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Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a notifiable viral disease caused by Lumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV). It is usually associated with high economic losses, including a loss of productivity, infertility, and death. LSDV shares genetic and antigenic similarities with Sheep pox virus (SPV) and Goat pox (GPV) virus. Hence, the LSDV traditional diagnostic tools faced many limitations regarding sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reactivity. Herein, we fabricated a paper-based turn-on fluorescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) sensor for the rapid detection of LSDV. The LSDV-MIPs sensor showed strong fluorescent intensity signal enhancement in response to the presence of the virus within minutes. Our sensor showed a limit of detection of 101 log10 TCID50/mL. Moreover, it showed significantly higher specificity to LSDV relative to other viruses, especially SPV. To our knowledge, this is the first record of a paper-based rapid detection test for LSDV depending on fluorescent turn-on behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reverse zoonoses occur because of interactions between humans and animals. Homology of ACE‐2 cell receptors in different hosts and high mutation rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 enhance viral transmission among species. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate spillover of SARS‐CoV‐2 between humans and companion animals. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was constructed using nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs, serum and blood samples collected from 66 companion animals (33 cats and 33 dogs) that were in contact with SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive owners from December 2020 to March 2021. Swabs were screened by rRT‐PCR and some positive cases were confirmed by partial spike gene sequencing. Clinical pathology and pathological studies were also performed. Results: Our findings revealed that 30% of cats (10/33) and 24% of dogs (8/33) were SARS‐CoV‐2 positive. While 33% of these animals were asymptomatic (6/18), 28% showed mild respiratory signs (5/18) and 39% displayed severe respiratory signs (7/18) including 4 dead cats 40% (4/10). Partial spike gene sequencing of 6 positive samples collected in December 2020 were identical to SARS‐CoV‐2 that was detected in humans in Egypt in that time frame. Clinical pathology findings revealed thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia, as well as elevated levels of D‐dimer, LDH, CRP, and ferritin. Post‐mortem and histopathological examinations illustrated multisystemic effects. Conclusions: There is a potential occurrence of SARS‐CoV‐2 spillover between humans and pet animals. Impacts: The present study highlighted the potential occurrence of SARS‐CoV‐2 spillover between humans and their companion animals.Biosecurity measures should be applied to decrease spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 among humans and pet animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]