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The green sea turtle Chelonia mydas inhabit near-shore areas exposed to threatening anthropogenic activities. The granulomatous lesions in these animals may indicate infectious diseases that can be associated with environmental contamination and hazards to human health. This study aimed to characterize the granulomatous inflammation associated with bacterial and fungal infection in C. mydas off Paraná state. From September 2015 to February 2019, systematic monitoring was performed by the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project for sea turtles'carcasses recovery, necropsy, and cause of death diagnosis. The tissue samples were fixed in buffered formalin 10% for histochemical analysis and frozen for molecular analysis to fungi detection (Internal Transcribed Spacer region of the nuclear rDNA) and bacteria detection (16S ribosomal gene). From a total of 270 C. mydas, granulomatous lesions were observed in different organs of 63 (23.3%) individuals. The histological analysis indicated lesions in 94 organs, affecting most respiratory and digestive systems. Bacteria were identified in 25 animals, including an acid-fast bacteria detected in one animal, and fungi in 24 C. mydas. The fungi species included the genus Candida (Candida zeylanoides, n = 3), Yarrowia (Yarrowia lipolytica, n = 9; Yarrowia deformans, n = 5; and Yarrowia divulgata, n = 1), and Cladosporium anthropophilum (n = 1). No species of bacteria was identified by molecular testing. All fungi species identified are saprobic, some are important to food and medical industries, but are also pathogens of humans and other animals. Therefore, long-term monitoring of these pathogens and the C. mydas health may indicate changes in environmental quality, possible zoonotic diseases, and their effects.

Melhorar o desempenho reprodutivo é importante para aumentar a lucratividade das propriedades. Assim, nós avaliamos a contagem de folículos antrais (CFA), o escore de condição corporal (ECC), o peso vivo e o comportamento animal sobre à taxa de concepção de vacas Brahman submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo-fixo (IATF). Vacas (n=122) receberam um protocolo convencional de IATF de três manejos (D0, 8 e 10) a base de estrógeno e progesterona, além do monitoramento da expressão de estro antes da inseminação. O ECC e o comportamento animal foram avaliados em todos os dias do protocolo, o peso foi mensurado no D0 e no diagnóstico de gestação (D40) e a CFA no D0. Para análise, estabeleceu-se os grupos de CFA (baixa, intermediária e alta), do comportamento (calma, inquieta e agitada), do peso (ganhando, mantendo e perdendo) e do ECC (ganhando, mantendo e perdendo). A taxa de concepção geral foi de 50%, e não esteve associada (p>0,05) a classificação da CFA (baixa/52,6%, intermediária/50,9% e alta/45,4%), do peso (ganhando/43,0%, mantendo/54,7% e perdendo/47,1%), do ECC (ganhando/44,0%, mantendo/54,3% e perdendo/37,5%) e do comportamento (calma/43,0%, inquieta/54,7% e agitada/47,1%). No entanto, a baixa CFA apresentou maior (p=0,05) proporção de animais com alta intensidade de estro (94,7%) e foi observado maior escore de reatividade (p=0,001) no primeiro dia de manejo da IATF em relação aos outros dias. Vacas com baixa CFA resultaram em maior proporção de expressão de estro e o primeiro dia de manejo da IATF determinou uma maior reatividade animal em relação aos outros dias do protocolo. Palavras-chave: Condição Corporal. Inseminação Artificial. Performance Reprodutiva. Peso Vivo. Abstract Improving reproductive performance is important to increase farm profitability. The relationship of antral follicle count (AFC), body condition score (BCS), weight, and animal behavior on the conception rate in cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). Cows (n=122) received a conventional TAI protocol of three managements (D0, 8, and 10) based on estrogen and progesterone, in addition to monitoring estrus expression before insemination. The BCS and behavior score were assessed every day of the TAI protocol. Weight was measured at D0 and in the pregnancy diagnosis (D40), and AFC was determined at D0. For analysis, the groups were established according to AFC (low, intermediate, and high), behavior animal (calm, restless, and agitated), weight variation (gaining, maintaining, and losing), and BCS variation (gaining, maintaining, and losing). The overall conception rate was 50%, and it was not associated with (P>0.05) the AFC classification (low/52.6%, intermediate/50.9%, and high/45.4%), weight variations (gaining/43.0%, maintaining/54.7%, and losing/47.1%), BCS variations (gaining/44.0%, maintaining/54.3%, and losing/37.5%) and animal behavior (calm/43.0%, restless/54.7%, and agitated/47.1%). However, the low AFC showed a higher (P=0.05) proportion of animals with high intensity of estrus expression (94.7%). In addition, a higher score for animal reactivity (P=0.001) was noted on the first day of the management of TAI protocol than to the other days of the hormonal protocol. The low AFC resulted in a higher proportion of cows with high estrus expression and the management practices for TAI determined a greater animals reactivity at the beginning of the breeding program. Keywords: Body Condition. Artificial Insemination. Reproductive Performance. Live Weight.

This study is aimed at detecting Feline paramyxovirus (FPaV) and Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) in 35 urine samples from domestic cats, collected in 2019, with or without clinical signs of uropathies using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (SN-PCR) assays to amplify a partial paramyxovirus L gene. Eight (22.9%) out of the 35 urine samples were positive for paramyxoviruses. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that three samples were positive for FPaV, four samples were positive for FeMV, and it was not possible to determine which virus was present in one RT-SN-PCR positive urine sample. FPaV strains showed 100% nucleotide (nt) identity with each other and 97% nt identity with a Japanese 163 FPaV strain. The FeMV strains showed 85.9% nt identity with each other; three strains were similar to previously described Brazilian FeMV strains, and one strain clustered in a different branch of the phylogenetic tree together with the first described Chinese FeMV strain. This study provides the first description of FPaV strains in cats from Brazil and provides new information about the molecular characteristics of FPaV and FeMV strains circulating in domestic cats in Brazil.

