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Salmonella was isolated from 23/79 (29.1%) pooled gecko stool samples from households in southern Malawi. Whole genome sequencing of 47 individual isolates within this collection revealed 27 Salmonella serovars spanning two subspecies. Our results demonstrate that geckos play an important role in the carriage of Salmonella within households.

Abstract Background Zoonotic infections are a recognised risk for the veterinary community. Veterinary students are at risk, due to the range of activities they participate with on training coupled with their inexperience; yet the prevalence and severity of infections in veterinary students has been little studied. In this study, a survey explored zoonotic infections in UK and Irish veterinary students. Methods A survey containing both open and closed questions, was distributed to undergraduate veterinary students at all veterinary schools in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Descriptive statistics, and univariable logistic regression were used to explore quantitative data; thematic analysis was used to explore qualitative data. Results There were 467 responses, 31.5% (95% CI 27.3–35.9, n = 147) of those students reported having contracted at least one zoonotic infection during their studies. The most prevalent self-reported infections were cryptosporidiosis (15.2% of all respondents), dermatophytosis (5.6%), and other gastrointestinal infections assumed to be of zoonotic origin (4.5%). 7% of respondents reported having acquired a zoonosis within the last 12 months, 91% of these infections were acquired during farm placements. Thematic analysis (n = 34) showed that infection was an accepted risk, particularly on farm, and students were often reluctant to take time off their studies or placements as a result of infection. Reporting was very low, meaning universities would not have accurate figures on infection risk or particularly risky placement providers. Conclusions Based on these survey results, veterinary students appear to be at increased risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, particularly on farm placements. Attitude and behaviour change at multiple levels is required to reduce the risk of infection to students and normalise reporting of illness.

IntroductionExposure rates to Histoplasma species, the causative agent of equine epizootic lymphangitis (EL), are unknown amongst working equids in The Gambia. The primary aims of this study were to estimate anti-Histoplasma antibody seroprevalence in the equid population in rural The Gambia and to explore risk factors for seropositivity.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted (February–July 2022), representing baseline measurements of a longitudinal cohort study. Horses (n = 463) and donkeys (n = 92) without EL signs were recruited in 18 study sites. Following informed owner consent, equid clinical and management data were recorded. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture, and sera were subject to the IMMY Latex Agglutination Histoplasma test (LAT). Seropositivity risk factors were explored by multi-level, multivariable logistic regression analysis. Study site and household variance were described using a latent-variable approach. Whole blood DNA extractions were subject to nested ITS-PCR to detect Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (HCF), and agreement with LAT results was measured using Cohen’s kappa statistic.ResultsAnti-Histoplasma antibody seroprevalence in horses and donkeys was 79.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 76.0–83.5%] and 46.7% (95% CI 36.3–57.4%), respectively. In horses, two multivariable models explained the maximum amount of data variability. Model 1 demonstrated increased odds of seropositivity in mares [odds ratio (OR) = 2.90 95% CI 1.70–4.95, p

IntroductionRaw-meat diets (RMD) for dogs, comprising unprocessed or non-heat-treated animal material, are increasingly popular. However, RMDs have been demonstrated to be contaminated with antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, and there is concern that such diets may pose a zoonotic disease risk. Additionally, dogs fed RMD may shed more AMR- fecal bacteria compared to those fed conventional cooked diets. Data from the UK remain limited; the present study investigated the presence of AMR-Escherichia coli in the feces of RMD and non-RMD (NRMD)-fed dogs in the UK, the E. coli AMR gene complement, and the lifestyle risk factors associated with AMR- E. coli carriage.MethodsFecal samples from UK-owned dogs (N = 193 RMD, N = 239 NRMD) and questionnaires discussing lifestyle factors, were obtained between October 2020-August 2021. Samples underwent culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine the presence of AMR-E. coli. Whole genome sequencing determined AMR gene carriage. Risk factors for the presence of AMR-E. coli were determined by multivariable modeling.ResultsRMD dogs carried significantly more fecal AMR E. coli (p < 0.001), including third-generation cephalosporin resistant, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing, and multidrug resistant isolates and multivariable modeling confirmed raw-meat diets to be a significant risk factor. The blaCTX–M–15 gene was the most frequently identified blaESBL gene. The blaCTX–M–55 and blaSHV–66 genes were also prevalent and were only found in RMD dogs. The mobile colistin resistance gene, mcr-4 was identified in one ESBL-producing E. coli isolate from a NRMD-fed dog.ConclusionThis study has shown that dogs fed RMD in the UK are significantly more likely to shed E. coli which is resistant to highest priority critically important antibiotics, and multidrug resistant E. coli, than dogs fed NRMD. Additionally, AMR-E. coli isolates from RMD-fed dogs harbor multiple, diverse, and novel AMR genes. Therefore, provision of RMD to dogs could pose an important potential threat to human and animal health, especially given the close nature of the relationship many owners share with their pets. Awareness of these findings should be shared with pet owners, veterinary and medical professionals, pet food manufacturers and public health to mitigate potential risks.

