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The World Health Organization describes brucellosis as one of the world's leading zoonotic diseases, with the Middle East a global hotspot. Brucella melitensis is endemic among livestock populations in the region, with zoonotic transmission occurring via consumption of raw milk, amongst other routes. Control is largely via vaccination of small ruminant and cattle populations. Due to sociocultural and religious influences camel milk (camelus dromedarius) is widely consumed raw, while milk from other livestock species is largely boiled. To investigate the potential public health impact of Brucella in camels we conduct a cross-sectional study in southern Jordan including 227 herds and 202 livestock-owning households. Here we show daily consumption of raw camel milk is associated with Brucella seropositive status among the study population, ORadj 2.19 (95%CI 1.23–3.94) on multivariable analysis, highlighting the need for socioculturally appropriate control measures; targeted interventions among the camel reservoir being crucial for effective control. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with high prevalence in the Middle East. Here the authors identify camels as an important source of brucellosis among livestock-owning households in Jordan, due to widespread consumption of raw camel milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Access to veterinary services is integral for animals of all species. These services play a crucial role in maintaining their health and welfare and maintaining a healthy, safe, and sustainable food system. Research has consistently shown that rural communities face challenges accessing veterinary services, with livestock producers outlining several barriers including cost, inadequate infrastructure, and delays in receiving treatments. Research on bison producers' access to veterinary services is limited, prompting our investigation to address this gap in knowledge. This qualitative study aimed to describe Ontario bison producers' current access to veterinary services and identify how any barriers, as perceived by producers, might impact their herd health and management practices. Methods: Ontario bison producers were invited to participate in virtual focus groups to share their perspectives on their access to veterinary services. Audio from the focus groups was recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Despite all participants indicating they had access to veterinary services, they also encountered obstacles and expressed concerns accessing and utilizing these services. Two overarching themes were identified: producers were concerned about the future stability and costs associated with bison farming, and they had a desire to improve bison-specific knowledge among veterinarians servicing their farms. Producers suggested several strategies to address these concerns, including improving collaborations with veterinary organizations, like the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, to increase veterinarians' exposure to bison, building stronger relationships between producers and their veterinarians, monetary incentives for established food animal veterinarians, and providing financial support to prospective food animal veterinarians. Discussion: The findings of this study demonstrate that although bison producers in our sample had access to veterinarians, they may not fully utilize the services or find their access entirely beneficial. Future research into the veterinarian perspective would allow for greater insights into these barriers, adding additional value and contributing to a more wholistic understanding of the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantitative physical measurements and observable physical traits are used for animal identification and are the first step for long‐term genetic improvement and other developmental interventions. Aim: This study was conducted to characterize phenotypic traits of indigenous chicken ecotypes of Tigray's eastern and southern zones. Methods: A total of 711 chickens aged 5 months and above were used in these two zones. Sampling was performed in three districts representing midland and highland agroecologies. Multivariate analysis was performed using 13 quantitative variables. Results: Quantitative traits such as live weight, breast width, keel length, thigh circumference, chest circumference, shank length, wing length, earlobe length, and comb length were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Hawzien chickens in both sexes, which mainly happened due to feed access, veterinary service, and good housing. Similarly, there were morphologically diverse chicken ecotypes in all districts and these traits have their own economic, sociocultural, and esthetic values and resulted in market differences locally. The discriminant analysis also showed that the classification of female and male chickens ranged from 40.5% to 92.3% and 100% to 98.8%, respectively, which indicates higher heterogeneity (59.5%) in female than male chickens. Therefore, identifying both quantitative and qualitative traits of chicken is important for genetic improvements, conservation, and sustainable utilization of chicken genetic resources and opens a door for molecular characterization and other tailored environmental interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine brucellosis is a zoonosis of great economic and public health relevance. Understanding the epidemiological aspects of this disease is a determining factor to help developing effective strategies and supporting decision-making processes. The aim of the present study is to carry out a situational vaccination diagnosis against brucellosis in Maranhão State's cattle in order to identify challenges set for vaccination operations and to help the Official Veterinary Service to plan health interventions. In 2022, questionnaires focused on the socioeconomic profile and knowledge on vaccination were applied to the following groups to help achieving the aforementioned aims: (i) cattle breeders (n = 201), (ii) veterinarians registered with the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (n = 84), (iii) Official Veterinary Service servants involved in conducting the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (n = 75), and (iv) individuals in charge of vaccine retail outlets (n = 58). Farmers and those in charge of vaccine retail outlets presented average knowledge on this subject (51–70% accuracy). Yet, there were similar knowledge gaps in these two groups. Although the knowledge level recorded for registered veterinarians and Official Veterinary Service servants was high (71–100% accuracy), low adherence to personal protection equipment was also observed, and it is worrisome, given brucellosis' zoonotic nature. In addition, veterinarians presented knowledge gaps when it comes to updates on the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis Technical Regulations, and it can be an indicative that questionnaires were superficially or carelessly answered. Other obstacles to vaccination were poor quality of roads to access properties and breeders with limited number of bred calves in the age group 3 to 8 months. These barriers impair the expansion of vaccination cover against brucellosis in Maranhão State. The Official Veterinary Service must implement a strategic plan to fill out the knowledge gaps shown by those in this production chain and make it easier to get to the basis for effective health interventions aimed at brucellosis control in Maranhão State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bovine tuberculosis is one of the primary infectious diseases affecting cattle. Although several countries have managed to eradicate this zoonosis it remains endemic and uncontrolled across many countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Brazil launched its national control and eradication program in 2001, and since then, epidemiological studies have been carried out to define optimal control strategies and to enable the management of the process in each region. Methods: This study covered the state of Pará, which was divided into three regions, in each of which a pre-established number of properties were randomly selected, and within each property, a minimum number of animals were drawn to be tested by the tuberculin test to classify the farm as infected or free of the disease. A questionnaire was administered to the selected properties to identify the risk factors for the disease. Results: A total of 976 properties comprising 17,151 animals were tested. The prevalence of infected properties in the regions ranged from 3.1% [1.3; 4.9] to 18.6% [14.3; 22.9], while tuberculin-positive animals ranged from 0.24% [0.09; 0.40] to 4.8% [2.4; 7.3]. The introduction of cattle untested for bTB and the renting of pastures have been identified as risk factors for the disease in this state. Discussion: Pará has one of the highest prevalences of bovine tuberculosis in Brazil, and the implications of these results for public health were discussed. We therefore proposed that the state's Official Veterinary Service, together with the private dairy and meat sectors, pursue the objective of controlling or eradicating the disease, along with mechanisms to verify its effectiveness. The differences between the two objectives were discussed, but in both cases, an education program is necessary to inform cattle and buffalo breeders that they need to test animals for tuberculosis before introducing them to their farms, and also to avoid renting pastures for cattle to graze and rest while moving on foot, as these practices have contributed the most to the spread of bTB in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introductions: The low participation of small-scale farmers in livestock markets in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia, is a major inhibitor to private sector investment in the livestock subsector. Despite the immense potential of the livestock industry to bolster the economic development of countries in this region, several socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural factors contribute to this hindrance. Methods: This study was conducted in the Western Province of Zambia and adopted a qualitative research approach to understand the challenges and barriers affecting livestock markets among smallholder cattle farmers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 key informants and focus group discussions involving key actors in the dairy and beef value chains. