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Introduction: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Day 1 Competencies for Graduating Veterinarians provide a standard framework to guide Veterinary Educational Establishments (VEEs) in improving their veterinary public health and population medicine curricula. However, pursuing a curriculum revision to incorporate these standards may be daunting, especially for institutions with limited resources or experience. This manuscript describes a methodology for targeted curriculum revision specifically focused on the WOAH Day 1 Competencies. Phases of the AID-1 process: The Assessment and Implementation of WOAH Day 1 Competencies (AID-1C) is a six-step, cyclical, collaborative methodology that encompasses a series of tools and processes that help a VEE to evaluate their curriculum, identify and prioritize gaps, and develop and implement an action plan based on the results. The six phases of the AID-1C process include: (1) Assessment of the proficiency of the VEE's graduates in Day 1 Competencies using a structured Evaluation Tool; (2) A systematic curricular review and evaluation; (3) Identification and prioritization of interventions through a group problem-solving and prioritization exercise called Focus Forward; (4) Design and development of interventions to address identified gaps; (5) Curricular implementation; and (6) Monitoring and evaluation. The AID-1C methodology relies upon active involvement of senior students, recent graduates, faculty, instructional staff, and employers throughout the process. Conclusion: The AID-1C methodology provides a systematic, participatory, collaborative approach that simplifies the planning and execution of the curricular revision, making a complex process more manageable. This enables VEEs to improve their curricula, while moving toward harmonization with WOAH standards. The result is a curriculum that allows a VEE to train well-rounded and competent veterinarians, with the requisite skills to support the veterinary services in their country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most devastating illnesses in the chicken industry. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) requires notification of ND as soon as it is discovered due to its enormous economic impact and the potential for rapid spread to naive birds in the region. This is attributed to ND's tremendous socioeconomic value and its propensity to spread quickly to naive birds in the surrounding area. ND vaccinations have stood the test of time when it comes to disease prevention and control, having established a proven track record for 60 years. Even though these vaccinations protect against replication and infection to some degree, most of the highly pathogenic and phylogenetically different NDV isolates that are now going around can't be stopped. To overcome these problems with immunisation, it's essential to use 'genotype-matched vaccines', or vaccines that are made to target the most common genotypes (genotype VII and genotype XIII). Reverse genetic vaccines are the most promising new way to make vaccines that match a person's genotype. There was no ambiguity in this observation. This study examines the target virus proteins and the safety of new vaccines for Newcastle disease (NDV). Researchers evaluate global strategies to ensure safe, effective, and easy-to-control vaccines. They consider established practices and new trends to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of different vaccine strategies. The study aims to make informed decisions about the most suitable approach for developing safe, effective, and easy-to-control NDV vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma infection of the respiratory tract of goats is prevalent worldwide including the South Asian sub-continent. Owing to intensive and large scale goat farming, the incidence of the disease is on an increase. Among various species of mycoplasma, Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies Capri pneumoniae is increasingly incriminated in Contagious Caprine Pleurapneumonia (CCPP) in goat populations with considerable economic fallout in the form of high morbidity and mortality. The disease manifestations in caprines are recorded as anorexia, high febrile reaction and respiratory embarrassment in the shape of clinical dyspnoea, polypnea, paroxysmal cough and sero-purulent nasal discharges. The disease is thus contracted by the healthy animals through aerosol, contaminated feed and water sources in the herd premises, without a protective immunity and that the conferred immunity in recovered cases being short-lived. The true lesions of CCPP are confined to the lung alveolar tissues of infected goats, which distinguish it from other respiratory diseases of small ruminants caused by the members of the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. Atypical pneumonia caused by the mycoplasma infection of goats, also known as Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) has been more often reported from Africa and Asia than Europe. Classical, acute CCPP attributed to Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. Capri pneumoniae, originally known asthe F38 biotype (World Organisation for Animal Health, 2008) causes heavy kid mortality. Two other organisms in this group, M. mycoides subsp. capri and M. mycoides subsp. mycoides large-colony type, can cause disease in small ruminants that clinico-pathologically mimics CCPP but may have extra pulmonary signs and lesions, sometimes. Mycoplasma Capri pneumoniae and other members of the M. mycoides cluster cross-react in serological tests and share biochemical and genetic similarities. The most favourable epidemiological scenario in the Sub-continent is the hot humid climate during monsoons. The diversity and multi-etiological subspecies involved in the disease is detrimental in the development of an effective vaccine even though in some places a liquid vaccine is presently in use. At other places, anti-mycoplasmal antibiotics of aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone and perhaps the macrolide groups remain to be the main option in preventing flock mortalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: International organizations now actively promote and implement One Health collaborative approaches to prevent, detect, and control diseases in humans and animals, recognizing the critical importance of the veterinary and agricultural sectors. Moreover, Veterinary Services are chronically underresourced, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Given the importance of National Veterinary Services to food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and global health security, strengthening veterinary capacity is a priority for the international community. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) outlines a set of minimum competencies veterinarians need to support National Veterinary Services effectively. To improve the quality of veterinary education, Ethiopia has developed a new 2020 national curriculum that is harmonized with the WOAH competencies. Methods: A mixed methods needs assessment was conducted to identify barriers and challenges that Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs have faced in implementing the new WOAH-harmonized national curriculum. Representatives from active veterinary programs granting a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree were invited to share their experiences via an online survey and follow-up focus group discussion. Results: Fourteen veterinary programs, representing 93% of eligible programs nationwide, participated in the needs assessment. Quantitative analysis indicated that the most difficult topics associated with the new curriculum included Organization of Veterinary Services (Competency 3.1), Inspection and Certification Procedures (3.2), and practical applications of the regulatory framework for disease prevention and control (multiple competencies). Challenges associated with specific instructional methodologies, particularly the facilitation of off-site (private and public sector) student training, were also perceived as barriers to implementation. Focus group discussions elucidated reasons for these challenges and included limitations in faculty expertise, resource constraints (e.g., supplies, infrastructure), and access to off-site facilities for hands-on teaching. Conclusion: The results of this needs assessment will be used to identify and prioritize solutions to implementation challenges, helping Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs move the new WOAH-harmonized curriculum from theory to practice. As veterinarians are integral partners in advancing One Health, strengthening the capacity of Veterinary Services can ultimately safeguard animal and human health, grow economies, and improve lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse zoonotic transmission events of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been described since the start of the pandemic, and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) designated the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in animals a reportable disease. Eighteen domestic and zoo animals in Great Britain and Jersey were tested by APHA for SARS-CoV-2 during 2020–2023. One domestic cat (Felis catus), three domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and three Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) from a zoo were confirmed positive during 2020–2021 and reported to the WOAH. All seven positive animals were linked with known SARS-CoV-2 positive human contacts. Characterisation of the SARS-CoV-2 variants by genome sequencing indicated that the cat was infected with an early SARS-CoV-2 lineage. The three dogs and three tigers were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant of concern (B.1.617.2). The role of non-human species in the onward transmission and emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 remain poorly defined. Continued surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in relevant domestic and captive animal species with high levels of human contact is important to monitor transmission at the human−animal interface and to assess their role as potential animal reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global and national authorities have not historically approached animal health emergencies through a gendered lens. Yet these events almost certainly have gendered dimensions, such as differential engagement of women or men depending on their culturally accepted or assigned roles for animal care: risk of exposure to zoonoses; and access to emergency resources during response and recovery. Despite the role that gender seems to play with respect to animal health emergencies, little research has been conducted to better understand