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To determine the diagnostic performance of computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting artificial meniscal, meniscotibial ligament (MTL) lesions and cruciate ligament (CL) lesions in horses.Ex vivo controlled laboratory study.Nineteen stifles from adult horses.Stablike defects (n = 84) (16 mm long, 10 mm deep) were created in the menisci (n = 35), CLs (n = 24), and MTLs (n = 25) via arthroscopy prior to MRI and CTA (80 mL contrast at 85 mg/mL per joint). Two radiologists, unaware of the lesions, reached a consensus regarding the presence of lesions, based on 2 reviews of each study. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI and CTA were determined using arthroscopy as a reference and compared with McNemar's tests.The sensitivity and specificity of MRI (41% and 86% respectively) and CTA (32% and 90% respectively) did not differ (P = .65). The sensitivity (MRI: 24%-50%; CTA:19%-40%) and specificity (MRI: 75%-92%; CTA 75%-100%) of imaging modalities did not differ when detecting lesions of the menisci, MTLs, and CLs (P = .1-1.0). The highest sensitivities were achieved when MTLs were evaluated with MRI (50%) and CLs with both modalities (40%).The diagnostic performance of CTA was comparable with that of MRI, with a low to moderate sensitivity and high specificity.Computed tomographic arthrography should be considered as an adjunct to diagnose CL injuries. This is important for equine clinicians, as the CL cannot be visualized adequately using basic imaging techniques preoperatively.

In the past 50 years, enormous progress has been made in the diagnosis, treatment and control of taeniid cestode infections/diseases and in the scientific understanding thereof. Most interest in this group of parasites stems from the serious diseases that they cause in humans. It is through this lens that we summarize here the most important breakthroughs that have made a difference to the treatment of human diseases caused by these parasites, reduction in transmission of the taeniid species associated with human disease, or understanding of the parasites’ biology likely to impact diagnosis or treatment in the foreseeable future. Key topics discussed are the introduction of anti-cestode drugs, including benzimidazoles and praziquantel, and the development of new imaging modalities that have transformed the diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring of human echinococcoses and neurocysticercosis. The availability of new anti-cestode drugs for use in dogs and a detailed understanding of the transmission dynamics of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato have underpinned successful programs that have eliminated cystic echinococcosis in some areas of the world and greatly reduced the incidence of infection in others. Despite these successes, cystic and alveolar echinococcosis and neurocysticercosis continue to be prevalent in many parts of the world, requiring new or renewed efforts to prevent the associated taeniid infections. Major advances made in the development of practical vaccines against E. granulosus and Taenia solium will hopefully assist in this endeavour, as might the understanding of the parasites’ biology that have come from an elucidation of the nuclear genomes of each of the most important taeniid species causing human diseases.

Investments in animal health and Veterinary Services can have a measurable impact on the health of people and the environment. These investments require a baseline metric that describes the burden of animal health and welfare in order to justify and prioritise resource allocation and from which to measure the impact of interventions. This paper is part of a process of scientific enquiry in which problems are identified and solutions sought in an inclusive way. It poses the broad question: what should a system to measure the animal disease burden on society look like and what value would it add? Moreover, it aims to do this in such a way as to be accessible by a wide audience, who are encouraged to engage in this debate. Given that farmed animals, including those raised by poor smallholders, are an economic entity, this system should be based on economic principles. These poor farmers are negatively impacted by disparities in animal health technology, which can be addressed through a mixture of supply-led and demand-driven interventions, reinforcing the relevance of targeted financial support from government and non-governmental organisations. The Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) Programme will glean existing data to measure animal health losses within carefully characterised production systems. Consistent and transparent attribution of animal health losses will enable meaningful comparisons of the animal disease burden to be made between diseases, production systems and countries, and will show how it is apportioned by people's socio-economic status and gender. The GBADs Programme will produce a cloud-based knowledge engine and data portal, through which users will access burden metrics and associated visualisations, support for decisionmaking in the form of future animal health scenarios, and the outputs of wider economic modelling. The vision of GBADs, strengthening the food system for the benefit of society and the environment, is an example of One Health thinking in action.

Porcine teschovirus (PTV), sapelovirus (PSV-A), and enterovirus (EV-G) are enteric viruses that can infect pigs and wild boars worldwide. The viruses have been associated with several diseases, primarily gastrointestinal, neurologic, reproductive, and respiratory disorders, but also with subclinical infections. However, for most serotypes, proof of a causal relationship between viral infection and clinical signs is still lacking. In Switzerland, there has been limited investigation of the occurrence of the 3 viruses. We used a modified multiplex reverse-transcription PCR protocol to study the distribution of the viruses in Swiss pigs by testing 363 fecal, brain, and placental or abortion samples from 282 healthy and diseased animals. We did not detect the 3 viruses in 94 placental or abortion samples or in 31 brain samples from healthy pigs. In brain tissue of 81 diseased pigs, we detected 5 PSV-A and 4 EV-G positive samples. In contrast, all 3 viruses were detected at high frequencies in fecal samples of both healthy and diseased pigs. In healthy animals, PTV was detected in 47%, PSV-A in 51%, and EV-G in 70% of the 76 samples; in diseased animals, frequencies in the 81 samples were 54%, 64%, and 68%, respectively. The viruses were detected more frequently in fecal samples from weaned and fattening pigs compared to suckling piglets and sows. Co-detections of all 3 viruses were the most common finding. Based on clinical and pathology data, statistical analysis yielded no evidence for an association of virus detection and disease. Further research is required to determine if pathogenicity is linked to specific serotypes of these viruses.

Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from (vertebrate) animals to humans. Control and prevention of these diseases require an appropriate way to measure health for prudent and well-balanced decisions in public health. We propose a framework that aims to explore, understand and open up a conversation about the non-monetary value of animals through environmental and normative ethics. As an example of its application, participants can choose what they are willing to give in exchange for curing an animal in hypothetical scenarios selecting a human health condition to suffer, the amount of money, and lifetime as a tradeoff. We believe that considering animals beyond their monetary value in public health decisions will contribute to a more rigorous assessment of the burden of zoonotic diseases, among other health decisions. This method might help us complement the existing metrics in health, adding more comprehensive values for animal and human health for the “One Health” approach.

Domestic cats are the most important definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, the agent of an important global zoonosis. Serial sera from cats orally inoculated either withT. gondii tissue cysts (n��=��3) or sporulated oocysts (n��=��3) and from 65 client-owned cats, plus sera from 1,757 client-owned cats presented to veterinarians in Switzerland were analysed for an antibody response to T. gondii by ELISA. Risk factors for seropositivity and prevalence were estimated with a generalised linear and beta regression model. The first model examined the association of an OD405 value as the dependent variable, with gender, age, and outside access as possible independent variables. In the second model, we first analysed the data assuming a bimodal distribution representing two overlapping distributions of OD405 values from positive and negative cats, enabling the assignment of a probability of true infection status to each cat. Mean probabilities of true infection status across groups represent an estimate of true prevalence. These probabilities were then regressed against age, gender and outside access. Antibody kinetics in cats orally inoculated with tissue cysts, shedding oocysts, did not differ significantly from those of cats inoculated with sporulated oocysts without detectable oocyst excretion, suggesting extraintestinal parasite invasion and exposure to tachyzoites in both situations at an early stage of infection. Analysis of serial serum samples suggested a persisting long-term humoral immune response. Of the client-owned cats, 42.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 40.1-44.6) had a positive true infection status. This was higher (56.3% (95% CI: 53.2-59.6)) in cats with outside access than in those without (22.1% (95% CI: 18.9-25.4)). In the first model, the factors age (P��

Assessing the total burden of diseases and other sources of low productivity and premature death in livestock requires a method for capturing the difference between current productivity and a theoretical ceiling within each production system. The animal health loss envelope meets this need.