Robust surveillance of Histoplasma species is warranted in endemic regions, including investigation of community-level transmission dynamics. This cross-sectional study explored anti-Histoplasma antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region (URR), The Gambia.Study participants were recruited (December 2022–March 2023) by random household sampling across 12 Enumeration Areas (EAs) of URR. A questionnaire and clinical examination were performed; exploring demographic, clinical and environmental risk factors for Histoplasma exposure. One venous blood sample per participant was subject to IMMY Latex Agglutination Histoplasma test to determine presence of a recent IgM response to Histoplasma. Seropositivity risk factors were explored by multi-level, multivariable logistic regression analysis.The study population (n = 298) aged 5–83 years, demonstrated a positively skewed age distribution and comprised 55.4% females. An apparent seroprevalence of 18.8% (n = 56/298, 95% CI 14.5–23.7%) was measured using the LAT. A multivariable model demonstrated increased odds of Histoplasma seropositivity amongst female participants (OR = 2.41 95% CI 1.14–5.10); and participants reporting involvement in animal manure management (OR = 4.21 95% CI 1.38–12.90), and management of domestic animals inside the compound at night during the dry season (OR = 10.72 95% CI 2.02–56.83). Increasing age (OR = 0.96 95% CI 0.93–0.98) was associated with decreased odds of seropositivity. Clustering at EA level was responsible for 17.2% of seropositivity variance.The study indicates frequent recent Histoplasma exposure and presents plausible demographic and environmental risk factors for seropositivity. Histoplasma spp. characterisation at this human-animal-environment interface is warranted, to determine public health implications of environmental reservoirs in The Gambia.The study was supported by Wellcome Trust (206,638/Z/17/Z to CES) and a University of Liverpool-funded PhD studentship (to TRC).

Horses in Great Britain are living into increasingly older age and are often regarded as friends or family members by their owner. The horse is reliant on their owner to meet their needs and this paper discusses how horse owners frame an issue that becomes a matter of veterinary concern within the context of the older horse. Qualitative methods were used to explore the experiences of owners and veterinarians. Data were collected and analysed using a grounded theory approach during the period 2019–2022. Analysis identified that owners undertook an ongoing and iterative process of assessment, monitoring and decision making in relation to the animal and any changes they observed. Matters that became a veterinary concern required the owner to formulate the issue as something that fell within the knowledge domain of the veterinarian. Veterinarians had a medicalised view of older horse health and their perspectives on socially acceptable care were shaped by their understanding of species-specific needs, and whether owners were providing appropriately for those needs. The formulation of a matter of veterinary concern was itself shaped by an owner’s experiential knowledge of both veterinary matters and their horse. The extent to which owners felt like they and their individual horse mattered during interactions with veterinarians affected whether they adopted veterinary advice and the nature of future veterinary employment. Findings demonstrate how matters of health, disease, and the role of professionalised forms of medical knowledge, are not static but constantly changing and interacting over time. An issue that became a matter of veterinary concern was contextual, and rooted in individual relationships. The significance of veterinarian-owner interactions in shaping future consumption of veterinary health care may be underestimated.

