Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mohamed Marzok, Khalid Alkashif, Mahmoud Kandeel, Mohamed Salem, Mohamed Z. Sayed-Ahmed, Abdelfattah Selim
Summary: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection is prevalent among camels in Egypt, with a prevalence rate of 21.5%. The disease is more common in Kafr ElSheikh governorate in the Nile Delta. Age above 5 years, female sex, emaciated animals, summer season's infection, presence of mosquitoes, and absence of mosquito control are identified as risk factors for RVFV infection.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Paul Kato Kitandwe, Paul F. McKay, Pontiano Kaleebu, Robin J. Shattock
Summary: RVF is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that causes harm to both humans and animals. There is a need for more safe and effective DIVA-compatible vaccines due to limitations of the currently available RVF vaccines.
Article
Immunology
William C. Wilson, Bonto Faburay, Jessie D. Trujillo, Izabela Ragan, Sun-Young Sunwoo, Igor Morozov, Vinay Shivanna, Aaron Balogh, Kinga Urbaniak, D. Scott McVey, Dashzeveg Bold, Natasha N. Gaudreault, Erin E. Schirtzinger, Wenjun Ma, Juergen A. Richt
Summary: RVFV is a mosquito-borne virus that causes diseases in animals and humans in Africa, with no licensed vaccine available for humans. However, a vaccine based on Gn and Gc glycoproteins has shown promising results in protecting cattle from the virus in experimental studies.
Article
Microbiology
Ombretta Pediconi, Silvia D'Albenzio, Georgia Gkrintzali, Paolo Calistri, Milen Georgiev
Summary: This article introduces a crisis preparedness exercise co-organised by EFSA and IZS-Teramo to strengthen the capability of Mediterranean countries in managing human/animal health crises using the 'One Health' approach. Participants positively assessed the training activity and gave useful suggestions for future similar initiatives.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andrew Musa Adamu, Lushakyaa Allam, Anthony K. B. Sackey, Alhaji Bida Nma, Philip Paul Mshelbwala, Salamatu Mambula-Machunga, Sunday Idoko Idoko, Alex Adikwu Adikwu, Wesley Daniel Nafarnda, Bello Sikiti Garba, Olajide Adewale Owolodun, Asabe Adamu Dzikwi, Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun, Yila Ayo Simon
Summary: The study reveals the presence of RVFV antibodies among camels in Nigeria, with rain-fed croplands being a significant risk factor. Only a minority of respondents knew that RVF is a zoonotic disease, and most pastoralists still rely on ethnoveterinary practices for disease control.
Letter
Immunology
Mohammad M. Obaidat, James C. Graziano, Maria Morales-Betoulle, Shelley M. Brown, Cheng-Feng Chiang, John D. Klena
Summary: The epidemiology of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Jordan is unknown. A study found 3% of tested dairy cattle, sheep, and goats were RVFV seropositive and 14% were CCHFV seropositive. Ongoing surveillance is necessary to evaluate the risk to humans and protect public health.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Melissa Katia Trabelsi, Aissam Hachid, Fawzi Derrar, Nacer Eddine Messahel, Taha Bia, Youcef Mockbel, Ahmed Fayez Khardine, Djilali Degui, Lydia Bellout, Mohammed Hocine Benaissa, Hamza Leulmi, Djamel Khelef, Rachid Kaidi, Achene Hakem, Rachid Bouguedour, Idir Bitam, Ismail Lafri
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiological status of RVFV infection in dromedary camels in southern Algeria and identified the risk factors associated with the infection. The results showed a relatively high seropositive rate in camels from the southwestern areas, particularly in Tindouf wilaya, and camels introduced from Sahelian countries. Adult and aged camels had a significantly higher risk of being infected by RVFV.
COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Caitlin M. Cossaboom, Luke Nyakarahuka, Sophia Mulei, Jackson Kyondo, Alex Tumusiime, Jimmy Baluku, Gloria Grace Akurut, Dianah Namanya, Kilama Kamugisha, Hildah Tendo Nansikombi, Alex Nyabakira, Semei Mutesasira, Shannon Whitmer, Carson Telford, Julius Lutwama, Stephen Balinandi, Joel Montgomery, John D. Klena, Trevor Shoemaker
Summary: Seven confirmed Rift Valley fever cases, including one fatality, were reported in Kiruhura District, Uganda in 2021. Our findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance for viral hemorrhagic fevers, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Calvin Sindato, Esron D. Karimuribo, Emmanuel S. Swai, Leonard E. G. Mboera, Mark M. Rweyemamu, Janusz T. Paweska, Jeremy Salt
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the RVFV Clone 13 vaccine in sheep, goats, and cattle under field conditions. The vaccine was found to be well tolerated in all three animal species, with no adverse reactions reported, and induced detectable but varying levels of IgG responses, with high immunogenicity in sheep and goats and moderate in cattle.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Xiao Wang, Yupei Yuan, Yihan Liu, Leiliang Zhang
Summary: This article provides an overview of the pathogenesis of Rift Valley fever (RVF) and the immune evasion competition between the virus and the host. Understanding the host immune response and viral antibodies can help identify new drug targets and potential solutions for current and future epidemics.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Omar Sayed Saeed, Ayman Hany El-Deeb, Mohamed Rasheed Gadalla, Sherif Abdel Ghafar El-Soally, Hussein Aly Hussein Ahmed
Summary: This study investigated the role of Egyptian frugivorous and insectivorous bats in RVFV epidemiology in Egypt. The results showed evidence of RVFV genome in insectivorous bats, genetically similar to those circulating during previous RVFV outbreaks in Egypt. Molecular data suggest that the bat Pipistrellus deserti could play a role in RVFV ecology in Egypt.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hassan Ismail Musa, Caleb Ayuba Kudi, Muhammad Mamman Gashua, Abubakar Sadiq Muhammad, Abdulyeken Olawale Tijjani, Adamu Saleh Saidu, Sani Mohammed, Saleh Mohammed Jajere, Shuaibu Gidado Adamu
Summary: This study in Maiduguri abattoir, Borno State of Nigeria, found a 20.7% seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever in camels. There were no significant differences in antibody presence based on gender and presence of post-mortem lesion, but significant associations were found with age, source, and main utility of the camels. Regular monitoring and control of transboundary animal movements were recommended for the area.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Cecile Troupin, Isabelle Ellis, Bakary Doukoure, Alimou Camara, Moustapha Keita, Moise Kagbadouno, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Ramadan Diallo, Sandra Lacote, Philippe Marianneau, Martin H. Groschup, Noel Tordo
Summary: This study evaluated the seroprevalence of brucellosis, Q fever, and Rift Valley fever in domestic ruminants in Guinea. The results showed that cattle had the highest seroprevalence for these three diseases, with brucellosis and Q fever being widespread in Guinea. The study highlights the need for improved surveillance and screening for zoonotic diseases in Guinea.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nathaniel S. Chapman, Haiyan Zhao, Nurgun Kose, Jonna B. Westover, Birte Kalveram, Robin Bombardi, Jessica Rodriguez, Rachel Sutton, Joseph Genualdi, A. Desiree LaBeaud, Francis M. Mutuku, Phillip R. Pittman, Alexander N. Freiberg, Brian B. Gowen, Daved H. Fremont, James E. Crowe
Summary: By isolating antibodies from B cells of individuals who were naturally infected or vaccinated, researchers found that immune responses to RVFV share similar antigenic sites, with some specific antibodies demonstrating potent neutralizing activities in vitro. These antibodies can inhibit virus-cell fusion process, thereby contributing to antibody-mediated neutralization against RVFV infections.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Virology
Lingqing Xu, Alden C. Paine, Dominique J. Barbeau, Frances Alencastro, Andrew W. Duncan, Anita K. Mcelroy
Summary: RVFVmiR-122, a recombinant miRNA-targeted virus, specifically limits the replication of RVFV in liver cells. C57BL/6 mice infected with RVFVmiR-122 show a different clinical outcome compared to those infected with RVFVmiR-184, and this difference is eliminated in Mir-122 KO mice.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar, Mette Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, Simon Gubbins, Jan Arend Stegeman, Francois Thiaucourt, Sotiria-Eleni Antoniou, Inma Aznar, Alexandra Papanikolaou, Gabriele Zancanaro, Helen Clare Roberts
Summary: EFSA was mandated by the European Commission to assess the effectiveness of control measures against Category A diseases. This opinion focuses on the control measures for Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), including sampling procedures, monitoring periods, protection and surveillance zones, and duration of measures. The recommendations aim to support legislative drafting and ad hoc requests related to CCPP.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar Schmidt, Mette Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, Simon Gubbins, Jan Arend Stegeman, Sotiria-Eleni Antoniou, Inma Aznar, Alessandro Broglia, Yves Van der Stede, Gabriele Zancanaro, Helen Clare Roberts
Summary: This article discusses the mandate given to EFSA by the European Commission to assess the effectiveness of control measures against transmissible animal diseases. Specifically, the effectiveness of control measures for glanders is assessed, including clinical and laboratory sampling procedures, monitoring period, and the minimum radius and duration of protection and surveillance zones. The findings and recommendations aim to support the drafting of legislation and address glanders-related requests.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar Schmidt, Mette Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde Calvo, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, Kris De Clercq, Ylva Sjunnesson, Andrea Gervelmeyer, Helen Clare Roberts
Summary: EFSA has been mandated to assess the effectiveness of certain prohibitions and risk mitigation treatments for products of animal origin and other materials in restricted zones. The assessment found a lack of evidence and varying degrees of uncertainty regarding the potential presence of pathogens in certain commodities. There is also a lack of field evidence contributing to uncertainty in evaluating the transmission risk of animal products to other animals.
