the number of cases continues to rise annually. As rates of brucellosis in Xinjiang, China have been increasing substantially in recent years, this study was developed to assess brucellosis seroprevalence among herds of cattle, sheep, and camels in Xinjiang through the use of common diagnostic procedures like the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and PCR. A cross-sectional approach was used to analyze the seroprevalence of brucellosis across 720 total farm animals (320 camels, 250 sheep, and 150 cattle). RBT incidence rate for brucellosis was detected in 60 serum samples, 14 (4.38%) from camels, 45 (18%) from sheep, and 1 (0.67%) from cattle. PCR was performed as a confirmatory approach for these RBT-positive samples, with 55 ultimately being confirmed to be positive 13 (4.06%), 41 (16.4%), and 1 (0.67%) samples from camels, sheep, and cattle, respectively. In this survey, sheep exhibited the highest brucellosis seroprevalence using these two analytical techniques, while cattle exhibited the lowest seroprevalence and camels exhibited an intermediate rate. AMOS-PCR analyses identified Brucella melitensis as the unknown bacterium in some of these samples. These results offer new insight regarding brucellosis seroprevalence among farm animals that can be used to formulate more appropriate prevention and control policies, while also improving awareness of epidemic prevention efforts, the need for routine quarantine and disinfection, the benefits of scientific breeding and management, and approaches to improving breeding efficiency for the camel, cattle, and sheep industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact on domestic animals and threatens wildlife survival in China and border countries. However, effective surveillance and prevention of this disease is often incomplete and unattainable due to the cost, the great diversity of wildlife hosts, the changing range and dynamics, and the diversity of FMDV. In this study, we used predictive models to reveal the spread and risk of FMD in anticipation of identifying key nodes to control its spread. For the first time, the spatial distribution of FMD serotype O was predicted in western China and border countries using a niche model, which is a combination of eco-geographic, human, topographic, and vegetation variables. The transboundary least-cost pathways (LCPs) model for ungulates in the study area were also calculated. Our study indicates that FMD serotype O survival is seasonal at low altitudes (March and June) and more sensitive to temperature differences at high altitudes. FMD serotype O risk was higher in Central Asian countries and both were highly correlated with the population variables. Ten LCPs were obtained representing Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feralization is the process of domesticated animals returning to the wild and it is considered the counterpart of domestication. Molecular genetic changes are well documented in domesticated organisms but understudied in feral populations. In this study, the genetic differentiation between domestic and feral cats was inferred by analysing whole-genome sequencing data of two geographically distant feral cat island populations, Dirk Hartog Island (Australia) and Kaho'olawe (Hawaii) as well as domestic cats and European wildcats. The study investigated population structure, genetic differentiation, genetic diversity, highly differentiated genes, and recombination rates. Genetic structure analyses linked both feral cat populations to North American domestic and European cat populations. Recombination rates in feral cats were lower than in domestic cats but higher than in wildcats. For Australian and Hawaiian feral cats, 105 and 94 highly differentiated genes compared to domestic cats respectively, were identified. Annotated genes had similar functions, with almost 30% of the divergent genes related to nervous system development in both feral groups. Twenty mutually highly differentiated genes were found in both feral populations. Evolution of highly differentiated genes was likely driven by specific demographic histories, the relaxation of the selective pressures associated with domestication, and adaptation to novel environments to a minor extent. Random drift was the prevailing force driving highly divergent regions, with relaxed selection in feral populations also playing a significant role in differentiation from domestic cats. The study demonstrates that feralization is an independent process that brings feral cats on a unique evolutionary trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcus spp. is an emerging zoonotic parasite of high concern. In Canada, an increase in the number of human and animal cases diagnosed has been reported, but information regarding the parasite's distribution in wildlife reservoir remains limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of wild canids infected with Echinococcus spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis in areas surrounding populated zones in Québec (Canada); to investigate the presence of areas at higher risk of infection; to evaluate potential risk factors of the infection; and as a secondary objective, to compare coproscopy and RT-PCR diagnostic tests for Taenia spp. and Echinococcus identification. From October 2020 to March 2021, fecal samples were collected from 423 coyotes (Canis latrans) and 284 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) trapped in 12 administrative regions. Real-time PCR for molecular detection of genus Echinococcus spp. and species-specific Echinococcus multilocularis were performed. A total of 38 positive cases of Echinococcus spp., of which 25 were identified as E. multilocularis, were detected. Two high-risk areas of infection were identified. The prevalence of Echinococcus spp. was 22.7% (95% CI 11.5–37.8%) in the Montérégie centered high-risk area, 26.5% (95% CI 12.9–44.4%) in the Bas-St-Laurent high-risk area, and 3.0% (95%CI 1.8–4.7%) outside those areas. For E. multilocularis, a prevalence of 20.5% (95% CI 9.8–35.3%) was estimated in the high-risk area centered in Montérégie compared to 2.4% (95% CI 1.4–3.9%) outside. Logistic regression did not show any association of infection status with species, sex, or geolocation of capture (p > 0.05). This study shows the circulation of Echinococcus in a wildlife cycle in 9/12 administrative regions of Québec. Author summary: Echinococcus spp., including E. multilocularis, are zoonotic parasites spread by wild canids that exhibit spatial expansion and emergence in North America. Given their ability to cause severe lesions and mortality in the absence of treatment, the recent detection of the first human case of E. multilocularis in Québec in 2018 raised significant public health concerns. In this study, we estimated the prevalence and described the spatial distribution of infection with parasites of the genus Echinococcus in coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) near populated areas in southern Québec. A total of 707 carcasses of coyotes and red foxes were collected from 12 administrative regions. Fecal samples from each carcass were analyzed using microscopy-based and molecular methods. We detected Echinococcus spp. and E. multilocularis in 8/12 of the studied areas. We found two high-risk areas of infection. Our results demonstrate that Echinococcus spp. is circulating in Québec and highlight the importance of implementing preventive measures to limit human and domestic animal infections and of raising awareness among at risk animal populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesia is a tick-transmitted parasite that infects wild and domestic animals, causes babesiosis in humans, and is an increasing public health concern. Here, we investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Babesia infections in the rodents in Southeastern Shanxi, China. Small rodents were captured, and the liver and spleen tissues were used for Babesia detection using traditional PCR and sequencing of the partial 18S rRNA gene. The analysis revealed that 27 of 252 small rodents were positive for Babesia, with an infection rate of 10.71%. The infection rates in different sexes and rodent tissues were not statistically different, but those in different rodent species, habitats, and sampling sites were statistically different. The highest risk of Babesia infection was observed in Niviventer confucianus captured from the forests in Huguan County. Forty-three sequences from 27 small rodents positive for Babesia infection were identified as Babesia microti, including 42 sequences from 26 N. confucianus, and one sequence from Apodemus agrarius. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all sequences were clustered together and had the closest genetic relationship with Babesia microti strains isolated from Rattus losea and N. confucianus in China, and belonged to the Kobe-type, which is pathogenic to humans. Compared to other Kobe-type strains based on the nearly complete 18S rRNA gene, the sequences obtained in this study showed the difference by 1–3 bp. Overall, a high prevalence of Babesia microti infection was observed in small rodents in Southeastern Shanxi, China, which could benefit us to take the implementation of relevant prevention and control measures in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to brushes allows for natural scratching behaviors in cattle, especially in confined indoor settings. Cattle are motivated to use brushes, but brush use varies with multiple factors including social hierarchy and health. Brush use might serve an indicator of cow health or welfare, but practical application of these measures requires accurate and automated monitoring tools. This study describes a machine learning approach to monitor brush use by dairy cattle. We aimed to capture the daily brush use by integrating data on the rotation of a mechanical brush with data on cow identify derived from either 1) low-frequency radio frequency identification or 2) a computer vision system using fiducial markers. We found that the computer vision system outperformed the RFID system in accuracy, and that the machine learning algorithms enhanced the precision of the brush use estimates. This study presents the first description of a fiducial marker-based computer vision system for monitoring individual cattle behavior in a group setting; this approach could be applied to develop automated measures of other behaviors with the potential to better assess welfare and improve the care for farm animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii is the worldwide zoonotic infectious agent for Q fever in humans and animals. Farm animals are the main reservoirs of C. burnetii infection, which is mainly transmitted via tick bites. In humans, oral, percutaneous, and respiratory routes are the primary sources of infection transmission. The clinical signs vary from flu-like symptoms to endocarditis for humans' acute and chronic Q fever. While it is usually asymptomatic in livestock, abortion, stillbirth, infertility, mastitis, and endometritis are its clinical consequences. Infected farm animals shed C. burnetii in birth products, milk, feces, vaginal mucus, and urine. Milk is an important source of infection among foods of animal origin. