Analysis of avian disease transmission risk and prevention measures in China

Many zoonotic diseases are found in wild animals and present a serious risk to human health, in particularly the virus carried by birds flying freely around the world is hard to control. There are three main bird migration routes which cover the most areas of China. It is important to investigate and fully understand the types of avian transmitted diseases in key areas on the bird migration routines and its impacts on both birds and human health. However, no literature is available in how about the risk of virus carried by migrating birds, and how to predict and reduce this risk of virus spreading to human being so far. In this paper, we first reviewed the main pathogen types carried by birds, including coronaviruses, influenza viruses, parasites, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), etc., and then discussed the spread risk of avian viruses to human being and animals in key areas of biosafety prevention. We also analyzed and discussed the risk of cross-spread of diseases among different bird species in nature reserves located on bird migration routes which provide sufficient food sources for migratory birds and attract numerous birds. Diseases transmitted by wild birds pose a serious threat to poultry farms, where high density of poultry may become avian influenza virus (AIV) reservoirs, cause a risk of avian influenza outbreaks. Airports are mostly built in suburban areas or remote areas with good ecological environment. There are important transit places for bird migration and densely populated areas, which have serious risk of disease transmission. Finally, this paper puts forward the following prevention suggestions from three aspects. First, establish and improve the monitoring and prediction mechanism of migratory birds, and use laser technology to prevent contact between wild birds and poultry. Second, examine and identify virus types carried by birds in their habitats and carry out vaccination. Third, protect the ecological environment of bird habitat, and keep wild birds in their natural habitat, so as to reduce the contact between wild birds and human and poultry, and thus reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Susceptibility of domestic and wild animal species to SARS CoV-2 naturally infection (review)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved to have a wide range of hosts, including non-human primates, wild and domestic animals. Determining the susceptibility of different animal species to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the role of animals in the epidemiology of the disease will be critical to designing appropriate human and veterinary public health responses to this pandemic. A better understanding of the susceptibility of animal species to SARS-CoV-2 may help clarify transmission mechanisms and identify potential reservoirs and sources of infection that are important for both animal and human health. The current pandemic produced by SARS CoV-2 and its variants represents an example of the unique concept of health (One Health) in which humans and animals are components of the same epidemiological chain. In this paper, only the natural infections found in different animals species will be reviewed, according to literature data, regarding the species of affected animals, the transmission patterns (human-animal, animal-human), clinical aspects, diagnosis confirmation and a brief presentation of the prevention possibilities through vaccination.

The animal keeping culture and the motivation of animal keepers in Hungary

Background: In the past few decades the animal keeping culture and habits have changed a lot internationally, some animals have become family members. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation in the world, including Hungary. In many places, the quarantine period was associated with Isolation and, therefore, an increase in the number of companion animals. Objectives: Our aims were to (1) survey the animal keeping culture and habits, (2) examine the motivation of the owners and (3) explore the attitudes about adoption, neutering, breeding and the use of livestock animals in Hungary. Materials and Methods: Specialized surveys were conducted among 843 persons through social media and personal interviews from 20 June to 30 August 2021 by using a questionnaire including 16 questions. The chosen groups were compared with Fisher's Exact test and Chi-square test. Results and Discussion: 97.0% of the respondents regard their dog as a family member. Nearly 25% of the respondents do not wish to neuter their dogs, because they want to breed the dogs or they find it unnecessary. The primary reason for cat keepers not to neuter their pet is the financial issue. Animal keepers and women are significantly more likely to consider their animal as a family member (p < 0.001). Men, the elderly, people who live in the countryside and those who have only elementary education think that neutering is of less importance (p < 0.001). Non-animal keepers, elderly people and men think more negatively about adoption. Buying an animal from a breeder is more important to the younger age groups (p < 0.001) arid those who live in Budapest (p < 0.01). 42.3% of the respondents gave the lowest evaluation scores to the assessment of the livestock units. Women, people from younger age groups (p < 0.05) and those who have higher education (p < 0.001) think more negatively about the use of farm animals. Non-animal keepers, the elderly and people of lower education consider the livestock animals' emotional intelligence lower (p < 0.05). Men (p < 0.001), people over 65 years of age (p < 0.001) and of lower education (p < 0:01), and also non-animal keepers (p < 0.001) accept significantly easier the use of livestock animals.

