Search

Simple Summary: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is a major concern for cattle welfare globally, causing respiratory issues and significant economic losses. This study investigated the presence of antibodies against five BRD pathogens in calves from south-western Poland. Researchers tested serum samples from 4095 dairy calves, aged 7–12 months, that recently showed BRD symptoms and had never been vaccinated. They found that 47.08% of the herds had antibodies against at least one of the tested pathogens. The overall prevalence rates were as follows: BoAHV1 (21.54%), BVDV (32.0%), BRSV (34.15%), BPIV3 (34.31%), and M. bovis (31.38%). Notably, BRSV and BPIV3 antibodies often appeared together in serum samples. This study underscores the importance of preventive measures against these pathogens to protect cattle health and reduce economic losses in the region. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) poses a significant threat to cattle welfare worldwide, affecting their respiratory system and causing substantial economic losses. BRD is multifactorial in nature. This research aimed to investigate the serological profile of calves for the five main bovine respiratory pathogens. Serum samples were collected from dairy calves aged 7–12 months that had never been vaccinated against tested pathogens and had recently shown signs of BRD. A total of 4095 calves from 650 dairy herds located in south-western Poland were examined. The Commercial Indirect Respiratory ELISA Kit Multiplexed—Double well—BIO K 284/5 (Bio-X Diagnostics, Rochefort, Belgium) was used to determine the presence of antibodies against BVDV, BoAHV1, BRSV, BPIV3, and M. bovis. The presence of antibodies against at least one of the tested pathogens was found in 306 (47.08%) herds. The overall prevalence of antibodies was as follows: BoAHV1 21.54%, BVDV 32.0%, BRSV 34.15%, BPIV3 34.31%, and M. bovis 31.38%. The strongest correlation was between BRSV antibodies positive sera and BPIV3 antibodies positive sera. Among the five pathogens tested, antibodies to BVDV, BRSV, BPIV3, and M. bovis were most commonly detected simultaneously. The results of this study indicate the need for preventive measures against these pathogens in the studied region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal mycobacterioses, unlike those in humans, are not in the focus of veterinary science and practice for various reasons. This fact, as well as some others, including the growing incidence of human mycobacteriosis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria involved in the sensitisation of productive animals, is an objective, albeit indirect, indication of the existing problem of mycobacteriosis in veterinary medicine. This study employed the comparative geographical and epizootological methods of analysis. The findings obtained from the publications of scientists from around the world helped to summarise and objectively assess the severity of the epizootic situation regarding mycobacteriosis in animals in the world and in Ukraine, to identify a range of features of the infectious and epizootic processes, and to establish the dominant aetiopathogenetic criteria for this infection in animal populations. Animal mycobacteriosis is the subject of detailed scientific research in most countries of the world, as this disease is widespread among productive and unproductive (domestic and wild) animals, as well as the fish fauna of sea and river waters. It was found that the most common causative agents of mycobacteriosis are nontuberculous mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium avium complex, M. abscessus complex, M. kansasii, and M. fortuitum, and some others. In Ukraine, animal mycobacteriosis is not given due attention, even though parallergic reactions to tuberculin in cattle lead to complications in the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection. They cause considerable losses in dairy farming due to the culling and slaughter of highly productive cows. Identification of aetiopathogenetic patterns of paraallergic reactions to tuberculin in productive animals is a key to effective control and management of the epizootic process of animal mycobacteriosis and reduction of biohazards of human infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria through food of animal origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Various materials are used for bedding in dairy cow cubicle barns, including straw, sawdust, peat, sand, mats, separated manure, and others. The use of each of these materials requires different financial and labor inputs. Straw is the most commonly used material, characterized by high content of dry matter and the ability to absorb water and gases. A satisfactory bedding material should exhibit a strong physical structure and water absorption capacity to ensure optimal hygienic conditions. The quality of a bedding material deteriorates in direct proportion to the increase in moisture caused by the accumulation of urine and the simultaneous decrease in dry matter. An increase in bedding moisture, temperature, and C/N ratio can promote the growth of bacterial colonies. A sufficient drying capacity and an appropriate pH, which can help to effectively inhibit bacteria, viruses, and fungi, should be ensured when searching for the ideal bedding material. Straw obtained after biogas production can offer an alternative solution for farmers struggling with a shortage of bedding materials. This study aimed to compare the biomass obtained via the biogasification of straw with the classic bedding material, wheat straw. It was divided into two stages. In the first stage, a laboratory evaluation of the bedding materials was carried out, taking into account dry matter, pH, and water absorption. In the laboratory tests, the bedding obtained after the biogasification of straw (Verbio) showed better sorptive properties, with a value of 439.86% (wheat straw's value was 294.10%), and its pH value was higher than that of wheat straw. In the second stage of the experiment, field tests were carried out on a production farm, wherein the bedding was evaluated for bedding hygiene, animal hygiene, insulation properties, animal productivity, and microbiological properties. A microbiological assessment was also performed. Regarding cleanliness and production parameters and thermographic insulation properties, the two types of bedding did not show statistically significant differences. In terms of microbiological parameters, a higher number of all examined types of bacteria and fungi was observed in the Verbio bedding compared with straw, but