IntroductionThe emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens linked to healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) is an increasing concern in modern veterinary practice. Thus, rapid bacterial typing for real-time tracking of MDR hospital dissemination is still much needed to inform best infection control practices in a clinically relevant timeframe. To this end, the IR Biotyper using Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy has the potential to provide fast cluster analysis of potentially related organisms with substantial cost and turnaround time benefits.Materials and methodsA collection of MDR bacterial isolates (n = 199, comprising 92 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 107 Pseudomonas aeruginosa) obtained from companion animal (i.e., dogs, cats and horses) clinical investigations, faecal and environmental screening from four veterinary facilities between 2012 and 2019 was analysed retrospectively by FTIR spectroscopy. Its performance was compared against MLST extracted from whole genomes of a subset of clustering isolates (proportionally to cluster size) for investigation of potential nosocomial transmission between patients and the surrounding hospital environments.ResultsConcordance between the FTIR and MLST types was overall high for K. pneumoniae (Adjusted Rand Index [ARI] of 0.958) and poor for P. aeruginosa (ARI of 0.313). FTIR K. pneumoniae clusters (n = 7) accurately segregated into their respective veterinary facility with evidence of intra-hospital spread of K. pneumoniae between patients and environmental surfaces. Notably, K. pneumoniae ST147 intensely circulated at one Small Animal Hospital ICU. Conversely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa FTIR clusters (n = 18) commonly contained isolates of diversified hospital source and heterogeneous genetic background (as also genetically related isolates spread across different clusters); nonetheless, dissemination of some clones, such as P. aeruginosa ST2644 in the equine hospital, was apparent. Importantly, FTIR clustering of clinical, colonisation and/or environmental isolates sharing genomically similar backgrounds was seen for both MDR organisms, highlighting likely cross-contamination events that led to clonal dissemination within settings.ConclusionFTIR spectroscopy has high discriminatory power for hospital epidemiological surveillance of veterinary K. pneumoniae and could provide sufficient information to support early detection of clonal dissemination, facilitating implementation of appropriate infection control measures. Further work and careful optimisation need to be carried out to improve its performance for typing of P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates.

Raw meat diets (RMD) for dogs are an increasingly popular alternative pet food choice, however studies worldwide have demonstrated them to be contaminated with zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, including bacteria resistant to critically important antibiotics. Despite this, few data exist surrounding the presence of these bacteria in RMD in the United Kingdom. The present study aimed to identify the most commonly selected RMD and non-raw diets (NRMD) by United Kingdom dog owners. Additionally, it investigated the presence of AMR-Enterobacteriaceae in samples of pre-prepared RMD and cooked commercial kibble dog foods. An online survey investigating diet preferences of United Kingdom dog owners was open for 6 weeks between February–March 2020. From this, the top 10 brands of pre-prepared raw and cooked kibble diets were ascertained and 134 samples purchased (110 RMD, 24 kibble) and subjected to microbiological testing. Bacterial enumeration of E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae was undertaken, and the presence of Salmonella spp. and AMR-E. coli within samples determined. Whole genome sequencing was undertaken on Salmonella spp. and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant 3GCR-E. coli isolates. Pre-prepared RMD was most commonly selected by dog owners who fed RMD, and cooked commercial complete dry food was most frequently fed by owners who fed NRMD. Damaged and leaking packaging was observed in samples of RMD, alongside variability in information provided surrounding product traceability. Counts of E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae exceeding >5,000 CFU/g were identified in samples of RMD. AMR-, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and 3GCR-E. coli was isolated from 39, 14 and 16% of RMD samples, respectively. Multiple antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in 3GCR-E. coli isolates. Of the ESBL encoding genes, blaCTX-M-15 was most commonly identified. S. enterica was isolated from 5% of RMD samples. No Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from any of the cooked kibble samples. The present study suggests that pre-prepared RMD available for dogs in the United Kingdom can be contaminated with zoonotic and AMR-Enterobacteriaceae. RMDs, therefore, are potentially an important One Health concern. Veterinary and medical professionals, pet food retailers and pet owners should be aware of these risks; and stringent hygiene measures should be practiced if owners choose to feed RMD.

