Search

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern worldwide, requiring a holistic “One Health” strategy to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This study focused on Enterococci isolated from Canary Island Egyptian vulture chicks, an endangered species that feeds at supplementary feeding stations in the Canary Islands. Sampling and identification revealed the presence of several Enterococcus species, with a predominance of E. faecalis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed resistance patterns, especially to important antibiotics such as quinolones, vancomycin, and linezolid. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant profiles was lower than that in other wild bird species. This study underscores the need for further research to understand the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in wildlife and its implications for public health and conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of a “One Health” approach to address this pressing problem.

Boar semen analysis includes sperm motility, concentration, morphology and other more complex analyses such as membrane integrity, DNA damage and seminal plasma components. This study aims to summarize these numerous data by linear combinations of them, to classify ejaculates in several categories (clusters) and to investigate the potential differences among clusters on fertility and prolificacy. Young Pietrain boars (23 ± 3.6 months) were investigated: ten boars from the Nucléus genetic line (group 1: 90 ejaculates weekly) and five boars from the Batallé genetic line (group 2: 30 ejaculates weekly). Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) examined motility. Sperm viability, acrosome reaction, early apoptosis, mitochondrial activity and DNA damage were studied by flow cytometry analysis. SPSS v.26 software was used to perform principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering. Three principal components (PC1: speed; PC2: linear path; PC3: DNA damage) were detected and four clusters identified in both groups. Clusters also differed significantly in several variables not included in these PCs (group 1: beat cross frequency and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase; group 2: cathepsin B, abnormal forms, mitochondrial activity and high DNA stainability). PCA and clustering achieved adequate description of these ejaculates, but no differences among clusters were found for fertility or prolificacy, probably because the minimum sperm requirements had been met.

Limited molecular data exist on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp., the most prevalent parasite in human and animal feces worldwide. A total of 44 different subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis are currently recognized based on the sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene. This is a molecular study of Blastocystis spp. in hospitalized patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in northern Spain. We analyzed 173 Blastocystis-positive patients with gastrointestinal symptoms by using nested PCR for molecular detection, subtype identification, phylogenetic analyses, and genetic diversity assessment. ST2 (34.1%) and ST3 (34.7%) predominated, followed by ST1 (15.6%) and ST4 (15.6%). Mixed infections with different subtypes were observed in some patients. Sequence analysis revealed for the first time in European humans the allele 88 (a variant of ST1). In other cases, alleles commonly found in animal samples were detected (allele 9 in ST2, allele 34 in ST3, and allele 42 in ST4). Phylogenetic analysis showed high variability in ST1 and ST2, suggesting a polyphyletic origin, while both ST3 and ST4 exhibited higher genetic homogeneity, indicating a possible monophyletic origin and recent transmission to humans. These data confirm Blastocystis spp. subtype diversity and may help in understanding the evolutionary processes and potential zoonotic transmission of this parasite.

Osteomyelitis is a challenging infectious disease affecting humans and animals. It is difficult to diagnose because, in many cases, symptoms are non-specific and, for example in implant-related cases, can appear long time after surgery. In addition to this, it is also difficult to treat due to the need to find the appropriate antibiotic regime and delivery system to reach the site of infection and to avoid development of bacterial resistance. The central purpose of this review is to compare the microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in human and veterinary medicine, with the aim of improving the microbiological diagnosis and treatment of this infection in animals. Furthermore, the study of osteomyelitis in animals may help to improve the development of animal models for testing new treatments in humans. Host factors and underlying conditions have been studied mainly in humans, although aspects as immunodeficiency have been described in some veterinary cases. Even when Staphylococcus aureus is still considered the most prevalent causing microorganism, this prevalence should be reviewed using molecular diagnostic techniques, and this could affect treatment options. New approaches to treatment include local delivery of antibiotics using different biomaterials, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, and new antimicrobial compounds. We would like to remark the need of large, high-quality clinical trials and of the development of guides for the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis in different animal species.

Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) and footrot (FR), a sub-acute or acute necrotic (decaying) infectious disease involving the hoof and underlying tissues, pose economic challenges to herds in Spain and worldwide. The aetiological agent for FR is Dichelobacter nodosus, while CODD is caused by pathogenic Treponema phylogroups. We detail the findings derived from the analysis by qPCR of 105 pooled samples from 100 ovine and five caprine herds in Spain and Portugal, alongside 15 samples from healthy flocks in order to identify Dichelobacter nodosus, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Treponema spp., and three pathogenic Treponema phylogroups (T. phagedenis, T. medium, and T. pedis). Treponema spp. were detected in all 120 pools, including samples from the 15 healthy flocks where only one positive result for F. necrophorum was recorded. Mixed infections by agents different from Treponema spp. were identified in 68.57% of samples. Positive results for F. necrophorum and/or D. nodosus, were obtained for 91.4% of the pools, whereas the presence of the three pathogenic Treponema phylogroups was rare: each of them appeared in isolation in a single pool, while they were found in 18 pools in combination with other agents. While F. necrophorum was the sole finding in 16.2% of samples from affected herds, D. nodosus (the footrot causative agent) was only detected in 61% of affected farms. An improved qPCR protocol was implemented to determine the serogroups of D. nodosus in the samples and found all of them (except the G serogroup), often in combined infections (35.1%). This report concludes with comprehensive proposals for diagnosing, preventing, and treating hoof ailments, remarking the interest of the information about D. nodosus serogroups in order to improve the efficiency of immunization by choosing appropriate vaccine protocols.

One of the main challenges for the sustainability and productivity of the Spanish swine industry is health instability, resulting in significant economic losses. Information on the main swine diseases which affect the Spanish pig industry could help in optimizing the efforts within control programs. This study determined the frequency of occurrence of the main diseases in Spain and the main control tool used, based on perceptions from veterinarians and consultants in a specific survey. Results showed that Streptococcus (S.) suis, E. coli, and coccidia are the most frequent pathogens in the gestation and lactation phase, whereas the most important were Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV). In the nursery phase, the most frequent were S. suis, E. coli, and PRRSV, the latter being the most important for the participants. Finally, in the fattening phase, PRRSV and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae were the most frequent and important pathogen, respectively. Statistical differences among responses were detected with respect to the location and the gestation and lactation phases by farm size. Regarding the tools used for controlling the diseases, vaccination was the main strategy in all production phases, except in the fattening period, in which antibiotherapy was the most common response from the participants. Finally, the improvement of management practices was the most proposed tool, suggesting its importance within control programs.

Abstract Background Early onset of a gilt´s puberty is needed for adequate economic performance in farms, because it indicates her reproductive performance and longevity. Therefore, an effective diagnosis is needed. Our purpose was to compare different procedures (external characteristics, blood progesterone analysis and ultrasonography diagnosis) to detect puberty in 70 gilts (Topigs TN70; 240 days old) on farm conditions. Postmortem examination was the standard reference. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify which combination of independent variables (predictors) best predicts the status of gilts. Results Puberty (46/70 gilts; 65.71%) was characterized by the presence of follicles larger than 6 mm, corpus albicans, corpus rubrum, and corpus luteum (postmortem examination). Vaginal length, body condition, backfat, carcass weight and progesterone blood concentration were significantly higher in pubertal than prepubertal gilts (P

Trypanosomosis is a global animal issue, causing significant economic losses, particularly in Africa. In Spain, only one pathogenic species, Trypanosoma evansi, has been identified so far. It was first detected in a dromedary camel in the Canary Islands in 1997. Since then, numerous cases of the disease, known as Surra, have been diagnosed, prompting various studies and efforts in control and surveillance. Given the lack of a comprehensive database that consolidates the most relevant data in this area, the development of a national atlas, with a focus on the Canary Islands, to incorporate all available information on T. evansi in Spain became a necessity. For the development of the atlas, a repository was constructed, encompassing a range of datasets and documents spanning from 1997 to 2022. Information from each source, and in particular georeferenced locations and results of blood tests on animals, were extracted and integrated into a comprehensive database. A total of 31 sources were analysed, providing a total of 99 georeferenced locations and 12,433 animal samples. Out of these samples, 601 (mostly from dromedaries) were found to be positive for T. evansi. The Card Agglutination Test for T. evansi (CATT/T. evansi), a serological test, was the most commonly used diagnostic method, and it showed a higher prevalence for all tested animal species. Positive cases were mainly concentrated in the Canary Islands, specifically in the eastern islands, with isolated cases found in the province of Alicante (Iberian Peninsula). This atlas provides an overview of the history and occurrence of Surra in Spain, and it represents a valuable tool for future control initiatives and for research. Still, the need for more studies remains, especially for further testing of potential hosts other than camelids and for the examination of their potential transmission vectors.

This paper presents the development of a numerical model able to track in time the behavior of nonlinear focused ultrasound when interacting with tiny gas bubbles in a liquid. Our goal here is to analyze the frequency components of the waves by developing a model that can easily be adapted to the geometrical restrictions and complexities that come out in several application frameworks (sonochemistry, medicine, and engineering). We thus model the behavior of nonlinear focused ultrasound propagating in a liquid with gas bubbles by means of the finite-element method in an axisymmetric three-dimensional domain and the generalized-α method in the time domain. The model solves a differential system derived for the nonlinear interaction of acoustic waves and gas bubble oscillations. The high nonlinearity and dispersion of the bubbly medium hugely affect the behavior of the finite-amplitude waves. These characteristics are used here to generate frequency components of the signals that do not exist at the source through nonlinear mixing (parametric antenna). The ability of the model to work with complex geometries, which is the main advantage of the method, is illustrated through the simulation of nonlinear focused ultrasound in a medium excited from two spherical sources in opposite directions.