such dynamics, and little policy has been promulgated to address it in a way that optimizes response while ensuring equitableoutcomes. This piece summarizes 3 key themes that emerged from a panel discussion on gender and animal health emergencies at the World Organisation for Animal Health Global Conference on Emergency Management in April 2023. These themes were differential gendered exposure to pathogens; a lack of equitable gender representation in animal health decision-making; and enhancement of pathways for recognizing gender in national and international actions in preparing for, detecting, and responding to animal health emergencies. Beyond increasing opportunities for women to engage in leadership, the animal health and veterinary communities will benefit from connecting practitioners with gender experts to develop more integrative approaches to emergency preparedness and management. Animal health professionals should also advocate for further research to elucidate gender-specific dynamics in human populations in the context of animal emergencies and the promulgation of evidence-based policies. Such transformative efforts will lead to better outcomes for all people who depend on and provide care for animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in the global surveillance and management of pathogens. Since the creation of WOAH, one of its missions has been to ensure transparency of the global animal health situation. WOAH established a Working Group on Wildlife in 1994 to inform and advise WOAH Members, leadership, and technical teams on issues relating to wildlife health. In 2020 it conducted a consultation with its Members before developing a Wildlife Health Framework to improve global health and wildlife conservation. WOAH Members report diseases in wildlife, but detections are dependent on the surveillance systems in place. As an example of data collected in the most recent years (2019--2023), 154 countries have reported 68,862,973 cases, through alert messages and weekly updates, for 84 diseases. One-hundred and fifty countries have reported 68,672,115 cases in domestic animals and 95 countries have reported 190,858 cases in wild animals. These figures illustrate the performance of the organization in collecting data on wildlife, and provide an indication of the difference in completeness of data collected in domestic animals and wildlife. There are several challenges to wildlife disease surveillance and real figures remain unknown; they depend on the existence, quality and sensitivity of national surveillance. A WOAH-led One Health approach with cross-sectoral collaboration is needed to improve surveillance sensitivity, address the challenges and help safeguard wildlife population health and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A One Health approach has been key to monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, as human and veterinary medical professionals jointly met the demands for an extraordinary testing effort for SARS-CoV-2. Veterinary diagnostic laboratories continue to monitor SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals, furthering the understanding of zoonotic transmission dynamics between humans and animals. A RT-PCR assay is a primary animal screening tool established within validation and verification guidelines provided by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, differences in sample matrices, RNA extraction methods, instrument platforms, gene targets, and cutoff values may affect test outcomes. Therefore, targeted validation for a new sample matrix used in any PCR assay is critical. We evaluated a COVID-19 assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in feline and canine lung homogenates and oral swab samples. We used the commercial Applied Biosystems MagMAX Viral/Pathogen II (MVP II) nucleic acid isolation kit and TaqPath COVID-19 Combo kit, which are validated for a variety of human samples, including nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples. Our masked test showed a high detection rate and no false-positive or false-negative results, supporting sample extension to include feline oral swab samples. Our study is a prime example of One Health, illustrating how a COVID-19 assay designed for human testing can be adapted and used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in oral swab samples from cats and likely dogs, but not lung homogenates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carp oedema virus (CEV) is a relatively understudied poxvirus. It exhibits an affinity for gill and skin epithelial cells. Investigations were conducted into selected aspects of CEV biology, with a focus on determining cell and tissue tropism of CEV, acquiring gene sequences and updating CEV tests in fish tissues. A total of 238 common carp tissue samples from nine aquaculture farms were analysed. The study evaluated the efficacy of intermediate detection of CEV by real-time PCR and in situ hybridisation. The genes encoding protein P4a were sequenced, analysed and aligned in a phylogenetic tree using a molecular evolution model. In situ hybridisation revealed the necessity to validate the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science protocols for sampling for CEV detection and to use the tissues for which the virus has the highest tropism, namely the skin and kidneys, rather than solely the gills. The level of genetic variability was determined, and it was shown that CEV mutates systematically. The creation of two distinct phylogenetic clades confirms certain strains' description as Polish isolates. Determining the localisation of CEV genetic material in organs and tissues is pivotal for shaping the World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines. The utility of molecular diagnostics has been demonstrated in the skin and kidney of carp, in addition to the gills, impelling their inclusion in diagnostic protocols. The clusters identified in the phylogenetic tree offer valuable insights for developing the current PCR primers. The prevalence of CEV infection in aquaculture, juxtaposed with its notably lower detection in wild fish, underscores the significance of mandatory molecular diagnostic testing for CEV in carp farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious disease of wild boar and domestic pigs notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health due to its high socio-economic impact. ASF is caused by the complex ASF virus (ASFV), and it can present different clinical manifestations that can be confused with other diseases; for this reason, laboratory testing is necessary for the proper diagnosis of clinically suspected animals. Despite the efforts put into it over decades, no treatment or safe vaccine is globally available, and disease control is based on early diagnosis and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures. In this context, rapid tests have the potential to accelerate and facilitate the identification of infected animals by giving fast on-site results. In this work, we improved the available point-of-care assays for the diagnosis of the disease by the development of a more specific antigen test and a more sensitive antibody test. This antibody detection test allowed for the earlier detection of infected animals than two commercial indirect ELISAs (statistically significant). Moreover, we developed a combined dual rapid test, unifying, in the same cassette, an antigen detection strip and an antibody detection strip. In this study, we confirmed that this combo approach is a useful tool for implementing rapid tests in the field since it increases the percentage of positive samples detected, even when PCR turns negative, while maintaining a good specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its high mortality rate, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a notifiable animal illness designated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), has caused enormous financial losses to the poultry sector. The H5 subtype of avian influenza virus (H5-AIV) is regarded as the most common highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) that threatens public health and safety. Virus isolation and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) are usually used to detect H5- AIV and are important for the timely diagnosis and control of H5-AIV. However, these methods are time-consuming and require a significant amount of effort. In this study, we established a recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) combined with CRISPR-Cas13a and lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assay for the detection of H5- AIV. The results showed that the process can be completed within 40 min at 37°C. The method had a detection limit of 0.1 copy/μL, which was comparable to the RT-qPCR. There was no cross-reactivity with H3-AIV, H7-AIV, H9-AIV, H10- AIV, IBV, NDV, RVA and DAstV. The kappa value of RT-RAA-Cas13a-LFD and RTqPCR in 380 clinical samples was 0.89 (κ>0.75). In conclusion, we established a convenient, efficient and accurate method to detect H5-AIV, and the results can be visualized and interpreted using LFD, which can be adapted to the needs of grassroots laboratories and field-deployable assays. This approach provides a new perspective for clinical H5-AIV diagnosis and has great potential for application in clinical quarantine of the poultry farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural, accidental, or deliberate release of pathogens into livestock populations carries with it a range of consequences for society, from zoonotic disease outbreaks, to changes in food security and economic welfare. An important contribution to mitigating the risk of disease outbreaks comes from having well-prepared emergency response plans and agencies with the capacity to put those plans into operation. In the case of animal disease, national Veterinary Services (VS) take a central role. Unknown and uncertain events, such as if, when and where the next disease outbreak will occur makes economic decision-making a challenge. While the costs of preparing for emergencies can be quantified in a conventional manner, the scope, scale, and likelihood of benefits actually accruing are all subject to uncertainty. This study attempts to examine the costs and benefits of preparing national VS for animal disease emergencies, including natural, accidental, or deliberate release of pathogens. Data collected as part of the World Organisation for Animal Health's Performance of VS program for countries in East and West Africa and South East Asia were used for estimating investment costs. A state-contingent approach is used to constrain the uncertainty space in terms of disease impact. The probability of a disease event occurring and the probability of that event being contained by emergency preparation are used to describe a frontier at which