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Background: Ehrlichia canis, a rickettsial organism, is responsible for causing ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease affecting dogs. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate ehrlichiosis prevalence and identify associated risk factors in pet dogs. Methods: A total of 246 peripheral blood samples were purposively collected from pet dogs in Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts between December 2018 and December 2020. Risk factor data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with dog owners using a pre-structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified risk factors. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene confirmed Ehrlichia spp. PCR results were further validated by sequencing. Results: The prevalence and case fatality of ehrlichiosis were 6.9% and 47.1%, respectively. Dogs in rural areas had 5.8 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (odd ratio, OR: 5.84; 95% CI: 1.72–19.89) compared to urban areas. Dogs with access to other dogs had 5.14 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.63–16.27) than those without such access. Similarly, irregularly treated dogs with ectoparasitic drugs had 4.01 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.17–14.14) compared to regularly treated dogs. The presence of ticks on dogs increased ehrlichiosis odds nearly by 3 times (OR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.02–8.97). Phylogenetic analysis, based on 17 commercially sequenced isolates, showed different clusters of aggregation, however, BAUMAH-13 (PP321265) perfectly settled with a China isolate (OK667945), similarly, BAUMAH-05 (PP321257) with Greece isolate (MN922610), BAUMAH-16 (PP321268) with Italian isolate (KX180945), and BAUMAH-07 (PP321259) with Thailand isolate (OP164610). Conclusions: Pet owners and veterinarians in rural areas should be vigilant in monitoring dogs for ticks and ensuring proper preventive care. Limiting access to other dogs in high-risk areas can help mitigate disease spread. Tick prevention measures and regular treatment with ectoparasitic drugs will reduce the risk of ehrlichiosis in dogs. The observed genetic similarity of the Bangladeshi Ehrlichia canis strain highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and research to develop effective control and prevention strategies, both within Bangladesh and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to detect Neospora caninum by nested PCR (nPCR) in aborted fetuses of cattle, sheep, and goats in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: The head portion of each aborted fetus (111) was dissected at each sampling site and transferred to the laboratory in an ice box. Data on risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were simultaneously collected. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from brain tissue to perform nPCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene of N. caninum and sequencing was performed from the representative positive samples. Results: By nPCR, N. caninum was found in 16.0% of aborted fetuses of cattle, followed by sheep (14.81%) and goats (11.78%). The highest prevalence was found in aborted fetuses of animals during the second trimester (27.78%) of pregnancy aged 2 to 4 years (18.75%). Obtained sequences showed they were completely matched with N. caninum ITS1 rDNA gene deposited in GenBank. Univariate analysis demonstrated that pregnancy stages (trimesters), abortion history of the animals, and access to dogs in animal farms were significantly (p = 0.05) correlated with N. caninum infection. Conclusion: This study represents the first investigation into the molecular detection, phylogenetic characterization, and analysis of risk factors associated with N. caninum in livestock in Bangladesh. According to the research findings, N. caninum infection may have a role in abortion cases and the ensuing financial losses in the nation's livestock industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equine industry holds substantial economic importance not only in the USA but worldwide. The occurrence of various infectious bacterial diseases in horses can lead to severe health issues, economic losses, and restrictions on horse movement and trade. Effective management and control of these diseases are therefore crucial for the growth and sustainability of the equine industry. While antibiotics constitute the primary treatment strategy for any bacterial infections in horses, developing resistance to clinically important antibiotics poses significant challenges to equine health and welfare. The adverse effects of antimicrobial overuse and the escalating threat of resistance underscore the critical importance of antimicrobial stewardship within the equine industry. There is limited information on the epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in horses. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the history and types of antimicrobials used in horses and provide recommendations for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections in horses. This review also highlights the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horses, emphasizing the public health significance and transmission dynamics between horses and other animals within a One Health framework. By fostering responsible practices and innovative control measures, we can better help the equine industry combat the pressing threat of AMR and thus safeguard equine as well as public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesia and Theileria are potential threats to the livestock industry, causing considerable economic losses. These tick‐borne blood parasites are more prevalent in crossbred cattle than local cattle in Bangladesh. Objectives: To confirm the species of Babesia and Theileria in crossbred cattle from the northern part of Bangladesh using conventional and molecular tools. Methods: A total of 385 crossbred cattle blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR. For molecular detection, B. bigemina rhoptry‐associated protein 1a, B. bovis spherical body protein‐4, and Theileria spp. 18S rRNA were used as the marker genes. Results: Using PCR, only 72 (18.7%) samples were found piroplasm positive, of which 12.2% Theileria, 4.7% Babesia, and 1.8% mixed infections. Both Babesia (7.3%), Theileria (7.7%) and mixed (2.8%) infections were detected in Sirajganj, and only Theileria (20.4%) was detected in Rangpur district. By PCR and nPCR we detected B. bigemina and T. annulata in Sirajganj district, and Theileria sp. in Rangpur district. The target gene sequences of isolated pathogens confirmed B. bigemina and T. annulata, and Theileria sp from these samples. Blood smears of all samples were also examined microscopically for Babesia and/or Theileria spp. and 14.3% of samples were found positive, of which 5.9% Babesia and 8.3% Theileria. Generally, the pathogens detected in Sirajgang and Rangpur were genetically related to South Asia, particularly South East Asian isolates. Conclusions: These findings provide information for a better understanding of the epidemiology of Babesia and Theileria as well as to improve the approaches for diagnosis and control of tick‐borne diseases in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horses play a significant role in the direct or indirect transmission of Salmonella to humans. Here, we report the draft genomes of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Mbandaka YAH-F68 isolated from foals in Kentucky, USA belonging to sequence type 413 and harboring the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr - 9.1 ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.