Contagious ecthyma is a highly transmissible eruptive viral disease of the skin and mucosa of sheep and goats distributed worldwide. The treatment of orf lesions is usually based on the use of antiseptics and antibiotics for the management of presumptive secondary infections, increasing risks of antimicrobial resistance. The wound dressing formulation Tri-Solfen® (TS) containing two local anaesthetics (lignocaine and bupivacaine), adrenaline and an antiseptic (cetrimide) in a gel formulation has been demonstrated to reduce suffering and enhance recovery in cattle and buffalo with oral and skin lesions due to foot-and-mouth disease virus infection and reduced the orf viral load in lambs. In the present study, experimental infection with the orf virus was conducted in 50 newborn lambs and 25 animals were treated after the presence of the first lesions with TS and repeated three days later. Daily clinical examination, haematological, serological, biomolecular and post-mortem analyses were conducted during 34 days after treatment. Results indicated that treatment had no effect on weight gain and clinical progression of the lesions. It was determined that seroconversion after experimental infection occurs 34 days after infection and suggested that the deep basal epithelial location of the orf lesions may have prevented the therapy from having altered the clinical course.

In this paper we study the generation and behavior of subharmonics in a bubbly liquid confined in an acoustic resonator, through numerical simulations carried out at finite-amplitude acoustic pressure. Several configurations in terms of resonator length and driving frequency are considered here. Our results show that these frequency components, created from a higher-frequency signal at the source (ultrasound), are due to the nonlinearity of the medium at high acoustic-pressure amplitude and to the configuration of the resonator (geometry and boundaries). We also show that they have an amplitude-threshold dependence, which is in concordance with the literature. The response of these subharmonics to different sequences of pressure amplitudes also reveals the hysteretic nature of the bubbly liquid.

Vector-borne diseases affecting livestock have serious impacts in Africa. Trypanosomosis is caused by parasites transmitted by tsetse flies and other blood-sucking Diptera. The animal form of the disease is a scourge for African livestock keepers, is already present in Latin America and Asia, and has the potential to spread further. A human form of the disease also exists, known as human African trypanosomosis or sleeping sickness. Controlling and progressively minimizing the burden of animal trypanosomosis (COMBAT) is a four-year research and innovation project funded by the European Commission, whose ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of animal trypanosomosis (AT) in Africa. The project builds on the progressive control pathway (PCP), a risk-based, step-wise approach to disease reduction or elimination. COMBAT will strengthen AT control and prevention by improving basic knowledge of AT, developing innovative control tools, reinforcing surveillance, rationalizing control strategies, building capacity, and raising awareness. Knowledge gaps on disease epidemiology, vector ecology and competence, and biological aspects of trypanotolerant livestock will be addressed. Environmentally friendly vector control technologies and more effective and adapted diagnostic tools will be developed. Surveillance will be enhanced by developing information systems, strengthening reporting, and mapping and modelling disease risk in Africa and beyond. The socio-economic burden of AT will be assessed at a range of geographical scales. Guidelines for the PCP and harmonized national control strategies and roadmaps will be developed. Gender equality and ethics will be pivotal in all project activities. The COMBAT project benefits from the expertise of African and European research institutions, national veterinary authorities, and international organizations. The project consortium comprises 21 participants, including a geographically balanced representation from 13 African countries, and it will engage a larger number of AT-affected countries through regional initiatives.

Vector-borne diseases affecting livestock have serious impacts in Africa. Trypanosomosis is caused by parasites transmitted by tsetse flies and other blood-sucking Diptera. The animal form of the disease is a scourge for African livestock keepers, is already present in Latin America and Asia, and has the potential to spread further. A human form of the disease also exists, known as human African trypanosomosis or sleeping sickness. Controlling and progressively minimizing the burden of animal trypanosomosis (COMBAT) is a four-year research and innovation project funded by the European Commission, whose ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of animal trypanosomosis (AT) in Africa. The project builds on the progressive control pathway (PCP), a risk-based, step-wise approach to disease reduction or elimination. COMBAT will strengthen AT control and prevention by improving basic knowledge of AT, developing innovative control tools, reinforcing surveillance, rationalizing control strategies, building capacity, and raising awareness. Knowledge gaps on disease epidemiology, vector ecology and competence, and biological aspects of trypanotolerant livestock will be addressed. Environmentally friendly vector control technologies and more effective and adapted diagnostic tools will be developed. Surveillance will be enhanced by developing information systems, strengthening reporting, and mapping and modelling disease risk in Africa and beyond. The socio-economic burden of AT will be assessed at a range of geographical scales. Guidelines for the PCP and harmonized national control strategies and roadmaps will be developed. Gender equality and ethics will be pivotal in all project activities. The COMBAT project benefits from the expertise of African and European research institutions, national veterinary authorities, and international organizations. The project consortium comprises 21 participants, including a geographically balanced representation from 13 African countries, and it will engage a larger number of AT-affected countries through regional initiatives.

