scholarly journals A U.S. isolate of Theileria orientalis, Ikeda genotype, is transmitted to cattle by the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelcey D. Dinkel ◽  
David R. Herndon ◽  
Susan M. Noh ◽  
Kevin K. Lahmers ◽  
S. Michelle Todd ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Theileria orientalis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes anemia, ill thrift, and death in cattle globally. The Ikeda strain of T.orientalis is more virulent than other strains, leading to severe clinical signs and death of up to 5% of affected animals. Within the Asia–Pacific region, where it affects 25% of Australian cattle, T.orientalis Ikeda has a significant economic impact on the cattle industry. In 2017, T.orientalis Ikeda was detected in a cattle herd in Albermarle County, Virginia, United States. Months earlier, the U.S. was alerted to the invasion of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, throughout the eastern U.S. Abundant H.longicornis ticks were identified on cattle in the T.orientalis-affected herd in VA, and a subset of ticks from the environment were PCR-positive for T.orientalis Ikeda. A strain of T.orientalis from a previous U.S. outbreak was not transmissible by H.longicornis; however, H.longicornis is the primary tick vector of T.orientalis Ikeda in other regions of the world. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether invasive H.longicornis ticks in the U.S. are competent vectors of T.orientalis Ikeda. Methods Nymphal H.longicornis ticks were fed on a splenectomized calf infected with the VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda strain. After molting, a subset of adult ticks from this cohort were dissected, and salivary glands assayed for T.orientalis Ikeda via qPCR. The remaining adult ticks from the group were allowed to feed on three calves. Calves were subsequently monitored for T.orientalis Ikeda infection via blood smear cytology and PCR. Results After acquisition feeding on a VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda-infected calf as nymphs, a subset of molted adult tick salivary glands tested positive by qPCR for T.orientalis Ikeda. Adult ticks from the same cohort successfully transmitted T.orientalis Ikeda to 3/3 naïve calves, each of which developed parasitemia reaching 0.4–0.9%. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that U.S. H.longicornis ticks are competent vectors of the VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda strain. This data provides important information for the U.S. cattle industry regarding the potential spread of this parasite and the necessity of enhanced surveillance and control measures.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelcey D Dinkel ◽  
David Herndon ◽  
Susan M Noh ◽  
Kevin K Lahmers ◽  
S. Michelle Todd ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUNDTheileria orientalis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes anemia, ill thrift, and death in cattle globally. The Ikeda strain of T. orientalis is more virulent than other strains, leading to severe clinical signs and death in less than 5% of affected animals. Within the Asia-Pacific region, where it affects 25% of Australian cattle, T. orientalis Ikeda has a significant economic impact on the cattle industry. In 2017, T. orientalis Ikeda was detected in a cattle herd in Albermarle County, Virginia, United States. Months earlier, the U.S. was alerted to the invasion of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, throughout the eastern U.S. Abundant H. longicornis ticks were identified on cattle in the T. orientalis-affected herd in VA, and a subset of ticks from the environment were PCR-positive for T. orientalis Ikeda. A strain of T. orientalis from a previous U.S. outbreak was not transmissible by H. longicornis; however, H. longicornis is the primary tick vector of T. orientalis Ikeda in other regions of the world. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether invasive H. longicornis ticks in the U.S. are competent vectors of T. orientalis Ikeda. METHODSNymphal H. longicornis ticks were fed on a splenectomized calf infected with the VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda strain. After molting, a subset of adult ticks from this cohort were dissected, and salivary glands assayed for T. orientalis Ikeda via qPCR. The remaining adult ticks from the group were allowed to feed on three calves. Calves were subsequently monitored for T. orientalis Ikeda infection via blood smear cytology and PCR.RESULTSAfter acquisition feeding on a VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda-infected calf as nymphs, a subset of molted adult tick salivary glands tested positive by qPCR for T. orientalis Ikeda. Adult ticks from the same cohort successfully transmitted T. orientalis Ikeda to 3/3 naïve calves, each of which developed parasitemia reaching 0.4-0.9%.CONCLUSIONSOur findings demonstrate that U.S. H. longicornis ticks are competent vectors of the VA-U.S.-T. orientalis Ikeda strain. This data provides important information for the U.S. cattle industry regarding the potential spread of this parasite and the necessity of enhanced surveillance and control measures.


