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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.
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Water downstream from factory farms harbours an invisible threat to people's health which could eclipse the COVID-19 crisis. The threat? Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) which are driving antimicrobial resistance the world's superbug crisis - projected to kill up to 10 million people annually by 2050. This publication reports the presence of ARGs in animal waste discharged from industrial farms into public waterways or onto soil (or crops) in four countries. Gauge community impact and sentiment regarding the issue was also highlighted. The water and sediment from public water courses connected to effluent discharges from 6-10 pig farms were tested in each of four countries (Canada, Spain, Thailand and the USA).
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OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals detected through both passive and active surveillance in the US. ANIMALS: 204 companion animals (109 cats, 95 dogs) across 33 states with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections between March 2020 and December 2021. PROCEDURES: Public health officials, animal health officials, and academic researchers investigating zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission events reported clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic information through a standardized One Health surveillance process developed by the CDC and partners. RESULTS: Among dogs and cats identified through passive surveillance, 94% (n = 87) had reported exposure to a person with COVlD-19 before infection. Clinical signs of illness were present in 74% of pets identified through passive surveillance and 27% of pets identified through active surveillance. Duration of illness in pets averaged 15 days in cats and 12 days in dogs. The average time between human and pet onset of illness was 10 days. Viral nucleic acid was first detected at 3 days after exposure in both cats and dogs. Antibodies were detected starting 5 days after exposure, and titers were highest at 9 days in cats and 14 days in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study supported that cats and dogs primarily become infected with SARS-CoV-2 following expo- sure to a person with COVID-19, most often their owners. Case investigation and surveillance that include both people and animals are necessary to understand transmission dynamics and viral evolution of zoonotic diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
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Introduction: Mosquito-borne diseases have historically affected communities, especially in tropical areas where mosquitoes and illnesses are endemic. Globalization, climate change, and increased travel have created ideal conditions for outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases that could threaten the American health system and place a burden on the national economy, especially in southern states. Methods: The study adopts a quantitative cross-sectional design with a retrospective survey carried out using the Pollfish platform in June 2022. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression to assess the three hypotheses: (H1) Chikungunya awareness is related to sociodemographic factors;(H2) Wearing long sleeves and pants is related to (a) Chikungunya awareness and (b) information-seeking behaviors, when controlling for sociodemographic variables;(H3) Use of insect repellents is related to (a) Chikungunya awareness and (b) information-seeking behaviors when controlling for sociodemographic variables. Results: The results highlight the relationships between chikungunya's awareness, information-seeking behavior, and willingness to engage in protective behaviors. 45.91% of the participants mentioned not having heard about chikungunya, and 67.07% of respondents had sought information about mosquito-borne illnesses in the past, 55.9% have looked at the U.S. State Department's website for mosquito-borne diseases, 38.32% have visited the U.S. CDC website for information specifically about chikungunya. Conclusions: The results of this study show that most American travelers are unaware of chikungunya and its mode of transmission. Travel could likely introduce the chikungunya virus to the United States. Despite increased health information-seeking behavior among U.S. residents after the Covid19 pandemic, Chikungunya awareness is low.
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Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic illness that spreads from animals to people. Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that infects warm-blooded mammals, causes the sickness. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that causes abortion and death in animals. Cats are the parasite's sole sexual hosts, thus they're the only ones who can get it. Because cats are frequent pets, they are highly likely to come into touch with humans. As a result, the disease poses a risk to human health. The potential danger is influenced by the frequency of oocyst secretion and the level of contamination in the environment. Toxoplasmosis has serious consequences for both animal and human health, hence preventative actions should be taken to reduce the dangers. COVID-19 is affected by such methods as well. Toxoplasmosis is thought to increase immunological and immunosuppressive factors, which increases the chance of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of the resulting COVID-19. Research into Toxoplasma gondii intermediate hosts might help understand COVID-19's dynamics and determine if the virus can be transferred from animals to humans. We explore what we know about Toxoplasma gondii infection as a human parasitosis and how it may alter the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this review study.
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This publication presents Peru's illegal wildlife trade activity before and after Covid-19 pandemic which creates a perfect conditions for zoonotic emerging infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 to emerge and spread among animals and people, thus recommendations to prevent this scenario are highlighted.
