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Simple Summary: Parasitic infections, especially those caused by a particular group of roundworms called gastrointestinal nematodes, are one of the most important diseases of goats worldwide. The widespread and uncontrolled use of deworming drugs (anthelmintics) makes nematodes increasingly resistant, and this phenomenon is called anthelmintic resistance. Romania has one of the highest goat populations in Europe, but little is known about how widespread and resistant gastrointestinal parasites are in this country. That is why we decided to carry out this survey—to find out how Romanian farmers fight parasites in their goats and what their opinion is on the presence of parasites and the effectiveness of deworming drugs in their herds. Our findings are disappointing. Most farmers deworm goats when they think it is necessary, not when laboratory tests show that they really need it. Moreover, they use deworming drugs too often and at too low doses. Such practices are very likely to stimulate parasites to develop anthelmintic resistance, and only intensive education programs for farmers and veterinarians can stop this process. The widespread and uncontrolled use of anthelmintic products has contributed to the emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR). This phenomenon globally threatens the productivity and welfare of small ruminants. A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions was handed to 234 goat farmers across Romania to gain insight into control practices against internal parasites and the farmers' perception of the parasitic infections present in their herds and the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments. The majority of farmers (88.5%) admitted they had never submitted fecal samples for parasitological laboratory analysis, and 77.4% had treated the animals on their own. In general, the farmers dewormed their goats based on visual body weight estimation. Prophylactic anthelmintic treatment was practiced by more than 85% of the farmers. A traditional control approach based on treating the entire herd at fixed time intervals is widespread among Romanian goat and sheep farmers. The most commonly used anthelmintic drugs in the previous 3 years (2021–2023) were benzimidazoles (85.5%) and macrocyclic lactones (81.6%). Poor anthelmintic efficacy was suspected by 14.5% of farmers, and the minority (18.0%) considered internal parasites as a problem in their herds. Regarding the farmers' perception of the presence of parasites, there was a significant level of uncertainty. This is the first survey carried out in Romanian goat herds, and it provides up-to-date information on practices aimed at controlling internal parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active principles extracted from plants prove to be useful in preventing or treating various diseases through their influence at molecular level. This potential of plants could reduce the negative effects of existing therapies due to lesser side effects and the results of bioavailability studies are encouraging. Hydro-alcoholic Salvia glutinosa L. extracts were examined for their antioxidant potential, anti-bacterial activity and in vitro immune stimulating effects. The dry aerial part of the plant (herba) was used for these experiments, after minced and solubilized in ethanol and also in aqueous solution. The antioxidant capacity was investigated by free radical scavenging effect over 1,1-diphenyl l-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, the antimicrobial effect by the Kirby Bauer radial diffusion test and the immune stimulating effect by tests on whole blood cultures. The results indicated a stronger antioxidant capacity (RSA% 88.89), antibacterial effect (G - E. coli, P. aeruginosa, x = 12 mm < G+, S. aureus, ATCC/clinical strains, x = 23 mm) and immune stimulation of the ethanol extract compared to the aqueous one. These results indicated the plant as a potential complex source to be implemented in alternative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine are considered one of the most important species of food animals worldwide, the majority of meat for human consumption in numerous countries being represented by pork. Sometimes heavily treated with antibiotics to maintain herd health, swine could be considered a sentinel species for humans in respect to antibiotic resistance.The research compared the dynamics of antibiotic resistance by distance between an intensive farm, where antibiotic use is considerable, and small households, with no antibiotic use, at 5 (A) and 10 (B) kilometers from the farm. Twenty-eight clinically healthy pigs (n = 16, farm, n = 6 A, n = 6 B) were sampled. Standard microbiological techniques, identification of the strains by Vitek 2 system and Kirby Bauer test to assess the antimicrobial resistance were applied. Of the total bacterial species identified, E. coli (72%) dominated while 10% were Gram+ bacilli and 10% Gram - unidentified coco-bacilli. The highest MAR (multiple antibiotic resistance) index was calculated in E. coli (MAR = 0.88, A and B) and also two other strains from the farm (MAR = 0.77). The high MAR indices stand for the presence of antibiotic resistance in untreated animals, urging for a more accurate surveillance of the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis is a viral, endemic, specific bovine, goat and swine (genital) disease with acute evolution, clinically characterized by hyperthermia and respiratory involvement, inflammation of the anterior respiratory tract (rhinitis, tracheitis) or genital disorders (abortions, infertility, balanopostitis), often accompanied by conjunctivitis. This entity is