Zoonotic diseases in animal agriculture and beyond: a one health perspective

This publication focuses on a group of vignettes to help understand zoonotic diseases, the anthropogenic factors accelerating their emergence, and the consequences of these events. While human activities and behavior are mostly responsible for creating this new era, the world struggles to prepare, change behavior, and rethink strategies to effectively address the inevitability of more frequent occurrences and severity of disease outbreaks and pandemics. Although we know and have experienced the cost of failure, past disease outbreaks seem to be quickly lost from our collective memories and new innovative interventions have not been imagined or adopted. This publication highlights examples that challenge our traditional actions and thinking and emphasize the need to adopt new approaches to prevent or ameliorate zoonotic diseases. The consensus of the experts contributing to this publication is that One Health should be embraced to achieve these results. The growing costs and societal disruptions of outbreaks and pandemics demand that zoonoses be part of our national security planning and deserve commensurate investments in preparedness, prevention, research, and resilience. This publication also highlights the necessity to fundamentally rethink and reestablish new relationships among institutions, organizations, and countries and especially between humanity and our natural systems worldwide.

Animal diseases - current developments

The health of domesticated animals and wild animals is frequently threatened by animal illnesses. It typically receives less attention and information than illnesses that also impact humans, including the Corona virus. To be able to respond quickly, it is crucial to understand the epidemic's progression and transmission vectors. Numerous new diseases have been reported in the news over the past 20 years, the majority of which having an animal source (zoonoses). Examples from recent times include the West Nile virus, SARS, avian influenza, and monkeypox. Some developing diseases impact both humans and animals, whereas others only affect either animals or humans. All of these emerging or reemerging illnesses, however, have societal repercussions that are frequently connected to regional and global economy. Understanding the effects of newly emerging animal diseases is crucial, as is promoting closer veterinarian and medical professional collaboration, particularly in rural regions. The index cases for newly developing diseases may be illnesses that affect agricultural laborers.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of canine coronavirus from domestic dogs in Chengdu, China from 2020 to 2021 using a multiplex RT-PCR.

Recent reports on identification of canine coronavirus (CCoV) in humans have emphasized the urgency to strengthen surveillance of animal CoVs. The fact that recombinations between CCoV with feline, porcine CoVs brought about new types of CoVs indicated that more attention should be paid to domestic animals like dogs, cats and pigs, and the CoVs they carried. However, there are about ten kinds of CoVs that infect above animals, and thus representative CoVs with zoonotic potentials were considered in this study. Multiplex RT-PCR against CCoV, Feline coronavirus (FCoV), porcine deltacoronavirus and porcine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus was developed to investigate the prevalence of CoVs from domestic dogs in Chengdu, Southwest China. Samples from a total of 117 dogs were collected from a veterinary hospital, and only CCoV (34.2%, 40/117) was detected. Therefore, this study focused on CCoV and its characteristics of S, E, M, N and ORF3abc genes. Compared with CoVs that are capable of infecting humans, CCoV strains showed highest nucleotide identity with the novel canine-feline recombinant detected from humans (CCoV-Hupn-2018). Phylogenetic analysis based on S gene, CCoV strains were not only clustered with CCoV-II strains, but also closely related to FCoV-II strains ZJU1617 and SMU-CD59/2018. As for assembled ORF3abc, E, M, N sequences, CCoV strains had the closest relationship with CCoV-II (B203_GZ_2019, B135_JS_2018 and JS2103). What's more, specific amino acid variations were found, especially in S and N proteins, and some mutations were consistent with FCoV, TGEV strains. Altogether, this study provided a novel insight into the identification, diversification and evolution of CoVs from domestic dogs. It is of top priority to recognize zoonotic potential of CoVs, and continued comprehensive surveillance will help better understand the emergence, spreading, and ecology of animal CoVs.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Terrestrial Animals in Southern Nigeria: Potential Cases of Reverse Zoonosis.