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To analyze the population density, seasonal fluctuation of Aedes albopictus in Haizhu District, Guangzhou from 2017 to 2021, so as to provide a scientific basis for the monitoring and prevention and control of mosquito vector density of dengue fever. The data of dengue fever cases and Aedes surveillance data in Haizhu District, Guangzhou from 2017 to 2021 were collected, and the data of 2017-2019 and 2020-2021 were grouped to compare and analyze the characteristics of dengue epidemic and the density fluctuation of Aedes mosquitoes. A total of 517 dengue cases were reported in Haizhu District, Guangzhou from 2017 to 2021, of which only 7 cases were reported from 2020 to 2021, and the peak period of reported cases every year was August to November. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a positive correlation between the number of local cases and the number of imported cases(rs=0.63, P<0.05) and BI(rs=0.73, P<0.05). The peak density of Aedes was from May to October, and the differences of mean BI(X~2=1 143.40,P<0.001), MOI(X~2=188.30,P<0.001), and SSI(X~2=4 499.43,P<0.001)before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were statistically significant. In general, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the density of Aedes in high-risk areas was higher than that in low-risk areas. After COVID-19 pandemic, the number of reported cases and the density of Aedes in Haizhu District decreased, but the density of Aedes in the high-risk area was still higher than that in low-risk areas, and a certain risk of outbreak still existed, so the government should continue to take more precise measures to strictly prevent dengue epidemic.
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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.
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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.
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This article compares the development of the highly infectious COVID-19 disease in humans with infections or infestations in honey bees. The importance of knowledge on the exotic nature of COVID-19 and each of its variants in providing a useful insight as to how it would be expected to develop, and in particular the expected reduction in its virulence over time, is also discussed.
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The Wildlife and Forest Analytic Toolkit, introduced by the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), is designed to increase the effectiveness of measures combating wildlife and forest crimes (WAFCs). Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries have applied this toolkit as one of their priority actions after recognizing concerns about the biodiversity system and conservational zone through several illegal wildlife trade (IWT) activities. Although the toolkit has realized its fundamental objectives to readjust legal frameworks, enhance enforcement involvement, and improve their judicial and prosecutorial operations, the last components of data and analysis have not yet been implemented. This leads to slow updates of both trends and patterns concerning WAFCs that raise questions about the real levels of exploitation in the region. Using gray literature with published materials, combined with the IWT's database in the CITES system, this study examines why the data and analysis component of the Toolkit created obstacles in the GMS countries. Findings point to there being at least four main challenges to implementing data and analysis as the toolkit has recommended in the region: (1) availability and reliability of data;(2) data collection;(3) data resources (internal vs. external level);and (4) analytic research and its related monitors. Some practical recommendations call for further discussions. Meanwhile, updated information and specific data relating to zoonotic disease transmission are timely, considering the coronavirus pandemic.
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In December 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 235 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (235), monkeypox (110), dengue fever (28), measles (27) and cholera (14). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (47.0%), Rift Valley fever (44.2%), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (40.0%), Lassa fever (17.6%) and West Nile fever (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and measles. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, cholera and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, monkeypox, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and invasive group A streptococcus infection.
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The possession of exotic animals as pets is a social practice that has become more visible in Mexico in recent years, so it is interesting to understand its environmental and social implications and those related to human health. The present study aims to identify the main species of exotic animals kept as pets and the zoonotic diseases reported in these species. We analyzed official figures of seizures of exotic fauna in Mexico and reviewed specialized literature on zoonotic diseases documented in Mexico in these species. We identified zoonoses in species of fauna that can be acquired legally and illegally in the country, reported in environments in which animals coexist with other species and are in direct contact with people, which represents an important factor in the spread and propensity of this type of disease. We conclude that the sanitary regulation of wildlife markets, the monitoring and studying microorganisms associated with wildlife are valuable strategies to prevent the emergence of zoonoses.
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In general, B and T lymphocytes, which are involved in adaptive immunity, are in charge of cell-mediated response and antibody-mediated immunity, respectively. Another subset of lymphocytes, known as natural killer (NK) cells, are innate effector cells. They serve as the body's initial line of defence against viral infections. They perform the task of eliminating stressed cells and are crucial for tumour immunity. These cells are capable of performing their killing function without clonal expansion and differentiation following activation. The NK cells will immediately eliminate infected host cells but other lymphocytes need lymphocyte proliferative response which takes several days and further differentiate into effector cells, so that they eliminate host cells infected by the viral pathogen. The NK cells also form a bridge between the adaptive and innate immunity and play significant roles during respiratory infection. Number and the role of NK cells correlate with the severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS);the number and the percentage of CD158b+ NK cells in severe SARS infection were significantly less in number than those with mild cases. Innate defence mechanisms, particularly NK cells, are able to control SARS infection even in the absence of T cells and antibodies, according to cellular immunological responses to SARS infection in mice. As a result, NK cells are crucial in the fight against viral infections of the respiratory system. As an innate immune system, they serve as the initial line of virus protection. It is possible to do additional research to take advantage of this NK cell trait and develop a cutting-edge therapeutic approach to fight developing respiratory viral diseases.
