Veterinary Sciences

13 pages, 526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Breeding Techniques and Prolonged Post Dry Aging Maturation Process on Biomolecule Levels in Raw Buffalo Meat

by Angela Salzano, Alessio Cotticelli, Raffaele Marrone, Michael J. D’Occhio, Nunzia D’Onofrio, Gianluca Neglia, Rosa Luisa Ambrosio, Maria Luisa Balestrieri and Giuseppe Campanile

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040066 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3355

Abstract

Recently, several concerns have been expressed on red meat quality and consumption. The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of different breeding techniques and a prolonged post dry aging (PDA) maturation process on biomolecules level in raw buffalo meat. In [...] Read more.

Recently, several concerns have been expressed on red meat quality and consumption. The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of different breeding techniques and a prolonged post dry aging (PDA) maturation process on biomolecules level in raw buffalo meat. In the first experiment, two groups of animals were maintained with different space availability (15 vs. 10 m²/animal) for 90 days and biomolecules content was evaluated. In experiment 2, two diets (with or without ryegrass green forage) were used to assess the concentration of these biomolecules. Finally, in experiment 3, the meat of the animals that showed the highest content of biomolecules was chosen to assess the influence of the PDA maturation process. Buffaloes reared at 15 m² showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher content of the considered biomolecules compared with their counterparts. Similarly, buffaloes fed green forage showed higher content of biomolecules (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. The meat of the animals bred at 15 m² and fed green forage showed a significant (p < 0.01) increase of biomolecules content during the PDA maturation process up to 60 days without influence microbiological profile in terms of total aerobic bacterial counts, yeasts, and molds. In conclusion, breeding techniques and PDA maturation system could enhance biomolecules levels in terms of quality, without affect health standards. Full article

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14 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Demographic and Pathogens of Domestic, Free-Roaming Pets and the Implications for Wild Carnivores and Human Health in the San Luis Region of Costa Rica

by Joseph Conrad, Jason Norman, Amalia Rodriguez, Patricia M. Dennis, Randall Arguedas, Carlos Jimenez, Jenifer G. Hope, Michael J. Yabsley and Sonia M. Hernandez

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040065 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4626

Abstract

Habitat loss and degradation, restricted ranges, prey exploitation, and poaching are important factors for the decline of several wild carnivore populations and additional stress from infectious agents is an increasing concern. Given the rapid growth of human populations in some regions like Costa [...] Read more.

Habitat loss and degradation, restricted ranges, prey exploitation, and poaching are important factors for the decline of several wild carnivore populations and additional stress from infectious agents is an increasing concern. Given the rapid growth of human populations in some regions like Costa Rica, pathogens introduced, sustained, and transmitted by domestic carnivores may be particularly important. To better understand the significance of domestic carnivore pathogens for wildlife, we determine the prevalence of infection and possible mechanisms for contact between the two groups. The demographics, role in the household, and pathogens of pet dogs and cats was studied during three annual spay/neuter clinics in San Luis, Costa Rica. Most dogs were owned primarily as pets and guard animals, but ~10% were used for hunting. Cats were owned primarily as pets and for pest control. Both roamed freely outdoors. We detected high prevalences of some pathogens (e.g., carnivore protoparvovirus 1 and Toxoplasma gondii). Some pathogens are known to persist in the environment, which increases the probability of exposure to wild carnivores. This study demonstrated that domestic pets in San Luis, home to a number of protected and endangered wildlife species, are infected with pathogens to which these wild species are potentially susceptible. Additionally, results from our questionnaire support the potential for domestic and wild animal contact, which may result in disease spillover. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Approach to Veterinary Medicine)

11 pages, 34821 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Case of Infectious Laryngotracheitis in an Organic Broiler Chicken Farm in Greece

by Vasileios Tsiouris, Natalia Mavromati, Konstantinos Kiskinis, Tilemachos Mantzios, Zalan G. Homonnay, Tamas Mato, Mihaly Albert, Istvan Kiss and Ioanna Georgopoulou

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040064 - 16 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5948

Abstract

Infectious laryngotracheitis is an economically significant viral disease of chickens, that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, and is present worldwide. This case reports the first outbreak of infectious laryngotracheitis in a four-week-old organic broiler farm and surrounding flocks in Greece, with typical [...] Read more.

