Veterinary Research[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
High genetic diversity of porcine rotavirus A, B, and C in Hungary with putative novel VP4 genotypes.
Igriczi B, Zsiborás L, Albert E … +3 more , Német Z, Balka G, Dénes L
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42321797 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Rotaviruses (RVs) are important enteric pathogens of swine, contributing significantly to neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea worldwide. Although rotavirus A (RVA) is the best characterized species, much less...
BACKGROUND: Rotaviruses (RVs) are important enteric pathogens of swine, contributing significantly to neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea worldwide. Although rotavirus A (RVA) is the best characterized species, much less is known about the epidemiology and genetic diversity of RVB and RVC, especially in Central Europe. This study aimed to investigate the presence and genetic diversity of RVA, RVB, and RVC in diarrheic piglets in Hungary using Nanopore third-generation sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 77 fecal swab samples collected from diarrheic piglets across 19 swine farms were analyzed. All three RV species were detected, RVA and RVC were each identified in 54.5% of samples, while 40.3% was RVB positive. Coinfections involving multiple RV species were frequent, highlighting the complex etiology of piglet diarrhea. Altogether, 8 RVA, 3 RVB, and 4 RVC full-genome sequences, comprising all 11 segments, were identified. Genotyping of RVA strains revealed multiple G/P genotype combinations, with G9P[23] being the most prevalent. Whole-genome analysis demonstrated a Wa-like genomic backbone of porcine origin. In RVB, three complete VP4 sequences were obtained that could not be assigned to any known P genotype, suggesting the presence of a novel lineage. Hungarian RVC strains showed high genetic diversity, including five distinct G genotypes and one potential novel P genotype, underlining evolutionary diversity of porcine RVs. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive molecular characterization of RVA, RVB, and RVC circulating in Hungarian pig populations. The high prevalence of coinfections and the detection of genetically diverse and potentially novel strains emphasize the complexity of RV epidemiology in swine. These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance to better understand their role in pig health and zoonotic risk.
Comparative analysis of laboratory-based and portable qPCR platforms: CFX, MIC, and Biomeme Franklin for African swine fever and avian influenza detection.
Auer A, Settypalli TBK, Rozstalnyy A … +5 more , Metlin A, Steinrigl A, Padungtod P, Dundon WG, Lamien CE
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42321793 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Rapid diagnosis is critical for the early detection and control of transboundary animal diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI), particularly because it enables timely containment...
BACKGROUND: Rapid diagnosis is critical for the early detection and control of transboundary animal diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI), particularly because it enables timely containment measures at the farm level. In low-resource settings where sample transport, cold chain maintenance, and access to centralized laboratories are challenging, portable qPCR systems offer a clear operational advantage by enabling on-site or near-site testing thus reducing diagnostic turnaround and response time. This study evaluated three qPCR platforms for detecting African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) and Avian Influenza Virus (AIV): two laboratory-based systems, CFX96 Touch (Bio-Rad) and MIC (BioMolecular Systems), and the portable qPCR platform Franklin by Biomemex. Seventy-two ASF virus samples representing genotypes I, II, IX, XIV, XXIII, and a genotype I/II recombinant from eleven countries were tested on two laboratory platforms (CFX96, MIC) and one rapid platform (Franklin) alongside 50 AI virus samples (H5N1, H9N2) from seven countries. RESULTS: Both laboratory platforms achieved consistent results. Franklin required protocol optimization when the WOAH-recommended protocol produced predominantly false-negative results, but adapted amplification conditions restored performance. Limits of detection per reaction calculated by probit analysis were: CFX96 21.28 (14.85-68.67), MIC 32.76 (21.12-96.11), Franklin with lyophilized reagents 4.12 (2.71-14.97), and Franklin with adapted protocol 6.85 (4.33-20.11). After adaptation, all platforms exhibited high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for ASFV detection. For the AIV detection protocol, false negative results were observed on MIC and Franklin platforms compared to the CFX96. CONCLUSIONS: The laboratory platforms tested in this study (CFX96 and MIC) provided robust high-throughput capabilities, while the portable system (Franklin) offered superior sensitivity but required protocol adaptation of established WOAH-recommended procedures.
Expression of miR-21 and miR-93 in abattoir-derived bovine ovarian follicles.
Yılmaz M, Sarılar M, Baykal Uğur A … +1 more , Evkuran Dal G
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42321792 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cystic ovarian follicles (COF) are a major reproductive disorder in cows, leading to impaired fertility and substantial economic losses. The pathogenesis of COF is multifactorial and involves neuroendocrine d...