Rumenotomy is one of the most widely used surgical techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of different rumen conditions in ruminants. It is commonly used for large ruminants, such as cattle. Although this technique is also applied to small ruminants, there is a lack of standardization. To date, it has not been fully described in the available literature, which is mostly from developing countries with a small number of peer-reviewed publications. This review is thus intended to summarize the body of knowledge related to the technique that has been published so far and make it available for clinical practice. The indications for rumenotomy, preoperative management of patients, different surgical techniques and postoperative management, including complications from the procedure, are discussed.

The aim of this paper is to optimize the generation of frequencies obtained nonlinearly from the propagation of ultrasound in a bubbly liquid. A study is presented for which the number and size of the gas bubbles in the liquid are varied to determine the optimal medium, which is the one that allows the highest amplitude for these frequency components. We use a previously developed numerical software that tracks the nonlinear behavior of both ultrasound and bubble vibrations in time to carry out several simulations. We focus our attention on two one-dimensional configurations, a resonator of length set at a quarter of the wavelength with a free-wall condition and a cavity of length set at sixteen wavelengths with open-field condition. In each case, we analyze the generation of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th harmonics of the source frequency. Our results show that, in both cases, the use of higher source amplitudes and lower source frequencies is more useful to increase the harmonic amplitudes. Moreover, smaller bubbles are more adequate when the void fraction is kept constant for this purpose in the first configuration, whereas the modification of void fraction has no influence in the second configuration, for which given a void fraction value, bubble sizes whose ratio are f0/f≈5, f0/f≈7, and f0/f≈9 maximize the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th harmonics, respectively. These conclusions could be of interest for some applications.

Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterium causing human Q fever and reproductive disorders in domestic ruminants. We analyzed the occurrence of C. burnetii and co-infections with six other major pathogens causing abortion in sheep (1242 cases) and goat (371 cases) flocks from Spain and Portugal. After real-time PCR detection, co-infections were established by principal component and cluster analysis that grouped cases based on the joint presence/absence of several microorganisms. C. burnetii and Chlamydia abortus were the most common abortifacient agents with approximately 75% of cases from both hosts testing positive, followed by Toxoplasma gondii, Campylobacter sp., Salmonella enterica, border disease virus and Neospora caninum. C. burnetii was significantly more common than C. abortus in goat abortions (p < 0.001). Co-infections with at least two pathogens were found in more than 66% cases of ovine abortions and 36% cases of caprine abortions testing positive for C. burnetii, mostly including mixed infections with only C. abortus. These findings indicate that both pathogens are the most significant ones to be readily prevented by vaccination in this geographical area. Biosecurity and biocontainment measures are also steadfastly recommended to prevent both the economic losses and public health risks associated with most of these abortifacient agents.

Coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CoPS) can exist as commensals in humans, companion and food-producing animals, but can cause severe or even lethal diseases. Exchange of these bacteria between humans and animals has been described. Special attention has been focused on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, but other CoPS can also represent an important threat. In addition to significant antimicrobial resistance, these bacteria may carry a plethora of virulence factors - molecules that allow bacteria to establish on or within a host and increase their ability to cause disease. These virulence factors have been widely described in S. aureus but information about other species of CoPS is scarce. The aim of this paper is to review the recent literature about the virulence factors of non-aureus CoPS of animal origin. Their possible effects on human health are also described. The role and prevalence of different virulence factors including leukocidins, hemolysins, adhesins, enterotoxins, exfoliative and toxic shock syndrome toxins as well as superantigen-like proteins are addressed. The effect of these virulence factors on human health is also described. The possibility of misdiagnosis of species of CoPS has been demonstrated in human clinical samples. Prevalence of zoonotic infections could be higher than thought and medical laboratories should be aware of these other staphylococcal species. In keeping with the ‘One Health’ approach to animal and human disease, medical professionals, veterinarians and health workers should be aware of the risks derived from exposure to these bacteria in people in close contact with animals, including pet owners, farmers and veterinarians themselves.