these differences were not statistically significant, except in the case of total coliform. The results indicate that straw obtained after gasification is a suitable bedding material, with parameters similar to those of wheat straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter spp. is the most commonly reported, bacterial cause of human foodborne infection worldwide. Commercial poultry and free-living birds are natural reservoirs of three particular species: Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypic characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of 43 Campylobacter strains, obtained from free-living birds, in Poland. In total, 700 birds were examined. The strains were isolated from 43 birds (6.14%) from the feces of 7 wild bird species: Mallard ducks Anas platyrhynchos (29 positive/121 tested), great cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (5/77), velvet scoters Melanitta fusca (4/30), tawny owls Strix aluco (2/5), common buzzard Buteo buteo (1/3), rook Corvus frugilegus (1/6), and Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus (1/30). Thirty-eight (88.37%) of obtained strains belonged to C. jejuni and five (11.63%) to C. coli. Other 428 examined birds from different bird species were Campylobacter negative. The antimicrobial susceptibility to nine antimicrobials was also studied in investigated isolates of Campylobacter spp. Sixteen of the examined strains (37.21% of all positive samples) showed susceptibility to all of the nine antimicrobials. Moreover, the prevalence of selected virulence genes, such as flaA, cadF, ceuE, virB11, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC were all analyzed. The virulence gene that was found most frequently in total number of Campylobacter strains was ceuE (72.10%) and other genes, such as flaA, cadF, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC, were found in over 60% of all examined strains. Variable antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of different virulence genes of examined strains, isolated from free-living birds, suggest that special attention should be given to wild birds and any potential approaches to the control of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter should be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper describes case of lerneosis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Lerneosis is disease of fish caused by Lernaea cyprinacea. This species is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite, worldwide distributed. Invasion by L. cyprinacea were rare described in Poland. This parasite is highly adapted to a parasitic life. The life cycle of L. cyprinacea is composed of nine stages. After mating males (mature stage) subsequently die and mated females attach to the body surfaces of host fish and then passing trough the skin to the muscles. Infections of this parasite can cause localized inflammation and ulceration at the area of attachment and are entrance of secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Massive invasion in fish can cause serious economic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The beneficial effect of herbs on production parameters, quality of products of animal origin, and animal health was demonstrated in numerous studies. This study aimed to determine an effect of herbal mixture on blood parameters and the anti-colibacteriosis efficacy. The rabbit model used during the experimental infection with E. coli indicates a clear effect of Rumex crispus L., Pontentilla anserine, Polygonum aviculare, whose activity involves the reduction of colonization of basically all sections of the intestines. The use of herbs in rabbits can control the activity of intestinal microbial community. Administration of a mixture of herbs to feed reduced the number of E. coli in cecum more than supplementation into water after experimental infection. The plant extracts may be a good alternative to antibiotic treatment. The study evaluated the anti-colibacteriosis efficacy of herbs in experimental infection by rabbit pathogenic strain of E. coli O103 eae+. It also studied the effects of herbal mixture added to feed or water on blood parameters. This animal model was used since some E. coli strains pathogenic for rabbits are similar to the strains that are pathogenic to humans. The components of herbal extracts were Rumex crispus, Pontentilla anserine, and Polygonum aviculare. Supplementation was carried out in water (ExpW group) or feed (ExpF group), and four weeks later the animals were infected with the E. coli O103 eae+ strain. The administration of herbs increased the mean concentration of total protein and serum albumin (p < 0.01) without causing disturbances of electrolyte and acid-base balance. The highest total antioxidant capacity (TAS) value (p < 0.01) was observed in the ExpF group. The administration of a mixture of herbs and feed caused more reduction in the number of E. coli in cecum than supplementation into water after an experimental infection. The herbs applied in rabbits did not harm the secretory functions of liver, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of the blood. The application of the tested herbal mixtures can control the activity of the intestinal microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) poses a significant threat to cattle welfare worldwide, affecting their respiratory system and causing substantial economic losses. BRD is multifactorial in nature. This research aimed to investigate the serological profile of calves for the five main bovine respiratory pathogens. Serum samples were collected from dairy calves aged 7-12 months that had never been vaccinated against tested pathogens and had recently shown signs of BRD. A total of 4095 calves from 650 dairy herds located in south-western Poland were examined. The Commercial Indirect Respiratory ELISA Kit Multiplexed-Double well-BIO K 284/5 (Bio-X Diagnostics, Rochefort, Belgium) was used to determine the presence of antibodies against BVDV, BoAHV1, BRSV, BPIV3, and M. bovis . The presence of antibodies against at least one of the tested pathogens was found in 306 (47.08%) herds. The overall prevalence of antibodies was as follows: BoAHV1 21.54%, BVDV 32.0%, BRSV 34.15%, BPIV3 34.31%, and M. bovis 31.38%. The strongest correlation was between BRSV antibodies positive sera and BPIV3 antibodies positive sera. Among the five pathogens tested, antibodies to BVDV, BRSV, BPIV3, and M. bovis were most commonly detected simultaneously. The results of this study indicate the need for preventive measures against these pathogens in the studied region.

