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Mannheimia haemolytica-associated abomasitis has been clinically described as a cause of sudden death in lambs, but it is poorly characterized. We describe the pathological features of a severe fibrinonecrotizing abomasitis in 3 lambs that died suddenly. All 3 abomasums had a thickened submucosa due to edema and necrotic areas delimited by bands of degenerate neutrophils with slender nuclei (oat cells) and angiocentric distributions. The overlying mucosa was congested. Myriads of gram-negative coccobacilli were observed within the oat cell bands. M. haemolytica was isolated from the abomasum in all 3 animals and was serotyped as A2 in one of them. Pericarditis and pleuritis were observed in 2 of the lambs. Clostridium spp. were isolated in 1 lamb and detected by immunohistochemistry in the 3 animals, suggesting clostridial co-infection. M. haemolytica should be considered among the differential diagnoses of necrotizing abomasitis in lambs.

Introduction: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) are orthonairoviruses of concern, able to cause haemorragic fever disease in humans and sheep, respectively. CCHFV and NSDV cocirculating in small ruminant populations across South Asia and East Africa. Cross-reactivity to viruses of the Orthonairovirus genus can potentially interfere with serological assays when employed for serosurveillance in regions where two or more genus members overlap in their distribution. Methods: In this study, sheep sera sampled from a region of confirmed CCHFV circulation and NSDV absence were utilized, thereby eliminating the possibility of co-exposure. Field sera were tested against in-house anti-NSDV ELISAs specific to the nucleoprotein (NSDV NP) and glycoprotein C (NSDV Gc) antigens as well as an in-house NSDV 80% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT80). We assessed whether there is a correlation between CCHFV- and NSDV-specific ELISAs. Furthermore, epitopes-derived from CCHFV antigens for sheep antibody that were available from the literature were analyzed. Results: When comparing NSDV antigen-specific antibody responses against previously tested CCHFV antigen-specific antibody responses, a strong positive correlation was observed between the Gc-specific responses, while a weak positive correlation was observed between the NP-specific responses. Consequently, NP-specific ELISAs have a higher assay specificity compared to Gc-specific ELISAs, making them more suitable for serosurveillance in regions where multiple orthonairoviruses co-circulate. Crucially, only one seropositive sample to NSDV Gc-specific out of a set of 224 (0.4%) showed a neutralizing capacity at the lowest serum dilution (1:8), suggesting these field sera have not been exposed to NSDV. Based on an analysis of known epitopes in NP targeted by antibodies in sheep serum, we propose that NP is less cross-reactive because dominant epitopes are highly dissimilar between CCHFV and NSDV. Discussion: Gc exhibited a strong cross-reaction while the NP was weakly cross-reactive due to dominant epitopes being highly dissimilar between CCHFV and NSDV. Our in-house PRNT80 assay can could be used as a confirmatory test in regions where CCHFV and NSDV circulate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lamb health is crucial for producers; however, the percentage of lambs that die before weaning is still 15–20%. One factor that can contribute to lamb deaths is congenital diseases. A novel semi-lethal disease has been identified in newborn Polypay lambs and termed dozer lamb syndrome. This study aims to determine if there is a genetic predisposition to dozer lamb syndrome. These lambs are weak and unable to lift their heads, suckle, and swallow, resulting in nasal reflux. Methods: Genetic analyses, including a genome-wide association, runs of homozygosity, and fine mapping to determine haploblock within regions of interest, were utilized in determining genetic predispositions to dozer lamb syndrome. Results: The genome-wide association study identified a region of chromosome 15 with three significant SNPs (p-values of 6.81 × 10−6, 5.71 × 10−6, and 8.52 × 10−6). Genetic analysis identified a run of homozygosity on the same region of chromosome 15 with an odds ratio of 236.7. Fine mapping of this region identified three haploblocks associated with the dozer lamb syndrome (p-value = 2.41 × 10−5). Conclusions: The most significant and promising gene in this region is CELF1, which is known to play an important role in muscle development. Abnormal CELF1 abundance and cellular location are reported to result in abnormal muscle development. Identification of genetic aberrations associated with dozer lamb syndrome provides a tool for decreasing or eliminating the genotype and, thus, the associated phenotype(s) from Polypay sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scrapie is an infectious prion disease in sheep. Selective breeding for resistant genotypes of the prion protein gene (PRNP) is an effective way to prevent scrapie outbreaks. Genotyping all selection candidates in a population is expensive but existing pedigree records can help infer the probabilities of genotypes in relatives of genotyped animals. Results: We used linear models to predict allele content for the various PRNP alleles found in Icelandic sheep and compiled the available estimates of relative scrapie susceptibility (RSS) associated with PRNP genotypes from the literature. Using the predicted allele content and the genotypic RSS we calculated estimated breeding values (EBV) for RSS. We tested the predictions on simulated data under different scenarios that varied in the proportion of genotyped sheep, genotyping strategy, pedigree recording accuracy, genotyping error rates and assumed heritability of allele content. Prediction of allele content for rare alleles was less successful than for alleles with moderate frequencies. The accuracy of allele content and RSS EBV predictions was not affected by the assumed heritability, but the dispersion of prediction was affected. In a scenario where 40% of rams were genotyped and no errors in genotyping or recorded pedigree, the accuracy of RSS EBV for ungenotyped selection candidates was 0.49. If only 20% of rams were genotyped, or rams and ewes were genotyped randomly, or there were 10% pedigree errors, or there were 2% genotyping errors, the accuracy decreased by 0.07, 0.08, 0.03 and 0.04, respectively. With empirical data, the accuracy of RSS EBV for ungenotyped sheep was 0.46–0.65. Conclusions: A linear model for predicting allele content for the PRNP gene, combined with estimates of relative susceptibility associated with PRNP genotypes, can provide RSS EBV for scrapie resistance for ungenotyped selection candidates with accuracy up to 0.65. These RSS EBV can complement selection strategies based on PRNP genotypes, especially in populations where resistant genotypes are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Atypical scrapie (AS) is a disease of sheep and goats. Currently, when AS is detected on a farm in Great Britain (GB), all animals that exit the flock through natural death or slaughter are tested for AS for a period of 2 years following detection of the initial case, as used to be performed within the European Union (EU), in order to provide support as to whether AS can transmit directly between sheep. The aim of this study was to determine how many AS animals would be missed if this testing was also stopped in positive flocks in GB and hence determine the value of continuing with this surveillance programme. Our model estimated approximately one undetected AS case every three years if additional testing was stopped in detected flocks. In comparison, around 10 AS cases are detected per year through other active surveillance streams. Our model estimates suggest that stopping the intensive monitoring of AS would have relatively little impact on AS surveillance and that continuing it would provide limited evidence as to whether AS is contagious. Atypical scrapie (AS) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects sheep and goats. Low within-flock incidence suggests that AS is not transmissible between animals, and testing of all animals that exit positive flocks for two years following detection (i.e., intensified monitoring) used to be carried out in the EU to provide data to test this. This intensified monitoring stopped in 2021 but continues in Great Britain (GB). The aim of this study was to predict the number of AS cases missed if this monitoring were also stopped in GB, using a combination of statistical and transmission modelling. The number of AS cases estimated to be missed if the intensified monitoring was stopped was low relative to the number of AS cases detected in other active surveillance streams (e.g., fallen stock and abattoir surveys), at approximately 1 case every 3 years (0.34 per year, 