Blastocystis sp. is known to be the most prevalent parasite in fecal samples of humans worldwide. In the present report, a case–control study (1:9.89 (≈10)) was performed, by analyzing data from 3682 patients who attended a public hospital in the northern area of Spain showing gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis was performed in human fecal samples by means of optical microscopy. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms was 9.18% (338/3682). Most of the Blastocystis sp.-infected patients tested negative for protozoa and helminths, and were underweight and foreign-born (26.4%), mainly from Africa and Central/South America. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, anorexia, halitosis, plus relative eosinophilia, as well as co-infections with pathogenic bacteria were associated with Blastocystis sp. infection. Both type 2 diabetes and treatment with immunosuppressive medicines at the time of Blastocystis sp. detection were associated with a higher proportion of infected patients. This is the first case–control study of Blastocystis sp. in humans in northern Spain and may contribute to surveillance and intervention strategies by public health authorities.

Several different species of animals host staphylococci as normal microbiota. These animals can be a source of staphylococci zoonotic infections. People with routine or occupational exposure to infected/colonized animals are at risk of a potential transmission. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the presence of S. aureus and other staphylococci in camels used for recreational purposes as well as their antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors and genetic lineages. A total of 172 samples were collected from 86 healthy camels (nose and mouth) from different farms located in the Canary Islands, Spain. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against 14 antimicrobial agents. The presence of virulence genes was studied by PCR. Multilocus sequence typing, spa typing and agr typing were performed in all S. aureus isolates. From the 86 camels tested, 42 staphylococci were isolated, of which there were 11 S. aureus, 13 S. lentus, 12 S. sciuri, 3 S. xylosus, S. epidermidis, S. hominis and S. chromogenes. Staphylococci isolates were resistant to penicillin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin and fusidic acid. All S. aureus isolates harbored the hla, hlb and hld virulence genes. S. aureus isolates were ascribed to three sequence types (STs) and three spa types. All S. aureus isolates belonged to agr type III. Camels from Gran Canaria used in recreational purposes have a moderate prevalence of S. aureus and other coagulase-negative staphylococci. Nevertheless, S. aureus isolates are susceptible to almost all antibiotics tested.

The aim of this work is to study the nonlinear frequency mixing that comes out in the focus region in a bubbly liquid when a spherical transducer emits a dual-frequency ultrasonic wave of finite amplitude in a three-dimensional open domain with axial symmetry. The nonlinear interaction between the acoustic field and the bubble vibrations is modeled through a coupled differential system formed by the wave equation and a Rayleigh-Plesset equation. Simulations are performed by means of an ad-hoc numerical model developed on the basis of multi-dimensional finite-volume and finite-difference techniques. Results show the nonlinear response of the system by showing the space distribution of the fundamental and harmonics for a single-frequency excitation (for which a convergence study is also carried out) and the space distribution of the difference and sum-frequency components for a two-frequency excitation. In the former case a law is proposed for the evolution of each one of the second and third harmonics vs. amplitude. In the latter configuration a law is proposed for the evolution of each one of the difference and sum frequencies vs. amplitude. This work suggests that the combination of two frequencies emitted from a spherical transducer can allow the enhancement of the generation of the difference and sum-frequencies in a restricted volume of the bubbly liquid. This could be used to control the amplitude and space extent of these frequency components by modifying the shape of the spherical transducer, the primary frequencies, and the pressure amplitude. Our results can be useful for industrial and medical processes based on nonlinear frequency mixing. Keywords: Focused ultrasonic field, Numerical model, Nonlinear distortion, Nonlinear frequency mixing

Natural aquatic environments represent one of the most important vehicles of bacterial dissemination. Therefore, we aimed to isolate staphylococci from surface waters and to investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors as well as the genetic lineages of all Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Staphylococci were recovered from water samples collected from 78 surface waters, including rivers, streams, irrigation ditches, dams, lakes, and fountains. The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors was investigated by PCR. Multilocus sequence typing and spa-typing were performed in all S. aureus isolates. From the 78 water samples, 33 S. aureus, one S. pseudintermedius, and 51 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were identified. Among the S. aureus isolates, four MRSA were identified, and all harbored the mecC gene. Fourteen S. aureus were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested and the remaining showed resistance to penicillin, erythromycin and/or tetracycline encoded by the blaZ, ermT, msr(A/B), tetL, and vgaA genes. Regarding the clonal lineages, one mecC-MRSA isolate belonged to spa-type t843 and sequence type (ST) 130 and the other three to t742 and ST425. The remaining S. aureus were ascribed 14 spa-types and 17 sequence types. Eleven species of CoNS were isolated: S. sciuri, S. lentus, S. xylosus, S. epidermidis, S. cohnii spp. urealyticus, S. vitulinus, S. caprae, S. carnosus spp. Carnosus, S. equorum, S. simulans, and S. succinus. Thirteen CoNS isolates had a multidrug resistance profile and carried the following genes: mecA, msr(A/B), mph(C), aph(3′)-IIIa, aac(6′)-Ie–aph(2′’)-Ia, dfrA, fusB, catpC221, and tetK. A high diversity of staphylococci was isolated from surface waters including mecCMRSA strains and isolates presenting multidrug-resistance profiles. Studies on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci in surface waters are still very scarce but extremely important to estimate the contribution of the aquatic environment in the spread of these bacteria.