BackgroundEquids play a crucial role in the Ethiopian economy, transporting agricultural inputs and outputs in the dominant subsistence agricultural systems and the critical link for value chains throughout the country. However, these species are often neglected in policies and interventions, which reflects the data and information gaps, particularly the contribution of working equids to Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess population dynamics, distribution, biomass, and economic value of equids in Ethiopia.Materials and methodsEquine population data were obtained from the Ethiopian Central Statistics Agency (CSA) annual national agriculture surveys published yearbooks from 2004 to 2020. Parameters such as the number of effective service days and daily rental value were obtained from interviews and literature to estimate the stock monetary and service value of equids. Descriptive statistics were used to assess population dynamics and the geographical distribution was mapped.ResultsThe estimated total Ethiopian equid population increased by more than doubled (by 131%) between 2004 and 2020 from 5.7 (4.9-6.6) million to 13.3 (11.6-15) million with 2.1 million horses, 10.7 million donkeys, and 380 thousand mules. Similarly, the number of households owning a working equid has increased. Equine populations are unevenly distributed across Ethiopia, although data were lacking in some districts of the country. The per human-capita equine population ranged from 0-0.52, 0-0.13, and 0-0.02 for donkeys, horses, and mules, respectively. The equid biomass was 7.4 (6.3-8.4) million Tropical livestock unit (TLU) (250 kg liveweight), 10% of total livestock biomass of the country. The stock monetary value of equids was USD 1,229 (651-1,908) million, accounting for 3.1% of total livestock monetary value and the services value of equids was USD 1,198 (825-1,516) million, which is 1.2% of Ethiopian 2021 expected GDP.ConclusionThe Ethiopian equine population has grown steadily over the last two decades. Equids play a central role in transportation and subsistence agriculture in Ethiopia and contribute significantly to the national economy. This pivotal role is insufficiently recognized in national livestock investments.

BackgroundDespite recognition of histoplasmosis as a disease of national public health concern in Kenya, the burden of Histoplasma capsulatum in the general population remains unknown. This study examined the human seroprevalence of anti-Histoplasma antibody and explored associations between seropositivity and demographic and environmental variables, in Busia county, western Kenya.MethodologyBiobanked serum samples and associated data, from a previous cross-sectional survey, were examined. Latex agglutination tests to detect the presence of anti-Histoplasma antibody were performed on serum samples from 670 survey respondents, representing 178 households within 102 sub-locations. Potential epidemiologic risk factors for H. capsulatum exposure were explored using multi-level multivariable logistic regression analysis with household and sub-location included as random effects.Principal findingsThe apparent sample seroprevalence of anti-Histoplasma antibody was 15.5% (n = 104/670, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 12.9-18.5%). A multivariable logistic regression model identified increased odds of H. capsulatum seropositivity in respondents reporting rats within the household within the previous 12 months (OR = 2.99 90% CI 1.04-8.55, p = 0.04). Compared to respondents aged 25-34 years, the odds of seropositivity were higher in respondents aged 15-24 years (OR = 2.70 90% CI 1.04-6.97, p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe seroprevalence result provides a baseline for sample size approximations for future epidemiologic studies of the burden of H. capsulatum exposure in Busia county. The final model explored theoretically plausible risk factors for H. capsulatum exposure in the region. A number of factors may contribute to the complex epidemiological picture impacting H. capsulatum exposure status at the human-animal-environment interface in western Kenya. Focussed H. capsulatum research is warranted to determine the contextual significance of identified associations, and in representative sample populations.

While equine obesity is understood by equine professionals to be a serious and widespread welfare problem, thus far approaches to reducing the prevalence of obesity in the UK's leisure horses have mainly been limited to educating owners about the dangers of obesity in their horses. In human health, approaches to behavior change encourage holistic thinking around human behavior, recognizing the importance of the connection between the individuals' knowledge, attitudes, habits, and the social and physical environments. This study used qualitative data from interviews with horse owners and professionals, open-access discussion fora and focus groups in order to collate extensive information about the factors shaping the UK's equine obesity crisis. The data were initially analyzed using a grounded theory method to determine the common themes, and were then analyzed using the COM-B model of behavior change, in order to identify areas where human behavior change might be better supported. The analysis highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to behavior change, since all areas of the COM-B were important in limiting owners' recognition of, and response to, equine obesity. For example, environments and social norms limited the likelihood of owners proactively managing horse weight, and owners also found it difficult to identify overweight horses, and evaluate the risks of long-term health issues as a result of weight, with short-term negative impacts of weight management. While interventions often aim to educate owners into changing their behavior, this analysis highlights the importance of creative and holistic approaches which work alongside the owners' motivations, while shaping the social and physical environments.