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the gathered data. Results: Four themes, including socioeconomic, cultural, market dynamics, and policy and regulatory factors, emerged from this analysis. The sub-themes for socioeconomic factors included access to capital, infrastructure challenges, limited technical knowledge, and inadequate veterinary services. Cultural factors included traditional practices, social norms, and perceptions of livestock, and subthemes for market dynamics included price volatility, lack of market information, and middlemen exploitation. The sub-themes for policy and regulatory factors included policy inconsistencies, land tenure issues, and inadequate government support. Conclusion: By identifying and understanding these factors, policymakers and stakeholders can develop effective and sustainable targeted interventions and policies to encourage smallholder cattle farmers' participation in the livestock sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous tumours are the most common neoplasms seen in dogs. Time bound diagnosis of these tumours is very important for surgical or medical intervention. Though histopathology is considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of these tumours, it is a time consuming procedure and it is in such contexts that the use of cytology assumes significance. Cytological diagnoses of 14 cases of superficial masses forms the content of the present communication. Among these 14 cases, 11 were round cell tumours that were predominantly lymphoma (seven cases), followed by one case each of mast cell tumour, histiocytoma, extragenital form of transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) and melanoma. Two epithelial tumours namely squamous cell carcinoma and hepatoid gland tumour and one mesenchymal tumour namely liposarcoma were also included in this cohort. This paper deals with the use of a rapid diagnostic technique like cytology for detecting superficial masses in canines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophilosis is a skin infection impacting various animals caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, a gram-positive bacterium, leading to exudative epidermitis with scabs. A female Malabari goat was presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, with recurrent dermatitis. Thick scabby lesions appeared on the udder, face and ear tips. The skin scrapings examination was negative for any fungal or mite elements. Gram stained impression smear from lesions revealed distinct gram-positive coccoid bacteria, suggestive of Dermatophilus congolensis. Cultural isolation and identification, confirmed the diagnosis of Dermatophilus congolensis infection. Treatment involved Inj. enrofloxacin @ 5 mg/kg for 5 days and continued topical application of povidone iodine mixed in glycerine solution for two weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Babesia genus includes intracellular pathogens that can infect the erythrocytes of various species, including humans, dogs, cats, horses, and wild mammals. A five-year-old female Labrador Retriever was brought in with symptoms such as reduced appetite, fever, laboured breathing, lethargy, and dark yellow urine. Clinical examination showed an elevated body temperature (104.5°F), pale mucous membranes, a severe tick infestation, and enlarged prescapular lymph nodes. Routine blood tests, serum biochemistry, peripheral blood smear examination, and PCR were conducted. Haematological results revealed severe regenerative anaemia, and the blood smear displayed numerous signet ringshaped Babesia gibsoni parasites (+++) in the red blood cells. The diagnosis was confirmed through Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The dog was treated with a combination of doxycycline, clindamycin, and metronidazole. After ten days, the dog showed significant clinical improvement, and follow-up blood smears were negative for Babesia parasites. This case demonstrated the successful use of triple drug therapy in completely eliminating a natural infection caused by Babesia gibsoni in a dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 14-year old male camel (Camelus dromedarius) was referred for a dropped anterior lower jaw following a fight two days back. Orthopaedic examination revealed abnormal mobility of the lower jaw and crepitation anterior to the first premolars. The condition was diagnosed as bilateral complete transverse fracture of mandible at the level anterior to the first premolars. Bilateral modified interdental wiring was performed under general anaesthesia. External coaptation using a muzzle along with liquid diet was advised for three weeks. Animal was fed with solid feed from the sixth postoperative week. The wires were removed during the ninth postoperative week and the animal had an uneventful recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An endotracheal tube is a semirigid medical device used to secure the airway during surgical procedures and in critical care situations. A 1.5-yearold intact female dog weighing 14 kg was presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Pookode, Wayanad, for elective ovariohysterectomy. The dog was premedicated with intramuscular atropine and xylazine and anaesthesia was induced with intravenous midazolam and ketamine. During intubation with a 6-mm cuffed endotracheal tube, the tube was accidentally displaced into the pharynx and could not be retrieved manually. A lateral thoracic radiograph showed the tube lodged in the oesophagus, with its cuff inflated. General anaesthesia was then induced with propofol and maintained with an infusion, allowing for successful endoscopic retrieval of the tube without further complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease in dogs, especially affecting puppies. A five month old, male Labrador Retriever pup with anorexia, pyrexia, lethargy and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis with haematemesis and haematochezia was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Haematological analysis showed severe leukopaenia, with granulopaenia and lymphopaenia. Lateral flow assay for CPV yielded a positive result. Molecular diagnosis using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) confirmed the presence of CPV-2c. Despite the initiation of supportive therapy, the pup succumbed to death the next day. This the second report of CPV-2c from a dog in Kerala and represents the pioneering use of multiplex ARMS-PCR for detecting CPV variants in Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A male dog aged 9 years was presented to the Department of Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics, Veterinary College Gadag, with the history of a hard mass on the right paramedian side of the penis, measuring about 5cm which was noticed by the owner for the past three months. Surgical treatment was done under general anesthesia. Surgical excision of the tumor was done under preanesthetic drug Inj. Atropine @0.04mg/kg b.wt., and induction of anaesthesia by Inj. Xylazine @1mg/kg b.wt. and Inj. Ketamine 10mg/kg b.wt. I/M. A mixture of ketamine and diazepam at 1:1 ratio was used for maintenance intravenously. Complete excision of the tumor mass was performed and appropriate wound care led to an uneventful recovery. The histopathological findings revealed cells with a moderate degree of anisocytosis and multifocal infiltration of inflammatory cells, predominantly neutrophils and the mass was identified as a hepatoid gland adenocarcinoma. Post-operative treatment with antibiotics tab. cefotaxim and tab. Poochrex® aided wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterises the preferences of commercial dog breeders in central Kerala. Commercial dog breeding is a promising business that has the potential to eliminate youth unemployment and serve as