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Background: Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease affecting equids caused by protozoa belonging to two genus named Theileria and Babesia, causing losses in the horse industry and constraint to the international movement. In endemic areas, clinical diagnosis is difficult because signs are not pathognomonic. Identifying the associated risks factors and the most suitable laboratory analyses are required to prevent the disease, confirm the diagnosis and assess therapy. Methods: A total of 438 horse and donkey samples were collected by practitioners during their clinical activities. The anamnestic information were collected by a standardized form. The samples were screened for piroplasmosis and other infectious diseases in differential diagnosis and haemato-biochemical parameters, and thus assigned to three groups: confirmed cases of T. equi, unconfirmed suspects and controls. Statistical analysis was performed to detect differences among groups regarding anamnestic data and haemato-biochemical parameters. Results: Among anamnestic variables, only age (> 6 years) increases the probability of infection compared to the controls, while ectoparasitic treatments seem to have a protective effect. A decrease in platelet count was the only haemato-biochemical parameter associated with T. equi infection. Conclusions: This study confirms the diagnosis of T. equi infection as an issue, for similarities regarding anamnesis and laboratory findings with other diseases. Moreover, it focuses the attention on prevention measures and good management practices that can reduce the spread of the disease, together with regular laboratory checks, useful to early detect the parasite and assess and monitor the therapy.

In relation to milk hygiene and safety, the milking phase is considered a critical moment since it represents a probable pathway for the introduction of unwanted microorganisms in the dairy chain. In particular, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) are known as possible microbial contaminants of raw sheep milk although extensive knowledge regarding their contamination dynamics in sheep farms is still lacking. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and concentration of these microorganisms in milk samples collected from farm bulk tanks in the region of Lazio (Central Italy) and investigate the related risk factors. Over a period of one year, we collected 372 milk samples from 87 sheep farms and administered a questionnaire in order to acquire information regarding relevant farm management variables. The results showed that L. monocytogenes was not present in any of the samples, suggesting that the contamination of sheep bulk tank milk with this pathogen has a low probability. Meanwhile, E. coli was found in almost two thirds of milk samples (61%) but was quantified below 10 2 CFU/ml in most of them (around 75%). Statistical analysis indicated that the presence of E. coli tends to be more probable and counts are significantly higher during the warmest seasons. Unexpectedly, milk collected by hand milking resulted in lower level of contamination. We believe that, although further studies are necessary to clarify some aspects, the reported data contributed to deepen the knowledge about the occurrence of L. monocytogenes and E. coli in raw sheep milk and provided useful data for future risk assessments.

Background: Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease affecting equids caused by protozoa Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, causing losses in the horse industry for impaired performance and constraint to the international movement. In endemic areas, clinical diagnosis is difficult because the most frequent form is the asymptomatic carrier status and even in symptomatic cases, signs are not pathognomonic. Laboratory analyses are required to confirm the diagnosis and assess therapy.Methods: A total of 438 horse and donkey samples were collected by practitioners during their routine activities and for clinical suspicion of piroplasmosis. The anamnestic information as signs, individual data and management practises were collected by a standardized form. The samples were screened for piroplasmosis and other infectious diseases in differential diagnosis and haemato-biochemical parameters, and thus assigned to three groups: confirmed cases, unconfirmed suspects and controls. Univariate logistic regressions were performed using groups as outcome and anamnestic data as independent variables. Differences in haemato-biochemical parameters among groups were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis H-test, followed, when significant (P < 0,05), by Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Nineteen confirmed T. equi cases and one B. caballi were detected, thus the study was focused only on the former parasite. Among anamnestic variables, only age (> 6 years) increases the probability of infection compared to the controls, while ectoparasiticide treatments seem to have a protective effect. A decrease in platelet count was the only haemato-biochemical parameter associated with T. equi infection. Comparing with healthy subjects, total and direct bilirubin, monocytes, basophils, MCH and gamma protein fraction showed higher values whereas CK, eosinophils, RBC, HGB, HCT, RDW, albumin and A/G ratio showed lower values, despite being mostly within physiological range. These findings resulted common to T. equi and other affections with similar signs. Conclusions: This study confirms the diagnosis of T. equi infection as an issue, for similarities regarding anamnesis and laboratory findings with other diseases; but still providing the practitioners with data useful for the laboratory results interpretation. Moreover, it focuses the attention on prevention measures, as external antiparasitic treatments and good management practices that, with regular laboratory checks, can reduce the spread of the disease.