Infectious laryngotracheitis is an economically significant viral disease of chickens, that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, and is present worldwide. This case reports the first outbreak of infectious laryngotracheitis in a four-week-old organic broiler farm and surrounding flocks in Greece, with typical clinical symptoms and lesions, allegedly provoked by a wild strain of infectious laryngotracheitis virus. Our findings contradict the general perception indicating that the disease appears mainly in older birds and that vaccine strains are the primary cause of infectious laryngotracheitis outbreaks in most continents. A recombinant vectored vaccine was administered, supplementary to biosecurity measures, containing the viral spread. The responsible strain was potentially circulating in the area; therefore, an industry-wide holistic approach was applied, including the vaccination of neighboring broilers and breeders with the same vaccine, the rapid molecular diagnosis of the disease, and strict biosecurity protocols. The results of this holistic effort were effective because, following the application of vaccine and management protocols, manifestations of the disease in regional flocks dropped significantly, and there was no recurrence to date. These findings suggest that vaccination protocols should be modified, especially for organic broilers, to include vaccination against infectious laryngotracheitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Poultry Diseases)

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6 pages, 1073 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Updating Sacbrood Virus Quantification PCR Method Using a TaqMan-MGB Probe

by Wei-Fone Huang, Yakun Zhang, Shahid Mehmood, Zhengwei Wang, Chunsheng Hou and Zhiguo Li

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040063 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3369

Abstract

Sacbrood virus (SBV) is a common honey bee virus disease. SBV variants and strains identified in Asian honey bees, Apis cerana, have created confusion in identifications. Although the regional names indicated the expansions of the virus in new regions, pathogenesis, and genomes [...] Read more.

Sacbrood virus (SBV) is a common honey bee virus disease. SBV variants and strains identified in Asian honey bees, Apis cerana, have created confusion in identifications. Although the regional names indicated the expansions of the virus in new regions, pathogenesis, and genomes of these variants are not distinct enough to be a separate virus species. However, current SBV qPCR methods may not detect newly identified A. cerana SBV variants (Ac SBV) according to the genome sequences. Since these Ac SBV can naturally infect A. mellifera and possibly other hymenopterans, ignorance of Ac SBV variants in detection methods is simply unwise. In this report, we updated the qPCR method based on Blanchard’s design that used conserved regions of VP1 to design a TaqMan method with an MGB (minor groove binder) probe. We tested the method in bees and hornets, including A. mellifera, A. cerana, and Vespa velutina. The updated primers and the probe can match published SBV and Ac SBV genomes in databases, and this updated method has reasonable sensitivity and flexibility to be applied as a detection and quantification method before the discovery of variants with more mutated VP1 gene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Honey Bee Pathogens and Parasites)

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15 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Feasibility of Retrospective and Prospective Clinical Audit in Farm Animal Veterinary Practice

by Katie Waine, Constance White, Rachel S. Dean, Chris Hudson, Jonathan N. Huxley and Marnie L. Brennan

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040062 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3818

Abstract

As a quality improvement tool, clinical audit has been extensively described in the medical literature. There is scant literature on the use of clinical audit in the farm animal veterinary setting. This study describes the process and feasibility of prospective and retrospective data [...] Read more.