This study observed the effects of three different surgical positions on arterial blood oxygenation measured noninvasively by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and on intraocular pressure (IOP) in anaesthetised cats undergoing spay. A total of 222 female feral cats were anaesthetised for a large-scale trap-neuter-return program with an intramuscular combination of medetomidine (0.03 - 0.05 mg/kg), ketamine (7 - 10 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg). Cats were randomly allocated to undergo spay in either Trendelenburg (70° downward head tilt), lateral or dorsal recumbency. SpO2 and pulse rate were measured at baseline, prior to surgical positioning, after one minute in surgical position and in one-minute intervals after surgical incision. Intraocular pressure was measured before positioning and at the end of surgery. At the end of surgery, all cats were placed into left lateral recumbency and all parameters were revaluated after five minutes. No significant differences between the three positions were found regarding SpO2, but an increase over time was observed. In total, 52 ± 10% (mean ± SD) of cats were hypoxaemic (SpO290%) at baseline. SpO2 improved over time, but 27 ± 3% (mean ± SD) of the cats remained hypoxaemic at the end of surgery. Trendelenburg position increased IOP during surgery (mean 31 ± 6 mmHg, individual max. 48 mmHg, versus 17 ± 4 mmHg in dorsal/lateral recumbency) but normalised after 5 mins in lateral recumbence. All cats recovered well from surgery and were released within 24 hours post-anaesthesia. Surgical position was shown to have no notable influence on SpO2 during anaesthesia in cats not receiving oxygen supplementation, whereas Trendelenburg position led to increased IOP. Oxygen supplementation is recommended with this anaesthetic protocol, as hypoxaemia is frequently observed.In dieser Studie wurden die Auswirkungen von drei verschiedene Positionen während der Kastration auf die arterielle Sauerstoffsättigung (SpO2) und den Augen­innendruck (IOD) untersucht. Insgesamt wurden 222 Kätzinnen mit einer intramuskulären Kombination aus Medetomidin (0,03 - 0,05 mg/kg), Ketamin (7 - 10 mg/kg) und Butorphanol (0,4 mg/kg) für ein Fang-, Kastrations- und Wiederfreilassungs- Programm anästhesiert. Die Katzen wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip ausgewählt, um entweder in der Trendelenburg Position (70° Abwärtsneigung des Kopfes), in Seitenlage (lateral) oder in Rückenlage (dorsal) kastriert zu werden. SpO2 und Pulsfrequenz wurden zu Beginn vor der chirurgischen Positionierung, nach einer Minute in der chirurgischen Position und in Intervallen von einer Minute nach der chirurgischen Inzision gemessen. Der IOD wurde vor der Positionierung und am Ende des chirurgischen Eingriffes gemessen. Nach der Kas­tration wurden alle Katzen in linke Seitenlage gebracht und alle Parameter nach fünf Minuten erneut gemessen. Für SpO2 konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den drei Positionen gemessen werden, doch konnte ein Anstieg im Laufe der Zeit beobachtet werden. Zu Studienbeginn wurde bei 52 ± 10% (Mittelwert ± SD) der Katzen eine Hypoxämie (SpO2.Dans cette étude, on a observé les effets de trois positions chirurgicales différentes sur l’oxygénation du sang artériel mesurée de manière non invasive par oxymétrie de pouls (SpO2) et sur la pression intraoculaire (PIO) chez des chattes anesthésiées subissant une stérilisation. Un total de 222 chattes sauvages ont été, dans le cadre d’un large programme de piégeage-castration-libération, anesthésiées avec une combinaison de médétomidine (0,03 à 0,05 mg/kg), de kétamine (7 à 10 mg/kg) et de butorphanol (0,4 mg/kg) par voie intramusculaire. Les chattes ont été réparties au hasard pour subir une stérilisation en Trendelenburg (inclinaison de la tête à 70 ° vers le bas), en décubitus latéral ou dorsal. La SpO2 et la fréquence du pouls ont été mesurées au départ, avant le positionnement chirurgical, après une minute en position chirurgicale et à des intervalles d’une minute après l’incision chirurgicale. La pression intraoculaire a été mesurée avant le positionnement et à la fin de la chirurgie. À la fin de la chirurgie, toutes les chattes ont été placées en décubitus latéral gauche et tous les paramètres ont été réévalués après cinq minutes. Aucune différence significative entre les trois positions n’a été constatée concernant la SpO2, mais une augmentation au fil du temps a été observée. Au total, 52 ± 10% (moyenne ± SD) des chattes étaient hypoxémiques (SpO2.Questo studio ha osservato gli effetti di tre diverse posizioni chirurgiche sull’ossigenazione del sangue arterioso misurata in modo non invasivo tramite pulsossimetria (SpO2) e sulla pressione intraoculare (IOP) nei gatti anestetizzati sottoposti a sterilizzazione. Un totale di 222 gatti selvatici femmine sono stati anestetizzati per un programma su larga scala trappola-neutro-ritorno con una combinazione intramuscolare di medetomidina (0,03 - 0,05 mg/kg), ketamina (7 - 10 mg/kg) e butorfanolo (0,4 mg/kg). I gatti sono stati randomizzati per essere sottoposti a sterilizzazione in posizione di Trendelenburg (70 ° di inclinazione della testa verso il basso), laterale o dorsale. La SpO2 e la frequenza del polso sono stati misurati al valore basale, prima del posizionamento chirurgico, dopo un minuto in posizione chirurgica e a intervalli di un minuto dopo l’incisione chirurgica. La pressione intraoculare è stata misurata prima del posizionamento e alla fine dell’intervento chirurgico. Alla fine dell’intervento, tutti i gatti sono stati posizionati sul decubito laterale sinistro e tutti i parametri sono stati rivalutati dopo cinque minuti. Non sono state riscontrate differenze significative tra le tre posizioni per quanto riguarda la SpO2, ma è stato osservato un aumento nel tempo. In totale, 52 ± 10% (media ± SD) gatti sono risultati ipossiemici (SpO290%) al valore basale. La SpO2 è migliorata nel tempo, ma 27 ± 3% (media ± SD) gatti sono rimasti ipossiemici alla fine dell’intervento. La posizione di Trendelenburg ha determinato un aumento dell’IOP durante l’intervento chirurgico (una media di 31 ± 6 mmHg, individuo max. 48 mmHg risp. 17 ± 4 mmHg in posizione dorsale/laterale) ma si è normalizzata dopo 5 minuti in posizione laterale. Tutti i gatti si sono ripresi bene dall’intervento e sono stati rilasciati entro 24 ore dopo l’anestesia. La posizione chirurgica ha dimostrato di non avere un’influenza notevole sulla SpO2 durante l’anestesia nei gatti che non ricevono un’integrazione di ossigeno, mentre la posizione di Trendelenburg ha portato a un incremento della IOP. L’integrazione di ossigeno è raccomandata con questo protocollo anestetico, poiché l’ipossiemia è stata spesso rilevata.

OBJECTIVE To describe outcome and complications after large intestinal trocarization in equids with colic and identify factors associated with nonsurvival and clinically relevant peritonitis (CRP). ANIMALS 228 (198 horses, 24 ponies, and 6 donkeys and mules) equids with colic that underwent large intestinal trocarization. PROCEDURES Medical records from 2004 through 2015 were reviewed for equids with colic that underwent large intestinal trocarization. Factors associated with nonsurvival in all (ie, surgically and medically treated) equids and with CRP in medically only treated equids were identified. Medically only treated equids with a high peritoneal fluid cell count (ie, > 10,000 cells/μL) after large intestinal trocarization were classified as having CRP if they met ≥ 2 of the following clinical criteria: anorexia, fever, lethargy, abnormal oral mucous membrane color, abnormal WBC count, or high blood fibrinogen concentration (> 5 g/L). RESULTS Transabdominal large intestinal trocarization was performed in 190 (83%) equids, transrectal trocarization in 17 (7%), and both procedures in 21 (9%). Of 228 equids, 167 (73%) survived to hospital discharge. None died or were euthanized because of complications from large intestinal trocarization. Nonsurvival was associated with an increasing number of trocarization procedures and diagnosis of a large intestinal strangulating lesion. A diagnosis of nephrosplenic ligament entrapment of the large colon decreased the odds of nonsurvival. Twelve of 60 (20%) equids that received medical treatment only had CRP following large intestinal trocarization. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Large intestinal trocarization could be considered for equids with colic and large intestinal gas distension. More than one trocarization procedure was associated with an increase in nonsurvival, which should be considered for equids for which consent for surgery has been obtained.