investment breaks-even in a variety of scenarios. An increased probability of breaking-even on investment was found with high livestock numbers per capita and increasing intensification in livestock production systems. The method and findings provide a means to understand the benefits of preparing for uncertain events and are aimed to further the dialogue around policy development for livestock disease emergencies in lower-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International law leaves states and meat-producing corporations full freedom to annually subject billions of animals to extreme suffering during intensive meat production. In the last two decades, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has taken the lead in developing international standards for animal welfare. WOAH alone will not be able to restrict the liberty of international law, given the fact that demanding legal standards may hinder the push to provide nutrients to a growing world population and given global diversity in socio-economic situations, consumer preferences for meat products and cultural values. However, the push to regulate meat production has received new impulses from international institutions that seek to address adverse impacts of industrial animal farming on human interests – in particular, global health, climate change and biodiversity. As yet, this has done little to restrain the freedom under international law to subject farm animals to suffering, but it has expanded the grounds for future global agreements to regulate industrial farming as well as the range of principles and institutions that together constitute the framework within which decisions on industrial meat production that may benefit animal welfare have to be taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing a system of Networks of organisations operating in the fields within EFSA's mission is among the tasks of EFSA, according to Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, in order to facilitate a scientific cooperation framework by the coordination of activities, the exchange of information, the development and implementation of joint projects, the exchange of expertise and best practices. The EFSA Scientific Network on bovine spongiform encephalopathies and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (BSE‐TSE) was established in 2006 and held its 18th annual meeting on 11 October 2023, as an online half‐day meeting. The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange scientific information on BSE‐TSE related issues among EU Member States, countries from the European Free Trade Association, EU candidate countries, EFSA, the European Commission (EC) and ad hoc participants [in the 2023 meeting, represented by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)]. The topics discussed included: animal and public health risks associated to the relax of the feed ban (presented by the Netherlands), the recent and ongoing activities on TSE of EFSA, the EURL, the EC and the WOAH, as well as the preliminary results of the 2022 EU TSE summary report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sheep and goat pox (SGP) caused by sheep poxvirus (SPV) and goat poxvirus (GPV) respectively; are transboundary and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-notifiable viral diseases. There is barely any coherent information about the distribution and prevalence of SGP for Uganda. We therefore conducted this study to describe the temporal and spatial distribution of SGP suspected outbreaks in Uganda for the period 2011–2020 as well as serologically confirm presence of SGP antibodies in suspected SGP outbreaks reported in 2021–2022. Results: Thirty-seven [37] SGP outbreaks were reported across the country during the study period. North-eastern region [that comprises of Karamoja region] had the highest number of outbreaks [n = 17, 45%]; followed by Central [n = 9, 2.4%], Northern [n = 8, 2.2%] and Western region [n = 3, 0.08%]. Reports from district veterinary personnel indicate that the prevalence of; and mortality rate and case fatality rate associated with SGP were 0.06%, 0.02% and 32% respectively. There was a steady increase in the number of reported SGP outbreaks [x̄ = 4] over the study period. Seropositivity of SGPV antibodies in outbreak sheep and goats that were investigated during the study period [2021–2022] was [n = 41, 27%, 95 CI;] Conclusion: Our analyses of SGPV passive and active reports indicate that SGP is present in Uganda with a decade long average of four outbreaks per annum. During this period, about a third of all SGPV-clinically infected animals died. SPG is therefore a major constraint to small ruminant health and productivity in Uganda. Introduction of animals from infected herds and breach in farm biosecurity were the most important predictors of SGP outbreaks. In addition to the already existing SGP commercial vaccines, small ruminant screening for SGPV before introducing them to naïve herds and ensuring on farm biosecurity should be part of the SGP control tool pack for Ugandan small ruminant farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus, a ruminant poxvirus of the Capripoxvirus genus, is the etiologic agent of an economically important cattle disease categorized as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health. The large and complex enveloped LSD virus (LSDV) particle encloses a double-stranded linear DNA genome of 151 kbp, comprising 156 predicted ORFs, together with a variety of proteins that are not yet identified. In parallel with a recent widespread expansion of LSD, many LSDV whole genomes have been sequenced, but knowledge on protein composition of the LSDV particle remains missing. In this study, LSD mature virions (MV) from strain KSGP-0240 were purified through a multistep ultracentrifugation process. The protein composition of LSD virions was then analyzed using label-free shotgun proteomics, based upon nano-liquid chromatography (LC) and tandem mass spectrometry. This procedure resulted in the identification of a total of 111 LSDV proteins. Considering that this first MV proteome extended beyond packaged proteins into the field of contaminants, an analytical methodology was developed and made it possible to select 66 viral proteins as candidates for packaging into MV. These viral proteins were analyzed comparatively with proteins previously demonstrated to be constitutive of the vaccinia virus MV particle. Offering for the first time a comprehensive proteomic analysis of an LSDV strain, this study contributes to our understanding of the structural features of infectious LSDV MV particles and paves the way for further systematic proteomic characterization of other LSDV strains. IMPORTANCE Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is the causative agent of an economically important cattle disease which is notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Over the past decades, the disease has spread at an alarming rate throughout the African continent, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, and many Asian countries. While multiple LDSV whole genomes have made further genetic comparative analyses possible, knowledge on the protein composition of the LSDV particle remains lacking. This study provides for the first time a comprehensive proteomic analysis of an infectious LSDV particle, prompting new efforts toward further proteomic LSDV strain characterization. Furthermore, this first incursion within the capripoxvirus proteome represents one of very few proteomic studies beyond the sole Orthopoxvirus genus, for which most of the proteomics studies have been performed. Providing new information about other chordopoxviruses may contribute to shedding new light on protein composition within the Poxviridae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) poses a significant threat to the livestock industry, causing considerable economic losses due to decreased animal productivity, hide quality, and reproductive efficiency. In China, the goat pox vaccine (AV41 strain) has been used to combat LSDV; previous detection methods could not easily differentiate between LSDV and the vaccine strain. The real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) method developed in this study offers a rapid, specific, and sensitive solution for detecting LSDV, reducing diagnostic time, and minimizing the risk of false positives. The high consistency of this method with the real-time PCR recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) further highlights its potential for widespread application in clinical diagnosis and LSDV detection in China. By enabling more accurate and efficient diagnosis, this novel technique can help improve disease prevention and control strategies, ultimately benefiting the livestock industry and reducing economic losses. Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection, accompanied by loss of hide quality, poor reproductive efficiency, consistent degenerative emaciation, and milk yield reduction of animals, causes severe economic implications in endemic zones. The heterologous attenuated goat pox (GTPV) vaccine (AV41 strain) was used in China to prevent LSDV infection. Only a few LSDV detection methods that distinguish LSDV from GTPV vaccine strains have been reported before. For simple, rapid, and specific detection of LSDV, the real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) method was established with the specific primers and probes designed according to the conserved regions of ORF132 gene sequences. The assay could be finished within 20 min at a constant temperature (39 °C). This method had a limit of detection (LOD) of 15 copies/μL for LSDV and no cross-reaction with the nucleic acids of goat pox virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, Pasteurella multocida, and bovine healthy tissue. Furthermore, 43 clinical samples were detected by this method and the real-time PCR recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), with a kappa value, was 0.94. These results demonstrated that the real-time RPA method for detecting LSDV developed in this study was characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, which has wide application value in the clinical diagnosis and detection of LSDV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) is a fish disease notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health. The United Kingdom is currently free from VHSV, and the introduction and onward spread of this disease could cause major economic losses in aquaculture facilities. Legislation in Great Britain requires that imports of live fish for aquaculture purposes into declared disease-free areas are of equivalent disease-free status. However, conditions on fish products are less stringent, whereby eviscerated fish or fillets can be transported from areas with disease to areas