Since SARS-CoV-2 caused the COVID-19 pandemic, records have suggested the occurrence of reverse zoonosis of pets and farm animals in contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive humans in the Occident. However, there is little information on the spread of the virus among animals in contact with humans in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in various animals in Nigeria. Overall, 791 animals from Ebonyi, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo States, Nigeria were screened for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR (n = 364) and IgG ELISA (n = 654). SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates were 45.9% (RT-qPCR) and 1.4% (ELISA). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in almost all animal taxa and sampling locations except Oyo State. SARS-CoV-2 IgGs were detected only in goats from Ebonyi and pigs from Ogun States. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 infectivity rates were higher in 2021 than in 2022. Our study highlights the ability of the virus to infect various animals. It presents the first report of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in poultry, pigs, domestic ruminants, and lizards. The close human-animal interactions in these settings suggest ongoing reverse zoonosis, highlighting the role of behavioral factors of transmission and the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to spread among animals. These underscore the importance of continuous monitoring to detect and intervene in any eventual upsurge.

Development of broadly reactive antibody therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2

Various antibody therapeutics has been developed for the treatment and suppression of the 2019 outbreak of novel coronavirus（SARS-CoV-2）infection. A major limitation in the development of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies is the occurrence and spread of escape variants that have mutations in the spike glycoprotein. The coronaviruses are carried by various wild animals, domestic animals, and pets, and there have been cases of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus transmission from animals to people, resulting in a large spread of infection in people. There is also a possibility that cross-species transmission of SARS-CoV-2 may occur in the future. Considering these factors, the development of antibody therapeutics with broad cross-reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses is required.Alternate :抄録2019年に発生した新型コロナウイルス（SARS-CoV-2）感染症の治療や発症抑制のためにさまざまな抗体医薬の開発が進められている。SARS-CoV-2中和抗体の開発で大きな障壁となるのが、スパイク糖タンパク質に変異をもつ変異株の発生と感染拡大である。またコロナウイルスは多くの野生動物や家畜、愛玩動物が保有しており、これまでにも重篤呼吸器症候群コロナウイルスや中東呼吸器症候群コロナウイルスが動物からヒトへ伝播して大きく感染が広がったケースがある。SARS-CoV-2についても動物が起源であると考えられており、今後も種を越えた伝播が発生する可能性が考えられる。これらを踏まえて、SARS-CoV-2変異株や類縁コロナウイルスに対する交差反応性に優れた抗体医薬の開発が求められる。

Sensitive livestock and information communication technology applications to prevent the spread of COVID-19

The epidemic disease called COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected the whole world. With the spread of the epidemic, various measures such as distance education, home-office, and especially movement restrictions, have been tried to be taken. These measures have increased people's demand for healthy food. The formation of food safety awareness among in consumers has revealed the necessity of control of the controlling food chain (production, storage, transportation of products, etc.). In this process, animal products gained importance, especially as people paid more attention to their nutrition compared to previous years. Especially in this process, animal production should be systematically sustainable in order to meet the increasing animal protein needs of people. In this review, it aims to compile sensitive livestock systems in order to ensure the sustainability of animal production, the production of healthier animals and the production of the obtained products within the framework of food safety rules, with the cessation of mobility due to the measures taken under quarantine and social distance in the COVID-19 epidemic. Thus, in addition to reducing the human workforce during the epidemic process, the data collected with modern animal husbandry will prevent diseases, and facilitate the diagnosis and treatment processes in the event of a disease. With the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), which have an important place in this system, the data obtained through the modern livestock system can be easily processed, managed, and shared, thus reducing the possibility of disease transmission during the pandemic process.

Infectious disease Roundup 2022

This paper describes the epidemiology, prevalence, transmission, prevention and control of some infectious diseases in companion animals, livestock, wild animals and humans in Ontario, Canada, in 2022, including SARS-CoV-2;Echinococcus multilocularis, Leishmania spp. and SARS-CoV-2;antimicrobial stewardship resources;2 cases of rabid dogs imported from Iran (July 2021 and January 2022);prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriacea, Dirofilaria immitis, Brucella canis, canine parainfluenza and adeno- and herpes viruses in dogs recently imported from Asia;Paragonimus kellicotti lung flukes and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in dogs;African swine fever in pet pigs, backyard pigs and wild pigs and blastomycosis in dogs and humans.