This study reports the data of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), -furans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls dioxin-like (dl PCBs) measured in a total of 260 samples of the dairy supply chain collected over a period of 7 years (2011–2017) in the Latium region (Italy). Levels and average profiles of congeners were reported for each group of the analyzed dairy matrices, and any differences between different sampling strategies were considered (around likely pollutant sources or casual sampling). Of the samples, 95.4% resulted compliant with the regulated levels; only samples belonging to the “sheep bulk milk” matrix were found to be above either the action levels or the maximum levels (tot. 12 samples). Raw milk of the sheep species showed the highest averages (PCDD/F 0.248 and dl PCB 0.966 WHO TEQ pg/g of fat) compared to the milk of other species. The buffalo milk showed a content of dl PCB significantly lower (dl PCB: 0.371 WHO TEQ pg/g of fat) than the sheep milk (p

to produce a methodology for the risk ranking of farms located around proven or potential sources of contamination to prioritize the monitoring procedures in food production.environmental factors that can favour the risk of contamination of products of animal origin (POAO) around a pollutant source were identified. A scale of standardized scores was produced for each risk factor (RF) in order to obtain a risk-based classification. Subsequently, an algorithm was developed to obtain a relative risk assessment (RRA).in order to validate the proposed methodology, data of 80 livestock farms in a polluted area, enrolled in a previous study, were subjected to the RRA. Results of RRA were compared with contamination data.seven RFs were included in a mathematical formula used to classify each farm.a scoring system was produced for each RFs and an algorithm was developed to obtain RRA which is an estimate of the farm probability of having POAO contamination in comparison to other farms located in the same area potentially affected by chemical pollution based exclusively on site-specific environmental characteristics. In the case study used for validation, a significant relationship between RRA and contamination data was found.the proposed methodology is a useful tool to support the authorities responsible for the food safety in carrying out the monitoring of POAO in areas subject to environmental risks. It helps to rationalize resources and make controls more effective.

Parasites are among the most common pathogens recorded in dogs. High prevalence rates are usually reported in stray and shelter dogs, as these animals are less likely to be tested and treated. In this study a survey was carried out on intestinal and lung parasites of stray dogs at the moment of the admission in a shelter in Central Italy. In the period June 2014-June 2015, 262 individual faecal samples were examined. Twelve parasitic taxa were detected. Helminths were more prevalent than protozoa (61.8% and 25.6%, respectively). Ancylostomatidae showed the higher prevalence (40.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (21.4%), Toxocara canis (20.6%) and Trichuris vulpis (17.6%). Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most prevalent lungworm (12.6%), Crenosoma vulpis being recorded just in one dog. G. duodenalis had a high prevalence, probably because of the diagnostic techniques adopted, actually the most sensitive available for its detection. Nevertheless, the zoonotic potential of this parasite in dogs appears reduced, as all the isolates were identified as C (24.0%) and D (76.0%) dog specific assemblages. Taeniidae constituted a high potential zoonotic risk, as from the eggs it is impossible to exclude they were Echinococcus granulosus, the most relevant zoonotic parasite in Europe. The present study underline the importance of stray dogs control, aimed at preventing or minimizing parasitic spread and zoonotic transmission.