declared disease-free. Market-size rainbow trout were experimentally infected with VHSV to investigate two important factors relevant for pathogen introduction and transmission: (1) VHSV shedding, quantified by daily assessment of viral titres in tank water samples, and (2) VHSV concentrations in liquid and solid processing waste. Evisceration and filleting preclinical fish, maceration, and wastewater separation processes within a facility were mimicked, and VHSV was quantified in each fraction of the wastewater. Shedding was detected 25 hr post-challenge. Levels increased daily to peak on day 5 post-challenge, with a calculated average titre of 1.35 × 103 TCID50 mL−1 kg−1 fish, 1 day before clinical signs of disease. Preclinical fish contained virus levels in their kidney, skin, and muscle >107 TCID50 g−1. The fish had significantly higher levels in the kidney, and evisceration led to higher VHSV concentrations in the waste compared to filleting. However, there was no significant difference in levels in wastewater released from the two processes after the removal of solids, even when macerated; average titres were >104 TCID50 mL−1. The quantities of VHSV from shedding and processing can be utilised when modelling transmission and undertaking more accurate risk assessments for imports and processing of commodities, with the ultimate aim of reducing the global risk of disease from international trade and processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) tools, such as HealthMap and PADI-web, monitor online news reports and other unofficial sources, with the primary aim to provide timely information to users from health agencies on disease outbreaks occurring worldwide. In this work, we describe how outbreak-related information disseminates from a primary source, via a secondary source, to a definitive aggregator, an EBS tool, during the 2018/19 avian influenza season. We analysed 337 news items from the PADI-web and 115 news articles from HealthMap EBS tools reporting avian influenza outbreaks in birds worldwide between July 2018 and June 2019. We used the sources cited in the news to trace the path of each outbreak. We built a directed network with nodes representing the sources (characterised by type, specialisation, and geographical focus) and edges representing the flow of information. We calculated the degree as a centrality measure to determine the importance of the nodes in information dissemination. We analysed the role of the sources in early detection (detection of an event before its official notification) to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and late detection. A total of 23% and 43% of the avian influenza outbreaks detected by the PADI-web and HealthMap, respectively, were shared on time before their notification. For both tools, national and local veterinary authorities were the primary sources of early detection. The early detection component mainly relied on the dissemination of nationally acknowledged events by online news and press agencies, bypassing international reporting to the WAOH. WOAH was the major secondary source for late detection, occupying a central position between national authorities and disseminator sources, such as online news. PADI-web and HealthMap were highly complementary in terms of detected sources, explaining why 90% of the events were detected by only one of the tools. We show that current EBS tools can provide timely outbreak-related information and priority news sources to improve digital disease surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is an avian coronavirus (CoV) that belongs to the genus Gammacoronavirus and has been listed as an important disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). It causes highly contagious respiratory, reproductive, and renal diseases in commercial poultry farms. Multiple IBV serotypes and genotypes have been identified in many countries and many detected variants do not provide cross-protection against infection, resulting in repeated outbreaks and significant economic losses worldwide. In addition, the high genetic mutations and recombination events in the prominent genomic regions of IBV, particularly in the spike glycoprotein (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, are directly involved in the evolutionary processes of IBV and lead to increased pathogenicity and tissue tropism. The characterization of the different genotypes and the relationship between the structure, function, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and structural motifs will elucidate the mechanisms that promote replication and pathogenicity and affect the host's immune response during infection. In this review, we discuss the molecular features of various IBV genes and proteins that contribute to the infection process. We also highlight the common PTMs and structural motifs that occur during protein synthesis and are essential components of IBV ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global change is an important driver of the increase in emerging infectious diseases in recent decades. In parallel, interest in nature has increased, and different citizen science platforms have been developed to record wildlife observations from the general public. Some of these platforms also allow registering the observations of dead or sick birds. Here, we test the utility of live, sick and dead observations of birds recorded on the platform Observation.org for the early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) outbreaks in the wild in Belgium and The Netherlands. There were no significant differences in the morbidity/mortality rate through Observation.org one to four weeks in advance. However, the results show that the HPAIV outbreaks officially reported by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) overlapped in time with sudden increases in the records of sick and dead birds in the wild. In addition, in two of the five main HPAIV outbreaks recorded between 2016 and 2021, wild Anseriformes mortality increased one to two months before outbreak declaration. Although we cannot exclude that this increase was related to other causes such as other infectious diseases, we propose that Observation.org is a useful nature platform to complement animal health surveillance in wild birds. We propose possible approaches to improve the utility of the platform for pathogen surveillance in wildlife and discuss the potential for HPAIV outbreak detection systems based on citizen science to complement current surveillance programs of health authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to review the impact of the current international geographical distribution of African Swine Fever (ASF) and other transboundary swine diseases and their consequences. Moreover, the aim is to discuss the importance and modalities of their prevention and control, based on international standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE in 1924) and the Resolution on Global Control of ASF, adopted by 182 Member countries in 2019. Highly pathogenic swine diseases have multifaceted impacts on food security and rural development. These impacts are driven by factors such as reduced meat production, price volatility, trade disruptions, economic losses in rural areas, decreased livelihoods, investment uncertainty, changes in rural infrastructure, and, for some of them, potential zoonotic characteristics. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for creating effective preventive and control strategies and measures to mitigate such consequences on food security and rural development in affected regions. Scientific research and evidence-based policy measures, as promoted by WOAH, are essential to address these challenges comprehensively. Regional and international collaboration for identifying and coordinating the management of ASF is crucial for their effective prevention and control. In Europe, the WOAH plays a vital role in this mechanism, collaborating with 53 Members and partners to support the control and eradication of ASF and promote the implementation of international standards and best practices. National ASF strategies should follow these examples, with a focus on legislation enforcement and capacity building, in close collaboration with all stakeholders, to introduce effective prevention and biosecurity measures, official controls, traceability of swine commodities, wild pig management, and awareness programs. Collaboration, cooperation and learning from best practices will contribute to better tackling these challenges and ensure sustainable disease control, meat production and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current epizootic situation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the world indicates the need to organize measures for its prevention and elimination among agricultural and wild animals. The present study aimed to develop and plan measures to reduce the risk of spreading FMD virus in Kazakhstan. In epizootiological studies, the authors used the periodic bulletins of the World Organization for Animal Health, statistical data on the epizootic situation of FMD in Kazakhstan, geographical data of the territories of the regions of Kazakhstan included in the zones with vaccination and acceptable FMD status, and other necessary information. FMD monitoring was carried out by serological and virological studies of blood serum samples by detecting antibodies to the nonstructural protein of FMD virus and the reproductive pathogen or its antigenic components. According to the results of epizootiological monitoring, serological studies established the highest sero-positivity (25.3%) in cattle during 2021. Repeated virological studies of samples from these animals did not established signs of the presence and persistent circulation of FMD virus. However, in 2022, a case of FMD was recorded in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan in the zone without vaccination. It was found that the immunogenicity of FMD vaccine among vaccinated cattle, goats and sheep was 85% or higher. However, the intensity of post-vaccination immunity persisted for about 3 months, instead of the 6 months guaranteed by the manufacturer. The extensive type of animal husbandry did not reduce the threats of the spread of FMD virus. The authors have identified logistics corridors through which the penetration and spread of FMD virus is possible. It is not possible to minimize the threat of spread using vaccination alone. Therefore, the authors have developed measures that include elements of biosecurity, surveillance and rapid diagnostics, animal movement control, and international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study was conducted retrospectively to assess the cystic echinococcosis status of farm animals from the samples sent to Samsun Veterinary Control Institute of the Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, between January 2016 and December 2022. Materials and Methods. A total of 818 sheep, 160 goats, and 990 cattle necropsy materials were examined macroscopically and histopathologically according to World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines. Cysts were detected in 61 of examined materials. Results. The rate of total cystic echinococcosis positivity in farm animals was found to be 3.1% in northern Türkiye. Cysts were detected in at least one of the liver and lungs. It was detected in the liver in 24 cases (39.3%), the lung in 23 cases (37.7%), and both the lung and liver in 11 cases (18%). In addition, cysts were found in both of lung and spleen (1 case), kidney and liver (1 case), and heart and liver (1 case). The positivity rate was higher in sheep than in other ruminants, and the difference with other ruminant species was statistically significant. (p<0.001). The difference between prevalence rates by years was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion. Türkiye is defined as a highly endemic region for Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. Surveillance should be done regularly to implement control programs. The information presented in this study will contribute to gaining an idea about the status of cystic echinococcosis in livestock in northern Türkiye and to the development of prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approaches involving environmental DNA/RNA (eDNA/eRNA) – collectively eNA – can be used for pathogen discovery, ecology studies, surveillance, disease risk assessment, and early warning systems, after appropriate validation. eNA can provide evidence of the presence of pathogens in a system, and increases the spatiotemporal scope and efficiency of surveillance efforts – but it cannot, on its own, provide confirmatory evidence of infection of local hosts. The 'pathogen eNA continuum' provides a framework for designing pathogen eDNA/eRNA investigations, to elucidate pathogen life cycles, host reservoirs and vectors, and to link environmental detection to actual infections. Pathogen eRNA may provide additional insight into pathogen viability and activity, and can be used alternatively or in addition to eDNA. eNA approaches can be developed for predictive spatiotemporal modelling of pathogen distribution and impacts. Detection of pathogens, parasites, and other symbionts in environmental samples via eDNA/eRNA (collectively eNA) is an increasingly important source of information about their occurrence and activity. There is great potential for using such detections as a proxy for infection of host organisms in connected habitats, for pathogen monitoring and surveillance, and for early warning systems for disease. However, many factors require consideration, and appropriate methods developed and verified, in order that eNA detections can be reliably interpreted and adopted for surveillance and assessment of disease risk, and potentially inclusion in international standards, such as the World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines. Disease manifestation results from host–symbiont–environment interactions between hosts, demanding a multifactorial approach to interpretation of eNA signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumpy skin disease is an emerging bovine viral disease which is endemic in most African countries and some Middle East ones and the elevated risk of the spread of disease into the rest of Asia and Europe should be considered. Understanding the restrictions and channels of distribution is crucial given the recent rapid spread of disease in nations that are currently disease-free. Capripoxvirus, the responsible agent, can also cause goatpox and sheeppox. Given that they pose a threat to worldwide trade and could be exploited as tools of economic bioterrorism, the economic impact of these diseases is a major worry. Due to poor conditions in farming communities and limited availability to efficient immunizations, the dissemination of Capripoxvirus appears to be spreading.This is mostly caused by the economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the enforcement of debilitating sanctions in endemic areas, a growth in the trading in live animals and animal products, both legally and illegally, as well as the repercussions of global climate change. The goal of the current review is to offer current knowledge on the different facets of the illness, including its clinicpathology, transmission, epidemiology, diagnostics, preventative and control strategies and the probable contribution of wildlife to the disease's spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethical treatment of animals is the keystone of livestock production. Assessment of welfare is integral to assurance that animals experience a good life. Underpinning assurance are concepts of what constitutes good welfare, a good life and wellbeing. This review examines the concepts of welfare and wellbeing and the frameworks that have been developed for describing their scope. Historically, the tripartite model of welfare (feeling well, functioning well, leading a natural life) has been translated into the Five Freedoms (FF), Five Domains (FD), Good Life (GL), Welfare through Competence (WtC) and OIE World Organisation for Animal Health Welfare Principles frameworks. These frameworks provide scaffolds for numerous welfare assessment schemes. However, the three-part model of wellbeing (eudaimonia, hedonia, social interaction) lacks an explicit assessment framework, although FD, GL and WtC implicitly address aspects of wellbeing. Whereas positive affective (hedonic) experiences are considered to constitute positive welfare, positive aspects of eudaimonic function and social interaction are considered to be aspects of wellbeing above and beyond any indirect contribution they make to positive affective experiences (i.e. positive welfare). In this view, positive health is more than the absence of ill-health and positive social interactions are more than freedom from social isolation. New phenotypes in farm animals identified through analysis of sensor data are providing new perspectives on the functional integrity of biological processes that align well with concepts of wellbeing. These analyses draw on methods in resilience theory to examine stability in complex dynamic systems, specifically, uniformity of trajectories, periodicity of biorhythms and complexity of networks. A framework is proposed that loosely partitions FF, FD, GL and WtC into inputs, opportunities, and outcomes. The framework positions the outcome of biological integrity within the context of input constraints that can generate harms and deficiencies, and environmental opportunities that can foster acquisition of competencies and flourishing. It combines the eudaimonic, hedonic and social aspects of wellbeing within the tripartite terminology of welfare. It is hoped that the framework can help orientate new descriptions of biological function in farm animals derived from sensor data within the broader literature on welfare and wellbeing. Welfare and wellbeing are evolving concepts. Interest in assessing positive welfare has focussed on positive mental experiences. In contrast, wellbeing recognises fulfilment of the individual's potential to express positive health, positive social interactions, and a thriving physical constitution as additional positive attributes an animal can attain. New methods for analysis of sensor data are revealing integrity of biological function as an indicator of wellbeing. A framework is proposed that orientates biological integrity within an integrated description of welfare and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Series paper, we review the contributions of One Health approaches (ie, at the human–animal–environment interface) to improve global health security across a range of health hazards and we summarise contemporary evidence of incremental benefits of a One Health approach. We assessed how One Health approaches were reported to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), and WHO, within the monitoring and assessment frameworks, including WHO International Health Regulations (2005) and WOAH Performance of Veterinary Services. We reviewed One Health theoretical foundations, methods, and case studies. Examples from joint health services and infrastructure, surveillance–response systems, surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, food safety and security, environmental hazards, water and sanitation, and zoonoses control clearly show incremental benefits of One Health approaches. One Health approaches appear to be most effective and sustainable in the prevention, preparedness, and early detection and investigation of evolving risks and hazards; the evidence base for their application is strongest in the control of endemic and neglected tropical diseases. For benefits to be maximised and extended, improved One Health operationalisation is needed by strengthening multisectoral coordination mechanisms at national, regional, and global levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there are few studies on the epidemiology of diseases in wild Chinese white shrimp Penaeus chinensis. In order to enrich the epidemiological information of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed and emerging diseases in wild P. chinensis, we collected a total of 37 wild P. chinensis from the Yellow Sea in the past three years and carried out molecular detection tests for eleven shrimp pathogens. The results showed that infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1), yellow head virus genotype 8 (YHV-8), and oriental wenrivirus 1 (OWV1) could be detected in collected wild P. chinensis. Among them, the coexistence of IHHNV and DIV1 was confirmed using qPCR, PCR, and sequence analysis with pooled samples. The infection with YHV-8 and OWV1 in shrimp was studied using molecular diagnosis, phylogenetic analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. It is worth highlighting that this study revealed the high prevalence of coinfection with YHV-8 and OWV1 in wild P. chinensis populations and the transmission risk of these viruses between the wild and farmed P. chinensis populations. This study enriches the epidemiological information of WOAH-listed and emerging diseases in wild P. chinensis in the Yellow Sea and raises concerns about biosecurity issues related to wild shrimp resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implementing a One Health approach is complex. It demands engaging different sectors and actors in the promotion and protection of human, animal and environmental health. A key challenge for successfully implementing the One Health approach are knowledge translation processes among scientists and policy-makers. Methods: An online survey reached 104 experts from 23 European countries, working at national agencies or institutes, universities, ministries, non-governmental organisations (World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health), and European Union (EU) agencies. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to describe experts' perceptions. Results: This study indicated a lack of networks among scientists and between scientists and policy-makers. Relations of scientists and policy-makers were perceived as challenging due to different interests and priorities, leading to difficulties in reaching political attention for One Health topics. It also highlighted a favoured attention to some One Health topics (e.g. antimicrobial resistance) as opposed to others (e.g. environmental issues). Important international actors to push One Health policies forward were the Quadripartite organisations and EU agencies. National actors (government agencies, national research institutes, universities) were on average perceived to be more important than international actors due to their roles and influences. Factors influencing the knowledge translation process were the different languages spoken by scientists as well as politicians, and an equivocal understanding of the One Health approach. Conclusion: The study shows the importance of leadership to establish interdisciplinary networks and to problematise One Health issues with clear scope and targets. This will help to link knowledge to needs and capabilities of policy-makers. Establishing strong relationships among national and international actors can encourage networks and raise awareness of the One Health approach to policy-makers. Lastly, promoting research communication skills of scientists can provide a valuable tool to reach policy-makers to enhance attention to One Health topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of animal movement in spreading infectious diseases is highly recognized by various legislations and institutions such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the International Animal Health Code. The increased interactions at the nexus of human-animal-ecosystem interface have seen an unprecedented introduction and reintroduction of new zoonotic diseases with high socio-economic impacts such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes or through contact with the body fluids of infected animals. This study seeks to characterize movement patterns of pastoralist and how this movement behaviour increases their susceptibility to RVF virus exposure. We levarage on a rapidly growing field of movement ecology to monitor five herds collared from 2013 – 2015 in an RVF endemic semi-arid region in Kenya. The herds were also sampled for RVF antibodies to assess their exposure to RVF virus during the rainy seasons. adehabitatLT package in R was used to analyze the trajectory data whereas the first passage time (FPT) analysis was used to measure the area utilized in grazing. Sedentary herds grazed within 15km radius while migrating herds presented restricted space use patterns during the dry seasons and transient movement during the start and end of the rainy season. Furthermore, RVF virus antibodies were generally low for sedentary herds whereas the migrating herds recorded high levels during their transition periods. This study can be used to identify RVF risk zones for timely and targeted management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Etlik Veteriner Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi is the property of Veteriner Kontrol Merkez Arastirma Enstitusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The recent centennial anniversary of R.E. Montgomery's seminal published description of "a form of swine fever" disease transmitted from wild African pigs to European domestic pigs is a call to action to accelerate African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine research and development. ASF modified live virus (MLV) first-generation gene deleted vaccine candidates currently offer the most promise to meet international and national guidelines and regulatory requirements for veterinary product licensure and market authorization. A major, rate-limiting impediment to the acceleration of current as well as future vaccine candidates into regulatory development is the absence of internationally harmonized standards for assessing vaccine purity, potency, safety, and efficacy. This review summarizes the asymmetrical landscape of peer-reviewed published literature on ASF MLV vaccine approaches and lead candidates, primarily studied to date in the research laboratory in proof-of-concept or early feasibility clinical safety and efficacy studies. Initial recommendations are offered toward eventual consensus of international harmonized guidelines and standards for ASF MLV vaccine purity, potency, safety, and efficacy. To help ensure the successful regulatory development and approval of ASF MLV first generation vaccines by national regulatory associated government agencies, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) establishment and publication of harmonized international guidelines is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial usage in both human and veterinary medicine is considered one of the main drivers of antimicrobial resistance; its reduction poses a serious challenge. To analyse the associations between usage and resistance, data from monitoring systems and classification of all antimicrobial substances are crucial. In this analysis, we investigated longitudinal data collected between 2013 and 2020 within the Veterinary Consumption of Antibiotics project from pig farms in Germany, including all antimicrobial classes, but focusing on critically important antimicrobials: third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and polymyxins. Analysing the treatment frequency, we found that a reduction in antimicrobial use in all types of pig production has occurred over time, accompanied by a rising percentage of farms without any usage. The lists of the World Health Organisation, World Organisation for Animal Health, and European Medicine Agency classify different antimicrobial substances as critically important. The vast differences between the respective weighted treatment frequencies allocated to the antimicrobials of main interest reflect the huge impact of the three categorisation systems. We concluded that, with the aim of creating national treatment guidelines supporting veterinarians to make treatment decisions, the list of the European Medicine Agency is the most suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological agents as weapons of agro‐crime or agro‐terrorism pose threats to peace and economic stability. Such agents pre‐exist worldwide as hazards, adversely affecting animal health, as well as imposing substantial burdens on many nations. Few studies have quantified the global risks and vulnerabilities of countries and regions to potential terrorist or criminal operations targeting animal health. We present here a risk‐based mutual insurance premium framework for animal health outcomes built upon the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) quantitative risk assessment paradigm. Our objective was to generate dimensionless and relative domain indices related to release and exposure for several biological factors, as well as to assess the preparedness and response ability of each country. We also considered disease‐specific measures relating to pathogens, targeted animal populations, the ongoing disease situation, within‐ and among‐country peace or conflict, disease‐specific control measures, and the availability of technical tools and personnel for successful disease management. National economic, political, and research and development competencies were used to assess each WOAH Member's potential for resilience. We formulated indices of vulnerability for 25 WOAH Members selected from five worldwide regions; initially, against four transboundary infectious animal diseases that target diverse animal species. We developed these indices using variables obtained from public databases arising from multiple intergovernmental organizations. Subsequently, we compared the relative vulnerability indices among countries for each given disease using three different index building methods: arithmetic mean, distance matrix, and principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA‐based approach provided the greatest ability to discriminate among the components and among countries and regions. Due to its transparency and reliance on publicly available datasets, the risk premium framework proposed herein may readily be adjusted by policymakers and agencies and utilized to improve risk management strategies against agro‐crime or agro‐terror events, as well as for unintentional disease introductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) was first documented in domestic stock in Botswana in the early 1930s and since then the country opted for eradication of FMD from all her livestock‐rearing areas. A multipronged control strategy was adopted along the pathway towards eradication that initially included strategic apthisation of cloven‐hooved domestic stock up to 1964, movement restriction through cordon fences and quarantine system from the 1950s, and vaccination using readily available commercial vaccines from the mid‐1960s, to date. This has resulted in 78% of the country's land area being officially declared and recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as FMD free without vaccination. However, the disease has remained endemic in the northern parts of the country, owing largely to co‐existence of livestock and wildlife. We applied a qualitative risk analysis method in our study to assess the risk of FMD outbreak in zone 2 because of interaction between cattle and buffalo across a man‐made physical barrier, southern buffalo fence, in the north of the country. The assessed risk was rated 'moderate' with moderate level of uncertainty, meaning assessment of mitigation options should be done before authorising import of cattle and cattle product from zone 2. Because of cost escalation associated with FMD controls, particularly zoning with cordon fences in the face of relentless trampling by elephants, we concluded that there is a need to revise the national goal of country‐wide eradication of FMD in livestock rearing areas to a more achievable outcome for zone 2. We recommend adoption of husbandry management practices and marketing approaches that recognizes co‐existence of cattle and wildlife in zone 2 as an exception to the rest of the country. Such an approach should be rooted not on geographic occurrence of FMD nor separation of the two species but on food product safety guarantees along the value chain, and we believe this to be critical for sustainability of FMD management and livelihoods in zone 