a means of livelihood. However, the state lacks reliable details on the preferences of commercial dog breeders involved in this vocation across various aspects of dog breeding. In light of these facts, the present study was conducted to identify the preferences of commercial dog breeders in central Kerala. The study was conducted following retrospective research design in sixty commercial dog breeding ventures randomly selected from Thrissur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. Data collection was done by personal interviews using a structured pre tested interview schedule. The findings of study indicated that majority of the commercial dog breeders preferred to rear large to giant breeds. Despite a strong preference for large to medium size breeds, the Beagle was the breed that was mostly reared followed by the Labrador Retriever. Majority of the breeders reported a strong preference for rearing male dogs. In terms of the preferred location of the kennel, most of the breeders preferred to rear the dogs on the same compound that their residence was located on. Majority of these enterprises were located in urban areas. The present study threw light on the general preferences of the commercial dog breeders of Kerala, which would serve as a benchmark for further diversified research in this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in two taluks of Thrissur district of Kerala state, India, to assess the socio-economic profile of poultry farmers, production of birds, health care and marketing and constraints in backyard poultry production system. The poultry farmers were aged above 45 years in both Chalakudy (68 per cent) and Mukundapuram (60 per cent) taluks. Higher proportion of respondents were female in both taluks. In Mukundapuram taluk, most of the farmers (72 per cent) belonged to small (=4) family size. About 40 per cent of farmers had large land holding in Chalakudy and 52 per cent of farmers had marginal land holding in Mukundapuram. The most of the farmers had previous experience in poultry farming. The eggs produced were used for home consumption by 92 per cent of respondents in Chalakudy and 96 per cent in Mukundapuram. The computed overall mean number of eggs produced per year was 225.56 ± 83.65 in Chalakudy and 230.28 ± 23.25 in Mukundapuram. The mean egg weight ranged from 31.92 to 32.04g in Chalakudy and Mukundapuram respectively. Attack of predators, high feed cost, diseases and shortage of adequate germplasm were the major constraints faced in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the clinical records of small animal gynaecological cases maintained at University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Mannuthy and Kokkalai over three years from June 2017 to May 2020. A total of 13,132 dogs were presented to both University Veterinary Hospitals, with different gynaecological problems over three years. The occurrence of pyometra in relation to overall canine gynaecological cases was 3.20 per cent. Among the confirmed pyometra cases, the occurrence was highest among Labrador Retrievers (19.52 per cent). The age-wise distribution of pyometra-affected animals showed that animals above six years had the highest occurrence (47.86 per cent) of the disease. Nulliparous animals showed the highest occurrence (75 per cent), followed by primipara (19.26 per cent). The major symptoms exhibited by pyometraaffected dogs were dullness (92.85 per cent) followed by vaginal discharge (70.95 per cent) and polydipsia (70.71 per cent). Vomiting was the less frequently reported symptom (34.04 per cent). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidiosis, caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic disease that affects young animals and humans. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves. A total of 30 faecal samples were collected from calves below six months of age and subjected to examination for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining procedure. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was 16.60 per cent with infection significantly high in diarrhoeic calves. It is apparent that there is a lack of diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in cattle in these regions, indicating a potentially high prevalence of infection.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) using two-dye chemistry has reduced DNA sequencing costs but introduced challenges, such as overrepresented poly-guanine (poly-G) tails, especially in reverse strands. Poly-G artifacts often result in erroneous high-confidence G bases at the ends of reads, complicating downstream analyses. This study evaluated the efficiency and speed of three popular trimming tools viz. BBDuk, Cutadapt, and Fastp in removing poly-G artifacts from NGS datasets. A sample dataset generated using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform from crossbred cattle with 26.32 million reads and 6.79 per cent poly-G content was used for the study. Quality was assessed with FastQC, and trimming was performed using BBDuk, Fastp, and Cutadapt. Post-trimming, datasets were re-evaluated using FastQC and metrics like poor quality sequences, GC content, and trimming time were recorded. Results indicated that the tool BBDuk was the fastest (8.42 seconds), followed by Fastp (9.50 seconds) and Cutadapt (24.42 seconds). All the tools efficiently trimmed poly-G tails, with BBDuk and Cutadapt retaining more sequences than Fastp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed Tomography (CT) has become a cornerstone in veterinary diagnostic imaging, offering unparalleled detail and accuracy. First introduced in 1972 by G.N. Hounsfield, CT generates high-resolution cross-sectional and 3D images, surpassing traditional radiography by eliminating superimposition. Modern CT systems, including high-speed, lowdose, dual-source, cone beam, and portable machines, accommodate diverse clinical applications. CT facilitates the diagnosis of various conditions, including brain tumours, nasal and ear diseases, spinal injuries, orthopaedic abnormalities, and respiratory, abdominal, and urogenital pathologies. Advanced techniques such as CT angiography provide precise imaging of vascular structures, aiding in detecting portosystemic shunts and vascular anomalies. Its ability to differentiate tissue densities and reconstruct 3D images enhances pre-surgical planning and therapy monitoring. However, challenges such as high costs, radiation exposure, and the need for specialized expertise limit its accessibility. Future advancements in CT technology, including cardiac imaging and brachytherapy planning, are anticipated to broaden its diagnostic and therapeutic potential in veterinary medicine. Continuous innovation and training are essential to fully harness the capabilities of CT, ensuring improved outcomes for veterinary patients. This review underscores CT's pivotal role in modern veterinary practice, addressing current applications and exploring its prospects for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates alterations in nutrient utilisation and serum liver enzyme levels in crossbred dairy cattle during the different phases of the early lactation (zero to five days, 25-30 days and 45-60 days post-calving). Seven healthy early lactating cows of third parity were selected from the University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Station, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, for the research work. Animals were given standard ration with ad libitum water. Meteorological variables such as ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded and the temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated. The overall mean concentrations of BHB, glucose, total protein, AST and P showed no significant differences in all the three phases of early lactation. The mean concentration of TAG showed a significant difference (P>0.05) between zero to five days with 25-30 days and also with 45-60 days. The levels of GGT showed a significant difference (P>0.05) between 25-30 days and 45-60 days. The mean concentrations of Ca showed a significant difference (P>0.05) between zero to five days and 25-30 days also with 45-60 days. Hence it could be inferred that in a season when the THI was below 82 and standard feeding protocols were followed, the animals would be in positive energy balance even during peak lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important tapeworms (cestodes) of poultry of India are Choanotaenia infundibulum, Raillietina cesticillus, R tetragona, R. echinobothrida and Cotugnia digonopora. Altogether nine species of beetles and sixteen species of ants served as intermediate hosts which harboured cysticercoids of these tapeworms. The frequency of incidence of cysticercoids, micrometry of cysticercoids, minimum time for development of tapeworms in final hosts and periodicity of segment discharge are discussed. Significant importance has to be given for the selection of site and its location to construct poultry farms. The dumping yards of manure and vegetable wastes are to be located away. Filthy surroundings have to be avoided as they attract beetles to breed and multiply. Search may be made