Biomonitoring has been used to disclose the public health impact of contaminated sites. This study aimed at setting up good practices to apply biomonitoring targeting animal matrixes to design risk-based surveillance and exposure assessment plans. A nine-step protocol targeting farmed animals was devised and tested in three case study areas including (1) a waste dump, (2) a waste incinerator, and (3) a secondary aluminum smelter. Between 2010 and 2012, in each study area, the following 9-step best practices were applied: hazard identification, GIS project creation, risk area delimitation, control area selection, receptors (livestock) identification, farms and matrixes selection, sampling study design, on-farm secondary sources exclusion, and statistical and geostatistical analysis. Dairy farms and free-range laying hens were the primary targets: eggs from both risk and control areas and milk from risk areas were sampled and submitted for detection of selected tracking contaminants compatible with the putative sources. Comparison data (risk vs. control) of heavy metal concentrations in eggs were available only for case study 2, whereas egg comparison data of persistent organic pollutants were available for all the risk-control pairs. After taking into account potential secondary sources, no concern from metals was arisen, whereas high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants were detected in all risk areas; however, only for the aluminum smelter case study, the contamination was broad and higher in the risk area compared with the control one. The protocol has proved to be easily applicable and flexible to varying contexts and able to provide helpful data to inform risk management decisions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10661-019-7653-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The eradication of tuberculosis, brucellosis and leucosis in cattle has not yet been achieved in the entire Italian territory. The region of Lazio, Central Italy, represents an interesting case study to evaluate the evolution of costs for these eradication programmes, as in some provinces the eradication has been officially achieved, in some others the prevalence has been close to zero for years, and in still others disease outbreaks have been continuously reported. The objectives of this study were i) to describe the costs for the eradication programmes for tuberculosis, brucellosis and leucosis in cattle carried out in Lazio between 2007 and 2011, ii) to calculate the ratio between the financial contribution of the European Union (EU) for the eradication programmes and the estimated total costs and iii) to estimate the potential savings that can be made when a province gains the certification of freedom from disease. For the i) and ii) objectives, data were collected from official sources and a costing procedure was applied from the perspective of the Regional Health Service. For the iii) objective, a Bayesian AR(1) regression was used to evaluate the average percentage reduction in costs for a province that gained the certification. The total cost for the eradication programmes adjusted for inflation to 1 January 2016 was estimated at 18 919 797 euro (5th and 95th percentiles of the distribution: 18 325 050-19 552 080 euro). When a province gained the certification of freedom from disease, costs decreased on average by (median of the posterior distribution) 47.5%, 54.5% and 54.9% for the eradication programmes of tuberculosis, brucellosis and leucosis, respectively. Information on possible savings from the reduction of control costs can help policy makers operating under budget constraints to justify the use of additional resources for the final phase of eradication.

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of zoonotic importance for which control and eradication programmes have been carried out in many countries for decades. While the impact of these programmes on public health is still uncertain, the impact on trade is significant because of movement restrictions for animals, costs of testing and culling. The objective of this systematic review was to provide a contribution to the general debate over costs against benefits for the control and eradication of bovine TB in cattle. The search strategy was performed on four electronic databases following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The selection process, data abstraction and quality appraisal were carried out according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The search identified 66 articles out of which eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The evidence gathered in this review by combining the conclusions of the most methodologically sound articles supports the idea that, when multiple cost and benefit components are taken into account, efforts to control or eradicate bovine TB may be effective in reducing disease prevalence, economically viable and worth doing.

The genetic and breed susceptibility of visceral hemangiosarcoma in dogs has been studied, but there is no evidence of environmental risk factors as reported in human medicine. We conducted a case-control study in which the sampling population was the list of canine oncology cases of the Animal Tumour Registry of Lazio region, Italy (2009-2017). We defined cases as dogs with visceral hemangiosarcoma and controls as dogs affected by another neoplasm. The ratio between controls and cases was 3:1. Analysed variables were: age, weight, sex, reproductive status, size, breed, nutrition habit, living environment and location of the house. We performed a preliminary univariate analysis to select potential risk factors (p-value0.2) then entered in a forward stepwise logistic regression model. Ninety-three cases enrolled in the study were compared with 279 controls. The multivariable logistic regression identified age, reproductive status and breed as significant risk factors. Results showed an increasing risk with increasing age for age classes 6-10 and10 years old (OR = 9.69, 95 % CI: 1.21-77.62; OR = 14.01, 95 % CI: 1.65-119.03). Neutered animals (male and female) were at greater risk compared to intact ones. The breeds at greatest risk were German shepherd (OR = 4.17, 95 % CI: 1.25-13.86) and mixed breed (OR = 3.50, 95 % CI: 1.44-8.51). The last finding could be explained by the genetic origin of the animals, which may include German shepherd or another possible breed at risk. No other individual or environmental variables were identified as risk factors. The findings of this work indicate that genetic predisposition is the key element in visceral hemangiosarcoma development.

The original version of the table of contents unfortunately contained a mistake. The published entry: De Liberato Claudio, Berrilli Federica, Odorizi Livio, Scarcella Roberto, Barni Marco, Amoruso Cristina, Scarito Alessia, Di Filippo Margherita Montalbano, Carvelli Andrea, Iacoponi Francesca and Scaramozzino Paola - Parasites in stray dogs from Italy: prevalence, risk factors and management concernsshould be corrected as follows:De Liberato Claudio, Berrilli Federica, Odorizi Livio, Scarcella Roberto, Barni Marco, Amoruso Cristina, Scarito Alessia, Montalbano Di Filippo Margherita, Carvelli Andrea, Iacoponi Francesca and Scaramozzino Paola - Parasites in stray dogs from Italy: prevalence, risk factors and management concerns.