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of C. burnetii in milk samples of dairy animals from two districts in Punjab, Pakistan, as it has not been reported there so far. Using a convenience sampling approach, the current study included 304 individual milk samples from different herds of cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep present on 39 farms in 11 villages in the districts of Kasur and Lahore. PCR targeting the IS1111 gene sequence was used for its detection. Coxiella burnetii DNA was present in 19 of the 304 (6.3%) samples. The distribution was 7.2% and 5.2% in districts Kasur and Lahore, respectively. The results showed the distribution in ruminants as 3.4% in buffalo, 5.6% in cattle, 6.7% in goats, and 10.6% in sheep. From the univariable analysis, the clinical signs of infection i.e. mastitis and abortion were analyzed for the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii. The obtained sequences were identical to the previously reported sequence of a local strain in district Lahore, Sahiwal and Attock. These findings demonstrated that the prevalence of C. burnetii in raw milk samples deserves more attention from the health care system and veterinary organizations in Kasur and Lahore of Punjab, Pakistan. Future studies should include different districts and human populations, especially professionals working with animals, to estimate the prevalence of C. burnetii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The One Health approach calls for collaboration across various sectors and different scales to improve understanding of complex health issues. Regarding epidemiological surveillance, this implies the development of integrated systems that link several surveillance components operating in different domains (human, domestic animals, environment) and involving several actor networks. However, surveillance continues to operate in a very compartmentalized way, with little interaction between sectoral institutions and with the community for the governance and operation of surveillance activities. This is partly explained by the insufficient consideration of the local context and the late involvement of national stakeholders when developing programmes that aimed at strengthening the integration of surveillance. In low- and middle-income countries in particular, there is a strong influence of external partners on the development of intersectoral programmes, including surveillance systems. In this context, we developed and implemented a participatory planning process to support stakeholders of the surveillance system of anthrax in Burkina Faso, in the definition of the One Health surveillance system they wish for and of the pathway to reach it. The workshop produced an action plan that reflects the views and perspectives of representatives of the different categories of stakeholders and beneficiaries of surveillance. In addition, the participation of stakeholders in this participatory co-construction process has also improved their knowledge and mutual understanding, fostering a climate of trust conducive to further collaboration for surveillance activities. However, the quality of the participation raises some questions over the results, and contextual factors may have influenced the process. This underlines the need to include a monitoring and evaluation plan in the process to assess its implementation and ability to produce One Health surveillance modalities that are appropriate, accepted and applied over the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two species of free-roaming feral equids in North America: horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys or "burros" (E. asinus). Both species were introduced as domestic animals to North America in the early 1500s and currently inhabit rangelands across the western United States, Canada, and all continents except Antarctica. Despite their global distribution, little is known about their fine scale spatial ecology. Contemporary research tools to assess space use include global positioning system (GPS) tracking collars, but older models were problematic due to stiff collar belting causing poor fit. We tested modern designs of GPS collars on n = 105 horses and n = 60 burros for 4 years in five populations (3 horse, 2 burro) across the western United States, to assess whether collars posed welfare risks to horses or burros. We found no difference in survival of collared versus uncollared mares and jennies, and no difference in survival of their foals. In 4036 of 4307 observations for horses (93.7%) and 2115 of 2258 observations for burros (93.6%), collars were observed symmetrical, maintaining proper fit on the neck. Fur effects from collars (sweaty neck, indented fur, broken fur) were seen in 3% of horse observations and 25% of burro observations. Superficial effects (chafes and marks on skin surface) were seen in 2% of horse observations and 11% of burro observations; no severe effects from collars were seen. Body condition was not affected by collars; mean body condition of collared horses was 4.70 ± 0.54 (mean ± s.d) and 4.71 ± 0.65 for collared burros. Behavior results indicated minimal effects; collared horses stood slightly more than uncollared, and collared burros stood and foraged more in one population, but not in the other. For 6.3% of observations of horses and 6.4% of observations of burros, we found an effect of time wearing a collar on the cumulative sum of fur effects which increased over time (burros: rs = 0.87, P = <0.0001; horses: rs = 0.31, P = 0.002). Burros also showed an increase over time in the number of superficial effects, but horses did not. Collars occasionally moved into the wrong position, shifting forward over the ears; we observed this on 19 horses and 1 burro. Of those, most collars went over the ears in summer (n = 12). All collars were equipped with a remote release mechanism as well as a timed-release mechanism for redundancy, thus removed when observed in wrong position to avoid rubbing or discomfort. Our finding of no consequential physical effects in 98% of horse observations, and 89% of burro observations suggests the consequences of collars on free-roaming equid welfare and survival is biologically insignificant, although collars should be monitored regularly and continue to be equipped with a remote release mechanism to remove a collar if needed. With frequent welfare-driven, visual monitoring, collaring of free-roaming equids can be a safe and useful tool to increase our understanding of their spatial ecology, demography, habitat use, behavior, and interactions with other wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced animal welfare has emerged as a pivotal element in contemporary precision animal husbandry, with bovine monitoring constituting a significant facet of precision agriculture. The evolution of intelligent agriculture in recent years has significantly facilitated the integration of drone flight monitoring tools and innovative systems, leveraging deep learning to interpret bovine behavior. Smart drones, outfitted with monitoring systems, have evolved into viable solutions for wildlife protection and monitoring as well as animal husbandry. Nevertheless, challenges arise under actual and multifaceted ranch conditions, where scale alterations, unpredictable movements, and occlusions invariably influence the accurate tracking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). To address these challenges, this manuscript proposes a tracking algorithm based on deep learning, adhering to the Joint Detection Tracking (JDT) paradigm established by the CenterTrack algorithm. This algorithm is designed to satisfy the requirements of multi-objective tracking in intricate practical scenarios. In comparison with several preeminent tracking algorithms, the proposed Multi-Object Tracking (MOT) algorithm demonstrates superior performance in Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA), Multiple Object Tracking Precision (MOTP), and IDF1. Additionally, it exhibits enhanced efficiency in managing Identity Switches (ID), False Positives (FP), and False Negatives (FN). This algorithm proficiently mitigates the inherent challenges of MOT in complex, livestock-dense scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals have been reported globally. However, the understanding of the complete spectrum of animals susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 remains limited. The virus's dynamic nature and its potential to infect a wide range of animals are crucial considerations for a One Health approach that integrates both human and animal health. This study introduces a bioinformatic approach to predict potential susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in both domestic and wild animals. By examining genomic sequencing, we establish phylogenetic relationships between the virus and its potential hosts. We focus on the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence and specific regions of the host species' ACE2 receptor. We analyzed and compared ACE2 receptor sequences from 29 species known to be infected, selecting 10 least common amino acid sites (LCAS) from key binding domains based on similarity patterns. Our analysis included 49 species across primates, carnivores, rodents, and artiodactyls, revealing complete consistency in the LCAS and identifying them as potentially susceptible. We employed the LCAS similarity pattern to predict the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection in unexamined species. This method serves as a valuable screening tool for assessing infection risks in domestic and wild animals, aiding in the prevention of disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spillover Interface Project aims at assessing the encounter of wildlife, domestic animals, and humans along a landscape gradient from a protected area to a residential community, through areas of reforestation and agricultural land. Here, we present the protocols of the project that combine virus screening in humans, bats, rodents and dogs with camera trapping, land-use characterization, and network analyses. The project is taking place in the sub-district of Saen Thong (Nan Province, Thailand) in collaboration with local communities, the District Public Health Office, and Nanthaburi National Park. To formulate a predictive hypothesis for the Spillover Interface Project, we assess the wildlife diversity and their viral diversity that could be observed in Saen Thong through a data science analysis approach. Potential mammalian species are estimated using