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Simple Summary: The present report describes the first molecular detection of a gammacoronavirus in a free-ranging striped dolphin coinfected with cetacean morbillivirus and found stranded on the Croatian coastline in 2022. The virus was detected in a heart sample and appeared different from previously identified cetacean gammacoronaviruses. This finding underscores the necessity of including this pathogen into routine diagnostics for stranded dolphins to gather important epidemiological data on coronavirus prevalence and its potential role in causing disease. This case report presents the first molecular identification of a gammacoronavirus in a free-ranging striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) that was found stranded along the Croatian coastline in 2022. The dolphin exhibited a concurrent infection with cetacean morbillivirus. The gammacoronavirus strain was amplified and sequenced from heart tissue imprinted on an FTA®card, revealing a notable genetic distance (approximately 8%) from previously characterized cetacean gammacoronaviruses. This finding highlights the importance of including gammacoronaviruses in routine diagnostics for stranded dolphins to gather epidemiological data on their prevalence and potential role in causing disease in cetaceans. This study sets the premises for a further understanding of the diversity and distribution of gammacoronaviruses in marine mammals and highlights the necessity for ongoing surveillance of emerging infectious diseases in wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) causes substantial economic losses globally. Different aMPV subtypes circulate in various regions, with subtypes A and B prevalent in the Old World and aMPV-C in North America. Recently, aMPV-A and aMPV-B have been detected in the U.S., raising questions about their introduction pathways. This study used phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses of the G protein sequences to investigate potential importation routes. Findings suggest that aMPV-B in the U.S. likely originated from Eastern Asian strains related to European ones, with wild bird migration through the Beringian crucible being a probable pathway, similarly to avian influenza. aMPV-A appears to have Mexican origins, with strains related to Asian ones, pointing again to wild bird migration rather than trade or illegal importation. Given the limited information on wild birds' role in aMPV spread and the significant impact on the poultry industry, further wild bird surveys are recommended. Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) has been identified as an important cause of respiratory and reproductive disease, leading to significant productive losses worldwide. Different subtypes have been found to circulate in different regions, with aMPV-A and B posing a significant burden especially in the Old World, and aMPV-C in North America, albeit with limited exceptions of marginal economic relevance. Recently, both aMPV-A and aMPV-B have been reported in the U.S.; however, the route of introduction has not been investigated. In the present study, the potential importation pathways have been studied through phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses based on a broad collection of partial attachment (G) protein sequences collected worldwide. aMPV-B circulating in the U.S. seems the descendant of Eastern Asian strains, which, in turn, are related to European ones. A likely introduction pathway mediated by wild bird migration through the Beringian crucible, where the East Asian and Pacific American flight paths intersect, appears likely and was previously reported for avian influenza. aMPV-A, on the other hand, showed a Mexican origin, involving strains related to Asian ones. Given the low likelihood of trade or illegal importation, the role of wild birds appears probable also in this case, since the region is covered by different flight paths directed in a North–South direction through America. Since the information on the role of wild birds in aMPV epidemiology is still scarce and scattered, considering the significant practical implications for the poultry industry demonstrated by recent U.S. outbreaks, further surveys on wild birds are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: The infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a major pathogen in the poultry industry due to its profound impact on the immune systems of young chickens. Various genetic types with distinct biological characteristics have been described. In this study, we evaluated the expression of different cytokines in the bursa of Fabricius and thymus over a 28-day experimental infection with two strains from the G1a (Classical) and G6 (ITA) genogroups. The G6 strain appeared to induce a more immediate immunosuppression, and unlike the G1a strain, did not show signs of gene expression recovery by the end of the study. This finding aligns with the higher replication level previously reported for the G6 and with the clinical outcome, as this genotype, although subclinical, has often been considered more immunosuppressive. Unlike other studies that focused on shorter periods post-infection, the patterns observed in this study were highly variable and complex, depending on the strain, tissue, and time point. Therefore, this study not only confirms the effect of strain/genogroup on immune system modulation but also highlights the importance of extended monitoring post-infection to better understand the intricate patterns and interactions with the host response. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a significant burden for poultry production and market due to both direct disease and induced immunosuppression. In the present study, the expression of different cytokines in the bursa of Fabricius and thymus was evaluated during a 28-day-long experimental infection with two strains classified in the G1a (Classical) and G6 (ITA) genogroups. Although both strains significantly affected and modulated the expression of different molecules, the G6 strain seemed to induce a delayed immune response or suppress it more promptly. A recovery in the expression of several mediators was observed in the G1a-infected group at the end of the study, but not in the G6 one, further supporting a more persistent immunosuppression. This evidence fits with the higher replication level previously reported for the G6 and with the clinical outcome, as this genotype, although subclinical, has often been considered more immunosuppressive. However, unlike other studies focused on shorter time periods after infection, the patterns observed in this paper were highly variable and complex, depending on the strain, tissue, and time point, and characterized by a non-negligible within-group variability. Besides confirming the strain/genogroup effect on immune system modulation, the present study suggests the usefulness of longer monitoring activities after experimental infection to better understand the complex patterns and interactions with the host response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The present study demonstrates the role of intensive poultry production in the rise of fowl adenovirus (FAdV), similar to what occurred for several multifactorial viral diseases of livestock. Although effective in limiting viral circulation, the applied control strategies, likely shaped its evolution. In fact, after the development and application of FAdV vaccines, an increase in evolutionary rate was observed and several sites and regions of the Hexon protein were proven under a significant pervasive or episodic diversifying selection, especially those exposed on the viral surface and target of the host response. The notion that FAdV has increased in relevance in the last years could thus be a misleading perception related to an increased diagnostic capability and awareness of the topic. Alternatively, a limited number of flocks could be more severely affected because of the waning population immunity. Further efforts should be devoted to the acquisition of more molecular data on other geographic regions and FAdV species, also to assess the representativeness of the present results on a broader scale. Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs, species FAdV-A/-E) are responsible for several clinical syndromes reported with increasing frequency in poultry farms in the last decades. In the present study, a phylodynamic analysis was performed on a group of FAdV-D Hexon sequences with adequate available metadata. The obtained results demonstrated the long-term circulation of this species, at least several decades before the first identification of the disease. After a period of progressive increase, the viral population showed a high-level circulation from approximately the 1960s to the beginning of the new millennium, mirroring the expansion of intensive poultry production and animal trade. At the same time, strain migration occurred mainly from Europe to other continents, although other among-continent connections were estimated. Thereafter, the viral population declined progressively, likely due to the improved control measures, potentially including the development and application of FAdV vaccines. An increase in the viral evolutionary rate featured this phase. A role of vaccine-induced immunity in shaping viral evolution could thus be hypothesized. Accordingly, several sites of the Hexon, especially those targeted by the host response were proven under a significant pervasive or episodic diversifying selection. The present study results demonstrate the role of intensive poultry production and market globalization in the rise of FAdV. The applied control strategies, on the other hand, were effective in limiting viral circulation and shaping its evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In future decades, the demand for poultry meat and eggs is predicted to considerably increase in pace with human population growth. Although this expansion clearly represents a remarkable opportunity for the sector, it conceals a multitude of challenges related to pollution and land erosion, competition for limited resources between animal and human nutrition, animal welfare concerns, limitations on the use of growth promoters and antimicrobial agents, and increasing risks of animal infectious diseases and zoonoses. The increase in poultry production must be achieved mainly through optimization and increased efficiency. The increasing ability to generate large amounts of data ("big data")—coupled with the availability of tools and computational power to store, share, integrate, and analyze data with automatic and flexible algorithms—offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop tools to maximize farm profitability, reduce socio-environmental impacts, and increase animal and human health and welfare. The present work reviews the application of sensor technologies, specifically, the principles and benefits of advanced statistical techniques and their use in developing effective and reliable classification and prediction models to benefit the farming system. Finally, recent progress in pathogen genome sequencing and analysis is discussed, highlighting practical applications in epidemiological tracking and control strategies. In future decades, the demand for poultry meat and eggs is predicted to considerably increase in pace with human population growth. Although this expansion clearly represents a remarkable opportunity for the sector, it conceals a multitude of challenges. Pollution and land erosion, competition for limited resources between animal and human nutrition, animal welfare concerns, limitations on the use of growth promoters and antimicrobial agents, and increasing risks and effects of animal infectious diseases and zoonoses are several topics that have received attention from authorities and the public. The increase in poultry production must be achieved mainly through optimization and increased efficiency. The increasing ability to generate large amounts of data ("big data") is pervasive in both modern society and the farming