for the presence of ant-hills or nests nearby to poultry yards. Control measures against the intermediate hosts likely to enter poultry houses and their vicinities have to be implemented considering the eco-friendly surroundings safer for chicks Borax powder, diatomaceous earth (silica or silicon dioxide) or multi-control insecticide powders would be kept near ant-moving areas. Spreading borax powder around ant-hills or pouring boiling water on them would destroy ant-colony and mounds. Spraying insecticides on breeding places of beetles would check their multiplication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) quickly evolves veterinary practice by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, workflow, and operational efficiency. Even though the benefits of AI integration in veterinary practice are well appreciated worldwide, the lack of awareness of the available AI applications in major domains of veterinary care is identified as a primary gap in the acceptance of these technologies by many veterinary practitioners. There are many available machine learning (ML) applications across various fields of veterinary care. These include applications that improve the accuracy of diagnostics, optimize operational efficiency, enhance workflow in practice settings, improve production animal health, sports medicine, wildlife and exotic animal health, and AI applications to augment one health implementation. Despite the advantages, these applications pose major limitations, including available data quality, ethical concerns, and challenges in accepting and integrating available AI tools in regular veterinary practice. This review article is intended to provide a snapshot of available applications for AI integration in veterinary practice with insights into the challenges and limitations. By exploring the available literature on the subject, the article seeks to augment the knowledge of the veterinary practitioner of how AI can be harnessed to their daily needs and ultimately enhance the productivity, improved animal health, and quality of life (QOL) of animals with due consideration to the challenges and limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing incidence of prolonged oestrus has been reported among dairy cattle especially after the popularization of artificial insemination (AI). The condition is often considered as a simple deviation of the physiological manifestation and the underlying causes and mechanisms have not been adequately explored. However, considerable impairment of fertility has been reported and various interventions are being carried out to restore normal fertility. Hence objective of the present communication is to describe the causative factors for prolonged oestrus with emphasis on human interventions in animal breeding such as oestrus detection and AI management. Lack of males in the herd, intensive system of management, minimal opportunity for social interactions and stress of high milk production have made the oestrus manifestations unusual and misleading. Hence, expulsion of mucus from the reproductive tract is highly relied upon for oestrus detection, which makes the distinction of oestrus from prooestrus very difficult and thus increasing the proportion of prolonged oestrus cases. Owing to the shorter fertilizable life of cryo-preserved spermatozoa, better synchrony of insemination with ovulation results from later AI adhering to AM:PM rule. However, the chance of infection increases considerably with late insemination contributed by inadequacy of tubular defense mechanisms and harmful effects of more anterior deposition. Thus, it appears that the major underlying reason for the increasing occurrence of prolonged oestrus is the use of cryo-preserved semen together with adherence to AM:PM rule for AI and the resultant indirect selection of animals having longer oestrus period as parents of the future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis in dogs is a severe, lifethreatening blood parasite disease that is found all over the world. The molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia vogeli (B. vogeli) was investigated in dogs from Thrissur, Kerala by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. A total of 200 dogs suspected of tickborne haemoprotozoan infections were screened by both light microscopy and PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of B. vogeli. The comparative evaluation of the two techniques for detection of pathogens revealed that PCR detected a higher percentage of positive cases (27 per cent) when compared to light microscopy (18.50 per cent). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequence obtained in this study had close relations to sequences from India, France, the USA, Germany, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, China, and Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobials are used on farms to manage livestock diseases. In many developing countries, antimicrobial use (AMU) is insufficiently controlled, and antimicrobials are prone to misuse and abuse, thereby fostering the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR remains a challenge in Kenya, and the extent remains unknown. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AMU among multisectoral stakeholders in Kenya. Methods: The cross‐sectional survey was conducted in August 2021 among 381 livestock farmers in Busia, Nakuru, and Isiolo Counties, while 47 animal health service providers (AHSPs) and 32 One Health practitioners (OHPs) were enrolled across Kenya. The data collection tool uploaded on KoBoCollect software was used to collect information on demographics, farming systems, KAP on AMR and AMU, and sources of information. Descriptive statistics were performed. Knowledge was either correct or incorrect, while practices were assigned as desirable or undesirable. Bivariable analysis to assess factors associated with KAP using odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence level (CL). The Pearson correlation test was conducted to test the correlation between demographic independent variables and farmers' KAP, p < 0.05. Results: Most farmers, 234 (61.4%), were young adults between 30 and 49 years old. Additionally, 48.9% of the farmers had less than 5 years of experience in farming. Among the AHSPs, 76.6% were male, with 21 (44.7%) having 2–5 years of experience. All (32) OHPs had over 15 years of experience. Correct knowledge in AMR/AMU was observed in 52.6% of the farmers, 88.2% of AHSPs, and all OHPs. Desirable practices were observed in 133 (34.9%) of farmers, 22 (45.1%) of AHSPs, and 25 (76.4%) of OHPs. Among the farmers, having basic education was associated with correct knowledge (OR 4.07, p = 0.0007); however, being male (OR 1.584, p = 0.0456) and having a higher education level (OR 1.582, p = 0.0165) were associated with desirable practices. There was a significant positive correlation between having correct knowledge and level of education (p < 0.0001), years of farming, and correct knowledge (p < 0.0001). However, years of farming negatively correlated with the desirable practices (p < 0.0001). Farmers' preferred sources of information regarding AMR/AMU were friends 130 (33.9%), farmer meetings/workshops 99 (25.9%), and radio 41 (10.7%). AHSPs obtain information from scientific conferences/trainings (17) (65.4%), workshops (13) (50.0%), and TV and radio (12) (46.2%), while OHSPs mostly get information through college training (14) (58.3%) and workshops (8) (33.3%). Conclusion: Correct knowledge of AMR/AMU did not result in adopting the desirable practices. A better understanding of the socioeconomic aspects of welfare, good livestock production measures, and AMU stewardship will be desired. This study provides a foundation for developing effective antimicrobial stewardship, best farm practices, and intervention programs to reduce inappropriate AMU. Public Implication: Farmers' AHSP practices are likely to promote the emergence of AMR, a health challenge for animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brasília, Distrito Federal, is among the Brazilian cities with the highest number of tilapia farms, with around 660 farms, of which 112 are commercial. The aim of this study was to validate a health characterization model for commercial tilapia production using the production chain in the Distrito Federal (DF), one of Brazil's 27 federative units, by applying a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 112 farms were categorized according to the degree of vulnerability to the introduction of pathogens and the risk of dissemination using two weighted scorecard tables that evaluated 15 items each. After calculating the mean between the two variables, the farms were classified from A (insignificant risk) to D (high risk). Most of the commercial tilapia farms in the Distrito Federal were categorized as B (39; 34.8%) and C (53; 47.3%), representing low and medium risk, respectively. When comparing the different commercial groups, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the mean scores between closed-system fattening farms and both semi-closed fattening farms and pay-to-fish farms. Closed-system fattening farms, such as those