95% CI: 0.18–0.54) compared to 10 per year (95% CI: 4–17) in the active surveillance stream. This suggests that stopping the intensive monitoring of AS would have relatively little impact on AS surveillance and on the power of the available AS data to infer whether AS is contagious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fasciolosis is one of the parasitic diseases that exerts the greatest impact on sheep productive systems worldwide. Affected sheep generally show a decrease in their reproductive capacity, weight gain, meat and milk production, and wool quality. In the pathogenesis of Fasciola hepatica, the penetration and migration of parasitic stages through the liver provoke intense inflammatory immune responses and tissue damage. Following strong activation signals, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) reportedly release chromatin and granular proteins into the extracellular space, forming DNA traps called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). It was recently demonstrated that F. hepatica induces NET formation in vivo in the liver parenchyma from naturally infected sheep. Thus, in this paper we investigated F. hepatica-mediated NET-derived cytotoxic effects in exposed hepatic cells in vitro as well as F. hepatica-triggered ovine NETs under hypoxic conditions (5% O2). Our results confirm the ability of ovine PMNs to form NETs in low-oxygen environments after F. hepatica antigen (FhAg) stimulation, as seen in many pathological and pro-inflammatory states, and their cytotoxic effects on exposed hepatic cells. In addition, we demonstrate that this defence mechanism is NADPH oxidase (NOX)-dependent and therefore a tightly regulated molecular process. Overall, we hypothesize that NET formation plays a role in the pathogenesis of fasciolosis, and NETs contribute to liver tissue damage if released in an uncontrolled manner. Fasciola hepatica is a parasitic trematode that causes fasciolosis in sheep, provoking a decrease in their reproductive capacity, weight gain, meat and milk production, and wool quality. In the pathogenesis of F. hepatica, the penetration and migration of parasitic stages through the liver provoke intense inflammatory immune responses and tissue damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Fascila hepatica-induced ovine NETs in exposed hepatocytes in vitro, and to analyze whether F. hepatica antigens (FhAg) trigger the release of ovine NETs under hypoxic conditions as well as the roles of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and CD11b in this cellular process in vitro. Here, isolated ovine PMNs were co-cultured with FhAg under hypoxia (5% O2) and NETs were visualized via immunofluorescence analyses, confirming their classical characteristics. The quantification of NETs in response to FhAg in hypoxic conditions significantly enhanced the formation of anchored and cell-free NETs (p < 0.01), and NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI) significantly reduced their production (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of NETs on hepatic cells was determined by using a live/dead-staining with Sytox Orange, thereby demonstrating that FhAg-induced NETs are cytotoxic for hepatic cells (p = 0.001). We additionally analyzed PMN supernatants to determine the enzymatic activity of MMP-9, observing that FhAg exposure enhances MMP-9 release in ovine PMNs (p < 0.05) but not in bovine PMNs. Interestingly, by using flow cytometric analysis, we determined that the exposure of PMNs to FhAg does not increase the CD11b surface expression of ovine PMNs. This could be an effect of the activation of other surface receptors or transcription factors involved in F. hepatica-induced NETosis. Consequently, we hypothesize that F. hepatica-induced NETs play a role in the pathogenesis of fasciolosis, contributing to liver tissue damage if released in an uncontrolled manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species phenotypes are driven by persistent selective pressures that condition their adaptation to the environment. However, stochastic critical events, such as disease outbreaks, may also act as selective pressures because of drastic population decline. External structures like horns of ungulate species may reflect the consequences of these selective pressures on animal fitness. Using a generalized linear model approach, we analysed how a massive mortality event caused by a sarcoptic mange outbreak in 1992 affected the horn size of an Iberian aoudad population (dataset from 1980 to 2014) by comparing horn length before and after the outbreak. We found that this episodic, albeit massive, outbreak changed long-term trends in age-size horn relations. Both females and males presented shorter horns after the sarcoptic mange outbreak, although more marked in males. Even when animals reached mature ages, horn length did not increase with age to the same degree as before the outbreak. We consider that two processes may have acted on the population: a bottleneck favoured "shorter horns" phenotype and a post-mange enzootic period limited horn growth, as infected animals may invest more resources in the immune system. Overall, our results show a top-down regulation of a fitness trait for an ungulate population mediated by a parasite. This disease outbreak showed long-lasting effects on the ungulate population, with ecological and management implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astylus atromaculatus is a pollen beetle native to South America, commonly found in crop flowers. Experimental intoxication of sheep and guinea pigs by this beetle resulting in fibrinonecrotizing enteritis has been reported. We describe here 6 natural outbreaks of intoxication in cattle associated with consumption of alfalfa (5 of 6) and mixed native (1 of 6) pastures heavily contaminated with A. atromaculatus. The outbreaks occurred during the summer (January-February) of 2023 in Argentina (n = 4) and Uruguay (n = 2), in beef cattle under extensive or semi-extensive rearing systems, with overall cumulative incidence and mortality of 22.3% and 17.8%, respectively. The main clinical signs included acute onset of anorexia, lethargy, hyperthermia, hindlimb weakness, reluctance to move, and diarrhea, for up to 15 d. In 2 outbreaks, sudden death was observed. Eight Hereford, Angus, and/or crossbreed heifers, cows, steers, and/or calves were autopsied. Gross and microscopic findings included multifocal necrosis with fibrinous pseudomembranes in the forestomachs and/or small and large intestines. Fragments or whole specimens of A. atromaculatus were identified in the ruminal content of all animals. Testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens was negative as was testing of A. atromaculatus for cantharidin and batrachotoxin. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS performed on the beetles did not identify any known toxic compounds. Based on the exposure to A. atromaculatus-contaminated pasture, gross and microscopic lesions, and negative results of all testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens, a diagnosis of intoxication by A. atromaculatus is proposed. Disease caused by A. atromaculatus consumption has not been reported previously in cattle, to our knowledge.

BACKGROUND: There is only limited information on the clinical presentation, medical management, and outcomes of hospitalized sheep diagnosed with bluetongue virus (BTV) disease. OBJECTIVES: To describe the signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, medical management, and clinical outcomes of sheep diagnosed with BTV disease. ANIMALS: Thirty-five hospitalized sheep with BTV disease. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Medical records from 1989 to 2021 were evaluated. History, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory test results, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: BTV disease was diagnosed from July to December, with a peak proportion (43%; 15/35) of diagnoses recorded in October. Pyrexia and anorexia, respiratory disease, vasculitis, coronitis and lameness, and ulcerative mucosal lesions were present in 71%, 71%, 66%, 49%, and 22% of sheep, respectively. BTV serotypes 10, 11, 13, and 17 were identified, with serotype 17 (75%) being the most frequent. Management of cases included administration of antimicrobials (89%), anti-inflammatories (77%), IV fluids (60%), vitamins (20%), proton-pump inhibitors (14%), diuretics (9%), and antioxidants (9%). Six ewes were pregnant on presentation, but none aborted. Six (17%) sheep died or were euthanized because of clinical deterioration, whereas 83% were discharged. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The proportion of sheep that survived BTV disease after treatment was relatively high. Serotyping of BTV is recommended because of the mismatch between frequently identified serotypes and the serotype present in the vaccine.