BACKGROUND: Cystic ovarian follicles (COF) are a major reproductive disorder in cows, leading to impaired fertility and substantial economic losses. The pathogenesis of COF is multifactorial and involves neuroendocrine dysregulation as well as local ovarian dysfunction. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in follicular development and granulosa cell function. In this study investigated the expression levels of miR-21, miR-93, and BMPR2 in cystic ovarian follicles. The study examined healthy (n = 35) and cystic (n = 35) ovarian tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of miR-21, miR-93, and BMPR2 in bovine cystic ovarian follicles and to investigate their potential association with the cystic ovarian condition. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation confirmed characteristic degenerative changes in cystic follicles, including thinning and sparse cellularity of the granulosa layer and atrophic alterations of the theca layer. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed significantly higher expression levels of miR-21 (p = 0.013) and miR-93 (p < 0.001) in cystic ovarian tissues compared with healthy controls, whereas BMPR2 expression did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.725). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated moderate discriminative power for miR-21 (AUC = 0.672) and high discriminative performance for miR-93 (AUC = 0.899). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between miR-93 and BMPR2 expression in the cystic group, while no significant correlations were observed in healthy ovaries. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that miR-21 and miR-93 are upregulated in bovine cystic ovarian follicles, with miR-93 showing superior diagnostic potential compared with miR-21. The positive association between miR-93 and BMPR2 expression in cystic ovaries suggests a possible involvement of miR-93 in BMP-related regulatory pathways during cyst formation.
Construction and phenotypic analysis of a low molecular weight tyrosine phosphatase mutant in Streptococcus suis serotype 2.
Wu Q, Sun Y, Ping J … +5 more , Lu B, Liu D, Zhang L, Wang Y, Ni H
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42321725 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major zoonotic pathogen that causes severe infections in both pigs and humans. Low-molecular-weight protein tyrosine phosphatases (LMWPTPs) are a conserved family of enzymes...
BACKGROUND: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major zoonotic pathogen that causes severe infections in both pigs and humans. Low-molecular-weight protein tyrosine phosphatases (LMWPTPs) are a conserved family of enzymes involved in capsule synthesis and the pathogenicity of various Gram-positive pathogens, but their functional role in S. suis 2 remains unclear. RESULTS: We constructed a homologous Lmwptp deletion mutant (ΔLmwptp) in S. suis 2. This mutant exhibited moderate growth retardation during the logarithmic growth phase; transmission electron microscopy revealed a reduction in capsule thickness, and its capsular polysaccharide content was reduced by approximately 12% (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were detected in colony morphology, adhesion to Hep-2 cells, anti-phagocytic activity, or virulence in a mouse infection model. In vitro dephosphorylation assays indicated that LMWPTP cannot directly dephosphorylate the bacterial tyrosine kinase (BY-kinase) Cps2BctC. CONCLUSIONS: Although LMWPTP possesses tyrosine phosphatase activity and partially affects capsule production, it is not essential for the pathogenicity of S. suis 2. These findings highlight the functional diversity of LMWPTP homologs across different Streptococcus species and underscore the need for caution when extrapolating mechanisms among related pathogens.
Multilevel analysis of risk factors for clinical mastitis in dairy cows in Plateau State, Nigeria: a hierarchical mixed-effects logistic regression modelling approach.
Onyango J, Shittu A, Bolajoko MB … +2 more , Fasina FO, Peters A
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42316382 · Full text
Mastitis remains a significant health challenge affecting dairy cows, with implications for animal welfare, milk production, and farm profitability. In Nigeria, there are limited large-scale studies that have systematica...
Mastitis remains a significant health challenge affecting dairy cows, with implications for animal welfare, milk production, and farm profitability. In Nigeria, there are limited large-scale studies that have systematically investigated the multifactorial risk factors for mastitis across diverse production systems and geographical locations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mastitis and identify its risk factors using a hierarchical mixed effects logistic regression, block-wise analytical approach. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 298 dairy farms in North-Central Nigeria. Data were collected on farm demographics, animal characteristics, housing and management practices, water and feeding routines, milking hygiene, and mastitis management. Mastitis was defined at the herd level as the occurrence of at least one farmer-reported case within the current lactation cycle. Because mastitis diagnosis relied on farmer-reported cases rather than laboratory confirmation (e.g., California Mastitis Test, CMT, or somatic cell count, SCC), the possibility of misclassification bias cannot be excluded and should be considered when interpreting the findings. Univariable and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted for each conceptual block of variables, accounting for clustering at the local government area (LGA) level using random intercepts. Model performance was evaluated using likelihood ratio tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and diagnostic plots of residuals. The prevalence of reported mastitis in the current year was 59.4% (95% CI: 53.7-64.9). Final multivariable models revealed significant associations between mastitis and herd size, presence of working bulls, milking hygiene (e.g., teat dipping and use of separate cleaning cloths), and mastitis treatment practices. Notably, large cattle herds had significantly higher odds of mastitis (adjusted OR = 6.56, 95% CI: 1.99-21.62), while post-milking teat dipping (OR = 0.013, 95% CI: 0.000-0.797) was strongly associated with lower odds. The ICC values across models ranged from 0.58 to 0.83, indicating substantial variation at the LGA level. Mastitis is highly prevalent in Nigerian dairy farms, with multivariable risks: herd demographics, management practices, and hygiene behaviours. Interventions promoting evidence-based milking hygiene and targeted herd-level management could substantially reduce mastitis burden. The hierarchical modeling approach provides a comprehensive framework for identifying context-specific risk factors and guiding regionally appropriate control strategies.
