Search

Despite the efforts of practical medicine and virology, influenza viruses remain the most important pathogens affecting human and animal health. Swine are exposed to infection with all types of influenza A, B, C, and D viruses. Influenza viruses have low pathogenicity for swine, but in the case of co-infection with other pathogens, the outcome can be much more serious, even fatal. Having a high zoonotic potential, swine play an important role in the ecology and spread of influenza to humans. In this study, we review the state of the scientific literature on the zoonotic spread of swine influenza A viruses among humans, their circulation in swine populations worldwide, reverse zoonosis from humans to swine, and their role in interspecies transmission. The analysis covers a long period to trace the ecology and evolutionary history of influenza A viruses in swine. The following databases were used to search the literature: Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. In this review, 314 papers are considered: n = 107 from Asia, n = 93 from the U.S., n = 86 from Europe, n = 20 from Africa, and n = 8 from Australia. According to the date of publication, they are conditionally divided into three groups: contemporary, released from 2011 to the present (n = 121); 2000–2010 (n = 108); and 1919–1999 (n = 85).

Colibacillosis is a bacterial disease of humans, animals and birds caused by Escherichia coli, pathogenic gram-negative bacillus. Despite its secondary nature, colibacillosis widely affects poultry farms and causes significant economic losses. The disease spread is closely associated with antibiotic resistance problem because a diseased carrier bird may be a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli strains. In addition, genes of virulence and resistance have been proven to be transferred from avian Escherichia strains toextra intestinal pathogenic strains that are dangerous to humans. Colibacillosis is transmitted aerogenically, alimentally, rarely transovarially, with droppings, mucus, feed, water, handling tools and operating personnel. Birds are most susceptible attheage of1–14days and at the onset of laying period. The disease may present asacute, subacute and chronic forms and is most often manifested by catarrhal hemorrhagic enteritis with profuse foamy diarrhea, respiratory tract lesions, fibrinous peritonitis and polyserositis, as well as a significant decrease in weight gains, stunting, egg laying decrease or complete cessation. Colibacillosis is diagnosed comprehensively taking into account the epizootic situation, findings of clinical examination and postmortem examination of dead or emergency-slaughtered poultry as well as laboratory test and bioassay results. Bacteriological, serological and molecular genetic methods are used for the disease diagnosis. Colibacillosis prevention includes improvement of poultry keeping practice (control of feed and water quality, disinfection, pest control, microclimate control) as well as timely complex vaccination of all poultry. The disease shall be treated taking into account primary etiological factors and bacteria sensitivity to antimicrobials.

Feline hepatozoonosis is a vector-borne disease caused by different species of the genus Hepatozoon, i.e. Hepatozoon felis, Hepatozoon silvestris and Hepatozoon canis. Knowledge on the biology, epidemiology and taxonomy of Hepatozoon spp. is still limited, despite the fact that the number of documented Hepatozoon spp. infections in domestic cats increased in recent years in different countries. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and the genetic profile of Hepatozoon spp. in cats living on the island of Skopelos, Greece. Individual blood samples were collected from 54 owned cats and were subjected to Giemsa-stained blood smear examination to investigate the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts and to a specific PCR protocol targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon. A total of 45 cats (83.3%) were found infected by Hepatozoon spp. by at least one of the methods applied. In particular, 43 (79.6%) of the cats were PCR-positive, and in 6 (11.1%) cats gamonts of Hepatozoon spp. were found in the blood smears. A total of 26 H. felis sequences were obtained and the presence of three undescribed single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The present results indicate that H. felis species complex may be hyperendemic in isolated/confined areas. In such contexts, geographical isolation may favor the origin of new genotypes or haplotypes or even new species.

Although Dirofilaria immitis in dogs is considered enzootic in northern Greece, the available data on the occurrence of infection in southern parts of the country demonstrate its scarcity. The aim of this study was to update the current knowledge on D. immitis infection in dogs in areas of Greece previously considered non-enzootic (Central Greece, Attica, Peloponnese, North Aegean, South Aegean, Crete and the Ionian islands). In total, 1528 dog blood samples were collected from the aforementioned areas and examined by Dirochek® ELISA (Synbiotics). Additionally, data published until 2022 on the prevalence of infection in these areas were compared to the data of this study. The ‘Wilson’ Score interval method (Epitools) was employed. Overall, 10.8% of dogs were positive for D. immitis. In detail, the prevalence was 21.7, 13.7, 10.7, 5.4, 4.7, 6.2 and 17.0% for D. immitis, in Central Greece, Attica, Peloponnese, North Aegean, South Aegean, Crete and the Ionian islands, respectively. Infection with D. immitis is recorded for the first time in Crete. The probability of a dog becoming infected has increased 4.1 times since 2022 in previously non-enzootic areas. This study denotes the spread of D. immitis and highlights the necessity for preventive measures.

Abstract Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease of cervids caused by a misfolded protein with no vaccines or other cures to prevent infection and death. In the past decade, CWD has been recognized as one of the 10 most important challenges facing wildlife management. This paper evaluates the temporal and spatial patterns of CWD prevalence in southern Wisconsin white‐tailed deer during the past 20 years. In most CWD areas, prevalence progresses from introduction to enzootic equilibrium in 15–20 years. In some monitoring areas, the disease grows at a much slower rate and remains below the equilibrium levels. Outbreaks are characterized by four distinct epizootic stages. Disease establishment (Stage 1) depends on the distance from a CWD focus. High rates of incidence and prevalence growth (Stage 2) are followed by slower growth as the relative number of susceptible deer declines (Stage 3). The rate of prevalence increase over time is higher in more forested ecoregions and in males (0.48 vs. 0.43) but similar in females (0.43 vs. 0.37) and yearlings (0.44 vs. 0.39). Habitat features, acting as surrogates for deer behavior and contact, may affect the rate of prevalence growth at a landscape (ecoregion) scale. Additionally, prevalence may be affected by deer management practices that favor higher deer abundance and more mature males. Finally, enzootic equilibrium (Stage 4) is higher in males (0.5), followed by females (0.36) and then yearlings (0.26). These equilibrium prevalence levels are high enough to have significant population impacts, reduce the abundance of mature males, and facilitate CWD spread by infected yearlings. Epizootic patterns suggest that CWD transmission has been frequency‐dependent and primarily driven by direct contact with infected deer. Evidence for a meaningful change in the epizootic pattern from a 10‐year management program to reduce deer abundance is lacking. The trajectory of CWD dynamics in Wisconsin suggests rapid growth in regional prevalence following introduction and increased spread across the landscape.

Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) are susceptible to smooth Brucella (s-Brucella) infection and may be exposed to such bacteria through the consumption of infected marine mammals, as implied by the finding of s-Brucella antibodies in polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Arctic foxes in Svalbard have not previously been investigated for s-Brucella antibodies, but such antibodies have been detected in Arctic foxes in Iceland, Alaska (USA) and Russia. We investigated blood from Svalbard Arctic foxes for s-Brucella antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The animals (0–13 years old) were either caught by fur trappers (1995–2003, n = 403) or found dead (1995 and 2003, n = 3). No seropositive animals were detected. Morbidity and mortality due to the infection cannot be ruled out. However, no known, large disease outbreaks of unknown aetiology have been reported. Furthermore, it is unlikely that the Svalbard Arctic fox is resistant to infection as Arctic foxes from other populations are susceptible, and there is circumpolar connectivity between populations. The discrepancy between the findings in Iceland and Svalbard is surprising as both populations are on islands with no known local sources of exposure to s-Brucella other than marine mammals. However, our negative findings suggest that marine mammals may not be a major source of infection for this species. Comparative investigations are needed in order to draw conclusions regarding the epizootiology of s-Brucella in Arctic foxes in Svalbard and Iceland.

Background and Aim: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects humans and animals. This study aimed to review the influence of economic and organizational, veterinary, and sanitary measures on the epizootic situation of animal tuberculosis and the epidemiological situation of human tuberculosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: The epizootic situation of cattle tuberculosis in Kazakhstan was studied based on the annual statistics of allergy testing of animals with tuberculosis by the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to the results of allergic, clinical, and pathological studies, including laboratory studies of biomaterials from animals that reacted to tuberculin. Tuberculinization of cattle in the country is performed twice in the spring and autumn using tuberculin purified protein derivative for mammals. In addition, mass diagnosis of human tuberculosis is conducted by radiology. Results: The authors assessed the epizootic situation of tuberculosis in cattle in Kazakhstan from 1991 to 2019. The analysis results showed that at the beginning, the epizootic situation in cattle tuberculosis was challenging. However, since 2001, there has been a noticeable decrease in tuberculosis in animals in Kazakhstan, which has had a favorable effect on the epidemic situation of human tuberculosis. Conclusion: According to the analysis results, the measures used in the Republic of Kazakhstan to prevent tuberculosis improved the well-being of livestock farms. The proper conduct by qualified veterinary specialists on allergy testing of animals and differential diagnosis of nonspecific tuberculin reactions allows establishing an accurate epizootic picture of tuberculosis. Furthermore, strict adherence to instructions on the diagnosis and prevention of tuberculosis, implementation of developed veterinary, sanitary, and organization, and economic measures can improve the epizootic picture of tuberculosis, reducing the risk of human tuberculosis.

The present study report on epizootiology, pathogenicity and haemato-immunological aspects of Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) serotype Ib (GBS-Ib) affecting climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) in southern Thailand. Study on growth of GBS-Ib under various conditions indicated that this bacterium grew from 25 to 35C, pH 5 to 9 and 0.5 to 4.0% NaCl. Climbing perch inoculated by intraperitoneally injected GBS-Ib at concentrations of 101 to 104 CFU/mL exhibited 60.00-96.67% mortality, with 60 h-LD50 and 72 h-LD50 at 4.5x102 CFU/mL and 6.3x101 CFU/mL inoculums, respectively. Study of the haemato-immunological changes in the fish infected with GBS-Ib revealed declines of haematocrit, haemoglobin, serum protein, red blood cells, and respiratory burst activity. On the other hand, white blood cells, lysozyme activity, phagocytic index, and average beads per cell, were significantly increased in the infected fish. Study on the effect of environmental factors on the susceptibility of fish to GBS-Ib infection indicated that high water temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels proved to increase mortality of climbing perch. These findings indicate that GBS-Ib is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for fish mortality in Thailand.

The aim of the study was to clarify the boundaries of the Central Asian natural plague focus of Kazakhstan and the modern boundaries of the areal of the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) in order to improve epizootiological monitoring and increase the effectiveness of preventive (anti-epidemic) measures.Materials and methods. Data from the epizootiological monitoring of the great gerbil populations in 14 autonomous foci of the Central Asian desert natural plague focus in the Republic of Kazakhstan between 2010 and 2020 were used for the analysis. An epizootiologic survey of an area of 875350 km2 was carried out. When processing the data, epidemiological, epizootiological, statistical research methods, as well as GIS technologies were used.Results and discussion. An increase in the total area of the Central Asian desert natural plague focus of the Republic of Kazakhstan by 79710 km2 (9.98 %) has been established for the period of 1990–2020. It is noted that the change in the area of plague-enzootic territory was a consequence of the ever changing areal of the main carrier of plague pathogen – the great gerbil – under the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors. The most significant changes were found in the southeastern part of the plague-enzootic territory, including those for the Betpakdala (50 %), Balkhash (34.3 %), Taukum (13.3 %) and Mojynkum (0.32 %) autonomous foci. The area of the Aryskum-Dariyalyktakyr autonomous focus decreased by 2100 km2 (4 %). In 2000–2002, new Alakol’sky and Ili intermountain autonomous foci with a total area of 26759 km2 were discovered. It is shown that due to the regression of the Aral Sea, the areal of the great girbil expanded and the area of the North Aral and Kyzylkum natural plague foci increased by 10500 km2 (29.2 %) and 560 km2 (0.4%), respectively. The areas of the Aral-Karakum and UralEmba desert autonomous foci, on the contrary, decreased by 2000 km2 (2.6 %) and 12300 km2 (17.6 %), respectively. Passportization and landscape-epizootiologic zoning of the territory of the Central Asian desert natural plague focus of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been completed.

The review provides an analysis of the current rabies epidemic situation in the Russian Federation and describes the dynamics of epizootic indicators, such as the epizootic index and infection density. The risk of rabies infection and the characteristics of the epizootic process in various regions of the country were studied. In 2012–2018 in comparison with 2000–2011, a 1.5–fold decrease in the activity of the epizootic process was noted, despite the expansion of the virus areal. The decrease in human hydrophobia morbidity in reference to the long-term average of 3–5 times was revealed. An increase in the value of the dog, cat and raccoon dog in human infection and a decrease of the fox role in this process have been established. The risk of rabies infection remained in almost all regions of the country. During 2012–2018 safe regions were the Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Irkutsk, Sakhalin, Kamchatka Territory. In the Kaliningrad Region, animal cases have stopped since 2013 due to the successful use of oral vaccination of wild predators as an effective method of combating natural foci of rabies. In 2019, 3 lethal cases of lissavirus infection were recorded: two after bat bites in the Amur Region and Primorsky Territory, and one in the Moscow Region imported from Tajikistan after a dog bite. Typical cases of rabies in Russia associated with terrestrial mammals were not detected in 2019.

