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Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) has recently been detected in pigs worldwide, with similar clinical manifestations to porcine circovirus‐associated disease (PCVAD) from porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection. Here, we report the identification and molecular epidemiology of PCV3 in swine in Thailand from clinical samples retrieved from 2006 to 2017. The epidemiological data revealed co‐infection with PCV2, PRRSV, and PCV2/PRRSV was common in our samples. Circulating PCV3 from this study shared a high similarity of nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the partial capsid gene (96.7%–100% and 96.7%–100% respectively), indicated the genetic stability of PCV3 in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis based on the capsid gene revealed scatter clustering with current PCV3 having no relation to the geographical origin of the virus strains. In this retrospective study, results have demonstrated that PCV3 has spread extensively within Thai swine from as early as 2006 and may also be involved in PRDC and PCVAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We presented the powerful techniques for species identification using the short amplicon of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence. Two faecal samples and one single hair sample of the Asian tapir were tested using the new cytochrome b primers. The results showed a high sequence similarity with the mainland Asian tapir group. The comparative sequence analysis of the reserved wild mammals in Thailand and the other endangered mammal species from Southeast Asia comprehensibly verified the potential of our novel primers. The forward and reverse primers were 94.2 and 93.2%, respectively, by the average value of the sequence identity among 77 species sequences, and the overall mean distance was 35.9%. This development technique could provide rapid, simple, and reliable tools for species confirmation. Especially, it could recognize the problematic biological specimens contained less DNA material from illegal products and assist with wildlife crime investigation of threatened species and related forensic casework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian tapir (Tapirus indicus) has been classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2008). Genetic diversity data provide important information for the management of captive breeding and conservation of this species. We analyzed mitochondrial control region (CR) sequences from 37 captive Asian tapirs in Thailand. Multiple alignments of the full-length CR sequences sized 1268 bp comprised three domains as described in other mammal species. Analysis of 16 parsimony-informative variable sites revealed 11 haplotypes. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis using median-joining network clearly showed three clades correlated with our earlier cytochromebgene study in this endangered species. The repetitive motif is located between first and second conserved sequence blocks, similar to the Brazilian tapir. The highest polymorphic site was located in the extended termination associated sequences domain. The results could be applied for future genetic management based in captivity and wild that shows stable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 45-year-old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) was presented with urinary incontinence and solid masses at the perineal area. Vaginoscopy revealed stricture of the vaginal vestibule. Trans skin and rectal ultrasonography demonstrated presence of hyperechogenic uroliths. Episiotomy and urethrotomy were performed after standing sedation with xylazine and perineal infiltration with lidocaine. Total of 8 kg urethral calculi were retrieved manually. Calcium carbonate was identified as the main component of the stones. Due to acute urinary obstruction after the operation, an episiotomy was left open allowing urine to pass through the incision. Following urine scalding, necrotic tissues were detected along the tracts below the incision wound through umbilicus. Daily wound cleaning and antibiotics treatment for one month were performed. The episiotomy wound was left to heal by secondary intention and led to a 2 cm stricture. The healing process completed in 5 months post-operatively. The elephant can urinate via normal tract in 8 months after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease that causes illness and death in poultry and humans. High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) H5N6 outbreaks commonly occur in Quang Ninh province bordering China. In June 2021, the first HPAI H5N8 outbreak occurred at a Quang Ninh chicken farm., Objectives: This study examined the risk factors associated with HPAI H5N6 and H5N8 outbreaks in Quang Ninh., Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted in Quang Ninh from Nov 2021 to Jan 2022. The cases were households with susceptible poultry with two or more clinical signs and tested positive by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The controls were households in the same village as the cases but did not show clinical symptoms of the disease. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess the risk factors associated with HPAI outbreaks at the household level., Results: There were 38 cases with H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4h viruses (n = 35) and H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (n = 3). Compared to the 112 controls, raising poultry in uncovered or partially covered ponds (odds ratio [OR], 7.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-39.27), poultry traders visiting the farm (OR, 8.66; 95% CI, 2.7-27.69), farms with 50-2,000 birds (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.06-8-51), and farms with ≥ 2,000 birds (OR, 11.35; 95% CI, 3.07-41.94) were significantly associated with HPAI outbreaks., Conclusions: Combining biosecurity measures, such as restricting visitor entry and vaccination in farms with more than 50 birds, can enhance the control and prevention of HPAI in Quang Ninh and its spread across borders., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.)

PCR amplification of the nearly full-length of virulence flagellin gene (flaB) was employed for rapid identification of Leptospira spp and of Leptospira-specific 16S rDNA (rrs) for differentiation from other bacteria. This approach distinguished pathogenic from non-pathogenic Leptospira strains, and the generation of restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles using a combination of restriction endonucleases allowed identification of pathogenic Leptospira species. PCR-based identification of Leptospira flaB provides an accurate and rapid tool for identification of leptospires and can be used as a means for rapidly identifying animal reservoirs responsible for leptospirosis outbreaks. Furthermore, these techniques could be applied to clinical diagnosis without the need for leptospiral isolation.