Development of canine parvovirus-2-based recombinant pseudoviruses expression system: a potential vaccine platform.
Miao B, Du Q, Yang L … +7 more , Yan J, Tu F, Jiang Y, Xu N, Chen S, Huang Y, Tong D
Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42316335 · Full text
Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) and canine distemper virus (CDV) are two highly infectious and pathogenic pathogens that harm canids and various carnivores, and often cause co-infections in clinical settings. Although commer...
Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) and canine distemper virus (CDV) are two highly infectious and pathogenic pathogens that harm canids and various carnivores, and often cause co-infections in clinical settings. Although commercial attenuated live vaccines against CPV-2 and CDV have been widely used to prevent these viral infections, there are still issues of biosafety and insufficient protection against new variants, thus requiring novel vaccines. In this study, we developed a recombinant pseudovirus expression system based on the CPV-2 full-length infectious clone, and found that the recombinant CPV-2 pseudovirus expressing CDV H protein could efficiently protect dogs against both CPV-2 and CDV infections. We first designed a recombinant pseudovirus vector based on the CPV-2 backbone and established a stable cell system for the production of CPV-2 recombinant pseudoviruses carrying foreign genes. These pseudoviruses preserved the morphology and particle size of native CPV-2, while maintaining hemagglutination activity against porcine erythrocytes, and demonstrated the ability to effectively infect permissive cells to express the harbored foreign gene. Next, we produced a recombinant CPV-2 pseudovirus expressing CDV H protein, and the CPV-CDV recombinant pseudovirus induced effective cellular and humoral immune responses in dogs. The serum from CPV-CDV immunized dogs could effectively neutralize CPV-2 and CDV infections in susceptible cells. Importantly, CPV-CDV completely protected dogs against challenge with CPV-2 and CDV. In summary, we have successfully developed a stable production system of recombinant CPV-2 pseudoviruses, which has great potential for development as a vaccine platform.
A bivalent mRNA-LNP vaccine confers broad-spectrum protection against both homologous and heterologous H5/H7 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in SPF chickens.
Wei D, Pan Y, Zhang X … +10 more , Quan Y, Feng S, Huang M, Sun L, Yang Y, Zhou J, Han X, Niu B, Zhang Q, Jia W
Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42316313 · Full text
The continuous evolution and co-circulation of H5 and H7 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused substantial economic losses to the global poultry industry and pose a persistent threat to p...
The continuous evolution and co-circulation of H5 and H7 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused substantial economic losses to the global poultry industry and pose a persistent threat to public health. This study aimed to develop a bivalent nucleoside-modified messenger (mRNA) vaccine encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) antigens of circulating H5N1 and H7N9 strains and to evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in an SPF chicken model. The bivalent vaccine elicited robust humoral immunity in SPF chickens in a dose-dependent manner following immunization. The immune sera exhibited potent neutralizing activity against the homologous viruses and cross-reactivity with heterologous strains. Challenge experiments demonstrated that chickens immunized with high doses (50 μg and 80 μg) of the bivalent mRNA vaccine were 100% protected against lethal challenge with homologous and heterologous H5N1, as well as heterologous H7N9 viruses. Furthermore, the vaccine effectively suppressed viral replication in the lungs and significantly reduced or blocked viral shedding. Importantly, splenic transcriptome sequencing revealed that vaccination elicited extensive immune reprogramming, with marked upregulation of key genes associated with Th1-type immune responses, antigen presentation, and cytokine production. The bivalent mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine developed in this study exhibited excellent immunogenicity and broad-spectrum protective potential in SPF chickens. Transcriptomic analysis further elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the vaccine-induced protective immunity. This study provides a promising vaccine candidate for the control of the co-circulation of H5 and H7 subtype HPAIVs.
Veterinary fixed-dose antibiotics in Africa: a need for evidence-based regulation.
Muloi DM, Kirimi H, Mwaura J … +2 more , Ibayi EL, Moodley A
Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42316266 · Full text
Fixed-dose combination (FDC) antibiotics are commonly used in animal health; however, their use faces increasing scrutiny due to concerns about unproven efficacy, inappropriate dosing, safety and limited regulatory overs...
