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.

Does the absence of zoo visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic impact Gorilla behavior?

Whether or not primates are behaviorally affected by the presence of visitors in a zoo setting is a question of great relevance to zoo animal well-being. The situation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unusual opportunity to examine how the absence of visitors impacts behavior. We took advantage of this opportunity to study the behavior of a gorilla troop during periods of no-visitors compared to our long-term database on gorilla behavior during normal zoo operations. While there were notable individual differences in response to visitors, we found no significant relationship between presence of visitors and behavior. These results suggest that the presence of visitors does not have a significant impact on behavior and well-being of zoo-housed gorillas.

Clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats compiled through national surveillance in the United States

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.

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.

Warm-blooded animal toxoplasmosis and its connection to COVID-19: a review

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.

Wild meat consumption in zoonotic pandemics in Ghana

This study assessed wild meat consumption after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana using the Health Belief Model framework. Data were collected through a household survey near two important wildlife-protected areas in Ghana. There was less wild meat consumption after the outbreak of COVID-19 than before the outbreak. About half of the respondents (51%) perceived themselves to be susceptible to diseases with proximal wildlife origin. The best model of a stepwise-multiple regression explained 49% of the variance, and three constructs (Perceived Susceptibility, Self-efficacy, and Perceived Seriousness) of the Health Belief Model were significant predictors of wild meat consumption weariness. Behaviour change interventions, based on creating awareness of the health risks of wild meat gathering and consumption, could be helpful in both public health and conservation circles. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Human Dimensions of Wildlife is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

5th International Conference on Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases 2022 (ICTMID 2022), Ipoh, Malaysia, 23-25 August 2022

This proceedings contains 112 s that cover a wide range of topics related to microbiology. The s cover a wide range of topics related to microbiology, including new paradigms in a microbe-threatened world, the human-animal spillover of SARS-CoV-2 and its implications for public health, preparing for the next pandemic, antimicrobial resistance and the fight against it. Furthermore, tuberculosis, monkeypox, and their potential threat on a global scale are also discussed. The presentations also cover a variety of other topics, such as vaccines and vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccines, addressing vaccine hesitancy, key issues related to the COVID-19 healthcare system, regional support for outbreak preparedness, enhancing regional health security in Asia through genomic surveillance, the role of molecular diagnostic capacity in COVID-19 control, antimicrobial resistance in COVID-19 times, paediatric nosocomial infections, prescription ethics from a primary care perspective, the BCG vaccine and its relevance in the prevention of tuberculosis and beyond, tuberculosis as a forgotten pandemic, vector-borne diseases during COVID-19, the role of media advocacy in vector-borne diseases control and management, engaging communities in tackling vector-borne diseases, the way forward in managing mental health in the COVID-19 endemic phase, the spread of zoonotic diseases, and whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: clinical applications and experience.

Successful management of life-threatening post-COVID-19 cryptosporidiosis in a renal transplant patient: a case report.

Worldwide, Cryptosporidium spp. is a common parasite that affects domestic and wild animals, including humans, and causes diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. The fecal-oral pathway accounts for the majority of its transfer. Although C. parvum and C. hominis are the most common zoonotic species in humans, other zoonotic species can also infect immunocompetent and immunocompromised people. Patients undergoing renal transplants are more likely to contract cryptosporidiosis, which can cause severe and potentially fatal diarrhea. A 41-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department complained of a sudden onset, severe and continuous fatigue, and a feverish sensation of two-day duration. Two days prior to the current admission, the patient started to complain of weakness affecting his whole body, as well as a fever of 39°C and continuous yellowish diarrhea occurring 4-5 times daily without blood. Stool analysis revealed a cryptosporidium infection. The patient underwent surgery for kidney transplantation. The donated kidney was the left one from his brother and was attached to the patient´s right groin. As illustrated by our example, cryptosporidiosis should be considered a significant cause of acute, persistent, watery diarrhea in immunocompromised kidney transplant recipients. Patients undergoing renal transplants should be instructed to wash their hands frequently, stay away from young animals, sick people, and swimming pools in order to lower their risk of infection.

Corrigendum: Evolution, ecology, and zoonotic transmission of betacoronaviruses: a review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.644414.].

Challenges in the treatment and prevention of monkeypox infection; A comprehensive review.