using biofloc, aquaponics, and recirculation aquaculture systems, showed the lowest vulnerability to pathogen entry and the lowest risk of disease spread. The study's findings provide valuable health information for the official veterinary service of the DF, enabling the categorization of farms, identification of production units, and determination of the most vulnerable strata. Furthermore, the model can be easily applied by private companies and by official veterinary services in other states or countries with significant tilapia production that need to implement risk-based surveillance programs for tilapia farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines community-based breeding schemes as a cost-effective method for enhancing the productivity of indigenous livestock breeds. While such projects offer benefits, their success varies in different locations. Drawing data from Uganda's Teso and Karamoja regions, the research reveals that investing in such projects yields positive outcomes for farmer groups. However, challenges such as limited access to veterinary services, high maintenance costs, and the failure of the exotic breeds to adapt to extreme temperatures and drought conditions hinder project success and continuity. The study emphasises the importance of collective resource mobilisation, effective group governance, and farmer involvement in breed selection to address these issues. It also recommends promoting income-generating activities within the groups, strengthening leadership structures, and fosteringmember commitment to collective efforts. These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of community-based breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Livestock are central to pastoral livelihoods. A major constraint in pastoral production is livestock diseases, which is often exacerbated by inadequate surveillance systems. Reporting of disease outbreaks from pastoral communities to animal health workers is one of the challenges that affects effective and timely response to disease outbreaks. This study aimed to understand animal disease reporting and response in pastoral areas of Northern Kenya. Stakeholders, their roles, information flow among them and methods used for both livestock disease reporting and response and their strengths and challenges were identified. Methods: The study was carried out in Marsabit County, a pastoral county in Kenya. Pretested tools were used to guide data collection through Focus Group Discussions, Narrative and Key Informant Interviews with pastoralists, County government Animal Health Workers, agrovets and private animal health workers, Community Disease Reporters, Chiefs, County Public Health Officers and local Non-Governmental Organization staff. Net mapping was further used where participants drew links among the various stakeholders and assigned them perceived influence and power. Output from thematic analysis, notes taken during data collection and net maps were used to produce a network of stakeholders and their links using Gephi software. Centrality measures were generated and recorded. Perceived power and influence scores were used to produce a graph and the reasons for the scores documented. Methods used for livestock disease reporting and response were obtained from thematic analysis. Results: A network of 19 stakeholders with 67 links among them was identified. Major stakeholders were the Animal Owners/Pastoralists, Government Animal Health Workers, County Director of Veterinary Services, the Chief and radio based on network indices of Total degree and Betweenness Centrality, and also based on perceived scores of influence and power. Pastoralists had pivotal roles in both livestock disease reporting and response, Government Animal Health Workers (GAHWs) were mainly involved in disease surveillance and mass interventions including treatment and vaccinations. Non-state actors like NGOs and iNGOs collaborated and supported the County Government with resources to manage outbreaks. Various methods were used for reporting diseases, with use of mobile phones highly mentioned while for response to disease occurrences, the methods included trainings and treatment by both Government and Private AHWs and use of alternative veterinary practices by pastoralists. Various challenges constraining livestock disease response were highlighted, the most frequent challenges centered around low numbers and under resourcing of Animal Health Workers. Conclusion: These findings show that designing an efficient livestock disease surveillance system in pastoral areas requires recognition and utilization of all stakeholders and understanding of their roles. Gaps highlighted in disease response should be prioritized by the government and its development partners for improved animal health service delivery in pastoral areas. These inadequacies in livestock disease response have a direct effect on veterinary practice as mandated by the Government of Kenya Veterinary Surgeons and Para-professionals Act. The results are important for guiding policy formulation to support mitigation of disease impacts in similar areas with limited access to quality veterinary services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken production in Tanzania provides opportunity to local communities in terms of employment, increased income, food security, and manure for cropping. However, diseases like fowl typhoid remain a challenge to livestock keepers. This study was aimed at understanding the attitude and awareness of Poultry keepers about the prevalence of fowl typhoid in chickens kept in Dodoma. A cross-sectional survey using semi-structured interviews was employed to understand farmers' perception of the prevalence of fowl typhoid and associated risk factors amongst poultry farmers in three wards in Dodoma, namely, Nkuhungu, Msalato, and Mnadani. The overall prevalence of fowl typhoid among farmers was 22.30%, with significant differences being noticed in the first quarter (January–March) and the third quarter (July–September) (P < 0.05). Factors such as age and sex, flock size, and management practices influence the prevalence of fowl typhoid significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the farmers had challenges accessing the veterinary services due to their unawareness, the availability of the service, and their distance from the service. The control strategies for fowl typhoid should consider the influencing factors while improving the accessibility and availability of veterinary services to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peste des petits ruminant (PPR) is a contagious disease caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). The disease poses a significant economic threat to small ruminant production in Ethiopia, particularly to the striving pastoral production system. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of PPR in the small ruminants of the Borena Zone. A total of 384 serum samples were collected randomly from sheep and goats and examined for the presence of PPRV antibodies using competition enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (c-ELISA). Additionally, a retrospective analysis of five years of outbreak data was performed to provide insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of the disease. Results: The seroprevalence of PPRV antibodies in nonvaccinated, vaccinated, and unknown vaccination status of small ruminants in this study was found to be 32.1%, 68.8%, and 45.5%, respectively. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed a statistically significant association between PPRV seropositivity and several factors, including age, animal origin, flock size, and veterinary services status. A retrospective analysis revealed 53 PPR outbreaks in the Borena Zone from 2018 to 2022, exacerbated by low vaccination coverage relative to the at-risk animal population. Conclusion: The study revealed significant gaps in current vaccination efforts, with herd immunity levels falling below the FAO-WOAH recommended threshold of 80%. Despite Ethiopia's ambitious goal to eradicate PPR by 2027, the frequent outbreaks and insufficient herd immunity highlight the inadequacy of the existing strategies. To effectively move toward eradication, Ethiopia must align its approach with the global PPR eradication framework, which emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that includes diagnostics, surveillance, prevention, and the establishment of a robust veterinary regulatory system, rather than relying solely on vaccination. Overcoming logistical challenges, improving vaccination coverage, and optimizing the timing of vaccination campaigns, especially in hard-to-reach areas, will be crucial for reducing outbreaks and making progress toward eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs offer multiple benefits in their relationship with humans, but they can also be carriers of zoonotic parasites that affect human and animal health. Zoonoses account for about 58% of all human infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to assess intestinal parasitism in dogs with owners in the City of Barranquilla in the years 2016 to 2018. A retrospective descriptive study was carried out that included 3,279 reports of parasitological evaluation of feces from a clinical laboratory that serves a network of veterinary services in the city of Barranquilla. 