globally spread and is considered to be one of the most costly diseases affecting bovine livestock, and can have major economic consequences by decreasing productivity (milk production, low yield on fattening, animal culling), high morbidity, lethality, which can reach 12% for youth, as well as by restrictions in trade between countries. The review examined the impact of the infection on health status of affected bovine and possibilities to control the disease based on general and specific measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diarrhea and digestive disorders represent one of the leading causes of mortality in calves during the first days of life. This study aimed to establish the level of antibiotic resistance of the flora identified in calves with digestive problems and also in their environment. Bălată Românească calves aged up to three weeks, showing an increased morbidity/mortality from a farm in Braov county, as well as their habitat were sampled. Eight antimicrobials used in ruminants and on this specific farm (penicillin, streptomycin, amoxicillin, gentamicin, oxytetracycline, tulathromycin, cefaclor, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) were tested for their efficacy against the bacterial isolates. The samples were subjected to standard microbiological examinations; subsequently, strains such as Escherichia fergusoni, Escherichia hermannii, Shigella dysenteriae, Proteus penneri, Morganella morganii ssp. siboni, Escherichia coli, Escherichia vulneris, with potentially high pathogenicity were identified. The highest antibacterial efficacy was observed with gentamicin. The MAR (multiple antibiotic resistance) index exceeded the value of 0.2 for each of the tested strains, indicating a high level of antibiotic resistance of the isolated bacterial population, thus supporting the inducive role of isolated species in the clinical episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the main sources of infections in healthcare environments, making its detection very important. N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl L-homoserine lactone (3-O-C12-HSL) is a characteristic molecule of quorum sensing—a form of cell-to-cell communication between bacteria—in P. aeruginosa. Its detection can allow the determination of the bacterial population. In this study, the development of the first electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of 3-O-C12-HSL is reported. A carbon-based screen-printed electrode modified with gold nanoparticles proved to be the best platform for the aptasensor. Each step in the fabrication of the aptasensor (i.e., gold nanoparticles' deposition, aptamer immobilization, incubation with the analyte) was optimized and characterized using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Different redox probes in solution were evaluated, the best results being obtained in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]4−/[Fe(CN)6]3−. The binding affinity of 106.7 nM for the immobilized thiol-terminated aptamer was determined using surface plasmon resonance. The quantification of 3-O-C12-HSL was performed by using the electrochemical signal of the redox probe before and after incubation with the analyte. The aptasensor exhibited a logarithmic range from 0.5 to 30 µM, with a limit of detection of 145 ng mL−1 (0.5 µM). The aptasensor was successfully applied for the analysis of real samples (e.g., spiked urine samples, spiked microbiological growth media, and microbiological cultures). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caves frequently visited by animals or humans present reservoirs of pathogenic or conditioned pathogenic microorganisms. In recent years, numerous bacteria, fungi and viruses have been isolated and identified from caves as pathogens for humans and animals. Furthermore, through humans and/or animals, new types of germs can be carried into the normal microflora of caves, disturbing the microbial balance, making these locations sources of pathogenic germs with zoonotic potential. The most common diseases caused by microorganisms in caves are diseases located in the respiratory system. Visits to any underground environment should no longer be seen as a simple, risk-free tourist activity, but rather as one with potential risks to human and animal health. Numerous studies have been conducted worldwide on the diversity and abundance of pathogens in caves. In order to reduce the number of diseases associated with caves, it is necessary to raise awareness and educate about the possible dangers to people or animals that come in direct contact with such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is a growing phenomenon which involves a pronounced zoonotic risk. Healthy dogs can acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their living environment, but also on occasional clinical examinations at the veterinary clinic where they are presented for consultation. In order to follow the way in which the microbiome transfer can be performed in a veterinary clinic to regular patients, saliva samples (n = 8) were collected from healthy dogs presented at a veterinary clinic in Cluj-Napoca. The bacterial population was also tested for resistance to antibiotics. The dogs were regular patients of the veterinary clinic, originating from different districts of Cluj-Napoca. Thus, the intersection between patients is performed only in the veterinary clinic. Samples were also collected from various surfaces in the consulting and waiting rooms. The samples were processed using classical microbiological methods and identified by rapid biochemical assays. The susceptibility to certain antibiotics was evaluated using agar diffusion method. In this study, bacteria of the same species were isolated from patients with different habitats, supporting the possible interchangeability of the microflora, probably in the case of repeated visits to the same office. The presence of a large number of strains involved in the oral microbiome associated with increased resistance to antimicrobials calls for the implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abortion is one of the economically important pathological implications of salmonellosis in sheep. Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype abortusovis is the sheep-specific abortive serotype. Regional endemic Salmonella abortions also lead to calving of dead offspring and reduced viability, diseases in lambs from infected dams. The present study focused on the description of two outbreaks of S. abortusovis infection, with special reference to the epidemiological situation in Northwestern Romania, in the winter of 2020-2021. Two herds in which the morbidity rate (abortion) in the last period of gestation was between 13.92% - 16.66% were studied. Fetal parenchymal organs and gastric contents were harvested and processed using classical microbiological methods. Bacterial strains were confirmed by biochemical and serological methods and were identified as Salmonella abortusovis serogroup B, serotype BO. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using agar diffusion method. Multidrug resistance was found in six of these strains; all were resistant to sulfatrimethoprim and doxycycline, one to erythromycin and one to ciprofloxacin. In order to avoid economic damage in regions known to have enzootic potential, immunoprophylaxis in dams is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last century, antimicrobial therapy evolved from being one of the most important achievements in the history of medicine to one of the major global health challenges. The overdosing of antimicrobial substances was held responsible for the appearance and the worsening of the antibiotic resistance phenomenon. Thus, scientists were called to design and implement new strategies surmounting the shortcomings of the antibiotic therapy. Nanotechnology has revealed promising solutions to the overdosing problem by use of tailored antibiotic administration schemes, both as dosage and administration route. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of nanotechnology in preventing and controlling antibiotic resistance, also emphasizing its advantages and limitations, for a better understanding of the current trends. The paper is based on scientific articles and systematic reviews identified on the Web of Science database, centralized and classified according to specific keywords. Due to their unique physico-chemical properties, the nano-based delivery systems described could become an important mean of avoiding irrational employment of antibiotics by usage of the minimal clinically active amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marek’s disease (MD) is highly economically impacting viral disease in chickens aged 4 weeks - 4 month. Various hypotheses were posed to explain its recurrent epidemiology and increasing virulence over the years. This study aimed at comparing the epidemiological indicators of two confirmed Marek’s disease episodes (DIVA Real Time PCR) in two different series of Isa Brown pullets hatched one week apart on the same farm. The data indicated an increasing mortality due to MD from week 6 towards week 14, from 0.28 to 2.72% in the first series and 0.07 to 1.43% in the second one, with a cumulative mortality 3.26% and 2.28% respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the weight gains of the two series on week 14 (peak of MD mortality), but it decreased in the first series (1398.7g versus 1478.00 g respectively) by week 16. Although the two episodes significantly differed in mortality (p<0.05), except a slight variation of the size of the flock, no other circumstances could have been identified as influential causes, the variability being attributed to differences in viral pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious pododermatitis is a common condition in sheep with initial lameness, with a variation in severeness over time. Independently on aetiology, the administration of antibiotics has proven to be ineffective, the disease often being exacerbated in a short time, the bacteria being refractory to antimicrobials. The use of antibiotics is common in sheep for disease treatment, health protection and as growth promoters. The main antibiotics used in farmed animals are tetracyclines, penicillin, quinolones and cephalosporins. According to the latest studies, E. coli, an ubiquitous bacterium often isolated from pododermatitis lesions, is unresponsive to all these antibiotics. Studies on the antibiotic resistance of the main pathogens of necrobacillary pododermatitis, Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum, are not found in the literature, but the ineffectiveness of antibiotics on these bacteria directs towards a possible antibiotic resistance. Currently, multiple health organisations have identified proliferation of antimicrobial resistance as a global crisis. The decline in bacterial susceptibility to common antibiotics calls for global efforts on the rational use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine as a response to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commensal/opportunistic bacteriome in various animal species includes potentially pathogenic S. aureus. Widespread in humans, on the skin or mucosae, it induces a highly variable pathology, depending on its toxins and virulence, on the host and also on the environment. Much less is known