As a quality improvement tool, clinical audit has been extensively described in the medical literature. There is scant literature on the use of clinical audit in the farm animal veterinary setting. This study describes the process and feasibility of prospective and retrospective data collection for farm animal clinical audit performed at three different farm animal practices in the United Kingdom. Retrospective clinical audit was difficult in all three practices due to barriers in establishing diagnosis and patient identity from clinical records. Prospective data collection proved feasible but depended on adequate case accrual and practitioner engagement. The decision to conduct clinical audit retrospectively or prospectively will depend on the topic to audit, the availability of data and the wishes of the team members involved. Further work is required looking at the use of clinical coding and alternatives to using practice management software to improve retrospective data availability for clinical audit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Education, Veterinary Communication and Animal Behavior)

9 pages, 1078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prolonged Infection of Canine Distemper Virus in a Mixed-Breed Dog

by Zsófia Lanszki, Brigitta Zana, Safia Zeghbib, Ferenc Jakab, Nikoletta Szabó and Gábor Kemenesi

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040061 - 11 Apr 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4888

Abstract

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a major viral pathogen in domestic dogs, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, in the Morbillivirus genus. It is present worldwide, and a wide range of domestic animals and wild carnivores are at risk. In the absence of vaccination, [...] Read more.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a major viral pathogen in domestic dogs, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, in the Morbillivirus genus. It is present worldwide, and a wide range of domestic animals and wild carnivores are at risk. In the absence of vaccination, dogs have a low chance of survival; however, if and when a dog survives, it can take an average of a few weeks to a few months to fully wipe out the virus. In the present study, we traced the course of infection of a 1-year-old mixed-breed male dog. The animal had an unusually long course of persistent CDV infection with a vector-borne heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) co-infection. The dog excreted the CDV for 17 months with PCR positivity in urine samples collected from February 2019 through June 2020. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin gene revealed the CDV to be the member of the endemic Arctic-like genetic lineage. To the best of our knowledge, this report represents the longest documented canine infection of CDV. Notably, we highlight the necessity regarding CDV infectivity studies to better comprehend the transmission attributes of the virus. Full article

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12 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Potential Drug–Drug Interactions in Companion Animal Medications Using Two Electronic Databases

by Tussapon Boonyarattanasoonthorn, Phisit Khemawoot and Anusak Kijtawornrat

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040060 - 08 Apr 2021

Viewed by 3947

Abstract

Multiple-drug prescriptions can cause drug–drug interactions (DDIs), which increase risks associated with healthcare in veterinary medicine. Moreover, many human medicines are used in canine patients under the responsibility of veterinarians and may cause severe problems due to off-label use. Currently, many electronic databases [...] Read more.

Multiple-drug prescriptions can cause drug–drug interactions (DDIs), which increase risks associated with healthcare in veterinary medicine. Moreover, many human medicines are used in canine patients under the responsibility of veterinarians and may cause severe problems due to off-label use. Currently, many electronic databases are being used as tools for potential DDI prediction, for example, Micromedex and Drugs.com, which may benefit the prediction of potential DDIs for drugs used in canine. The purpose of this study was to examine different abilities for the identification of potential DDIs in companion animal medicine, especially in canine patients, by Micromedex and Drugs.com. Micromedex showed 429 pairs of potential DDIs, while Drugs.com showed 842 pairs of potential DDIs. The analysis comparing results between the two databases showed 139 pairs (12.28%) with the same severity and 993 pairs (87.72%) with different severities. The major mechanisms of contraindicated and major potential DDIs were cytochrome P450 induction–inhibition and QT interval prolongation. Veterinarians should interpret potential DDIs from several databases with caution and keep in mind that the results might not be reliable due to differences in sensitivity to drugs, drug-metabolizing enzymes, and elimination pathway between animals and humans. Full article

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29 pages, 3126 KiB

Open AccessReview

Animal Models of Colorectal Cancer: From Spontaneous to Genetically Engineered Models and Their Applications

by Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Bruno A.L. Mendes, Rita Silva-Reis, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Adelina Gama and Paula A. Oliveira

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040059 - 05 Apr 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7296

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies in humans, affecting approximately 1.8 million people worldwide. This disease has a major social impact and high treatment costs. Animal models allow us to understand and follow the colon cancer progression; thus, in [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies in humans, affecting approximately 1.8 million people worldwide. This disease has a major social impact and high treatment costs. Animal models allow us to understand and follow the colon cancer progression; thus, in vivo studies are essential to improve and discover new ways of prevention and treatment. Dietary natural products have been under investigation for better and natural prevention, envisioning to show their potential. This manuscript intends to provide the readers a review of rodent colorectal cancer models available in the literature, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their potential in the evaluation of several drugs and natural compounds’ effects on colorectal cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)

