Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Neha Singh, Kanisht Batra, Deepika Chaudhary, Monika Punia, Aman Kumar, Narender Singh Maan, Sushila Maan
Summary: The pig industry in India is growing rapidly but is affected by respiratory diseases. These diseases cause significant economic loss, therefore, preventive and control measures are urgently needed to eradicate the diseases and promote the industry's growth.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Karyn A. A. Havas, Lisa Brands, Roger Cochrane, Gordon D. D. Spronk, Joel Nerem, Scott A. A. Dee
Summary: This study assessed the impact of enhanced biosecurity practices on PRRSV infection in farrow-to-wean sites managed by a large swine production management company in the Midwest United States. The results showed that the use of feed mitigates, air filtration, and location in less swine-dense areas were associated with fewer PRRSV outbreaks. The strongest protective effect was found when both air filtration and feed mitigation were used.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mariana Kikuti, Carles Vilalta, Juan Sanhueza, Claudio Marcello Melini, Cesar A. A. Corzo
Summary: This study used the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project database to analyze the submission of processing fluids for PRRS diagnosis in swine farms from 2009 to 2020. The study found an increasing trend in the use of processing fluids for diagnosis since 2017, and it also found that a higher proportion of processing fluids use was associated with increased time to stability. This suggests that the adoption of processing fluids as a monitoring tool may help explain the changes observed in PRRS prevalence.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mariana Kikuti, Igor A. D. Paploski, Nakarin Pamornchainavakul, Catalina Picasso-Risso, Mark Schwartz, Paul Yeske, Brad Leuwerke, Laura Bruner, Deborah Murray, Brian D. Roggow, Pete Thomas, Lori Feldmann, Matt Allerson, Melissa Hensch, Tyler Bauman, Brent Sexton, Albert Rovira, Kimberly VanderWaal, Cesar A. Corzo
Summary: This study reports an ongoing outbreak of a new PRRSV2 variant in the Midwestern U.S., affecting 154 breeding and grow-finishing sites. The variant, found within a 120 km radius, is distinct from previously circulating strains. Case-control study reveals that sites with non-exclusive market vehicles are more likely to be affected by the new variant.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Jiahui Guo, Zimin Liu, Xue Tong, Zixin Wang, Shangen Xu, Qian Chen, Junwei Zhou, Liurong Fang, Dang Wang, Shaobo Xiao
Summary: Through integrated analysis of whole-genome sequences of type 2 PRRSV, this study identified three distinct phylogenetic lineages with sublineage 2.7 showing the highest substitution rate and genetic diversity. Recombination events were observed more frequently in L2.7 PRRSV, particularly with L3.4 and L3.7 PRRSVs as minor parents. Recombination hotspots were found in specific genes and certain glycoproteins showed positive selection, driving adaptive evolution in PRRSV.
Article
Immunology
Tiphany Chrun, Emmanuel A. Maze, Eleni Vatzia, Veronica Martini, Basudev Paudyal, Matthew D. Edmans, Adam McNee, Tanuja Manjegowda, Francisco J. Salguero, Nanchaya Wanasen, Surapong Koonpaew, Simon P. Graham, Elma Tchilian
Summary: The study indicated that co-infection of PRRSV-2 and swine influenza H3N2 virus weakened the protective effect of PRRS modified live virus vaccine while enhancing antibody responses. In contrast, co-infection in non-immunized animals helped reduce viral load and potentiate T cell responses. The upregulation of inhibitory cytokines gene expression in vaccinated pigs' lungs may have influenced responses to H3N2 and PRRSV-2.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mariana Kikuti, Catalina Picasso-Risso, Claudio Marcello Melini, Cesar A. A. Corzo
Summary: Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a major infectious disease in U.S. swine herds, and eliminating the virus poses challenges. Only about 1/6 of breeding herds successfully eliminated PRRS and remained virus-free for an average of two years. After elimination, the average annual outbreak rate was 23%, similar to the national average of 20-25%. Further studies are needed to understand the factors influencing the decision to pursue elimination.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Wang Zhai, Siyu Yu, Pengxuan Zhang, Yuan Lin, Shenghu Ge, Taojie Zhang, Kun Zhang, Shicheng He, Qiaoyun Hu, Xiaomin Tang, Zhi Peng, Changjian Wang
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of PRRSV in Hunan and Hebei provinces of China in 2021. The results showed high prevalence of PRRSV, with diverse lineages, including NADC30-like and HP-PRRSV strains. A novel sublineage 1.8 strain recombinant was also identified. This study provides updated information on the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of PRRSV in the investigated regions.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jayaveeramuthu Nirmala, Gabriella Alves, Carles Vilalta, My Yang, Aaron Rendahl, Bernard Olson, Montserrat Torremorell
Summary: Filtering the air entering swine farms has significantly reduced the incidence of PRRSv and IAV infections. Eluting viral particles from air filters by grinding filter specimens with liquid nitrogen and using TRIzol reagent can detect these viruses. Presence of PRRSv and IAV in used filters indicates likely aerosol spread of viruses between herds and the methods derived from this study provide avenues for further investigation into airborne transmission and virus introduction into farms.