Fixed-dose combination (FDC) antibiotics are commonly used in animal health; however, their use faces increasing scrutiny due to concerns about unproven efficacy, inappropriate dosing, safety and limited regulatory oversight. We reviewed veterinary drug registries from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, identifying 2339 registered products, of which 867 (37.1%) contained antibiotics. Among these, 238 (27.5%) were FDCs, representing 45 unique combinations - most commonly two-antibiotic formulations such as penicillin/dihydrostreptomycin, tylosin/doxycycline and trimethoprim/sulfadiazine. Most formulations (77.8%, n = 35) contained two antibiotics, while 15.5% and 6.7% contained three and four antibiotics, respectively. Nearly half of FDC brands (47.1%, 112/238) contained antibiotics from both the Caution and Prudence categories, while 39.5% (94/238) contained antibiotics from the Prudence category alone. Notably, 8.4% (20/238) of FDC brands contained colistin, with or without enrofloxacin, and 5% (12/238) included vitamin combinations. Some antimicrobial FDCs may be clinically justified, for example, by broadening spectrum or achieving pharmacological synergy, but many lack a clear therapeutic rationale, underscoring the need for an evidence-based regulatory review and clearer criteria for appropriate veterinary FDCs.
Boosting the immune response and protective efficacy of inactivated PRV vaccine using cGAMP as a mucosal adjuvant.
Chang C, Sun H, Hua T … +6 more , Li Q, Yan X, Zhang H, Yin W, Wang H, Tang B
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42316174 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The respiratory mucosa serves as the primary site for Pseudorabies Virus (PRV) invasion, which can elicit both local mucosal and systemic immune responses. However, due to the presence of mucosal barrier, nas...
BACKGROUND: The respiratory mucosa serves as the primary site for Pseudorabies Virus (PRV) invasion, which can elicit both local mucosal and systemic immune responses. However, due to the presence of mucosal barrier, nasal immunization with inactivated vaccines typically results in a limited immune response; thus, a mucosal adjuvant is necessary to enhance this response. Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) acts as a potent agonist of STING, exhibiting significant mucosal adjuvant properties. It plays a vital role in the regulation of innate immune responses to DNA viruses. RESULTS: In this study, we developed a nasal vaccine for PRV by integrating cGAMP with PRV antigen. Both mucosal and systemic antibody responses were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner by PRV antigen or cGAMP adjuvant administration. cGAMP adjuvanted PRV vaccine induced a persistent IgG but resulted in a transient IgA mucosal antibody response. Intranasal immunization with cGAMP effectively enhanced CD3CD4T cell responses in vivo. cGAMP adjuvanted vaccine conferred effective protection against PRV challenge. Furthermore, we also established a well differentiated air-liquid cultured mice bronchial epithelial cell (Ali-MBECs). Utilizing this model, it was demonstrated that cGAMP activates IRF3 signaling, which subsequently induced the expression of MX1, ISG56, and IFN-β. CONCLUSION: This study found that cGAMP significantly enhanced the nasal immunological efficacy of the PRV inactivated vaccine by activating the STING signaling pathway within respiratory mucosa. Therefore, cGAMP demonstrated significant potential as an effective mucosal immune adjuvant to be employed in inactivated PRV vaccine. This approach offered novel technical support for the immunization and prevention against PRV infection.
Preliminary investigation on the seroprevalence and co-exposure of Brucella spp. and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in dromedary camels from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Hussen J, Falemban B, Alkuwayti MA … +4 more , Al Abdulsalam NK, Salim B, Al Adwani S, Althagafi H
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42316171 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Brucellosis and paratuberculosis are zoonotic pathogens that affect animal and human health worldwide. Although both diseases are endemic in Saudi Arabia, little is known about their concurrent and potential...
BACKGROUND: Brucellosis and paratuberculosis are zoonotic pathogens that affect animal and human health worldwide. Although both diseases are endemic in Saudi Arabia, little is known about their concurrent and potential epidemiological or immunological interactions in dromedary camels. This study investigated the serological evidence and associated risk factors of single and mixed infections with Brucella spp. and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in camels from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A total of 320 serum samples were collected from 253 female and 67 male camels and screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Test and competitive ELISA, and for MAP antibodies using indirect ELISA. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis and paratuberculosis was 12.5% and 15.3%, respectively, with 2.2% of camels showing serological evidence of co-infection. Brucellosis was most prevalent in Hamra camels (15.4%), while Sawahli camels had the highest MAP seropositivity (20.0%). Although female (11.5%) camels showed numerically higher brucellosis seroprevalence than males (6.0%), this difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, mixed infection was significantly more frequent in males (6.0%) than females (1.2%) (p = 0.04). Older camels (≥ 6 years) were at higher risk of brucellosis seropositivity (12.4%) than younger animals (< 6 years, 5.8%) (p = 0.03). Pregnant females had a significant (p = 0.02) increase in MAP prevalence (22.2%) compared to non-pregnant females (10.6%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight a notable overlap in the serological profiles of Brucella and MAP infections, suggesting shared risk factors or possible immune cross-modulation in camels. The coexistence of anti-Brucella antibodies in approximately 15% of MAP-seropositive camels underscores the need to reconsider diagnostic and control strategies under a One Health framework. Understanding such interactions could improve surveillance programs and inform targeted interventions for the camel industry in Saudi Arabia and other endemic regions.