Swimmer's itch is caused by the penetration of free-swimming larvae of trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae in human skin. It is usually reported in people engaged in recreational water activities in freshwater bodies and in most of cases, it is provoked by bird schistosomes of the genus Trichobilharzia. In the summer 2017, many cases of dermatitis were recorded in people bathing in the waters of the Albano Lake (Rome, Italy) and a parasitological investigation was carried out in order to ascertain the causative agent of these cases. Snails of the family Lymnaeidae, natural intermediate hosts of bird schistosomes, were collected from lake shallow waters to detect the presence of trematodes of the genus Trichobilharzia. Pools of maximum 10 snails were placed in Petri dishes, and cercarial emergence was stimulated exposing snails to strong artificial light intensity at 25°C. Three hundred and thirty-seven snails were collected and screened for the shedding of cercariae. Furcocercariae of the family Schistosomatidae, with a morphology overlapping that of the genus Trichobilharzia, were detected in seven Petri dishes. Assuming that in each positive Petri dish just one snail was shedding furcocercariae, the minimum infectious rate was 2.1%. Molecular analysis of furcocercariae allowed ascribing them to the species Trichobilharzia franki. Snails of the species Radix auricularia were identified as intermediate hosts of the parasite. This is the second record of T. franki causing cercarial dermatitis in Central Italy, the third in Italy. The 2017 was in Italy exceptionally warm and dry. Trematodes are sensitive to changes in temperature, being cercarial production and emission rates temperature dependent. Small increases in water temperature would speed up parasite development and transmission, leading to a manifold increase in cercarial emergence. Moreover, high temperatures raise chances to acquire the infection, due to increased time spent in water by people.

In Italy, food-borne outbreaks of opisthorchiasis have occurred since 2003, all of them originating from some lakes in Central Italy where the only European liver fluke, Opisthorchis felineus (Rivolta, 1884) is endemic. The aim of the present study is to investigate the factors that may facilitate the life cycle of O. felineus in the area of Bolsena Lake, the knowledge of the local population about opisthorchiasis, and preventative healthcare measures. We performed a descriptive observational study through the submission of questionnaires to three target populations: fishermen who fish exclusively in Bolsena Lake, restaurateurs whose businesses are close to the lake and general population living in the province of Viterbo. Results showed hazardous behaviours and eating habits in the three target populations, as well as a poor knowledge of opisthorchiasis and preventative healthcare measures.

Background and aim: Alternative therapies based on homeopathy can be effective in improving reproductive performance in intensive pig breeding. In this study, the effect of a homeopathic complex on reproductive performance of sows under intensive farming has been investigated. Material and methods: Over period of three years, 186 sows were recruited from a farm where a large proportion of animals were suffering from prolonged weaning-to-oestrus intervals (WEI) and weaning-to-service intervals (WSI). Sows were allocated to two groups; once per month, one group was given a homeopathic complex (Borax 10 mK plusLycopodium10mK),whiletheothergroupwasgivenahydro-alcoholicsolution(placebo). The follow-up period started one week before the expected date of oestrus, continued for two pregnancies and ended after the weaning of the second farrowing. To evaluate reproductive performance, during the follow-up we collected data on quantitative parameters such as the average number of stillbirths, newborns, and repeat services per farrowing. Time-related data such as WEI, WSI, length of the two pregnancies and weaning periods were also collected to measure the length of the follow-up of each sow. Differences in quantitative parameters between the two groups were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric statistics. Time-related data were used to plot KaplaneMeier curves and in Cox regression models to evaluate whether treated sows had ahigherprobabilityofexperiencingashorterfollow-upincomparisontountreatedsows. Results: We did not found significant differences in the number of newborns, while the number of stillbirths was higher in the treatment group, even if the difference was slightly significant (p-value = 0.03). The number of repeat services was lower in the treatment group, and this difference was highly significant (p-value < 0.001). Results from the Cox regression models suggest that the end of the follow-up was reached by sows of the treatment group at about twice the rate of sows of the control group (model 2, Hazard Ratiotreatment = 2.27; 95%CI: 1.56e3.24). Homeopathy (2015) 104 ,9 e14.