Abstract Background The privately owned companion dog is an emerging model in comparative medicine, notably because it shares the human environment including its risk factors, is affected by many analogous age-related diseases, receives comparable medical care, and has excellent veterinary medical data available. Past studies of dog lifespan have used academic, corporate or insurance data. While independent primary care data exist for the UK, none have as of yet been published for the US. This study analyzed data from three independent primary care US veterinary hospitals and identified factors that influence lifespan and mortality in a cohort of n = 20,970 privately owned dogs using Kaplan-Meier survival estimators and Cox Proportional Hazards modelling, including body size as a covariate. Results As previously reported, body size was negatively correlated with lifespan. Gonadectomy was associated with a longer lifespan, with the effect being stronger in females than in males. This lifespan advantage was conserved in gonadectomized female dogs that lived to at least ages 5 and 8 years. We did not find significant differences in lifespan between purebred and mixed breed dogs; however, breeds with larger effective population sizes and/or lower inbreeding coefficients had median survival times 3–6 months longer than breeds with smaller effective population sizes or higher inbreeding coefficients, indicating that these measures of genetic diversity may be affecting breed lifespans. We also found that dog breeds belonging to the “Mountain” ancestral group had median survival times that were 3.5–4.6 years shorter than other purebred dog groups, which remained significant even when correcting for body size. Conclusions Our findings show that it is possible to obtain and analyze data from independent veterinary clinics in the US, an approach that could be useful for studies of comparative epidemiology under the One Health and One Welfare paradigms. We also show that the lifespan effects of gonadectomy are not identical between the sexes and should be investigated separately by sex in future analyses. More research is needed to further clarify the influence of age at gonadectomy, as well as the factors leading to the observed differences in lifespan in the “Mountain” ancestral group and in dog breeds of varying inbreeding coefficients and effective population sizes.

For several decades, white plagues (WPDs: WPD-I, II and III) and more recently, stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) have significantly impacted Caribbean corals. These diseases are often difficult to separate in the field as they produce similar gross signs. Here we aimed to compare what we know about WPD and SCTLD in terms of: (1) pathology, (2) etiology, and (3) epizootiology. We reviewed over 114 peer-reviewed publications from 1973 to 2021. Overall, WPD and SCTLD resemble each other macroscopically, mainly due to the rapid tissue loss they produce in their hosts, however, SCTLD has a more concise case definition. Multiple-coalescent lesions are often observed in colonies with SCTLD and rarely in WPD. A unique diagnostic sign of SCTLD is the presence of bleached circular areas when SCTLD lesions are first appearing in the colony. The paucity of histopathologic archives for WPDs for multiple species across geographies makes it impossible to tell if WPD is the same as SCTLD. Both diseases alter the coral microbiome. WPD is controversially regarded as a bacterial infection and more recently a viral infection, whereas for SCTLD the etiology has not been identified, but the putative pathogen, likely to be a virus, has not been confirmed yet. Most striking differences between WPD and SCTLD have been related to duration and phases of epizootic events and mortality rates. While both diseases may become highly prevalent on reefs, SCTLD seems to be more persistent even throughout years. Both transmit directly (contact) and horizontally (waterborne), but organism-mediated transmission is only proven for WPD-II. Given the differences and similarities between these diseases, more detailed information is needed for a better comparison. Specifically, it is important to focus on: (1) tagging colonies to look at disease progression and tissue mortality rates, (2) tracking the fate of the epizootic event by looking at initial coral species affected, the features of lesions and how they spread over colonies and to a wider range of hosts, (3) persistence across years, and (4) repetitive sampling to look at changes in the microbiome as the disease progresses. Our review shows that WPDs and SCTLD are the major causes of coral tissue loss recorded in the Caribbean.

Over the past few decades, among equine parasitoses caused by gastrointestinal nematodes, habronematidosis has been discontinuously studied worldwide. Habronematidosis is a parasitic disease distributed all over the world. It is caused by Habronema microstoma, Habronema muscae, and Draschia megastoma (Spirurida, Habronematidae), and it is maintained in the environment by muscid flies which act as intermediate hosts. At larval and adult stages these species live in the stomach of domestic and wild equids. However, the larvae can also be found on the skin, causing lesions known as “summer sores”, and occasionally on other body areas, such as ocular and genital mucosa (muco-cutaneous habronematidosis) and lung, liver, brain parenchyma. Depending on the parasite's developmental stage and localization site, clinical signs vary from mild to severe. Habronematidosis is responsible for significant economic losses, mostly when sport horses are affected, because their performances are impaired and the infection can be unaesthetic. We used three on-line databases for searching the articles on habronematidosis according to the selected inclusion criteria; a total of 250 contributions, published between 1911 and 2020 were analyzed. This review summarizes the key features of pathogenesis, epizootiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of habronematidosis, and highlights the current knownledge about its geographical distribution and spread. Anthelmintic drugs are the most widely-used tools against habronematidosis; given the known risk of anthelmintic resistance in some nematodes affecting horses, this aspect should also be explored for habronematidosis. Dedicated research is essential to fill gaps of knowledge and increase the understanding of habronematidosis to maximize equine health, reduce economic losses and sanitary impact associated with this parasitic infection.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal helminthic infections in dairy animals of internal drainage dry zone of Rajasthan, India. A total of 609 fecal samples were examined from September 2016 to August 2017. Out of them, 295 (Buffalo: 111, Cattle:184) were found positive with an overall prevalence of 48.44% for different gastrointestinal helminthic infections. The study revealed strongyles as the most dominant infection (44.99%) followed by Strongyloides sp. (6.90%). Seasonal dynamics revealed a highly significant statistical seasonal variation (p

The fundamental theoretical and methodological shortcomings of modern organisation and implementation of epidemiological surveillance of natural focal infections are considered. The conclusion is made about the need to prepare a realistic programme of observations of state change in natural focal parasitic systems and contacts of the population with them. Its main goal is to obtain ecologo-epidemiological and socio-demographic data needed for short and medium term forecasting of the epidemiological manifestations of natural foci.