An increase in abundance and activity of N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) was previously reported for red blood cells (RBCs) of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Increased Ca2+uptake through the receptor supported dehydration and RBC damage. In a pilot phase IIa-b clinical trial MemSID, memantine, a blocker of NMDAR, was used for treatment of four patients for 12 months. Two more patients that have enrolled into the study did not finish it. One of them had psychotic event following the invol-untary overdose of the drug, whereas the other had vertigo and could not comply to the trial visits schedule. Acute and durable responses of RBCs of SCD patients to daily oral administration of memantine were monitored. Markers of RBC turnover, changes in cell density, and alterations in ion handling and RBC morphology were assessed. Acute transient shifts in intracellular Ca2+, volume and density, and reduction in plasma lactate dehydrogenate activity were observed already within the first month of treatment. Durable effects of memantine included (a) decrease in reticulocyte counts, (b) reduction in reticulocyte hemoglobinization, (c) advanced membrane maturation and its stabilization as follows from reduction in the number of NMDAR per cell and reduction in hemolysis, and (iv) rehydration and decrease in K+leakage from patients’ RBC. Memantine therapy resulted in reduction in number of cells with sickle morphology that was sustained at least over 2 months after therapy was stopped indicating an improvementin RBC longevity.

Pathological lesions of feet occur frequently in captive elephant populations. To improve foot health, it is important to identify risk factors associated with such pathologies. Several previous studies have analyzed potentially influencing factors but were limited, for example, by small sample sizes. This study analyzed the relationship between 87 independent variables and the foot health score of 204 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in European zoos using bivariate correlation, multivariable regression models, and principal component analysis (PCA). Correlation and regression tests revealed significant results for 30 different variables, mainly with small effect sizes. Only three variables were significant in more than one test: sex, time spent indoors, and time spent on hard ground, with lower scores (i.e. less or less severe pathological lesions) in females, and when less time is spent indoors or on hard ground. Due to small effect sizes and differing results of the statistical tests, it is difficult to determine which risk factors are most important. Instead, a holistic consideration appears more appropriate. A biplot of the PCA shows that factors representing more advanced husbandry conditions (e.g. large areas, high proportions of sand flooring) were associated with each other and with decreased foot scores, whereas indicators of more limited conditions (e.g. high proportions of hard ground, much time spent indoors) were also associated with each other but increased the foot score. In conclusion, instead of resulting from just one or two factors, reduced foot health might be an indicator of a generally poorer husbandry system.

Background Tube feeding is a common procedure in neonatology. In humans, tube misplacement reportedly occurs in up to 59% of all cases and may lead to perforation in 1.1% of preterm intubated neonates. While numerous studies on optimal tube placement have been performed in human neonates, current recommendations on tube feeding in canine and feline neonatology are based, at best, on studies performed in adult animals. Herein, we aimed to test ultrasonography as a tool to verify tube placement in puppies and kittens and to compare different anatomical predictive markers used in human, canine and feline neonates. Results The predictive tube length when held bent between the last rib and the mouth may induce trauma compared to when held straight. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between birthweight and gastric cardia localization. Ultrasonography findings were similar to coeliotomy findings. Stomach volume was less than 2 mL per 100 g in the less-than-one-day-old studied puppies (n = 25) and kittens (n = 28). Conclusions A weight-based equation was calculated to help predict appropriate tube placement. Ultrasonography can be used to control gastric tube placement, and neonates less than one-day-old have a smaller stomach capacity. Further studies are required to evaluate whether more-than-one-day-old puppies follow the same linear correlation with their weight. Further in vivo studies are warranted to determine the gold standard procedure for tube feeding in neonatal puppies and kittens.

Introduction Underestimation of zoonoses is exacerbated in low and middle-income countries due mainly to inequalities with serious consequences in healthcare. This is difficult to gauge and reduce the impact of those diseases. Our study focuses on Paraguay, where the livestock industry is one of the major components of the country’s economy. Therefore, the rationale of this study was to develop a case study in Paraguay to estimate the dual impact of zoonotic diseases on both the human health and animal health sector and thus determine the societal burden of such diseases. Methodology/Principal findings We conducted a systemic review (including a meta-analysis) to assess the burden of zoonoses in Paraguay, including official reports and grey literature of disease incidence and prevalence. We estimated the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and Zoonosis Disability Adjusted Life Years (zDALYs) to measure the difference between the current health status and the desired health situation of animals and the Paraguayan population based on 50 zoonotic diseases suggested by the WHO (World Health Organization), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) and the National Health in Paraguay. The total DALYs represent 19,384 (95% CI: from 15,805 to 29,733), and zDALYs, 62,178 (95% CI: from 48,696 to 77,188). According to the results, the priority pathogens for DALYs are E. coli, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania spp, and Toxoplasma gondii. When we include the additional animal health burden, the most important pathogens are Brucella spp, E. coli, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Fasciola hepatica for zDALYs. Conclusion/Significance This is the first study to integrate DALYs and zDALYs with important clues related to the health status of Paraguay. Through DALYs and zDALYs, our perspective becomes more complete because we consider not only human health but also animal health. This is important for setting priorities in disease control, especially in a society where livestock contribute significantly to the economy and to human well-being., Author summary Zoonotic diseases in man are more likely to occur where there is a close association between man and animals. The control of zoonotic diseases requires a “One Health” approach to reduce the risk of such transmission. This represents a challenge in low and middle-income countries, due to inequalities and limited resources, especially in healthcare. For that reason, we need to quantify the impact of zoonoses in those countries such as Paraguay, a major exporter of beef and agricultural products, so that disease control priorities can be set. Through a systematic review, we estimate the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and the Zoonosis Disability Adjusted Life Years (zDALYs) based on incidence and prevalence of zoonoses to find gaps between the real and the desired health status of both animals and humans in Paraguay. The zDALY ensures the total societal burden of disease, rather than just the direct human disease burden. We have through zDALYs a more equitable method for disease burden analysis that has a dual impact on human and animal health. Accordingly, we have found that those diseases with the highest zDALY are brucellosis, colibacillosis and Chagas disease.