Traditional morphology studies form the basis for the classification of canine breeds as established by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The FCI recommendations for the acceptance of a new breed include both the differentiation and the identification of close phylogenetic relationships with the previously accepted breeds. These requirements can be met in an affordable way by using the information provided by routine genetic identification procedures. In this report, a set of 21 microsatellite molecular markers is applied to the study of three non-achondroplasic Spanish ‘Podenco’ breeds, currently included in FCI’s group five (section 7). For this purpose, factorial correspondence analysis (FCA), genetic distances and Bayesian population structure are applied to the multilocus genotypes obtained from a sample of ‘Podenco’ individuals of the different breeds, while German Shepherd Dogs are used as the outgroup. Molecular analysis confirms the existing classification and supports the inclusion of ‘Podenco Valenciano’ as a new breed in the same FCI group and section. Therefore, the FCI requirements for its acceptance are met in a cost efficient way. A similar approach is suitable for other canine populations, supplementing the traditional morphological criteria.

Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the smallest piglets (birth weight < 1.100 kg; Q1). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets) and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight (days 21 and 60) and average daily gain (ADG; days 0–10, 0–21, and 0–60) and a decreased use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea (p < 0.05). SUP piglets showed better immune response (presence of antibodies, p = 0.033) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (day 21), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS; day 60), and influenza (day 60). In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had important effects on mean weight in the first day of life (p = 0.009) and ADG until day 21 (p < 0.05). The smallest piglets had decreased the use of antibiotic treatment use when supplemented (p < 0.05). Colostrum supplementation can improve piglets´ performance and health, although doing so requires increased time and labour in maternity.

Tooth resorption (TR; progressive destruction of hard dental tissues) varies in prevalence according to population, age, and country (29–66.1%). Our objective was twofold: describing the TR clinical presentation in Northeastern Spain, and studying 34 blood parameters to ascertain potential systemic effects associated with TR. Cases (29; presented from September 2018 to May 2019) and controls (58) were considered. Non-parametric tests were carried out to compare cases and controls for each blood parameter; those showing significant differences were chosen for multiple regression analysis (binomial logistic and hierarchical multiple regressions). In case TR was detected in 130/870 teeth (14.9%), TR stage and type were correlated (p < 0.001). Increasing CREA values (p = 0.034) and decreasing BUN/CREA and ALB/GLOB values were associated with TR presence (p = 0.029 and p = 0.03, respectively). Increasing GLOB was associated with increasing severity of TR (p < 0.01). Type 1 TR (highly related to inflammation and periodontal disease PD) was the most frequently observed type; the association of TR and inflammation biomarkers (ALB/GLOB, GLOB) are explained by this fact. The concomitant presence of PD and TR in old cats would cause TR association with kidney damage biomarkers (CREA, BUN/CREA). When affected by TR, special care in these aspects must be provided to cats.

The presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli in cloacal samples from Canarian Egyptian vultures was investigated. Samples were obtained from chicks (n = 65) and from adults and immature birds (n = 38). Antimicrobial susceptibility to 16 antibiotics included in 12 different categories was determined for 103 E. coli isolates. MDR was defined as acquired non-susceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial categories. Forty-seven different resistance phenotypes were detected: 31 MDR (41 isolates) and 16 non-MDR (62 isolates). One isolate was resistant to all 12 antimicrobial categories and 2 phenotypes included resistance to 9 antimicrobial categories. Imipenem resistance was included in five MDR phenotypes, corresponding to five different isolates. Statistically significant differences in prevalence of MDR-phenotypes were found between chicks in nests and the rest of the animals, probably due to the shorter exposure time of chicks to antimicrobials. The main risk derived from MDR bacteria in scavengers is that it threatens the treatment of wild animals in rescue centres and could be transferred to other animals in the facilities. In addition to this, it could pose a health risk to veterinarians or other staff involved in wildlife protection programmes.

