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Background: Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), species member of the family Flaviviridae, is generally considered restricted to domestic and wild suids. The circulation of CFSV has been detected in cattle herds in China and India. Natural infection appeared associated with clinical signs in some cases.Aim: The secondary structures of the internal ribosome entry site in the 5ʹ untranslated region (UTR) were used for the genomic characterization of bovine strains.Methods: Sequences have been compared to the representative CSFV strains isolated from pigs, vaccines, and contaminants from porcine cell lines and an ovine strain isolated in Spain.Results: The observed sequences from cattle showed a genetic relatedness with live-attenuated vaccine strains used in pigs. Sequence characteristics of the Chinese strain S171 are genetically distant from the previously reported CSFV genotypes, suggesting a new outgroup in the species, described for the first time, and named CSFV-d. Other Chinese strains were genetically closely related to CSFV genotype a2 (Alfort type) pig strains. Indian strains, reported from the states of Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya, were genetically closely related to CSFV genotype a1 (Brescia type) and a5 pig strains, respectively.Conclusion: These preliminary observations are new and relevant in countries, where CSFV control and eradication strategies are applied. Keywords: Cattle, Classical swine fever virus, Pestivirus, Secondary structure.

Pestiviruses are responsible for widespread diseases affecting cattle, pigs and other ruminants, presenting a wide range of clinical manifestations, with significant impact on animal production. Given the recent various reports of a relatively high number of new strains and atypical genomic variants, in the present study, ninety-seven genomic sequences from southern Italy have been evaluated applying the palindromic nucleotide substitutions method, based on 5’-UTR secondary structure alignment and computing genetic distance among strains in the internal ribosome entry site. Sequence analysis revealed a highly heterogeneous virus population, indicating the introduction of virus variants of Bovine viral diarrhea virus and Border disease virus species from foreign countries. The application of different analytical procedures was useful to avoid interpretation difficulties. Circulation of heterogeneous virus populations showed the need for more accurate epidemiological investigations and stringent veterinary controls to protect animal health and welfare.

Pestivirus are responsible for cosmopolitan diseases affecting cattle, pigs and other ruminants, presenting a wide range of clinical manifestations, with relevant impact on zootechnic production. Understanding genomic characteristic and virus taxonomy is fundamental in order to sustain control and prophylactic programs. Given the recent various studies reporting a relatively high number of new strains, in particular from Asian countries, in the present study, six hundred-fifty-one genomic sequences have been considered applying the palindromic nucleotide substitutions method for genotyping. Based on the secondary structure analysis of the 5’ untranslated region of RNA, sequence characteristics among Asian genomic clusters within the different Pestivirus species suggested geographic segregation and occurrence of micro-evolutive steps in the genus evolutionary history. This aspect was particularly evident in atypical sequences originated from China or Turkey, indicating risk of diffusion by animals and products trade or contamination of biological products as bovine calf serum, with potential diagnostic and control difficulties.

Pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 species is responsible for cosmopolitan diseases affecting cattle and other ruminants, presenting a wide range of clinical manifestations, with relevant impact on zootechnic production. Understanding genomic characteristic and virus taxonomy is fundamental in order to sustain control and prophylactic programs. Given the recent various studies reporting a relatively high number of new strains, in particular from Asian countries, in the present study, four hundred-eighty-two genomic sequences have been evaluated applying the palindromic nucleotide substitutions method for genotyping. Based on the secondary structure alignment and computing genetic distance among strains in the 5′ untranslated region of Pestivirus RNA, the current taxonomy of the species was reviewed. Twenty-two genotypes have been identified, applying a nomenclature based on divergence in the genus.

In 2015, a young female Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra), originated from the Aosta Valley Region, Northernwestern Italy, was conferred to the National Reference Centre for Wild Animal Diseases for pathologic examinations. Histological analysis revealed a severe meningoencephalitis characterized by lymphocytic and plasmacellular infiltration, gliosis, perivascular cuffs, and leptomeningitis at the level of brain and brain stem. Laboratory investigations included polymerase chain reaction, sequencing and characterization by phylogenetic analysis, and evaluation of the internal ribosome entry site secondary structure in the 5’ untranslated region. These tests identified the pathological agent as border disease virus, a known health risk in domestic small ruminants. Genetic characteristics of the isolated strains, closely related to ovine and caprine strain sequences from neighboring regions of Piedmont, France, and Switzerland, suggested geographic segregation and micro-evolutive steps within the species.Keywords: Alpine chamois, Border disease virus, Meningoencephalitis, Pestivirus, Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra.

Applying palindromic nucleotide substitutions (PNS) method, variable loci of the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) secondary structure in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of Border disease virus sequences were analysed allowing their allocation into ten IRES classes within the species. Sequence characteristics of Turkish and Chinese strains were highly divergent from other genogroups, indicating geographic segregation and micro-evolutive steps within the species. Observed heterogeneity in the BDV species has to be considered for potential implications on diagnostic tests, control and preventive measures.

The bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 species is responsible for cosmopolitan diseases affecting cattle and other ruminants, with relevant impact on animal production. The species presents high genomic heterogeneity, with implications on control and prophylactic programs. Genomic traits of different genetic groups are often related to geographic origin. Atypical sequences have been reported from Pestivirus isolates originated from cattle in Turkey. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 5' untranslated region and Npro and secondary structure analysis of the 5'-UTR RNA, Turkish isolates have been segregated in two distinct genotypes. Out of the twenty-three identified BVDV-1 genotypes, the Turkish clusters, named L and R or 1.16 and 1.14, according to palindromic nucleotide substitution genotyping method, represent genomic clusters so far, not described elsewhere, suggesting geographic segregation. In order to avoid confusion in the current taxonomy of the species, nomenclature of described homonymous genotypes, referred to different genomic clusters, should be corrected.