Article
Virology
Soufien Sghaier, Corinne Sailleau, Maurilia Marcacci, Sarah Thabet, Valentina Curini, Thameur Ben Hassine, Liana Teodori, Ottavio Portanti, Salah Hammami, Lucija Jurisic, Massimo Spedicato, Lydie Postic, Ines Gazani, Raja Ben Osman, Stephan Zientara, Emmanuel Breard, Paolo Calistri, Jurgen A. Richt, Edward C. Holmes, Giovanni Savini, Francesca Di Giallonardo, Alessio Lorusso
Summary: Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral disease transmitted by Culicoides and affects domestic and wild ruminants, particularly white-tailed deer and cattle. Recent outbreaks of EHDV-8 have been reported in cattle farms in central/western Tunisia, spreading rapidly throughout the country with more than 200 confirmed cases. This study emphasizes the need for vaccines targeting various serotypes of EHDV.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shu-Yu Lin, Daniel Beltran-Alcrudo, Lina Awada, Christopher Hamilton-West, Andrea Lavarello Schettini, Paula Caceres, Paolo Tizzani, Alberto Allepuz, Jordi Casal
Summary: This paper describes the distribution of 3,263 exceptional events reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) from 2005 to February 2021. The results show an increase in the number of events over time, with most events reported for domestic animals and limited data provided for wildlife. The analysis also reveals a decreasing trend in both the confirmation period and notification period, indicating improved timeliness of reporting.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Paolo Calistri, Harsharn Gill, Alessio Lorusso
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar, Mette S. Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel angel Miranda, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Helen Clare Roberts, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, James Bron, Niels Jorgen Olesen, Hilde Sindre, David Stone, Niccolo Vendramin, Sotiria-Eleni Antoniou, Lisa Kohnle, Alexandra Papanikolaou, Anna Eleonora Karagianni, Dominique Joseph Bicout
Summary: The assessment evaluated Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) according to the Animal Health Law's criteria, and the outcome is uncertain in terms of IPN's eligibility for Union intervention (50-90% probability) and its categorisation for disease prevention and control (probabilities ranging from 0-99%). The animal species suitable for IPN listing are also provided.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar Schmidt, Mette S. Herskin, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Helen Clare Roberts, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, Inga Tiemann, Ingrid de Jong, Sabine Gabriele Gebhardt-Henrich, Linda Keeling, Anja Brinch Riber, Sean Ashe, Denis Candiani, Raquel Garcia Matas, Michaela Hempen, Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, Cristina Rojo Gimeno, Yves Van Der Stede, Marika Vitali, Elea Bailly-Caumette, Virginie Michel
Summary: This Scientific Opinion examines the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) in relation to meat production, specifically broilers. It covers the care of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. The opinion identifies 19 welfare consequences (WCs) such as bone lesions, stress, feeding disorders, movement restrictions, and sensory stimulation issues. It provides detailed descriptions of these WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs). Furthermore, it offers recommendations for preventing or mitigating the hazards associated with different husbandry systems and proposes indicators for monitoring broiler welfare at slaughter.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar Schmidt, Mette Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Helen Clare Roberts, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Margit Bak Jensen, Susanne Waiblinger, Denise Candiani, Eliana Lima, Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, Yves Van der Stede, Marika Vitali, Christoph Winckler
Summary: This Scientific Opinion addresses the welfare of calves as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. It provides a description of common husbandry systems, related welfare consequences, and measures to prevent or mitigate hazards. Recommendations include increasing space allowance, keeping calves in stable groups, ensuring good colostrum management, and increasing milk fed to dairy calves. Specific recommendations for veal systems include keeping calves in small groups, providing adequate space, and feeding them with neutral detergent fibre. Longer cow-calf contact is advised, and on-farm welfare monitoring should include body condition assessment, carcass condemnations, and behavioral measures.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar Schmidt, Mette Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Helen Clare Roberts, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, Charlotte Berg, Sandra Edwards, Ute Knierim, Anja Riber, Attila Salamon, Inga Tiemann, Chiara Fabris, Aikaterini Manakidou, Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, Yves Van der Stede, Marika Vitali, Antonio Velarde