This epizootiological study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of canine babesiosis in southwestern Slovakia. The study focused on the proportion of the species of ticks serving as babesia vectors of babesiosis in the ticks collected from selected locations close to Komárno, in southwestern Slovakia. Additionally, observations were made on the health and overall clinical signs in dogs suspected of having babesiosis. In 2014 we collected ticks from vegetation by the drag cloth (flagging) method and also directly from dogs. A totally of 622 ticks were collected: 491 Dermacentor reticulatus and 131 Ix-odes ricinus. Representative samples of ticks (n = 103) were examined by the molecular method and the presence of Babesia spp. DNA was identified in 12.5 % of the Ixodes ricinus ticks collected by flagging and in 9.5 % of the Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from the dogs. Babesia canis (KU681325) with 90 bp sequence, 100 % identical with Babesia canis isolates from dogs for example from: Turkey (KF499115), Rumania (HQ662634), Croatia (FJ209025), Poland (EU622792) and Russia (AY962186), was confirmed after sequencing in one Ixodes ricinus female obtained from a dog. This was the first confirmation of the occurrence of B. canis in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Slovakia. In 2.2 % of the Dermacentor reticulatus ticks obtained from vegetation by flagging, we were able to diagnose the DNA of Babesia canis. In 4.8 % of the Dermacentor reticulatus ticks collected from dogs, the presence of Babesia spp. was confirmed. Thirty three dogs with suspicion of babesiosis were observed in an ambulance by their health and clinical signs. The loss of appetite was observed in 22 patients (66.7 %), apathy in 19 cases (57.6 %), and fever in 19 cases. Closer specification indicating babesiosis was finding engorged ticks on the dog bodies which occurred in 21 cases (63.6 %), haematuria in 8 cases (24.2 %), anaemia in 4 cases (12.1 %), and tremor in 6 cases (18.2 %). Other non-specific signs, such as diarrhoea, vomitus, slowed-down movement, ataxia and lacrimation were also observed in less than 18 % of the examined dogs. On the basis of the specific clinical signs, blood was withdrawn from 33 dogs for preparation of blood smears and in 19 of them (57.6 %) babesia in erythrocytes were confirmed microscopically.

The outbreaks of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER), caused by nervous necrosis virus (NNV), represent one of the main infectious threats for marine aquaculture worldwide. Since the first description of the disease at the end of the 1980s, a considerable amount of research has gone into understanding the mechanisms involved in fish infection, developing reliable diagnostic methods, and control measures, and several comprehensive reviews have been published to date. This review focuses on host−virus interaction and epidemiological aspects, comprising viral distribution and transmission as well as the continuously increasing host range (177 susceptible marine species and epizootic outbreaks reported in 62 of them), with special emphasis on genotypes and the effect of global warming on NNV infection, but also including the latest findings in the NNV life cycle and virulence as well as diagnostic methods and VER disease control.

During 2017, 784 insect samples were examined and the presence of Culicoides spp. was established in 25.51% of samples. Earlier research has found that the dominant population of Culicoides spp in Serbia belongs to Obsoletus complexes, established in 60.05% of analyzed samples. Out of the entire insect population analyzed, males were found in 22.84%, unpigmented (young) females in 67.97%, females who took blood in 7.39%, whereas 1.35% were gravid females. Culicoides spp. from the Pulicaris complex was established in 38.85% of examined samples. Males were found in 18.91%, unpigmented (young) females in 71.72%, females who took blood in 9.09%, and 1.11% were gravid females. Other types of culicoids have been established in less than 10% of the examined samples. During examination, the most prevalent species were Culicoides obsoletus, C. picturalis, C. lupicaris, C. scoticus and C. fascipennis.

The review provides the information on etiology, epidemiology, clinical features and prevention of a little-known viral encephalitis Nipah. Given is the characteristics of the pathogen and its ecology. Objective of the review is to inform Russian specialists about the new dangerous disease unknown in the Russian Federation. Nipah virus infections in humans were first described in Malaysia (1998-1999), later in Bangladesh (2004) and India (2006). The causative agent was identified as a new member of paramyxoviruses in 1998, and then, together with related Hendra virus, has been separated in a new genus of the family Paramyxoviridae . The natural reservoir of the virus are fruit bats, predominantly carnivorous flying foxes of 8 species, Pteropus genus; the secondary reservoir - domestic pigs. Nipah virus is highly contagious for swines, that can act as amplifying and reservoir host. The disease in humans is characterized by symptoms and signs of encephalitis and acute pulmonary failure, rapidly developing coma. Lethality is 38.5-92.0 %. Registered are the outbreaks when virus transmission occurred from person-to-person. Specific treatment has not been developed. Prophylaxis is nonspecific.

After the first African swine fever (ASF) outbreak occurred in Brazil in 1978, an official laboratory for ASF diagnosis (ASFDL) was established. The current work reviews the efforts of the laboratory team to define an ASF diagnosis during the emergency phase of the ASF Eradication Program. From June to December 1978, 3,803 samples of pig tissue, blood and serum were analyzed. ASFDL first isolated the ASF virus (ASFV) from pig tissue samples from the Teresópolis municipality in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. During the first two months, ASFV was isolated from 130 of 320 (40.62%) pig samples analyzed by haemadsorption (HAD), indicating that the outbreak had reached 96 of 214 municipalities surveyed throughout the country in that period. The distribution of positive ASFV samples indicated the potential route of virus dispersal. Because of the rapidity of the actions implemented against ASF, the number of ASFV positive samples decreased from 48.36% in June to 33.53% in July, and then to 0% in August 1978. In parallel, ASFV antibody detection increased from 17.89% in June to 52.04% in August 1978. In the state of Paraná, a comparison of ASFV isolates with descriptions of the disease, and a rapid decrease in mortality rates suggested the occurrence of a low or moderate virulence ASFV strain. Establishment of ASFDL was crucial for the program, which eradicated ASFV from the country within six years of the first outbreak. Advances in cellular and molecular biology corroborated pioneer studies regarding ASFV virulence, and have highlighted the importance of establishing and maintaining secure measures to prevent ASFV reintroduction to the country. Information on virulence heterogeneity in ASFV populations during outbreaks provided a paramount tool for the adoption of eradication best practices

Respiratory capillariasis is a disease of domestic and wild carnivores as well as of people, caused by nematode Eucoleus aerophilus syn. Capillaria aerophila, which lives as a parasite in mucosa of trachea, bronchi and bronchioles, rarely in nasal and frontal sinuses of the host. This parasite has either direct or indirect development cycle which includes optional transition hosts - earthworms. Clinical picture is manifested in the form of a very severe respiratory disease, which is accompanied by an increased bronchovesicular sound, sneezing, gasping and chronic dry cough. Despite the fact that this nematode is widespread in all the parts of the world, that it causes a disease followed by a severe clinical picture and has a zoonotic potential as well, it has been insufficiently investigated and moreover from clinical and parasitological aspect it has not been given enough attention so far. The reason for this is the fact that C. aerophila had been considered to be a strain of very low level of pathogenicity causing only sporadic respiratory infections in dogs and cats. The interest of scientific community for this parasitosis increased the moment when its causative agent spread outside the endemic areas. From the standpoint of monitoring and health protection of both carnivores and peorle, knowledge of basic epizootiological and epidemiological characteristics of these nematodes is of crucial importance, having in mind that its prevalence has significantly increased in dogs and cats in the last ten years, both in Europe and worldwide.