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a disease of sheep that is caused by a Betaretrovirus named exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV). This virus causes oncogenic transformation in lungs, and symptoms develop related to the growing tumors. Disease develops slowly with a long incubation time ranging 2-4 years. Currently there is no serological test to evaluate the presence in the flock and also disease can mostly be diagnosed post mortem. The aim of this study is to determine characterization and the molecular presence exJSRV types in circulation. In this study lung tissues of 25 suspected cases were investigated. Initial diagnosis is made by histopathological (HP) and immunohistochemical (IHC) methods. Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining was used for examining histopathological changes. Anti JSRV capsid antibody was used with Streptavidin-Biotin peroxidase method. Slides were examined under light microscope and photographs were taken. All 25 cases were diagnosed as OPA with these methods. Lung tissues embedded in paraffin were used as material for nucleic acid extraction. Envelope gene of JSRV nucleic acid was chosen for investigating with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Since paraffinized tissue blocks were used, sensitivity was not high and only 10/25 tissues were deemed positive. Positive amplicons were sent to sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed after analyzing the sequences. Also predicted amino acid sequences were analyzed. In conclusion we found both type 1 and type 2 exJSRV have been circulating in the region and changes in amino acids were detected which could lead to possible differentiation in pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic diseases are significant diseases that affect the welfare, health, and production of small ruminant flocks raised for dairy and meat purposes. In breeding females, they mainly occur from six to eight weeks before and after parturition, respectively. Pregnancy toxemia and lactational ketosis are manifestations of hyperketonemia, primarily due to energetic deficit. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia are related to the metabolic unavailability of calcium and magnesium, respectively. This review aimed to identify and discuss the current and most relevant aspects related to individual and herd health management of these interrelated metabolic diseases with impact on the sheep and goats' farm sustainability. These diseases are primarily due to nutritional deficits, but homeostatic and homeorhetic disruptions are responsible for clinical signs and forms. Currently, their clinical diagnosis and monitoring are mainly assessed by biochemistry of body fluids and feed bromatological evaluation. Epidemiological studies and measuring risk factors also contribute to their prevention. Nevertheless, research on specific biomarkers and composite indices related to these diseases, in the context of herd health management and precision medicine, are new pathways driven to suitable and efficient animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to study the potential effects of climatic conditions prevalent at the locations of sheep farms in the country. The specific objectives were to explore associations between climatic variables and the incidence of four clinical problems in sheep farms and, moreover, to compare these to the health management practices applied in the farms. Our hypothesis was that climatic factors may be associated with the prevalence of diseases in sheep farms; this will provide information regarding potential weather effects, to take into account in the efforts for control of the diseases. Data were obtained during a large cross-sectional investigation performed across Greece involving 325 sheep flocks. Climatic variables prevailing at the location of each farm were derived from 'The POWER Project'. The annual incidence rate for abortion was 2.0% (95% confidence intervals: 1.9–2.1%), for clinical mastitis 3.9% (3.8–4.0%), for lamb pneumonia 1.4% (1.3–1.4%) and for lamb diarrhoea 7.9% (7.8–8.1%). In multivariable analyses, climatic variables emerged as significant predictors for abortion—high annual precipitation at the farm location (p = 0.024)—and for lamb diarrhoea—high average annual temperature range at the farm location (p < 0.0001)—but not for clinical mastitis or lamb pneumonia. The potential effects of climatic variables were found to be more important in lambs than in adult animals. Future studies may focus on how variations in temperature and precipitation can be translated into on-farm metrics to understand the impacts on sheep health and welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pulmonary hypoplasia with anasarca, or hydrops fetalis, is a fatal inherited disease reported in several species. Affected fetuses are stillborn and present with the buildup of fluid within body cavities and tissues and under-developed lungs and lymph tissues. The enlarged size of the fetus frequently results in difficult or obstructed labor. This is the first report of the disease in three flocks of Persian/Persian-cross sheep in Australia. We describe the pathology of affected fetuses and conducted genetic research that identified and validated a variant in the ADAMTS3 gene as the likely cause for this recessive disease in these sheep. A diagnostic DNA test was developed which allows selective breeding to reduce the risk of affected animals being born. Pulmonary hypoplasia with anasarca, or hydrops fetalis, is characterized by stillbirth, diffuse oedema, and generalized lymph node hypoplasia. The enlarged fetus frequently causes dystocia. The disease has been reported in cattle and sheep as an inherited condition with a recessive mode of inheritance. This is the first report of the disease in Persian/Persian-cross sheep in Australia. Affected fetuses were reported from three flocks, and a total of eleven affected, eleven obligate carrier, and 188 related Persian/Persian-cross animals were available for analysis, as well as unrelated control animals. SNP genotyping revealed a region of homozygosity in affected animals on ovine chromosome six, which contained the functional candidate gene ADAMTS3. Whole genome sequencing of two affected fetuses and one obligate carrier ewe revealed a single nucleotide deletion, ENSOARG00000013204:g.87124344delC, located 3 bp downstream from a donor splice site region in the ADAMTS3 gene. Sanger sequencing of cDNA containing this variant further revealed that it is likely to introduce an early splice site in exon 14, resulting in a loss of 6 amino acids at the junction of exon 14 and intron 14/15. A genotyping assay was developed, and the ENSOARG00000013204:g.87124344delC segregated with disease in 209 animals, allowing for effective identification of carrier animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P32 protein serves as a crucial structural component of Goat pox virus (GTPV), which causes a highly virulent infectious disease in sheep and goats. Despite the fact that P32 has been widely expressed in the previous studies, it is difficult to obtain recombinant P32 efficiently. This study aimed to achieve soluble expression of P32 recombinant protein and to develop its specificmonoclonal antibody. The gene fragment of P32D (GP32D) was synthesized by optimizing the coding sequence of amino acids 1-246 of the known goatpox P32 protein. Subsequently, GP32D was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector for expression and purification, resulting in the successful production of soluble recombinant protein rP32D. Utilizing rP32D, an indirect ELISA method was established by immunizing 6-week-old BALB/c mice with inactivated GTPV as the antigen. Through hybridoma technology, three monoclonal antibody hybridoma cell lines secreting anti-goat pox virus rP32D were screened, designated as 2F3, 3E8, and 4H5, respectively. These monoclonal antibodies, classified as IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b, respectively, with kappa light chains, were characterized following ascites preparation and purification. Indirect ELISA results demonstrated that the ELISA potency of the three monoclonal antibodies exceeded 1:12800. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed specific reactivity of both 3E8 and 4H5 with rP32D, while immunofluorescence assays confirmed 3E8's ability to specifically recognize GTPV in cells. The preceding findings demonstrate the successful acquisition of the soluble expressed recombinant P32 protein and its specific monoclonal antibody 3E8 in this study, thereby laying a foundational material basis for the establishment of a GTPV detection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among the large animals, the heart of sheep is functionally and structurally very similar to the human heart. In research, sheep are used as an animal model to study the process of cardiac disease pathogenesis and treatment. Therefore, determining the normal values of the heart structures of sheep with echocardiography is of particular emphasis. The purpose of the present research is to define the normal echocardiography values of heart in Iranian Shall breed sheep. Materials and methods: In 20 healthy Iranian Shall male sheep weighing 30–35 kg and aged 4–6 months, standing echocardiography was done from the right parasternal approach concentrated on the 3rd to 5th intercostal spaces by 2.5–5 MHz phased array transducer in the longitudinal and transverse views by B‐mode, M‐mode and Doppler systems. In M‐mode echocardiographic, the parameters of interventricular septal, left ventricular internal diameter, left ventricular free wall, right ventricular free wall and right ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole as well as end point septal separation, ejection fraction (EF) slope, aortic root diameter, left atrial appendage, left atrial diameter/aortic valve diameter, left ventricular ejection time, fractional shortening, end‐diastolic volume, end‐systolic volume, EF, stroke volume and cardiac output and in pulsed‐wave spectral Doppler echocardiographic, the parameters of mitral valve maximum velocity (Vmax), mitral valve mean velocity (Vmean), mitral valve maximum pressure gradient (PGmax), mitral valve mean pressure gradient (PGmean), mitral valve velocity time integral (VTI), mitral valve E‐wave (MV‐E), MV‐E pressure gradient, mitral valve A‐wave (MV‐A), MV‐A pressure gradient, aortic Vmax, aortic valve Vmean, aortic valve PGmax, aortic valve PGmean, aortic valve VTI, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT)‐Vmax, LVOT‐Vmean