Due to the widespread resistance of small ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) against anthelmintic drugs the established control strategies need to get adapted, aiming to reduce their high dependence from chemical drugs. Host-specific development of GIN can be used as a tool when grazing different species on the same pastures. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of mixed grazing with cattle on the development of GIN infections in goats. Goat flocks with 3 heifers (Group Mix; Visp: n = 12, Chur: n = 15) and without heifers (Group Solo; Visp: n = 7, Chur: n = 15) were grazed separately on pastures at altitudes of 910 m (location Chur) and 1240 m (location Visp) above sea level resp. during one grazing season each. The composition of the mixed groups aimed to achieve a similar intake of roughage of both species. The stocking rate and the availability of roughage in the solo groups was balanced proportionately according to the situation in the mixed groups. The individual GIN egg excretion, the composition of the GIN larvae in the faeces, the FAMACHA©-Score and the pasture contamination with infective GIN larvae was determined in monthly intervals. At both sites the goats in the mixed groups showed a significantly lower mean GIN egg excretion compared with those of the Solo groups (p .Die zunehmende Resistenz der Magen-Darm-Strongy­liden (MDS) kleiner Wiederkäuer gegenüber Anthelminthika erfordert eine Diversifikation der Kontrollstrategien mit dem Ziel, deren einseitige Abhängigkeit von chemischen Wirkstoffen zu reduzieren. Dabei kann auch die Wirtstier-spezifische Entwicklung der MDS genutzt werden, indem verschiedene Tierarten die gleichen Futterflächen beweiden. Das Ziel dieser Studie war die Quantifizierung der Wirkung eines gemischten Weidesystems gegenüber MDS bei Ziegen durch die Einbeziehung von Rindern. Auf Höhenlagen von 910 m ü. M (Versuch Chur) und 1240 m ü. M (Versuch Visp) wurden während jeweils einer Weideperiode Ziegen allein (Gruppe Solo; Visp: n = 7, Chur: n = 15) sowie in einer gemischten Gruppe mit jeweils 3 Rindern (Gruppe Mix; Visp: n = 12, Chur: n = 15) geweidet und monatlich untersucht. Die Zusammensetzung der gemischten Gruppen erfolgte in der Weise, dass beide Tierarten etwa den gleichen Raufutterverzehr aufwiesen. Der Tierbesatz und das Futterangebot in den Solo-Gruppen entsprachen anteilsmässig dem der Ziegen in den gemischten Gruppen. Die individuelle Eiausscheidung von MDS sowie die im Kot der Tiere präsenten MDS-Gattungen, der Anämiegrad (FAMACHA©-Score) und die Weidekontamination mit infektiösen MDS-Larven wurden in etwa monatlichen Intervallen untersucht. An beiden Versuchsorten zeigten die Gruppen Mix eine signifikant tiefere MDS-Eiausscheidung (p .En raison de la résistance généralisée des nématodes gastro-intestinaux (NGI) des petits ruminants aux médicaments anthelminthiques, les stratégies de contrôle établies doivent être adaptées, visant à réduire leur forte dépendance aux substances chimiques. Le développement des NGI spécifiques à leur hôte peut être exploité, en introduisant la présence de différentes espèces d’hôtes sur les mêmes pâturages. Le but de cette étude était d’estimer l’effet du pâturage mixte avec des bovins sur le développement d’infections à NGI chez les chèvres. Des troupeaux de chèvres avec 3 génisses (Groupe Mix : Viège : n = 12, Coire : n = 15) et sans génisses (Groupe Solo : Viège : n = 7, Coire : n = 15) ont été placés sur des pâturages à des altitudes de 910 m (Coire) et 1240 m (Viège) au-dessus du niveau de la mer pendant une saison de pâturage. La composition des groupes mixtes visait à obtenir une consommation similaire de fourrage des deux espèces. La densité animale et la disponibilité du fourrage dans les groupes solos étaient en proportion comparables aux groupes mixtes. L’excrétion individuelle d’oeufs de NGI, les variétés de genres de NGI dans les fèces, le taux d’anémie (score FAMACHA©) et la contamination des pâturages par des larves infectieuses de NGI ont été déterminés à intervalles mensuels. Sur les deux sites, les chèvres des groupes Mix ont montré une excrétion d’oeufs de NGI significativement inférieure par rapport à celle des groupes Solo (p .Alfine di ridurre la dipendenza dai vermifugi è necessaria una diversificazione delle strategie di controllo in modo da ridurre la crescente resistenza agli antielmintici negli strongili gastrointestinali (SGI) nei piccoli ruminanti. Lo sviluppo specifico degli SGI a dipendenza dell’animale ospite può anche essere sfruttata permettendo a diverse specie animali di utilizzare le stesse aree di pascolo. Lo scopo di questo studio era di quantificare l’effetto di un sistema di pascolo misto con bovini sulla presenza degli SGI nelle capre. A un’altitudine di 910 m (sito Coira) e 1240 m s. l. m. (sito Visp) un gruppo di capre fu lasciato a pascolare da solo (gruppo Solo; Visp: n = 7, Coira: n = 15) oppure in un gruppo misto di capre con 3 bovini (gruppo Mix; Visp: n = 12, Coira: n = 15) durante una stagione di pascolo. La composizione dei gruppi misti era tale da permettere a entrambe le specie un consumo simile di foraggio grezzo. L’occupazione dei pascoli e l’offerta di foraggio dei gruppi Solo corrispondeva proporzionalmente a quella delle capre nei gruppi Mix. L’escrezione individuale di uova di SGI così come i generi di SGI presenti nelle feci degli animali, il grado di anemia (punteggio FAMACHA©) e la contaminazione del pascolo con larve infettive di SGI furono esaminati a intervalli mensili. In entrambi i siti le capre dei gruppi Mix mostrarono un’escrezione media di uova di SGI significativamente inferiore (p .