Intestinal and respiratory parasites are among the most common pathogens in dogs and some of them are recognized as zoonotic agents. In Italy, various taxa have been reported, with variable prevalence estimates depending on study area, dog category and coprological exam technique. In this paper, we report the results of six years of passive surveillance. In the period January 2006-December 2012, 2,775 dog faecal samples from Lazio Region (Central Italy), were examined for parasites, 1,156 from household and 1,619 from shelter dogs, respectively. The following parasites were detected: Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Eucoleus böhmi, Eucoleus aerophilus, Mesocestoides sp., Taeniidae and Dipylidium caninum. Helminths were more frequent than protozoa, with total prevalences of 29.1% and 10.7%, respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were the most common parasites, with prevalences of 9.9% and 9.6% respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were significantly more prevalent in shelter dogs than in household ones. T. canis and Cystoisospora sp. were significantly more frequent in household dogs.The assessment of the prevalence in sheltered and in household dogs is useful to infer the occurrence of different parasites in the origin population and to plan possible control intervention. Keywords: Ancylostomatidae, Cystoisospora sp., Dog, Shelter, T. Canis, T. vulpis, Zoonosis

Indoor and outdoor winter activity of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in central Italy was investigated in order to evaluate whether indoor activity might account for the overwintering of bluetongue virus, as has been hypothesized by some authors. Weekly Culicoides collections were performed at three farms over three consecutive winter seasons. At each farm, two black-light traps were operated simultaneously, indoors and outdoors. Culicoides were identified using both morphological and molecular means. The Culicoides obsoletus group accounted for 98.2% of sampled specimens. Within this group, C. obsoletus s.s. accounted for 56.8% and Culicoides scoticus for 43.2% of samples. Nulliparous, parous and engorged females were caught throughout the entire winter, both indoors and outdoors. At times, indoor catch sizes outnumbered outdoor collections. A significant inverse correlation was found between minimum temperature and the proportion of indoor Culicoides of the total midge catch, thus indicating that lower outdoor temperatures drive Culicoides midges indoors. High rates of engorged females were recorded indoors, possibly as the result of the propensity of C. obsoletus females to feed indoors. Higher proportions of parous females were found in indoor than in outdoor catches, indicating higher survival rates indoors and, consequently, higher vectorial capacities of midges sheltering indoors compared with those remaining outdoors.

The original version of the table of contents unfortunately contained a mistake. The published entry: De Liberato Claudio, Berrilli Federica, Odorizi Livio, Scarcella Roberto, Barni Marco, Amoruso Cristina, Scarito Alessia, Di Filippo Margherita Montalbano, Carvelli Andrea, Iacoponi Francesca and Scaramozzino Paola - Parasites in stray dogs from Italy: prevalence, risk factors and management concernsshould be corrected as follows:De Liberato Claudio, Berrilli Federica, Odorizi Livio, Scarcella Roberto, Barni Marco, Amoruso Cristina, Scarito Alessia, Montalbano Di Filippo Margherita, Carvelli Andrea, Iacoponi Francesca and Scaramozzino Paola - Parasites in stray dogs from Italy: prevalence, risk factors and management concerns.

In the framework of a bluetongue surveillance program including clinical, serological, and entomological activities, Culicoides biting midges were light trapped weekly in two regions of central Italy, Lazio and Tuscany. In the period January 2002 through December 2005, 3,944 collections were carried out in 189 trap sites distributed in all the provinces of the two regions. Abundance data of C. obsoletus group were analyzed in relation to trap site altitude, distance from the sea, land use, and number of farmed animals. Species seasonality and overall temporal trend were also described. C. obsoletus was distributed over the whole study area, almost in all trapping sites and with high abundances. The species group was dominant among all captured Culicoides, with higher abundances recorded inland and in areas where land cover was partially or completely natural-wooded. Adults on the wing were caught all year round, with peaks in May-June and middle October. The observed trend through years recorded a peak during autumn 2002, in concomitance with a local epidemic of bluetongue.

Understanding animal population size and its demographic features is essential to address Public Health policies as well as to provide valuable information to pet industries and veterinary practitioners. Nevertheless, official data on feline population are not available worldwide. In the present study, the owned cat population size, its demographic attributes, and the ownership profiles have been investigated through a face-to-face questionnaire in a semirural area of Central Italy. The human : cat ratio was equal to 6.8 (95% CI: 5.7–7.5); 29.3% of households own at least one cat. The majority of cats were living in a rural area (67.8%) and outdoors, were neutered (70.5%), and were fed with commercial food (54.8%) and they visited a veterinarian 1-2 times a year (43.3%). The cat ownership was strongly associated with people living in a rural area and owning another pet. As the cat owned population was mainly kept outdoors in rural areas, the possible relation between the owned and the stray animals is worthy to be monitored in future researches. Our study revealed that the feline owned population was larger than expected and that social and economic human factors do not influence the cat ownership. Health Authorities and veterinary practitioners should promote responsible ownership to increase the veterinary care, to intensify the official identification, and to properly manage the outdoor lifestyle.