data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and their associated viral diversity from a published open database. A network analysis approach is used to represent and quantify the transmission of the potential viruses hosted by the mammals present in Saen Thong, according to the IUCN. A total of 57 viruses are expected to be found and shared between 43 host species, including the domestic dog and the human species. By following the protocols presented here, the Spillover Interface Project will collect the data and samples needed to test this data-driven prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earliest introduction of livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) into the Carpathian Basin was an important step towards farming expansion into continental Europe. This spread beyond the environments of the southern Balkans was accompanied by a reduction in the spectrum of cultivated crops, changes in the relative representation of different domestic animals, and, most likely, adaptations of husbandry practices. How the earliest farmers in the Carpathian Basin kept their domestic stock is still understudied. We explored early animal management and land use strategies at the Starčevo settlement at Alsónyék-Bátaszék, Hungary (Early Neolithic, ca. 5800–5600 cal BC). Settled at the intersection of wide alluvial plains, waterlogged meadows and marshes to the east, and forested hills to the west, early farmers at Alsónyék had a wide variety of options for nourishing their livestock. We performed stable isotope ratio analysis of bone collagen (n = 99; δ13C, δ15N) and tooth enamel (nteeth = 28, sequentially sampled for δ13C and δ18O) from wild and domestic animals to locate them in the landscape and investigate herding practices on a seasonal scale. The bone collagen isotope ratios mostly indicate feeding in open environments. However, results from the sequential analysis of cattle and sheep enamel suggest diverse dietary strategies for winters, including consumption of forest resources, consumption of summer hay and grazing in an open environment. Most pigs appear to have had herbivorous diets, but several individuals likely supplemented their diet with animal protein. Stable isotope ratio results from the Lengyel phase at Alsónyék (ca. 4800–4300 cal BC) suggest more access to animal protein for pigs, and feeding in more open areas by wild boar, red deer and cattle compared to the Starčevo phase. This study's results demonstrate considerable variability in early animal husbandry practices at Alsónyék. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on mineral digestibility is key to understand mineral homeostasis and refine the recommendations for the dietary intake of these nutrients. In farm animals and pets, there is plenty of data on mineral digestibility and influencing factors. In laboratory mice, however, there is a lack of information on mineral digestibility under maintenance conditions, although this should be the basis for studies on mineral homeostasis under experimental conditions. The aim of the present study was to analyse data on intake, faecal excretion, and apparent digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and magnesium in C57BL/6J mice fed different maintenance diets with varying voluntary dry matter intake. Lucas-tests were used to quantify true digestibility and describe correlations between dietary intake and excretion/absorption of the nutrients. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium showed a linear correlation between intake and faecal excretion (R2: 0.77, 0.93 and 0.91, respectively). Intake and apparently digested amounts of sodium and potassium were correlated linearly (R2: 0.86 and 0.98, respectively). These data show that intake is the major determinant of absorption in the minerals listed above. Faecal calcium and phosphorus excretion were correlated as well (R2 = 0.75). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomological surveillance is essential for the control of triatomines and the prevention of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans and domestic animals. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate entomological indicators and triatomine control during the period from 2005 to 2015 in an endemic area in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. This observational and retrospective study was developed based on data analysis related to active entomological surveillance activities and chemical control of infested housing units (HU) in the Agreste mesoregion of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in the period between 2005 to 2015. The quantitative analysis of housing units surveyed for entomological indicators was performed by linear regression of random effects (p < 0.05). The effect of the number of HU surveyed on the entomological indicators was analyzed by fitting a linear random effects regression model and an increasing intradomiciliary colonization rate was significant. In the period evaluated 92,156 housing units were investigated and the presence of triatomines was reported in 4,639 (5.0%). A total of 4,653 specimens of triatomines were captured and the species recorded were Triatoma pseudomaculata (n = 1,775), Triatoma brasiliensis (n = 1,569), Rhodnius nasutus (n = 741) and Panstrongylus lutzi (n = 568), with an index of natural infection by T. cruzi of 2.2%. Only 53.1% of the infested HU were subjected to chemical control. Moreover, there was a decrease in the total number of HU surveyed over time associated with an increase in the index of intradomiciliary colonization (p = 0.004). These data demonstrated that entomological surveillance and control of vectors in the Agreste mesoregion of the state has been discontinued, emphasizing the need for more effective public policies to effectively control the vectors, in order to avoid the exposure of humans and domestic animals to the risk of T. cruzi infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogens transmitted between wildlife and domestic animals can pose a threat to endangered species, undermine conservation efforts in wildlife, and affect productivity and parasite control in domestic animals. There are several examples of pathogen transmission between European bison and other animals. The present study surveyed breeders from the vicinity of four large wisent populations in eastern Poland about observed contacts between wisent and cattle. Such contacts were noted by 37% of breeders, indicating a significant risk of contact between European bison and cattle in the study areas, even in the areas where the European bison live mainly in a forest complex, i.e., in the Borecka Forest. A higher potential risk of contacts between European bison and cattle was noted in the Białowieska Forest and the Bieszczady Mountains than in the Borecka and Knyszyńska Forests. In the Białowieska Forest, the risk of viral pathogen transmission resulting from contacts is higher (more direct contacts), and in the case of the Bieszczady Mountains, the probability of parasitic diseases is higher. The chance of contacts between European bison and cattle depended on the distance of cattle pastures from human settlements. Moreover, such contact was possible throughout the year, not only in spring and fall. It appears possible to minimize the risk of contacts between wisent and cattle by changing management practices for both species, such as keeping grazing areas as close as possible to settlements, and reducing the time cattle graze on pastures. However, the risk of contact is much greater if European bison populations are large and are dispersed beyond forest complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "A cross-sectional survey of hard ticks and molecular characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus parasitizing domestic animals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan." The correction states that there were errors in Table 3, specifically regarding the months for the Autumn and Summer seasons. The correct months for Autumn are "Mar, Apr, and May," and for Summer are "Jun, July, and Aug." The table provides information on the prevalence of hard ticks in District Bannu among different domestic animals. The correction is authored by Muhammad Rooman, Yasir Assad, Sadia Tabassum, Samia Sultan, Sultan Ayaz, Muhammad Fiaz Khan, Shahid Niaz Khan, and Rehman Ali. [Extracted from the article]

Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protist found in humans and a wide range of animal hosts. Genetic variations were established among the 38 different subtypes detected so far, 14 of which are commonly found in human and animal hosts. The aim of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of the common Blastocystis subtypes and evaluate the possible correlation with several variables (gender, age, symptoms, domestic animals...), among patients from the southern region of Syria. Fecal samples were collected from individuals suffering from gastrointestinal complaints. Microscopic examination along with genotype analyses using seven pairs of subtype-specific primers was performed. Our results revealed the presence of Blastocystis sp. in 46 isolates out of the 60 samples microscopically studied (76.7%); single infection was detected in 24 isolates whereas co-infection with other protozoa was identified in 22 ones. Molecular detection targeting the SSU rRNA gene revealed a 100% positive presence of Blastocystis sp. in all the samples. Genotyping results detected the presence of five different subtypes (ST1-ST5) with varying proportions. However, ST1 was the dominant subtype observed (66.7%). Mixed subtype infections were found in 9 isolates (15%). Three samples remained undefined, nonetheless. Our statistical results showed no significant correlation between Blastocystis STs infection and the different studied variables. In conclusion, this study provides the first genetic characterization of Blastocystis subtypes prevalence in patients from the southern region of Syria. ST1 distribution was highly predominant. Further molecular studies are needed to estimate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection in other regions in Syria and to understand the epidemiology and sources of transmission to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major zoonotic pathogen that causes a variety of severe illnesses as well as mastitis. The distribution of mastitis-causing K. Pneumoniae and its virulence factors vary by country and geographical location. The present study aimed to find out the occurrence of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. Pneumoniae and their capsular resistance genes which were undocumented previously in cow farms of district Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 700 milk samples from symptomatic mastitic cows were screened for MDR K. Pneumoniae. Furthermore, the characterization of capsular resistance genes was done