Author(s):  
Rhoda Leask ◽  
Kenneth P. Pettey ◽  
Gareth F. Bath

Heartwater is a serious limiting factor for sheep and goat production in the major endemic area of sub-Saharan Africa and therefore most knowledge, research and control methods originate from this region. Whilst the usual or common clinical presentations can be used to make a presumptive diagnosis of heartwater with a good measure of confidence, this is not always the case, and animals suffering from heartwater may be misdiagnosed because their cases do not conform to the expected syndrome, signs and lesions. One aberrant form found occasionally in the Channel Island breeds of cattle and some goats is an afebrile heartwaterlike syndrome. The most constant and characteristic features of this heartwater-like syndrome comprise normal temperature, clinical signs associated with generalised oedema, and nervous signs, especially hypersensitivity. The presumption that the disease under investigation is the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome entails a tentative diagnosis based on history and clinical signs and the response to presumed appropriate treatment (metadiagnosis). The afebrile heartwater-like syndrome presents similarly to peracute heartwater but without the febrile reaction. Peracute cases of heartwater have a high mortality rate, enabling confirmation of the disease on post-mortem examination. Recognition of the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome is important to prevent deaths and identify the need for appropriate control measures.


Ruminants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-71
Author(s):  
Hélder Quintas ◽  
Isabel Pires ◽  
Andreia Garcês ◽  
Justina Prada ◽  
Filipe Silva ◽  
...  

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), also known as sheep pulmonary adenomatosis and jaagsiekte, is a contagious pulmonary tumor of sheep, characterized by neoplastic proliferation of type II pneumocyte and club cells. OPA is induced by the oncogenic activity of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) of exogenous jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). This disease is associated with significant economic losses in numerous sheep raising countries. The onset of suggestive clinical signs is often late, making difficult the early diagnosis of the disease and timely implementation of control measures on the affected farms. Further, the lack of diagnostic tests that can be performed routinely by veterinary clinicians to accurately assess infected animals (e.g., serological or others) means that the true prevalence at flock level is not known. Imaging diagnostic methods (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray and computed tomography) can be used to support the clinical diagnosis, even in pre-clinical stages in affected flocks. The diagnosis must be confirmed by PCR of nasal excretions or immunohistochemistry and PCR of tumor lesions. No vaccine for OPA has yet been developed. Thus, in this work, we review the main methods of diagnosis of OPA in order to support the clinician in the identification of the disease, avoid underdiagnosis and allow the implementation of suitable measures to prevent and control its spread.


Author(s):  
Gabriel M. Shirima ◽  
Seleman N. Masola ◽  
Obeid N. Malangu ◽  
Brant A. Schumaker

Brucellosis screening was conducted between 2005 and 2010 at the National Livestock Research Institute headquarters, Mpwapwa, Tanzania, following an abortion storm in cattle. The initial screening targeted breeding herds; 483 cattle were screened using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) followed by the Competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA) as a confirmatory test. The seropositivity on c-ELISA was 28.95% in 2005; it subsequently declined to 6.72%, 1.17%, 0.16% and 0.00% in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Brucella seropositivity was not detected in goats. Seropositivity declined following institution of stringent control measures that included: gradual culling of seropositive animals through slaughter; isolation and confinement of pregnant cows close to calving; proper disposal of placentas and aborted foetuses; the use of the S19 vaccine; and restricted introduction of new animals. It was thought that the source of this outbreak was likely to have been from the introduction of infected animals from another farm. Furthermore, humans were found with brucellosis antibodies. Out of 120 people screened, 12 (10%) were confirmed seropositive to brucella antigen exposure by c-ELISA analysis. The majority of the seropositive individuals (80%) were milkers and animal handlers from the farm. Nine individuals had clinical signs suggestive of brucellosis. All cases received medical attention from the district hospital. This achievement in livestock and human health showed that it is possible to control brucellosis in dairy farms, compared to pastoral and agro-pastoral farms, thus providing evidence to adopt these strategies in dairy farms thought to be at risk.