49.2 % of the dogs had some type of intestinal parasite. The most frequent were helminths: Strongyloides sp. 9.6 %, Toxocara canis 7.7 % and Ancylostoma caninum 6.2 %; and the protozoa: Entamoeba spp. 10.0 %, Isospora spp. 6.9 % and Giardia spp. 5.7 %. The Principal Component Analysis of the parasite profiles by year showed significant differences. The presence of zoonotically transmitted intestinal parasites in dogs evidenced the need to establish corrective and preventive measures in the field of public health that allow their control, since they constitute a significant risk of disease in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The CellCheck dry cow consult (DCC) was developed by the CellCheck Technical Working Group to enable farmers to engage with their nominated veterinarian to develop farm-specific selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) plans, where appropriate. This study evaluated the effect of the DCC on farmer decision-making around dry cow therapy, and the udder health effects of implementing SDCT, in study herds over the 2019 and 2020 dry periods. The DCC was a 3-h consult, delivered and funded as part of the Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health. Herds that completed a DCC were invited to register for a dry cow review the following year. The combined dataset for analysis across both years comprised 439 herds and 25,357 cows. Herd size ranged from 25 to 800. The median SCC of cows dried off with teat sealant only was 47,000 cells/mL before drying off in 2019 and 48,000 cells/mL at first milk recording in 2020, and 43,000 cells/mL before drying off in 2020 and 39,000 cells/mL at first milking recording in 2021. Following both the 2019 and 2020 dry periods, cows tended to converge toward a similar median SCC early in the following lactation, irrespective of prior dry cow treatment strategy. The uptake of SDCT was greater in review herds, with 21% of cows receiving teat sealant only in 2020, compared with 16.3% of cows in herds participating in a consult for the first time in 2020. At an individual cow level, in both years dry period new infection rate (NIR) was approximately 2.7% higher for cows treated with teat sealant only, than for those treated with both dry cow antibiotic tubes and teat sealant, and 1.2% higher than cows treated with antibiotic only. Regardless of treatment, a significant association was detectable between increasing parity and the risk of a dry period new infection. Increasing herd size had a significant effect on the risk of dry period NIR. At a herd level, no significant increase in NIR occurred when SDCT was used compared with herds where blanket dry cow therapy was used. Though not without risk, SDCT can be successfully implemented in Irish herds; however, constant attention to hygiene and management is essential. Despite the challenges, facilitating continued farmer education and engagement with professional guidance will be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli , Klebsiella oxytoca , Klebsiellapneumoniae , and Serratiamarcescens from quarter milk samples submitted to the udder health laboratory of the Bavarian Animal Health Services (TGD) in Southern Germany between 2014 and 2022. All samples were tested with the California Mastitis Test and analyzed with a standard microbroth dilution to determine the MIC. The antimicrobials tested were amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefazoline, kanamycin/cefalexin, cefoperazone, cefquinome, and marbofloxacin. Breakpoints were chosen in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Over the study period, E. coli , K. oxytoca , and K. pneumoniae showed only few resistances to all antimicrobials tested. For those pathogens MIC 50 and MIC 90 were below breakpoint for all antimicrobials except cefoperazone over the 9 years. A decrease in MIC could be seen for E. coli and K. oxytoca for all of the antimicrobials. While the MIC for K. pneumoniae stayed more stagnant, the prevalence of resistance still decreased overall. Serratiamarcescens isolates were proven intrinsically resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate and cefazolin, and while in vitro resistances were low for all other antimicrobials tested, S. marcescens tended toward higher MIC for most of the antimicrobials over the years. Over time, there was also an overall increase in the number of isolates for all 4 pathogens per year. Starting 2018 there was a steep increase in the number of isolates particularly from clinical cases. This jump in numbers coincided with a change of the regulation for veterinary drug prescriptions in Germany in 2018 that required, among other things, antimicrobial resistance testing before a change of antibiotics in the course of treatment and the use of critically important antimicrobials. Overall, although the pathogens increased in numbers, the prevalence of their antimicrobial resistance remained low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a significant threat to poultry worldwide, but its status in Ethiopia remains understudied. Thus, this study aimed to detect the virus and associated risk factors in South West Ethiopia. Ninety oropharyngeal swab samples were purposively collected from symptomatic chickens located in Jimma town, Seqa Chekorsa, and Tiro Afeta woredas of the Jimma zone between November 2021 and April 2022 to detect IBV virus by using RT‐PCR. A side‐by‐side questionnaire was administered to assess risk factors. Total RNA was extracted, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was conducted, and products were visualized under UV light. The overall proportion of IBV was 16.6% (15/90). No statistical association was observed between any of the animal risk factors and the detection of the virus (P = 0.57, 0.586, and 1). However, the proportion of birds infected by the virus was higher in males, exotic breeds, and adults compared to females, local breeds, and young birds. Similarly, none of the management risk factors had a significantly different effect on virus detection (P = 0.25, 0.09, 0.088, and 0.726). However, improper carcass disposal (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.13–1.4), lack of veterinary services (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 0.8–8.3), and the presence of wild birds/rodents (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 0.88‐22.3) were associated with increased IBV risk but not cleaning of feeders/drinkers (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.2–4.8). These findings underscore the need for enhanced biosecurity practices and further research to implement informed IBV control strategies in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surra is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi that threatens the health and productivity of camels. Despite its significant impact on camels in Ethiopia, surra has not received as much attention as diseases in cattle and other domestic animals. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of surra, identify the potential risk factors and assess the traditional knowledge, attitude and practices of camel herders towards the disease. Methods: The study used a parasitological and participatory epidemiological (PE) approach. Between February and July 2022, a total of 335 blood samples were collected from camels across three districts and tested using the buffy coat technique. The PE investigation involved six key informant groups consisting of 8 to 12 key persons, and used a semi-structured interview and various PE tools and principles. Result: The study found that the prevalence of surra among examined camels was 3.9% (95% CI: 2.1–6.5). The prevalence was significantly higher in camels with a poor body condition score (BCS) (OR = 9.3; 95% CI: 1.8–47.5; p = 0.008) compared with camels with a good BCS. However, district, age, sex, and ethnicity had no effect on the prevalence of surra (p > 0.05). The study also found that the packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in parasitaemic animals (18.92 ± 2.63) than in aparasitaemic animals (25.13 ± 4.56). Camels with poor BCS (22.7 ± 3.5) had a significantly (p < 0.001) lower mean PCV than camels with good BCS (26.2 ± 5.0). The PE investigation showed that all the camel herders were well aware of surra, known locally as Dhukana. The clinical symptoms, the season of high incidence, routes of transmission, impact on production, and control methods were accurately described. Moreover, this study emphasized that surra is the primary disease affecting camel health and productivity. Conclusion: The study identified a moderate prevalence of surra in the research area. To reduce surra incidence and associated losses, enhancing veterinary services and providing support for proper camel husbandry practices in the region is recommended. Additionally, future studies should consider using more sensitive and specific techniques like serological and molecular assays, as this study relied on microscopy