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Animals within social groups respond to costs and benefits of sociality by adjusting the proportion of time they spend in close proximity to other individuals in the group (cohesion). Variation in cohesion between individuals, in turn, shapes important group‐level processes such as subgroup formation and fission–fusion dynamics. Although critical to animal sociality, a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing cohesion remains a gap in our knowledge of cooperative behavior in animals. We tracked 574 individuals from six species within the genus Canis in 15 countries on four continents with GPS telemetry to estimate the time that pairs of individuals within social groups spent in close proximity and test hypotheses regarding drivers of cohesion. Pairs of social canids (Canis spp.) varied widely in the proportion of time they spent together (5%–100%) during seasonal monitoring periods relative to both intrinsic characteristics and environmental conditions. The majority of our data came from three species of wolves (gray wolves, eastern wolves, and red wolves) and coyotes. For these species, cohesion within social groups was greatest between breeding pairs and varied seasonally as the nature of cooperative activities changed relative to annual life history patterns. Across species, wolves were more cohesive than coyotes. For wolves, pairs were less cohesive in larger groups, and when suitable, small prey was present reflecting the constraints of food resources and intragroup competition on social associations. Pair cohesion in wolves declined with increased anthropogenic modification of the landscape and greater climatic variability, underscoring challenges for conserving social top predators in a changing world. We show that pairwise cohesion in social groups varies strongly both within and across Canis species, as individuals respond to changing ecological context defined by resources, competition, and anthropogenic disturbance. Our work highlights that cohesion is a highly plastic component of animal sociality that holds significant promise for elucidating ecological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying cooperative behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunoglobulin (Ig)E cross‐reactivity has been shown between Dermatophagoides farinae (Df; house dust mite) and the nematode Toxocara canis (Tc), yet its allergen basis is unknown. Objective s : To identify the Df allergens IgE‐cross‐reactive with those of Tc. Animals: Archived sera from 73 dogs with suspected allergy sensitised to Df. Materials and Methods: We performed a combination of Pet Allergy Xplorer (PAX) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibitions with excretory–secretory and somatic (i.e. nematode body) extracts of Tc or recombinant Tc tropomyosin on coats of Df, Der f 15 and Zen‐1 (ELISA) or PAX allergens. Results: The ELISA and PAX inhibitions established that there is mutual yet variable cross‐reactivity between the Tc excretory–secretory extract, purified Der f 15 and purified Zen‐1. This cross‐reactivity is likely to involve cross‐reactive glycans, as there is no inhibition between the Tc excretory–secretory extract and recombinant Der f 15 without its predicted natural O‐glycans. We also confirmed a heterogeneous cross‐reactivity between the somatic Tc extract and Der p 11 (paramyosin), as well as between the recombinant Toxo c 3 and Der p 10 tropomyosins. The cross‐reactivity among tropomyosins and paramyosins is likely to involve peptidic epitopes, as these recombinant allergens are not glycosylated. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: In dogs with suspected allergies, the cross‐reactivity between Tc and Df for dogs is complex and heterogeneous. Some of the cross‐reactive IgE recognises shared glycans on Der f 15 and Zen‐1, while some targets peptidic epitopes on shared paramyosins and tropomyosins. We do not exclude that additional cross‐reactive allergens between Df and Tc also might exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the daily and monthly activity patterns of brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) at a Cape fur seal colony in southern Namibia, to provide recommendations for developing a sustainable wildlife viewing site. Observations conducted between November 2020 and October 2022 showed that the carnivores were most active between May and October, with jackals showing peak activity around sunrise and sunset, and brown hyenas mostly visiting around midday. The animals were more active during cloudy and cool weather. With the diurnal activity of carnivores and their predation behaviour on Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) pups, the area has high ecotourism potential. Brown hyenas, however, are sensitive to human disturbance, such as moving vehicles and unknown sounds and smells. Therefore, limiting the number of visitors and creating a fixed viewpoint is recommended to minimise disturbance. This study provides valuable input on how ecotourism activities could be developed at a seal colony without compromising the sensitive wildlife there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019 the Western Australian government recategorised the dingo (Canis dingo) as a wild dog (Canis familiaris) whose status is legally declared to be a pest. Despite its iconic native status, Canis dingo has been rendered non-existent and liable to be disposed of by inhumane means. Dumped in a legal black hole via a signifying regime of signs, dingoes are confronted with the fact of their own non-existence. Regarding the dingo as a dingoing, a multiplicity and a process, rather than a characteristic, I read the reclassification event symptomatologically and interrogate the constellations of symptoms and regimes of signs which legitimate the event and its performativity. I examine order-words including 'pest' and 'wild dog' to shift the focus from the words' meaning to what they do. I subsequently enquire whether 'dingo' might become a pass-word, a component of passage, such that dingoes might exist under reprieve in a post-signifying regime. I argue that post-signifying regimes are codified, however, as subjects are individuated along lines of subjectification. I conclude by contemplating whether it is possible to break with subjectification, liberating these demonic nonhuman animals from the signifiers which territorialise them and permitting dingoes to become-animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human population growth is associated with increased disturbance to wildlife. This effect is particularly acute in urban and periurban areas, where the area of effective disturbance extends beyond that of human presence by the roaming behaviour of pet dogs. Dogs are globally the dominant companion animal, with a population of ~ 12 million in the UK. As urban areas extend, dogs are exercised in green space close to housing. In southeast and southern England these areas include lowland heath, a habitat of high conservation value. To quantify disturbance caused by dog walkers and their dogs, we used GPS units to track the movement of people and their dogs across four lowland heath sites, used a questionnaire to ask about dog walking habits, and mapped potential areas of disturbance caused by dog walkers. Questionnaires were completed by 798 dog walkers and the walks of 162 owners and their 185 dogs were recorded. Mean (± SE) walk time was 56 ± 23 min, walk distance 3.75 ± 1.68 km and dogs were a median distance of 20 m from the owner during walks. Dogs were walked once (44%) or twice (56%) a day. Most (always: 85%; always or occasionally: 95%) dogs were walked off the lead even when signs were present requesting that dogs were kept on a lead. This resulted in up to a 21% increase in reserve area disturbed. In one reserve (Snelsmore Common), > 90% of the area was disturbed by dogs, greatly eroding its conservation value. This work highlights the importance of considering how dog ownership can exacerbate levels of disturbance in sensitive periurban habitats when housing developments are planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Terrestrial animals, including humans and domestic dogs, naturally create cognitive maps in the horizontal plane in order to navigate; their navigation in the vertical plane is poorer, given their land-based locomotion. For humans, the development of multi-story buildings highlights this difficulty in mapping vertical space: for instance, on an elevator, humans typically rely on visual information about the height of the landing—floor numbers, e.g.,—to know where they are. However, human companions, domestic dogs, cannot rely on number cues, and do not appear to reliably know when the elevator has stopped on their home floor. In this study, we examined if dogs can learn what floor they are on based on a visual or odor cue on their floor, similar to humans' use of a number cue. The subject dogs were able to do so, with some caveats. Our results suggest that cues may help dogs navigate an anthropocentric environment. Spatial navigation allows animals to understand their environment position and is crucial to survival. An animal's primary mode of spatial navigation (horizontal or vertical) is dependent on how they naturally move in space. Observations of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) have shown that they, like other terrestrial animals, navigate poorly in vertical space. This deficit is visible in their use of multi-story buildings. To date, no research has been conducted to determine if dogs can learn how to navigate in an anthropogenic vertical environment with the help of a landmark. As such, we herein investigate the effect of the addition of a visual or olfactory landmark on dogs' ability to identify when they are on their home floor. Subject behaviors toward their home door and a contrasting floor door were compared before and after exposure to a landmark outside of their home door. While subjects initially showed no difference in latency to approach an apartment door on their home or a wrong floor, we found a significant difference in latency to approach the doors in the test trials for subjects who approached the doors in every trial. Other findings are equivocal, but this result is consistent with the hypothesis that dogs can learn to navigate in vertical space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large predators are known to shape the behavior and ecology of sympatric predators via conflict and competition, with mesopredators thought to avoid large predators, while dogs suppress predator activity and act as guardians of human