Nos últimos meses, em todo o mundo, tem-se falado muito em COVID-19, uma doença que ocasionou um surto na China e rapidamente espalhou-se pelo mundo, tendo se transformado em uma pandemia. Em meio a esse cenário, dentre diversas questões, foi levantada uma dúvida em relação à possibilidade de infecção e posterior transmissão dessa doença viral dos animais de companhia, mais especificamente, cães e gatos, para indivíduos destas mesmas espécies ou até mesmo para os humanos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo elucidar, de forma clara e objetiva, o que é a COVID-19, sua origem e comportamento do agente viral responsável pela doença, com o intuito de disseminar informações sobre a atual pandemia, além de esclarecer a real participação de cães e gatos no ciclo de transmissão do vírus. Para isso, artigos recentes sobre o assunto foram acessados, em plataformas tais como: PubMed, SciELO e Google Acadêmico, além de livros e documentos eletrônicos, os quais foram utilizados na obtenção das informações aqui descritas, a fim de atingir não apenas a comunidade científica, mas toda a sociedade. Apesar de haver evidências de infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em cães e gatos, a transmissão do vírus por meio desses animais para os seres humanos ainda não foi confirmada. É importante também ressaltar que devido à atual situação e ao caráter dinâmico da doença, novas questões podem ser levantadas, bem como confirmações ou exclusões de hipóteses no decorrer do tempo. Palavras-chave: Coronavírus. SARS-CoV-2. Pandemia. Quarentena. Abstract In the last few months, all over the world, much has been said about COVID-19, a disease that caused an outbreak in China and quickly spread around the world, becoming a pandemic. In this scenario, among several issues, a doubt was raised regarding the possibility of infection and subsequent transmission of this viral disease of pets, more specifically, dogs and cats, to individuals of the same species or even to humans. This study aims to elucidate, in a clear and objective way, what is COVID-19, its origin and the viral agent behavior responsible for the disease, in order to disseminate information about the current pandemic, in addition to clarifying the actual participation of dogs and cats in the virus transmission cycle. Recent articles were accessed, on platforms such as: PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar, also books and electronic documents, which were used to obtain the information described herein, in order to reach not only the scientific community, but also the society. Although there is evidence of infection with SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats, the virus transmission through these animals to humans has not been confirmed yet. It is also important to emphasize that, due to the current situation and its dynamic character, new questions can be raised, as well as confirmation or exclusion of hypotheses over time. Keywords: Coronavirus. SARS-CoV-2. Pandemic. Quarantine.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:23:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-10-23 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Brazilian institute: Financing of Studies and Projects (FINEP) Brazilian institute: Araucaria Foundation (FAP/PR) Funadesp The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a small wild mammal present in all Brazilian biomes and in some countries of South America. This study aimed to verify the involvement of viral infectious agents in the death of a wild crab-eating fox pup (Cerdocyon thous) in Brazil. The Center for Medicine and Research of Wild Animals of the Universidade Estadual Paulista received a free-living crab-eating fox aged approximately 21 days and apparently healthy. After 13 days, the animal presented anorexia, diarrhea, fever, prostration, and neurological signs progressing to death with an inconclusive diagnosis. In a retrospective study, tissue fragments stored at - 80 degrees C were used to identify nucleic acids from major canine viruses, such as canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2), canine adenovirus A types 1 and 2, canid alphaherpesvirus 1, and canine distemper virus. The amplified product with the expected length for CPV-2 was obtained from the heart fragment. After performing nucleotide (nt) sequencing of the amplicon, it was possible to demonstrate that the crab-eating fox strain exhibited high (99.8%) nt identity with the CPV-2b prototype (CPV-39 strain). Additionally, deduced amino acid (aa) sequence analysis showed the GAT codon for the aa Asp (D) at position 426 of the CPV-2 viral protein VP2, which characterizes the subtype 2b. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this report describes the first detection of CPV-2b DNA in tissue fragments from a crab-eating fox. Univ Estadual Londrina, Lab Anim Virol, Dept Vet Prevent Med, Celso Garcia Cid Rd,PR455 Km 380,POB 10011, BR-86057970 Londrina, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Londrina, Multiuser Anim Hlth Lab, Mol Biol Unit, Dept Vet Prevent Med, Celso Garcia Cid Rd,PR455 Km 380,POB 10011, BR-86057970 Londrina, Parana, Brazil Univ Pitagoras Unopar, Post Grad Program Anim Hlth & Prod, Arapongas, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Vet Hosp, Ctr Med & Res Wild Anim, POB 560, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Vet Hosp, Anim Pathol, POB 560, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Vet Hosp, Ctr Med & Res Wild Anim, POB 560, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Vet Hosp, Anim Pathol, POB 560, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil

In this report we describe the genotype constellation of a bovine rotavirus A (RVA) strain with an uncommon G8P[11] genotype combination. The RVA/Cow-wt/BRA/Y136/2017/G8P[11] strain was classified as G8-P[11]-I2-R5-C2-M2-A3-N2-T9-E2-H3. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP7 gene showed that the Y136 strain and a human G8P[1] strain comprise a putative new (VII) lineage for the G8 genotype. In addition, two other genotypes, R5 (VP1) and T9 (NSP3), were identified in the constellation of Y136 that are rarely found in RVA strains of bovine origin. The immunological pressure caused by regular vaccination of cows might be responsible for the selection of heterologous RVA strains.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-11T17:20:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-05-14 Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is classified into three subtypes (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c) and is the main cause of enteritis and myocarditis in young domestic and wild animals. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of CPV-2 in the feces of asymptomatic free-living coatis from Garden Forest Reserve, Palmital city, SP, Brazil. Fecal samples from 21 coatis (both sexes, different ages, and different aspects of feces) were collected in August 2014 and March 2015. The nucleic acid extracted was submitted to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to amplify a fragment of the VP2 gene of CPV-2. Eight (38%) fecal samples were positive in the PCR assay and were confirmed by sequencing. The 7 nucleotide (nt) sequences analyzed showed 100% nt identity with the prototype strain of CPV-2b (CPV-39 strain). The analysis of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence revealed the presence of the GAT codon (aa D-Asp) at position 426 of the VP2 viral protein (subtype 2b). This study describes for the first time the identification of CPV-2b in asymptomatic free-living coatis (Nasua nasua) and suggests that coatis are susceptible to Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 infection and are important as a reservoir and an asymptomatic carrier to other wild and domestic animal species. Univ Estadual Londrina, Dept Vet Prevent Med, Lab Anim Virol, Celso Garcia Cid Rd,PR455 Km 380,POB 10011, BR-86057970 Londrina, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Londrina, Dept Vet Prevent Med, Mol Biol Unit, Multiuser Anim Hlth Lab, Celso Garcia Cid Rd,PR455 Km 380,POB 10011, BR-86057970 Londrina, Parana, Brazil Univ Pitagoras Unopar, Post Grad Program Anim Hlth & Prod, Arapongas, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Vet Hosp, Ctr Med & Res Wild Anim, POB 560, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Vet Hosp, Ctr Med & Res Wild Anim, POB 560, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil

We describe the molecular analysis of a wild-type field strain of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) identified in a mummified fetus from a small Brazilian dairy cattle herd. Nucleic acids extracted from samples of the lung, liver, heart, spleen, and kidney were tested by PCR assays for bovine alphaherpesvirus 1, Neospora caninum, Leptospira spp., Histophilus somni, and Brucella abortus, a nested PCR assay for Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum, and a RT-PCR assay for BVDV. Amplicons were only obtained in the RT-PCR assay for the partial amplification of the BVDV 5′UTR (288 bp) in kidney and spleen samples and the Npro (438 bp) gene in the kidney sample. Nucleotide sequencing of the amplified products and phylogenetic analyses based on the 2 BVDV genomic regions enabled the BVDV strain to be classified as subgenotype 1a.