Background Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis (CE and AE) are neglected tropical diseases caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and E. multilocularis, and are emerging zoonoses in Kyrgyzstan. In this country, the spatial distribution of CE and AE surgical incidence in 2014-2016 showed marked heterogeneity across communities, suggesting the presence of ecological determinants underlying CE and AE distributions. Methodology/Principal findings For this reason, in this study we assessed potential associations between community-level confirmed primary CE (no.=2359) or AE (no.=546) cases in 2014-2016 in Kyrgyzstan and environmental and climatic variables derived from satellite-remote sensing datasets using conditional autoregressive models. We also mapped CE and AE relative risk. The number of AE cases was negatively associated with 10-year lag mean annual temperature. Although this time lag should not be considered as an exact measurement but with associated uncertainty, it is consistent with the estimated 10–15-year latency following AE infection. No associations were detected for CE. We also identified several communities at risk for CE or AE where no disease cases were reported in the study period. Conclusions/Significance Our findings support the hypothesis that CE is linked to an anthropogenic cycle and is less affected by environmental risk factors compared to AE, which is believed to result from spillover from a wild life cycle. As CE was not affected by factors we investigated, hence control should not have a geographical focus. In contrast, AE risk areas identified in this study without reported AE cases should be targeted for active disease surveillance in humans. This active surveillance would confirm or exclude AE transmission which might not be reported with the present passive surveillance system. These areas should also be targeted for ecological investigations in the animal hosts., Author summary Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis (CE and AE) are parasitic zoonoses that cause a substantial disease burden in Kyrgyzstan. The etiologic agents of these diseases are parasites in the genus Echinococcus. These parasites have complex life cycles which include mammalian definitive and intermediate hosts and a free-living egg stage in the environment. Consequently, environmental and climatic factors can affect the prevalence and geographical distribution of these diseases because such factors influence the parasites’ eggs survival and longevity, and can affect suitable habitats for the intermediate and definitive hosts. In this geographic correlation study, we assessed environmental and climatic determinants of the spatial distributions of CE and AE in Kyrgyzstan. We found that 10-year lag annual temperature plays an important role in AE distribution, whilst none of the variables assessed was found to significantly affect that of CE. Moreover, communities at risk where these diseases are potentially under- or misdiagnosed were identified. Our findings provide vital information for targeted, area-specific interventions in Kyrgyzstan, and add to the body of knowledge on the ecology of these neglected parasitic diseases that are emerging and reemerging in several regions in North America, Europe and Asia.

This study identified helminth species of wild boar (Sus scrofa) originating from northeastern and northwestern regions of Tunisia using 297 lungs, 297 livers, 264 intestinal tracts, 120 samples of muscle tissue (tongue, masseter, diaphragm, inter-costal) and 232 faecal samples derived from a total of 591 animals. Host gender was registered for the lung and liver wild boar group, which included 163 males and 134 females. All animals, excluding those used to retrieve muscular samples, were classified into three age classes, n= 212), 2–3 (n= 208) and ⩾4 years old (n= 141). Helminth fauna of the examined wild boar included 14 parasite species: one trematode (adult,Brachylaemus suis), three cestodes (metacestodes ofEchinococcus granulosus,Taenia hydatigenacysticercus, adult,Hymenolepis diminuta), nine nematodes (adults ofMetastrongylus apri,Metastrongylus pudendotectus,Ascarops strongylina,Globocephalus urosubulatus,Physocephalus sexalatus,Gnathostoma hispidum,Gongylonema pulchrumand eggs ofStrongyloides ransoniandCapillariaspp.) and one acanthocephalan (adult,Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus).Trichinellalarvae were not recovered from any of the 30 wild boar examined. Results showed a 73.5% global prevalence of infection with visceral helminths, 67.3% of which were lung and hepatic infections and 80.3% of helminths were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract. The most prevalent parasite wasM. hirudinaceus(61.7%) while the highest intensity of infection was observed forMetastrongylusspp. The most prevalent cestode wasE. granulosus(18.9%). This is the first detailed study on helminth infections of wild boar from a North African country.