Effect of reciprocal Corona × Consort mating direction on hatchability and Corona/Consort phenotype distribution in Gloster canaries under ad libitum commercial feeding: a retrospective breeder registry analysis.
Mevliyaoğulları E
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42316165 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Corona (crested) × Consort (non-crested) mating is a routine and biologically important pairing strategy in Gloster canary breeding. Although reciprocal use of the same phenotypes is common in practice, the e...
BACKGROUND: Corona (crested) × Consort (non-crested) mating is a routine and biologically important pairing strategy in Gloster canary breeding. Although reciprocal use of the same phenotypes is common in practice, the extent to which mating direction is associated with hatchability and offspring Corona/Consort distribution has received limited formal evaluation under breeder conditions. METHODS: A retrospective breeder-registry dataset was analysed without alteration of the recorded values. Records originated from a single hobby Gloster canary breeding facility in Çukurova, Adana Province, Türkiye. The dataset comprised 20 Gloster canary pairs/cages, including 10 Corona male × Consort female pairs and 10 Consort male × Corona female pairs. Four consecutive breeding cycles were recorded for each pair, giving 80 pair-cycle observations, 254 eggs set and 204 live offspring with phenotype records. Birds were maintained under routine management with ad libitum imported mixed canary seed and imported commercial egg food; a 14-h daily photoperiod was reported. Hatchability was analysed using a linear mixed-effects model with pair identity as a random intercept, and offspring phenotype distribution was analysed using Pearson chi-square testing. RESULTS: Mating direction was not significantly associated with hatchability in the mixed-effects analysis (Corona male × Consort female: 76.3%; Consort male × Corona female: 83.1%; p = 0.334), and the mating direction × breeding cycle interaction was not significant (p = 0.838). Breeding cycle was significantly associated with hatchability (p < 0.001). Mean hatchability declined from 91.2% in cycle 1 to 67.5% in cycle 4, with a significant negative linear trend across cycles (slope: -8.3% points per cycle; p < 0.001). Offspring phenotype distribution was not significantly associated with mating direction (χ² = 3.373; df = 1; p = 0.066). Overall, 104/204 offspring (51.0%) were Corona/crested and 100/204 (49.0%) were Consort/non-crested. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this retrospective phenotypic registry, reciprocal mating direction did not materially change hatchability or Corona/Consort offspring distribution. The decline in hatchability across repeated breeding cycles appears more relevant for breeder management than the sex direction of the Corona and Consort parents. Because no molecular genotyping, feed analysis, body-condition scoring or calendar-year information was available, the findings should be interpreted as practical phenotypic evidence rather than genetic confirmation. Repeated breeding cycles should be managed with attention to parental condition, recovery and welfare.
Ixodid tick infestation among camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Abdu I, Getachew A, Girma A
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42310696 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Ticks are major ectoparasites that significantly impact camels in Ethiopia. The local climate facilitates widespread infestation, particularly among camels, which are vital resources in East Africa. This st...
INTRODUCTION: Ticks are major ectoparasites that significantly impact camels in Ethiopia. The local climate facilitates widespread infestation, particularly among camels, which are vital resources in East Africa. This study investigated pooled infestations of ixodid ticks in Ethiopian camels. METHODS: In accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses)-2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was performed across multiple electronic databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, African Journal Online, PubMed, Web of Science and the Wiley Online Library. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for prevalence data was used to assess the quality of included studies. Statistical examination was executed via Stata v.14. To calculate the overall infestation rate, a random-effects model was applied and established a 95% confidence interval for the data. To assess the consistency of the data, heterogeneity was measured using the I statistic, with further exploration conducted via Galbraith plots and subgroup and sensitivity analyses. To evaluate the presence of potential publication bias, the study utilized visual inspections of funnel plots complemented by the statistical rigor of Egger's test. Ultimately, 11 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 4,895 animals (camels) across six regions of Ethiopia. RESULTS: The meta-analysis in this review revealed an overall pooled infestation rate of ixodid tick infestations of 85.68% (95% CI: 78.29-93.06). Regional analysis revealed that the greatest percentage of infestations was in Tigray (96.6%), Dire Dawa (94.0%) and Afar (90.2%), whereas the lowest percentage of infestations was recorded in the Amhara region (55.2%). The taxonomic identification revealed the presence of three tick genera, specifically Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), Amblyomma, and Hyalomma. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) was the most dominant genus, with an infestation rate of 56.44%, whereas Amblyomma was the least common (14.65%). CONCLUSION: The current study revealed that infestations decreased from 90.18% from 2013 to 2019 to 82.03% from 2020 to 2025. In Ethiopia, ixodid ticks represent a major category of ectoparasites that persistently compromise the health and economic productivity of camel populations. Tick control actions must target the most common genera and the most affected geographic regions. Future research should shift toward investigating breed-specific susceptibility and the development of sustainable, integrated control strategies.