Summary 1 The spread of vector-borne diseases into new areas, commonly attributed to environmental change or increased trade and travel, could be exacerbated if novel vector species in newly invaded areas spread infection beyond the range of traditional vectors. 2 By analysing the differential degree of overlap between the environmental envelopes for bluetongue, a devastating livestock disease, and its traditional (Afro-Asian) and potential new (Palearctic) midge vectors, we have implicated the latter in the recent dramatic northward spread of this disease into Europe. 3 The traditional vector of bluetongue virus, the Afro-Asian midge Culicoides imicola, was found to occur in warm (annual mean 12–20 °C), thermally stable locations that were dry in summer (

Several seroconversions occurring in 2002 among sentinel cattle during the bluetongue-vaccination campaign in Lazio and Tuscany (central Italy) led to the suspicion of vaccine-virus circulation. Therefore in 2003, 17 seroconverting sentinel herds were investigated for the characteristics of the virus involved. From these farms, 91 unvaccinated animals and 57 Culicoides pools were tested for the presence of the bluetongue vaccine virus (serotype-2) or other strains. The presence of vaccine virus serotype-2 was confirmed by PCR followed by restriction analysis in the whole blood of 17 unvaccinated sentinel cattle and 12 pools of Culicoides imicola or C. obsoletus. Of the 17 herds, five were positive only for vaccine virus serotype-2, four were positive for other strains and two for both the vaccine and other strains; the remaining premises were virologicaly negative. The vaccine virus serotype-2 also was detected in areas not included in the vaccination campaign.

In 2001 and 2002, 235 outbreaks of bluetongue were observed in the Lazio and Tuscany regions of central Italy. During entomological surveillance Culicoides imicola , the main vector of bluetongue virus in the Mediterranean region, was detected in only 14 of 28 municipalities affected by outbreaks; Culicoides obsoletus was the most abundant species, contributing 83 per cent of individuals in catches, whereas C imicola contributed only 2 per cent. In affected municipalities the maximum catch of C obsoletus was 18,000 specimens, compared with 54 of C imicola . In October 2002 bluetongue virus serotype 2 was isolated from a single pool of wild-caught, non-blood-engorged parous C obsoletus inoculated on to BHK-21 cells. Its identity was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-PCR.

In order to investigate the genotypes of Giardia duodenalis from domestic and farm animals in Italy, 21 Giardia isolates, 17 from dogs, 1 from cat and 3 from dairy calves, were genetically characterised by SSU-rRNA gene sequencing. Among dogs, 76.5% of isolates showed the dog-specific genotypes (Assemblages C, D and C/D mixed Assemblage) and 23.5% exhibit potential zoonotic genotypes (Assemblage A and A/C mixed Assemblages). The cat isolate belonged to assemblage A, whereas the sequences among the isolates from calves were found to correspond to hoofed-livestock genotype, namely Assemblage E. These findings suggest that infection of humans by zoonotic genotypes from domestic animals could be of low epidemiological significance, although possible. The present study represents the first contribute to the knowledge of G. duodenalis genotypes in domestic and farm animals from Italy.

Following the first incursion of bluetongue virus (BTV) into Italy, the geographical and seasonal distribution of the biting midge Culicoides imicola Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), the main vector of BTV and African horse sickness virus, was investigated in two regions of central Italy (Lazio and Tuscany). Surveillance of Culicoides was carried out between July 2001 and December 2002 using light traps: 1917 collections were made in 381 trap sites, well distributed across both regions. During the survey, bluetongue outbreaks were recorded in both regions. Culicoides imicola was found in 89 (23%) trap sites, distributed fairly continuously along the whole western coastline, between 41.2697 degrees N and 44.05724 degrees N. It was found only occasionally inland and usually in low abundance, with catches of more than 1000 specimens per night found in only two sample sites and 74% of catches numbering fewer than 10 specimens. Adults were caught from March to mid December, with peaks ranging from the end of August to mid November. The coastal distribution and the presence of only few sites with year-round records of adult vectors suggests that colonization may have occurred recently, by passive wind-dispersal from external source areas (Sardinia and Corsica). Alternatively, the species may occur in established, previously undetected, autochthonous populations that are limited from extension inland and northern-ward within Lazio and Tuscany by cool winter temperatures.