property. However, interspecific communication between predators has not been well‐explored and this assumption of avoidance may oversimplify the responses of the species involved. We explored the acoustic activity of three closely related sympatric canids: wolves Canis lupus, coyotes Canis latrans, and dogs Canis familiaris. These species have an unbalanced triangle of risk: coyotes, as mesopredators, are at risk from both apex‐predator wolves and human‐associated dogs, while wolves fear dogs, and dogs may fear wolves as apex predators or challenge them as intruders into human‐allied spaces. We predicted that risk perception would dictate vocal response with wolves and dogs silencing coyotes as well as dogs silencing wolves. Dogs, in their protective role of guarding human property, would respond to both. Eleven passive acoustic monitoring devices were deployed across 13 nights in central Wisconsin, and we measured the responses of each species to naturally occurring heterospecific vocalizations. Against our expectation, silencing did not occur. Instead, coyotes were not silenced by either species: when hearing wolves, coyotes responded at greater than chance rates and when hearing dogs, coyotes did not produce fewer calls than chance rates. Similarly, wolves responded at above chance rates to coyotes and at chance rates when hearing dogs. Only the dogs followed our prediction and responded at above chance rates in response to both coyotes and wolves. Thus, instead of silencing their competitors, canid vocalizations elicit responses from them suggesting the existence of a complex heterospecific communication network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Angiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the "French heartworm," is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions. Methods: Between February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification. Results: Histological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Animals Materials and Methods Results Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Demodicosis is common in dogs and is caused by proliferation of commensal Demodex canis mites.To evaluate the efficacy of sarolaner in combination with moxidectin and pyrantel (SMP) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs.One hundred and thirty dogs with generalised demodicosis.In two separate randomised masked studies (laboratory and field studies), dogs received monthly oral SMP or afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime (AM). In the laboratory study, dogs received three monthly treatments with biweekly mite counts and clinical evaluations. In the field study, mite counts and clinical evaluations were performed monthly and treatments were administered until two consecutive skin scrapings were negative.Both products were tolerated well. In the laboratory study, mite counts for SMP were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by 88.8% on Day (D)14, by 99.2% on D29, and no live mites were detected thereafter with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.96) between the two treatment groups. In the field study, SMP provided 92.4%, 98.1%, 100% and 100% reduction in arithmetic mean live mite counts on D30, D60, D90 and D120, and was non‐inferior to the control product on D30 and D60. Clinical signs of demodicosis improved in all dogs.Monthly administration of SMP was effective for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs as it eliminated Demodex mites after two monthly treatments in the laboratory study, and at most after three monthly treatments in the field study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are parasitic nematodes that occur worldwide. As embryonated Toxocara spp. eggs in the environment pose a zoonotic risk, especially for children, optimal diagnostic approaches are necessary for effective disease response and management, including surveillance. However, little is known about the performance of different diagnostic protocols for detecting Toxocara spp. in the faeces of cats and dogs, hampering movement towards an optimal diagnostic process. This study aimed to compare detection methods, including a newly developed sequential sieving protocol (SF-SSV) and a high-throughput multiplex qPCR-based method to facilitate epidemiological studies. Methods: Species-specific Toxocara spp. egg suspensions and canine and feline faecal samples from the field were used to estimate analytical and diagnostic sensitivity of the protocols. The performance of two automated DNA extraction protocols using enzymatic and mechanical lysis were compared by multiplex qPCR, targeting both T. canis and T. cati-specific genomic sequences. All samples were examined by microscopy-based techniques, the sedimentation flotation technique (SF) and a newly developed SF-SSV for the detection, enrichment and purification of parasite eggs. The costs and processing times necessary for all protocols were estimated and compared for both single samples and sets of 100 samples. Results: To detect Toxocara spp. eggs, SF-SSV showed the highest analytical sensitivity and a significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity than the DNA detection methods. Mechanical lysis performed better than enzymatic lysis for automated DNA extraction. In automated DNA extraction, 96-well plates performed better than 24-well plates. DNA detection and microscopy-based parasitological methods showed substantial agreement between the results generated by each method. Microscopy-based techniques required the lowest costs and least hands-on time for a single sample. However, when costs and labour were estimated for a set of 100 samples, the DNA detection protocol using 96-well plates for extraction revealed costs similar to SF-SSV and the fastest processing times. Conclusions: SF-SSV was superior in terms of analytical and diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of Toxocara spp. eggs. For larger sets of samples, multiplex qPCR-based DNA detection represents an alternative to microscopy-based methods, based on the possibility of faster sample processing at similar costs to SF-SSV, and the ability to provide species-specific diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector‐borne diseases pose a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide, with arthropods, including fleas and lice, acting as key vectors for transmitting various pathogens. In Uzbekistan, where millions of domestic dogs coexist with humans, the diversity of vector‐borne pathogens carried by ectoparasites remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and prevalence of lice and pathogens carried by fleas and lice collected from domestic dogs in Uzbekistan. Ectoparasites were collected from 77 dogs across five regions and subjected to morphological identification and molecular analysis. The 47 lice collected were identified as Trichodectes canis Fabricius, 1780 (Psocodea: Trichodectidae), Linognathus africanus Kellogg and Paine, 1911 (Psocodea: Linognathidae) and Bovicola bovis Linnaeus, 1758 (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae), alongside with 197 fleas. Notably, L. africanus was detected for the first time on dogs worldwide. Molecular screening detected Rickettsia spp. in 27.9% fleas and 44.7% lice, Dipylidium caninum Linnaeus, 1758 (Cyclophyllidea: Dipylidiidae) in 1.5% of fleas and Bartonella spp. in 0.5% of fleas. Sequencing confirmed Rickettsia asembonensisMaina et al., 2016 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia helvetica Beati et al., 1993 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia monacensis Simser et al., 2019 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), D. caninum and Bartonella clarridgeiae Lawson and Collins, 1996 (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae). These findings highlight the potential role of dogs as reservoirs for vector‐borne pathogens and emphasises the need for further research to inform effective disease control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine vector-borne infections (CVBIs) are a global health problem. The military working dogs of Sri Lanka die at an early age, and CVBIs have been a leading speculated cause. We examined CVBIs in the working dogs of the Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) and free-roaming dogs (FRDs) and privately owned dogs (PODs) country-wide. Giemsa-stained smears were prepared and conventional PCR-positive DNA was subjected to sequencing and phylogeny. Of the 668 dogs sampled, 212 (31.7%) had one or more CVBIs. The prevalence of infections among the FRDs (40.0%) was significantly higher than SLAF working dogs (30.0%; χ2 = 10.5216; p = 0.0012) and PODs (26.2%; χ2 = 5.3414, p = 0.0208) but not between SLAF dogs and PODs (χ2 = 1.7655, p = 0.1838). Many infected dogs were asymptomatic (57.4%), which was higher among the FRDs. Seven infectious agents were identified: Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Leishmania sp., Hepatozoon canis, and filaria worms. The most common infection was B. gibsoni (13.8%), followed by E. canis (9.9%). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus linneai, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Haemophysalis bispinosa were found infesting the dogs. The SLAF dogs were thoroughly quarantined upon arrival, but the infection prevalence was similar to PODs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxocara canis, the most prevalent helminth in dogs and other canines, is one of the socioeconomically important zoonotic parasites, particularly affecting pediatric and adolescent populations in impoverished communities. However, limited information is available regarding the proteomes of female and male adult T. canis. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis to identify the proteins with differential abundance (PDAs) and gender-specifically expressed proteins between the two sexes adult T. canis. Methods: The comparative proteomic analysis was carried out by the Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) with asymmetric track lossless (Astral) analyzer. The difference analysis was conducted using t-test and the proteins verification was achieved through parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The potential biological functions of identified adult T. canis proteins and PDAs were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The domain, transcription factor and subcellular localization of the identified proteins and PDAs were analyzed by InterPro, AnimalTFDB 4.0 and Cell-mPLOC 2.0 databases, respectively. Results: A total of 8565 somatic proteins of adult T. canis were identified. Compared to male adult, 682 up-regulated PDAs and 844 down-regulated PDAs were identified in female adult with P-values < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1, including 139 proteins exclusively expressed in female and 272 proteins exclusively expressed in male. The GO annotation analysis using all PDAs revealed that the main biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions corresponded to aminoglycan metabolic process, extracellular region and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, respectively. The KEGG analysis using all PDAs showed that the pathways were mainly associated with adipocytokine signaling pathway, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation and PPAR signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study reveals the differential protein expression between female and male adult T. canis, providing valuable resource for developing the novel intervention strategies against T. canis infection in humans and animals, especially from the perspective of sexual development and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsporum canis is considered one of the filamentous fungi that cause surface fungal contagion in the humans and animals. The present study aimed to diagnose M. canis via the molecular method and differentiating its local Iraqi isolates from global isolates. Microscopic examination showed 55 specimens with M. canis from 130 specimens collected from children aged between 4-10 years suspected of dermatophytes who attended Medical City Laboratories and Baghdad Hospital in Baghdad city from 1/12/2022 to 1/3/2023. The results showed that the frequency of M. canis infections was 55/130 (42.31%). The results demonstrated significant differences in the animals' contact (p <0.0001), lesions (0.03) and habitation area (p =0.002). Whilst the ages appeared with non-significant differences (p =0.6). In order to confirm the microscopic examination and compare the Iraqi isolates with other global ones, the 55 positive results with M. canis were further diagnosed by using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 4 universal primers with a size of 550 bp for PCR amplicons. PCR amplicons sequencing showed only one isolate of M. Canis that differed from global isolates registered in the database of NCBI. The Iraqi local isolate of M. canis was registered with accession number: OM185328. In conclusion, the PCR technique using ITS rDNA aided in confirming the detection of dermatophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted during August, 2023 to March, 2024 at Veterinary Clinical Complex in department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (PGIVER) Jaipur to study the gestational age during pregnancy in different breeds (Canis familiaris) by using various ultrasonographic parameters such as Gestational Sac Diameter (GSD), Head Diameter (HD), Crown Rump Length (CRL) and Body Diameter (BD) and to also study the expected and actual whelping date in different breeds (Canis familiaris). Using ultrasound, 30 bitches' pregnancy diagnoses were determined. The bitches were examined during different phases. 11 pregnant bitches were examined during first phase 20 to 30 days' post mating, 6 pregnant bitches were examined during second phase 30 to 45 days' post mating and 13 pregnant bitches were examined in third phase 45 to 60 days' post mating. During first phase Gestational sac diameter was measured, during second phase Crown rump length was measured and during third phase Head diameter and Body diameter were measured. During first phase the mean (±SE) gestational sac diameter was 1.23±0.12 cm. The calculated gestational age by using formula I was found to be 27.4±0.74 days. The difference between expected and actual whelping date during this phase mean (±SE) was -2.36±0.20 days. During the second phase the mean (±SE) CRL measurement was 2.99±0.28 cm. The calculated gestational age by using formula II mean (±SE) found to be 35.96±0.85 days. The difference between expected and actual whelping date during this phase mean (±SE) was -1.5±0.62 days. During the third phase the mean (±SE) BPD was 2.04±0.08 cm and BD was 3.37±0.14 cm. The calculated gestational age by formula III mean (±SE) was 50.57±1.33 days, by formula IV mean (±SE) was 52.59±1.01 days and by formula V mean (±SE) was 52.34±0.88 days. The difference between expected and actual whelping date mean (±SE) was -1.85±0.52 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known of helminth parasites in Micronesia in archaeological contexts. This study presents a parasitological analysis of soil and sediment samples from Ebon Atoll in the Marshall Islands, eastern Micronesia. Microscopic eggs of the dog (Canis lupus familiaris) nematode Toxocara canis, which could have adversely affected the health of local people as well as their dogs, were found at two sites, in one example in habitation layers dated to 1830–1625 calBP (95% CI), extending the date for the known presence of dogs in the Marshall Islands by at least 600 years. This study represents the first confirmed evidence of pre‐European helminth parasites in Micronesia. As similar Melanesian and Polynesian studies have previously been reported, the study also completes the initial, pre‐contact helminth record for the three main island regions of Oceania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The objective of this study was to analyze the in vitro antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Streptococcusdysgalactiae , Strep. agalactiae , and Strep. canis over a 10-yr period from 2012 to 2022 against the most commonly used antimicrobial agents. For this purpose, all quarter milk samples (QMS) submitted to the milk laboratory of the Bavarian Animal Health Service were analyzed. Each QMS was tested using the California Mastitis Test and categorized as negative, subclinical, or clinical mastitis if the milk character was abnormal. Samples with Strep. dysgalactiae , Strep. agalactiae , or Strep. canis were included and a subset of isolates were further tested for in vitro AMR by breakpoint analysis with broth microdilution. Streptococcus dysgalactiae (61%, n = 65,750) was the most abundant pathogen among those 3 species, followed by Strep. agalactiae (28%, n = 30,486), and Strep. canis (11%, n = 11,336). All 3 species showed the highest resistance to the same 4 antimicrobial agents: erythromycin, marbofloxacin, pirlimycin, and cefalexin/kanamycin with varying degrees of resistance. Throughout the study period, Strep. dysgalactiae , Strep. agalactiae , and Strep. canis were largely susceptible to the remaining antimicrobial agents tested (penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, oxacillin, cefazolin, cefoperazone, cefquinome). Only less than 14% of isolates of Strep. dysgalactiae and Strep. canis were resistant against any of the antimicrobials tested. Streptococcus agalactiae was the species with the highest percentage of resistant isolates. Although the percentage of resistant isolates from Strep. canis and Strep. dysgalactiae decreased, the percentage of resistant Strep. agalactiae isolates increased after 2017. In summary, most isolates were not resistant to the most commonly used antimicrobial agents for mastitis therapy, including β-lactam antibiotics and penicillin should remain the first-choice therapy against streptococcal mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxocara canis is an intestinal roundworm that can cause serious zoonotic parasitic diseases. Drontal Plus® Tasty (Dog) is a kind of commercial drug used to treat T. canis infection. Febantel, Praziquantel, and Pyrantel pamoate (PP) are its main component. However, there are few studies investigating the impact of Drontal Plus® Tasty (Dog) and its primary ingredients on the intestinal microbiota of dogs. In this study, we first collected the intestinal content samples of the dogs which administrated with anthelmintics or saline by sterile catheters, then used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology combined with a variety of bioinformatic analysis methods to analyze the effect of anthelmintics on intestinal microbiota. First, the results of the α and β diversity analysis showed that the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota decreased with T. canis infection, and increased after anthelmintic treatment. Then, we found the dominant species (the value of relative abundance > 0.05) was both 28 on phylum and genus levels, besides the most dominant species was Bacillota on phylum level and Segatella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto were most dominant on genus level. Futher analyzing the differences in microbiotal composition on phylum level, we found that Drontal Plus® Tasty treatment could significantly increase the proportion of Bacillota, while Febantel, Praziquantel, or PP could induce the significantly changes of Bacillota and Bacteroidota. In addition, by analyzing the differences in microbiotal composition on genus level, we found that anthelmintic could significantly decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto and significantly increased the abundance of Segatella. However, Drontal Plus® Tasty had no regulatory effect on the abundance of Segatella. In short, these finding showed that various anthelmintics all have significant effects for changing the abundance and diversity of host intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. is a ubiquitous, globally distributed intestinal protozoan infecting humans and at least 260 animal hosts. Due to close human contact with pet dogs and identification of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in these animals, dog health is not only a veterinarian issue but also a public health issue. This study aimed to understand occurrence and genetic characterization at both genotype and subtype levels in pet dogs in Yunnan Province, China. Results: A total of 589 fresh fecal specimens were collected from adult pet dogs in the rural areas of eight cities/autonomous prefectures of Yunnan Province, China. 