industry. Information accessibility—coupled with the availability of tools and computational power to store, share, integrate, and analyze data with automatic and flexible algorithms—offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop tools to maximize farm profitability, reduce socio-environmental impacts, and increase animal and human health and welfare. A detailed description of all topics and applications of big data analysis in poultry farming would be infeasible. Therefore, the present work briefly reviews the application of sensor technologies, such as optical, acoustic, and wearable sensors, as well as infrared thermal imaging and optical flow, to poultry farming. The principles and benefits of advanced statistical techniques, such as machine learning and deep learning, and their use in developing effective and reliable classification and prediction models to benefit the farming system, are also discussed. Finally, recent progress in pathogen genome sequencing and analysis is discussed, highlighting practical applications in epidemiological tracking, and reconstruction of microorganisms' population dynamics, evolution, and spread. The benefits of the objective evaluation of the effectiveness of applied control strategies are also considered. Although human-artificial intelligence collaborations in the livestock sector can be frightening because they require farmers and employees in the sector to adapt to new roles, challenges, and competencies—and because several unknowns, limitations, and open-ended questions are inevitable—their overall benefits appear to be far greater than their drawbacks. As more farms and companies connect to technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and sensing technologies will begin to play a greater role in identifying patterns and solutions to pressing problems in modern animal farming, thus providing remarkable production-based and commercial advantages. Moreover, the combination of diverse sources and types of data will also become fundamental for the development of predictive models able to anticipate, rather than merely detect, disease occurrence. The increasing availability of sensors, infrastructures, and tools for big data collection, storage, sharing, and analysis—together with the use of open standards and integration with pathogen molecular epidemiology—have the potential to address the major challenge of producing higher-quality, more healthful food on a larger scale in a more sustainable manner, thereby protecting ecosystems, preserving natural resources, and improving animal and human welfare and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Since the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned, the poultry sector is searching for alternatives to support production efficiency. Synbiotics, which consist of a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics, appear to be a promising way to do so by sustaining chickens' gut health. In this study, the synbiotic PoultryStar® sol was tested on three broiler flocks, reared in separate farms under typical field conditions. Compared to control chickens, those fed with the synbiotic throughout the productive cycle generally exhibited less histopathological lesions and had higher villi at intestinal level, and ultimately performed better in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and liveability. The composition of the caecal microbial ecosystem was also studied, proving that synbiotic supplementation influenced the abundance of several bacterial populations. To fully understand the exact implications of these changes, further studies are required, which will be informed and facilitated by the present data. In recent years, the applicability of prebiotics, probiotics and their mixtures, defined as synbiotics, in poultry production has received considerable attention. Following the increasing regulation of antibiotic use, these nutraceuticals are seen as an alternative way to sustain production efficiency and resistance to pathogens and stressors by modulating birds' gut health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits provided under field conditions by administering the multi-species synbiotic PoultryStar® sol to broilers in drinking water. To this purpose, three Ross 308 broiler flocks, representing separate progenies of a breeder flock which was treated with the same synbiotic, were housed in separate farms, divided into treatment and control groups, and followed throughout the productive cycle. Synbiotic administration was shown to improve gut health even in absence of a challenge, with limited changes in terms of macroscopic intestinal lesions and more overt differences related to histopathological scores and villi length. Synbiotic-fed chickens performed consistently better in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survivability. Lastly, the evaluation of the caecal microbiome through next-generation sequencing highlighted the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the composition of the bacterial population, the implications of which will, however, require further studies to be better comprehended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent years, the impact of respiratory disease resulting from Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection has been rising in the broiler industry in Europe. In this context, in order to investigate aMPV contribution to the clinical picture and the potential benefits of diversified vaccination strategies compared to nonvaccination policies, a longitudinal monitoring was performed in broilers located in Western France. The survey confirmed the circulation of field aMPV subtype B strains with a certain degree of genetic heterogenicity and the importance of implementation of vaccination to contain the clinical manifestations. In recent years, the impact of respiratory disease resulting from Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection has been generally rising in the broiler industry in Europe. In this context, in order to investigate aMPV contribution to