To identify the natural vectors of Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, entomological samplings were carried out in four sites within the Lazio region, foci of canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis. Collections were made in 2002–2003 by means of dog-baited and miniature Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traps as well as on humans. Microscopy identified 1,576 attracted mosquito females as belonging to six species, but molecular diagnostics detected filarial DNA only in Culex pipiens L. and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894). Dirofilaria immitis Leidy DNA, D. repens DNA, or both were found in the head and thorax of both mosquitoes. The simultaneous presence of vectors showing diurnal and nocturnal activity patterns is of concern for animal and human health. The finding of D. immitis DNA in mosquitoes in areas where only D. repens was been recovered in dogs also demonstrates that this filarial parasite circulates among carnivores (wild or domesticated pets).

In recent years, beef meat chain has undergone major transformations due to Community legislation and market changes. The purpose of this work is to analyse the information recorded in Banca Dati Nazionale (BDN; Italian computerised database for the identification and registration of bovine animals) on cattle and buffaloes slaughtered between 2000 and 2012 and related to Lazio Region as a result of breeding and/or slaughtering place. The analysis of the data showed a negative trend (-20.7%) for cattle slaughtered from 2000 to 2012. Most of this animals had been raised in Lazio Region (86%) and in particular in the province of Frosinone. The average age at slaughter for female is about 4 years (1417 days) and for males of 547 days. The buffaloes, however, are intended for slaughter at an average age of about 8 years, if female, and about one year if male.

In May 2005, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) was found in a sample of bovine bulk milk from a farm in the Sacco River valley (Latium region, central Italy). The primary source of contamination was suspected to be industrial discharge into the environment with the Sacco River as the main mean of dispersion. Since then, a surveillance programme on bulk milk of the local farms was carried out by the veterinary services. In order to estimate the spatial probability of β- HCH contamination of milk produced in the Sacco River valley and draw probability maps of contamination, probability maps of β-HCH values in milk were estimated by indicator kriging (IK), a geo-statistical estimator, and traditional logistic regression (LR) combined with a geographical information systems approach. The former technique produces a spatial view of probabilities above a specific threshold at non-sampled locations on the basis of observed values in the area, while LR gives the probabilities in specific locations on the basis of certain environmental predictors, namely the distance from the river, the distance from the pollution site, the elevation above the river level and the intrinsic vulnerability of hydro-geological formations. Based on the β-HCH data from 2005 in the Sacco River valley, the two techniques resulted in similar maps of high risk of milk contamination. However, unlike the IK method, the LR model was capable of estimating coefficients that could be used in case of future pollution episodes. The approach presented produces probability maps and define high-risk areas already in the early stages of an emergency before sampling operations have been carried out.

In most European countries, registration and identification of dogs is compulsory. In Italy, the national dog registry is composed of regional dog registries. Although dog registries have been established for many years, the issue related to completeness of data has not been addressed so far. The objective of this study was twofold: first to assess the completeness of data of the dog registry through telephone interview of a sample of dog owners drawn from the dog registry, then to estimate the total owned dog population in 4 boroughs of Rome. For the second objective, a capture–recapture method was applied using data from the dog registry and data from a face-to-face questionnaire submitted to people waiting in the sitting room of 5 points of access for booking and payment of primary and specialist care. Different scenarios are proposed to verify the assumptions of the estimation procedure and potential biases are discussed. The completeness of data of the dog registry was 88.9% (95% CI: 85.8–91.9%) and the owned-dog population was estimated at 26,244 dogs (95% CI: 24,110–28,383). The dog registry is an important source of information especially when it is properly updated and completeness of data is known.