Susceptibility of different animal species to experimental infection with SARS-CoV-2 (review)

The susceptibility of animal species to SARS-CoV-2, under experimental conditions, is a subject of great interest for the international scientific community. Compared to observational studies of natural disease outbreaks in different animal species, experimental studies based on in silico, in vitro and in vivo research, are important alternatives to evaluate the prediction of potential hosts for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In order to determine the susceptibility of a host species and the risk of acting as a potential animal reservoir, a large number of different animal species, domestic and wild, were experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2, which were classified as permissive or resistant. Experimental infections have proven to be crucial for clarifying aspects of the pathogenetic mechanism, viral persistence and elimination, immune response, antiviral sensitivity, vaccine production, immunotherapy and improving diagnostic methods. In this article, some experimental infections carried out in different animal species will be reviewed, according to the data from the literature.

The impact of reproductive disorders in animals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus: a literature review

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread worldwide since the end of 2019. This virus infects humans and has also been found to infect animals. Viruses enter the human body through the ACE2 receptor on apical epithelial cells. ACE2 receptors are also present in animal epithelial cells, so the possible effects of cell damage due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans can also occur in animals. However, studies on the long - term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals, especially fertility, have not been widely reported. Therefore, this literature review aims to identify and analyze the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection on the function of the reproductive system of animals, especially protected wildlife. The data were obtained from literature published in PubMed-gov with selected keywords and several other filters activated. The study result s indicate that there is a possibility that animals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus could cause infertility, so the application of health protocols is important for people who are in close contact with animals, especially wild animals.

Impact of the "coronavirus" emergency on Italian livestock systems

This report describes the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the productive and economic aspects of livestock and aquaculture production in Italy, including farm management, labour, income, marketing and consumption of animal products (meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products), consumer behaviour, food safety, agrotourism and disease control.

Current understanding of the airborne transmission of important viral animal pathogens in spreading disease

Current research on airborne transmission of African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV), avian influenza (AIV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) was reviewed to evaluate commonalities, knowledge gaps, and methodologies of studying airborne transmission of animal diseases. The reviewed studies were categorised as short-range transmission (within a single facility) and long-range transmission (beyond a single site). Short-range airborne transmission was demonstrated for at least one strain of the above-mentioned pathogens in experimental settings. Most studies reported in the literature concern FMDV, with limited information for ASFV and PEDV, particularly for short-range airborne transmission. Air sampling upwind, downwind, and within infected facilities has been commonly used to demonstrate long-range airborne transmission. The amount of evidence from air sampling for each of the reviewed viruses varies from no evidence on ASFV to evidence from multiple settings for AIV. Computer modelling has been used to study past outbreaks of infectious diseases to assess the contribution of airborne transmission with a multitude of computer models reported in the literature for simulating long-range airborne transmission of FMDV based on past outbreaks. This has resulted in predictive tools for assessing future risk of airborne transmission. Some important computer models are based on epidemiology analysis, weather analysis, and air dispersion. Few models are reported for ASFV, PEDV, and PRRSV. Studies in the literature indicate that airborne transmission is generally affected by virus strain, aerosol type, shedding duration and concentration, environmental conditions, and infectious dose.

Domestic Animals as Potential Reservoirs of Zoonotic Viral Diseases.

Zoonoses are diseases and infections naturally transmitted between humans and vertebrate animals. Over the years, zoonoses have become increasingly significant threats to global health. They form the dominant group of diseases among the emerging infectious diseases (EID) and currently account for 73% of EID. Approximately 25% of zoonoses originate in domestic animals. The etiological agents of zoonoses include different pathogens, with viruses accounting for approximately 30% of all zoonotic infections. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly, by contact, via aerosols, through a vector, or vertically in utero. Zoonotic diseases are found in every continent except Antarctica. Numerous factors associated with the pathogen, human activities, and the environment play significant roles in the transmission and emergence of zoonotic diseases. Effective response and control of zoonotic diseases call for multiple-sector involvement and collaboration according to the One Health concept.