only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cattle husbandry in India is a cornerstone of the agricultural sector, supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers. However, the industry grapples with challenges such as disease outbreaks, low productivity and limited access to veterinary services. The TNAU Cattle Expert System Application represents a digital innovation aimed at addressing these challenges by providing farmers with real-time guidance on various aspects of cattle management. Methods: The study was meticulously conducted in Tamil Nadu over the years of both 2022 and 2023. Feedback was systematically collected from 523 users of the TNAU Cattle Expert System Application. Text analysis tools were employed to categorize sentiments as positive, negative or neutral using Azure machine learing sotware in MS Excel. Log Regression was carried out to identify the variance of feedback sentiments followed by cluster analysis through jamovi further classified feedback into distinct groups, revealing patterns in user engagement. Result: Positive feedback praised the application's detailed information on cattle protection and disease precautions, particularly for FMD, BRD, Mastitis, Johne's disease, Brucellosis, Clostridia diseases and BVD. "Delicate" users (38.54%) gave appreciative feedback, "Arbitrator" users (26.04%) offered diverse opinions, "Eloquent" users (18.75%) expressed positive sentiments, while "Criticizer" (12.50%) and "Harsh stringer" users (4.17%) provided critical insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor health conditions of livestock cause sizeable losses for many farmers in the Global South. Veterinary services, including vaccinations, could help but often fail to reach farmers under typical smallholder conditions. Here, we examine how the provision of a vaccine against East Coast Fever (ECF)—a tick‐borne disease affecting cattle in Africa—can be designed to reduce typical adoption barriers. Using data from a choice experiment with dairy farmers in Kenya, we evaluate farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for various institutional innovations in vaccine delivery, such as a stronger role of dairy cooperatives, new payment modalities with a check‐off system, vaccination at farmers' homestead, and bundling vaccinations with discounts for livestock insurance. Our data reveal that farmers' awareness of the ECF vaccine is limited and adoption rates are low, largely due to institutional constraints. Results from mixed logit and latent class models suggest that suitable institutional innovations—tailored to farmers' heterogeneous conditions—could significantly increase adoption. This general finding likely also holds for other veterinary technologies and services in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bovine mastitis is the most common disease affecting the dairy industry and is mostly caused by intramammary infections (IMIs) due to mastitis pathogens. In this retrospective study we investigated the distribution of mastitis pathogens in all quarter milk samples (QMSs) submitted to the Bavarian Animal Health Service (TGD) in Southern Germany between 2014 and 2023. Overall, 19% of the QMSs contained mastitis pathogens and the most frequently isolated pathogens, in decreasing frequency, were non-aureus staphylococci (NAS), Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Streptococcus (Sc.) uberis, and Sc. dysgalactiae. However, differences were found in the distribution of the mastitis pathogens depending on the mastitis status of the quarter from which the samples originated and the time of year. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of mastitis pathogens in quarter milk samples (QMSs) submitted to the laboratory of the Bavarian Animal Health Service (TGD) between 2014 and 2023 in general, in relation to the clinical status of the quarters, and to analyze seasonal differences in the detection risk. Each QMS sent to the TGD during this period was analyzed and tested using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Depending on the result, QMSs were classified as CMT-negative, subclinical, or clinical if the milk character showed abnormalities. Mastitis pathogens were detected in 19% of the QMSs. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) were the most common species isolated from the culture positive samples (30%), followed by Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (19%), Streptococcus (Sc.) uberis (19%), and Sc. dysgalactiae (9%). In culture-positive QMSs from CMT-negative and subclinically affected quarters, the most frequently isolated pathogens were NAS (44% and 27%, respectively), followed by S. aureus (25% and 17%, respectively) and Sc. uberis (8% and 22%, respectively). In QMSs from clinically affected quarters, the most frequently isolated pathogens were Sc. uberis (32%), S. aureus (13%), Sc. dysgalactiae (11%), and Escherichia (E.) coli (11%). The distribution of NAS and Sc. uberis increased throughout the study period, while that of S. aureus decreased. From June to October, QMSs from subclinically affected quarters increased and environmental pathogens, such as Sc. uberis, were detected more frequently. In conclusion, this study highlights the dynamic nature of the distribution of mastitis pathogens, influenced by mastitis status and seasonal factors. Environmental pathogens still play an important role, especially in clinical mastitis and seasonal dependency, with the number of positive samples continuing to increase. It is therefore essential to continue mastitis control measures and to regularly monitor the spread of mastitis pathogens in order to track trends and adapt targeted prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of veterinary emergency service pause systems (VESPSs) and describe aspects of implementation and perceived impact. Design: Electronic questionnaire Setting: Membership of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). Animals: None. Interventions: None. Measurement and Main Results: A questionnaire was distributed to 6176 VECCS members with 1168 responses. Seventy‐six percent of the respondents were veterinarians. Ninety‐one percent of respondents practice in the United States, with 74% of them working at 24/7 multispecialty practices. Eighty‐seven percent of respondents indicated patient volume had increased, and 75% reported that a VESPS had been implemented between September 2020 and December 2021. Sixty‐two percent reported that their emergency service had been paused or closed once per week or more. The top reasons for implementing a VESPS included excessive caseload and staffing shortages. A variety of methods were utilized to implement a pause. Sixty‐nine percent reported their VESPS was less than ideal for effectiveness. Pause systems were reported to be highly supported by medical staff. Seventy‐seven percent reported increased client frustration and complaints, and 57% reported staff were stressed from denying care. Of those who do not currently have a VESPS in place, 74% would prefer to have one. Conclusions: VESPSs were in widespread use at the time of this survey, and most have been implemented between September 2020 and December 2021. The majority of VESPSs were employed to mitigate increased caseload and staffing shortages. Although VESPSs are largely supported by medical staff, drawbacks may include staff stress and client frustrations, and improvements are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To develop a structured process for a transparent, efficient, high-level review of a low-resource biosecurity system (limited by physical infrastructure, financial, and human resources), in order to identify and prioritise key areas for future focus which could then lead to interventions, tailored by country, to improve the system. A key requirement was that the approach developed was culturally sensitive and respectful to Pasifika people within the country. Methods: Animal health and biosecurity systems need to be urgently strengthened by Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) if they are to respond to current and future threats. Understanding where additional resources should be allocated to maximise benefit and ensuring buy-in from PICT stakeholders are critical for uptake of any recommendations made. However, there is little available literature on reviewing biosecurity systems, particularly where there is a need for efficiency, simplicity, and cultural sensitivity. A framework was developed through initial in-person consultation between four New Zealand experts who had experience working in international animal health development and support programmes. This was followed by input from informal discussions with selected heads of agriculture in PICTs and included their experiences with previous system reviews, as well as general advice from experts in Pasifika culture. Foundational objectives included simplicity, local inclusivity, and a structured approach, which could be undertaken over a relatively short period of time. A rapid evidence assessment methodology was used to search the available literature (published and grey, search terms biosecurity, system, Pacific, animal, framework, and review used in AND/OR