Veterinarians, among other health professionals, are considered health professionals at high risk of exposure to and contraction of COVID-19. The main objective of this study is to assess changes in the clinical practices of veterinarians during the COVID-19 pandemic around prophylactic and biosafety measures, as well as to evaluate changes in workload and cost-benefit ratio. An online questionnaire was sent to veterinary professionals from July 2020 to July 2021 using Google Forms. A total of 1134 veterinarians answered the questionnaire on clinical experiences and biosafety practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Veterinarians changed their routine clinical practices, as there was a reduction in working hours, and applied new patient approaches and advice to their owners, as well as restricting the number of people allowed inside. Biosafety measures were added in their workplaces, with an increase in the use of personal protective equipment. COVID-19 tests were administered at least once in 19.0%, and more than once in 9.5% of the respondents. Flu symptoms were present in 23.8% of the respondents, and 31.0% of the veterinarians attended to COVID-19 positive pet owners. Therefore, most veterinarians altered their routine practices, and some were exposed to sources of COVID-19 infection.Os médicos veterinários, entre outros profissionais de saúde, são considerados profissionais de saúde sob alto risco de exposição e contração do COVID-19. O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi avaliar as mudanças na prática clínica de médicos veterinários durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em torno das medidas profiláticas e de biossegurança, assim como avaliar as mudanças na carga de trabalho e a relação custo-benefício. De julho a dezembro de 2020, um questionário online foi enviado aos profissionais por meio da ferramenta Formulários Google. Um total de 1.134 veterinários responderam ao questionário relacionado às experiências clínicas e práticas de biossegurança durante a pandemia COVID-19. Os médicos veterinários mudaram suas práticas clínicas rotineiras, pois houve redução da jornada de trabalho, novas abordagens dos pacientes e orientações aos proprietários, além da restrição do número de pessoas nos locais. Medidas de biossegurança foram adicionadas aos locais de trabalho, com aumento do uso de equipamentos de proteção individual. Os testes COVID-19 foram realizados pelo menos uma vez em 19,0% e mais de uma vez em 9,5% dos entrevistados. Sintomas de gripe estavam presentes em 23,8% dos profissionais entrevistados e 31,0% dos veterinários atendiam tratadores de animais positivos para COVID-19. Portanto, a maioria dos veterinários alterou suas práticas de rotina e alguns foram expostos a fontes de infecção COVID-19.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the frequency of occurrence of avian rotavirus (AvRV) in poultry flocks according to its Performance Efficiency Index (PEI) scores. A total of 256 individual intestinal content samples of small sized-chicks (runts) with clinical signs of Runting Stunting Syndrome (RSS) and 24 clinically healthy chicks (control) were collected from twelve flocks in southern Brazil with different PEI scores: good (n = 4, PEI mean = 365); moderate (n = 4, PEI mean = 342) or poor (n = 4, PEI mean = 319). Silver-stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss-PAGE) was used to detect and identify the AvRV species followed by RT-PCR and sequencing of the partial VP6 gene for species confirmation. AvRV was detected in 83% (10/12) of the flocks and 23.4% (60/256) of the chicks. The electrophoretic migration patterns of viral dsRNA segments were compatible with AvRV species A (AvRV- A), D (AvRV-D) and F (AvRV-F) in 9 (15%), 18 (30%), and 33 (55%) of the positive chicks fecal samples, respectively. The AvRV species identified by ss-PAGE were confirmed by RT-PCR and partial sequence analysis of the VP6 gene. The AvRV detection rate was statistically higher (p = 0.007) in chicks from flocks with poor PEI when compared to those with good PEI. The occurrence of AvRV-D and AvRV-F was statistically higher in 7 to 9 days old chicks, while AvRV-A was detected only in 13 to 14 days old animals.

The reports of rotavirus C (RVC) involvement in diarrhea outbreaks in newborn piglets have been increasing in recent years. This longitudinal study, conducted over a 37-day period, aimed to evaluate the frequency of RVC infection in piglets aged up to 7 days obtained from a pig herd with a previous diagnosis of RVC infection in this age group. Piglets from 50 different litters were monitored daily for the occurrence of diarrhea, and all litters were classified into the following categories: sow parity order (PO) 1 to 5; litter size (LS) ≤ 10 piglets and > 10 piglets; and piglet birth weight (BW) 1.2 to 1.3 kg and > 1.3 to 1.4 kg. Two hundred six diarrheic fecal samples were collected and classified according to the fecal consistency score (pasty, semiliquid, liquid). Ten fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic piglets (control group). Fecal samples were screened for rotavirus (RV) by silver stained-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss-PAGE), and samples with inconclusive and negative-ss-PAGE results were submitted to RVC VP6 gene amplification by RT-PCR. RVC was identified in 71 (34.5%) samples, in 1 (10%) sample of the control group, and in piglets from 33 (66%) litters. The electrophoretic profile of RV species A was identified in only two samples. Of the 72 RVC-positive samples, 51 (70.8%) presented semiliquid or liquid consistency. There was no significant difference in either group regarding the production parameters (PO, LS, BW) evaluated. An analysis of the whole VP6 gene of three RVC field strains collected on the first, fifteenth, and last day of the experiment enabled us to identify genotype I6. This report describes the first longitudinal study examining epidemiological aspects of RVC infection in newborn piglets.

The livestock sector has achieved many technological advances, which have resulted in continued improvements in animal production systems and in the reproductive efficiency of herds. The associated use of reproductive biotechnology and genetic improvements combined with adequate sanitary and nutritional management are essential conditions for sustainable intensified animal production and financial autonomy within farms. Timed artificial insemination (TAI) represents one of the strategies with the greatest impact of expansion in providing genetic improvements and increased reproductive efficiency at a decreased cost. Despite the high proportion of cows receiving TAI, this market still exhibits considerable potential for expansion. After a TAI procedure, approximately 40 to 60% of females become pregnant. This result can vary depending on such factors as the hormonal protocol employed, female category, body condition score, ovarian status, farm management and aspects related to bulls and semen. The fertility and genetic quality of the bull plays an important role in the herd because a single bull can influence the entire production system. Another important strategy is the use of sex-sorted semen associated with TAI, primarily when associated with management practices to improve the pregnancy rate. This paper presents a review of the intensification of TAI, supplying practical information regarding the implementation of TAI commercial programs.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes a significant economic impact on the beef and dairy industries worldwide. Fetal infection with a non-cytopathic strain may lead to the birth of persistently infected (PI) offspring, the main event in the epidemiological chain of BVDV infection. This report describes the birth of 10 PI dairy calves from Brazil and the infecting BVDV subgenotype. Serum and blood samples were collected from 10 cows and 10 calves; all 10 calves were previously deemed BVDV positive by the ear notch rapid test. Serum samples were used in the virus neutralization technique to detect anti-BVDV antibody. Blood samples were used to detect BVDV RNA using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of the 5' UTR and Npro genes. All 10 cows were negative for BVDV RT-PCR, while all 10 calves were RT-PCR positive. Phylogenetic analyses were performed and the strain was classified as BVDV-1d. High titers of BVDV-specific antibodies in the serum of cows indicated recent circulation of BVDV in the dairy herd, whereas calves presented intermediate, low, or no anti-BVDV-1a antibody titers. The monitoring of circulating BVDV subgenotypes and the detection of PI animals is of great importance in disease control, and regular vaccination alone is insufficient to prevent BVDV infection.