Susceptibility of domestic and companion animals to SARS-CoV-2: a comprehensive review.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a large global outbreak. The reports of domestic animals' infection with SARS-CoV-2 raise concerns about the virus's longer-lasting spread, the establishment of a new host reservoir, or even the evolution of a new virus, as seen with COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the susceptibility of domestic animals, especially companion animals, towards SARS-CoV-2 in light of existing studies of natural infection, experimental infection, and serological surveys. Susceptibility of domestic and companion animals to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Livestock risk protection payments for feeder cattle during COVID-19

Daily offering data for Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance for feeder cattle in the USA was used to measure the indemnity payments that could have been paid when prices rapidly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show to policy makers and producers how LRP mitigated losses in recent years and during the pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 on livestock production and marketing in Nigeria

The current COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the agricultural value chains in Nigeria to economic uncertainties with the livestock sector at the receiving end of the impact of the accompanying effects. The present study assessed the extent of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on livestockfarmers. Aweb-based cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted in randomly selected 12 States in Nigeria. Data gathered through the questionnaire included;respondents' demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19 pandemic, extent of impact of the pandemic, farm activities severely affected and mitigation efforts made by the affected livestock farmers. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency count, percentage, mean and confidence interval set at p<0.05. This study revealed that majority (73%) of the livestock farmers were aware of COVID-19 pandemic, 66% practiced intensive farming system while 62% were into poultry production. Knowledge and attitude of livestock farmers regarding COVID-19 revealed that 86% of the respondents believed that COVID-19 did not have a specific drug for treatment, 97% agreed with the principle of hand washing, 70% had hand washing stations on their farms while 59% believed that animals could be infected with the disease. Of the extent of the impact of COVID-19, 42% claimed to have had high blood pressure, 80% lacked funds to run their farms while 27% witnessed the loss of loved ones, 86% of the farmers were severely affected in marketing of their products and services;72%, 52% and 72% were affected in restocking, farm cleaning and transportation, respectively. As a result of the pandemic, 39% sought for loans and reduced labour, 24% stopped payment of salaries while 23% reduced the quantity and quality of feeds given to their animals. The present study highlighted the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livestock industry in Nigeria. Therefore, concerted efforts to ensure the survival of the livestock industry must be put in place by individuals and the government at large to salvage current situation and emergency preparedness protocol should be put in place in case of future occurrence.

Overview of the most significant Coronavirus infections in veterinary medicine

Background. Coronaviruses (CoVs) have been recognized in veterinary virology for a long time and comprise a large group of RNA viruses responsible for enteric, respiratory, hepatic, and neurologic diseases in a variety of animal species and humans. These viruses are very adaptable considering their highly error-prone replication process and recombination ability, resulting in remarkable mutability and efficient expansion of their host range and tissue tropism. Scope and Approach. In the recent past, after the outbreaks caused by SARS-CoV in 2002 and MERS-CoV in 2012, CoVs became a research focus in the scientific community. Moreover, the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic raised more questions concerning the threats posed by these viruses. Several significant examples of coronaviruses jumping the species barrier and changing their tropism have been reported in the past, and novel viruses of both animals and humans have appeared as a consequence. This paper reviews some of the examples of CoV mutability and the most notable animal coronaviruses of veterinary relevance. Key Findings and Conclusions. There is still no proof that the novel virus SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted to humans from domestic animals, and its recent cross-species jump is currently being intensively researched. Intensified and diverse human activities that lead to the disruption of ecosystems contribute to the increased risk of contact with animals that might represent virus reservoirs. The need for constant surveillance of CoVs and expanded studies of their virological traits, mutation mechanisms, diversity, prophylactic and therapeutic measures highlight the key role of both veterinarians and medical doctors in order to preserve the health of the human population.

Economic epidemiology: analysis for the meat market

The relationship between international trade and animal health is particularly important in the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the World Trade Organization - WTO. Supported by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), SPS measures are scientifically justified and play an important role in placing epidemiology at the center of decisions related to health and animal trade. The objective of this study was to discuss the interactions between the international meat trade and the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases of viral origin, in a debate on how the current Covid-19 pandemic could change the consumer behavior related to health and hygiene issues, and how the meat sector was affected by SPS measures, highlighting the relevance of Brazil in this context.