16 fecal specimens were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, with an average occurrence rate of 2.7% (16/589) being observed. Three zoonotic Cryptosporidium species were identified: C. parvum (n = 7), C. suis (n = 5) and C. canis (n = 4). At the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus, only three C. parvum and two C. canis specimens were successfully amplified and sequenced, with subtype IIaA17G2R1 (n = 3) and subtypes XXa4 (n = 1) and XXa5 (n = 1) being identified, respectively. Conclusions: The present finding of three zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in dogs implied that dogs infected with Cryptosporidium spp. may pose a threat to human health. C. suis was identified in dogs in this study for the first time, expanding the host range of this species. Identification of C. parvum subtype IIaA17G2R1 and C. canis subtypes XXa4 and XXa5 will be helpful to explore the source attribution of infection/contamination and assess the transmission dynamics of C. parvum and C. canis in the investigated areas in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the behaviour and physical attributes of domesticated dogs is critical for predicting the suitability of animals for companionship or specific roles such as hunting, military or service. Common methods of behavioural assessment can be time consuming, labour-intensive, and subject to bias, making large-scale and rapid implementation challenging. Objective, practical and time effective behaviour measures may be facilitated by remote and automated devices such as accelerometers. This study, therefore, aimed to validate the ActiGraph® accelerometer as a tool for behavioural classification. This study used a machine learning method that identified nine dog behaviours with an overall accuracy of 74% (range for each behaviour was 54 to 93%). In addition, overall body dynamic acceleration was found to be correlated with the amount of time spent exhibiting active behaviours (barking, locomotion, scratching, sniffing, and standing; R2 = 0.91, p < 0.001). Machine learning was an effective method to build a model to classify behaviours such as barking, defecating, drinking, eating, locomotion, resting-asleep, resting-alert, sniffing, and standing with high overall accuracy whilst maintaining a large behavioural repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high global impacts of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) due to their wide distribution and zoonotic potential, the current epidemiological situation of CVBD in many tropical and subtropical regions remains unknown. This study examines the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other pathogens causing CVBDs (Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon canis) in dogs living on the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde Republic). Blood samples and infesting ticks were taken from 150 dogs across the island (stray, shelter, and pet dogs). Serum samples were tested using a rapid immunochromatographic test (Uranotest® Quattro) that detects antibodies against E. canis, L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen. Levels of serum antibodies against E. canis were measured using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). In addition, tick-borne pathogens in blood samples (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia canis) were detected by microscopy observation and/or PCR plus sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis was extremely high at 82% (123/150), as revealed by both immunochromatography and IFAT. Most dogs returning a seropositive test result (82.92%; 102/123) had antibody titres > 1:1280 but showed no clinical signs or notable laboratory abnormalities. Of the 123 animals testing seropositive for E. canis, 67 (54.47%) also presented antibodies against Anaplasma spp., and 13 (10.56%) showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the blood smear. Ehrlichia canis infection was detected in 17.1% (25/146) of dogs tested by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Co-infections were detected in seven of these dogs: four dogs tested PCR-positive for both E. canis and A. platys, two dogs tested positive for E. canis and Hepatozoon spp., and one dog tested positive for E. canis, A. platys and Hepatozoon spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the only tick species found infesting the canine study population. The high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs from Boa Vista Island highlights a need for improved control measures designed to prevent the transmission of these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B. canis infections have been reported in many countries of the world. B. canis can cause infections both in dogs and human beings. It can be transmitted to human via laboratory accidents during handling and contact with sick dogs. is an infectious agent for humans and it is transmitted to humans by various ways including laboratory accidents and contact with sick dogs. Methods: In this study serum samples were collected by using stratified random sampling method from the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Animal Care and Rehabilitation Center, where approximately 600 dogs were housed. Result: Out of 83 samples, 9.6% and 26.5% of serum samples were found as positive by B.canis RSAT and B.canis ELISA, respectively. While 6% and 9.6% of the samples were positive by B. abortus S99 RSAT and B. abortus ELISA, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of B. abortus S99 ELISA was 98% and 95.5%, respectively. On the other hand, sensitivity and specificity of B.canis M (-) ELISA was 96.6% and 94%. As a result, it was concluded that B. canis infection is common in dogs and this should be considered both for dogs and public health. Unfortunately, there is no standardized commercial serological test for diagnosis of B.canis and other rough Brucella species currently. This is the main reason that rough brucella infections might not represent the real B.canis infection situation. Therefore, most of the cases have the possibility of being undetected. For this reason it is utmost important that B.canis RSAT and ELISA can be used as routine tests in the hospitals and veterinary clinics in the serological diagnosis of brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to develop a molecular diagnosis protocol of monocytic ehrlichiosis and granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to compare the results from PCR and a rapid serological test. One hundred and six blood samples from dogs were tested by the rapid serological test SNAP 4Dx Plus (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME) and by conventional PCR. Sixty-two of them (58.49%) were positive for antibodies to Ehrlichia canis/Ehrlichia ewingii and 14 (13.21%) for antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys. In 24 (22.64%) blood samples, antibodies against both pathogens were simultaneously detected. Six (5.66%) samples were seronegative. Fourty-six of the 106 tested samples (43.4%) were positive for a 345 bp segment of the ribosomal gene of family Anaplasmataceae. In 28 of them the presence of a 444 bp fragment of the ankA gene of A. phagocytophilum was detected, and in 26: a 409 bp fragment of the gene of E. canis. Nine samples were simultaneously positive for genetic sequences of E. canis and A. phagocytophilum. The target DNA fragments specific for the two studied pathogens were not detected in one of the Anaplasmataceae-positive samples. In the remaining 60 cases (56.6%), the presence of a 345 bp segment of the ribosomal gene was not detected. In the present study, the DNA of E. canis and of A. phagocytophilum was detected for the first time in Bulgarian dogs by the conventional PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How bacterial infections of the reproductive tract cause infertility and the correlation between the health status of female dogs and the presence of Mycoplasma canis (M. canis) in the vagina are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the M. canis population in the vagina of breeding bitches and to correlate this microbial population with some fertility outcomes. A total of 275 breeding bitches were included in the study. Vaginal samples were collected for microbiological and PCR testing. Mycoplasma canis was identified in 34.91% of the samples. One-third of bitches from the problem-free group and 41.18% from the group with problems were positive. In general, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of M. canis between the groups (P-value > 0.05). Mycoplasma canis occurs in both mated and unmated bitches and was found in a large number of kennels (67%). There was a correlation between M. canis in the kennel and the incidence of single puppy deaths and low litter sizes. There was also some correlation between the presence of M. canis in the vagina with at least two other bacterial strains and reproductive disorders. Our results indicate that M. canis is part of the normal vaginal flora of breeding bitches, although a role for this bacterium in causing some reproductive disorders remains to be disproved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tick-transmitted parasites as Babesia gibsoni, Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and Hepatozoon canis are major health concern for dogs. Owing to prevalence and infection severity, there is need of sensitive, specific, and affordable test for their simultaneous detection. Methods: Prevalence of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis infections was assessed on 719 blood samples by microscopy and multiplex PCR assay targeting 18S rRNA (B. gibsoni & H. canis), ITS1 & 5.8S rRNA (B. vogeli) and VirB9 gene (E. canis). An internal control (canine-actin) was also included to increase the accuracy of assay and effect of associated risk factors with disease prevalence was also studied. Results: Microscopic prevalence of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis and H. canis was 5.0%, 0.1%, 1.4% and 1.0%, respectively, whereas with multiplex PCR assay, the corresponding values were 8.9%, 1.1%, 2.6% and 5.1% besides concurrent infections of B. gibsoni & H. canis (0.4%), B. gibsoni & E. canis (0.4%), E. canis & H. canis (0.3%) and B. gibsoni & B. vogeli (0.1%). Analytical sensitivity of developed assay was 0.1pg (B. gibsoni & H. canis), 0.01pg (B. vogeli), and 1.0pg (E. canis). A ″fair″ (B. vogeli & H. canis) to ″substantial″ (B. gibsoni & E. canis) agreement between two tests was observed with data as statistically significant. Breed, sex and location were significantly associated with B. gibsoni infection. Conclusion: The developed multiplex PCR assay offers a potential solution to detect these pathogens simultaneously, aiding in timely diagnosis and effective disease management in suspected dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthelmintic resistance has been documented worldwide, but few cases have been reported in dogs. Shelter dogs are a great opportunity to study intestinal helminths and assess their potential resistance to anthelmintic compounds. With these two goals in mind, 361 faecal samples were collected from dogs in 18 municipalities in Portugal, from 19 shelters and 11 private tutors. These samples were