Feline Morbillivirus (FeMV) was first detected in 2012 in domestic cats from Hong Kong and was found to be associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease. In subsequent studies in other countries, FeMV was detected in asymptomatic cats. However, it is not clear whether FeMV plays a role as a pathogen in the kidney diseases of cats, and other epidemiological data are still unknown. To date, studies have reported the presence of FeMV exclusively in domestic cats. This study is the first molecular detection of the FeMV RNA associated with pathological and immunohistochemical findings in a synanthropic marsupial, the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris), inhabiting peri-urban areas of north-central Parana, Southern Brazil. Molecular techniques identified the viral RNA in the lungs and kidneys. Histopathologic evaluation of these tissues revealed interstitial pneumonia in the lungs with lymphocytic nephritis and tubular necrosis in the kidneys. Immunohistochemistry assays detected positive intralesional immunoreactivity to N protein of FeMV within the lungs and kidneys. A FeMV opossum strain was isolated in Crandell Rees feline kidney lineage cells, resulting in syncytia formation and cell death. Therefore, these results support the ability of FeMV to infect other mammal species and reinforce the possibility of the opossum to be a disseminator of this virus among domestic and wild animals.

This study describes the etiological diversity observed in a severe neonatal diarrhea outbreak with morbidity and mortality rates of 80 and 20%, respectively, with detection of mixed infections with viral, bacterial, and protozoan disease agents in a dairy calf rearing unit. Diarrheic fecal samples were collected from eight 5 to 18 days of age calves and were submitted to the investigation of the presence of rotavirus A (RVA), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), bovine kobuvirus (BKV), bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Salmonella sp., and Cryptosporidium spp. Fragments of the small intestine of one calf with diarrhea that spontaneously died were submitted for histopathological analyses. The most frequent infectious agent detected in diarrheic fecal samples was BKV (8/8—100%), followed by RVA (5/8—62.5%), BVDV (5/8—62.5%), Cryptosporidium parvum (5/8—62.5%), ETEC (4/8—50%), and Cryptosporidium ryanae (1/8—12.5%). These etiological agents were found in mixed infections with two or more pathogens per diarrheic fecal sample. The association of viral and protozoan pathogens was the most frequently identified (37.5%) in these samples, followed by viral and bacterial (25%); viral, bacterial, and protozoan (25%); and only viral agents (12.5%). BCoV and Salmonella sp. were not identified in the diarrheic fecal samples analyzed. Additionally, histopathology of the small intestine diagnosed chronic lymphocytic enteritis. In conclusion, in calf rearing units, the adoption and strict monitoring of health management practices are critical to the success of this calf creation system. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42770-021-00565-5.

Artificial insemination is a key technique to increase reproductive efficiency and the genetic improvement in cattle. The first report of artificial insemination has been dated to more than 220 years ago; after that, many studies have been published, and this biotechnology is widely used in domestic animals. Despite the advances of embryo transfer programs in vivo and in vitro in cattle, artificial insemination still represents the main form of assisted reproduction in many herds, being one of the lowest cost strategies to improve genetic merit in the farms. Artificial insemination has many advantages compared to natural breeding, such as health benefits, e.g. control of infectious diseases; genetic improvement, e.g. use of genetically improved bulls; reproductive management improvements; and more stringent control of the zootechnical and economic features of the herd, e.g. standardized management and animals.

Highlights • RVA vaccination program reduces the frequency and intensity of diarrhea in dairy calves. • The vaccination immune pressure can select specific genotypes in RVA field strains. • RVA genotype G10P[11] in fecal samples of calves from G6P[5] vaccinated dairy cattle herds., Worldwide, neonatal diarrhea is one of the most important health issues affecting dairy calves, and rotavirus A (RVA) is one of its primary causes. Among the measures to mitigate the risk of diarrhea outbreaks, cow vaccination stands out as one of the most important. However, the immune pressure resulting from routine vaccination may be able to select specific G and P genotypes in RVA field strains. This study aimed to determine the frequency and intensity of neonatal diarrhea and the incidence of RVA and attempted to monitor the G and P genotypes present in the RVA strains circulating in a high milk yield cattle herd vaccinated with RVA G6P[5] strain. Fecal samples (n = 1220) from 122 Holstein heifer calves between 0–30 days old that were born from RVA-vaccinated cows were collected at 10 different time points, regardless of the presence or absence of diarrhea. The presence of RVA in fecal samples was determined by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) technique and confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). G and P amplicons from 10 RVA-positive fecal samples from calves of different ages and collections were subjected to nucleotide sequencing. The proportion of the calves and fecal samples that were positive for RVA were 62.3% (76/122) and 8.1% (99/1220), respectively. Using sequence analysis, all 10 RVA field strains presented genotype G10P[11]. The protection of G6P[5] vaccination is clear, as this genotype was not detected in this study, and it is known that vaccination against RVA reduces the incidence of diarrhea independent of genotype involved. This result demonstrates the importance of epidemiological monitoring of RVA genotypes circulating in vaccinated dairy cattle herds to the early detection of new potential pathogenic RVA strains.

Renicolid digeneans are frequently observed in the renal tubules and ureters of seabirds, such Puffinus puffinus, a migratory species distributed along the Brazilian coast. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between renicolid infection and health status in P. puffinus. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe (i) renal and systemic alterations, (ii) the renicolids and (iii) the biological aspects associated with the presence of renicolids in P. puffinus. Gross and histological assays were performed in 93 P. puffinus stranded on the Parana coast, southern Brazil, and renicolids were submitted to morphological and molecular assays. A high prevalence of renicolids in P. puffinus (71/93) was observed. In the kidney, the main microscopic findings were lymphocytic interstitial infiltrate, ductal ectasia and tubular necrosis. The renal lesions were significantly associated with the parasite infection. The morphological (n = 84) and molecular analyses (n = 2) confirmed the species as Renicola sloanei (100% and 95.9% of nucleotide identity with R. sloanei strains from P. puffinus and from Spheniscus demersus, respectively). In both parasitized and non-parasitized animals, cardiac and skeletal muscle degeneration and necrosis were the most frequent systemic changes. Therefore, the results suggest renicolids being a possible cause for the demonstrated renal alterations. A contribution of this parasite to a decreased health status of Puffinus puffinus along their migratory route is possible.