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11 pages, 1209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in the Distribution of Nosema Species in Honeybees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus) between the Neighboring Countries Estonia and Latvia

by Sigmar Naudi, Juris Šteiselis, Margret Jürison, Risto Raimets, Lea Tummeleht, Kristi Praakle, Arvi Raie and Reet Karise

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040058 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3736

Abstract

The unicellular spore-forming parasites Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are considered to be one of the causes of increased honey bee mortality in recent years. These pathogens attack their honey bee hosts through their gut, causing changes in behavioral stress responses and possibly [...] Read more.

The unicellular spore-forming parasites Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are considered to be one of the causes of increased honey bee mortality in recent years. These pathogens attack their honey bee hosts through their gut, causing changes in behavioral stress responses and possibly resulting in decreased honey yield and increased honey bee mortality. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Nosema spp. (nosemosis) in Estonia and Latvia, as well as the persistence of the disease in previously infected hives. Currently, N. ceranae is considered the most virulent species and is predominant worldwide. However, in some regions, usually with colder climates, N. apis is still prevalent. To achieve better disease control, it is important to determine the species distribution. For this purpose, we selected 30 apiaries in Estonia and 60 in Latvia that were positive for Nosema spp. in the EPILOBEE (2012–2014) study, which was 5 years prior to the present study. The results show that, while both species are present in Estonia and Latvia, N. apis is dominant in Estonia (43%), and N. ceranae is dominant in Latvia (47%). We also found that the pathogens are very persistent, since 5 years later, only 33% of infected apiaries in Estonia and 20% of infected apiaries in Latvia, we could not detect any pathogens at the time of sampling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Honey Bee Health)

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17 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interplay between RNA Viruses and Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies

by Sabari Nath Neerukonda

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040057 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3977

Abstract

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are nuclear membrane-less sub structures that play a critical role in diverse cellular pathways including cell proliferation, DNA damage, apoptosis, transcriptional regulation, stem cell renewal, alternative lengthening of telomeres, chromatin organization, epigenetic regulation, protein turnover, autophagy, intrinsic [...] Read more.

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are nuclear membrane-less sub structures that play a critical role in diverse cellular pathways including cell proliferation, DNA damage, apoptosis, transcriptional regulation, stem cell renewal, alternative lengthening of telomeres, chromatin organization, epigenetic regulation, protein turnover, autophagy, intrinsic and innate antiviral immunity. While intrinsic and innate immune functions of PML NBs or PML NB core proteins are well defined in the context of nuclear replicating DNA viruses, several studies also confirm their substantial roles in the context of RNA viruses. In the present review, antiviral activities of PML NBs or its core proteins on diverse RNA viruses that replicate in cytoplasm or the nucleus were discussed. In addition, viral counter mechanisms that reorganize PML NBs, and specifically how viruses usurp PML NB functions in order to create a cellular environment favorable for replication and pathogenesis, are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)

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18 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serious Notifications on Food Contact Materials in the EU RASFF

by Elias P. Papapanagiotou

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040056 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5847

Abstract

Serious alert and border rejection notifications on food contact materials (FCM) retrieved from the RASFF database were analyzed for the first time regarding the period 2012–2019. The findings indicate that China was the main transgressor country for both types of notifications. Official controls [...] Read more.