Anoplotsefalyats (Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, M.autumnalia, Avitellina centripunctata, Thyzaniezia giardi) are common in farm ruminants of Azerbaijan. There are no strict zoning in their distribution and no specificity for the hosts. It was established that in Azerbaijan there are 27 species of oribatid mites that are involved in the life cycle of monieziozis out of which 20 species recorded to be new to our fauna, as their intermediate hosts. Infection of the final (sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo) and intermediate hosts (oribatid mites) happens all the year round. Maximum infection occurs in early spring and late autumn.

Shellfish are known as a potential source of Toxoplasma gondii (responsible for toxoplasmosis), and Cryptosporidium parvum, which is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in the world. Here we performed a comprehensive qPCR-based monthly survey for T. gondii and C. parvum during 2016 and 2017 in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) (n = 1440) from all six sites along the coast of Maine (USA). Pooled samples (mantle, gills, and rectum) from individual oysters were used for DNA extraction and qPCR. Our study resulted in detections of qPCR positives oysters for T. gondii and C. parvum at each of the six sites sampled (in 31% and 10% of total oysters, respectively). The prevalence of T. gondii was low in 2016, and in September 2017 several sites peaked in prevalence with 100% of the samples testing positive. The prevalence of C. parvum was very low except in one estuarine location (Jack’s Point) in June 2016 (58%), and in October of 2016, when both prevalence and density of C. parvum at most of the sampling sites were among the highest values detected. Statistical analysis of environmental data did not identify clear drivers of retention, but there were some notable statistically significant patterns including current direction and nitrate along with the T. gondii prevalence. The major C. parvum retention event (in October 2016) corresponded with the month of highest dissolved oxygen measurements as well as a shift in the current direction revealed by nearby instrumentation. This study may guide future research to locate any contributing parasite reservoirs and evaluate the potential risk to human consumption.

The global eradication of rinderpest in 2010 ranked as the second in history after the eradication of smallpox in humans in 1980. Rinderpest (in recent history included also among biological weapons of mass destruction) recurred throughout history causing hundreds of millions of animal deaths. It was recorded in 114 countries of all continents. After the World War II it was still reported from 66 countries in Africa and Asia. After all necessary knowledge about rinderpest virus and its circulation became available, along with excellent vaccine as well as enough experience with anti-rinderpest measures, the global eradication programme was launched in 1986 after a long preparatory period. It was composed of three new regional projects including all national anti-rinderpest programmes. The main method consisted in active search, isolation and stamping out of all outbreaks combined with mass prophylactic vaccinations and followed by years-long risk-based surveillance. The transfer of research results into practical reality required an extraordinary complex of a highly demanding system of managerial measures. It included analyses of rinderpest occurrence, identification of objectives/ deadlines and control methods, planning, ensuring necessary manpower, material and funds, organizing and implementation of coordinating programmes etc. This complex was represented by a managerial pyramid structure of inter-connected components having the basis at rinderpest affected localities and countries and its top at the Animal Health Service, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as executive agency responsible for technical assistance and global leadership/coordination.

Populations of wildfowl have been categorised taxonomically into five families: Phasianidae, Tetraonidae, Scolopacidae, Otidae and Anatidae. They are of particular importance for agriculture, forestry and the game economy, and certain species also have an important role in the epizootiology of parasitic infections in domestic fowl and fish. That is why it is extremely important for the process of promoting the system of animal health protection to have knowledge regarding the etiology and epizootiology of parasitic infections in wildfowl. Diseases in wildfowl caused by protozoa are histomoniasis, trichomoniasis, malaria, coccidiosis, cryptosporidiosis, sarcocystosis, toxoplasmosis, and giardiasis. The most represented helminthiases in wildfowl are singamosis, capillariasis, trichostrongyliasis, ascaridiosis, heteraciosis, nematodosis of the glandular stomach, cestodoses and trematodoses. The most significant ectoparasites in wildfowl are mites, ticks, and fleas. The reduction of populations of certain widlfowl species in nature could present a major problem, having in mind the important role of these birds in ecosystems and biocenosis. The incidence, maintaining and spreading of parasitic infections among widlfowl are just some of the factors that affect the numbers of their populations.

Abstract Disease‐causing organisms can have significant impacts on marine species and communities. However, the dynamics that underlie the emergence of disease outbreaks in marine ecosystems still lack the equivalent level of description, conceptual understanding, and modeling context routinely present in the terrestrial systems. Here, we propose a theoretical basis for modeling the transmission of marine infectious diseases (MIDs) developed from simple models of the spread of infectious disease. The models represent the dynamics of a variety of host–pathogen systems including those unique to marine systems where transmission of disease is by contact with waterborne pathogens both directly and through filter‐feeding processes. Overall, the analysis of the epizootiological models focused on the most relevant processes that interact to drive the initiation and termination of epizootics. A priori, systems with multi‐step disease infections (e.g., infection‐death‐particle release‐filtration‐transmission) reduced dependence on individual parameters resulting in inherently slower transmissions rates. This is demonstrably not the case; thus, these alternative transmission pathways must also considerably increase the rates of processes involved in transmission. Scavengers removing dead infected animals may inhibit disease spread in both contact‐based and waterborne pathogen‐based diseases. The capacity of highly infected animals, both alive and dead, to release a substantial number of infective elements into the water column, making them available to suspension feeders results in such diseases being highly infective with a very small “low‐abundance refuge”. In these systems, the body burden of pathogens and the relative importance between the release and the removal rate of pathogens in the host tissue or water column becomes paramount. Two processes are of potential consequence inhibiting epizootics. First, large water volumes above the benthic susceptible populations can function as a sink for pathogens. Second, unlike contact‐based disease models in which an increase in the number of susceptible individuals in the population increases the likelihood of transmission and epizootic development, large populations of filter feeders can reduce this likelihood through the overfiltration of infective particles.