by molecular techniques. Among these samples, K. pneumoniae was found 180/700 (25.7%), while MDR K. pneumoniae was found 80/180 (44.4%). The antibiogram analysis revealed high resistance to Vancomycin (95%) while highly sensitive to Ceftazidime (80%). The distribution of capsular genes shows the most common serotype K2 gene 39/80 (48.7%), followed by serotype K1 gene 34/80 (42.5%), serotype K5 17/80 (21.2%), and serotype K54 13/80 (16.2), respectively. Moreover, the co-occurrence of serotypes K1+K2 was found at 11.25%, KI+K5 was 05%, K1+K54 was 3.75%, and K2+K5 was 7.5%, respectively. A statistically significant association (p ≤ 0.05) was found between predicted and discovered K. pneumoniae values. In conclusion, the presence of MDR K. pneumoniae in combination with capsular genes may be a possible threat to dairy farm animals and humans in Peshawar, Pakistan. It may give us special attention to follow up on hygienic practices in livestock management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeological sites of Hardinxveld-Giessendam de Bruin and Polderweg, situated in the Rhine-Meuse delta, are the best-preserved Mesolithic sites in the Netherlands. Due to the early appearance of domesticated animals in their faunal assemblage, they are also integral to the research of the emergence of animal husbandry in the region. This study focuses on the precise chronology of the sites, using radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modelling of both newly acquired and legacy radiocarbon dates. To mitigate the risk of erroneous dates, we dated the bone collagen of 26 herbivorous and one aquatic mammals from clear archaeological contexts and discovered that the most recent occupational phases at both sites are several centuries younger than previously thought. This is consistent with material evidence of lifestyle changes in the final phase at Hardinxveld-Giessendam de Bruin, which is now, according to our chronology, contemporaneous with the similar patterns produced in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to investigate the measurement properties of pain scoring instruments in farm animals. According to the PRISMA guidelines, a registered report protocol was previously published in this journal. Studies reporting the development and validation of acute and chronic pain scoring instruments based on behavioral and/or facial expressions of farm animals were searched. Data extraction and assessment were performed individually by two investigators using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Nine categories were assessed: two for scale development (general design requirements and development, and content validity and comprehensibility) and seven for measurement properties (internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, criterion and construct validity, responsiveness and cross-cultural validity). The overall strength of evidence (high, moderate, low, or very low) of each instrument was scored based on methodological quality, number of studies and studies' findings. Twenty instruments for three species (bovine, ovine and swine) were included. There was considerable variability concerning their development and measurement properties. Three behavior-based instruments scored high for strength of evidence: UCAPS (Unesp-Botucatu Unidimensional Composite Pain Scale for assessing postoperative pain in cattle), USAPS (Unesp-Botucatu Sheep Acute Composite Pain Scale) and UPAPS (Unesp-Botucatu Pig Composite Acute Pain Scale). Four instruments scored moderate for strength of evidence: MPSS (Multidimensional Pain Scoring System for bovine), SPFES (Sheep Pain Facial Expression Scale), LGS (Lamb Grimace Scale) and PGS-B (Piglet Grimace Scale-B). Most instruments (n = 13) scored low or very low for final overall evidence. Construct validity was the most reported measurement property followed by criterion validity and reliability. Instruments with reported validation are urgently required for pain assessment of buffalos, goats, camelids and avian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are known to harbor a large number of insect specific viruses (ISV) in addition to viruses of public health importance. These ISVs are highly species specific and are non-pathogenic to humans or domestic animals. However, there is a potential threat of these ISVs evolving into human pathogens by genome alterations. Some ISVs are known to modulate replication of pathogenic viruses by altering the susceptibility of vector mosquitoes to pathogenic viruses, thereby either inhibiting or enhancing transmission of the latter. In the present study, we report predominance of Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV, Family: Phenuviridae) contributing to >60% of the total reads in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected from Pune district of Maharashtra state using next generation sequencing based metagenomic analysis of viromes. Similar results were also obtained with mosquitoes from Assam, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states of India. Comparison of Pune mosquito sequences with PCLV Rio (Brazil) isolate showed 98.90%, 99.027% and 98.88% homologies in the S, M and L segments respectively indicating less genetic heterogeneity of PCLV. The study also demonstrated occurrence of transovarial transmission as seen by detection of PCLV in eggs, larvae, pupae and male mosquitoes. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes collected from Pune also showed a large number of reads for viruses belonging to Baculoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Genomoviridae and Bunyaviridae families. The role of PCLV in the replication of dengue and chikungunya virus is yet not clear. It warrants further studies to know the significance of PCLV and other ISVs on the replication and transmission of Ae. aegypti borne pathogenic viruses, especially in the absence of prophylactics or therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent control is necessary to prevent damage and spread of disease, and the most common pesticides used for urban and rural rodent control are anticoagulant rodenticides. The aim of this present study was to present data on suspected exposure to rodenticides in humans and domestic animals in Norway based on inquiries to the Norwegian Poison Information Centre in the 16-year period from 2005 through 2020. A total of 4235 inquiries regarding suspected exposures to rodenticides were registered in the study period. Of these, 1486 inquiries involved humans and 2749 animals. Second generation anticoagulants were involved in 68% of human exposures and 79% of animal exposures. Dogs were the most frequent species involved in the animal exposures with 93% of the inquiries, while cats were second most frequent involved. Around 50% of the human inquiries concerned children at the age of 0–4 years. Only 2% of the cases were in the age group 10–19 years, while adults comprised 35% of the inquiries. Acute poisonings accounted for almost 100% of the inquiries among both humans and animals. The exposure was accidental in 99% of the animal exposures and in 85% of the human exposures. In humans, only 14 inquiries were regarding occupational related accidents. Misdeed or self-inflicted injury accounted for 15% of the human inquiries and were the cause of 79% of the severe poisonings. Severe poisoning was only assessed in 1% of the cases involving children under 5 years. In contrast, 17% of the inquiries concerning adults (≥20 years) were assessed as severe. Subsequently, to prevent human and animal rodenticide exposure, we urge the use of non-chemical methods such as sanitation, rodent proofing (a form of construction which will impede or prevent rodents access to or from a given space or building) and mechanical traps. Restricting the use of rodenticides to professional pest controllers (or other persons with authorisation), reinforcing high quality education of these persons, and securing compliance of the best codes of practice could be advocated to reduce accidental exposure to rodenticides in humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne zoonotic diseases pose a threat to public health; hence, identifying the pathogenic agents associated with them is critical. The prevalence of Bartonella and Rickettsia in Iran is unknown. This study aimed to detect Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella species in ticks in northeast Iran and conduct phylogenetic analysis on these bacteria. Ticks from the sample bank in the Research Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases were included in this study. The ticks were collected in 2017 and 2018 from domestic animals (sheep, goats, cows, camels, horses, dogs, and donkeys) and rodents in Golestan, Mazandaran, and Guilan provinces. Molecular methods were used to examine the DNA extracted from these samples to detect Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella species. The study examined a total of 3999 ticks. Ixodes ricinus (46.4%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (26.3%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (17.1%) were the most prevalent species. Among 638 DNA pools, real-time-PCR detected Rickettsia spp. in 161 (25.2%), mostly belonging to Rh. sanguineus (48.9%) and Rh. turanicus (41.9%). Golestan Province had the highest number of positive pools (29.7%). No positive samples for Bartonella were detected in a 638 pooled samples. Eight distinct Rickettsia species were detected in 65 sequenced samples, the majority of which were R. massiliae (n = 32, 49.2%) and R. sibirica (n = 20, 30.8%). Other species included R. rhipicephali (n = 3), R. aeschlimannii (n = 5), R. helvetica (n = 5), R. asiatica (n = 4), R. monacensis (n = 6), and R. raoultii (n = 1). The research findings may provide helpful information about tick-borne Rickettsiae in Iran and help to clarify the role of these arthropods in maintaining these agents. Rickettsia species were found to be circulating in three Northern provinces; thus, it is recommended that this disease be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases caused by tick bites and febrile diseases with skin rashes such as Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many wild animals perform hiding behaviours for a variety of reasons, such as evading predators or other conspecifics. Unlike their wild counterparts, farmed animals often live in relatively barren environments without the opportunity to hide. Researchers have begun to study the impact of access to hiding spaces ("hides") in farmed animals, including possible effects on animal welfare. The aims of this scoping review were to: 1) identify the farmed species that have been most used in research investigating the provision of hides, 2) describe the context in which hides have been provided to farmed animals, and 3) describe the impact (positive, negative or neutral/inconclusive) that hides have on animals, including