Serious alert and border rejection notifications on food contact materials (FCM) retrieved from the RASFF database were analyzed for the first time regarding the period 2012–2019. The findings indicate that China was the main transgressor country for both types of notifications. Official controls were responsible for most FCM serious alerts (91.78%), and border rejection (90.82%) notifications. Another novelty proposed herein, is the criterion for “lag phases” (time from sampling to notification dates). Overall percentage distributions of lag phases, for all RASFF Member States, for the intervals of 0–50 days and 51–≥101 days, were 25.09% and 67.87% for serious alert notifications and 65.21% and 29.34% for serious border rejection notifications. Differences in percent shares of lag phase intervals were observed between the top-four notifying countries, indicating a lack of harmonization in timely reporting of serious alert and border rejection notifications for FCM. Migration of primary aromatic amines and of metals were the most frequently notified hazards overall in the period of analysis. A decreasing trend is observed in the two more recent biannual averages of serious alert notifications for primary aromatic amines and metals, while decreasing for metals but increasing for primary aromatic amines in serious border rejection notifications. Full article

6 pages, 1285 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

First Molecular Confirmation of Equine Ocular Setaria digitata in China

by Feng Yu, Bo Liu, Shulei Chen, Ziwen Yi, Xianyong Liu, Yiping Zhu and Jing Li

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040055 - 28 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4577

Abstract

A 5-year-old Mongolian mare (Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) was observed to have corneal opacity and excessive ocular discharge. An ophthalmic examination revealed a moving thread-like cylindrical worm in the anterior chamber of the right eye. The parasite was successfully removed surgically. The [...] Read more.

A 5-year-old Mongolian mare (Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) was observed to have corneal opacity and excessive ocular discharge. An ophthalmic examination revealed a moving thread-like cylindrical worm in the anterior chamber of the right eye. The parasite was successfully removed surgically. The worm was observed under light microscopy and confirmed as Setaria digitata by 12S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated similarity with Setaria digitata in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank database isolated from other Asian countries. This report is the first confirmed case of equine ocular setariasis by molecular diagnosis in China, which may indicate its presence in livestock and promote research on its epidemiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary and Comparative Ophthalmology)

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11 pages, 4275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serial Ultrasonographic and Real-Time Elastosonographic Assessment of the Ovine Common Calcaneal Tendon, after an Experimentally Induced Tendinopathy

by Daniele Serrani, Antonella Volta, Franco Cingolani, Luca Pennasilico, Caterina Di Bella, Mattia Bonazzi, Alberto Salvaggio and Angela Palumbo Piccionello

Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040054 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3691

Abstract

Real-time elastosonography (RTE) is a recently described, non-invasive, ultrasonographic technique developed to assess tissue elasticity. The main aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasonographic and elastosonographic appearance of the common calcaneal tendon (CCT) in an ovine model, and to monitor the [...] Read more.

Real-time elastosonography (RTE) is a recently described, non-invasive, ultrasonographic technique developed to assess tissue elasticity. The main aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasonographic and elastosonographic appearance of the common calcaneal tendon (CCT) in an ovine model, and to monitor the progression of tendon healing after an experimentally-induced tendinopathy. Sound tendons were initially evaluated (T₀) with a caliper and by a single operator with ultrasound. Ultrasonographic and elastosonographic images were then acquired. Subsequently, ultrasound-guided tendon lesions were induced by injecting 500 IU of Type IA collagenases proximally to the calcaneal tuberosity. Caliper measurement, ultrasonography and elastosonography were then repeated at 15 (T₁), 30 (T₂) and 60 (T₃) days. Clinically measured width of the tendon, ultrasonographic thickness and width and percentage of hard (Elx-t%hrd) and soft (Elx-t%sft) tissue were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on the data collected; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) revealed good (0.68) repeatability of elastosonographic evaluation of the CCT. The tendon width was significantly increased when comparing T₀ with T_1–2 and decreased when comparing T_1–2 with T₃. Ultrasound-assessed thickness was significantly increased between T₀–T₁ and decreased between T₁-T_2–3. Elx-t%hrd was significantly decreased at T_1–2–3 and Elx-t%sft was significantly increased at T_1–2–3. In conclusion, the ovine CCT is a highly stiff structure that undergoes a severe loss of stiffness during the healing process. Thickness and width of the tendon increased during the first 30 days and then reduced progressively along the subsequent 30 days. Ultrasonographic appearance of the tendon remained severely abnormal and the tendon showed severely reduced elastic proprieties 60 days after lesion induction. Full article

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Vet. Sci., Volume 8, Issue 4 (April 2021) – 13 articles

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