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The adequate collection of health information at the farm level is the first step in good health management. The objective of this study was to analyze how Spanish fish farms collect their census, disease occurrence, and mortality data through their farm record books and how they use them for reporting to competent authorities. Comparing and contrasting farm books between regions (autonomous communities) revealed a lack of standardization and substantial differences in the reporting. Therefore, this study points out the need to improve and standardize, at the national level, the design of fish farm record books in order to ensure the better collection of farm census data on mortality and disease occurrence, which may facilitate the production of epidemiological reports and the early detection of emerging diseases at the national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Stable flies, known for inflicting painful bites on livestock, cause substantial economic losses worldwide by hindering animal feeding and potentially transmitting diseases. Current chemical control methods face challenges of resistance and environmental risks. To address this, an integrated pest management approach is proposed and tested in a sanctuary in western Spain. This strategy combines cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages (predatory mites and two species of wasp parasitoids), and a specialized trapping system for adults. The study highlights the use of this holistic strategy toward a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for stable fly control. This approach aims to mitigate economic losses and reduce reliance on traditional insecticides, contributing to improved livestock well-being and ecosystem health. Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse substrates, including decomposing plant material and manure, while emerged adults pose a threat through blood-feeding on both animals and humans. Conventional chemical control methods, predominantly reliant on insecticides, not only pose environmental risks but also face challenges of resistance among stable fly populations. To address this pressing issue, we propose an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for stable fly control. This approach involved a combination of sanitary-cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages, and a specialized trapping system for adults. The Stomoxycc® trap, designed for mass trapping of adult Stomoxys, was employed alongside the release of the predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus and two wasp parasitoids, Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax raptor (under the commercial brands Biomite® and Biowasp®) on animal bedding as a key component of this IPM strategy. The implementation of this initiative has been undertaken at a significant sanctuary for donkeys and mules in western Spain. In this publication, we present the application and results of the IPM strategy utilized and provide insights into its use as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for controlling stable fly populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a better understanding of the transmission cycles of mosquito-borne diseases, it is essential to explore the species composition and population dynamics, mainly during their peak abundance period. These investigations do not normally include peri-urban areas, despite their significant epidemiological interest. To address these gaps, an entomological survey was carried out in 2016 and 2017 in three aquatic ecosystems located on the outskirts of the city of Logroño, in northern Spain: the Iregua River and La Grajera (La Rioja) and Las Cañas Reservoirs (Navarra). Mosquitoes were captured using BG-Sentinel traps baited with CO2 and BG-lure, as well as through the human landing collection method. In total, 6793 mosquito specimens were captured, representing 24 taxa within six genera. A specific PCR based on the ITS2 gene was used to differentiate members of the Anopheles claviger complex, and all individuals were identified as An. claviger sensu stricto. La Grajera had the most diverse culicid fauna, with 19 taxa, followed by Las Cañas (n = 15) and the Iregua River (n = 13). The composition and abundance of Culicidae varied across the aquatic ecosystem. We observed that the different hydrological management practices of each environment could play a key role in determining the abundance of mosquito genera. The overall risk of mosquito bites in the study area is expected to be relatively low and will depend on the freshwater ecosystem and the time of year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Accessing the abdominal cavity is one of the most delicate moments of laparoscopic procedures in horses. Laparoscopic cannula and trocar units have been specifically developed for horses; however, in mixed veterinary practices (small and large animals) it can be advantageous to use instruments designed for human patients, as these are suitable for both small animals and horses. Nevertheless, the body condition of the horse might influence the effectiveness of such devices. The aim of this work is to compare the efficacy and associated complications of the use of different devices developed for human medicine when used for laparoscopic access in the standing horse, analysing also the influence of body condition on the type and incidence of observed complications. A retrospective study was carried out including cases of laparoscopic access in standing horses in which devices for human surgery were used. The results showed that laparoscopy devices designed for human medicine can be used for laparoscopic access in the standing horse, but high body condition could be a risk factor for the appearance of complications. In addition, the use of optical devices, in particular optical helical cannula, minimizes the appearance of these complications, especially in horses that are overweight (OW). First cannulation is a critical manoeuvre in equine laparoscopy. This retrospective study aimed at the comparison of the frequency and type of complications detected when using different human laparoscopy devices for laparoscopic access in standing horses, and the influence of body condition in such complications. Forty-four procedures were included, and retrieved data comprised cannula insertion technique, body condition, and type and frequency of complications. Laparoscopic access techniques were classified into five groups: P: pneumoperitoneum created using Veress needle prior to cannulation; T: sharp trocar; D: direct access via surgical incision; V: Visiport optical trocar and H: optical helical cannula (OHC). In groups T, D, V and H, access was achieved without prior induction of pneumoperitoneum. Complications were registered in 13/44 procedures, of which retroperitoneal insufflation was the most common (6/13). Statistically significant association was found between the complication incidence and the type of access, with group D showing the highest complication frequency (80%) and group H the lowest frequency (0%). The majority of complications (9/13) were observed in overweight horses. We conclude that devices designed for human patients can be used for laparoscopic access in standing horses, with the use of OHC minimizing the appearance of complications, especially in overweight horses with OW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Chemodectomas are rare tumors in dogs. Although brachycephalic breeds seem to be overrepresented, likely due to chronic hypoxia, also non-brachycephalic dogs may be affected. The growth of chemodectomas sometimes leads to compression and/or