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine / Harran Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The parasite T. foetus causes trichomonosis in cattle but is generally asymptomatic in males. Thus, many bulls carrying the disease go unnoticed, making the detection of T. foetus in bulls an important aspect for its control. Due to drawbacks posed by its cultivation, PCR is a preferred option for diagnostic laboratories. Most published PCR protocols target the genomic region compring the 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNA genes and internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (rRNA-ITS region), homologous to that of other Tritrichomonas species. There is minimal information on alternative genetic targets and no comparative studies have been published. We compared a protocol based on the microsatellite TfRE (called H94) and five protocols based on the rRNA-ITS region (called M06, M15, G02, G05, and N02). We also designed and evaluated a novel PCR-based assay on the EF1-alpha-Tf1 gene (called V21). The analytical sensitivity and specificity assays for the PCR protocols were performed according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) directives and the comparative study was performed with a widely used PCR (M06) on clinical samples from 466 breeding bulls. V21 showed a high degree of agreement with our reference M06 (kappa = 0.967), as well as M15 (kappa = 0.958), G05 (kappa = 0.948), and H94 (kappa = 0.986). Protocols H94 and V21 appear to be good approaches for confirming clinical cases in preputial bull samples when genomic regions alternative to rRNA-ITS are required. By contrast, N02 gave false negatives and G02 false positives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the global distribution and temporal evolution of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) during the period 2006-2019, using the information officially reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) by the National Veterinary Services of 210 countries. Eight per cent (CI 95% 4-12) of the countries reported the disease as present at least once during the study period, whereas 82% (CI 95% 77-87) as absent. Information on CCHF status lacked for 10% (CI 95% 6-13) of the countries. The majority of the countries (46%, CI 95% 39-53) never declared CCHF as notifiable, whereas only 27% (CI 95% 21-33) reported the disease as notifiable during the large majority (=76%) of the study period. The percentage of countries that routinely applied some CCHF control measures were as following: 14% (CI 95% 9-18) passive surveillance, 3% (CI 95% 0.9-5) active surveillance and 1% (CI 95% -0.2-3) control of vector. The time series analysis indicates a significant decreasing trend in the percentage of countries reporting no information, whereas the percentage of countries applying disease control measures significantly increase. This finding may reflect the increased awareness on the importance of the disease and the increased efforts to monitor virus circulation in animals through the application of surveillance programmes. Out of 25 countries reporting cases in humans since 2006, only 12 report cases in animals, pointing out the lack of surveillance capacity in animal populations for some countries. The paucity of CCHF notifications in animals may also reflect the difficulty in identifying the infection due to absent or mild clinical signs. Given that the implementation of surveillance programmes by the Veterinary Services is an essential tool for monitoring the virus circulation and prevent its further spread, National Veterinary Services should keep monitoring and reporting information on CCHF, and at the same time, they should improve the quality and accuracy of the information provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Organisation for Animal Health advocates the zoning approach for the surveillance and monitoring of foot and mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious animal disease. Our purpose is to implement the zoning approach in Tunisia by identifying existing natural and artificial barriers to the movement of live animals. A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based MultiCriteria Evaluation approach was developed. Eight national and international experts were asked to identify the barriers and prioritize them, characterized by a percentage weight between 0 and 100. These barriers were mapped and combined, taking into account their relative importance, to create a friction map that makes it possible to visualize areas where animal movements are restricted. Uncertainty analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the model. The results showed that the selected barriers were in order of decreasing importance: maritime borders with a weight of 33.5%, rivers (13.8%), slopes equal to or greater than 10% (13.8%), wetlands (13.3%), forests (7.7%), land borders (7.7%), railway networks (5%) and main roads (4.9%). The Cap Bon zone is the only favourable zoning area for the control of FMD in Tunisia. A regional approach resulting from this work could be a major asset in identifying regions suitable for zoning in North Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal diseases such as peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) cause significant economic losses in endemic countries and fast, accurate in-field diagnostics would assist with surveillance and outbreak control. The detection of these pathogens is usually performed at reference laboratories, tested using assays that are recommended by The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), leading to delays in pathogen detection. This study seeks to demonstrate a proof-of-concept approach for a molecular diagnostic assay that is compatible with material direct from nasal swab sampling, without the need for a prior nucleic acid extraction step, that could potentially be applied at pen-side for both PPR and FMD. The use of such a rapid, low-cost assay without the need for a cold chain could permit testing capacity to be established in remote, resource limited areas and support the surveillance activities necessary to meet the goal of eradication of PPR by 2030. Two individual assays were developed that detect > 99% of PPR and FMD sequences available in GenBank, demonstrating pan-serotype FMD and pan-lineage PPR assays. The ability for the BioGene XF reagent that was used in this study to lyse FMD and PPR viruses and amplify their nucleic acids in the presence of unprocessed nasal swab eluate was evaluated. The reagent was shown to be capable of detecting the viral RNA present in nasal swabs collected from naïve and infected target animals. A study was performed comparing the relative specificity and sensitivity of the new assays to the reference assays. The study used nasal swabs collected from animals before and after infection (12 cattle infected with FMDV and 5 goats infected with PPRV) and both PPR and FMD viral RNA were successfully detected two to four days post-infection in all animals using either the XF or reference assay reagents. These data suggest that the assays are at least as sensitive as the reference assays and support the need for further studies in a field setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 17th Session of the Sub-Committee on Fish Trade (27-29 November 2019) recommended that FAO develops insights and address gaps in developing and implementing traceability systems for both the private sector and government. The Sub-Committee also reiterated the importance of sharing the associated conclusions with governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. Three regional consultations were held to deliberate on the draft guidance document: Advancing end-to-end traceability along capture fisheries and aquaculture value chains. The consultations were held virtually in Asia (25 to 27 January 2022), Near East and North Africa (27 to 29 September 2021) and Latin America (14 to 16 September 2021). They were attended by more than 120 delegates and participants from 34 member states and six regional and international organizations, namely: the Commission on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture for Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPESAALC), the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the International Regional Organisation for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA), the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). The agenda of each consultation is provided in Annex 1 and the list of participants is attached as Annex 2. This document is a report of the consultations. The meetings confirmed the relevance and comprehensiveness of the proposed critical tracking events (CTEs) and key data elements (KDEs) in aquaculture and capture fisheries. It also highlighted that due consideration should be paid to smallscale producers, while recognizing equivalency of data and flexibility in data needs, particularly for developing countries. The first section provides a summary of outcomes across regions, while the individual regional reports are presented in sections 2, 3 and 4. Feedback from the three regions per CTEs and KDEs are summarized in Annex 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population health and food safety is one of the main priorities of the agro-industrial complex and the economic policies of governments. This is also reflected in the health safety of the meat in the event of infectious diseases. Food safety policy is linked to public spending by the state, which also takes responsibility for the health of the population. This paper deals with the analysis of the economic impacts of the Mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy - BSE) occurrence in Czech Republic, namely the financial compensations to the farmers whose herds had been affected and the costs of animal killing and carcass disposal in the rendering plant. The data were obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture of Czech Republic, the State Veterinary Administration and the Czech Statistical Office. Original scientific research reflects the period from the first occurrence of the disease to the end of 2019. Between February, 2001 and the end of 2019, a total of 1 977 881 cows were examined and 30 cases of the BSE were detected. Consequently, 4243 cows in cohorts were killed and their carcasses were safely disposed of. The total of the compensations in this period reached EUR 8 013 000. Of these, 80.6% (EUR 6 458 000) were compensations for the value of the killed animals, 12.7% (EUR 1 020 000) for the related costs, i.e., killing, safe disposal of carcasses and the examination for the BSE, and 6.7% (EUR 535 000) for the losses due to non-materialised production. The costs associated with the payment of compensations are therefore significantly lower than if the real effects of