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Qin Luo, Yajie Zheng, Hang Zhang, Zhiyu Yang, Huiyang Sha, Weili Kong, Mengmeng Zhao, Nina Wang
Summary: Research on the GP5 protein is crucial for the diagnosis, prevention, and control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). We provide a summary of its genetic variation, immunity, replication, apoptosis, virulence, and interaction with viral and host proteins, which lays a foundation for understanding PRRSV replication mechanisms and vaccine development.
Review
Microbiology
Xin-xin Chen, Songlin Qiao, Rui Li, Jing Wang, Xuewu Li, Gaiping Zhang
Summary: By studying how PRRSV evades host immune responses, we can understand that the virus establishes long-term infection through various complex mechanisms, which is a major obstacle in controlling PRRS disease. Understanding the exact mechanisms of PRRSV immune evasion will contribute to the development of novel antiviral strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhiqing Zhang, Hang Zhang, Qin Luo, Yajie Zheng, Weili Kong, Liangzong Huang, Mengmeng Zhao
Summary: Since its isolation in China in 1995, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been mutating into highly pathogenic strains. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic variation of nonstructural protein 1 (NSP1) in the main strain prevalent in China, PRRSV-2. The results showed that NSP1 is a stable hydrophobic protein with high nucleotide and amino acid similarity among different strains. The study lays the foundation for understanding the nature and genetic variation of NSP1 and future vaccine development.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hang Zhang, Huiyang Sha, Limei Qin, Nina Wang, Weili Kong, Liangzong Huang, Mengmeng Zhao
Summary: Studying the interactions between PRRSV and host proteins is crucial for understanding host defense against viral infections and the pathogenesis of viral infectious diseases.
Article
Immunology
Loic Vivien Bocard, Andrew Robert Kick, Corinne Hug, Heidi Erika Lisa Lischer, Tobias Kaser, Artur Summerfield
Summary: This study aimed to understand the nature of innate and adaptive immune responses to PRRSV, revealing differences in regulation by PRRSV-2 strains and MLV. Different PRRSV strains induced varied immune responses, impacting platelet activation, dendritic cell activity, interferon type I, and plasma cell responses. Correlations of BTMs with T-cell responses showed both positive and negative associations post-infection, indicating complexities in immune regulation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jordan T. T. VanderBurgt, Ondre Harper, Christopher P. P. Garnham, Susanne E. E. Kohalmi, Rima Menassa
Summary: This research aimed to display antigenic portions of the M and GP5 proteins on the surface of tobacco mosaic virus-like particles. The modified tobacco mosaic virus coat protein (TMVc) was expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants and resulted in self-assembly and surface display of the M-GP5 epitope.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Debora Jimenez-Martin, David Cano-Terriza, Maria A. Risalde, Sebastian Napp, Julio Alvarez, Manuel Fernandez-Morente, Vicente Fernandez-Molera, Inmaculada Moreno, Jose A. Infantes-Lorenzo, Ignacio Garcia-Bocanegra
Summary: Sheep may play a limited role in the epidemiology of tuberculosis in southern Spain, according to a study that found a low seroprevalence of the disease in sheep in the region. However, serosurveillance programs could still be useful in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) infection in sheep and optimizing control measures.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Pilar Pozo, Javier Bezos, Beatriz Romero, Anna Grau, Jesus Nacar, Jose Luis Saez, Olga Minguez, Julio Alvarez
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with a decreased time to recurrence and an increased risk of recurrence in bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infected herds in Castilla y Leon, Spain. The results showed that location, herd size, and number of incoming animals/contacts were good predictors of a decreased time to bTB recurrence and an increased risk of becoming a recurrent herd. Additionally, the duration of the previous outbreak and the number of IFN-gamma herd-tests applied were associated with an increased odds of (an early) recurrence. These risk factors can be used to identify high-risk herds and implement control efforts for bTB eradication.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Alberto Gomez-Buendia, Pilar Pozo, Catalina Picasso-Risso, Adam Branscum, Andres Perez, Julio Alvarez