the clinical picture and the potential benefits of diversified vaccination strategies compared to nonvaccination policies, a longitudinal monitoring was performed, also evaluating Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) presence. Broiler flocks located in Western France, where aMPV has already proven to be a health and productivity issue, were screened by RT-PCR on rhino-pharyngeal swabs, and the viruses were genetically characterized by sequence analysis. For a more comprehensive picture of aMPV molecular epidemiology and evolution in France, aMPV subtype B strains detected from 1985 to 1998 were sequenced and included in the analysis. The survey confirmed the detection of aMPV subtype B in commercial broiler flocks in France, together with a certain heterogeneity demonstrated by the circulation of more recent and historical French field strains. No IBV field strains were detected. The implementation and evaluation of different management choices and vaccine strategies suggests once again that immunization does not prevent infection but contributes greatly to the containment of the clinical manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The genus Circovirus groups some of the smallest viruses capable of autonomous replication, including some notable swine and avian pathogens. Among domestic and wild birds, circoviruses are often associated with immunosuppression and integumental disorders, but, despite their relevance, nothing is known about their circulation in birds of prey. By conducting molecular analyses on samples from birds of prey recovered by a wildlife rescue centre in Italy, we identified a new viral species in the spleen of a tawny owl (Strix aluco). However, there is contrasting evidence regarding its definitive host. On one hand, the virus was discovered to be phylogenetically closer to mammalian rather than avian circoviruses, which allows speculations on its host being a micromammal preyed by the tawny owl, rather than the bird itself. On the other hand, its detection in the spleen, a lymphoid organ in which other avian circoviruses are often detected, supports the tawny owl being its actual host, perhaps following a spillover event associated with predation. Adding to the growing number of circoviruses found in recent years in a diverse range of hosts, this discovery represents another step forward in the characterization of this genus of remarkable veterinary importance. Thanks to recent developments in molecular methods, many new species have been discovered within the genus Circovirus, which comprises viruses of veterinary relevance found in a broad range of hosts. In particular, several circoviruses are known to infect birds, often causing immunosuppression and feathering disorders. Nonetheless, nothing is known about their circulation in birds of prey. In this study, samples from 61 birds of prey representing ten different species, recovered by a wildlife rescue centre in Southern Italy, were taken at necropsy and analysed by PCR with pan-Circovirus primers. Only one sample, collected from a tawny owl (Strix aluco), tested positive. Its genome, sequenced by primer walking, displays the typical features of circoviruses. Based on demarcation criteria, the detected strain qualifies as a novel species, which was named "tawny owl-associated circovirus" (ToCV). Phylogenetically, ToCV clustered with mammalian rather than avian circoviruses, and its closeness to a rodent circovirus suggests that its host may have been a micromammal eaten by the tawny owl. On the other hand, its detection in the spleen fits with the tropism of other avian circoviruses. Little can be therefore said on its biology and pathogenicity, and further efforts are needed to better characterize its epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Poultry production is increasing, in Ethiopia as well, and poultry is an extremely valuable food resource. This survey investigated the presence of important viral pathogens in poultry (infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV)) using biomolecular assays and sequencing. The results suggested a low circulation of these pathogens, probably owing to vaccination strategies. A routine diagnostic activity should be planned to monitor pathogen circulation and support disease prevention and production levels. The importance of poultry production is globally increasing, in Ethiopia as well, where high-quality protein and contained costs make poultry a valuable food resource. However, this entails some problems linked to rural, backyard and intensively reared flock proximity and pathogen circulation. This study is aimed at monitoring the presence of important viral pathogens in poultry (infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV)) in Ethiopia. Respiratory and cloacal swabs and bursa of Fabricius and kidney imprints on FTA cards were collected in 2021 from 16 farms and tested for IBV, aMPV, NDV and IBDV. One farm was positive for IBDV, resulting in strains similar to those present in vaccines, belonging to genogroup A1a; two farms were positive for IBV but, due to sensitivity limits, only one sample was sequenced, resulting in a 4/91-like strain (GI-13); a layer farm tested positive for NDV with a Lasota-like vaccine strain. These findings suggest a low presence of these pathogens, probably due to the implementation of vaccination strategies, which is also testified by the detection of vaccine strains. A close diagnostic activity should be implemented on a routine basis in order to monitor pathogen circulation, ameliorate biosecurity measures and protect animal health and production levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is one of the main infectious agents affecting the avian industry. The remarkable evolutionary rate of this virus represents an often unsurmountable challenge to its control, leading to the emergence of different lineages featured by different biological properties and limited cross-protection. In the present study, the origin, spreading and evolution of GI-23, one of the most important IBV emerging