indicators of animal welfare. Three online databases (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, and PubMed) were used to search for a target population of farmed animals with access to hiding spaces. From this search, 4,631 citations were screened and 151 were included in the review. Fourteen animal types were represented, most commonly chickens (48% of papers), cattle (9%), foxes (8%), and fish (7%). Relatively few papers were found on other species including deer, quail, ducks, lobsters, turkeys, and goats. Hides were used in four contexts: at parturition or oviposition (56%), for general enrichment (43%), for neonatal animals (4%), or for sick or injured animals (1%). A total of 218 outcomes relevant to our objectives were found including 7 categories: hide use, motivation, and/or preference (47% of outcomes), behavioural indicators of affective state (17%), health, injuries, and/or production (16%), agonistic behaviour (8%), abnormal repetitive behaviours (6%), physiological indicators of stress (5%), and affiliative behaviours (1%). Hiding places resulted in 162 positive (74%), 14 negative (6%), and 42 neutral/inconclusive (19%) outcomes. Hides had a generally positive impact on the animals included in this review; more research is encouraged for under-represented species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mayaro virus (MAYV, Togaviridae) and Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV, Peribunyaviridae) are emerging enzootic arboviruses in Latin America. Outbreaks of febrile illness associated with MAYV and OROV have been reported among humans mainly in the northern region of Brazil since the 1980s, and recent data suggest these viruses have circulated also in more populated areas of western Brazil. MAYV shares mosquito vectors with yellow fever virus and it has been historically detected during yellow fever epidemics. Aiming to investigate the transmission of OROV and MAYV at the human-animal interface during a yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika outbreaks in Brazil, we conducted a retrospective molecular investigation in 810 wild and domestic animals, 106 febrile patients, and 22.931 vectors collected from 2016 to 2018 in Cuiaba and Campo Grande metropolitan regions, western Brazil. All samples tested negative for OROV and MAYV RNA by RT-qPCR. Findings presented here suggest no active circulation of MAYV and OROV in the sampled hosts. Active surveillance and retrospective investigations are instrumental approaches for the detection of cryptic and subclinical activity of enzootic arboviruses and together serve as a warning system to implement appropriate actions to prevent outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bronze Age village of Politiko-Troullia, located in the foothills of the copper-bearing Troodos mountains of central Cyprus, was occupied ~2050–1850 cal BCE. Excavated evidence shows that community activities included copper metallurgy (ore processing, smelting and casting), crop cultivation, and rearing of livestock. Faunal analysis reveals day-to-day subsistence practices that included consumption of sheep, goat, cattle, and pig, as well as community-scale ritual feasting focused on fallow deer, Dama dama mesopotamica. In this paper, we present bone collagen stable isotope data from these taxa to infer how these animals were managed. We incorporate stable isotope baselines calculated from modern cereal grains and compare these to archaeological seeds from Politiko-Troullia. Mean values of δ13C and δ15N cluster for livestock consistent with a diet of C3 plants, with a wider range in goats that suggests free-browsing herds. Higher δ15N values in cattle may reflect supplemental feeding or grazing in manured fields. Plant isotope values suggest livestock diets were predominantly composed of cultivated taxa. In contrast, deer and pig bones produce more negative mean δ13C and δ15N values suggesting that the villagers of Politiko-Troullia complemented their management of domesticated animals with hunting of wild deer and feral pigs in the woodlands surrounding their village. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laboratory mouse is a key player in preclinical oncology research. However, emphasis of techniques reporting at the expense of critical animal-related detail compromises research integrity, animal welfare, and, ultimately, the translation potential of mouse-based oncology models. To evaluate current reporting practices, we performed a cross-sectional survey of 400 preclinical oncology studies using mouse solid-tumour models. Articles published in 2020 were selected from 20 journals that specifically endorsed the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) preclinical reporting guidelines. We assessed reporting compliance for 22 items in five domains: ethical oversight assurance, animal signalment, husbandry, welfare, and euthanasia. Data were analysed using hierarchical generalised random-intercept models, clustered on journal. Overall, reporting of animal-related items was poor. Median compliance over all categories was 23%. There was little or no association between extent of reporting compliance and journal or journal impact factor. Age, sex, and source were reported most frequently, but verifiable strain information was reported for <10% of studies. Animal husbandry, housing environment, and welfare items were reported by <5% of studies. Fewer than one in four studies reported analgesia use, humane endpoints, or an identifiable method of euthanasia. Of concern was the poor documentation of ethical oversight information. Fewer than one in four provided verifiable approval information, and almost one in ten reported no information, or information that was demonstrably false. Mice are the "invisible actors" in preclinical oncology research. In spite of widespread endorsement of reporting guidelines, adherence to reporting guidelines on the part of authors is poor and journals fail to enforce guideline reporting standards. In particular, the inadequate reporting of key animal-related items severely restricts the utility and translation potential of mouse models, and results in research waste. Both investigators and journals have the ethical responsibility to ensure animals are not wasted in uninformative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle have a complex social organization, with negative (agonistic) and positive (affiliative) interactions that affect access to environmental resources. Thus, the social behaviour has a major impact on animal production, and it is an important factor to improve the farm animal welfare. The use of data from electronic bins to determine social competition has already been validated; however, the studies used non-free software or did not make the code available. With data from electronic bins is possible to identify when one animal takes the place of another animal, i.e. a replacement occurs, at the feeders or drinkers. However, there is no package for the R environment to detect competitive replacements from electronic bins data. Our general approach consisted in creating a user-friendly R package for social behaviour analysis. The workflow of the socialh package comprises several steps that can be used sequentially or separately, allowing data input from electronic systems, or obtained from the animals' observation. We provide an overview of all functions of the socialh package and demonstrate how this package can be applied using data from electronic feed bins of beef cattle. The socialh package provides support for researchers to determine the social hierarchy of gregarious animals through the synthesis of agonistic interactions (or replacement) in a friendly, versatile, and open-access system, thus contributing to scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. is recognized as an opportunistic zoonotic parasite that infects humans as well as wild and domestic animals. This enteric protozoan is a major cause of diarrhea in humans and animals and often result in death due to severe dehydration. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence, identification of various risk factors and evaluation of sensitivity of the two diagnostic techniques for rapid and correct detection of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic sheep in Pakistan. Methods: A total of 360 fecal samples were collected and processed for detection of Cryptosporidium infection after proper preservation. These samples were properly stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid staining and then examined under simple microscope at 100x magnification for confirmation of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The same samples were again processed through simple PCR for confirmation of the Cryptosporidium spp. Results: The age wise prevalence was detected through simple microscopy and PCR. We found highest prevalence at the age of ≤1 year followed by 1–2 years of age while the lowest prevalence was recorded at the age of ≥ 2–3 years of sheep and found significant difference between different ages (P<0.05). The sex wise prevalence showed the highest prevalence in male (♂) animals detected compared to female (♀). The overall prevalence was detected 27.08% and 18.80% through PCR and simple microscopy, respectively, and significant difference between two diagnostic techniques were observed (P<0.05). Considering the seasonality, the highest prevalence was recorded through simple microscopy in autumn, summer, and spring, while the lowest in winter. These results were confirmed through PCR. Conclusion: It was concluded that molecular detection is the most efficient, specific and sensitive technique for detection of Cryptosporidium infection than simple microscopy. Moreover sheep is the major potential source of infection to other wild and domestic animals including humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the third millennium BC, Mesopotamia (the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, in modern Iraq-Syria), was dominated by the world's earliest cities and states, which were ruled by powerful elites. Ur, in present-day southern Iraq, was one of the largest and most important of these cities, and irrigation-based agriculture and large herds of domesticated animals were the twin mainstays of the economy and diet. Texts suggest that the societies of the Mesopotamian city-states were extremely hierarchical and underpinned by institutionalised and heavily-managed farming systems. Prevailing narratives suggest that the animal management strategies within these farming systems in the third millennium BC were homogenous. There have been few systematic science-based studies of human and animal diets, mobility, or other forms of human-animal interaction in Mesopotamia, but such approaches can inform understanding of past economies, including animal management, social hierarchies, diet and migration. Oxygen, carbon and strontium isotopic analysis of animal tooth enamel from both royal and private/non-royal burial contexts at Early Dynastic Ur (2900–2350 BC) indicate that a variety of herd management strategies and habitats were exploited. These data also suggest that there is no correlation between animal-management practices and the cattle found in royal or private/non-royal burial contexts. The results demonstrate considerable divergence between agro-pastoral models promoted by the state and the realities of day-to-day management practices. The data from Ur suggest that the animals exploited different plant and water sources, and that animals reared in similar ways ended up in different depositional contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conserved IncI1 and IncHI1 plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-1 have been found circulating in chickens and horses from continental Europe, respectively. In Canada, blaCTX-M-1 is overwhelmingly the most common blaCTX-M variant found in Escherichia coli from chicken and horses and can be recovered at lower frequencies in swine, cattle, and dogs. Whole-genome sequencing has identified a large genetic diversity of isolates carrying this variant, warranting further investigations into the plasmids carrying this gene. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the genetic profiles of blaCTX-M-1 plasmids circulating in E. coli from Canadian domestic animals and compare them to those recovered in animals in Europe. Fifty-one blaCTX-M-1 positive E. coli isolates from chicken (n = 14), horses (racetrack horses n = 11; community horses n = 3), swine (n = 7), turkey (n = 6), dogs (n = 5), beef cattle (n = 3), and dairy cattle (n = 2) were selected for plasmid characterization. Sequences were obtained through both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies. Genomes were assembled using either Unicycler hybrid assembly or Flye with polishing performed using Pilon. blaCTX-M-1 was found residing on a plasmid in 45 isolates and chromosomally located in six isolates. A conserved IncI1/ST3 plasmid was identified among chicken (n = 12), turkey (n = 4), swine (n = 6), dog (n = 2), and beef cattle (n = 2) isolates. When compared against publicly available data, these plasmids showed a high degree of similarity to those identified in isolates from poultry and swine in Europe. These results suggest that an epidemic IncI1/ST3 plasmid similar to the one found in Europe is contributing to the spread of blaCTX-M-1 in Canada. A conserved IncHI1/FIA(HI1)/ST2 plasmid was also recovered from nearly all racetrack horse isolates (n = 10). Although IncHI1/ST2 plasmids have been reported among European horse isolates, IncHI1/ST9 plasmids appear to be more widespread. Further studies are necessary to understand the factors contributing to these plasmids' success in their respective populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural crest cell genes control the migration of neural crest cells to multiple parts of developing vertebrate embryos. A recent hypothesis posits that the "domestication syndrome" characteristic of domesticated animals is driven by selection for tameness acting on neural crest cell genes, particularly those affecting cell migration. This is posited to explain why this syndrome involves many disparate phenotypic effects. These effects can be connected to deficits in neural crest cell migration. This hypothesis predicts that patterns of selection on these neural crest cell genes will differ between domesticated species and related wild species. Specifically, it predicts higher levels of positive selection on these genes in domesticated species, relative to closely related wild species. Here we test this prediction in a comparative framework. We obtained DNA sequences from a public database (NCBI) for eleven key neural crest cell genes from a set of thirty domesticated vertebrates and matched close relatives that remain wild. We used the program Contrast-FEL in the software suite HyPhy to compare the number of sites under positive selection (as measured by non-synonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rates across codons) between these two types of taxa in a phylogenetic framework. We found that domesticated lineages showed a consistently higher level of positive selection on these key genes, relative to their closely related wild counterparts. In addition, we found support for relaxation of selection and purifying selection. We argue that this result is consistent with an important role for these genes in the domestication syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade and private ownership of non-domesticated animals has detrimental effects on individual animals and their wild populations. Therefore, there is a need to understand the conditions that motivate and dissuade interest in non-domesticated pet ownership. Past research has demonstrated that the way in which non-domesticated animals are portrayed in images influences the public's perception that they are suitable as pets. We conducted an online survey of people residing in the United States to investigate how viewing images that could be realistically captured in the zoo and broader tourism industries impact the degree to which people report interest in having that animal as a pet. We focused on two species, reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) and two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), and presented each species in six different visual contexts. After viewing an image, respondents reported interest in pet ownership on a four-point Likert scale. Each species was studied separately in a between-subjects design and results were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression models. Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported interest in sloth pet ownership, and 21% reported interest in python pet ownership. However, contrary to our hypotheses, we found that viewing these species in different visual contexts did not significantly affect survey respondents' reported interest in having either species as a pet. Generation was a significant predictor of interest in both sloth and python pet ownership, with younger generations reporting more interest in having these species as pets. Male respondents reported more interest in python pet ownership, whereas there were no significant differences between genders regarding interest in sloth ownership. We consider how modern media exposure to animals in unnatural contexts may relate to the generational effect and discuss priorities for future research to better understand the development of individual interests in non-domesticated pet ownership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) showed susceptibility to diverse animal species. We conducted this study to understand the spatial epidemiology, genetic diversity, and statistically significant genetic similarity along with per-gene recombination events of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses (SC2r-CoVs) in animals globally. We collected a number of different animal species infected with SARS-CoV-2 and its related viruses. Then, we retrieved genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 and SC2r-CoVs from GISAID and NCBI GenBank for genomic and mutational analysis. Although the evolutionary origin of SARS-CoV-2 remains elusive, the diverse SC2r-CoV have been detected in multiple Rhinolophus bat species and in Malayan pangolin. To date, human-to-animal spillover events have been reported in cat, dog, tiger, lion, gorilla, leopard, ferret, puma, cougar, otter, and mink in 25 countries. Phylogeny and genetic recombination events of SC2r-CoVs showed higher similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13 and BANAL-103 for most of the genes and to some Malayan pangolin coronavirus (CoV) strains for the N protein from bats and pangolin showed close resemblance to SARS-CoV-2. The clustering of animal and human strains from the same geographical area has proved human-to-animal transmission of the virus. The Alpha, Delta and Mu-variant of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in dog, gorilla, lion, tiger, otter, and cat in the USA, India, Czech Republic, Belgium, and France with momentous genetic similarity with human SARS-CoV-2 sequences. The mink variant mutation (spike_Y453F) was detected in both humans and domestic cats. Moreover, the dog was affected mostly by clade O (66.7%), whereas cat and American mink were affected by clade GR (31.6 and 49.7%, respectively). The α-variant was detected as 2.6% in cat, 4.8% in dog, 14.3% in tiger, 66.7% in gorilla, and 77.3% in lion. The highest mutations observed in mink where the substitution of D614G in spike (95.2%) and P323L in NSP12 (95.2%) protein. In dog, cat, gorilla, lion, and tiger, Y505H and Y453F were the common mutations followed by Y145del, Y144del, and V70I in S protein. We recommend vaccine provision for pet and zoo animals to reduce the chance of transmission in animals. Besides, continuous epidemiological and genomic surveillance of coronaviruses in animal host is crucial to find out the immediate ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 and to prevent future CoVs threats to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-species transmission of pathogens is intimately linked to human and environmental health. With limited healthcare and challenging living conditions, people living in poverty may be particularly susceptible to endemic and emerging diseases. Similarly, wildlife is impacted by human influences, including pathogen sharing, especially for species in close contact with people and domesticated animals. Here we investigate human and animal contacts and human health in a community living around the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda. We used contact and health survey data to identify opportunities for cross-species pathogen transmission, focusing mostly on people and the endangered mountain gorilla. We conducted a survey with background questions and self-reported diaries to investigate 100 participants' health, such as symptoms and behaviours, and contact patterns, including direct contacts and sightings over a week. Contacts were revealed through networks, including humans, domestic, peri-domestic, and wild animal groups for 1) contacts seen in the week of background questionnaire completion, and 2) contacts seen during the diary week. Participants frequently felt unwell during the study, reporting from one to 10 disease symptoms at different intensity levels, with severe symptoms comprising 6.4% of the diary records and tiredness and headaches the most common symptoms. After human-human contacts, direct contact with livestock and peri-domestic animals were the most common. The contact networks were moderately connected and revealed a preference in contacts within the same taxon and within their taxa groups. Sightings of wildlife