Neonatal diarrhea is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in calves up to 30 days old, and rotavirus A (RVA) is the main viral etiology. RVA vaccines are one of the main tools for diarrhea control in neonates. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to monitor by RT-PCR the G and P genotypes of RVA strains identified in dairy cattle herds regularly vaccinated with the RVA UK strain (G6P[5]). Of the 14 randomly selected herds, two were excluded because no calf was diagnosed with diarrhea on the day of fecal collection. Another six herds were also excluded from the study because all 20 diarrheic fecal samples evaluated were RT-PCR-negative. In the remaining six herds, 17 (25.4%) of the 67 diarrheic samples were RVA-positive. One G and P amplicon from each herd were selected for nucleotide sequencing. In the phylogenetic analysis, five RVA strains presented the G6P[11] genotype, and one presented the G10P[11] genotype. The G6 genotype present in all RVA field strains clustered into a distinct phylogenetic arrangement (lineage III) of the UK vaccine strain (lineage IV), characterizing the emergence of a phylogenetically distant G6 strain. In addition, we observed the emergence of strains with G10 and P[11] genotypes characterizing failure in heterologous immune protection. These results show the epidemiological importance of constant monitoring of RVA strains in vaccinated cattle herds and the low frequencies of diarrhea and diagnosis of RVA suggest that a regular vaccination program reduces the frequency and severity of RVA diarrhea in suckling calves.

Fecal samples from 27 pigs were longitudinally analyzed for Teschovirus A (TV-A), Sapelovirus A (SV-A), and Enterovirus G (EV-G) RNA presence. Suckling piglet fecal samples were negative for the three enteric picornaviruses. However, these picornaviruses were detected in 22/27 weaned pig fecal samples. This study provides new data on TV-A, SV-A, and EV-G infection dynamics. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s42770-018-0018-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dairy calf rearing unit is a management system that is only recently being implemented by some milk producer’s cooperatives in southern Brazil. However, aspects related to the health profile of the heifer calves that arrive in the rearing unit as well as about biosecurity practices and microbiological challenges have not yet been evaluated in this rearing system in a tropical country. Diarrhea is the main and most frequent consequence of enteric infections in newborn calves. This study, through some etiological and epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of neonatal diarrhea, has the aim to alert to the possibility of pathogenic microorganism spread in a dairy heifer calf rearing unit. The diarrhea outbreak presented some non-regular characteristics observed in bovine coronavirus (BCoV) enteric infections in dairy calves. The spread of infection was extremely rapid (1 week); the attack rate (> 50%) was much higher than that observed in calves subjected to conventional rearing; and the age range (5 to 90 days) of the affected heifer calves was much broader than that often observed in the BCoV diarrhea worldwide. These unusual epidemiological characteristics observed in this BCoV diarrhea outbreak raise awareness of the health threat present in calf rearing units as well as of the easy and rapid viral spread in a population of young animals from different dairy herds and, therefore, with very distinct immunological status.

Rotavirus (RV) is an important viral pathogen causing diarrhea in piglets and other mammals worldwide. We describe 34 cases from 4 diarrheal outbreaks caused by RV in unvaccinated farrowing units in southern Brazil from 2011 to 2013. We performed autopsy, histologic examinations, bacterial culture, RV immunohistochemistry (IHC), and enteric virus detection through molecular assays for rotavirus A, B, and C, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, sapovirus, norovirus, and kobuvirus. Histologically, villus atrophy (29 of 34) and epithelial vacuolation (27 of 34) occurred in all 4 outbreaks. Cell debris in the lamina propria occurred in 20 cases, mostly from outbreaks A (8 of 11), C (4 of 6), and D (7 of 11). IHC was positive for RV in 21 of 34 samples. RT-PCR was positive for RV in 20 of 30 samples; RV-C was the most frequently detected RV ( n = 17). Kobuvirus was detected in 11 samples, and, in 3 of them, there was single detection of this enteric virus.

Highlights • BALF is a good biological sample for the molecular diagnosis of BRD in dairy calves. • Mixed infections of viruses and bacteria were frequent in dairy calves with respiratory disease. • BVDV 1d in BALF samples of dairy heifer calves in a BRD outbreak was characterized. • The calf rearing unit without prophylactic measures for respiratory infections represent a risk factor for BRD., The etiological agents involved in a bovine respiratory disease (BRD) outbreak were investigated in a dairy heifer calf rearing unit from southern Brazil. A battery of PCR assays was performed to detect the most common viruses and bacteria associated with BRD, such as bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3), Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were taken from 21 heifer calves (symptomatic n = 15; asymptomatic n = 6) that, during the occurrence of the BDR outbreak, were aged between 6 and 90 days. At least one microorganism was detected in 85.7% (18/21) of the BALF samples. Mixed infections were more frequent (72.2%) than single infections (27.7%). The interactions between viruses and bacteria were the most common in coinfections (55.5%). The frequencies of BRD agents were 38.1% for BRSV, 28.6% for BVDV, 33.3% for BCoV, 42.85% for P. multocida, 33.3% for M. bovis, and 19% for H. somni. BoHV-1, BPIV-3, and M. haemolytica were not identified in any of the 21 BALF samples. Considering that BALF and not nasal swabs were analyzed, these results demonstrate the etiological multiplicity that may be involved in BRD outbreaks in dairy calves.

Renicolids are parasites that inhabit the renal tubules and ureters of molluscivorous and piscivorous birds. Puffinus puffinus is a migratory seabird that was identified as the definitive host of Renicola spp. Studies focusing on the renicolid species and the resulting renal lesions are valuable for their association with causes of stranding in seabirds. The aim of this study was to identify the renicolid trematodes and evaluate the histological findings in two P. puffinus stranded on the coast of Paraná state, Brazil. The parasites were evaluated by histologic, ultrastructural and molecular assays, while tissue changes were analyzed by histologic methods. The morphological and morphometrical characteristics of the parasites, along with polymerase chain reaction and sequencing assays (ribosomal and mitochondrial regions), identified the species as Renicola sloanei. The results also suggest that this helminth can be the adult form of Cercaria pythionike. The dilation of collecting ducts was the main histological finding in the kidneys. In conclusion, R. sloanei was identified, and for the first time, P. puffinus was described as a host of this digenean inducing mild renal changes. Resumo Renicolídeos são parasitos que habitam túbulos renais e ureteres de aves que se alimentam de moluscos e peixes. Puffinus puffinus, ave marinha migratória, foi registrada como hospedeiro definitivo de Renicola spp. Estudos relacionados com as espécies de renicolídeos e as lesões renais resultantes são importantes para o entendimento das causas de óbito de aves marinhas. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os trematódeos renicolídeos e avaliar os achados histológicos em dois P. puffinus encalhados no litoral do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Os parasitos foram avaliados por ensaios histológicos, ultraestruturais e moleculares, enquanto as alterações teciduais foram analisadas por métodos histológicos. As características morfológicas e morfométricas dos parasitos, juntamente com a reação em cadeia da polimerase e sequenciamento (regiões ribossomal e mitocondrial), identificaram a espécie como Renicola sloanei. Os resultados também sugerem que este helminto pode ser a forma adulta de Cercaria pythionike. A dilatação dos ductos coletores foi o principal achado histológico renal. Em conclusão, R. sloanei foi identificado, e pela primeira vez P. puffinus foi descrito como hospedeiro deste digenético induzindo alterações renais discretas.