Current protocols for gilts recommend the deposit of multiple semen doses in the cervix each 12–24 h after estrus detection. Our objectives were: (1) to determine the effect of buserelin and a single fixed-time artificial insemination using the new post-cervical artificial insemination technique (FTAI-PCAI) on reproductive and productive performance in gilts, and (2) to compare this protocol with conventional estrus detection and double PCAI without hormonal induction. In the control group (C; n = 240), gilts were inseminated twice (8 and 12 h from estrus onset). Gilts in the treatment group (T; n = 226) received buserelin (10 μg, intramuscular) 120 h after altrenogest treatment (18 d) and one single PCAI 30–33 h after buserelin administration. The groups did not differ in reproductive and production performance (p > 0.05). The T group showed greater piglet birth weight and shorter estrus duration (p < 0.001). Delivery batch length differed significantly depending on the season (p < 0.05); the shortest length corresponded to autumn. Both groups only differed significantly in spring (p = 0.018), with a shorter length in the T group. This new FTAI-PCAI protocol with buserelin is recommended in gilts, helping with optimization of genetic diffusion, boars, and semen doses.

Escherichia coli are facultative, anaerobic Gram-negative rods with many facets. Within resistant bacterial populations, they play an important ecological role and can be used as a bioindicator of antimicrobial resistance. All animal species used for food production, as well as humans, carry E. coli in their intestinal tracts; plus, the genetic flexibility and adaptability of this bacteria to constantly changing environments allows it to acquire a great number of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Thus, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in these commensal bacteria (or others, such as enterococci) can be a good indicator for the selective pressure caused by the use of antimicrobial agents, providing an early warning of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens. As many as 90% of E. coli strains are commensals inhabiting the intestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals. As a commensal, it lives in a mutually beneficial association with its hosts and rarely causes diseases. However, E. coli also remains as one of the most frequent causes of several common bacterial infections in humans and animals. In humans, it is the prominent cause of enteritis, community- and hospital-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI), septicemia, postsurgical peritonitis, and other clinical infections, such as neonatal meningitis, while, in farm animals, it is more prominently associated with diarrhea. On a global scale, E. coli can be considered the most important human pathogen, causing severe infection along with other major bacterial foodborne agents, such as Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter. Thus, the importance of resistance in E. coli, typically considered a benign commensal, should not be underestimated.

Four hundred and ninety-eight culled sheep received at the Ruminant Clinical Service of the Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Spain, were examined in life and after humanitarian sacrifice in order to reach the final diagnosis of the cause of culling and to evaluate the presence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) lesions. One hundred and forty-seven of the 498 studied animals (29.52%) showed CLA compatible lesions that were subsequently confirmed by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolation. One hundred and seven of the 147 CLA affected animals presenting the visceral clinical form of the disease (72.79%), while only 32 animals were affected by the superficial form (21.77%). In addition, eight animals were found to be affected in both the visceral and the superficial presentations (5.44%). Eighty-four of the 147 CLA-affected animals (57.14%) did not show any concurrent disease, considering, in this case, CLA the main cause of culling (84/498: 16.87%). In the superficial presentation, the retropharyngeal lymph node, as a sole lesion, was the most frequently affected (13/32: 40.63%). Further, in the visceral form of the disease, 85.06% of the affected animals had the lesions located in the respiratory system (91/107: 85.06%). CLA was revealed as an important cause of culling in sheep production.

We examined several procedures for surgical tail docking; with and without general anaesthesia (GA), including the use of a topical wound gel formulation to provide pain relief (PR) and improve healing after surgery, containing local anaesthetics lignocaine and bupivacaine, with cetrimide and adrenalin. Forty-four lambs were recruited into four equal cohorts: Groups A and C, the tail was excised with a scalpel without anaesthesia or stitches; Groups B and D, the tail was surgically excised and stitched under GA; Groups C and D wounds were immediately sprayed with PR. Behavioural observations identified that Groups A and C displayed significantly less pain-related behaviours than Groups B and D shortly after the procedure, especially if treated with PR. Similarly, the mean of days when animals showed no signs of wound infection was longer in the groups not undergoing stitching. Finally, treatment with PR appeared to reduce the cortisol response and avoided the elevation of serum amyloid A in lambs where the tail was excised without general anaesthesia. In conclusion, surgical tail-docking without GA but where wounds are immediately sprayed with PR, appears as an affordable and more welfare-appropriate method for conducting tail docking in lambs.