Summary: This scientific opinion addresses the welfare issues of domestic ducks, Muscovy ducks, and their hybrids, domestic geese, and Japanese quail in various farming purposes. The different husbandry systems commonly used in the European Union were described and the welfare consequences for each species were assessed, including movement restrictions, injuries, group stress, inability to perform natural behaviors, and maternal behavior problems. Animal-based measures relevant to assessing welfare consequences were identified and recommendations on preventing these consequences were provided.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar Schmidt, Mette Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Helen Clare Roberts, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Alice De Boyer des Roches, Margit Bak Jensen, John Mee, Martin Green, Hans-Hermann Thulke, Elea Bailly-Caumette, Denise Candiani, Eliana Lima, Yves Van der Stede, Christoph Winckler
Summary: This Scientific Opinion addresses the European Commission's mandate on the welfare of dairy cows, including three assessments based on literature reviews and expert opinion. Assessment 1 describes the most prevalent housing systems for dairy cows in Europe, while Assessment 2 focuses on welfare consequences and provides suggested animal-based measures. Assessment 3 analyzes farm characteristics that could be used to classify on-farm welfare.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar, Mette Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Helen Clare Roberts, Hans Spoolder, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, Cornelia Adlhoch, Inmaculada Aznar, Francesca Baldinelli, Anette Boklund, Alessandro Broglia, Nora Gerhards, Lina Mur, Priyanka Nannapaneni, Karl Stahl
Summary: The epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals is constantly changing. Certain animal species, such as minks, raccoon dogs, cats, ferrets, and hamsters, are known to transmit the virus. In the EU, there has been a decreasing trend in mink farm outbreaks, mainly attributed to human-to-animal transmission. Cats, ferrets, and hamsters are at the highest risk of infection among companion animals. It is important to monitor and control the spread of the virus in animals to prevent potential spill-over into the human population.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Dominique Joseph Bicout, Paolo Calistri, Elisabetta Canali, Julian Ashley Drewe, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas, Christian Gortazar Schmidt, Mette Herskin, Miguel angel Miranda Chueca, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Pasquali, Helen Clare Roberts, Hans Spoolder, Karl Stahl, Antonio Velarde, Arvo Viltrop, Christoph Winckler, Inmaculada Estevez, Maryse Guinebretiere, Bas Rodenburg, Lars Schrader, Inga Tiemann, Thea Van Niekerk, Michele Ardizzone, Sean Ashe, Michaela Hempen, Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, Cristina Rojo Gimeno, Yves Van Der Stede, Marika Vitali, Virginie Michel
Summary: This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of laying hens, pullets, and layer breeders, describing the relevant husbandry systems used in Europe and identifying the welfare consequences and associated measures. Additionally, recommendations are provided for monitoring the welfare of laying hens on farms.
Article
Immunology
Serena Bosica, Alexandra Chiaverini, Maria Elisabetta De Angelis, Antonio Petrini, Daniela Averaimo, Michele Martino, Marco Rulli, Maria Antonietta Saletti, Maria Chiara Cantelmi, Franco Ruggeri, Fabrizio Lodi, Paolo Calistri, Francesca Cito, Cesare Camma, Marco Di Domenico, Antonio Rinaldi, Paolo Fazii, Fabrizio Cedrone, Giuseppe Di Martino, Patrizia Accorsi, Daniela Morelli, Nicola De Luca, Francesco Pomilio, Giustino Parruti, Giovanni Savini
Summary: Between November 2021 and May 2022, there were 37 clinical cases of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus infections in central Italy. Epidemiologic investigations and whole-genome sequencing revealed that unpasteurized fresh dairy products were the source of the outbreak. Early diagnosis using sequencing technology prevented the spread of life-threatening S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus infections.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Alessio Lorusso, Stefano Cappai, Federica Loi, Luigia Pinna, Angelo Ruiu, Giantonella Puggioni, Annalisa Guercio, Giuseppa Purpari, Domenico Vicari, Soufien Sghaier, Stephan Zientara, Massimo Spedicato, Salah Hammami, Thameur Ben Hassine, Ottavio Portanti, Emmanuel Breard, Corinne Sailleu, Massimo Ancora, Daria Di Sabatino, Daniela Morelli, Paolo Calistri, Giovanni Savini
Summary: The detection of EHDV serotype 8, with an identical genome to strains found in Tunisia in 2021, was reported in cattle farms in Sar-dinia and Sicily in October-November 2022.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