Two hundred and six cats, aged between 7 and 10 years, from the North-west of the UK, were enrolled in a cat aging and welfare study to determine the frequency of age-related conditions and associations with husbandry, owner observations of physical appearance, activity and behavior. This is the largest study to date of mature cats that includes data from an owner questionnaire and clinical examinations. At enrolment, owners frequently reported physical changes (53%), behavioral changes (47%), changes to eating patterns (41%), and activity changes (40%) in their mature cats. On physical examination, 45% cats were in overweight condition and 12% were obese. A heart murmur was detected in 29% cats, whilst indirect systolic blood pressure (SBP) was >160 mmHg in 5% cats. Dental disease was present in 54% cats and was associated with a matted hair coat (P = 0.01), increased sleeping (P = 0.02), absence of gray hairs (P = 0.03), and increased irritability to other pets (P = 0.04). Abnormalities were evident in 58% of cats that allowed an orthopedic examination (OE) to be performed. These cats were older than cats with a normal OE (P = 0.01), and abnormal OE findings were associated with a matted coat (P = 0.03) and increased grooming (P = 0.04). Aazotaemia was present in 10% cats, and this was associated with cats being observed to “sniff their food and then walk away” (P = 0.04). Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in 3% cats, who were older (P = 0.02), had a leaner BCS (P = 0.02) and lesser blood creatinine concentrations (P = 0.01). Hyperthyroid cats were also more likely to have increased liver enzyme activity and increased SBP (P =

Human assessment of equine wellbeing is fundamental to ensuring the optimal care of domestic horses. However, terminology associated with wellbeing is still not fully defined and there are currently no validated quality of life (QoL) assessment tools. Furthermore, little is known about what equine wellbeing or QoL means to horse owners, or how their beliefs impact on the management decisions they make for their horse. This study sought to establish how UK leisure horse owners use wellbeing-related terminology by exploring their accounts within a focus group setting. Four online focus group discussions (FGD) were held and qualitative data were collected. FGDs involved a semi-structured discussion, followed by a group activity to compare seven equine wellbeing-related terms of interest introduced by the facilitator. The collected data were analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach, and also by content analysis, to examine the frequency and subjective meaning of the terms of interest. The results showed that horse owners did not clearly delineate between different terms, rather, they used the terms in the context of their own assessments of their horse. The meanings assigned to what owners experienced with their horse were individual and subjective, shaped by past experiences, relationships with their animal, and peers or social groups. This individualised construction of equine wellbeing impacted on the meaning conveyed when using wellbeing-related terminology. In this study, we extend the literature on equine wellbeing terminology usage, and highlight differences between the academic literature and the real-world experiences of horse owners.

BackgroundOne Health is particularly relevant to the Horn of Africa where many people's livelihoods are highly dependent on livestock and their shared environment. In this context, zoonoses may have a dramatic impact on both human and animal health, but also on country economies. This scoping review aimed to characterise and evaluate the nature of zoonotic disease research in the Horn region. Specifically, it addressed the following questions: (i) what specific zoonotic diseases have been prioritised for research, (ii) what data have been reported (human, animal or environment), (iii) what methods have been applied, and (iv) who has been doing the research?Methodology/principal findingsWe used keyword combinations to search online databases for peer-reviewed papers and theses. Screening and data extraction (disease, country, domain and method) was performed using DistillerSR. A total of 2055 studies focusing on seven countries and over 60 zoonoses were included. Brucellosis attracted the highest attention in terms of research while anthrax, Q fever and leptospirosis have been comparatively under-studied. Research efforts did not always align with zoonoses priorities identified at national levels. Despite zoonoses being a clear target for 'One Health' research, a very limited proportion of studies report data on the three domains of human, animal and environment. Descriptive and observational epidemiological studies were dominant and only a low proportion of publications were multidisciplinary. Finally, we found that a minority of international collaborations were between Global South countries with a high proportion of authors having affiliations from outside the Horn of Africa.Conclusions/significanceThere is a growing interest in zoonoses research in the Horn of Africa. Recommendations arising from this scoping review include: (i) ensuring zoonoses research aligns with national and global research agendas; (ii) encouraging researchers to adopt a holistic, transdisciplinary One Health approach following high quality reporting standards (COHERE, PRISMA, etc.); and (iii) empowering local researchers supported by regional and international partnerships to engage in zoonoses research.

Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne disease globally. Pigs can carry and shed non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) asymptomatically, representing a significant reservoir for these pathogens. To investigate Salmonella carriage by African domestic pigs, faecal and mesenteric lymph node samples were taken at slaughter in Nairobi, Busia (Kenya) and Chikwawa (Malawi) between October 2016 and May 2017. Selective culture, antisera testing and whole genome sequencing were performed on samples from 647 pigs; the prevalence of NTS carriage was 12.7% in Busia, 9.1% in Nairobi and 24.6% in Chikwawa. Two isolates of S. Typhimurium ST313 were isolated, but were more closely related to ST313 isolates associated with gastroenteritis in the UK than bloodstream infection in Africa. The discovery of porcine NTS carriage in Kenya and Malawi reveals potential for zoonotic transmission of diarrhoeal strains to humans in these countries, but not for transmission of clades specifically associated with invasive NTS disease in Africa.

Equestrian grazing management is a poorly researched area, despite potentially significant environmental impacts. This study explored keepers’ use of alternative grazing systems in the care of UK horses, donkeys and mules through an internet survey. The survey was available during the summer of 2020 and comprised closed and open questions, which were analysed with descriptive statistics and iterative thematic analysis, respectively. A total of 758 responses was incorporated into the analysis; the most popular system used were tracks (56.5%), Equicentral (19%), “other” (e.g., non-grass turnout) (12.5%), rewilding (7.5%) and turnout on either moorland (0.7%) or woodland (2.5%). The thematic analysis highlighted that equid keepers across the systems were highly engaged in exploring sustainable practices. Their approaches varied according to each system, yet all aimed to fulfil practices in three major categories, i.e., supporting diverse plant life (usually through restricting equid access to certain areas), supporting wildlife (through the creation of biodiverse environments) and sustainably managing droppings and helminths. Additionally, proponents of the Equicentral systems declared to be aiming to support soil health. These data provide a promising insight into equid keepers’ behaviour and attitudes to sustainability.

The international governing body for equestrian sports, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), states that the welfare of the horse must be paramount and never subordinated to competitive or commercial influences. However, there is growing unease about welfare issues from both within and outside the sport. The aim of this study was to understand stakeholder perceptions of current welfare issues within equestrian sport, determine whether there is scope for change, and explore attitudes towards welfare assessment. Participants (n = 48) from equestrian sport (n = 38) and animal welfare research (n = 10) attended a workshop that included welfare-related presentations and focus group sessions. The focus group sessions were recorded, anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. Conflict between the demands of competition and the needs of the horse was identified as a key welfare challenge. Although the physical health of equine athletes is closely monitored, horses’ psychological needs are sometimes overlooked. Participants recognised that improving competition practices may not be as impactful as improving the general management and training of horses. The term “quality of life” was considered preferable to “welfare”, which had negative connotations. Participants appreciated the idea of incorporating formal welfare assessments into their training and competition plans but stated that existing tools are rarely used and are not deemed feasible for real-life conditions.

Abstract Bacterial environmental and surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance was implemented from 2011–2016 in a UK Equine Referral Veterinary Hospital and identified 81 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates. A cluster of MRSA SSIs occurred in early 2016 with the isolates confirmed as ST398 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), which prompted retrospective analysis of all MRSA isolates obtained from the environment (n = 62), SSIs (n = 13) and hand plates (n = 6) in the past five years. Sixty five of these isolates were typed to CC398 and a selection of these (n = 38) were further characterised for resistance and virulence genes, SCCmec and spa typing. Overall, MRSA was identified in 62/540 (11.5%) of environmental samples, 6/81 of the hand-plates (7.4%) and 13/208 of the SSIs (6.3%). spa t011 was the most frequent (24/38) and Based Upon Repeat Pattern (BURP) analysis identified spa t011 as one of the two group founders of the main spa CC identified across the five years (spa CC011/3423). However, 3 singletons (t073, t786, t064) were also identified suggesting separate introductions into the hospital environment. This long-term MRSA surveillance study revealed multiple introductions of MRSA CC398 in a UK Equine Hospital, identifying an emerging zoonotic pathogen so far only sporadically recorded in the UK.