were measured. Results: All the sheep in this study were healthy and had no signs of heart disease. In this study, the parameters of M‐mode and spectral Doppler echocardiographic were assessed and recognized in Iranian Shall sheep. The results demonstrated the parameters of echocardiographic could be dependably determined in Shall sheep which, established normal reference values for these parameters and left ventricular function indices in healthy Shall sheep. These results can be beneficial in appropriate imagination, recognition and measuring cardiac structures. Conclusion: This study can be exerted as a reference for the assessment and diagnosis of heart diseases in sheep medicine and human cardiovascular research in sheep experimental models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Ovine pulmonary adenomatosis (OPA) and maedi-visna disease (MVD) are chronic and progressive infectious diseases in sheep caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and maedi-visna virus (MVV), respectively. Objective: To investigate the pathological changes and conduct viral gene analysis of OPA and MVD co-occurrence in Inner Mongolia, China. Methods: Using gross pathology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, ultrastructural pathology, PCR, and sequence analysis, we investigated the concurrent infection of JSRV and MVV in 319 Dorper rams slaughtered in a private slaughterhouse in Inner Mongolia, in 2022. Results: Of the 319 rams included, 3 showed concurrent JSRV and MVV infection. Gross lung pathology showed diffuse enlargement, consolidation, and greyish-white miliary nodules on the lung surface; the trachea was filled with a white foamy fluid; hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were significantly enlarged. Histopathology results revealed typical OPA and MVD lesions in the lung tissue. Immunohistochemical results were positive for JSRV envelope protein (Env) in the tumor cells and MVV CA in alveolar macrophages. Transmission electron microscopy showed several virions and autophagosomes in the lung tissue, severely damaged mitochondria, and the induced mitophagy. Nucleotide sequences obtained for JSRV env and MVV gag showed the highest homology with the Inner Mongolian strains of JSRV env (JQ837489) and MVV gag (MW248464). Conclusions and Relevance: Our study confirmed that OPA and MVD co-occurrence and identified the pathological changes in Inner Mongolia, China, thereby providing references for the identification of concurrent JSRV and MVV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ORF virus (ORFV) causes contagious ecthyma ("ORF"), a disease of sheep and goats characterized by lesions ranging from vesicles and pustules to atypical papilloma-like and angiomatous lesions in the skin and mucosae. The authors investigated the molecular factors leading to the ORF-associated atypical tumor-like changes. Fifteen lambs, 15 kids, and an adult ram clinically affected by natural ORFV infection were enrolled in the study and examined by several methods. ORFV was detected by viral culture or real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the lesioned tissues and in the blood of the clinically affected sheep and goats. Surprisingly, ORFV was also detected in the blood of healthy goats from an affected herd. Microscopically, they found a pseudo-papillomatous proliferation of the epithelium, while the dermis and lamina propria were expanded by a proliferating neovascular component that highly expressed the viral vascular endothelial growth factor (vVEGF) and its host receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization for mRNA showed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was expressed in the fibrovascular component, in the infiltrating CD163+ macrophages, and in the basal stratum of the epidermis. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that CD163+ macrophages were associated with VEGF and VEGFR2. Finally, they found by quantitative RT-PCR the overexpression of the interleukin-6 and VEGFR2 genes in the lesioned tissues. These findings suggest that ORFV activates an inflammatory reaction characterized by CD163+ macrophages expressing EGFR and VEGFR2, which might play an oncogenic role through synergistic action with vVEGF signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Salmonellae infections in sheep, goats and in lizards in Maiduguri and environs. A total of 210 rectal swab samples representing 70 samples each from sheep, goats and lizards were examined according to standard techniques. The results revealed a prevalence of 12, 14 and 12 respectively of positive Salmonellae isolates. Four (4), six (6) and five (5) of these isolates were respectively from male sheep, bucks and male lizards while seven (7), eight (8) and seven (7) of the isolates were from female sheep, goats and female lizards respectively. These accounted for 30.83%, 41.66% and 34.10% respectively for Salmonellae infections in sheep, goats and lizards. The prevalence in males and females were 13.3% and 17.5% for sheep, 15% and 27% for goats and 16.66% and 17.50% for lizards respectively. Antibiotics susceptibility test results showed that the isolates were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin (32,100%) and ofloxacin (31, 100%). Isolated salmonellae were resistant to Ampicillin and Amoxicillin. Since lizards were found in the vicinity of small ruminants houses, lizards were therefore considered important in the transmission circle of salmonellae to small ruminants. Farmers should be enlightened on the importance of using lizard proof materials in the construction of small ruminants sheds. Pet animals such as cats should be adapted for frequent visits to farm premises where sheep and goats are kept to scare lizards away from the area. Strict hygienic measures should be part of public enlightenment campaigns to minimize the spread of salmonellosis generally in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type D enterotoxemia, caused by Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (ETX), is one of the most economically important clostridial diseases of sheep. Acute type D enterotoxemia is characterized by well-documented lesions in the nervous, cardiocirculatory, and pulmonary systems. However, discrepancies and confusion exist as to whether renal lesions are part of the spectrum of lesions of this condition, which is controversial considering that for many decades it has been colloquially referred to as pulpy kidney disease. Here, the authors assess renal changes in an experimental model of acute type D enterotoxemia in sheep and evaluate the possible role of ETX in their genesis. Four groups of 6 sheep each were intraduodenally inoculated with either a wild-type virulent C. perfringens type D strain, an etx knockout mutant unable to produce ETX, the etx mutant strain complemented with the wild-type etx gene that regains the ETX toxin production, or sterile culture medium (control group). All sheep were autopsied less than 24 hours after inoculation; none of them developed gross lesions in the kidneys. Ten predefined histologic renal changes were scored in each sheep. The proportion of sheep with microscopic changes and their severity scores did not differ significantly between groups. Mild intratubular medullary hemorrhage was observed in only 2 of the 12 sheep inoculated with the wild-type or etx-complemented bacterial strains, but not in the 12 sheep of the other 2 groups. The authors conclude that no specific gross or histologic renal lesions are observed in sheep with experimental acute type D enterotoxemia.

Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D usually affects sheep and goats ≥ 2-wk-old. The main clinical signs and lesions of the disease are produced by the epsilon toxin (ETX) elaborated by this microorganism. However, ETX is produced in the form of a mostly inactive prototoxin that requires protease cleavage for activation. It has traditionally been believed that younger animals are not affected by type D enterotoxemia given the low trypsin activity in the intestinal content associated with the trypsin-inhibitory action of colostrum. Two Nigerian dwarf goat kids, 2- and 3-d-old, with a history of acute diarrhea followed by death, were submitted for postmortem examination and diagnostic workup. Autopsy and histopathology revealed mesocolonic edema, necrosuppurative colitis, and protein-rich pulmonary edema. Alpha toxin and ETX were detected in intestinal content, and C. perfringens type D was isolated from the colon of both animals. The isolates encoded the gene for lambda toxin, a protease that has been shown previously to activate ETX in vitro. Type D enterotoxemia has not been reported previously in neonatal kids, to our knowledge, and we suggest that lambda toxin activated the ETX.

Hydatid disease is a neglected zoonotic parasitic disease caused by cysts of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Canids, especially domestic dogs, are definitive hosts of the parasite and are the most pragmatic targets for control programs. A governmental dog deworming campaign was established in 1979 to control hydatidosis in southern Chile, which succeeded in reducing the prevalence of canine echinococcosis in Tierra del Fuego province from 68.4% (in 1978) to 1.2% (in 2002). In 2004, however, the program was dismantled to reduce costs, and since then, no follow-up echinococcosis monitoring has been conducted. We surveyed 356 domestic dogs and interviewed owners or workers at 45 ranches in Chilean Tierra del Fuego during the summer of 2015-2016. Faecal flotation was employed to detect Taeniidae eggs, and PCR was used to test faecal samples for Echinococcus granulosus. Taeniidae eggs and Echinococcus sp. DNA were detected in the faeces of 45.4% (147/324) and 6.9% (23/331) of dogs, respectively. Infrequent dog deworming and the presence of culpeo foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) were significant predictors of the prevalence of Echinococcus sp. DNA and Taeniidae eggs. Furthermore, the presence of introduced chilla foxes (Lycalopex griseus), the municipality, and several operational characteristics of ranches (number of sheep, frequency of sheep slaughter, number of dogs, frequency of removal of dog faeces, feeding of dogs with sheep viscera) were also predictive of the prevalence of Taeniidae eggs. Our findings reveal an ongoing risk of echinococcosis with pathogen maintenance in ranch dogs in Chilean Tierra del Fuego, and in the absence of adequate control programmes, there is a tangible risk of re-emergence of hydatid disease as a public health concern.