In Europe, since 2005, campylobacteriosis is considered among the most frequent cause of bacterial gastrointestinal infectious disease. The diffusion is cosmopolitan, accounting for an increasing global burden on public health, affecting primarily children under 4 years of age, causing gastroenteric symptoms, but also different extra intestinal pathologies. The infection appears associated also with malnutrition and growth impairment in disadvantaged communities. The consumption of contaminated poultry meat is considered to be the most frequent way of transmission. The progressive diffusion and increase of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter strains is an issue, particularly in South America and Southeast Asia. Effective regulatory approaches are necessary at national and international level by both sanitary and veterinary authorities to counter such serious zoonosis, in the spirit of One Health.

Eponyms are used almost daily in the clinical practice of dermatology. And yet, information about the person behind the eponyms is difficult to find. Indeed, who is? What is this person’s nationality? Is this person alive or dead? How can one find the paper in which this person first described the disease? Eponyms are used to describe not only disease, but also clinical signs, surgical procedures, staining techniques, pharmacological formulations, and even pieces of equipment. In this article we present the symptoms starting with (O) and other. The symptoms and their synonyms, and those who have described this symptom or phenomenon.

Chagas disease is one of the most important zoonosis affecting the Latin America. Despite important progress achieved in last decades through strategies at regional level against vectoral transmission and improvement of screening among blood donors, the disease continues to represent a public health priority. Knowledge on epidemiology of the etiological agent Tripanosoma cruzi is of outmost importance to counter this serious disease, with the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans. Many animal species are sensible to the infection, but their epidemiological role in sylvatic and peri domestic cycles have not been always elucidated. Therefore, attention should be paid by veterinarians especially on domestic animals in order to clarify their potential role as reservoir close to human communities.

With the aim to present advances in risk assessment of animal diseases, recent methods have been considered in a brief review. Various initiatives relating to the risk assessment of animal diseases for categorisation and prioritisation have been undertaken with the objective to provide decision-makers with elements of priority for the application of optimal prevention and control measures. Theoretically, a technical approach should be harmonized and internationally recognized. However, methodologies remain complex, and different fields of applications (for example animal species, production systems) multiply variants. Local dimension play an essential role for the definition of a final result, often not necessarily comparable with results obtained when considering different geographical realities. Furthermore, other elements, as political or cultural aspects, may influence final decisions taken by competent authorities. Nevertheless, further efforts will be needed to harmonize procedural tools. In conclusion, despite methodological limits, the application of categorization and prioritization protocols represents a precious support for the competent authorities in relation to the various aspects of animal health management, from legislation, surveillance, or control measures.

Plague is a well-known disease caused by Yersinia pestis, with the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and major public health impacts. Many animal species are sensible to the disease and some play important epidemiological role in sylvatic and domestic cycles. Since ancient pandemics, the disease never disappeared and nowadays continues to represent a threat to humans and animals. Recent reports of antibiotic resistance and potential use in bioterrorism recall adequate awareness by human medicine and veterinary professionals.

Stringent compliance with regulatory laboratory standards, application of quality assurance systems in compliance with EN ISO/IEC 17025, validation of diagnostic tests, support of informatics instruments as Laboratory Information Management System are essential elements to guarantee high quality standards and reliability of analytical data in the framework of harmonized activities performed in accredited laboratories. However, eventual incoherence of the analytical diagnostic procedure may occur, for example in case of comparison of data produced from accredited and non-accredited laboratories. Further efforts will contribute to the advancement of harmonization policies sustaining laboratory analytical diagnostics, efficient official controls and certifications, based on standardized laboratory procedures, uniform evaluation criteria and reliable analytical data.

Family medicine is expression of societal needs in terms of health and welfare standards. From newborn to elderly, all single members of the family are primary subjects for health strategies. Family physicians, practitioners, researchers in the field of healthcare, medicine and general practice are directly involved in first line to ensure adequate sanitary standards and promote preventive measures. Effective health and welfare strategies require the support of interdisciplinary interventions, in accordance with the “One health” principle. In particular, harmonious and coordinated efforts between the human healthcare sector and veterinary medicine are required in the field of zoonotic diseases. In this context, not only zootechnics but also wild fauna merit attention, taking into account that more than 60% of the newly identified infectious agents that have affected people over the past few decades have been caused by pathogens originating from animals or animal products. Of these zoonotic infections, 70% originate from wildlife. Examples are given by bat-borne diseases. Chiropters have been indicated as important reservoirs of new dangerous zoonoses such as Ebola, Marburg, Lissa virus (rabies), Melaka, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARSCoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Nipah virus.

The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray), pest of honeybees, diffused from sub-saharan Africa in different countries, and has become a serious issue for beekeepers. Several methods have been developed to control this pest. Optimization of control measures, and possibly successful eradication measures against this invasive coleopteran will contribute to contain the general problem of the decline of A. mellifera worldwide.

A new animal health strategy has been developed for the European Union in 2007. European Member States competent authorities implemented a 4 pillars action plan based on prioritization of intervention, legislative framework, prevention, surveillance and preparedness, and science, innovation and research. The initiative identified long term preventive approaches and recognized the strong relations among animal health and welfare and public health. A positive impact was demonstrated by reported epidemiological trends, showing decreases of certain infectious diseases incidences. However, despite steps toward the application of the new strategy, problems such as the full control of tuberculosis, object of prophylactic campaigns for more than 50 years, still remain to be solved. In addition, high attention is required to face emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases. Exotic diseases such as blue tongue, African swine fever and lumpy skin disease recently challenged Europe showing their potential of transboundary diseases, and indicating that sustainable animal health prevention strategies should be based on interdisciplinary approaches, international cooperation and in line with the “One health” principle.