Carried out is the analysis of epizootiological and epidemiological situation on anthrax in the Republics of Altai, Buryatia and Tuva and the Trans-Baikal Region bordering Mongolia for the period of 1985–2010. The Republics of Buryatia and Tuva, and the Trans-Baikal Region are the territories with unsafe epizootiological and epidemiological situation, while the Altai Republic is relatively safe territory in this regard. Long extension of frontiers, intensification of trade and economic cooperation, passenger and cargo traffic increase, and existence of soil foci predetermine the necessity of inter-state partnership in monitoring these foci and making forecast on anthrax epizootiological and epidemiological situation.

Tularemia is an infective disease of zoonotic character, bacterial etiology, which occurs predominantly among rodents, but also in other species of domestic and wild mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and humans. The cause of the disease is Francisella tularensis. Due to its epidemiological-epizootiological characteristics, the cause belongs to the group of biological agents and it has been used as a biological weapon. The disease is characterized by primary local ulcerous changes on the skin and mucosa, regional lymphadenitis, expressed general septicemia, and other changes. This disease is suspected on the grounds of epizootiological data on the incidence of the disease or the deaths of rabbits, sheep, or dogs, but also humans. During the observed period of twelve years, 317 cases of infected humans were recorded in the territory of the Republic of Serbia, without any mortal outcomes. The disease was confirmed in animals in only one case (2006.). In order to ensure full success in preventing the spreading and in the curbing of tularemia it is necessary to secure cooperation among a large number of professionals, in particular those engaged in the fields of human and veterinary medicine.

A transmissão horizontal de fungos entomopatogênicos tem papel importante na epizootiologia, pois está diretamente associada à disseminação do agente causal da doença de insetos. Em hospedeiros que apresentam restrita mobilidade, a presença de pragas secundárias no agroecossistema pode ajudar na formação de focos secundários da doença e, com isso, aumentar a mortalidade das pragas-chave. Para tanto, a disseminação de Beauveria bassiana, introduzida inoculativamente através de iscas tipo telha, foi avaliada em um bananal infestado por Cosmopolites sordidus (Piracicaba) e outro por C. sordidus e Metamasius hemipterus (Botucatu). Constatou-se que, em Piracicaba, não foram capturados insetos infectados na testemunha, sendo os índices de infecção nas parcelas que receberam B. bassiana de 8 e 15%. Em Botucatu, o índice de infecção dos insetos capturados na testemunha chegou a 17%, enquanto que, nas parcelas tratadas, variou de 28 a 54%. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho demostram que a presença de M. hemipterus influenciou na disseminação de B. bassiana para a população de C. sordidus, praga-chave dessa cultura.Horizontal transmission of entomopathogenic fungi plays an important role in the epizootiology, because it is directly associated with the spread of causal agents of insect diseases. In hosts with restricted mobility, the presence of secondary pests in the agroecosystem can help in the formation of secondary disease outbreaks and increase the mortality of the target pest. For this purpose, the dissemination of Beauveria bassiana inoculated using tile-type baits was evaluated in a banana plantation infested with Cosmopolites sordidus (Piracicaba) and one with C. sordidus and Metamasius hemipterus (Botucatu). In Piracicaba, insects contaminated with the pathogen were not found in the control group, and infection rates in the plots that received B. bassiana ranged between 8 and 15%. In Botucatu, the infection rate of insects in the control reached 17%, whereas in the fungal treatment plots, it varied from 28 to 54%. The present results demonstrate the influence of M. hemipterus in the dissemination of B. bassiana in populations of C. sordidus, a target pest of this crop.

The current investigation studied an outbreak of lumpy skin disease of cattle in Beni-Suef and Al-Fayium governorates from March up to September 2006. Epidemiological data over a total of 5500 cattle from all ages, breeds and sexes were investigated. Prevalence of lumpy skin antibodies was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that revealed high exposure rates; 57% and 51.42% in Beni-Suef and Al Fayium governorates respectively Virus isolation was conducted on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of specific pathogen free embryonated chicken egg (SPF-ECE) and MDBK cell culture. The virus identity was confirmed by passive haemagglutination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the infected CAM and MDBK cell culture. Experimental infection of rabbits was successful, demonstrating their possible roles in the epidemiological process of the disease.

Reliable estimates are lacking of key epizootiologic parameters for plague caused by Yersinia pestis infection in its natural reservoirs. We report results of a 3-year longitudinal study of plague dynamics in populations of a maintenance host, the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), in 2 populations in Kazakhstan. Serologic results suggest a mid-summer peak in the abundance of infectious hosts and possible transmission from the reservoir to humans. Decrease in antibody titer to an undetectable level showed no seasonal pattern. Our findings did not support the use of the nitroblue-tetrazolium test characterization of plague-infected hosts. Y. pestis infection reduced survival of otherwise asymptomatic hosts.

The paper describes different aspects of canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis. The disease is present in a large number of countries all over the world, where it inflicts severe economic damages, in particular in the commercial breeding and major dog breeding facilities. The disease was discovered in 1966 in the United States of America, but there were no data about its presence or distribution in our country until 1999. It was established, following the initial investigations, that the prevalence of the disease is extremely high, and that it amounted to 4.27% among pet dogs in the territory of Belgrade. Investigations of stray dogs in the territory of Podgorica showed that the seroprevalence (an equal titer or higher than 1/200) was 9.37%, while the prevalence among stray dogs in the territory of Belgrade was 10.87%. Data for other parts of Serbia are mostly lacking, and the seroprevalence for stray dogs in the Municipality of Pozarevac amounted to over 15%, while not a single serologically positive case was found among pet dogs. In addition to the epizootiological specificities of the disease established in our country, isolates of B. canis from the territory of Serbia also indicate digressions in the test of resistance to colors with respect to the referent strain RM6/66. All isolates (SR1-SR-7) are resistant to base fuchsine, and it is probable that this characteristic could also be an important epizootiological marker. Even though the isolation of the cause is the most reliable diagnostic method, it is not possible to achieve this in most cases. That is why one of the most important tasks is to define the most ideal tests for the serological diagnostics of the disease, and the obligation of reporting the disease makes it imperative that wider-scale investigations are conducted and that measures are taken toward reducing the number of positive cases in our country. .