Minimally invasive laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) in hormonally stimulated Holstein calves.
Kulus J, Kulus M, Krajnik K … +5 more , Chwarzyński M, Jaśkowski JM, Mozdziak P, Kempisty B, Antosik P
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304450 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The implementation of laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) method in combination with genomic selection is a tool that enables very rapid breeding progress in livestock, including cattle. This procedure can be ef...
BACKGROUND: The implementation of laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) method in combination with genomic selection is a tool that enables very rapid breeding progress in livestock, including cattle. This procedure can be effectively performed on calves as young as two months old. The aim of the study was to develop and present in detail a repeatable, minimally invasive, and safe method of obtaining oocytes from immature calves. The modifications proposed in the described study may have a positive impact on the safety, effectiveness, and ergonomics of the procedure. METHODS: The study was conducted on six calves 2-4 months of age with a body weight ranging from 64 to 112 kg. For 3 days prior to the procedure, the animals were subjected to hormonal stimulation using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), administered intramuscularly at 12-hour intervals (a total of 6 injections - total dose of 100 mg FSH per animal). At the same time, progesterone-releasing vaginal inserts were used for 3 days prior to the procedure. The laparoscopic ovum pick-up procedure was performed under inhalation general anesthesia. The aspirated follicular fluid was evaluated using a dissecting microscope under a laminar flow hood to find oocyte-cumulus complexes. RESULTS: As a result of puncturing 127 ovarian follicles, 80 oocyte-cumulus complexes were obtained. Of these, 53 (66,3%) were grade I, 12 (15,0%) were grade II, and 15 (18,7%) were degenerated. The duration of the procedures ranged from 52 to 67 min. The modification allows for proper visualization of the ovaries and easy access for puncture as well as high work ergonomics. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a midline optical channel and the connection of a high-quality camera to the endoscope significantly improves the ergonomics of the procedure, which is particularly important in laparoscopic procedures. Inhalation anesthesia and the recovery process proceeded normally. The use of the LOPU method in combination with genomic evaluation of the obtained embryos can significantly influence the rate of genetic progress in cattle.
Correction: Severe pulmonary trunk stenosis associated with R2A-type coronary artery anomaly in a dog: echocardiographic findings and postmortem contrast-enhanced CT confirmation.
Szaluś-Jordanow O, Godlewska A, Mądry W … +5 more , Buczyński M, Moroz-Fik A, Kwiatkowska M, Tarka S, Barszcz K
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304388 · Full text
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Exploratory analysis of gut microbiota and its association with peripheral blood immune cell populations in canine myxomatous mitral valve disease.
Cimerman M, Papić B, Nemec Svete A … +7 more , Avberšek J, Kušar D, Petek S, Bajc M, Pohar K, Ihan A, Domanjko Petrič A
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304343 · Full text
BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that gut microbiota is associated with cardiovascular health. In this exploratory study, the 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing was employed to investigate the composition and differen...
BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that gut microbiota is associated with cardiovascular health. In this exploratory study, the 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing was employed to investigate the composition and differential abundances of bacterial gut microbiota of dogs at different stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD): dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF, n = 38), dogs in the preclinical stage of the disease (non-CHF, n = 23) and healthy controls with no apparent heart disease (n = 17). Flow cytometry was performed to quantify T lymphocytes and their subtypes, as well as monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells and B lymphocytes. Concentrations of selected chemokines, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. Correlation analysis was performed between immunological parameters and bacterial taxa of the gut microbiota. RESULTS: Alpha diversity did not differ significantly between the study groups; however, several differentially abundant taxa were identified. Escherichia/Shigella was overabundant in the CHF group and showed a positive correlation with activated T lymphocyte levels, whereas Megamonas was overabundant in the control group and was negatively correlated with monocytes and NT-proBNP levels. Lachnospiraceae was overabundant in the non-CHF group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that dogs with varying severity of heart disease differ in gut microbiota composition. The observed associations between microbiota profiles, immunological parameters and disease status indicate potential microbiome-immune interactions in disease progression.