pericardial effusion; metastases appear infrequently. Therapeutical management includes chemotherapy, surgery, stent placement and radiotherapy. This study describes a novel approach using a minimally invasive technique based on percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in five dogs affected by symptomatic chemodectoma. Under general anesthesia and by sonographic guidance, a Leveen electrode, with an umbrella-like configuration, was placed inside the tumor. An alternating current through the electrode produced a spherical volume which increased the temperature, producing tissular necrosis. No complications either during the procedure or in the following days were reported in the five dogs. A rapid clinical improvement was achieved in all the dogs. Changes in the apparent size and echotexture of the mass were also observed. Thermal ablative therapy represents a potential new approach in the clinical management of aortic body tumors. Chemodectomas are low prevalence tumors with complex clinical management. Many present as an incidental finding however, in other dogs, they produce pericardial effusion and/or compression, leading to the appearance of severe clinical signs. There are currently several approaches: surgery, radiotherapy, stent placement and chemotherapy. This is the first description of percutaneous echo-guided radiofrequency ablation of aortic body tumors. This minimally invasive treatment is based on high frequency alternating electrical currents from an electrode that produces ionic agitation and generates frictional heat, causing coagulation necrosis. Five dogs with an echocardiographic and cytological diagnosis of chemodectoma underwent percutaneous echo-guided radiofrequency ablation. At the time of presentation, all the dogs showed clinical signs, such as ascites and/or collapse. There were no complications either during the procedure or in the following 24 hours. Rapid clinical improvement associated with a reduction in size and change in sonographic appearance of the mass were achieved with no complications. Six months follow-up was carried out in all dogs. A second percutaneous echo-guided RFA was performed eight months after the first procedure in one dog. Based on our experience, radiofrequency ablation seems to be a feasible and safe technique, making it a potential alternative therapeutic approach in the clinical management of aortic body tumors leading to severe clinical compromise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Maedi-visna is a progressive wasting disease of sheep that leads to decreased animal condition and production. It is caused by Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV), single-stranded RNA viruses with high mutational potential. There is neither treatment nor vaccine against SRLV and proper diagnosis is the key element for efficient control measures against positive animals. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the individual and flock prevalence of SRLV throughout the world and describes the diagnostic tests employed over the last four decades. Our results indicate that Europe is the continent with the most information on the prevalence of the infection as well as with the highest SRLV prevalence at the individual level. Flock prevalence depends directly on the individual prevalence. SRLV diagnostic methods in sheep have substantially changed during the last decades, but serologic methods have always been the most frequently used techniques for prevalence studies. A combination of at least two diagnostic tests is fully encouraged for future prevalence studies and health programs. ELISA and PCR show synergic effects in SRLV diagnosis. Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) are highly prevalent retroviruses with significant genetic diversity and antigenic heterogeneity that cause a progressive wasting disease of sheep called Maedi-visna. This work provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the last 40 years (1981–2020) of scientific publications on SRLV individual and flock prevalence. Fifty-eight publications and 314 studies were included. Most articles used a single diagnostic test to estimate prevalence (77.6%), whereas articles using three or more tests were scarce (6.9%). Serological tests are more frequently used than direct methods and ELISA has progressively replaced AGID over the last decades. SRLV infection in sheep is widespread across the world, with Europe showing the highest individual prevalence (40.9%) and being the geographical area in which most studies have been performed. Africa, Asia, and North America show values between 16.7% to 21.8% at the individual level. South and Central America show the lowest individual SRLV prevalence (1.7%). There was a strong positive correlation between individual and flock prevalence (ρ = 0.728; p ≤ 0.001). Despite the global importance of small ruminants, the coverage of knowledge on SRLV prevalence is patchy and inconsistent. There is a lack of a gold standard method and a defined sampling strategy among countries and continents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Aluminum-hydroxide is an effective vaccine adjuvant used in most commercial sheep vaccines. It facilitates the establishment of a robust immune response against the vaccine antigen. During the first decade of the 21st century, repetitive injections with vaccines containing aluminum-based adjuvants were proposed to be linked to a progressive wasting syndrome in sheep. The aim of this work was to analyze several clinicopathological parameters, including growth performance, clinical data, and histopathological observations in lambs intensively injected with aluminum-containing vaccines, aluminum-hydroxide only, or a saline solution as control. Although aluminum-hydroxide was linked to chronic inflammatory reactions at the injection site and the development of behavioral changes in sheep, the results presented here indicate that injected aluminum-hydroxide, either alone or in combination with vaccine antigens, is not enough to induce relevant changes in the parameters studied. Other factors such as sex, breed, age, production system, diet or climate conditions could play a role in the development of the previously described wasting syndrome. Aluminum (Al) hydroxide is an effective adjuvant used in sheep vaccines. However, Al-adjuvants have been implicated as potential contributors to a severe wasting syndrome in sheep—the so-called ovine autoimmune-inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome). This work aimed to characterize the effects of the repetitive injection of Al-hydroxide containing products in lambs. Four flocks (Flocks 1–4; n = 21 each) kept under different conditions were studied. Three groups of seven lambs (Vaccine, Adjuvant-only, and Control) were established in each flock. Mild differences in average daily gain and fattening index were observed, indicating a reduced growth performance in Vaccine groups, likely related to short-term episodes of pyrexia and decreased daily intake. Clinical and hematological parameters remained within normal limits. Histology showed no significant differences between groups, although there was a tendency to present a higher frequency of hyperchromatic, shrunken neurons in the lumbar spinal cord in the Adjuvant-only group. Although Al-hydroxide was linked to granulomas at the injection site and behavioral changes in sheep, the results of the present experimental work indicate that injected Al-hydroxide is not enough to fully reproduce the wasting presentation of the ASIA syndrome. Other factors such as sex, breed, age, production system, diet or climate conditions could play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]