Objective: This work aimed to determine the carriage rate of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli as well as their genetic characteristics in camels from the Canary Islands, Spain. Methods: Fecal samples were recovered from 58 healthy camels from Gran Canaria (n = 32) and Fuerteventura Islands (n = 26) during July 2019. They were seeded on MacConkey (MC) agar no supplemented and supplemented (MC + CTX) with cefotaxime (2 µg/mL). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion test (CLSI, 2018). The presence of blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM,blaCMY-2 and blaOXA-1/48 genes was tested by PCR/sequencing. Furthermore, the mcr-1 (colistin resistance), tetA/tetB (tetracycline resistance), int1 (integrase of class 1 integrons) and stx1,2 genes were analyzed. Phylogenetic groups and sequence types were determined by specific-PCR/sequencing for selected isolates. Results: E. coli was obtained from all the 58 camels in MC media (100%) and in five of them in MC + CTX media (8.6%). Furthermore, 63.8% of E. coli isolates recovered from MC agar were susceptible to all the antibiotics tested. The five E. coli isolates recovered from MC + CTX media were characterized and two of them were ESBL-producers (3.4%). Both ESBL-producer isolates carried the blaCTX-M-15 gene and belonged to the lineages ST3018 (phylogroup A) and ST69 (phylogroup B1). The 3 ESBL-negative isolates recovered from MC-CTX plates were ascribed to phylogroup-B1. Conclusions: Camels can be a source of ESBL-producer bacteria, containing the widespread blaCTX-M-15 gene associated with the lineages ST3018 and ST69.

Due to their predatory habits, raptors may serve as indicators of the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the environment, but they also represent a public health risk for livestock and humans because they can act as reservoirs, sources and spreaders of these bacteria. Our objective was to determine the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in cloacal samples of Canarian Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus majorensis), an endemic bird of prey. One hundred and forty-two cloacal swabs were obtained; Escherichia coli was isolated from 80.28% and Salmonella from 6.3% of these samples. Low levels of susceptibility to ampicillin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were found. About 20% of the isolates were resistant or presented intermediate susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. Surprisingly, we found isolates resistant to imipenem (6.96%). Isolates from chicks were more susceptible to antimicrobial drugs than adult and immature birds. About 50% of E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and about 20% to piperacillin, enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin. High percentages of isolates of Salmonella were found to be resistant to cephalexin (88%) and aminoglycosides (greater than 77%). Our results support the idea that raptors could act as reservoirs of Salmonella and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, posing a risk not only to wildlife but also to livestock and the human population, thus reinforcing the need to minimize the exposure of wildlife to antimicrobial agent through human and livestock waste.

This paper studies the nonlinear resonance of a cavity filled with a nonlinear biphasic medium made of a liquid and gas bubbles at a frequency generated by nonlinear frequency mixing. The analysis is performed through numerical simulations by mixing two source signals of frequencies well below the bubble resonance. The finite-volume and finite-difference based model developed in the time domain simulates the nonlinear interaction of ultrasound and bubble dynamics via the resolution of a differential system formed by the wave and Rayleigh–Plesset equations. Some numerical results, consistent with the literature, validate our procedure. Other results reveal the existence of a frequency shift of the cavity resonance at the difference-frequency component, which rises with pressure amplitude and evidences the global changes undergone by the bubbly medium under finite amplitudes. Finally, this work shows the enhancement of the amplitude of the difference-frequency component generated by parametric excitation using the nonlinear resonance shift, which is more pronounced when the second primary frequency is constant, the first one is varied to match the nonlinear resonance, and both have the same amplitude.

Techniques based on ultrasound in nondestructive testing and medical imaging analyze the response of the source frequencies (linear theory) or the second-order frequencies such as higher harmonics, difference and sum frequencies (nonlinear theory). The low attenuation and high directivity of the difference-frequency component generated nonlinearly by parametric arrays are useful. Higher harmonics created directly from a single-frequency source and the sum-frequency component generated nonlinearly by parametric arrays are attractive because of their high spatial resolution and accuracy. The nonlinear response of bubbly liquids can be strong even at relatively low acoustic pressure amplitudes. Thus, these nonlinear frequencies can be generated easily in these media. Since the experimental study of such nonlinear waves in stable bubbly liquids is a very difficult task, in this work we use a numerical model developed previously to describe the nonlinear propagation of ultrasound interacting with nonlinearly oscillating bubbles in a liquid. This numerical model solves a differential system coupling a Rayleigh−Plesset equation and the wave equation. This paper performs an analysis of the generation of the sum-frequency component by nonlinear mixing of two signals of lower frequencies. It shows that the amplitude of this component can be maximized by taking into account the nonlinear resonance of the system. This effect is due to the softening of the medium when pressure amplitudes rise.

Introduction Trypanosoma evansi was first identified in the Canary Islands in 1997, and is still present in a small area of the Archipelago. To date, the disease has exclusively affected camel herds, and has not been detected in any other animal hosts. However potential vectors of Trypanosoma evansi must be identified. Methods One Nzi trap was placed on a camel farm located in the infected area for a period of one year. Results Two thousand five hundred and five insects were trapped, of which Stomoxys calcitrans was the sole hematophagous vector captured. Conclusions Stomoxys calcitrans could be exclusively responsible for the transmission of Trypanosoma evansi among camels in the surveyed area, as other species do not seem to be infected by S. calcitrans in the presence of camels.