lineages, has been reconstructed using a phylodynamic approach. To this purpose, the broadest available collection of complete and partial S1 sequences was downloaded from GenBank and merged with specifically sequenced European strains. After a likely ancient origin, GI-23 circulated undetected in the Middle East for a considerable time, thereafter emerging as a threat in parallel with the intensification of the poultry industry and its introduction in other countries. An intensive viral circulation affecting mainly neighbouring countries or those with strong economic and political relationships was demonstrated, even though some nations appear to play a major role as a "bridge" among less related locations. Of note, a big recombinant cluster, likely originating in the Middle East but spreading thereafter, especially to Europe through Turkey, demonstrated a much-marked increase in viral population size, and potentially fitness, compared to previously circulating variants. Infectious bronchitis virus GI-23 lineage, although described approximately two decades ago in the Middle East, has recently drawn remarkable attention and is considered an "emerging" lineage due to its current spread to several other regions, including Europe. Despite the relevance, no comprehensive studies are available investigating its epidemiologic and evolutionary pattern. The present phylodynamic study was designed to fill this gap, benefitting from a collection of freely available GI-23 sequences and ad-hoc generated European ones. After a relatively ancient origin in the Middle East, likely in the first half of the previous century, GI-23 circulated largely undetected or underdiagnosed for a long time in this region, likely causing little damage, potentially because of low virulence coupled with limited development of avian industry in the considered years and regions and insufficient diagnostic activity. The following development of the poultry industry and spread to other countries led to a progressive but slow increase of viral population size between the late '90s and 2010. An increase in viral virulence could also be hypothesized. Of note, a big recombinant cluster, likely originating in the Middle East but spreading thereafter, especially to Europe through Turkey, demonstrated a much-marked increase in viral population size compared to previously circulating variants. The extensive available GI-23 sequence datasets allowed to demonstrate several potential epidemiological links among African, Asian, and European countries, not described for other IBV lineages. However, differently from previously investigated IBV lineages, its spread appears to primarily involve neighbouring countries and those with strong economic and political relationships. It could thus be speculated that frequent effective contacts among locations are necessary for efficient strain transmission. Some countries appear to play a major role as a "bridge" among less related locations, being Turkey the most relevant example. The role of vaccination in controlling the viral population was also tentatively evaluated. However, despite some evidence suggesting such an effect, the bias in sequence and data availability and the variability in the applied vaccination protocols prevent robust conclusions and warrant further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Improving day-old chick quality is essential for the overall profitability of the broiler productive cycle and has been associated with a decreased feed conversion rate, increased growth performance, resistance to infectious diseases, and welfare parameters. The hatchery practices are fundamental, since adequate hygiene and handling are crucial in reducing egg contamination and cross-contamination. Particularly, the efficient removal of rotten eggs has been suggested to reduce the overall bacterial burden contaminating the needle used for in-ovo vaccination, the nearby eggs, and the whole incubator/hatching room when broken. In the present multicentric study, including 11 European countries, a remarkable impact of the rotten egg percentage on hatchery productive parameters, such as the hatchability, embryo mortality, and level of contamination, was demonstrated. Efficient rotten egg removal and the application of new generation technologies for appropriate detection and removal tools should thus provide remarkable benefits for hatchery performances and indirectly for downstream poultry production. Day-old chick quality is an essential element for the overall profitability of the broiler productive cycle and has been associated with the growth performance and feed conversion rate. An effect on the development of the immune system was also reported, which could likely account for reduced susceptibility to infectious diseases and improved animal welfare parameters. Besides direct cost reduction, lower antimicrobial use and improved animal welfare are crucial in the directive of European Union legislation and are at the forefront of customer choices. Several factors contribute to determining the chick quality. Breeder flocks genetics, health, and management affect the egg features, quality, and bacterial load. However, hatchery practices play a pivotal role, since adequate hygiene and handling are fundamental in reducing egg contamination and cross-contamination. The presence of rotten eggs is often regarded as a major risk, since the internal bacterial load can contaminate the needle used for in-ovo vaccination, the nearby eggs, and the whole incubator/hatching room when broken. In the present multicentric study, representative of 40 hatcheries located in 11 European countries, a remarkable impact of the rotten egg percentage on the hatchery productive parameters, representative of the hatchability, embryo mortality, and level of contamination, was demonstrated. Efficient rotten egg removal and the application of appropriate detection and removal tools should thus provide remarkable benefits for hatchery performance and indirectly for downstream poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]