Diseases are responsible for losses in livestock production by increasing animal mortality and reducing productivity. The administration of antibiotics can help mitigate these negative effects. However, inappropriate use can lead to severe complications, such as raising antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of antibiotic use and disease frequency over four years, based on the size of dairy farms and the type of farm. The study covered a 4-year period and included medium dairy farms (20-50 cows, n = 13), large dairy farms (>250 cows, n = 8), and large beef farms (n = 8). The collected data involved antimicrobial use but also included farm demographics, animal health, disease frequency, and herd management practices. The criteria used to categorise antibiotics into groups A-D were based on the EMA guidelines. The carried-out study showed that the large dairy cattle farms had the highest antibiotic consumption (18.29 mg·PCU -1 ), due to the high frequency of diseases, and consequently, the treatment of calf (diarrhoea, lung inflammations) and cow diseases (general treatment and mastitis). Cattle on large beef farms suffer mainly from general diseases caused by maintenance and herd management conditions. The use of restrict antibiotics was, in some cases, unjustified (antibiotics for dry cow therapy). Future studies should consider a larger number of farms, taking into account the given direction of cattle production.

The study evaluated the anti-colibacteriosis efficacy of herbs in experimental infection by rabbit pathogenic strain of E. coli O103 eae + . It also studied the effects of herbal mixture added to feed or water on blood parameters. This animal model was used since some E. coli strains pathogenic for rabbits are similar to the strains that are pathogenic to humans. The components of herbal extracts were Rumex crispus , Pontentilla anserine, and Polygonum aviculare . Supplementation was carried out in water (ExpW group) or feed (ExpF group), and four weeks later the animals were infected with the E. coli O103 eae + strain. The administration of herbs increased the mean concentration of total protein and serum albumin ( p < 0.01) without causing disturbances of electrolyte and acid-base balance. The highest total antioxidant capacity (TAS) value ( p < 0.01) was observed in the ExpF group. The administration of a mixture of herbs and feed caused more reduction in the number of E. coli in cecum than supplementation into water after an experimental infection. The herbs applied in rabbits did not harm the secretory functions of liver, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of the blood. The application of the tested herbal mixtures can control the activity of the intestinal microbial community., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Campylobacter spp. is the most commonly reported, bacterial cause of human foodborne infection worldwide. Commercial poultry and free-living birds are natural reservoirs of three particular species: Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypic characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of 43 Campylobacter strains, obtained from free-living birds, in Poland. In total, 700 birds were examined. The strains were isolated from 43 birds (6.14%) from the feces of 7 wild bird species: Mallard ducks Anas platyrhynchos (29 positive/121 tested), great cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (5/77), velvet scoters Melanitta fusca (4/30), tawny owls Strix aluco (2/5), common buzzard Buteo buteo (1/3), rook Corvus frugilegus (1/6), and Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus (1/30). Thirty-eight (88.37%) of obtained strains belonged to C. jejuni and five (11.63%) to C. coli. Other 428 examined birds from different bird species were Campylobacter negative. The antimicrobial susceptibility to nine antimicrobials was also studied in investigated isolates of Campylobacter spp. Sixteen of the examined strains (37.21% of all positive samples) showed susceptibility to all of the nine antimicrobials. Moreover, the prevalence of selected virulence genes, such as flaA, cadF, ceuE, virB11, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC were all analyzed. The virulence gene that was found most frequently in total number of Campylobacter strains was ceuE (72.10%) and other genes, such as flaA, cadF, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC, were found in over 60% of all examined strains. Variable antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of different virulence genes of examined strains, isolated from free-living birds, suggest that special attention should be given to wild birds and any potential approaches to the control of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter should be discussed.