the disease on the health of the population were affected. The fact that in the last 10 years the disease has not occurred in the Czech Republic corresponds to the improving situation in EU countries, so the Czech Republic has been recognised as BSE negligible risk country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foundations of robust policies are reliant on harmonized definitions allowing consistency of understanding. However, it is evident that there is a lack of harmonization of definitions in the antibiotic space and even the simplest of terms such as 'antibiotic' and 'antimicrobial' do not have a single harmonized definition at an international level. This lack of harmonization makes interpretation of policies in different geographies a difficult, sometimes impossible, task. This article proposes a set of definitions that could be adopted by international institutions such as the WHO, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as well as regulatory agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The informal poultry and pig sector in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) of South Africa is of significant socio-economic importance as it sustains livelihoods and ensures food security; yet little is known about the distribution and prevalence of infectious and zoonotic diseases in this region. This paper reviews data published for pig and poultry diseases in the province during the last 20 years (2000–2020). The review included relevant published papers identified by a computerised literature search from Web of Science; provincial animal health reports; the national database from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD); animal health reports submitted by DALRRD to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) via the World Animal Health Information Database (WAHID) interface and laboratory records. A publication was considered eligible if it included qualitative or quantitative information on any disease affecting pigs and poultry including zoonosis. The search retrieved 174 publications, of which 26 were relevant. The review found that Newcastle disease (ND), coccidiosis and fowl pox (FP) were the most reported avian diseases in the national database, whereas avian infectious bronchitis (AIB), ND and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were the most reported diseases in the OIE database. Classical swine fever (CSF) was the most reported pig disease in both databases. The retrieved literature on pig and poultry diseases was scarce and no longer up to date, providing decision makers with little information. The review identified important zoonotic diseases that require further studies yet failed to find information on important neglected diseases like leptospirosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the utility of membership in international organisations for states with specific status within the international community, focusing on Taiwan's surprisingly neglected involvement in the World Organisation for Animal Health or OIE (Office International des Épizooties). The paper shows that in addition to its contribution to the legitimisation of Taiwan's identities, such participation has also enabled Taiwan to shape international norms in the field of animal health, increase international cooperation opportunities, strengthen domestic and global health security, and facilitate the trade of animal health-related products. Additionally, it has contributed to the domestic implementation of international animal health norms and helped increase the accountability of Taiwanese authorities in the domain of animal health management. Despite tremendous challenges, Taiwan still has plenty of opportunities to enhance its participation in global health governance through its membership in OIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease, an economically important endemic OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) listed viral disease remains a major impediment to the vibrant status of the poultry industry. The outbreak of the disease leads to huge economic loss posing a major threat to the Country's economy. To detect the disease outbreak, an effective tool is required. The present study is a first step in forming a peptide nanoparticle conjugate as an attempt to develop a biosensor for NDV outbreak detection. ZnS due to its emission properties and photo stability, it was used as fluorescent labels in immunoassays. ZnS is widely used as the shell material in most luminescent core–shell nanoparticles. In this study, ZnS was used as the core material and the ZnS–PEG modified with the carboxylic acid group functionalized nanoparticles were prepared by a simple wet chemical method. To the ZnS–PEG–COOH nanoparticle, Newcastle disease virus peptide was attached using EDC/NHS coupling and analyzed. Structural properties of the ZnS, ZnS–PEG and ZnS–PEG–COOH nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). FTIR peak at 2364 cm−1 indicates the formation of S–H bond which confirms the attachment of PEG to ZnS surface by S–H bond formation. The XRD, FTIR, DLS and optical study such as UV–Vis results support the particle size reduction upon capping ZnS with PEG and dicarboxylic-terminated PEG. The optical properties were studied using Photoluminescence (PL) and UV–visible Spectra. PL result shows upon capping ZnS with PEG-COOH, the fluorescence intensity increased by ≈ 5 times more than that of the bare ZnS nanoparticles. ZnS–PEG–COOH found to have superior photo luminescent property. NDV peptides were tagged by means of EDC/NHS activation to ZnS–PEG–COOH. The peptide conjugation was confirmed by UV–Vis spectral analysis and the peak was found to be shifted by 4 nm which confirms the attachment of NDV peptide on the surface of ZnS–PEG–COOH nanoparticle. Hence ZnS–PEG–COOH nanoparticle is found to be suitable option for attaching biomolecule which can be further extended for bio sensing application of NDV detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elephant culling is included in National Norms and Standards for the Management of Elephants in the Republic of South Africa, as a last-resort option to reduce elephant population size when required to meet reserve objectives. Recent judgments in South African courts have emphasised the importance of considering animal welfare in conservation. We assess the approved method of culling elephant family units, in terms of the legal and policy framework in South Africa, as well as considering elephant welfare and wellbeing. We find that the current culling method is likely to be inhumane, and potentially inconsistent with the Constitution, as interpreted by the judiciary. In addition, in certain circumstances, culling is illegal in terms of the Animals Protection and Meat Safety Acts, and contravenes World Organisation for Animal Health and global standards for the slaughter of animals. We recommend considering a moratorium on culling of elephant family units, as well as of lone bulls, until humane slaughter methods, and standard operation procedures that ensure an extremely high probability of instantaneous ("clean") kill, are developed and approved. We recommend an ethics review process for conservation management interventions involving wellbeing risks to animals, such as is required for animal research. Notwithstanding other imperatives that need consideration, conservation practice should better balance welfare, to align with both South African legislation and global norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot-and-mouth disease is a controlled disease in accordance with the South African Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984). The country was classified by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as having a FMD free zone without vaccination in 1996. However, this status was suspended in 2019 due to a FMD outbreak outside the controlled zones. FMD control in South Africa includes animal movement restrictions placed on cloven-hoofed species and products, prophylactic vaccination of cattle, clinical surveillance of susceptible species, and disease control fencing to separate livestock from wildlife reservoirs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate differences in identifying high-risk areas for FMD using risk factor and expert opinion elicitation analysis. Differences in risk between FMD introduction and FMD spread within the FMD protection zone with vaccination (PZV) of South Africa (2007–2016) were also investigated. The study was conducted in the communal farming area of the FMD PZV, which is adjacent to wildlife reserves and characterised by individual faming units. Eleven risk factors that were considered important for FMD occurrence and spread were used to build a weighted linear combination (WLC) score based on risk factor data and expert opinion elicitation. A multivariable conditional logistic regression model was also used to calculate predicted probabilities of a FMD outbreak for all dip-tanks within the study area. Smoothed Bayesian kriged maps were generated for 11 individual risk factors, overall WLC scores for FMD occurrence and spread and for predicted probabilities of a FMD outbreak based on the conditional logistic regression model. Descriptively, vaccine matching was believed to have a great influence on both FMD occurrence and spread. Expert opinion suggested that FMD occurrence was influenced predominantly by proximity to game reserves and cattle density. Cattle populations and vaccination practices were considered most important for FMD spread. Highly effective cattle inspections were observed within areas that previously reported FMD outbreaks, indicating the importance of cattle inspection (surveillance) as a necessary element of FMD outbreak detection. The multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, which was consistent with expert opinion elicitation; identified three factors including cattle population density (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.47–10.21) and proximities to game reserve fences (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.92) and rivers (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07) as significant factors for reported FMD outbreaks. Regaining and maintaining an FMD-free status without vaccination requires frequent monitoring of high-risk areas and designing targeted surveillance. • FMD occurrence was influenced predominantly by proximity to game reserve and cattle density. • Cattle populations, and vaccination practices were important determinants of FMD spread. • Cattle inspection (surveillance) should be considered as an imperative element associated with FMD outbreak detection. • Identification of high-risk locations for FMD occurrence and spread can be used to implement risk-based surveillance and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]