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease considered as an emerging and re-emerging disease with a resulting threat of public health and animal health. Official reports document an animal incidence in Kazakhstan of about 0.6% per year, and the country still registers high number of human cases annually . The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the distribution and economic impact of brucellosis in Kazakhstan. We analysed human disease incidence data obtained from the Government Sanitary & Epidemiological Service with the aim to estimate the burden of disease in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). We also estimated the economic impact in terms of monetary losses. Additionally, we mapped the geographical distribution of the disease throughout Kazakhstan. In total, 1,334 human cases of brucellosis were registered in 2015 in Kazakhstan that resulted in 713 DALYs. Around US Dollar 21 million was spent on compensation for animals that had to be slaughtered due to brucellosis, and an additional US Dollar 24 million was spent on testing animals. Animal brucellosis and human brucellosis occur throughout the whole country, some trends of which are reviewed in this paper. We estimated the burden of the disease and explored possible explanation for high human incidence rates. This paper is the first to estimate the human burden of disease and the economic costs in Kazakhstan. Both of these are substantial.

In the present study, the incidence of diseases in cattle in the area of a veterinary practice was analyzed spatially. Furthermore, the relationship between the incidence of diseases and the distance to geographical elements was investigated. For this study, all cattle farms that were customers of the ambulatory clinic of the animal hospital in Zurich (Tierspital Zürich) were exactly localized on a map. From clinical and treatment data program (Oblon Data®) all services and drugs between January 1st 2013 and December 31st 2013 were evaluated and added as attributes to the according farm. Along with the data of the animals kept on the respective farm, the relationship between prevalences and geographical elements was analyzed. Using these data, it was possible to define fifteen diseases of which incidences were spatially analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS). The results indicate that also on the level of a veterinary practice there are spatial differences in the incidence of diseases to find. However, the majority of diseases occur mainly in regions where the density of animals is also very high. As in earlier findings, this suggests that the size, the management and the proximity of a farm to the next farm (density) have a strong impact. A connection could be found between the distance to the geographical elements street, water and forest and the incidences of gastrointestinal parasitosis, claw disorders, reproduction disorders and cryptosporidiosis.In der vorliegenden Studie wurde eine spatiale Analyse bezüglich dem Auftreten von Krankheiten beim Rind auf dem Niveau Praxisgebiet durchgeführt und der Zusammenhang zwischen dem Auftreten der Krankheiten und geographischen Elementen untersucht. Dafür wurden alle Rinderbetriebe, die Kunden der ambulatorischen Abteilung des Tierspitals Zürich waren, in einer Karte genau lokalisiert. Jedem Betrieb wurden die im Jahr 2013 verrechneten Leistungen und Medikamente zugeordnet und anhand dieser 15 Krankheiten definiert, deren Auftreten mittels eines geographischen Informationssystems (GIS) spatial analysiert wurden. Es zeigte sich, dass auch auf Praxisebene räumliche Unterschiede im Auftreten von Krankheiten zu finden sind. Ein Grossteil der Krankheiten trat jedoch am häufigsten dort auf, wo die Tierdichte auch am höchsten war. Daraus folgt, wie auch schon in früheren Arbeiten belegt, dass die Betriebsgrösse, Betriebsstruktur und Nähe zu einem weiteren Grossbetrieb (Dichte) einen starken Einfluss auf das Auftreten der Krankheiten ­haben. Es konnte ein Zusammenhang zwischen der ­Distanz zu den geographischen Elementen Strasse, ­Gewässer und Wald beim Auftreten von Magen-Darm- Parasitosen, Fremdkörpererkrankungen, Klauenerkrankungen. Reproduktionsproblemen und Kryptosporidiose hergestellt werden.Dans la présente étude, l’incidence des maladies chez les bovins à l’intérieur d’une clientèle rurale a été analysée spatialement. En outre, la relation entre l›incidence des maladies et les éléments géographiques a été étudiée. Pour cette étude, toutes les exploitations d’élevage clientes de la clinique ambulatoire de l’hôpital vétérinaire de Zurich (Tierspital Zürich) ont été exactement localisées sur une carte. Toutes les interventions facturées et les médicaments prescrits entre le 1er janvier 2013 et le 31 décembre 2013 ont été évalués et liés en tant qu’attributs à chaque exploitation. À l’aide de ces données, il a été possible de définir quinze maladies dont les incidences ont été analysées spatialement à l’aide d’un système d’information géographique (SIG). Les résultats indiquent que, également au niveau de la pratique vétérinaire, il existe des différences spatiales dans l’incidence des maladies. Cependant, la plupart des maladies surviennent principalement dans des régions où la densité animale est également très élevée. Comme dans les conclusions précédentes, cela suggère que la taille, la gestion et la proximité d’une exploitation à l’autre (densité) ont un impact important. Un lien pourrait être trouvé entre la distance aux éléments géographiques route, cours d’eau et forêts et les incidences de parasitoses gastro-intestinales, de corps étrangers, de pathologie des onglons, de troubles de la reproduction et de cryptosporidiose.Nel presente studio, è stata effettuata un’analisi spaziale dell’insorgenza di malattie nei bovini nell’area di attività di una prassi veterinaria. Inoltre, è stata studiata la relazione tra l’insorgenza delle malattie e gli elementi geografici. Per questo studio, tutti gli allevamenti bovini che erano clienti dell’ambulatorio dell’ospedale veterinario di Zurigo (Tierspital Zürich) sono stati localizzati con precisione su una mappa. Le prestazioni e i medicinali fatturati nel 2013 sono messi in ordine a seconda del­l’azienda e definiti sulla base di 15 malattie la cui insorgenza è stata analizzata spazialmente mediante un sistema di informazione geografica (GIS). Si è riscontrato che le differenze spaziali nell’insorgenza di malattie possono essere trovate anche a livello della prassi. Tuttavia, la maggior parte delle malattie si è manifestata più frequentemente dove la densità degli animali era più alta. Come è stato dimostrato già in studi precedenti, le dimensioni dell’azienda, la sua struttura e la sua vicinanza ad un’altra grande azienda (densità) hanno una forte influenza sull’insorgenza delle malattie. Inoltre ci potrebbe essere una relazione tra la distanza degli elementi geografici come la strada, le acque e la foresta in caso di parassitosi gastrointestinale, sintomi con corpo estraneo, malattia degli zoccoli. problemi riproduttivi e criptosporidiosi.