about other staphylococci and their involvement in swine pathology. This research envisaged the incidence of Staphylococcus spp., in samples collected from extensively raised clinically healthy pigs, of the same age, during the period 2019-2020. The samples (n=49) were provided from farms of different sizes and in different years. Cotton swabs were used to sample secretions from anterior nares of individual pigs, and from the skin behind the ears of the animals. Classical microbiology methods were used to isolate Staphylococcus spp. and the isolates were identified using biochemical tests (API Staph, BioMerieux). Forty species of Staphylococcus were identified: Staphylococcus xylosus (47,5%), Staphylococcus lentus (30%), and Staphylococcus sciuri (22,5%). These bacterias seemed often present as a commensal animal-associated bacteria, but în some cases they could become pathologic în some diseases like bovine mastitis, and exudative epidermitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination against contagious agalactia of sheep, an OIE declarable, highly economically impacting disease, is the most widespread method to reduce the disease prevalence. This research monitored the influence of M. agalactiae S/94 and AG6, two commercial vaccines for sheep, on systemic humoral immunity in two flocks of ewes (n1=95, n2=220, respectively). Blood was sampled from both flocks before and one month after the booster vaccination and subjected to total Ig (24%o zinc sulphate precipitation test) and circulating immune complexes’ (4.2% polyethylene glycol precipitation test) evaluation. There were significant differences (p<0.001-0.004) in total Ig levels for both strains (7.68±2.63 and 23.68±5.7 for S/94 and 11.1±3.58 and 26.11±3.4 Vernes degrees for AG6, before and after the vaccination, respectively), but no differences in CIC concentrations (p=0.08 and p=0.59, for S/94 and AG6) between the samplings or the strains (p=0.342) were found. A strong positive correlation (r=0.889, p<0.05) was established between total Ig and CIC levels for the AG6 but not the S/94 strain, therefore other influential factors (individual, adjuvant, frequency of vaccination) should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-anthrax vaccination is stressful for animals, with a potential negative impact on some immune effectors. This research aimed to investigate the extent of those and estimate the effectiveness of vaccination. Twenty-three extensively raised dairy cows and 11 calves were sampled before and two weeks after the anthrax vaccination (R 1190 Stamatin strain). Blood samples were collected, subjected to blood counts and the N/L ratio was calculated as a stress index. The total Ig (24%o zinc sulphate precipitation) and circulating immune complexes (CIC) (4.2% polyethylene glycol precipitation) were quantified from the serum samples. The N/L ratio was of 0.79 ± 0 .59 before and 0.58 ± 0.45 after the vaccination in adult animals, while in calves it increased significantly (0.61 ± 0.25 and 1.11 ± 0.68, respectively). The total Ig concentrations supported a lesser immunization of the calves than in dairy cows (6.95 ± 2.09 versus 12.10 ± 6.68 Vernes degrees, respectively) supporting the more stressful effect of the primary vaccination than of the booster one. Nevertheless, the antibody clearance was enhanced in the younger animals (5.4 ± 0.25 versus 1.0 ± 0.1 ODU, respectively). Repeated stimulation is the substrate for an enhanced adaptive response to vaccination in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Florfenicol (FF) is a widely used antimicrobial in veterinary medicine because of its broad antimicrobial activity, although it has certain limitations and raises concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance genes. These limitations highlight the need to explore novel drug with controlled release systems to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of FF, while minimizing the potential for resistance development. This study introduces an innovative approach for the design, synthesis, and evaluation of lignin-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-FF nanoparticles. By leveraging the properties of PLGA and lignin, this study aimed to augment the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of FF, thereby enabling dosage reduction and consequently diminishing the likelihood of resistance emergence and other limitations. Lignin-PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating FF were synthesized and characterized to assess their physicochemical properties, such as particle size, zeta potential, and drug loading efficiency. The release profile, antimicrobial efficacy, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Comparative analyses with standard FF formulations were performed to ascertain the superior performance and potential benefits of the nanoparticle-based antimicrobials. Our findings indicate that the synthesized lignin-PLGA nanoparticles exhibited favorable drug delivery attributes, including a controlled and sustained release mechanism, significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity at reduced concentrations relative to free FF, with minimal cytotoxic effects. Importantly, the nanoparticle system inhibited bacterial biofilm formation, which is a key factor in the onset and spread of antimicrobial resistance. These findings underscore the potential of integrating biodegradable polymers with natural compounds to forge innovative pathways in drug delivery, addressing critical challenges in veterinary medicine., Competing Interests: Declarations Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Statement of animal ethics Not applicable., (© 2024. The Author(s).)