Parasitic helminthoses in domestic animals are triggered by causes originating from the classes: Trematoda (fiatworms), Cestoda (tapeworms) and Nematoda (roundworms), which are in most cases endoparasites. The big presence of different parasitoses in our country are a result of the geographic position and the climatic conditions of certain areas, large agglomerations of cattle in certain localities, an unsatisfactory level of zoohygienic conditions in cattle facilities and on pastures, a diet that is inadequate both in quality and in quantity, a low hygiene level of the diet and watering, limited areas for grazing and their poor quality, extensive maintend diet of the animals, the presence of corresponding vectors or transitory hosts, s a low professional and cultural level of cattle farmers. The prevention of parasitic infections and the fight against their causes implies the severing of the chain of the parasite's biological cycle during one of the stages of its development. That is why it is necessary to destroy the most sensitive ones and the most available development forms of the parasite. Under the conditions when the epizootiological situation in the field is changing unexpectedly, it is necessary to apply the adequate therapeutic methods and prophylaxis in veterinary medicine, and to conduct an organized and planned fight against parasitic infections.

The objective of this presentation is to point out at knowledge obtained so far through comparative analyses of the influenza-A virus, certain ecological and epizootiological aspects, and at the cases registered so far of the transfer of this virus among animals, animals and birds and humans. In this way, we believe we will help our professional public to take a more comprehensive view of the currently uncertain epizootiological (epidemiological) situation regarding infections with influenza-A viruses in the world, and to secure preventive measures with due attention. New information is daily added to this matter, which is of wide-ranging aspects and, because of insufficient space, we have limited this work to the aspects which, because of insufficient space, we have limited this work to the aspects which are currently biologically the most significant. Consequently we have divided the entire presentation into the following sections Introduction with emphasis on the existence of large numbers of influenza-A viruses in nature, with a wide range of antigenic and biological characteristics in domestic and wild animals and birds, as well as on the fact that these viruses can be a potential source of so-called new pandemic viruses and pose a constant threat to human welfare. Results of comparative analyses of the influnza-A virus, with special emphasis on classification virion structure, genome structure and nomenclature, on the progressive mutation of the virus, known as antigenic drift, and the genetic recombination, known as antigenic shift. Influenza-A viruses in humans animals and birds with a presentation of subtypes and variants of the virus identified so far. Transfer of the virus among animals, birds and humans with a presentation of cases registered so far of virus transfer in nature as well as possibilities for experimental infections of calves, swine, mice hamsters, and squirrels with influenza-A viruses originating from birds. Concluding remarks indicate the need for veterinary medicine to be more intensely engaged on investigations of the biology, genetics and epizootiology of isolated viruses in animal and birds, and thus to contribute to the clarification of numerous unknown factors that render influenza epidemiology in humans so exceptional. References show a part of the literature used in preparing this presentation.

Although it has been known as a separate etiological entity for almost 150 years, brucellosis is, on a global scale, one of the most frequent diseases that is transferred from animals to humans. It is present as an endemic disease in almost all countries of the Mediterranean Sea, which indicates that a large number of aspects in connection with the control and epizootiology of this disease still remain unexplained. Three of the six types of brucella have been officially confirmed in our country as well. They are Brucella melitensis biotip 3, Brucella suis biotip 2 and Brucella canis. Brucellosis is endemically present in Kosovo and Metohija province and in southern Serbia proper; over the past few years, the spread of brucellosis in sheep and goats as primary hosts for B. melitensis to new territories, mostly in Vojvodina province, has shown that risk analysis is one of the main factors in selecting and implementing control programmes. A correctly selected set of diagnostic tests yields reliable data in most cases, but interpretations of results are prone to result in subjective assessments as well. A special problem in the serological diagnosis of brucellosis is the cross reactivity of brucellas and some other bacteria, often a weak immunological response of the animal, or that the type of brucella that causes the infection determines the sensitivity and specificity of the applied tests, most often screenings tests. Due to the big economic losses resulting from disease control and eradication, and the serious risk to human health, brucellosis still poses an epizootiological, and, in particular, a diagnostic challenge.

Presence of bacteria from Campylobacter spp. in nature and their importance encourages many researchers to study their biology. The aim of this study was to understand the epizootiology of these bacteria by analyzing all available data and our own results. This would help to follow their movements and prognosticate the outbreak of the disease caused by Campylobacter. In this experiment we used parts of the digestive tracts and reproductive organs of poultry and intestines of pigs and cattle. Isolation methodology was adjusted to the conditions favorable for Campylobacter spp. by providing selective mediums and microaerophilic conditions. Final determination of the isolates was done with Api Campy strips and appropriate software. Of the 60 samples analyzed, 42 were positive for the presence of Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter jejuni in 28 and Campylobacter coli in 14 cases. After examining samples from the reproductive tract, 4 birds were positive, with Campylobacter jejuni in 3 and Campylobacter coli in 1 sample. Of the 12 samples from pigs, 7 were positive (Campylobacter jejuni). Of the 6 samples from calves, Campylobacter jejuni was present in 4 cases. For the sake of clarity, the overall epizootiological situation, established on the basis of literature data and the obtained results, may be viewed as consisting of three interactive parts. The first one is the territorial prevalence of Campylobacter spp. The second is their presence in different kinds of animal and their systems (organs), and the third are health problems that occur in consequence to their presence.

Leptospirosis is a cause of great economic damages in cattle-breeding, and it is a great sanitary problem for human health. Therefore we tried to examine the situation in our area, through a period of 15 years, from the in year 1988. until year 2002.We gained insight into the spread of the sickness on our epizootic area, both for the animal population and for the human population.

For over 10 years infectious laringotracheitis has occurred rarely in Vojvodina. In such situations morbidity was 40% and mortality was 16%. Drop in egg production was over 30% and after 4 weeks egg production returned to normal. After the disappearance of clinical symptoms and after 30 days of quarantine and disinfection of eggs with formaldehyde and 5% hydrogen peroxide there was no appearance of the disease in hatched chickens. Clinical observation and pathohistology results are valuable proof for diagnosis of ILT. Diagnosis of ILT should be confirmed by virus isolation or applying serological tests such as ELISA on sera from diseased chickens.