A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of anisakid nematode larvae in European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) fished off the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy. From February through July 2012, 1,490 specimens of E. encrasicolus caught in three different fishing areas (off Civitavecchia, Anzio, and Gaeta in the northern, central, and southern Lazio region of Italy, respectively) were tested for the presence of anisakid larvae, both by visual microscopic inspection and enzymatic digestion. In each of the three fishing areas, each of two sampling times produced 250 fish (with the exception of one sampling time in Gaeta that produced 240 fish). Larvae of the family Anisakidae were detected with an overall estimated prevalence of 2.3%, and each positive fish harbored a single larva. No anisakid larvae were detected in fish caught off Gaeta. Fish with larvae were significantly longer (standard length) than fish without larvae. Twenty-six larvae (74.3%) were detected by visual inspection of the viscera, eight larvae (22.8%) were detected by visual inspection of the fillets, and one larva (2.8%) was detected after digestion of pooled fillets. Molecular analysis to fully characterize the 35 detected larvae revealed 15 specimens of Anisakis pegreffii, 10 specimens of Hysterothylacium aduncum, and one hybrid genotype of A. pegreffii × Anisakis simplex. For nine specimens, no visible product was obtained after PCR amplification. The overall prevalence for A. pegreffii and H. aduncum was 1.0 and 0.7%, respectively. A comparison between fishes harboring A. pegreffii larvae and those harboring H. aduncum revealed that those with A. pegreffii were significantly heavier. The prevalence of anisakid larvae found in the present study is lower then that reported previously in E. encrasicolus collected in the Mediterranean Sea.

The aim of the present review is to provide a picture of the current knowledge on animal biomonitoring and on the link between pollution and Public Health. There are various reasons leading to this road: the need of early detection of industrial pollutants, especially micropollutants that have adverse effects in very low concentrations: it is important to disclose the presence of these compounds directly or through certain molecular biomarkers in living organisms rather than in the natural environment, where they are often below the detection threshold; the need to optimize the allocation of resources: some experiences of biomonitoring carried out in wild animals may be useful in the identification of pollution sources; however, biomonitoring of domestic animals appears to be more feasable and effective, because they share with humans the exposure to pollutants. Nowadays, professionals of different disciplines such as doctors and biologists do not share a common set of terms and definitions in animal biomonitoring: this review wants to give a contribution in the consolidation of the current knowledge under a common language.

Opisthorchiasis is a fish borne parasitic infection caused by helminths of the genus Opisthorchis (Digenea, Opisthorchiidae), affecting humans and other fish-eating mammals. Despite Opisthorchis felineus was first described in Italy in 1884, no cases of human opisthorchiasis were reported in this country until 2004; from then on, 4 outbreaks due to this species have been recorded in Central Italy. Following the more relevant of these outbreaks, involving 34 people in August 2007, snails, fishes and fecal samples collected from the Bolsena and Bracciano lakes (Central Italy) were analyzed in order to define the cycle of O. felineus in the area and investigate its prevalence in the different hosts. Pools of 20–40 snails each (4983 specimens altogether) of the genus Bithynia were analyzed by PCR for parasite DNA detection. Eight hundred and ninety-four fish belonging to 12 species were collected from the two lakes and tested for metacercariae both by muscle compression and digestion techniques. Eighty-seven fecal samples of 5 putative definitive host species were collected very close to the two lakes and tested for parasite eggs detection by formalin–ethyl acetate concentration technique. Identification at the species level of metacercariae and eggs, respectively, from fish and stool was confirmed by PCR analysis and sequencing. O. felineus DNA was detected in 0.08% (overall minimum infection rate) of snails of the genus Bithynia from the two lakes. The tench, Tinca tinca, was the only fish found infested in both lakes (prevalence 88.5%). O. felineus eggs were found only in cat feces (prevalence 46.4%). The tench represents the only threat for the human consumption in the study area while Coregonus sp., the most economically important species for the local fishery and frequently consumed raw marinated, resulted to be not infected. The high prevalence recorded both in fish and in definitive host suggests a widespread and massive presence of the parasite in the area. Further studies are needed to better investigate the possible role of some cyprinids species as intermediate hosts, in order to check their safety for human consumption.

During the epidemic of bluetongue (BT) in Lazio and Tuscany between 2001 and 2003, the distribution pattern of Culicoides imicola did not always correspond either geographically or seasonally, with virus circulation. Culicoides obsoletus was observed to be abundant, ubiquitous and active throughout the year. The geographical and seasonal distribution of BT virus (BTV), C. imicola and C. obsoletus was compared. The territory of the two regions was divided into 30 cells each measuring 1 600 km(2). The presence of C. obsoletus was recorded in every cell, while C. imicola was detected in 18 of the 30 cells, but was absent in 6 of the 21 cells that indicated the presence of BTV. The occurrence of seroconversions appeared to be positively correlated with maximum C. obsoletus catches. Seroconversions were recorded throughout the year, even when C. imicola was not active, whereas C. obsoletus was detected during the entire period. The occurrence of BTV circulation in areas and periods where C. imicola was absent, and the abundant and constant presence of adult C. obsoletus in all the cells, suggest the active role of the latter species in BTV circulation in central Italy.