combinations), to establish an evidence base for other methods of biosecurity system review. The developed framework for review of biosecurity systems in low-resource PICTs was based on elements from expert elicitation frameworks, the SurF surveillance evaluation framework and the Performance of Veterinary Services tool from The World Organisation for Animal Health. Results: The developed framework involved bringing stakeholders together in a workshop environment and comprised up to 10 steps including mapping the PICT biosecurity system and exploring attributes of component activities. Understanding the system at a high level enables stakeholders to make informed recommendations on improvements to address future needs. Using the Delphi method, recommendations were then prioritised by stakeholders. Conclusions and clinical relevance: A distinctive difference flowing from the use of the needs analysis described in this process was the empowerment of PICT stakeholders to determine their own needs and priorities, rather than have these developed by external parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) is commonly kept as a pet, with increasing popularity among pet owners. Despite the increasing body of information on lagomorph medicine and pathology, comprehensive published compilations of causes of mortality in pet rabbits are limited. We analyzed health disorders, pathology findings, and most probable causes of death in 100 pet rabbits submitted to the Anatomopathological Diagnostic Service of the Veterinary School of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, from 2011 to 2022. We reviewed clinical data and gross and histopathologic findings to classify the various disorders into infectious (n = 39), noninfectious (n = 45), and idiopathic conditions (n = 16). Within infectious disease processes, Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection (n = 14) and rabbit hemorrhagic viral disease (n = 14) had the highest prevalence. Regarding the noninfectious conditions, perioperative mortality (n = 10), gastrointestinal syndrome (n = 7), and trauma (n = 6) were the most common clinicopathologic entities observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Equine-assisted services (EAS) is a relatively new area of study within higher education requiring the development of a curriculum that best prepares the undergraduate student for the demands of the industry. Further, coursework targeting the specific management challenges for ensuring the welfare of horses utilized within EAS is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to apply an industry-based survey assessment utilizing EAS professionals within the United States to document management practices associated with healthcare and pain management challenges in the EAS horse. Suggested curriculum for undergraduate students targeting a career in EAS is given, utilizing data collected from the survey. Participant responses (n = 30) indicated that all of the surveyed facilities cared for more than three geriatric horses within their program, with the majority (60% responding "definitely yes") utilizing regularly functionally lame horses, although the prevalence of lameness was not correlated with number of geriatric horses within a program (0.20, p = 0.22). While lameness is a common healthcare challenge within EAS, gastrointestinal conditions (73%) were one of the other leading health concerns for these facilities. The most common equine pain detection method for EAS facilities was behavior assessment (93%), in which this method was positively correlated with years of horse experience (0.51, p = 0.01). Horse pain was primarily managed through annual alternative therapeutic interventions (76%), daily prescriptions (73%), and nutritional supplements (73%). As such, the curriculum for undergraduate EAS degree programs should cover healthcare practices targeting geriatric horse management and associated health issues such as gastrointestinal conditions and lameness, including early detection and pharmaceutical, nutritional, and alternative therapeutic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Melanocytic tumors (MTs) are more prevalent in dogs than in cats. In dogs, they are the most frequent malignancy of the oral cavity, whereas in cats, ocular melanomas predominate. This study provides epidemiologic data (2005–2024) on MTs for both dogs and cats. Totals of 21128 canine and 4808 feline tumors were analyzed by the Veterinary Pathology Service of the Department of Veterinary Medicine (University of Perugia). Among these, 845 canine MTs (329 melanocytomas; 512 melanomas) were diagnosed, 485 from the skin, 193 from the oral mucosa, and 104 from the mucocutaneous junction. Older dogs were more likely to develop melanomas than melanocytomas (p < 0.001). In contrast, among feline tumors, only 60 were melanocytic (6 melanocytomas, 53 melanomas). Of these, 29 were cutaneous, 18 were ocular, and 9 were oral. In dogs, melanomas were more common in mucocutaneous locations than in cutaneous locations (p < 0.05); moreover, they were more common in the oral cavity compared to all other sites (p < 0.001). In cats, ocular melanomas were more common than cutaneous ones (p < 0.05). This study provides the prevalence of MTs in dogs and cats, supporting distinct epidemiological patterns of MTs, and confirming the significance of species-specific differences in the tumor prevalence, localization, and age distribution. MTs are prevalent in dogs, representing the most frequent oral malignancy, compared to cats, in which ocular melanomas predominate. This study investigates the canine and feline MT epidemiology (2005–2024) of cases submitted to the Veterinary Pathology Service (University of Perugia). Among the canine neoplasms, 845 (4%) were melanocytic: 329 (39%) melanocytomas; 512 (61%) melanomas. Of these, 485 (57%) were cutaneous (4% of canine cutaneous neoplasms), 193 (23%) were oral (50% of oral canine neoplasms), and 104 (12%) were mucocutaneous. The average age of affected dogs was 10 years. Older dogs were more likely to have melanomas compared to melanocytomas (p < 0.001). There were 60 (1%) feline MTs: 6 (10%) melanocytomas; 53 (88%) melanomas. Of these, 29 (48%) were cutaneous (1% of feline cutaneous tumors), 18 (30%) were ocular, and 9 (15%) were oral (22% of feline oral tumors). The average age of affected cats was 11 years. In dogs, mucocutaneous melanomas were more common compared to cutaneous ones (p < 0.05); oral melanomas were more common compared to all other sites (p < 0.001). In cats, ocular melanomas were more common compared to cutaneous ones (p < 0.05). Our study provides the MT prevalence in a selected canine and feline population, revealing MT epidemiological patterns, highlighting species-specific differences in the tumor prevalence, localization, and age distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for strengthening national capacities for disease prevention, preparedness, and response is increasingly becoming urgent. Central to this is strengthening existing systems and workforce capacity for disease surveillance and disease outbreak response. This study aimed to evaluate the national capacity and needs of veterinary services in Vietnam in animal disease surveillance and outbreak investigation skills. A cross-sectional, convergent, mixed-methods study was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021. An online questionnaire was administered to government field veterinarians, followed by descriptive and multivariable analyses to understand field capacity, specifically levels of experience in outbreak investigation and animal health surveillance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with various stakeholders in veterinary services and interview transcripts were coded and thematically analyzed. Qualitative results were used to contextualize quantitative findings from the survey. Overall, 178 field veterinary staff completed the online survey, and 25 stakeholders were interviewed. Eighty percent of respondents reported a high priority for further training in both animal disease surveillance and outbreak investigation. Training and competence were more limited at the district and commune levels, highlighting a gap in capacity at the subnational level. Reasons included a lack of in-depth training opportunities, limited access to resources and high staff turnover. Respondents who completed postgraduate qualifications in epidemiology or Field Epidemiology Training Programs were more likely to have higher levels of experience in animal health surveillance and outbreak investigation. This study identified gaps in knowledge and adoption of practices most often related to local-level or less experienced veterinary staff with limited training opportunities in epidemiology. Findings inform the prioritization of training and planning activities to further enhance the national capacity of veterinary services in Vietnam. Underlying explanations for existing gaps in capacity include inequities in skill development and training opportunities across levels of veterinary staff, gaps in the chain of command and unequal funding across provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]