Babesia ovis, transmitted by Rhipicephalus bursa ticks, is the causative agent of ovine babesiosis, a disease characterized by fever, anemia, hemoglobinuria, and high mortality in sheep. This study investigates whether sheep that survived babesiosis without treatment can serve as a source of infection for B. ovis-free host-seeking R. bursa larvae in a later season. Three donor sheep were experimentally infected with B. ovis, and after six months, persistence of B. ovis was assessed through blood and tick transmission experiments. Blood from donor sheep was intravenously injected into three recipient sheep, while donor sheep were also infested with B. ovis-free R. bursa larvae. Engorged nymphs molted to adults, and new recipient sheep were infested with these ticks. All recipient sheep were monitored for B. ovis for 100 days using microscopic, serological, and molecular approaches. The presence of B. ovis was confirmed in the recipient sheep that received blood, leading to clinical infection in two. However, no B. ovis was detected in recipient sheep infested with ticks. These results suggest that sheep recovering from B. ovis infection do not serve as a source of infection for R. bursa larvae in subsequent seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is an infectious, neoplastic lung disease of sheep that causes significant animal welfare and economic issues throughout the world. Understanding OPA pathogenesis is key to developing tools to control its impact. Central to this need is the availability of model systems that can monitor and track events after Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) infection. Here, we report the development of an experimentally induced OPA model intended for this purpose. Using three different viral dose groups (low, intermediate and high), localised OPA tumour development was induced by bronchoscopic JSRV instillation into the segmental bronchus of the right cardiac lung lobe. Pre-clinical OPA diagnosis and tumour progression were monitored by monthly computed tomography (CT) imaging and trans-thoracic ultrasound scanning. Post mortem examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed OPA development in 89% of the JSRV-instilled animals. All three viral doses produced a range of OPA lesion types, including microscopic disease and gross tumours; however, larger lesions were more frequently identified in the low and intermediate viral groups. Overall, 31% of JSRV-infected sheep developed localised advanced lesions. Of the sheep that developed localised advanced lesions, tumour volume doubling times (calculated using thoracic CT 3D reconstructions) were 14.8 ± 2.1 days. The ability of ultrasound to track tumour development was compared against CT; the results indicated a strong significant association between paired CT and ultrasound measurements at each time point (R2 = 0.799, p < 0.0001). We believe that the range of OPA lesion types induced by this model replicates aspects of naturally occurring disease and will improve OPA research by providing novel insights into JSRV infectivity and OPA disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atypical/Nor98 scrapie (AS) is an idiopathic infectious prion disease affecting sheep and goats. Recent findings suggest that zoonotic prions from classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (C-BSE) may copropagate with atypical/Nor98 prions in AS sheep brains. Investigating the risk AS poses to humans is crucial. Methods To assess the risk of sheep/goat-to-human transmission of AS, we serially inoculated brain tissue from field and laboratory isolates into transgenic mice overexpressing human prion protein (Met129 allele). We studied clinical outcomes as well as presence of prions in brains and spleens. Results No transmission occurred on the primary passage, with no clinical disease or pathological prion protein in brains and spleens. On subsequent passages, 1 isolate gradually adapted, manifesting as prions with a phenotype resembling those causing MM1-type sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. However, further characterization using in vivo and in vitro techniques confirmed both prion agents as different strains, revealing a case of phenotypic convergence. Importantly, no C-BSE prions emerged in these mice, especially in the spleen, which is more permissive than the brain for C-BSE cross-species transmission. Conclusions The results obtained suggest a low zoonotic potential for AS. Rare adaptation may allow the emergence of prions phenotypically resembling those spontaneously forming in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudotuberculosis is a non-treatable disease in sheep caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulting in significant economic losses. In this study, eleven sheep flocks underwent examination for signs of pseudotuberculosis, focusing on lymph nodes. Prevalence of the disease within the flocks ranged from 0 to 33.3%. Pseudotuberculosis abscesses were frequent in lymph nodes of the head and neck. Lesions were closed, varied in size, and contained pus with a consistency ranging from milky to greenish-creamy. Two different crude antigens of a PCR-identified local Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis strain were prepared, tested as a separate ELISA solid phase to detect antibodies against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in sera and milk of eight lactating ewes bred within pseudotuberculosis-endemic herds. Crude-exotoxin was filtered from cultured-broth supernatant and then concentrated. Sediment (the crude-somatic-antigen) was washed and sonicated. Both were quantified by the Bradford method. Comparative performance of both antigens to a commercial recombinant-phospholipase-D antigen was investigated through ELISA against reference positive and negative sera. A strong positive correlation between the antigens was evident. Antigens were used to detect antibodies in sera, whole milk, and cream-devoid milk. A positive correlation existed between results of serum and milk of the same animal. This study described the clinical nature of ovine pseudotuberculosis and showed the validity of the prepared antigens for serodiagnosis in serum as well as in milk which was not reported previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feral populations of aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) occur in Texas bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) habitat and pose several conceptual ecological threats to bighorn sheep re-establishment efforts. The potential threat of disease transmission from aoudad to bighorn sheep may exacerbate these issues, but the host competency of aoudad and subsequent pathophysiology and transmissibility of pneumonic pathogens involved in the bighorn sheep respiratory disease complex is largely unknown. Because the largest population-limiting diseases of bighorn sheep involve pathogens causing bronchopneumonia, we evaluated the host competency of aoudad for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and leukotoxigenic Pasteurellaceae. Specifically, we described the shedding dynamics, pathogen carriage, seroconversion, clinical patterns, and pathological effects of experimental infection among wild aoudad held in captivity. We found that aoudad are competent hosts capable of maintaining and intraspecifically transmitting Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Pasteurellaceae and can shed the bacteria for 53 days after exposure. Aoudad developed limited clinical signs and pathological findings ranged from mild chronic lymphohistiocytic bronchointerstitial pneumonia to severe and acute suppurative pneumonia, similarly, observed in bighorn sheep infected with Mycoplasma spp. and Pasteurellaceae bacteria, respectively. Furthermore, as expected, clinical signs and lesions were often more severe in aoudad inoculated with a combination of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Pasteurellaceae as compared to aoudad inoculated with only Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. There may be evidence of interindividual susceptibility, pathogenicity, and/or transmissibility, indicated by individual aoudad maintaining varying severities of chronic infection who may be carriers continuously shedding pathogens. This is the first study to date to demonstrate that aoudad are a conceptual disease transmission threat to sympatric bighorn sheep populations due to their host competency and intraspecific transmission capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an interview with Professor Leena Bruckner-Tuderman, a pioneer in the field of Dermatology and Venereology. The interview provides information about her academic education, professional career, memberships in various societies, awards and honors she has received, and her achievements and disappointments in her professional life. Professor Bruckner-Tuderman also discusses her interests outside of dermatology, her predictions for the future of the field, and the message she wants to give to younger colleagues. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of livestock causing important economic losses worldwide, and it is also a zoonosis. The treatment is based on the use of anthelmintic drugs, but the increase in resistance and the risk of drug residues in food make this approach no longer sustainable. Developing protective vaccines for the control of fasciolosis is postulated as an appropriate treatment, but a better knowledge of the host–parasite interaction is needed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatic lesions in sheep infected and reinfected with Fasciola hepatica during the acute and chronic stages of infection and the characterization of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrates using immunohistochemistry with CD3, Foxp3, iNOS, and CD163 antibodies. The most remarkable histopathological finding was the presence of large necrotic foci and/or hemorrhages adjacent to enlarged bile ducts containing adult parasites, suggesting flukes may have caused these lesions while feeding. In the literature, necrotic foci/hemorrhages are considered a consequence of parasite migration. In both the primoinfected and reinfected groups, and during acute and chronic stages of the infection, an increase in Foxp3 T cells with respect to uninfected controls and a poor expression of iNOS was found accompanied by a strong expression of CD163, suggesting a marked M2 activation of macrophages in the hepatic lesions. Fasciolosis is an important economic disease of livestock. There is a global interest in the development of protective vaccines since the current anthelmintic therapy is no longer sustainable. A better knowledge of the host–parasite interaction is needed to design effective vaccines. To date, few studies have evaluated host–parasite interaction by comparing infected and reinfected animals. The present study evaluates the microscopical hepatic lesions in sheep infected and reinfected with Fasciola hepatica during the acute and chronic stages of infection. The histopathological study revealed the presence of necrotizing foci (NF1) associated with larvae migration during the early stages of infection in the primoinfected (PI) and reinfected (RI) groups. In the late stages of infection of the PI group and at the early and late stages of infection in the RI groups, extensive necrotizing/hemorrhagic foci (NF2) were found in the vicinity of enlarged bile ducts, some containing adult flukes, suggesting parasites may have caused NF2 while feeding. The immunohistochemical study revealed an increase in Foxp3+ T cells in both PI and RI groups with respect to the UC group and in the infiltrates adjacent to NF1 in the RI groups with respect to the PI group, suggesting the F. hepatica induce Foxp3 T cell expansion to facilitate parasite survival. In addition, in both the PI and RI groups, and during acute and chronic stages of the infection, a poor expression of iNOS was found accompanied by a strong expression of CD163, suggesting a marked M2 activation of macrophages in the hepatic lesions, which may be related with healing processes, and it also may facilitate parasite survival. The main differences between PI and RI animals were the more severe infiltration of eosinophils and Foxp3+ T cells, whereas RI did not modify M2 activation of macrophages which occurs since the early stages of primoinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis, caused by Babesia ovis, is a major seasonal issue in sheep, particularly in countries like Türkiye with high Rhipicephalus bursa tick populations. Previous studies employing various methods such as microscopy, serology, or molecular techniques have reported different epidemiological data concerning ovine babesiosis. Addressing this knowledge gap, our study employed a combined nested PCR (nPCR)/indirect ELISA (iELISA) approach, analyzing blood samples collected from 414 sheep between April and July 2023 using both techniques. nPCR amplified the 18S ribosomal RNA gene of B. ovis and determined a molecular prevalence of 1.9%. Conversely, serological testing using iELISA targeted the BoSA1 antigen and revealed a significantly higher positivity rate of 59.9% for anti-B. ovis antibodies. The temporary presence of Babesia after recovery reduces nPCR sensitivity, resulting in lower molecular prevalence. However, even if Babesia is not present in the host, anti-B. ovis antibodies remain in the serum for a long time and can be detected serologically. Our study underscores the necessity of concurrently employing molecular and serological methods for an accurate assessment of B. ovis prevalence. It highlights the importance of comprehensive epidemiological approaches for effective disease management in sheep populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen recognition is an essential component to achieve the desired outcome of host protection. Nod‐like receptor pyrin containing domain 3 (NLRP3) is a cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor (PRR) with a wide array of agonists, such as PAMPs, DAMPs, ATP, bacterial product and viral products. Stimulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in proteolytic activation of IL‐1β and IL‐18, cell pyroptosis and classically, the induction of proinflammatory responses. St. Croix (STC) sheep have resistance traits exhibiting the appropriate T‐helper type 2 immune response ensuing protection during helminth parasitic infection whereas parasite‐susceptible Suffolk (SUF) sheep have an impaired response resulting in parasite establishment and adverse symptoms. The objective of these experiments was to determine if NLRP3 protein in H. contortus‐infected SUF sheep was defective using the classical activation pathway of NLRP3 inflammasome. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from H. contortus‐infected STC and SUF sheep were isolated from whole blood and treated (MCC950 treatment for 2 h followed by LPS treatment for 3 h, 1400 W treatment for 2 h followed by LPS treatment for 3 h, LPS treatment for 3 h or culture media for 3 h). qPCR analysis of LPS‐stimulated PBMC revealed an upregulation in inflammatory associated genes IL‐1β, TLR4, TNFα and NFκB (p < 0.0001) in STC PBMC and downregulation in IFNγ, IL‐6 and iNOS for SUF PBMC. Pharmacological inhibition of iNOS in SUF PBMC resulted in an upregulation in the expression of IFNγ. These preliminary data begin to discover a relationship between NLRP3 activation and TLR4 signalling in PBMC of STC and SUF sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemonchus contortus, a blood-feeding parasite in grazing sheep, causes economic losses. Drug resistance necessitates exploring plant-based anthelmintics like Artemisia cina (Asteraceae). The plant, particularly its ethyl acetate extract, shows anthelmintic activity against H. contortus. However, there is limited information on pharmacodynamic interactions in ethyl acetate compounds. The study aims to identify pharmacodynamic interactions in the ethyl acetate extract of A. cina with anthelmintic effects on H. contortus eggs and L3 larvae using binary mixtures. Bioactive compounds were isolated via chromatography and identified using spectroscopic techniques. Pharmacodynamic interactions were assessed through binary mixtures with a main compound. Four bioactive compounds were identified: 1-nonacosanol, hentriacontane, peruvin, and cinic acid. Binary mixtures, with peruvin as the main compound, were performed. Peruvin/1-nonacosanol-hentriacontane and peruvin/cinic acid mixtures demonstrated 1.42-fold and 4.87-fold increased lethal effects in H. contortus L3 infective larvae, respectively, at a 0.50LC25/0.50LC25 concentration. In this work, we determined the synergism between bioactive compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of A. cina and identified unreported compounds for the specie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study was conducted to identify the sequence variation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from fifty (n = 50) South African Dorper sheep aged between 3 and 4 years. The Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for the TLR4 gene. DNA sequencing was used to identify the sequence variations of the TLR4 gene in South African Dorper sheep. Results: The results showed that one synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the TLR4 gene in exon 2 position T2249C was identified. Two genotypes (TT and TC) were discovered from the identified SNP. The dominant genotype was TT (0.60) over TC (0.40), with the dominant allele T (0.80) over C (0.20). The results also indicated that the used population was in the Hady-Weinberg Equilibrium. Polymorphism genetic analysis findings suggest that the identified sequence variation of TLR4 in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep was moderate polymorphism. Conclusion: TLR4 gene at exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep had the SNP (T>C) at position 2249 bp with two genotypes (TT and TC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) cause multisystemic, degenerative and chronic disease in sheep and goats. There are five genotypes (A, B, C, D and E), of which A and B are the most widespread. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serotyping efficiency of the Eradikit SRLV Genotyping ELISA and the molecular typing efficiency of a newly developed nested real-time PCR targeting the long terminal repeat–gag (LTR-gag) region using samples from animals infected with subtypes of SRLV known to circulate in Poland. A total of 97 sera samples taken from 34 sheep and 63 goats were immunoassayed, and 86 DNA samples from 31 sheep and 55 goats were tested with the PCR. All ruminants were infected with known SRLV strains of the A1, A5, A12, A13, A16, A17, A18, A23, A24, A27, B1 and B2 subtypes. A total of 69 (80.2%, 95% confidence interval 71.6%–88.8%) out of 86 tested samples gave positive results in the PCR. In 17 out of the 86 (19.8%) samples, no proviral DNA of SRLV was detected. The differentiation between MVV (genotype A) and CAEV (genotype B) by PCR matched the predating phylogenetic analysis invariably. No cross-reactivity was observed. On the other hand, the proportion of samples genotyped the same by the older phylogenetic analysis and the Eradikit SRLV Genotyping ELISA was 42.3%. The test was unable to classify 40.2% of samples, and 17.5% of sera were incorrectly classified. Our results showed that the Eradikit SRLV genotyping kit is not a reliable method for predicting SRLV genotype, while the nested real-time PCR based on the LTR-gag region did prove to be, at least for genotypes A and B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 18-y-old female tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) had a short history of chronic diarrhea, progressive weight loss, and hindlimb instability. Given the poor prognosis, the deer was euthanized and submitted for postmortem examination. The most significant gross finding was segmental and multinodular mural thickening of the proximal colon. On cut surface of the affected colonic segments, 0.5-2-cm diameter, intramural, multiloculated, cystic structures containing gray, translucent, gelatinous material elevated the edematous mucosa. Microscopically, the intramural cystic structures were filled with mucinous matrix admixed with foamy macrophages, and lined by discontinuous segments of well-differentiated columnar, pancytokeratin-positive epithelium with basilar nuclei. Multifocally, transition was observed from hyperplastic mucosal crypt epithelium to dysplastic or neoplastic columnar and flattened epithelium lining submucosal and serosal cysts. Cyst lumina were irregularly disrupted by polypoid ingrowths of collagenous tissue covered by attenuated epithelium. Based on these findings, we diagnosed a well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma. Although intestinal adenocarcinomas have been described in humans and animals, they are considered uncommon in most domestic species, except for sheep, for which genetic and environmental factors appear to influence occurrence. Our report addresses the knowledge gap regarding intestinal adenocarcinomas affecting cervids and specifically the tufted deer, a less-studied, near-threatened Asian cervid.

Piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis are important zoonotic diseases of animal origin, which can be transmitted by ticks to infect animals. However, there is limited information on the infection of piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis in Tan sheep in Ningxia, China. In order to understand the prevalence of piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis in Tan sheep in Ningxia, 150 blood samples of Tan sheep from farms in five urban areas of Ningxia were detected by PCR, and some positive samples were sequenced to establish a phylogenetic tree. PCR revealed that the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in Tan sheep in Ningxia was 28.0%. The overall prevalence of Piroplasmids was 33.3%, of which Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. were 20.7% and 12.7%, respectively. Among the samples of different ages, the highest detection rates of Piroplasmids and Anaplasma spp. were found in Tan sheep aged 20–30 months, and the detection rate of Theileria spp., Babesia spp., and Anaplasma spp. were 25.4%, 23.6%, and 36.3%, respectively. In this study, one Theileria species was identified as Theileria uilenbergi, two Babesia species were identified as Babesia molasi and Babesia ovis, and two Anaplasma species were identified as Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and the dominant species were A. ovis and T. uilenbergi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report detailing the infection rate and genotype of Piroplasmids and Anaplasma spp. in Tan sheep in Ningxia, China. The results of this study provide valuable data for understanding the epidemiology of tick-borne disease in Tan sheep in Ningxia, China, and lay a theoretical foundation for the prevention and control of piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis in Tan sheep in Ningxia, northwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemonchus contortus is a blood sucking parasite resulting a massive economic loss in tropical and subtropical sheep rearing areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of haemonchosis and its predictors at Bahir Dar municipal abattoir, northwestern Ethiopia, from December 2022 to April 2023. A total of 378 abomasum of sheep were taken by using systematic random sampling and inspected according to standard procedures. Accordingly, the findings of this study revealed an overall prevalence of 34.40% (30/378) (95% CI: 29.75-39.35). The presence of H. contortus in female sheep (46.41%) was significantly higher than in male (23.35%) (P < 0.001). The same is true; prevalence of haemonchosis in young (<1 year) sheep was 43.33% significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of adult (≥1 year) which was 26.26%. Based the origin of the animals in the current study, it was nonsignificant variation (P = 0.386). The current study depicted that H. contortus infection is a common parasitic disease and requires remarkable attention to the prevention and control of haemonchosis at the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: The perceptions and practices of sheep farmers with regards to their knowledge of sheep health management on their farms can have a significant impact on the overall health, welfare, and production of their animals and on the economics of their farming enterprise. District veterinary services play an important role in providing technical services and support to the farmers. Survey studies were conducted to understand and compare the practices and perceptions of sheep famers and district veterinarians (DVs) in NSW, Australia, to sheep health and its management. The findings illustrated differences between the farmer and DV perception of sheep health and diseases of greatest concern and provided valuable insights into their different observations and practices. For example, sheep producers were most concerned with parasites whereas for DVs sheep husbandry advice was most concerning. However, both groups ranked nutrition advice as the second most concerning area related to sheep health. Of particular interest were the differences in the communication methods that they prefer which, if more closely aligned, may enable more effective communication. The findings of these studies provide some guidance and recommendations for improving the management of the health, welfare, and overall economic value of sheep farming in NSW. The study objectives were to understand the practices and perceptions of sheep farmers and district veterinarians (DVs) towards sheep health management and, the impact of disease at the farm level in addition to the availability, accessibility, and use of veterinary services. Data were collected using question-based surveys, distributed online and in-person to sheep farmers (45 respondents) and DVs (25 respondents). Most farmers were male, ≥51 years old, who placed a high priority on the health and welfare of their sheep. For disease prevention most farmers vaccinated their sheep (91%) and 86.7% had a farm biosecurity plan, although its components and their application varied, e.g., the isolation of new or sick sheep. Fencing costs were most frequently identified (70.5% respondents) as a financial concern for sheep farmers. Their most common sources of information about disease control and prevention were DVs (66.7%), private veterinarians (60.0%), the internet (42.9%), rural suppliers (35.7%), and farmers/neighbours (28.6%). Fifty-eight percent of farmers reported a long distance from veterinarian services. Farmers preferred to receive information via email (77.8%), whereas 56% of DVs preferred to share information via phone call. This discrepancy presents an opportunity to align these mechanisms more closely for effective dissemination of information and increased producer engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeriosis is an important abortifacient sheep disease, and is considered one of the most risky bacterial zoonotic disease worldwide. The study was carried out in 50 sheep flocks were located in the Nineveh governorate, Iraq during November and December 2022. A total of 300 specimens of blood, abomasal content and brain (100 each) were obtained from local breed ovine aborted fetuses (in the last stage of gestation) to be tested for molecular detection of Listeria monocytogenes L. monocytogenes DNA was detected in a total of 61(20.3%) specimens, distributed as: 35(57.4%), 15(24.6% and 11(18.0%) strains from fetal brain, abomasal content and blood specimens respectively using direct genus-specific conventional polymerase chain reaction (prfA gene) C- PCR. Two L. monocytogenes strains (HMB1 listeriolysin, HMB 2 listeriolysin) deposited in GenBank under accession numbers LC769365.1, and LC769366.1. Al L. monocytogenesstrains were positive for three genes (InlJ, InlA, and hlyA) except act A gene was detected in 46 (75.4%) strains. In conclusion, L. monocytogenes is one of the important causative agent of abortion in sheep flocks in Nineveh governorate, Iraq, and greater fetal brain specimens were positive for listerial infection compared with other specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonia is a common disease in sheep flocks that causes severe economic losses and high mortality rate among sheep due to high resistance to ordinary standard antimicrobial treatment protocols. This study was to assess silymarin efficacy as an antibacterial agent against some isolated bacterial strains from twenty-five pneumonic sheep in vitro. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from sick sheep, and placed in a nutrient and pleuro pneumonia like organism broth (PPLO) for bacterial isolation. P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, and M. ovipeumoniae were isolated bacterial species confirmed by PCR using specific genes. The antibacterial activity of silymarin against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and E. coli was evaluated using the well-diffusion technique. It was shown that the minimum therapeutic dosage of silymarin was not less than 280 mg/ml against P. aeruginosa, whereas chloramphenicol had little effect. Chloramphenicol exhibited more antibacterial activity against S. aureus and, E. coli compared to different concentrations of silymarin. The microbroth dilution method determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of silymarin against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, and M. ovipeumoniae were 2.14, 0.39, 0.38, and 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) of silymarin were verified by the absence of bacterial growth of the isolated strains that were scattered from the lowest MIC. In conclusion, silymarin exhibited antibacterial efficacy against isolated P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, and M. ovipeumoniae from pneumonic sheep in vitro compared to chloramphenicol, suggesting its therapeutic value in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to determine the common Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in Ağrı, Türkiye and to obtain information on the transmission of this parasite. Methods: Cystic echinococcosis samples from 100 slaughtered cattle and 100 slaughtered sheep and faecal samples from 200 stray dogs were included in 2021. Collected cyst fluid samples and faces were examined microscopically. DNA was isolated from the germinal membrane of the cysts and from the parasite eggs in the stool samples. The mitochondrial cytb gene region of the parasite was amplified by PCR. Genotypes were determined using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) after sequence analysis of PCR amplicons. Results: The highest percentage of cysts was found in the lungs of sheep and the liver of cattle. In addition, 75% of sheep cysts and 25.6% of cattle cysts were fertile. Taenia spp./Echinococcus spp. eggs were found in 6% of the faeces of 200 dogs examined microscopically. E. granulosus eggs were detected in 4 out of 50 stool samples analysed by PCR. All samples analysed by sequence analysis were identified as E. granulosus s.s. G1 genotype. Sequence comparison revealed revealed one or more-point mutations in different regions of the five samples. Conclusion: E. granulosus s.s. G1 genotype, known as sheep strain, is common in the Ağrı, Türkiye. The controlled slaughter of livestock, especially sheep, and the avoidance of feeding hydatid cyst organs to dogs, together with public education, were necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are a major impediment to the health, welfare, and production of small ruminants across the world, including Africa. Comprehensive information about the epidemiology of TBPs infecting sheep and goats across Africa is lacking. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence through a meta-analysis of selected TBPs in blood DNA from domestic sheep and goats in Africa obtained using molecular-based methods. The literature review was done according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines using five English electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Web of Science, and African Journals Online (AJOL). The search was performed with no restriction in time through to 18th January 2023. Of the 63 full-text articles subjected to eligibility, only 30 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The overall pooled prevalence of selected TBPs varied considerably between host species (sheep vs. goats), with Anaplasma ovis (44.50 vs. 48.40%), Ehrlichia ruminantium (5.50 vs. 2.00%), Coxiella burnetii (4.40 vs. 1.70%), Borrelia theileri in sheep (5.20%), Babesia ovis (1.70% vs. 1.90%), Theileria ovis (40.50% vs 10.00%), T. separata (1.00% vs 1.00%) and T. lestoquardi in sheep (8.40%). However, the prevalence of the selected TBPs was generally higher in sheep compared to goats. Several genetic loci were targeted in the characterization of tick-borne pathogens, such as 16S rDNA, groEL, and msp4 for Anaplasma ovis, pCS20 for Ehrlichia ruminantium, Insertion Sequence (IS1111) for Coxiella burnetii, flaB (flagellin) and 16S rRNA for Borrelia theileri, 5.8S rRNA and 18S rRNA for Babesia/Theileria, as well as the utilization of numerous PCR variants including conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested-PCR, qPCR, Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and reverse line blotting (RLB). In conclusion, A. ovis was the most widely distributed and prevalent TBP affecting small ruminants within the continent. Hence, this warrants adequate attention towards early diagnosis and treatment of infected animals as well as the control of the tick vectors involved in their transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydiosis is an important disease in sheep, camel, goats, cats, birds, and cattle, which is caused by different species of the genus Chlamydia. Chlamydiosis of ruminants is a zoonosis and is especially worrying for pregnant women in contact with animal shelters. Chlamydiosis in camels can cause abortion, cervical adhesion, ovarian hydrobursitis, and reproductive failure in male camels. Chlamydia in camels can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Infected camels may play an important role in the transmission of Chlamydia to other animal species. Chlamydiaceae family members are currently placed in one genus and seven species. Among these seven species, Chlamydia abortus is of special importance in camels. It is possible to detect and distinguish chlamydial species by PCR and specific primers. The present study is the first study of Chlamydia abortus in the Iranian dromedary camel, which is very important. A total of 100 blood samples with anti-coagulant were taken from apparently healthy male and female camels in the south of Kerman province. Next, DNA was extracted from each blood sample using a blood DNA extraction kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. PCR was performed using rOMP90_3 specific primer to evaluate the presence of Chlamydia abortus. None of the samples were positive for Chlamydia abortus. According to the results, it can be said that Chlamydia abortus is probably not common in camels in the south of Kerman province of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is categorized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as a notifiable disease that has a negative economic impact on the agricultural industry. To control this disease, homologous vaccines based on a live attenuated LSD virus and/or heterologous vaccines based on the sheep and goatpox viruses are used. We have previously reported that a sheeppox vaccine is safe in cattle and does not induce viremia or clinical symptoms, which can occur with homologous vaccines. Our initial studies with a sheeppox vaccine in cattle identified an 86% population immunity at 30 days, but information on the duration of immunity, to confirm the utility of yearly vaccination, was lacking. We have identified that immunity wanes rapidly in young cattle after receiving a sheep pox vaccine, which suggests they should receive a booster vaccination 4–6 months after their first vaccination, followed by yearly boosters using a sheep pox-based vaccine. The transmission of lumpy skin disease (LSD) occurs through ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. The most effective way to combat LSD is to conduct large-scale vaccination, covering the entire cattle population with safe and effective vaccines, while introducing restrictions on the movement of livestock. The first and only LSD cases that occurred in Armenia happened in 2015,and they were controlled with the use of a once yearly heterologous sheep pox vaccine for cattle in high-risk areas. We have previously reported on the safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine in cattle, but information on the duration of immunity is lacking. Our aim was to determine the duration of immunity to the LSD virus (LSDV) in cattle when utilizing a heterologous sheep pox vaccine. We have evaluated antibodies in cattle blood prior to and post-vaccination (1, 6, and 11 months). We have utilized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to follow the development and waning of LSDV antibodies in vaccinated cattle in two age groups: 1) young unvaccinated cattle ≤12 months of age and 2) adult cattle that had previously been vaccinated. Our results were consistent with our previous study in Armenia, showing a high level of population immunity, 80.0–83.3%, in both age groups at 1 month, with a significant (p = 0.001) drop for young cattle at 6 months. Previously vaccinated adult cattle showed a longer duration of immunity at 11 months for this heterologous sheep pox vaccine. Based on these data, we advise that young cattle receive an additional booster vaccination 4–6 months after their first vaccination, and then yearly vaccinations in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the positivity ratio of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) antibodies in cattle and sheep within Namibia's Omaheke region after a human disease outbreak in the same geographical area. A total of 200 samples (100 cattle and 100 sheep) were randomly collected from animals brought to two regional auction sites, and then tested using the ID Screen® CCHF Double Antigen Multi-Species Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Of the cattle samples, 36% tested positive, while 22% of the sheep samples were seropositive. The cattle had a significantly higher positivity ratio than sheep at the individual animal level (p = 0.0291). At the herd level, 62.5% of cattle herds and 45.5% of sheep flocks had at least one positive animal, but this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.2475). The fourteen cattle farms with at least one seropositive animal were dispersed across the Omaheke region. In contrast, the ten sheep farms with seropositive cases were predominantly situated in the southern half of the region. The study concluded that the CCHF is endemic in the Omaheke region and likely in most of Namibia, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of CCHFV on animal health and potential spillover into human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tick-borne pathogens especially viruses are continuously appearing worldwide, which have caused severe public health threats. Understanding the species, distribution and epidemiological trends of tickborne viruses (TBVs) is essential for disease surveillance and control. Methods: In this study, the data on TBVs and the distribution of ticks in China were collected from databases and literature. The geographic distribution of TBVs in China was mapped based on geographic locations of viruses where they were prevalent or they were detected in vector ticks. TBVs sequences were collected from The National Center for Biotechnology Information and used to structure the phylogenetic tree. Results: Eighteen TBVs from eight genera of five families were prevalent in China. Five genera of ticks played an important role in the transmission of TBVs in China. According to phylogenetic analysis, some new viral genotypes, such as the Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) strain detected in Liaoning Province and the JMTV strain detected in Heilongjiang Province existed in China. Discussion: TBVs were widely distributed but the specific ranges of viruses from different families still varied in China. Seven TBVs belonging to the genus Orthonairovirus of the family Nairoviridae such as Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) clustered in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and northeastern areas of China. All viruses of the family Phenuiviridae except Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) were novel viruses that appeared in the last few years, such as Guertu virus (GTV) and Tacheng tick virus 2 (TcTV-2). They were mainly distributed in the central plains of China. Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was distributed in at least fourteen provinces and had been detected in more than ten species of tick such as Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which had the widest distribution and the largest number of vector ticks among all TBVs. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Lymphatic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were two potential TBVs in Northeast China that could cause serious diseases in humans or animals. Ixodes persulcatus carried the highest number of TBVs, followed by Dermacentor nuttalli and H. longicornis. They could carry as many as ten TBVs. Three strains of Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) from Inner Mongolia Province clustered with ones from Russia, Japan and Heilongjiang Province, respectively. Several SFTSV strains from Zhejiang Province clustered with strains from Korea and Japan. Specific surveillance of dominant TBVs should be established in different areas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maedi-visna (MV) is a small ruminant lentiviral (SRLV) disease affecting sheep and goats, and causes pathological alterations in various organs including lungs, pulmonary lymph nodes, mammary glands, joints, and CNS. Aims: Present study was focused to detect the MV virus (MVV) nucleic acid and MVV p28 antigen in different organs of the spontaneously MVV affected sheep and goats. Methods: Total of 657 samples were collected from sheep and goats (169 blood, 136 lungs, 96 pulmonary lymph nodes, 74 brain, 54 mammary gland, 78 joints, and 50 spleen) and screened for MVV nucleic acid using nested PCR assay. Serum samples were screened for SRLV antibodies by cELISA. Immunolocalization of MVV was demonstrated by using the polyclonal antibody against p28 antigen by immunohistochemistry in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues. Results: Out of 657 samples, 10.7% (70) were found positive for MVV. Among different organs, lungs showed highest positivity (25.7%) followed by mammary glands (14.8%), blood (9.5%), joint tissues (7.7%), brain (5.4%), and pulmonary lymph node (1.0%). SRLV antibodies were detected in 29.2% of the serum samples of both sheep and goats by cELISA. MVV p28 antigen immunostaining was observed in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues. However, the presence of MVV p28 antigen could not be demonstrated in the brain tissues. Conclusion: The highest positivity of MVV in lung tissues indicated higher predilection of the virus in the pulmonary tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]