Summary: In the last few decades, efforts have been made to develop new diagnostic tools for tuberculosis in animals to improve disease control and eradication. However, there is still uncertainty about their performance due to varying estimates published in scientific literature. This study performed a systematic review using Bayesian Latent Class Models (BLCMs) to evaluate tuberculosis diagnostic tests in animals. BLCM-based estimates differed from previous reports, especially for in vivo tests and sensitivity estimates. The use of newly developed models can help generate unbiased estimates of test performance.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Julio Alvarez, Johan M. Calderon M. Bernal, Laura Torre-Fuentes, Marta Hernandez, Chris E. Pinto Jimenez, Lucas Dominguez, Jose F. Fernandez-Garayzabal, Ana I. Vela, Dolores Cid
Summary: This study investigates the antimicrobial resistance levels and genetic resistance mechanisms of M. haemolytica isolated from clinically healthy sheep at slaughter. The results show that most antimicrobials have low levels of resistance except for tetracycline and tylosin. However, several resistance genes, some of which are associated with plasmids, are found in the genome of some isolates, indicating the need for further attention.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Perestrelo, Ana Amaro, Michael S. M. Brouwer, Lurdes Clemente, Ana Sofia Ribeiro Duarte, Annemarie Kaesbohrer, Renata Karpiskova, Vicente Lopez-Chavarrias, Dearbhaile Morris, Deirdre Prendergast, Angela Pista, Leonor Silveira, Magdalena Skarzynska, Rosemarie Slowey, Kees T. Veldman, Magdalena Zajac, Catherine Burgess, Julio Alvarez
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant threat to public health, and Escherichia coli resistant to extended spectrum cephalosporins (ESC-EC) exemplifies the One Health problem due to its global distribution. The complex epidemiology of ESC-EC infection involves multiple sources, requiring a comprehensive database comprising information from animal, human, and environmental sources. A database consisting of phenotypic and genetic information on 10,763 ESC-EC isolates from multiple sources and countries was assembled, providing a foundation for assessing geographical and temporal trends and transmission dynamics in animals and humans.
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Douwe Bakker, Joram Josephat Buza, Julio Alvarez, Vivek Kapur
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
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
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nithya Babu Rajendran, Fabiana Arieti, Carla Alejandra Mena-Benitez, Liliana Galia, Maela Tebon, Julio Alvarez, Beryl Primrose Gladstone, Lucie Collineau, Giulia De Angelis, Raquel Duro, William Gaze, Siri Goepel, Souha S. Kanj, Annemarie Kaesbohrer, Direk Limmathurotsakul, Estibaliz Lopez de Abechuco, Elena Mazzolini, Nico T. Mutters, Maria Diletta Pezzani, Elisabeth Presterl, Hanna Renk, Jesus Rodriguez-Bano, Oana Sandulescu, Federico Scali, Robert Skov, Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan, Cuong Vuong, Evelina Tacconelli
Summary: Strategic and standardised approaches are crucial for analyzing and reporting surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and informing antibiotic policies. This paper describes a multidisciplinary initiative involving experts from the human, animal, and environmental sectors to develop proposals for structuring and reporting full-scale AMR and antimicrobial consumption/antimicrobial residue surveillance data. The recommendations from this study can support national and regional plans to reduce resistance rates and promote a One Health approach to antimicrobial policy.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Clara Samper-Cativiela, Maria Esther Prieto, Soledad Collado, Cristina De Frutos, Adam J. Branscum, Jose Luis Saez, Julio Alvarez
Summary: Trends in Salmonella infections in humans are often related to the presence of the pathogen in animal reservoirs and food products. Control programs in European Union Member States aim to monitor and reduce Salmonella prevalence in commercial poultry flocks. Data analysis from the Spanish control program revealed that factors such as sampling season, housing systems, and sampling authorities influence detection rates.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alberto Gomez-Buendia, Beatriz Romero, Javier Bezos, Jose Luis Saez, Ivonne Archetti, Maria Lodovica Pacciarini, Maria Laura Boschiroli, Sebastien Girard, Emanuela Gutu, Florica Barbuceanu, Ourania Karaoulani, Athanasia Stournara, Lucia de Juan, Julio Alvarez
Summary: To assess whether the specificity of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA) is equal to or higher than that of skin tests, 4365 plasma samples from 84 official tuberculosis-free (OTF) herds in six European regions were analyzed using two IGRA kits. The results suggest that the specificity of IGRAs can be influenced by factors such as production type, age, and region of origin of the animals.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