were much more common than touching. However, despite contact with wildlife being the rarest of all contact types, one direct contact with a gorilla with a timeline including concerning participant health symptoms was reported. When considering all interaction types, gorillas mostly exhibited intra-species contact, but were found to interact with five other species, including people and domestic animals. Our findings reveal a local human population with recurrent symptoms of illness in a location with intense exposure to factors that can increase pathogen transmission, such as direct contact with domestic and wild animals and proximity among animal species. Despite significant biases and study limitations, the information generated here can guide future studies, such as models for disease spread and One Health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tunga penetrans, also known as sand flea, causes Tungiasis in humans and animals. Despite its notoriety as an entomological problem, however, the ectoparasite receives little consideration from public health professionals. It is against this background that this article aims to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with Tunga penetrans infestation among 5-14-year-olds in rural Western Ethiopia. Methods: From November to December 2020, 487 children aged 5 to 14 were selected from four primary schools in a cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling. Clinical exams, Interviews with parents/guardians and observations of the housing and classroom environments were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression were used to characterize the data and identify factors associated with Tunga penetrans infestation. Result: Tunga penetrans infestation (Tungiasis) was diagnosed in 138 of the 487 children examined, placing the prevalence at 28.3% (95% CI: 24.2%, 32.2%). Mud plastered walls [AOR: 5.83, % CI (3.44–9.88)], having cats in the house [AOR: 5.91, 95% CI (3.51–10.11)], not having separated sleeping quarters for animals [AOR: 4.60, 95% CI (2.69–7.86)], using self-supplied water [AOR: 6.30, 95% CI (3.33–11.93)], walking>30 minutes to school [AOR: 2.37, 95% CI (1.48–3.80)] were associated with Tungiasis. Conclusion: In one way or another, several of the identified factors were linked to poverty. Improved house wall materials, fumigation of mud-plastered houses, dusting or spraying insecticides on domestic animals (such as cats), improved access to water, community education about keeping animals separated from living spaces, and hygiene promotion are all needed, with a focus on locally available, low-cost technologies that the poorest families can afford. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle were the predominant domestic animal in the Iron Age and Roman Netherlands, yet their management is still incompletely understood. Some aspects of cattle management, such as birth season and the provision of fodder, have received little or no attention so far. This paper is the first to investigate these aspects for the Iron Age and Roman Netherlands, through a case study of the site of Houten-Castellum. The rural settlement of Houten-Castellum was inhabited from the Middle Iron Age to the Middle Roman period, allowing a comparison between the Iron Age and Roman period. Excavations at this site have yielded a large, well-preserved animal bone assemblage. This paper investigates cattle husbandry by using an integrated approach, combining a multi-isotope analysis (oxygen, carbon and strontium) with archaeozoological and archaeobotanical results from Houten-Castellum and comparing the results with archaeobotanical evidence for fodder and evidence for dairy use for the Iron Age and Roman Netherlands in general. While our data set is small and results must therefore be interpreted cautiously, there is convincing evidence for an extended birth season in the Middle Iron Age, as well as the use of fodder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To improve early detection of emerging infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), many of them zoonotic, numerous electronic animal disease-reporting systems have been piloted but not implemented because of cost, lack of user friendliness, and data insecurity. In Kenya, we developed and rolled out an open-source mobile phone-based domestic and wild animal disease reporting system and collected data over two years to investigate its robustness and ability to track disease trends. Methods: The Kenya Animal Biosurveillance System (KABS) application was built on the Java® platform, freely downloadable for android compatible mobile phones, and supported by web-based account management, form editing and data monitoring. The application was integrated into the surveillance systems of Kenya's domestic and wild animal sectors by adopting their existing data collection tools, and targeting disease syndromes prioritized by national, regional and international animal and human health agencies. Smartphone-owning government and private domestic and wild animal health officers were recruited and trained on the application, and reports received and analyzed by Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services. The KABS application performed automatic basic analyses (frequencies, spatial distribution), which were immediately relayed to reporting officers as feedback. Results: Of 697 trained domestic animal officers, 662 (95%) downloaded the application, and >72% of them started reporting using the application within three months. Introduction of the application resulted in 2- to 14-fold increase in number of disease reports when compared to the previous year (relative risk = 14, CI 13.8–14.2, p<0.001), and reports were more widely distributed. Among domestic animals, food animals (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and chicken) accounted for >90% of the reports, with respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin diseases constituting >85% of the reports. Herbivore wildlife (zebra, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, antelopes) accounted for >60% of the wildlife disease reports, followed by carnivores (lions, cheetah, hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs). Deaths, traumatic injuries, and skin diseases were most reported in wildlife. Conclusions: This open-source system was user friendly and secure, ideal for rolling out in other countries in SSA to improve disease reporting and enhance preparedness for epidemics of zoonotic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In tropical and subtropical countries, tick infestation causes major public health problems and considerable financial losses to the livestock industry. This study was aimed to assess the species composition of richness and analyze the phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in the District Bannu of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: Collected ticks were identified morphologically and DNA extracted from R. microplus was amplified and subjected to sequencing. Results: A total of 3,600 animals were examined among them 1,494 animals were found to be infested with ticks, including 669 cows, 476 buffaloes, 163 goats, and 186 sheep (p = 0.001). Tick infestation was significantly high (43.58%) in animals of age group (<1 year) (p-value = 0.027). Female animals were more (44.05%) infested with ticks than males (34.43%) (p = 0.001). The intensity of infestation was significantly higher in summer (77.49%) (p = 0.001). A total of 5,557 ticks were collected comprising three genera and six species. R. microplus was predominantly prevalent (n = 1,474; 26.52%), followed by Rhipicephalus annulatus (n = 1,215; 21.86%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 1,139; 20.49%), Hyalomma marginatum (n = 1,086; 19.54%), and Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 761; 13.69%), while the least common was Haemaphysalis aciculifer (n = 80; 1.43%) (p = 0.001). Morphologically identified R. microplus species were also analyzed genetically by using two genetic markers 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) genes. The phylogenetic study revealed that R. microplus is genetically diversified and clustered in clade B with R. microplus species from China, India, and Pakistan. Conclusion: Ticks infestation was significantly correlated with various factors including age, sex, season, and animal type. R. microplus genetically resembled species reported from India and China. However, major knowledge gaps concerning various species of ticks exist and many areas are still unexplored in Pakistan. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological and molecular aspects of various tick species in other regions of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notice of RepublicationThis article was republished on January 18th, 2023, to correct for errors in the Data Availability statement. The publisher apologizes for the errors. Please download this article again to view the correct version. The originally published, uncorrected article and the republished, corrected article are provided here for reference.Supporting informationS1 FileOriginally published, uncorrected article.(PDF)S2 FileRepublished, corrected article.(PDF) [Extracted from the article]

Society has been increasingly concerned about the impact of pain on farm animal welfare. This systematic review aims to provide evidence relating to the measurement properties (i.e. reliability, validity, and sensitivity) of pain scoring instruments used for pain assessment in farm animals. A literature search will be performed using five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CAB abstracts and Biological Abstracts) and search terms related to pain, pain scales and different species of farm animals. Eligibility criteria will include full-text studies on the development and/or validation of acute and chronic pain scoring instruments for farm animals including bovine (beef and dairy), ovine, caprine, camel, swine and poultry. Exclusion criteria will include studies that report the use of pain scales for the validation of another instrument, or those reporting ethograms/list of behaviors potentially indicating pain without a scoring system. Study titles and their abstracts will be screened for eligibility by one investigator. Full-text articles will be independently reviewed for eligibility and evaluated by two investigators. Relevant information will be recorded and evaluated systematically according to the Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist using an adapted data collection sheet. The following measurement properties and characteristics of the instruments will be assessed: content validity (internal consistency, structural and cross-cultural validity), reliability, measurement error, criterion and construct validity, responsiveness, interpretability and feasibility. Following the assessment of methodological quality and quality of the findings, evidence for each measurement property will be summarized into high, moderate, low or very low. This systematic review will provide further insights into the evidence-based measurement properties of pain scoring instruments in farm animals. It may identify possible gaps of knowledge with these tools as a potential target for future studies in farm animals with a positive impact on animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection by SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals has been related to close contact with humans diagnosed with COVID-19. Objectives: To assess the exposure, infection, and persistence by SARS-CoV-2 of dogs and cats living in the same households of humans that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate clinical and laboratory alterations associated with animal infection. Methods: Animals living with COVID-19 patients were longitudinally followed and had nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal and rectal swabs collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, blood samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) to investigate specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Results: Between May and October 2020, 39 pets (29 dogs and 10 cats) of 21 patients were investigated. Nine dogs (31%) and four cats (40%) from 10 (47.6%) households were infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Animals tested positive from 11 to 51 days after the human index COVID-19 case onset of symptoms. Three dogs tested positive twice within 14, 30, and 31 days apart. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected in one dog (3.4%) and two cats (20%). In this study, six out of thirteen animals either infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 have developed mild but reversible signs of the disease. Using logistic regression analysis, neutering, and sharing bed with the ill owner were associated with pet infection. Conclusions: The presence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified in dogs and cats from households with human COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. People with COVID-19 should avoid close contact with their pets during the time of their illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever which is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. C. burnetii has become one of the most important causes of abortion in livestock, which can lead to widespread abortions in these animals. There are very limited studies on the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in cases of animal abortion in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of C. burnetii in ruminant abortion samples in Iran. Methods: Abortion samples from cattle, sheep and goats were collected from different parts of Iran and were tested using Real-time PCR targeting the IS1111 element of C. burnetii. Results: In this study, 36 samples (24.7%) of the 146 collected samples were positive for C. burnetii. The prevalence of C. burnetii was 21.3% (20 of 94 samples) in sheep samples. Also, 10 of 46 cattle samples (21.7%) were positive. All six goat abortion samples were positive for C. burnetii. Conclusions: The findings of the study demonstrate that C. burnetii plays an important role in domestic ruminant abortions in Iran, suggesting that more attention should be paid to the role of C. burnetii in domestic animal abortions by veterinary organizations. The risk of transmitting the infection to humans due to abortion of animals should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various species of wild, adaptable, medium-sized carnivores occur outside of protected areas, often coming into contact with people and their domestic animals. Negative human-carnivore interactions can lead to antagonistic attitudes and behavior directed at such species. In the South African Karoo, a semi-arid rangeland, the predation of small-livestock by mesopredators is common and farmers typically use a combination of non-lethal and lethal methods to try and prevent livestock losses. We used ethnographic field observations and semi-structured interviews as part of a mixed methods approach, including the quantitative and qualitative analysis of farmers' narratives to illustrate the nuanced ways in which sheep farmers relate to the two mesopredators that consume the most livestock on their farms; black-backed jackal and caracal. Overall, farmers attributed negative characteristics to jackal and caracal but farmers' narratives provided evidence of complex perceptions in that the animals were admired as well as disliked. Both species were seen as charismatic due to traits such as their physical appearance, their "cunning" nature and their remarkable adaptability to human activities, including lethal control. Aesthetic appreciation was an important predictor of tolerance towards both species whereas negative attitudes were associated with the perception that mesopredators should only occur within protected areas. Attitudes towards jackals also appeared to have been affected by cultural representations of them as "thieves". We showed that perceiving mesopredators as beautiful increased the average marginal probability of a farmer tolerating them, and that this strong relationship held when controlling for other covariates such as livestock predation. We advocate the importance of understanding the cultural and aesthetic aspects of predators and considering existing positive dimensions of human-wildlife relationships that may encourage increased farmers' tolerance, which might promote coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance given to minimising health issues and promoting natural behaviours is a polarising issue within farm animal welfare. It is predominantly thought that members of the public prioritise animals being able to behave naturally over other aspects of farm animal welfare, such as addressing health issues. However, public perspectives may be more multi-dimensional than is generally thought, with the importance given to these different elements of welfare dependent on the situation and state of the animals in question. To examine this, a factorial survey using vignettes, which experimentally manipulated the different levels of health (high health vs. low health) and natural behaviour provision (high behaviour vs. low behaviour), was completed by a sample (n = 810) representative of the UK population (on age, gender, ethnicity). Contrary to the predominant view, this study found animal health had the greatest effect on participants' judgements, explaining more of the variance in their assessments of animal welfare than any other factor. However, findings also indicated that participants considered animal welfare to be most positive when both health issues are minimised and natural behaviours are promoted. Attitudes to natural behaviours also varied more between participants, with females, individuals who do not (regularly) eat meat and those with a greater belief in animal mind giving greater priority to natural behaviours. In the context of public and private welfare standards seeking to meet public expectations, this study provides important insights into how public perspectives of animal welfare are more nuanced than previously thought, influenced by the context of the animal, the aspect of welfare in question and personal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often express concern for the welfare of farm animals, but research on this topic has relied upon self-report. Facial expressions provide a quantifiable measure of emotional response that may be less susceptible to social desirability bias and other issues associated with self-report. Viewing other humans in pain elicits facial expressions indicative of empathy. Here we provide the first evidence that this measure can also be used to assess human empathetic responses towards farm animals, showing that facial expressions respond reliably when participants view videos of farm animals undergoing painful procedures. Participants (n = 30) were asked to watch publicly sourced video clips of cows and pigs undergoing common management procedures (e.g. disbudding, castration, tail docking) and control videos (e.g. being lightly restrained, standing). Participants provided their subjective rating of the intensity of 5 negative emotions (pain, sadness, anger, fear, disgust) on an 11-point Likert scale. Videos of the participants (watching the animals) were scored for intensity of unpleasantness of the participants' facial expression (also on an 11-point Likert scale) by a trained observer who was blind to treatment. Participants showed more intense facial expressions while viewing painful procedures versus control procedures (mean ± SE Likert; 2.4 ± 0.08 versus 0.6 ± 0.17). Participants who reported more intense negative responses also showed stronger facial expressions (slope ± SE = 0.4 ± 0.04). Both the self-reported and facial measures varied with species and procedure witnessed. These results indicate that facial expressions can be used to assess human-animal empathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the welfare of farm animals, especially during transportation. The Canadian transport regulations state that weaned cattle require an 8 h rest after 36 h of transport. There are, however, only a few studies that assess the effect of rest on the welfare of beef cattle. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of conditioning, source and rest on indicators of welfare in 7-8-month-old beef calves during long-distance transport. Treatments consisted of a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design where the main factors were conditioning: conditioned (C; n = 160) or non-conditioned (N; n = 160); source: auction market (A; n = 160) or ranch direct (R; n = 160); and rest: 0 h (0 h; n = 160) or 8 h (8 h; n = 160). Means of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), serum amyloid-A, haptoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), and percentage of time standing from N calves were greater than C calves (all p ≤ 0.05). Means of percentage of time standing and CK of R calves were greater than A calves (both p ≤ 0.05). The mean of NEFA of 0 h calves was greater than the 8 h calves (p < 0.01), while the percentage of time standing of 0 h calves was less than 8 h calves (p < 0.01). Statistically significant differences between means of NEFA and standing percentage, were observed between 0 h and 8h calves. Few and inconsistent indicators of reduced welfare were observed between auction market and ranch direct calves, while non-conditioning was associated with greater physiological and behavioural indicators of reduced welfare. Based on these results, conditioning should be implemented as a management practice to improve the welfare of transported calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]