Author(s):  
R A Butler ◽  
J G Chandler ◽  
K M Vail ◽  
C J Holderman ◽  
R T Trout Fryxell

Abstract Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Asian longhorned tick) is an exotic and invasive tick species presenting a health and economic threat to the United States (U.S.) cattle industry due to its ability to transmit pathogens and infest hosts in large numbers. The objective of this study was to evaluate available products at causing H. longicornis mortality in a laboratory bioassay. The efficacy of products was evaluated at label rates using H. longicornis nymphs collected from a cattle farm in eastern Tennessee in two different bioassays (spray or dip) against untreated controls. After exposure, ticks were transferred to clean petri dishes and checked for mortality at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 21, 24, and 48 h post exposure. No mortality occurred in the untreated controls, whereas all treated ticks were dead within 24 h of exposure (P < 0.0001). These findings support the hypothesis that currently available spray and pour-on products are effective at causing H. longicornis mortality. We conclude that these acaricides can be used as a component to prevent H. longicornis dispersal and for control in the U.S.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Montoya ◽  
Rosa Gálvez ◽  
Rocio Checa ◽  
Juliana Sarquis ◽  
Alexandra Plaza ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a parasitic zoonotic disease, endemic in the Mediterranean basin including Spain. While knowledge about CanL, its management, treatment, prevention and control mounts, it remains unclear whether all clinical veterinarians follow the same international recommendations, such as those of the LeishVet group. This study was thus designed to assess recent trends in the clinical management of CanL in veterinary clinics across Spain through a questionnaire-based survey. Results were compared with those of our prior national multicenter questionnaire administered by our research team in 2005. Methods A questionnaire consisting of 28 questions about CanL was developed using Google Forms and distributed by email to 1428 veterinary clinics in Spain. Questions were designed to obtain data on common clinical signs, techniques and complementary exams used to diagnose the disease, and on its monitoring, treatment and control measures. Data were collected in a database for statistical analysis. Results Completed questionnaires were returned by 295 clinics. Compared to the situation in 2005, replies indicate that clinical signs of CanL have not changed significantly, cutaneous lesions being still the most prevalent sign observed by practitioners. Quantitative serological techniques are considered an adequate approach to diagnosis, provided their results are supported by the findings of a thorough physical exam, as well as complementary tests (complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, plasma protein electrophoretogram and complete urinalysis). Treatment protocols and check-ups follow international recommendations. Finally, a multimodal approach is being endorsed to adequately control CanL including preventive measures such as: annual serological check-ups and the combination of repellents and vaccines. Besides, owners are being better informed about CanL by veterinarians, which translates to the improved control of this zoonosis. Conclusions The clinical management of CanL has recently undergone significant changes owing to improvements in clinical knowledge of the disease, more unified international criteria, improved diagnostic techniques and their adequate interpretation, as well as a greater awareness of the disease transmitted to owners.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelmalik I. Khalafalla ◽  
Yahia H. Ali

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic encephalomyelitis and a major challenge to public and animal health. Livestock are affected by rabies mostly through bites of rapid dogs or wildlife carnivore\'s species. They are considered as ‘dead-end’ hosts that do not transmit the virus. Rabies in livestock has been endemic in many developing countries for many years and diagnosed through clinical signs and dog-biting history. An introduction on rabies situation in farm animals will be given then subchapters including `rabies in bovines, rabies in small ruminants, rabies in swine and rabies in camelids. In each subchapter we shall discuss, epidemiology, modes of transmission, diagnosis and prevention and control measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 01057
Author(s):  
Kaoutar Nabah ◽  
Nadya Mezzoug ◽  
Ahmed Aarab ◽  
Halima Oufdou ◽  
Kacem Rharrabe

In Morocco, the epidemiological surveillance of imported Malaria still be the pillar of the eradication strategy of the disease as part of environmental health. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile of malaria in north region of Morocco. It is retrospective descriptive study, based on program reports, carried out from 28 April 2019 to 18 February 2020 covering 2014-2018 period. The statistical analysis is performed by Epiinfo 7. In total, 59 cases of imported Malaria were reported. Tangier-Assilah province presented the majority of the cases (62.7%). The frequency was highest in 2018 with 35,2% (19) of cases. The male patient (79.7%) and the age of] 15-30] years (50%) were the most detected. 55.5% of the cases had a Moroccan nationality and were travelling from Guinea (33.9%). Diagnosis was conducting less than 2 days in 75% since the onset of clinical signs. The parasite was Plasmodium falciparum for 84.7% of Malaria cases. In conclusion, to prevent the risk of re-emergence of the disease in the region, the prevention and control measures against the imported malaria can be established at the regional as well as national level to achieve the objective of the malaria eradication in Morocco.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. e0009502
Author(s):  
Qing-Long Gong ◽  
Yu Chen ◽  
Tian Tian ◽  
Xiaobo Wen ◽  
Dong Li ◽  
...  

Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria, mainly Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), is a major threat to public health and economic development. There has been no systematic epidemiological assessment concerning bTB in dairy cattle in China. Methodology/principal findings Literature related to bTB in China was retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, ScienceDirect, VIP Chinese Journals Database, and Wan Fang Database to build the first meta-analysis for estimating the prevalence and infection moderators of bTB in dairy cattle in China. A total of 100 relevant studies published from 2010 to 2019 were included. We estimated the overall prevalence of bTB was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.1–2.8) during this decade. In the sampling year subgroup, the prevalence was lowest in 2017 or later at 0.8% (95% CI: 0.3–1.5). The lowest prevalence was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.5–1.0) in Northwestern China. The lowest prevalence was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.8–2.5) using SIT test. Heifer cows had the highest prevalence, which was 27.1% (95% CI: 9.7–49.2). The prevalence in scale farming was 3.7% (95% CI: 3.1–4.3), significantly higher than that in free-range farming (1.7%, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4). The prevalence of bTB was highest in summer at 4.0% (95% CI: 1.7–7.0). In addition, the influence of different geographical factors (altitude, longitude, latitude, precipitation, temperature, humidity) on the prevalence was analyzed. Conclusions/significance The results showed that bTB was widespread in China but has been gradually reduced through concerted national intervention. It is suggested that different countries should formulate corresponding prevention and control measures according to the epidemic situation in its cattle industry. Enhanced monitoring of warm and humid areas may play an important role in reducing the incidence of bTB. In addition, when large-scale breeding is promoted, attention should be paid to standardizing breeding management and improving animal welfare to reduce the prevalence of bTB in cattle.


2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 860-866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiano J.F. de Sant'Ana ◽  
Antônio do A. Leal ◽  
Rogério E. Rabelo ◽  
Valcinir A.S. Vulcani ◽  
Jair A. Ferreira Junior ◽  
...  

Cases of vesicular and exanthematic disease by Vaccinia virus (VACV) have been reported in dairy herds of several Brazilian regions, occasionally also affecting humans. The present article describes eight outbreaks of vesicular disease caused by VACV in dairy herds of six counties of Goiás state, Midwestern Brazil (2010-2012), involving a total of 122 cows, 12 calves and 11 people. Dairy cows (3 to 9 years old) were affected in all cases and calves (2 to 9 months old) were affected in five outbreaks, presenting oral lesions. The morbidity ranged between 8 and 100% in cows, and 1.5 to 31% in calves. In the cows, the clinical signs started with vesicles (2-7mm), painful and coalescent papules (3-8 mm), which resulted in ulcers (5-25mm) and scabs in teats, and, occasionally, in the muzzle. The clinical course lasted from 16 to 26 days. The histopathology of bovine skin samples revealed superficial perivascular inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, macrophages and multifocal areas of acanthosis, spongiosis, hipergranulosis and parakeratotic or orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with adjacent focally extensive ulcers. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were noted in the cytoplasm of the keratinocytes. PCR to vgf gene of Orthopoxvirus was positive in samples collected from all outbreaks, and in some cases, genomic VACV sequences were identified by nucleotide sequencing of the PCR amplicons. Infectious virus was isolated in cell culture from scabs from one outbreak. Antibodies to Orthopoxvirus were detected in at least 3 or 4 animals in most outbreaks, by ELISA (outbreaks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7) or virus-neutralization (outbreak 6). Neutralizing titers ranging from 8 to 64 in outbreak 6. In all outbreaks, VACV infection was suspected based on the clinical and pathological findings and it was confirmed by laboratory tests. Upon the etiological confirmation, other agents associated with vesicular disease were discarded. In all outbreaks, at least one milker who handled the affected cows developed malaise, headache, fever, painful vesico-pustular lesions mainly in the hands, but also in the neck and nose. These results confirm the circulation of VACV in the region and call attention for a correct diagnosis and the adoption of prophylactic and control measures.


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