Escherichia coli are opportunistic pathogens with the potential to cause a variety of infections in both humans and animals and in many cases have developed antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we characterized extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistant (ESCR) E. coli isolates from diseased companion animals (dogs, cats, and horses) and related the results to clinical findings. ESCR E. coli clinical isolates obtained over a 6-year period were screened for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and/or plasmid mediated AmpC (pAmpC) and virulence markers likely to be associated with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). ESBL and/or pAmpC genetic determinants were identified in 79.9% of the ESCR E. coli isolates with blaCTX-M genes being the most common ESBL genotype of which blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-14, and blaCTX-M-55 were the most prevalent. In addition, blaCMY -2 was the most common genotype identified amongst pAmpC producing isolates. Phylogenetic group typing showed that B2 was the most prevalent phylogroup among the ESCR E. coli isolates, followed by the closely related phylogroups D and F which are also associated with extra-intestinal infections. ESCR was also identified in phylogroups commonly regarded as commensals (B1, A, and C). Virulence factor (VF) scores >2 were mostly present amongst isolates in phylogroup B2. Higher virulence scores were found in isolates lacking ESBL/pAmpC resistance genes compared with those carrying both genes (p < 0.05). Five of phylogroup B2 isolates, were typed to the pandemic virulent O25b-ST131 clone and three ST131 isolates carrying blaCTX-M-15 belonged to the subclade C2/H30Rx whilst one isolate carrying blaCTX-M-27 typed to the recently described sub-clade C1-M27. MLST typing also identified other sequence types commonly associated with infections in humans (ST410, ST10, and ST648). Most ESCR E. coli isolates obtained in pure growth were cultured from normally sterile body sites (mostly from urinary tract infections, UTIs) whilst only a small proportion were obtained from body sites populated with commensal flora (p < 0.0001). Our study has shown that ExPEC ESBL/pAmpC producing E. coli isolates are common amongst companion animal isolates and are associated with colonization and infection. In addition, their isolation from a normally sterile site is likely to be clinically significant and warrants antimicrobial treatment.

The number of aged horses in the UK has been growing over recent years, with many horses remaining active and being cared for into old age. However, increasing age is paralleled with a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality; therefore, owners of older horses must manage changes in their horse, making decisions about management and health care provision. In this paper, we discuss data collected from an open-access online discussion forum, where forum users sought advice arising from concerns about their older horse. Qualitative data analysis was performed using grounded theory methods. A conceptual model was developed to demonstrate the multifaceted ways in which ageing affects the human–horse relationship and impacts upon outcomes for the horse. The model reflects the dynamic nature of caring for an older horse to accommodate change over time—outcomes for the horse shift as the context of day-to-day life changes. The model provides novel insight into how decisions around older horse care are made.

Approximately 60% of the UK’s leisure horses are kept at livery yards under the management and oversight of a livery yard owner or manager (LYO/M), yet their role has received little research attention. This study used the COVID-19 pandemic as a lens through which to view LYO/Ms’ decisions around equine care and management at a time when changes to usual practice were necessary. Qualitative research methods were used. Up to 3 interviews were conducted with 24 different LYO/Ms over nine months (n = 48). Discussion threads from open-access UK discussion fora were also analysed. All data were anonymised and analysed using a Grounded Theory methodology. Prior to the pandemic, equine care and management practices varied greatly across yards, and yard cultures were a product of LYO/Ms’ construction of good equine care, their business model, and the need to balance human and equine contentment. The role of the LYO/M was to maintain an equilibrium between those interlinked factors. During the pandemic, LYO/Ms adopted new measures designed to influence the movement of horse owners and other people on yards to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. During this time, LYO/Ms reported prioritising equine wellbeing by limiting change to equine routines and management wherever possible. Instead of altering equine management, there was an expectation that the lives of humans would be moulded and re-shaped to fit with the government COVID-19 guidelines. These results highlight the importance of routines, traditions and cultures in each individual yard. Maintaining the standard of care for the horse was prioritised regardless of who provided that care.