analysed using the Mini-FLOTAC before and 13 days after deworming. The percentage of faecal egg count reduction was calculated. Parasitic forms were identified in 22.4% of the samples collected: Trichuris vulpis (10.5%), Toxocara canis (8.0%), members of the family Ancylostomatidae (6.4%), Toxascaris leonina (0.8%), Dipylidium caninum (0.6%) and members of the family Taeniidae (0.3%). The first three nematode parasites showed the highest intensity of infection (2900, 1325, and 1265 eggs per gram, respectively). In the second faecal collection, parasites were present in 20.8% of the samples. The anthelmintics febendazole + pyrantel embonate + praziquantel and praziquantel + fenbendazole were ineffective for T. vulpis and members of the family Ancylostomatidae in 16.2% and 6.9% of the samples, respectively. The parasites identified are all potentially zoonotic. This study is the first to suggest a potential resistance of T. vulpis to anthelmintics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is considered a multisystemic, life-threatening, rickettsial, and tick-borne disease that affects canine species and is caused by Ehrlichia canis (E. canis). Clinical signs of CME vary from asymptomatic to severe illness with three clinical phases. E. canis has the potential to infect humans. Aim: This study aimed to provide recent information as there is limited data about the disease in Egypt. Therefore, this work was conducted to study the molecular prevalence of E. canis and evaluate the corresponding risk factors, hematology, biochemistry, and molecular characterization of the genus Ehrlichia and E. canis species among Egyptian dogs. Methods: One hundred eighty dogs of both sexes from 3 months to 8 years from different breeds: stray and foreign breeds were examined for clinical signs in all seasons in two delta governorates: El-Dakahlia and El-Gharbia. Blood samples were collected from dogs for microscopic and haemato-biochemical analysis, and then molecular characterization of the genus Ehrlichia and species-specific E. canis was performed, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Out of 180 samples examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, 42 (23.33%) were positive for the genus of Ehrlichia and the species-specific E. canis. Only twenty-four dogs (13.33%) were positive for PCR, infested with ticks, and showed fever, anemia, loss of body weight, pale mucous membrane of gum and conjunctiva, blindness, paralysis, hemoglobinuria, and Melena. The univariate logistic regression revealed that all variables, including age, season, tick infestation, hemorrhage from natural orifices, and ectoparasitic treatments per year, showed statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05), except breed and sex, which also did not exhibit any relation between CME infection in multivariate logistic regression. The presence of morulae inside leukocytes in 66 dogs out of the total examined 180 (36.67%), only 39 (59.1%) were positive for morulae and PCR-positive for E. canis. Dogs positive for E. canis suffered from anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, the absolute value of WBCs and their fractions, alanine aminotransferas (ALT), AST, ALKP, γ-GT, total. P, T.BIL, urea, globulin, and creatinine were significantly increased in dogs infected with E. canis when compared to those with negative PCR results, while the levels of albumin and A: G ratios were significantly decreased. Conclusion: The current study proves the existence of E. canis in El-Dakahlia and El-Gharbia governorates, and this is the first large-scale study concerning the epidemiological, clinicopathological examination, molecular characterization, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of reported from the center of the Delta of the Nile in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scavenging on carrion is critical and often fiercely competitive for a range of vertebrate species, from native apex predators to invasive species and even reptiles. Within Australia, a notable reptilian scavenger is the lace monitor (Varanus varius). In this study, we quantified lace monitor activity at carcasses and compared their use of the resource to common co‐occurring predators that also scavenge; the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and a native apex predator, the dingo (Canis dingo). To do so, we deployed 80 macropod carcasses equally across seasons (summer and winter) and habitats (open and closed canopy) in a temperate bioregion and monitored vertebrate scavenging with camera traps. Lace monitor activity (visitation at carcass sites inclusive of both non‐scavenging and scavenging events) was 1.67 times higher in summer than in winter, but it did not differ across closed and open habitats. Monitor activity occurred earlier after carcass deployment at sites deployed in summer than winter (1.47‐fold earlier), and at carcasses in open than closed habitats (0.22‐fold earlier). Lace monitors initially discovered carcass sites faster in summer than winter and before both red foxes and dingoes in summer. The species was active diurnally in both summer and winter, differing from the red fox, which was strictly a nocturnal scavenger and the dingo, which was significantly more active at night across both seasons. Finally, we found that lace monitor activity at carcass sites decreased slightly with higher rates of activity for dingoes (0.04‐fold decrease as dingo activity increased), but not with red fox activity. Our results have implications for understanding lace monitor foraging and scavenging and highlight the value of monitoring carcasses to provide important insights into the behaviour of varanid lizards that scavenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma (DPM) is a rarely reported invasive fungal infection of humans and animals, especially cats. This study aimed to identify dermatophytes, breed associations, and the frequency of extracutaneous (EC) involvement in feline DPM. Electronic records and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) from 32 suspected DPM cases in 30 cats were retrieved from a diagnostic laboratory between 2018 and 2024. To confirm DPM and molecular identity, DNA was extracted from FFPET for ITS2 sequencing, and immunohistochemistry was performed on PCR-negative cases. All cases were confirmed as DPM. Microsporum canis was the only dermatophyte identified. The sensitivity and specificity of ITS2 sequencing for M. canis identification in FFPET were 22/32 (68.8%) and 21/22 (95.5%), respectively. Exotic (36.7%) and Persian (23.3%) but not British breeds (26.3%) were over-represented compared to feline admissions at an affiliated veterinary hospital (8.5%, p < 0.001; 3%, p < 0.001; 21.6%, p = 0.817, respectively). Five cases (16.7%) had EC lesions; two had intra-abdominal masses; two had oral cavity masses, including one which extended into the cranial vault; and one had superficial cervical lymph node invasion. Exotic and Persian breeds are over-represented for DPM and M. canis is the primary cause. EC lesions of DPM may occur more commonly than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines newly acquired and previously published carbon and nitrogen isotope values in bone collagen from 58 dogs (Canis familiaris) dated to the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition. Using the Bayesian mixing model FRUITS, we estimate the marine or freshwater dietary fractions. These estimates, together with a radiocarbon‐based Bayesian statistical model, have allowed us to calculate the freshwater reservoir age for selected Danish regions. The Ertebølle and Funnel Beaker cultures display different feeding traditions, and stable isotope values of dogs cannot be used as a direct proxy for reconstructing human diet, as the foodstuffs appear to have been subject to some deliberate differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne diseases in animals are increasing rapidly worldwide, but there is insufficient information about tick-borne diseases infecting dogs in southern Egypt. Thus, in the current study, we detected the presence of Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) and Babesia canis vogeli (B. canis vogeli) in the blood of dogs. The results revealed that 4/100 (4%) were positive, and a higher infection rate was found in males (75%), than females (25%). The phylogenetic analysis for the major surface protein 4 (msp4) gene in this study was compared with amplicons separate from other reported isolates with alignment by identity 100% with cattle and camels from Egypt, and the phylogenetic analysis for the B. canis vogeli small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene in this study identified identity by 99.89% with dogs from Egypt. This report is considered the first report in southern Egypt about A. marginale in dogs based on the sequence analysis of the msp4 gene, providing new data for the classification and identification of A. marginale in dogs compared to A. marginale isolated from other animals in southern Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The golden jackal has rapidly expanded across Europe in recent decades and was one of the first to reappear in Hungary. Using hunting bag data from the National Game Management Database from 1995 to 2021, we examined the spatial expansion of the species and its population dynamics. Our findings reveal an exponential increase in the golden jackal population since the mid-1990s, with an average annual growth rate of 40% in the hunting bag and an occupancy of 86% of the country. The average speed of the range expansion was 536.9 km2 year-1 until 2007 and increased to an average of 5,289.1 km2 year-1 during the second part of the expansion process. The density of shot golden jackals also shows an increasing trend with a substantial presence of outliers, indicating that nearly 10% of the hunting bag demonstrates exceptionally high numbers, particularly in southwestern Hungary. The spread originated in the southwest and extended towards the northeast and northwest. However, the increase of the hunting bag slowed down and the expansion rate has decreased in the previous two years, leading us to anticipate that the golden jackal population will stabilize soon, as the expansion has reached its maximum in Hungary. This indicates that from the initial settlement to the stabilization of the population, the time span can be two to three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs usually suffer from numerous parasitic diseases and among which tick-borne haemoparasitic infection is one of the major concerns. Common tick-borne haemoparasites which cause disease in dogs are Babesia canis, B. gibsoni, Hepatozoon canis and rickettsial parasites viz. Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys. In the present study, the prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites was assessed in dogs in Agartala, Tripura. Blood samples were collected from a total of 1776 dogs irrespective of breed, age, sex and categories for a period of one calendar year starting from March 2022 to February 2023. The overall prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in dogs was found 59.46 %(1056/1776) with only 11 cases of mixed infection. The study on the basis of breed, sex, age, season and category showed the highest prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in German Spitz (77.20%), male dogs (63.57%), adult dogs (60.71%), monsoon season (73.83%) and stray dogs (68.45%). The high prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasitic infection in dogs in the study area demands the strategic control of tick population and effective management practices necessary to control tick-borne haemoparasitic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The geographic distribution of Rhipicephalus linnaei is much wider than previously known. • Rhipicephalus linnaei was recorded on a dingo. • The record of R. linnaei on a dingo suggest that dingoes might aid the spread of Ehrlichia canis in Australia. • We discuss possible incursion routes and how E. canis has apparently spread rapidly in Australia. The tropical brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei , is a tick of much medical, veterinary, and zoonotic importance. This tick has a nearly world-wide distribution due to its ability to survive and propagate in kennels and houses. Rhipicephalus linnaei is the vector of Ehrlichia canis , the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, an often debilitating disease of canids and, occasionally, humans. To prevent incursion of E. canis into Australia, dogs entering Australia have been required to have a negative immunofluorescence antibody test for E. canis. In May 2020 however, E. canis was detected in Western Australia. The detection of E. canis in Australia prompted disease investigation and concerted surveillance for R. linnaei and E. canis in regions across Australia. These investigations revealed that R. linnaei was established far beyond the previously recognised geographic range limits of this tick. In the present paper, using records from various collections, published data, and data from our network of veterinarian collaborators and colleagues, we update the current geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia. Our analyses revealed that the geographic range of R. linnaei in Australia is much wider than was previously supposed, particularly in Western Australia, and in South Australia. We also map, for the first time, where E. canis has been detected in Australia. Last, we discuss the possible routes of incursion and subsequently the factors which may have aided the spread of E. canis in Australia which led to the establishment of this pathogen in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies of canid population and evolutionary genetics have relied on high-quality domestic dog reference genomes that have been produced primarily for biomedical and trait mapping studies in dog breeds. However, the absence of highly contiguous genomes from other Canis species like the gray wolf and coyote, that represent additional distinct demographic histories, may bias inferences regarding interspecific genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships. Here, we present single haplotype de novo genome assemblies for the gray wolf and coyote, generated by applying the trio-binning approach to long sequence reads generated from the genome of a female first-generation hybrid produced from a gray wolf and coyote mating. The assemblies were highly contiguous, with contig N50 sizes of 44.6 and 42.0 Mb for the wolf and coyote, respectively. Genome scaffolding and alignments between the two Canis assemblies and published dog reference genomes showed near complete collinearity, with one exception: a coyote-specific chromosome fission of chromosome 13 and fusion of the proximal portion of that chromosome with chromosome 8, retaining the Canis -typical haploid chromosome number of 2n = 78. We evaluated mapping quality for previous RADseq data from 334 canids and found nearly identical mapping quality and patterns among canid species and regional populations regardless of the genome used for alignment (dog, coyote, or gray wolf). These novel wolf and coyote genome reference assemblies will be important resources for proper and accurate inference of Canis demography, taxonomic evaluation, and conservation genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to develop an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the presence of specific IgG against Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati somatic antigens on the serum of patients with toxocariasis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for indirect‐ELISA were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and Youden's J using Likelihood ratio. All statistics were analysed and graphs are plotted using GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3 (Graph Pad Software, La Jolla, CA, USA), with 95% confidence interval (CI). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for T. canis were 100%, 82%, 79% and 100%, respectively. The mentioned variables for T. cati were 97%, 82%, 78% and 98%, respectively. Five immune reactive bands of 38, 40, 72, 100 and 250 kDa were common in both species. Toxocara crude antigens were highly immunogenic in human sera. Immunoreactive bands against T. canis compared to T. cati somatic antigen were about two times more. Unlike Toxocara excretory‐secretory antigen, that was homologue in two species, somatic antigens of T. canis and T. cati showed different immunoreactive bands in our western blot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinacalcet is an oral calcimimetic that has potential to non‐invasively treat primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs (Canis lupis familiaris). There is minimal data assessing its efficacy in dogs. This study aimed to determine whether a single dose of cinacalcet decreases serum ionized calcium (iCa), total calcium (tCa), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. Twelve dogs received a median dose of 0.49 mg/kg (range 0.30–0.69 mg/kg) cinacalcet per os. Venous blood samples were collected at time 0 (before cinacalcet administration), 3, 8, and 24 h following cinacalcet administration. PTH, iCa, and tCa concentrations were measured at each time point and compared to 0 hour concentrations. A significant (50%) decrease in serum PTH occurred at 3 h with a median PTH of 4.6 pmol/L (range 2.7–10.8) at baseline and 1.65 pmol/L (range 0.5–14.7) at 3 h; p =.005. A significant, but not clinically relevant, decrease in serum iCa from a median baseline of 1.340 mmol/L (range 1.32–1.41) to a 3 h median of 1.325 mmol/L (range 1.26–1.39), p =.043, was also observed. tCa concentrations were not different. This study showed that a single dose of cinacalcet leads to transient decreases in iCa and PTH concentrations in healthy dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concerns about controlling dermatophytes due to antifungal drug toxicity and resistance are leading to increased interest in using probiotics to combat skin infections. Our study focussed on evaluating the probiotic and antifungal attributes of the lactic acid bacteria Limosilactobacillus fermentum LfMYSY8 isolated from fermented rice beverage of India, Haria, to impede the growth of Microsporum canis, a common dermatophyte. The isolate showed promising probiotic characteristics like acid tolerance (44.71% at pH 2), bile tolerance (63.40%), cell surface hydrophobicity (43.26%), a strong auto-aggregation ability (74.5%), osmotic stress tolerance, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic susceptibility. While testing the antifungal efficacy, the cells and the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of the isolate inhibited M. canis growth with an average 98% biomass reduction. Substantial reduction in conidial germination and disruption of hyphal structure was observed. CFS characterization revealed that the organic acid metabolites were responsible for anti-fungal activity. Therefore, potential exists for using this strain to control skin infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though a large amount of research has focused on testing cognitive traits of dogs, we still know almost nothing about whether these traits associate with dogs' daily behaviour outside the test situation. For these tests to have applied value it would be beneficial that they reflect dogs' behaviour in a broader sense rather than simply during the test situation. Our aim was to deepen our understanding of what cognitive traits can tell us about dogs' behaviour in their daily lives with their owners. We used two validated owner-completed questionnaires, the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS), to determine daily behavioural traits of dogs. A cognitive test battery was used to measure cognitive traits. We used linear mixed models for analysis (N = 987) and accounted for control variables such as sex, breed, age and training level of dogs. We found that high inhibitory control in the Cylinder Test was positively associated with trainability and negatively associated with impulsivity (DIAS). A shorter latency to solve the V-detour task was positively associated with management problems, and dogs that were unsuccessful at the Logical Reasoning task were rated as slower at learning new tasks. Human-directed behaviour during the Unsolvable Task was associated positively with trainability and stranger-directed fear, and negatively with impulsivity (DIAS) and management problems. Our findings suggest that cognitive tests can help us to predict and explain dogs' behaviour, personality and behaviour problems. These results provide important information on dogs' behaviour both in cognitive tests and in their daily lives with their owners. • Dogs' cognitive test results were associated with owner-reported behaviour. • Tests measured social cognition, inhibitory control and logical reasoning ability. • Results were linked to trainability, learning, impulsivity and behaviour problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of fleas in 318 stray dogs brought to the Van Province Metropolitan Municipality Animal Shelter. Flea infestation rates obtained from dogs were determined and the collected data were