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In August 2021, we detected highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in poultry in southern Benin. The isolates were genetically similar to H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b isolated during the same period in Africa and Europe. We also found evidence for 2 separate introductions of these viruses into Benin.

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a cosmopolitan zoonosis responsible for abortion and congenital malformation in animals and humans. Pigs can be a reservoir for T. gondii and act as one of the sources for parasite transmission to humans. Currently, there are no data about T. gondii infection in any animal in Benin. After the report of several cases of abortions and reproductive problems in pigs in several livestock farms in the southern region of Benin, this study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of this zoonotic parasite in pigs. A total of 184 pig serum samples have been collected in two municipalities and sent to the laboratory for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies by ELISA indirect method. The results showed the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG in 23% (IC95 = 22.56–23.44) of pigs (42/184). Age, sex, and race did not seem to affect the frequency of this infection. Moreover, reproductive failure has been reported on many farms. These were cases of stillbirths in 40% of farms followed by neonatal mortality (36%) and abortion cases which were frequently observed in 27% of farms. T. gondii is present in pigs from south Benin and could be responsible for reported abortions in the areas. In addition, the raw and undercook meat of pigs could be important source of Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans from south Benin

Background The environmental pathogen, Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) can infect both humans and animals and cause Buruli ulcer (BU) disease. However, its mode(s) of transmission from the colonized environment to human/animal hosts remain unclear. In Australia, MU can infect both wildlife and domestic mammals. Till date, BU-like lesions have only been reported in wildlife in Africa. This warrants a thorough assessment of possible MU in domestic animals in Africa. Here, we screened roaming domesticated animals that share the human microhabitat in two different BU endemic sites, Sedje-Denou in Benin and Akonolinga in Cameroon, for MU lesions. Methodology/Principal findings We screened roaming mammals and birds across 3 endemic villages of Sedje-Denou in Southern Benin and 6 endemic villages of Akonolinga in Cameroon. After approval from relevant authorities, specimens (wound swabs and tissue fragments) were collected from animals with open or active lesion and systematically screened to detect the presence of MU though the diagnostic DNA targets IS2404, IS2606 and KR-B. Out of 397 animals surveyed in Akonolinga, 44 (11.08%) carried skin lesions and all were negative for MU DNA. For Sedje-Denou, only 25 (6.93%) out of 361 animals surveyed carried external skin lesions of which 2 (8%) were positive for MU DNA targets. These MU infected lesions were found in two different villages on a goat (abdominal part) and on a dog (nape area of the neck). Source-tracking of MU isolates within infected animal lesions was performed using VNTR genotyping and further confirmed with sequencing. One MU VNTR genotype (Z) was successfully typed from the goat lesion. The evolutionary history inferred from sequenced data revealed a clustering of animal MU isolates within isolates from human lesions. Conclusion/Significance This study describes the first report of two MU infected lesions in domestic animals in Africa. Their DNA sequence analyses show close relationship to isolates from human cases. It suggests that MU infection should be suspected in domestic hosts and these could play a role in transmission. The findings further support the hypothesis that MU is a ubiquitous environmental pathogen found in endemic areas, and probably involved in a multiple transmission pathway., Author summary Buruli ulcer (BU) remains a major Public Health problem in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. There are several reports of the occurrence of BU in Wildlife as well as domestic animals in Australia leading to the suggestion that animals may play a role in the transmission of MU to humans. Report of BU in animals is however scanty in Africa and no significant link has been made between BU in humans and animals. BU-like lesions were investigated in 397 and 361 roaming domestic animals respectively from Sedje-Denou and Akonolinga. Wound swabs, and tissue fragments were collected from animals with active lesions. Overall, 2 (8%) type I (

The tick Rhipicephalus microplus developed resistance against synthetic pyrethroid classes used for its control. The aim of this study was to characterize resistance of R. microplus for synthetic a...