Drivers of artificial insemination fertility in Murciano-Granadina goats: a ten-year multifactorial approach integrating buck-doe interactions across physiological, environmental, and management conditions.
Peláez Caro MP, Arando Arbulu A, León Jurado JM … +3 more , Delgado Bermejo JV, Fernández Álvarez J, Navas González FJ
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304337 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Artificial insemination (AI) success in Murciano-Granadina goats is influenced by a complex interaction of male, female, management, and environmental factors. This study aimed to identify the main drivers an...
BACKGROUND: Artificial insemination (AI) success in Murciano-Granadina goats is influenced by a complex interaction of male, female, management, and environmental factors. This study aimed to identify the main drivers and threshold conditions affecting fertility outcomes in commercial AI programs using long-term field data. RESULTS: A dataset of 3,122 inseminations performed between 2010 and 2019 was analyzed using canonical discriminant analysis and CHAID decision trees. Multicollinearity screening excluded 24 redundant predictors out of an initial set of 52 variables, retaining 28 variables with the greatest explanatory power. The canonical model showed that the first six functions explained 72.4% of total variance, with barometric pressure, temperature, and rainfall at insemination as dominant environmental loadings. Fertility increased when minimum temperatures exceeded 14.7 °C but declined below 9 °C, coinciding with reduced semen quality. Wind speeds above 2.9 m/s and humid easterly winds reduced conception probability by up to 18% due to potential stress-inducing effects at semen collection. Altitudes between 451 and 720 m were associated with the highest fertility rates. Management thresholds were also important: fertility declined when inseminated group size exceeded 63 does, whereas herds larger than 50 animals showed improved synchrony and higher conception probabilities. Female age strongly influenced outcomes, with immature does (~ 2 years) more frequently associated with low fertility, while multiparous females (> 3 parturitions) achieved fertility rates up to 15% higher. Bucks aged 3-5 years produced semen with superior fertility outcomes compared with younger (1-3 years) or older (> 7 years) males. Somatic cell counts below 3,000 × 10/mL increased the probability of high fertility outcomes, whereas counts above 4,000 × 10/mL were associated with markedly reduced success. Compensatory outcomes were also observed, where acceptable fertility occurred despite low semen quality under favorable physiological and management conditions. CONCLUSIONS: AI fertility in Murciano-Granadina goats results from multifactorial interactions among environmental conditions, physiological status, and herd management. Identifying key environmental, physiological, and management thresholds may contribute to improved planning of AI programs and may help guide future strategies aimed at enhancing reproductive efficiency.
Livestock immunomodulators as alternatives to antimicrobials - a roadmap for the fight against drug resistance.
Ackerman DS, Morrow A, Smith AL … +1 more , Entrican G
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42298663 · Full text
Antimicrobials are currently an indispensable pillar of the animal production industry, relied upon to treat diseases that could otherwise severely impact animal welfare and productivity. However, overuse of antimicrobia...
Antimicrobials are currently an indispensable pillar of the animal production industry, relied upon to treat diseases that could otherwise severely impact animal welfare and productivity. However, overuse of antimicrobials is driving the selection of drug-resistant microbes. Coupled with the rising demands placed on animal production systems by the growing human population, we now face an increasingly urgent need for new strategies to address animal diseases and their impacts on productivity, efficiency, and welfare. The identification and development of alternatives to antimicrobials is therefore a critical and fast-growing field of research. The STAR IDAZ International Research Consortium recently conducted workshops that recruited international experts to develop research roadmaps aiming to stratify, organise, and clarify the ongoing research and outstanding questions that currently define the field of alternatives to antimicrobials. This review will explore the roadmap that deals with immunomodulators, a broad class of technologies that aim to beneficially alter host immunity in ways that promote animal health and growth, mitigate disease, and improve welfare at the human-animal interface. We will discuss the STAR IDAZ immunomodulators roadmap in detail, addressing the foundational biology underlying immunomodulation; the fields of research that link livestock immunity and metabolism with response to infections; and the immunomodulator technologies that are currently under development.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for feline panleukopenia virus infection among managed giant pandas in China.
Li Y, Jia R, Zhang H … +12 more , Chen X, Zeng J, Lan J, Yue C, Zhang D, Huang W, Yang W, Fan X, Xia X, Hou R, Feng N, Liu S
Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42298644 · Full text
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) poses a significant threat to carnivores worldwide, with increasing documentation of spillover infections in endangered species, including the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Despit...