evaluated according to variables such as the infestation status of the host and gender. Four flea species were identified in the study, with a flea infestation rate of 46.86% (149/318) in the dogs examined. Among the species identified; Ctenocephalides canis was detected as 25.12%, Ctenocephalides felis as 19.18%, Pulex irritans as 11.06% and Ceratophyllus gallinea as 3.46%. Infestation rate with a single species; while C. canis was detected at 16.98%, C. felis at 11.64%, P. irritans at 5.35% and Ceratophyllus gallinea at 2.52%, the infestation rate with two species was; C. canis + C. felis 3.77%, C. canis + P. irritans 2.20%, C. felis + P. irritans was found to be 1.89%, C. canis + Ceratophyllus gallinea 0.63% and C. felis + Ceratophyllus gallinea 0.31%. The infestation rate with three species at the same time, C. canis + C. felis + P. irritans, was determined as 1.57%. As a result of the statistical analysis, although there was a significant difference in infestation rates according to flea species, no significant relationship was found between flea species and gender. Fleas are important for both animal and public health as they serve as intermediate hosts for various diseases. It is thought that the findings obtained in the study will make significant contributions to studies, especially in the field of medicine and veterinary services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study established laboratory tests for the detection of specific antibodies against bacteria of the genus Brachyspira in the sera of dogs. By causing inflammation of the large intestine, distinct species of Brachyspira can cause disease in several different animal species, such as pigs and poultry, as well as humans. In dogs, Brachyspira pilosicoli and "Brachyspira canis" have been isolated from fecal samples and rectal swabs. The former can cause clinical signs, such as diarrhea and reduced growth, in pigs and poultry, as well as reduced egg production in poultry. The latter species is generally considered apathogenic. This study evaluates different antigen preparations of these bacteria for their suitability to detect specific antibodies. We were able to select a suitable antigen preparation and detect specific antibodies against both Brachyspira species in individual dogs. These laboratory tests are expected to help indirectly detect infection in dogs in the future and to better understand the role of Brachyspira as a putative pathogen in dogs. Brachyspira pilosicoli (B. pilosicoli) is a pathogen in pigs, poultry, and humans causing colitis, diarrhea, and poor growth rates. Its role as a canine pathogen is controversial, and the seroprevalence of specific IgG antibodies against B. pilosicoli in dogs is unknown. A further, not yet officially recognized Brachyspira species in dogs is "Brachyspira canis" ("B. canis"), which is proposed to be apathogenic. This study evaluates enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) measuring serum IgG antibodies specific for B. pilosicoli or "B. canis" and investigates levels of specific IgG antibodies against B. pilosicoli and "B. canis" in a cohort of clinical patients presented at an animal referral clinic. These ELISAs use detergent-extracted antigens from B. pilosicoli and "B. canis". To increase analytic specificity, we precipitated the antigens with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to isolate and concentrate the respective protein fraction. Our results indicate that a large number of serum IgG antibodies bind to shared epitopes of detergent-extracted antigens of the two spirochaetes. Our data also suggest that dogs might not only carry B. pilosicoli but also have "B. canis"-specific serum IgG antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopian wolves (EWs), Canis simensis, are the rarest canids in the world and Africa's most endangered carnivore, found in only six isolated habitat fragments in the highlands of Ethiopia. Previous reports on the prevalence of parasites in the EW in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) are limited, with little information on their helminth fauna. This study seeks to understand the prevalence of helminth parasites in the EW in BMNP, Ethiopia. In this study, fecal samples were collected from 43 EWs in Web Valley (WV), BMNP, from June to October 2020, and the presence of helminth eggs was assessed using fecal sedimentation and centrifugal floatation methods with microscopy. Forty‐two out of 43 fecal samples from wolves (98%) contained eggs from two taxonomic groups of helminths. Eggs from Capillaria spp. and Trichuris vulpis were found most frequently, followed by Toxocara canis, Diphyllobothrium spp., Toxascaris leonina, and Capillaria aerophila. One EW (2%) was recorded for harboring the cestode Moniezia expansa. About 9 of the 43 EWs (21%) presented monospecific infection: 9 EWs (21%) harbored 2 parasite species, 9 EWs (21%) hosted 3 parasite species, 11 EWs (26%) had infection involving 4 parasite species, 2 EWs (5%) were infected with 5 parasite species, 1 EW (2%) presented 6 parasite species, 1 EW (2%) harbored 7 parasite species, and 1 EW (2%) was diagnosed without parasite species. Concurrent helminth infection was highly associated with female EW. Megeti 3 was associated with a low level of concurrent helminth infection. The prevalence of helminth parasites found in wolves in the study area suggests that the environment is highly contaminated with intestinal parasites. Regular control of parasite transmission in EW, domestic dogs, and humans in and around BMNP, public education, and further parasite epidemiological studies must be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease characterised by the syndromes visceral, cerebral, and ocular larva migrans. This disease is caused by the migrating larvae of Toxocara roundworms from dogs and cats, affecting 1.4 billion people globally. Via extracellular vesicles (EVs), microRNAs have been demonstrated to play roles in host–parasite interactions and proposed as circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of parasitic diseases. Methods: Small RNA-seq was conducted to identify miRNAs in the infective larvae of T. canis and plasma EV-containing preparations of infected BALB/c mice. Differential expression analysis and target prediction were performed to indicate miRNAs involved in host–parasite interactions and miRNAs associated with visceral and/or cerebral larva migrans in the infected mice. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify circulating miRNAs from the infected mice. Results: This study reports host and parasite miRNAs in the plasma of BALB/c mice with visceral and cerebral larva migrans and demonstrates the alterations of these miRNAs during the migration of larvae from the livers through the lungs and to the brains of infected mice. After filtering unspecific changes in an irrelevant control, T. canis-derived miRNAs and T. canis infection-induced differential miRNAs are predicted to modulate genes consistently involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and pathways regulating axon guidance and pluripotency of stem in the infected mice with visceral and cerebral larva migrans. For these plasma circulating miRNAs predicted to be involved in host-parasite crosstalk, two murine miRNAs (miR-26b-5p and miR-122-5p) are experimentally verified to be responsive to larva migrans and represent circulating biomarker candidates for visceral and cerebral toxocariasis in BALB/c mice. Conclusions: Our findings provide novel insights into the crosstalk of T. canis and the mammalian host via plasma circulating miRNAs, and prime agents and indicators for visceral and cerebral larva migrans. A deep understanding of these aspects will underpin the diagnosis and control of toxocariasis in humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridisation between Australian dingoes and domestic dogs is a controversial area of interest and research. An ongoing canine sterilisation programme in rural and remote Western Australia provided an opportunity to assess the dingo ancestry of camp dogs and opportunities for hybridisation. Blood samples were collected from 345 individual community dogs at 21 locations. Dogs were screened using 23 microsatellite loci and ancestry percentage assigned using an iterative Bayesian assignment algorithm. A single individual was a dingo, 96% were domestic dogs and 3.5% were hybrids. Camp dog and dingo hybridisation in these areas is of little concern in terms of conserving dingo purity. Hybridisation of dingoes occurs as domestic dogs and dingoes are the same species, Canis familiaris. An assessment of camp dogs or dogs that reside in rural and remote communities found very little dingo ancestry. Based on these samples camp dogs are not of high concern when it comes to conserving dingo purity in Western Australia. Image by Dr Nicole Laing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In addition to infecting domestic dogs, Hepatozoon canis affects a large number of wild canids, such as foxes, jackals, and wolves, that can serve as reservoirs for this pathogen. In this study, we focused on the prevalence of H. canis, its genetic diversity, and its distribution in golden jackals on the territory of Serbia. At the same time, this is the first study in which a high genetic diversity of four sequence types (S4–S7) of H. canis has been found in golden jackals. In addition, a high prevalence rate was found, with 78.95% of animals testing positive for H. canis. Genetic analysis revealed variability at four positions, resulting in four different sequence types in golden jackals. Animals can become infected through the ingestion of infected ticks or by consuming infected prey, as well as transplacentally, from mother to offspring; what it could testify to 6/15 positive juvenile jackals. Additional research is crucial for elucidating transmission mechanisms, pinpointing potential sources of infection, and comprehending the ramifications of this pathogen for wild carnivores. Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan tick-borne parasite infecting domestic and wild canids, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. It is mainly found in dogs but has also been detected in several wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. Host transmission primarily occurs through the ingestion of infected ticks, typically Rhipicephalus sanguineus, with documented instances of transplacental transmission from infected females to cubs. In Serbia, the golden jackal is common throughout the country, and its population has increased in recent years. Previous research has documented the presence of several vector-borne pathogens in the jackal population in Serbia, so we conducted this study to determine the presence, prevalence, and genetic variability of H. canis. Over eleven years (2010–2020), 114 animal samples were collected from 23 localities in Serbia. A total of 90/114 (78.95%) jackals were positive for H. canis, and they came from 22 localities. Among 15 juveniles, almost half (6/15 (40%)) tested positive for H. canis. In addition to the high prevalence, high genetic variability of the pathogen was also found. According to the mutated positions, four sequence types (S4–S7) of H. canis were determined. Based on our earlier research on the grey wolf and on this study, it can be observed that various sequence types of H. canis circulate within wild canid populations in Serbia. The prevalence of H. canis infection in wild carnivores raises significant concerns for wildlife conservation and animal health. Infected animals may act as reservoirs for the disease, posing a potential risk to domestic animals by acting as a source of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social learning is a mechanism used by many species to efficiently gain information about their environment. Although many animals live in an environment where members of other species are present, little is known about interspecific social learning. Domesticated and urbanized species provide the opportunity to investigate whether nonhuman animals can learn from heterospecifics such as humans, who are integral parts of their social landscape. Although domestic dogs Canis familiaris have been intensively researched for their ability to learn from humans, most studies have focused on dogs living as pets. However, free-ranging dogs represent the majority of the world's dog population, they live alongside humans, scavenge on human refuse, and are subject to natural and sexual selection. Thus, free-ranging dogs with extensive exposure to humans and their artifacts provide the opportunity to investigate interspecific social learning in a naturalistic setting, where learning from humans might be a benefit for them. Here we tested individual free-ranging dogs in a between-subject design: Dogs in the control group could spontaneously choose between two novel and differently patterned food-delivering boxes. In the experimental group, instead, dogs could first observe an unfamiliar human approaching and eating from 1 of the 2 boxes. We provide the first evidence that free-ranging dogs match the choice of an unfamiliar human. These results show that at least simple forms of interspecific social learning might be involved in dogs' success in living alongside humans in a complex urbanized environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the results of genetic analysis of 11 phenotypically deviant individuals of grey wolf Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 sensu lato, collected in Voronezh State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Chernozem zone of European Russia) and Dagestan (North Caucasus, Russia), putatively identified morphologically as hybrids between grey wolf and golden jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758). Using maternally inherited mtDNA (sequences of cytochrome b gene fragment) and paternal lineage markers Y chromosome fragments ZfY, no wolf–jackal hybrids of the first generation were identified; the possibility that the studied individuals belonged to hybrids between different F1 wolf and jackal individuals of subsequent generations is also excluded. However, it is possible that morphologically atypical individuals belong to complex hybrids, for example, various backcrosses. According to the results of analysis of a set of autosomal microsatellite loci, we putatively diagnosed a single F2 hybrid. In addition, we obtained data that can be considered as traces of hybridization in several specimens. Our results suggest the presence of a gene flow between wolf and jackal in southern regions of European Russia, albeit direct indications of introgression between these species were not found. At the same time, the results of both genetic and craniological studies could be interpreted as indication to hybridization between wolves and domestic dogs on the same territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Ehrlichia canis has been the main hemopathogen affecting domestic dogs in Brazil. Even though tick-infested dogs may lead to household infestation and predispose human exposure and public health concern, no comprehensive study has surveyed humans, dogs, and environmental ticks altogether. Materials and Methods: Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess tick-infested households, identify tick species, perform serological (immunofluorescence assay) and molecular (PCR and q-PCR) detection of Ehrlichia in ticks, in the eighth biggest metropolitan area of Brazil. Results: Between 2007 and 2020, 233/5973 (3.9%) out of all complaints were from tick-infested households of 200 different addresses. Overall, 370/552 (67.0%) ticks were collected and identified as adult and 182/552 (33.0%) as immature forms of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. complex; a single tick from one owner, a female tick of Amblyomma sculptum; and 395 ticks from dogs, 319/395 (80.8%) adult and 72/395 (18.2%) immature forms of Rhipicephalus spp., and 4/395 (1.01%) female Amblyomma aureolatum. Overall, 2/135 (1.5%) owners and 13/136 (9.6%) dogs were seropositive for E. canis. The DNA of Anaplasmataceae family was molecularly detected in 16/50 (32.0%) R. sanguineus s.l. As expected, the number of monthly tick infestation complaints were directly associated, and mean (p = 0.01), maximum (p = 0.011), and minimum (p = 0.008) temperature were statistically significant and had a low positive correlation (0.24, 0.23, and 0.24, respectively). In addition, complaints were highly associated to all socioeconomic variables (p < 0.001), with the exception of the presence of vacant lots. Conclusions: Despite low samplings and human negative results, areas with low-income with adequate temperature and urban agglomerations have been shown to be associated risks for tick infestations, predisposing tick-borne diseases. In conclusion, monitoring should always be conducted in such areas, including One Health approach with serosurvey of owners and dogs, along with identification and molecular screening of ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Hepatozoon consists of apicomplexan protozoans that affect mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. In dogs, the Hepatozoon species include H. canis and H. americanum, which are transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick and cause nonspecific signs, such as fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and blood disorders. These protozoans have a worldwide distribution in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America, including Colombia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with H. canis in the urban and rural areas of Ibagué, Colombia. Blood samples were collected from 308 dogs (180 rural areas and 128 urban areas). Collected data included dog breed, sex, age, environmental factors, and the presence of ectoparasites. A fragment of the 18S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR for detection of the pathogen and confirmed by sequencing. Among the 308 samples, 14 were positive (14/308, 4.5%) for the presence of H. canis. The partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene showed identity values >98% with H. canis, forming a cluster with sequences from Latin America. An epidemiological survey found two protective factors: most of the time at home (P=0.055) and overnight stay at home (P=0.03). This is the first molecular study of the prevalence and phylogeny analysis of H. canis in Ibagué, Colombia. The findings may help determine risk factors and enhance our understanding of the geographic distribution of H. canis in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There are many causes of discospondylitis (infection in the discs and neighboring bones in the vertebral column), and it can be difficult to identify the relevant infection in all cases. In this study, we report the diseases we detected after recommending a specific series of tests to owners of affected dogs in this Brucella canis endemic region of the world. We found a moderate proportion (~12%) of cases that had Brucella canis infection (which is infectious to people) and suspected fungal infection (which can be very difficult to treat). Blood cultures were frequently (39%) positive for an infectious agent. The outcome for most cases, even those with suspected fungal disease, was good. It appears that blood culture is a helpful diagnostic method, and stabilizing implants can be safely used even when there is bone infection. Our results suggest that both fungal and Brucella spp. infections may be moderately common causes of discospondylitis in dogs in the USA, where Brucella canis is endemic. Discospondylitis is a well-recognized disease in dogs, but the relative prevalence of causal infectious agents and efficiency of relevant diagnostic tests are not well-established. Medical record review identified 117 dogs diagnosed with discospondylitis in our clinic over a 5-year period. In 32 dogs, discospondylitis was diagnosed as an incidental imaging finding; 24 of these dogs had concomitant neoplasia. A likely causal infection was identified in 45 of the remaining 85 dogs in which blood and urine cultures, serology for Brucella spp., and galactomannan fungal antigen testing were recommended. Ten dogs were diagnosed with Brucella canis, and ten were diagnosed with suspected fungal infection. Brucella suis serology was negative in all 35 dogs that were tested. Blood cultures were positive in 28 of 71 (39%) tested dogs, and urine culture was positive in 12 of 79 (15%). Cultures were positive from the lesion site of four of eight dogs that underwent surgery and one of the five dogs that underwent image-guided lesion sample collection. Subluxation secondary to discospondylitis was stabilized with metallic implants in four dogs. A similar proportion of known satisfactory treatment outcomes at last follow-up were recorded in dogs that had suspected fungal disease, other bacterial infections, or were Brucella-positive and in those dogs with imaging diagnosis only, although some individuals continued to receive anti-microbial agents or showed recurrent signs. These data support the value of blood culture in discospondylitis and suggest a relatively high prevalence of infection with Brucella spp. and suspected fungal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]