Canids, particularly dogs, constitute the major source of cystic echinococcosis (CE) infection to humans, with the majority of cases being caused byEchinococcus granulosus(G1 genotype). Canine echinococcosis is an asymptomatic disease caused by adult tapeworms ofE. granulosussensu lato (s.l.). Information on the population structure and genetic variation of adultE. granulosusis limited. Using sequenced data of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) we examined the genetic diversity and population structure of adult tapeworms ofE. granulosus(G1 genotype) from canid definitive hosts originating from various geographical regions and compared it to that reported for the larval metacestode stage from sheep and human hosts.Echinococcus granulosus(s.s) was identified from adult tapeworm isolates from Kenya, Libya, Tunisia, Australia, China, Kazakhstan, United Kingdom and Peru, including the first known molecular confirmation from Gaza and the Falkland Islands. Haplotype analysis showed a star-shaped network with a centrally positioned common haplotype previously described for the metacestode stage from sheep and humans, and the neutrality indices indicated population expansion. Low Fst values suggested that populations of adultE. granulosuswere not genetically differentiated. Haplotype and nucleotide diversities forE. granulosusisolates from sheep and human origin were twice as high as those reported from canid hosts. This may be related to self-fertilization ofE. granulosusand/or to the longevity of the parasite in the respective intermediate and definitive hosts. Improved nuclear single loci are required to investigate the discrepancies in genetic variation seen in this study.

The northern section of the Caspian Sea and lower reaches of the Zhaiyk (Ural) River is an important fishery for Kazakhstan. In the present study, a total of 1597 individuals of ten fish species were analysed. The fish were caught over three years, from 2018 to 2020. For each species studied – Abramis brama, Alosa saposchnikowii, Atherina boyeri caspia, Carassius gibelio, Chelon auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Leuciscus aspius, Rutilus caspius, Sander marinus and Sander volgensis – between 100 and 200 individuals were examined. A series of generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to examine the association between individual parasite intensity of infection and the Fulton index, age, year the fish was captured, where the fish was captured (northern Caspian or Zhaiyk River) and sex. For each GLM, the best-fitting probability distribution was used –either Poisson, zero-inflated Poisson, negative binomial or zero-inflated negative binomial. For some fish/parasite species, an increased Fulton index was associated with higher intensities of parasite infection, whilst, for others, the Fulton index decreased with the intensity of parasite infection. This was also true of age-related intensity of infection, with some parasites having an increased intensity of infection with age whilst others had a decreased intensity of infection with age. There was also some evidence of variation in intensity of parasite infection between different years when the fish were caught. For some species of fish that are endemic to both the fresh waters of the Zhaiyk River and the low-saline waters of the northern Caspian, there were variations in intensity of parasite infection between the two environments. The best-fitting probability distribution also gave some information about the dynamics of infection. No fish species had a Poisson distribution of parasites, which is consistent with an entirely random infection process, with all fish being potentially exposed. For some parasites, the distribution was a zero-inflated Poisson, which is consistent with either the fish being exposed to parasite infection or not; and, if exposed, infection was a random process. Other parasites had a negative binomial distribution, consistent with the entire fish population being exposed, but the infection process was clumped or there were variations in the susceptibility of infection between fish. Finally, some of the parasites had a zero-inflated negative binomial distribution, which can be interpreted as part of the fish population not being exposed and the remainder of the population being exposed to a clumped or aggregated infection process and/or a variation in individual susceptibility to infection.

Feeding low dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) diets is one strategy to prevent milk fever in cows. The mechanism of action, as well as whether the calcium (Ca) supply of such diets combined with this feeding regimen should meet the requirements, is still unclear. Small ruminants are commonly used as models for cows. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate basic effects of DCAD against a background of different Ca supplies in a sheep model. Twenty-three castrated male East Friesian milk sheep, aged 11 to 12 mo, were randomly assigned to 4 different feeding groups. The ration of each group was either high (highDCAD) or low in DCAD (lowDCAD) combined with adequate (nCa) or restricted Ca supply (lowCa). At baseline, serum and urine were collected from all sheep and a peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the left metatarsus was performed. After a 14-d adaptation period to the different diets, the experiment started (d 0). Urine, feces, and serum were collected on d 0, 4, 7, 14, and 22, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography was performed on d 0 and 22. On d 22, the sheep were killed and sampled for functional studies. LowDCAD was significantly associated with lower urine pH, higher urinary Ca excretion, higher ionized Ca in blood, and higher serum Ca concentrations. Blood pH and bone parameters did not differ significantly between groups. It is unclear from which compartment the high amounts of Ca excreted with urine in the lowDCAD groups originated. Interestingly, lowDCAD resulted in higher renal mRNA abundance of parathyroid hormone receptor but unaffected mRNA abundance of Ca transporters. As neither renal abundance of these transporters nor Ca excretion were influenced by dietary Ca supply, our results support the hypothesis that increased urinary Ca observed with low DCAD diets represents a loss rather than an excretion of surplus Ca.