The Apgar score is widely used for global evaluation of the neonate in a minimally invasive way, it assesses neonatal vitality through a range of scores on clinical signs of health and vitality, such as reflexes, respiration rate, and mucosal coloration. The neonatal period is fundamental for lambs survival, that is dependent on complex interactions between maternal ability and newborn viability, as newborn lambs require milk and immunological protection that are dependent of mutual maternal-filial behaviour. The aim of this study was to determine the vitality of Suffolk newborn lambs by the modified Apgar method. Thirty-seven ewes were used and their lambs were classified at 5 min of age by the modified Apgar method. The ewes' body condition score, number of lambs born, and birth weight were recorded. Behaviour was evaluated by measuring, in minutes, the intervals between birth and sternal recumbency, the adoption of quadrupedal position, time until first suckling, and duration of first suckling. Blood samples were collected from the lambs between 24 and 36 h of age to determine gamma-glutamyltransferase activity. Of the 37 births observed, 20 were singles and 17 twins, resulting in 54 newborn lambs, which 27 were classified as high, 11 as moderate and 16 as low Apgar, and the percentages of deaths were 8% (n = 1), 10 % (n = 2) and 81.25 % (n = 13), respectively. The causes of death were: starvation-hypoglycemia-hypothermia complex (10/16, 62.5 %), pneumonia (3/16, 18.75 %), and stillbirth (3/16, 18.75 %). The concentration of gamma-glutamyltransferase in the lamb′s serum with low Apgar was significantly (p-value 0.0027) lower (462.4 IU/L) than in lambs born with moderate (1616.8 IU/L) and high (3177.7 IU/L) Apgar. Birth weight (r = 0.39 and p = 0.0015) and APGAR (r = 0.61 and p

This study presents the pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings associated with the extra-intestinal detection of canine kobuvirus (CaKV) in a 5-month-old Chihuahua puppy, that had a clinical history of bloody-tinged feces. Principal pathological findings were interstitial pneumonia, necrotizing bronchitis, and parvovirus-induced enteritis. Molecular diagnostic methods identified CaKV within the cerebellum, cerebrum, lung, tonsil, and liver. CaKV and rotavirus were not identified within the feces and intestine. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays detected antigens of CDV and CAdV-1 in the lungs. These results confirmed the extra-intestinal detection of CaKV in this puppy and represent the first extra-intestinal detection of CaKV in a dog.

Psychrotrophic microorganisms, especially Pseudomonas spp., are present in the microbiota of refrigerated milk as they can grow at refrigeration temperatures irrespective of their optimal growth temperature. Psychrotrophic counts ranging from 105 to 108 CFU/mL in refrigerated raw milk effect cheese quality, since the synthesized thermoresistant enzymes affect the nutritional value, sensory properties, and texture. Cheese is the dairy product with the highest growth rate in the food industry in Brazil in recent years and meets the current consumption trends of nutritious and practical foods. The objective of this review was to address the importance and influence of the psychrotrophic raw milk microbiota on the quality and sensory properties of cheese. The enzymes produced by psychrotrophic microorganisms lead to taste changes, undesirable clotting times, increased concentrations of free fatty acids and free amino acids, and a reduced shelf-life, in addition to negatively affecting cheese yields. Proteases from psychrotrophs are also associated with slicing problems and progressive loss of the elasticity of cheese, a bitter taste, and increased clotting times of cheese produced with pasteurized milk. On the other hand, their lipases increase the clotting time and have a negative effect on the sensory properties by providing a rancid, soap, metallic, or oxidized smell and taste. The control of the psychrotrophic population found in refrigerated raw milk contributes to better cheese production yields and desirable texture and sensory properties, which extends the shelf-life of cheese and improves consumer acceptance. Los microorganismos psicrotróficos, especialmente el género Pseudomonas spp, conforman el microbiota de la leche refrigerada porque son capaces de multiplicarse a temperaturas de refrigeración, independientemente de su temperatura de crecimiento óptima. La leche cruda refrigerada con recuentos psicrotróficos entre 105 y 108 UFC/mL compromete la producción de queso porque las enzimas termorresistentes sintetizadas deterioran la calidad nutricional, sensorial y de textura. En Brasil, dentro del sector lácteo, el queso representa el producto con mayor tasa de crecimiento en los últimos años, actualmente cumpliendo con las tendencias de alimentos nutritivos y prácticos para el consumo. El objetivo de esta revisión fue abordar la importancia y la influencia del microbiota psicrotrófica de la leche cruda en la calidad y las características sensoriales de los quesos. Las enzimas psicrotróficas promueven cambios en el sabor, tiempo de coagulación indeseable de las proteínas, mayor concentración de ácidos grasos y aminoácidos libres, limitación de la vida útil, así como efectos negativos en los rendimientos. Las proteasas psicrotróficas también se asocian con problemas de corte y pérdida progresiva de elasticidad del queso, sabor amargo y aumento del tiempo de coagulación de los quesos producidos con leche pasteurizada. Las lipasas psicrotróficas, por otro lado, confieren defectos como el sabor y el olor de rancio, jabón, metálico u oxidado a los quesos, además de aumentar el tiempo de coagulación. El control de la población psicrotrófica de la leche cruda refrigerada contribuye a un mejor rendimiento en la producción de quesos, textura y características sensoriales deseables, lo que asegura una mayor vida útil de los quesos y aceptado por el consumidor. Os micro-organismos psicrotróficos, com destaque ao gênero Pseudomonas spp, compõem a microbiota do leite refrigerado pois são capazes de se multiplicar em temperaturas de refrigeração, independentemente de sua temperatura ótima de crescimento. O leite cru refrigerado com contagens de psicrotróficos entre 105 e 108 UFC/mL compromete a produção de queijos pois as enzimas termorresistentes sintetizadas prejudicam a qualidade nutricional, sensorial e a textura. No Brasil, dentro do setor de lácteos, o queijo representa o produto com a maior taxa de crescimento nos últimos anos, atendendo atualmente às tendências de alimentos nutritivos e práticos para o consumo. O objetivo desta revisão foi abordar a importância e a influência da microbiota psicrotrófica do leite cru na qualidade e nas características sensoriais dos queijos. As enzimas psicrotróficas promovem mudanças no sabor, tempo de coagulação indesejável de proteínas, aumento da concentração de ácidos gordurosos e aminoácidos livres, limitação da vida útil, bem como efeitos negativos sobre os rendimentos. As proteases psicrotróficas também estão associadas a problemas de fatiamento e perda progressiva da elasticidade dos queijos, gosto amargo e aumento do tempo de coagulação da massa dos queijos produzidos com leite pasteurizado. Já as lipases psicrotróficas conferem defeitos como sabor e odor de ranço, de sabão, metálico ou oxidado aos queijos, além do aumento do tempo de coagulação. O controle da população psicrotrófica do leite cru refrigerado contribui para um melhor rendimento na produção de queijos, textura e caraterísticas sensoriais desejáveis, o que garante maior vida de prateleira dos queijos e o aceite pelo consumidor.