In a 5 year period 48748 swine blood samples were examined, or 24.52% of the breeding stock. The samples were examined by the method of microscope agglutination, with "live" antigen of 8 leptospira serotypes: L. pomona, L. icterohaemorrhragiae, L. grippotyphosa, L. sejroe, L. tarassovi, L. australis, L. bataviae and L. canicola. During the investigation specific antibodies for leptospira were diagnosed in 280 (0.57%) samples of swine sera. The highest level of seroprevalence for leptospirosis in swine was in the year 1998 with 130 (1.27%) seropositive swines. The lowest seroprevalence level was detected in the years 1999 and 2000 with only 13 seropositive animals (0.13-0.14%). During this period the highest number of seropositive swines was found in the Bečej area, 241 (0.92%). In this period 3 serotypes of leptospira were present: L. pomona, L. icterohaemorrhagiae and L. grippotyphosa. Serotype L. icterohaemorrhagiae was most present on the investigated area (in 94.32% cases), followed by L. pomona (5.31%) while serotype L. grippotyphosa appeared only sporadically in only 0.35% cases. In this period a trend of slight decrease was noticed in swine prevalence for leptospirosis amounting to 0.048% annually. Based on these analyses, it may be expected with 95% certainty that the level of prevalence for leptospirosis in the coming period in this epizootiological area will range from 0.00% to 0.82% of the infected animals.

Viral infections hold an important place among factors which can cause disorders in swine reproduction. Infections with the porcine parvovirus (PPV) are present in all herds. In the past four years, 70-77% seropositive animals have been registered in herds of the industrial type. There are increasing reports about disorders in swine reproduction, both from individual breeders and mini farmers, caused by parvoviral infections. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the latest knowledge on epizootiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, and prophylaxis of this diseases.

We investigated animal and human anthrax cases during a 13-year period in eastern Turkey. From 1992 to 2004, a total of 464 animal and 503 human anthrax cases were detected. Most cases occurred in summer. Anthrax remains a health problem in eastern Turkey, and preventive measures should be taken.

Trichinellosis is parasitic disease aff ecting wildlife, domestic animals and humans, caused by the nematode of the genus Trichinella. Primary infection route is consumption of infected meat, thus trichinellosis represents a considerable health and economic problem. In the Republic of Srpska, the most common source of human infection is the meat of domestic pigs. Since recently, an increasing number of trichinellosis outbreaks have been attributed to consumption of meat of wild animals, which corresponds with the situation in other countries. During the last decade of the 20th century, numerous outbreaks involving large number of infected people have been reported. In the period 2001-2010, 1256 cases of animal trichinellosis were reported, 1166 of which were identifi ed in domestic swine. In the municipality of Bijeljina, 656 cases were reported, which makes 56.26% of the total number of domestic pig infections recorded in the Republic of Srpska. The latest fi ndings about the incidence of various Trichinella species in wild and domestic animals in Europe indicate that, regardless of application of preventive measures such as proper animal management and veterinary control of meat aft er slaughter, this disease remains the major health problem in this area.

The fungus Lecanicillium lecanii attacks the green scale (Coccus viridis), a pest of coffee, and is also a hyperparasite of coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix). Knowledge of the epizootiology of this fungus is potentially important for conservation biological control in coffee agroecosystems. The presence of viable propagules of L. lecanii in the soil, a possible environmental reservoir, was assessed using two baiting methods: the standard Galleria mellonella bait method and a C. viridis bait method. Infectious propagules of L. lecanii were detected in soil samples taken from a 45 ha study plot, both nearby and far from recent epizootics of L. lecanii. To test the potential for the transmission of L. lecanii conidia from the soil via rain splash or wind, coffee seedlings with populations of C. viridis were placed near L. lecanii-inoculated soil and then subjected to artificial rain and wind treatments. Rain splash was shown to be a potential transmission mechanism. Dispersal of L. lecanii conidia by the ant Azteca instabilis was tested using field and laboratory ant-exclusion experiments. Azteca instabilis was shown to transport conidia of L. lecanii; however, dispersal by A. instabilis may not be important under field conditions.

Epizootiology is the study of variable factors, events, forces and circumstances that contribute to the occurrence, distribution, control and prevention of ill-health, diseases and other problems in animal groups. It is a key component of veterinary medicine education at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria since 1975. It started as a Graduate Certificate in Epizootiology (GCE) in 1976. Later it was revised into M.Sc. Epizootiology in 1986. At graduate level, epizootiology curriculum has supported the M.Sc. Epizootiology programme. It compliments training in Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine. This epizootiology curriculum has been operational at graduate level for more than three decades. Now in 2011, a consortium of English speaking West African Universities is committed to review the current curriculum at the University of Ibadan to strengthen health systems in an interdependent world with scope for internationalized practicum in disease investigation. Emphases are made towards skills development in molecular studies on disease causal agents and the mapping of associated geographic risk factors, including indigenous knowledge and practices. It is notable that most English-speaking West African countries including Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia either lack a Veterinary School or just started some, but do not have graduate programme in Epizootiology. Thus, the curriculum at Ibadan is positioned to make impact in three key areas, namely, sub-regional ecosystem health studies, improving human-animal disease surveillance programmes, and in indigenization of bio-technology for monitoring and evaluation of trans-boundary animal disease control interventions for global health in West Africa.

El parasitismo interno en los ovinos constituye una de las limitantes de mayor importancia en el desarrollo exitoso de la producción ovina. El primer paso para lograr un control parasitario está relacionado con el estudio de la epizootiología de los agentes etiológicos, y entre ellos el conocimiento de las especies que circulan en los rebaños. Para realizar este tipo de estudio se seleccionaron tres unidades de producción ovinas de la provincia de Matanzas, cuyos animales y sistema de manejo son representativos de los del resto de la provincia. Se encontró que los animales están infestados de forma simpátrica por dos especies del género Haemonchus (H. placei y H. contortus) que superan el 90% del conteo fecal durante todo el año. También se encontró Trichostrongylus colubriformis y Oesophagostomum columbianum, en menor cuantía. Las mayores tasas de infestación se presentaron en el período lluvioso en las tres unidades, lo que muestra una estacionalidad evidente. Las crías se parasitaron en función del sistema de manejo implementado y las reproductoras paridas fueron las más susceptibles en un grupo de hembras incorporadas a la reproducción. Estos elementos son de vital importancia para la puesta en marcha de planes de control parasitario.Internal parasitism in sheep constitutes one of the most important limitations in the successful development of sheep production. The first step for achieving parasite control is related to the study of the epizootiology of the etiological agents, and among them the knowledge on the species that circulate in the herds. For performing this type of study, three sheep production units of Matanzas province were selected, which animals and management system are representative of the rest of the province. The animals were found to be infested in a sympatric way by two species of the Haemonchus genus (H. placei and H. contortus) which exceed 90% of the fecal count during the whole year. Also Trichostrongylus columbriformis and Oesophagostomum columbianum were found in lower amount. The highest infestation rates were present in the rainy season in the three units, which shows evident seasonality. The offspring were infested according to the management system implemented and the lambed ewes were the most susceptible ones in a group of ewes incorporated to reproduction. These elements are essential for the implementation of parasite control plans.