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) poses a significant threat to carnivores worldwide, with increasing documentation of spillover infections in endangered species, including the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Despite the presence of serological evidence indicating historical exposure, contemporary data concerning the prevalence of FPV and the associated risk factors in giant pandas remains limited. This study conducted a comprehensive seroepidemiological survey of 136 giant pandas, representing 262 serum samples, from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding between 2015 and 2023. The overall seroprevalence of FPV antibodies was 56.87% (149/262, 95% CI 0.51-0.63), with consistently high levels observed across years. Multivariate analysis identified young age and the summer season as protective factors, likely due to maternal-derived antibodies and environmentally mediated reduction in viral persistence, respectively. Although not statistically significant, a transfer history showed a trend toward elevated risk (OR > 1), suggesting that it may still represent a potential risk factor. It is important to note that current vaccination protocols appear to be inadequate in eliciting robust immune responses, thereby underscoring the necessity for the development of tailored vaccines. These findings emphasize the persistent and widespread circulation of FPV in captive giant pandas and advocate for seasonally targeted biosecurity measures, rationalized animal transfer protocols, and enhanced immunization strategies to mitigate infection risks in this vulnerable species.
Dietary glycyrrhizic acid improves growth performance and modulates upper respiratory microbiota in weaned piglets.
Wang F, Sang Y, Guo J … +8 more , Fu Y, Yang M, Shan F, Chen Y, Zhang S, Li X, Li J, Zhang L
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42298622 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Natural products with dual immunomodulatory and antimicrobial functions offer promising strategies to reduce antibiotic use in livestock. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the principal bioactive component of licorice,...
BACKGROUND: Natural products with dual immunomodulatory and antimicrobial functions offer promising strategies to reduce antibiotic use in livestock. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the principal bioactive component of licorice, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, yet its translational potential in swine health remains underexplored. This study evaluated the efficacy of GA in weaned piglets under commercial nursery conditions as an antibiotic alternative. A total of 225 weaned piglets were assigned to five groups: negative control (CON, basal diet), farm routine (FA, conventional antibiotics), and three GA-supplemented groups (GLL, 0.65 g/kg; GLM, 1.3 g/kg; GLH, 2.6 g/kg). RESULTS: The result showed that dietary GA supplementation (2.6 g/kg) numerically improved growth performance and reduced cough scores, although not statistically significant. GA significantly decreased the diarrhea index and improved skin scores. GA also significantly increased serum IgG and IgM levels in piglets and showed a trend toward higher IgA levels. Furthermore, GA exhibited a trend toward lowering serum IL‑1β levels while upregulating IFN‑γ and IL‑10 levels. Regarding antioxidant parameters, GA significantly upregulated T‑SOD, GSH‑PX, and CAT activities and downregulated LDH activity. Metagenomic analysis revealed that high‑dose glycyrrhizic acid (GA) significantly increased the abundance of Alloprevotella, while decreasing the abundances of Moraxella pluranimalium and 11 other pathogenic species associated with respiratory diseases and lung injury, including Glaesserella parasuis, Mesomycoplasma hyorhinis, Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, among others, thereby reshaping the upper respiratory tract microbiota of pigs. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these findings support GA as a viable non-antibiotic strategy for improving immune function, antioxidant capacity, and respiratory health in weaned piglets.
Comparison of canine adrenal gland size assessment using ultrasonography and computed tomography.
Žel MK, Kočevar UU, Pogorevc E … +2 more , Jagodič M, Pavlin D
BMC Vet Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42298610 · Full text
BACKGROUND: In humans, cats, and dogs, adrenal gland size appears slightly larger when measured by computed tomography (CT) compared to ultrasonography. However, CT measurement values have only been compared with ultraso...
BACKGROUND: In humans, cats, and dogs, adrenal gland size appears slightly larger when measured by computed tomography (CT) compared to ultrasonography. However, CT measurement values have only been compared with ultrasound reference values retrospectively. This study aimed to directly compare CT and ultrasonographic measurement values of adrenal glands in dogs performed on the same day, under possible mimetic conditions. Thirty client-owned dogs without suspected adrenal disease scheduled for abdominal CT and ultrasound as part of diagnostic workup were enrolled. The maximum cranial and caudal pole diameter and length of both adrenal glands were measured using both modalities consecutively under the same anesthetic moment. Bland-Altman analysis of agreement between ultrasonographic and CT measurement values was performed. The results were also compared using the student's t-test for normally distributed data and the Mann-Whitney rank sum test for non-normal distribution. RESULTS: For all investigated dimensions, the bias was positive, indicating that CT consistently produced larger measurement values than ultrasound. When stratification into different weight categories was applied, there was a significant difference in the measurement values of both poles of the left adrenal gland in all weight categories (P≤0.05). In contrast, for the cranial and caudal pole measurement values of the right adrenal gland, significant differences were found only in some weight categories. CONCLUSIONS: The same imaging modality as originally used should be performed for patient follow-up. In larger dogs, greater discrepancies between ultrasonographic and CT acquired measurement values may be expected. When comparing measurement values acquired by CT and US, the information on the caudal pole size may be expected to be less variable than the cranial pole.
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