The present review aims to show the main aspects related to bluetongue virus (BTV) infection in sheep. The bluetongue (BT) is a viral, infectious, and non-contagious disease caused by a virus (BTV) of the Orbivirus genus, transmited by a hematophagous vector of the Culicoides genus, to domestic and wild ruminants, mainly to sheep, the most susceptible species. It is caused by the association of endemic with climate conditions, with high temperatures and humidity. Economic loss is directly linked to death, abortion, weight loss, loss of milk, and meat production, and, indirectly, to the restriction on the export of animals and their by-products. The study concludes that the BTV is worldwidely spread, and probably persists due to the warm and humid climate that leads to the proliferation of Culicoides sp., being necessary to adopt measures that reduce the risk factors associated to the BTV infection. RESUMO A presente revisão objetivou apresentar os principais aspectos relacionados à infecção causada pelo vírus da língua azul em ovinos. A língua azul é uma doença viral, infecciosa e não contagiosa, causada por um vírus (BTV) do gênero Orbivírus, transmitida por meio de vetores hematófagos do gênero Culicoides a ruminantes domésticos e selvagens, principalmente aos ovinos, a espécie mais susceptível. A infecção ocorre de forma endêmica, associada a condições climáticas com elevada temperatura e umidade. As perdas econômicas estão ligadas diretamente à morte, ao abortamento, à perda de peso, à perda na produção de leite e carne, e, indiretamente, devido à restrição na exportação de animais e seus subprodutos. O estudo conclui que a língua azul está disseminada mundialmente e persiste, provavelmente, devido ao clima quente e úmido que propicia a proliferação de Culicoides sp., sendo necessário adotar medidas que diminuam os fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo vírus.

The aim of this retrospective study was to use RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing analysis to determine the G (VP7 gene) and P (VP4 gene) genotypes of 155 Brazilian bovine rotavirus A (RVA) wild-type strains detected in diarrheic calves from all Brazilian geographical regions from 2006 to 2015. The RVA strains evaluated belonged to the G6, G10, P[5], and P[11] genotypes. The G6P[5] genotype was prevalent (65.5%; P 0.05) in beef, and the G10P[11] (38.4%) and G6P[11] (30.8%) genotypes were more prevalent in dairy cattle herds. The Midwest was the region with the highest number of genotyped RVA strains, where the genotypes G6, P[5], and P[11] were identified. Genotype combination G6-IV/P[5]-IX, prevalent in beef herds, and G6-III/P[11]-III or G10-IV/P[11]-III, prevalent in dairy herds, were detected. In addition, for the first time in Brazil, we detected the P[5] and P[11] genotype RVA strains that belong to lineage II and VII, respectively.

Worldwide diarrhea outbreaks in cattle herds are more frequently detected in calves being that diarrhea outbreaks in adult cattle are not common. Winter dysentery (WD) is a bovine coronavirus (BCoV) enteric infection that is more reported in Northern hemisphere. Seasonal outbreaks of WD in adult cattle occur mainly in dairy cows. WD has not been described in beef cattle herds of tropical countries. This study describes the molecular detection of BCoV in a diarrhea outbreak in beef cattle steers (Nellore) raised on pasture in Parana, southern Brazil. During the outbreak, the farm had about 600 fattening steers. Watery and bloody diarrhea unresponsive to systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy reveals a morbidity rate of approximately 15 %. The BCoV N gene was identified in 42.9 % (6/14) of the diarrheic fecal samples evaluated by semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (SN-PCR) technique. Other enteric microorganisms occasionally identified in adult cattle and evaluated in this study such as bovine groups A, B, and C rotavirus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine torovirus, aichivirus B, and Eimeria sp. were not identified in the fecal samples. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first description of the BCoV diagnosis in fecal samples collected in a diarrhea outbreak in adult beef cattle grazing in the grass in a tropical country.

This study aimed to evaluate the natural infection by SaV in pigs of different categories of production cycle in an important Brazilian pig-producing region. Faecal samples (n = 169) of suckling, post-weaning, finisher and breeder pig categories were analysed. Animals were from five farrow-to-weaning and nine grower-to-finish commercial pig farms. The RT-PCR assay was performed targeting the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of porcine SaV genome. The virus was detected in 23.7% (40/169) of faecal samples and in 10/14 (5/5 farrow-to-weaning; 5/9 grower-to-finish) of pig farms evaluated. Porcine SaV was most frequently (p

Helicobacter infection has been associated with hepatobiliary diseases in humans and animals. The aims of this study were to identify Helicobacter species in the hepatobiliary tract of dogs and to elucidate the possible association of these bacteria in liver diseases. Twenty-seven gastric and hepatobiliary samples were collected from 33 dogs with hepatic lesions and 17 dogs with no liver histological changes. Warthin-Starry staining, immunohistochemical assay, and PCR were performed to detect the presence of Helicobacter. Helicobacter genus was detected in 21.2% of the samples with hepatic lesions. The main lesion was chronic hepatitis. Immunohistochemistry revealed infection in liver (1/5) and gallbladder (1/3) 32 samples. The sequence analysis of seven amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene of Helicobacter genus from hepatobiliary samples showed 97.8 to 100% of nucleotide identity with gastric helicobacter. One amplicon of the ureA and ureB gene of Helicobacter genus from the stomach showed 89.1 to 90.7% nucleotide identity with H. heilmannii. The presence of Helicobacter genus in liver samples showing hepatic lesions suggests the involvement of these bacteria in the etiology of hepatobiliary disease in dogs. DNA sequences were similar to gastric Helicobacter species, reinforcing the hypothesis of bacterial translocation from the stomach to liver by the biliary pathway.

The aim of this study was to perform the molecular characterization of the eleven genes of a G6P[5] bovine group A rotavirus (RVA) strain detected in a diarrhea outbreak from a vaccinated beef cattle herd. The outbreak affected 80 % of calves between 15-30 days old. RVA was identified by RT-PCR in 12 (70.6 %) out of 17 diarrheic fecal samples evaluated. The rotavirus wild-type strain had the genotype constellation G6(IV)-P[5](IX)-I2c-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2e-H3a. This study confirms the importance of homotypic immunity against the bovine RVA P[5] genotype in neonatal diarrhea in cattle herds that are regularly vaccinated against rotaviruses.