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This investigation shows that MERS-CoV ELISA antibodies remain in dromedary camels at least for 9 years, most probably lifelong. The viral infection was most likely acquired at a young age when maternal antibodies have receded between 4 to 8 month of age. Additionally, in the investigated herd, the 4 ELISA antibody negative dromedary camels remained negative also for 9 years, indicating, that no MERS-CoV was circulating in the herd. Until today, the specific source of MERS-CoV infection for young dromedaries remains unknown.
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen which causes high mortality rate in humans. Dromedary camels may play a central role in virus transmission to humans. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), a transmembrane protein located on the cell surface of many epithelial and endothelial tissues was identified as the receptor for MERS-CoV. The current study investigated the possibility that bacterial stimulation of camel blood could affect the expression level of DPP4 on camel leukocyte subpopulation, which in turn may contribute to the higher susceptibility of camels with bacterial infection to MERS-CoV infection. DPP4 expression was evaluated by membrane immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Stimulation of camel blood with the bacterial species S. aureus or E. coil resulted in the upregulation of DPPV on both monocytes and granulocytes, while S. agalactiae did not significantly modulate DPPV expression on either of the immune cells (p > 0.05). None of the bacterial species could induce a change in DPPV expression on lymphocytes from stimulated blood. Collectively, the present study showed an enhancing effect of bacterial stimulation on DPPV expression on camel monocytes and granulocytes.
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SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in humans in December 2019 and has since affected almost 68 million people causing over 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Animal-to-human and animal-to-animal transmission has been documented within farmed minks in several countries. SARS-CoV-2 has been identified in a farmed mink population in a number of countries. Some of the affected farms reported also workers SARS-CoV-2 infection and it is hypothesized that the mink farms were infected through human-mink transmission proving SARS-CoV-2 capability of reverse zoonosis. This Tripartite Risk Assessment, as a joint effort under the GLEWS+ initiative, completed with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), evaluates the risk of introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 within fur farming systems as well as whether farmed fur animals could play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to humans via spillover. Additionally, using a One Health approach, the Tripartite evaluated the risk of the escaped minks leading to the establishment of a viral reservoir in susceptible wildlife populations. This work provides guidance to Members on this newly emerging threat.
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This paper describes the pathogenesis and immunology of Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, ferrets, Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), mice, cats, mink, pigs and rabbits used as models for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Surveys were conducted in New Jersey, Tennessee, Indiana and Arizona in collaboration with low-income housing agency to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pest control practices and pest infestations in five states. In total, 39 completed surveys were received. Survey data indicates the majority (77 percent) of housing agencies used contracted pest control services. Only 11 percent of surveyed agencies used in-house staff to deal with pest issues. In-house staff are familiar with the properties and residents. Using in-house licensed staff to manage pest issues has several advantages: it saves the cost of staff escorting contractors one to two days a month in each property;it is more flexible than hiring a con-tractor for scheduling, treating emergency complaints and planning follow-up in-spections and re-treatments;and it is likely much cheaper for in-house staff to conduct nonchemical control procedures such as rodent proofing, decluttering or cleaning compared to contracted services. This study found evidence of decreased pest control cost due at least partially to reduced service visits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-six percent of surveyed agencies experienced changes in scheduled services, and all of the changes were pandemic-related policy changes implemented by the housing agencies. The current contracted services generally met the expectations of the housing agencies. Housing managers and residents believe that lack of resident cooperation and property maintenance are responsible for high pest prevalence or control failures. There were increased pest complaints (except bed bugs) and infestations in low-income housing with the greatest increase associated with cockroaches. Despite the continued high pest infestation rates, the current pest control contracts meet the housing agencies' expectations. There remains a strong need to educate housing agency personnel and residents to help them adopt more effective pest management policies and contracts and to reduce the indoor pest infestations significantly.
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Most of the coronaviruses are known because they are pathogens of veterinary and economic importance or of social importance. The current knowledge on the origin, diversity, evolution of coronaviruses, as well as treatment and prevention strategies, and their impact on animal industries are discussed in this paper. The contribution factors for the outbreak of pathogenic coronaviruses and the potential of spill over of zoonotic coronaviruses to humans are also highlighted in this review paper.