Porcine group C rotavirus (RVC) is recognised as an enteric pathogen in piglets worldwide. The VP6 gene of RVC is divided into seven I-genotypes. Genotypes I2 and I3 are found in human and bovine strains, respectively; the porcine strains are divided into the other five genotypes (I1, I4-I7). In this study, molecular analysis of nearly the full length of the VP6 gene was performed in 11 Brazilian wild-type porcine RVC strains identified in diarrhoeic faecal samples, which were collected from eight pig farms located in five Brazilian states from piglets of 1-4 weeks of age. The nucleotide sequences of the VP6 gene showed 82.9-100 % identity between the Brazilian strains, 84.9-93.1 % with the prototype Cowden strain, and 82.4-92.2 % with other porcine RVC strains. In the 11 diarrhoeic faecal samples analysed in this study, three distinct porcine RVC genotypes (I1, I5, and I6) were identified and none were predominant. The results presented in this study revealed a high nucleotide diversity of the VP6 gene in porcine RVC field strains circulating in Brazil, which highlights the importance of further epidemiological and molecular surveys worldwide.

The episodes of diarrhea caused by neonatal bovine rotavirus group A (BoRVA) constitute one of the major health problems in the calf rearing worldwide. The main G (VP7) and P (VP4) genotypes of BoRVA strains involved in the etiology of diarrhea in calves are G6P[1], G10P[11], G6P[5], and G8P[1]. However, less frequently, other G and P genotypes have been described in BoRVA strains identified in diarrheic fecal samples of calves. This study describes the identification and molecular characterization of an emerging genotype (G6P[11]) in BoRVA strains involved in the etiology of a diarrhea outbreak in beef calves in a cattle herd of high production in extensive management system. The diarrhea outbreak, which showed high morbidity (60%) and lethality (7%) rates, occurred in calves (n= 384) Nelore (Bos indicus) up to 30-day-old from the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. BoRVA was identified in 80% (16/20) of the fecal samples analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) technique. In all PAGE-positive fecal samples were amplified products with 1,062-bp and 876-bp in the RT-PCR assays for VP7 (G type) and VP4 (VP8*) (P type) of BoRVA, respectively. The nucleotide sequence analysis of VP7 and VP4 genes of four wild-type BoRVA strains showed G6-III P[11]-III genotype/lineage. The G6P[11] genotype has been described in RVA strains of human and animal hosts, however, in calves this genotype was only identified in some cross-sectional studies and not as a single cause of diarrhea outbreaks in calves with high morbidity and lethality rates as described in this study. The monitoring of the G and P genotypes of BoRVA strains involved in diarrhea outbreaks in calves is important for both animal and public health by allowing the identification of the most frequent genotypes, the characterization of novel genotypes and to identify reassortments with genotypes described in animal and human hosts. The results of this study show the importance of the monitoring of the genotypes of BoRVA strains involved in episodes of bovine neonatal diarrhea as for characterization of frequency of occurrence and pathogenic potential of uncommon genotypes as for monitoring of the emergency of different BoRVA genotypes not included in commercial vaccines. Os episódios de diarreia neonatal ocasionados pelo rotavírus bovino grupo A (BoRVA) constituem-se em um dos principais problemas sanitários na criação de bezerros em todo o mundo. Os principais genotipos G (VP7) e P (VP4) de cepas de BoRVA envolvidos na etiologia da diarreia em bezerros são G6P[1], G10P[11], G6P[5] e G8P[1]. No entanto, com menor frequência, outros genotipos G e P têm sido descritos em cepas de BoRVA identificadas em amostras de fezes diarreicas de bezerros. Este estudo descreve a identificação e caracterização molecular de um genotipo emergente (G6P[11]) em cepas de BoRVA envolvidas na etiologia de um surto de diarreia em bezerros de um rebanho bovino de corte de alta produção em sistema de manejo extensivo. O surto, que apresentou altas taxas de morbidade (60%) e de letalidade (7%), ocorreu em bezerros (n=384) da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) com até 30 dias de idade, provenientes do estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. O BoRVA foi identificado em 80% (16/20) das amostras fecais analisadas pela técnica de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (PAGE). Em todas as amostras fecais PAGE-positivas foi possível a amplificação por RT-PCR de produtos com 1.062 pb e 876 pb referentes aos genes VP7 (G tipo) e VP4 (VP8*) (P tipo), respectivamente, de BoRVA. A análise da sequência de nucleotídeos dos genes VP7 e VP4 de quatro cepas de BoRVA demonstrou a presença do genotipo/linhagem G6-III P[11]-III. O genotipo G6P[11] tem sido descrito em cepas de RVA de hospedeiros humanos e animais. Contudo, em bezerros, este genotipo foi apenas identificado em alguns estudos transversais e não como a única causa de surtos de diarreia em bezerros com altas taxas de morbidade e letalidade como descrito neste estudo. O monitoramento dos genotipos G e P de cepas de BoRVA envolvidos em surtos de diarreia em bezerros é relevante tanto para a saúde animal quanto para a saúde pública por possibilitar a identificação dos genotipos mais frequentes, a caracterização de novos genotipos e por identificar reassortments com genotipos descritos em hospedeiros humanos e animais. Os resultados deste estudo demonstram a importância do monitoramento dos genotipos de cepas de BoRVA envolvidas em surtos de diarreia neonatal bovina tanto para a caracterização da frequência de ocorrência e potencial patogênico de genotipos incomuns quanto para o monitoriamento da emergência de genotipos distintos daqueles incluídos em vacinas comerciais.

Porcine group A rotavirus (PoRVA) is a major cause of neonatal diarrhea in suckling and recently weaned piglets worldwide. The involvement of non-group A rotavirus in cases of neonatal diarrhea in piglets are sporadic. In Brazil there are no reports of the porcine rotavirus group C (PoRVC) as etiologic agent of the diarrhea outbreaks in piglets. The aim of this study was to describe the identification of rotavirus group C in single and in mixed infection with rotavirus groups A and B in three neonatal diarrhea outbreaks in suckling (

There are few studies involving the detection of Aichivirus B in cattle herds worldwide, and this virus has never been diagnosed in South America. This study evaluated 222 diarrhoeic faecal samples from four Brazilian geographical regions (South, Southeast, Midwest, and North), collected between February 2010 to May 2012. To evaluate the frequency of occurrence in different types of livestock, samples from beef (n = 105) and dairy (n = 117) cattle herds were evaluated. To determine the category of animals more susceptible to infection, the sampling included samples from calves (n = 182) and adults animals (n = 40). The 216 bp fragment of the Aichivirus RdRp gene was amplified by a RT-PCR assay in 18.2 % (40/222) of the samples evaluated in both beef and dairy cattle animals. The highest (P

We determined nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the rotavirus gene encoding viral protein 6 from 3 fecal samples collected from piglets with diarrhea in Brazil, 2012. The analyses showed that the porcine rotavirus strains in Brazil are closely related to the novel species H rotavirus.