Human monkeypox (HMPX) is a zoonotic disease, literally meaning that it can be passed on from animals (non-primate) to human (primate). All the reported and recorded cases have been traced back either to international travel or import of African animals. In the Unites states, sporadic monkeypox cases have been reported in specific over the past 50 years, starting its first identification in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) in 1970. Due to its extreme versatility, this disease poses threat as a serious public health issue that needs to be monitored, researched and prevented. Data indicate that prior immunization with the smallpox vaccine is beneficial and may provide protection against the monkeypox virus. JYNNEOSTM is a live viral vaccine that has been approved to improve clinical manifestations of the infection. On the other hand, public ignorance about safety precaution towards monkeypox post-COVID is another challenge that needs to be overcome in tackling HMPX as a possible re-emergent infection. This review is a collation of the epidemiology, etiology, transmission, clinical features and treatment of human monkeypox (HMPX).

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on milk production per hectare in Ecuadorian herds

Dairy production systems in Ecuador have been studied in the last 10 years. During the Covid-2019 pandemic, the entire human society was harmed and agricultural activities affected by the disease and by the restrictions implemented to prevent its spread. The dairy industry did not escape this global situation and was affected in various countries. Reports from Ecuador and Asian countries indicate the unfavorable effect that this global health emergency situation had on dairy production. However, according to a report by the Argentine Dairy Chain Observatory1, world milk production had a constant growth of around 3%. It is considered that the activities carried out by veterinarians, milking and animal handling operators, inseminators and by the personnel dedicated to the management of paddocks were affected by Covid-19. Likewise, the supply of medicines, agricultural inputs and technology had a critical situation due to the pandemic. In addition, the response times were not always adequate, especially due to the absenteeism of livestock personnel, human mortality and effects on the health and well-being of people . Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the effects the pandemic could have on the country's cattle farms. The objective of this work was to evaluate whether the pandemic period affected milk production per hectare per year in Ecuadorian herds.

Insight of Zoonotic Viruses at Human-Animal Interfaces in Cambodia

*Presenting author Emerging infectious diseases have been causing outbreaks in humans for centuries and most infectious diseases originate in animals. Re-emerging zoonotic pathogens are rapidly increasing in prevalence or geographic range and causing a significant and growing threat to global health. The present work provides an insight of zoonotic viruses risk at human-bat/rodent interfaces in Cambodia. We conducted studies to investigate the circulation of zoonotic viruses and the risk of exposure in human living at the interfaces with bats and rodents. Rodent's samples were collected in rural and urban areas of Cambodia. Organs were tested for Hantavirus, Orthohepevirus species C and Arenavirus. Bat's samples were collected in Steung Treng for Sarbecovirus and in Battambang and Kandal for Nipah virus detection. People working/living at the human-animal interfaces were screened for IgG antibodies. In rodents (750), hantavirus was detected in 3.3% rodents from urban areas only. Seoul orthohantavirus was the most predominant virus followed by Thottapalayam virus. HEV-C was detected only in rodents from urban settings (1.8%). Arenavirus was detected in both rural (6.8%) and urban (2.5%) areas. In humans (788), the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against hantavirus, HEV-A and Arenavirus was 10.0%, 24% and 23.4% respectively. NiV was detected in flying fox's urines collected between 2013-2016 in Kandal (0.63%) and in Battambang (1.03%). Blood samples collected in both provinces were negative for NiV antibodies. SARS-CoV-2 related virus was detected in Rhinolphus shameli in Steung Treng in 2010, 2020 and 2021. Blood samples from people living at the vicinity of positive bats were positive for antibodies against CoV (7.7%), but no specific neutralizing SARS-CoV2 antibodies were detected. Our studies provided insight of the risk of zoonoses in Cambodia and highlighted the importance of zoonotic surveillance and further One Health effort to prevent, detect, and respond to future cross-species transmission.Copyright © 2023

The zoonotic and natural foci characteristics of SARS-CoV-2.

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still an unresolved mystery. In this study, we systematically reviewed the main research progress of wild animals carrying virus highly homologous to SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed the natural foci characteristics of SARS-CoV-2. The complexity of SARS-CoV-2 origin in wild animals and the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 long-term existence in human populations are also discussed. The joint investigation of corona virus carried by wildlife, as well as the ecology and patho-ecology of bats and other wildlife, are key measures to further clarify the characteristics of natural foci of SARS-CoV-2 and actively defend against future outbreaks of emerging zoonotic diseases.

Spike-Independent Infection of Human Coronavirus 229E in Bat Cells.

Bats are the reservoir for numerous human pathogens, including coronaviruses. Despite many coronaviruses having descended from bat ancestors, little is known about virus-host interactions and broader evolutionary history involving bats. Studies have largely focused on the zoonotic potential of coronaviruses with few infection experiments conducted in bat cells. To determine genetic changes derived from replication in bat cells and possibly identify potential novel evolutionary pathways for zoonotic virus emergence, we serially passaged six human 229E isolates in a newly established Rhinolophus lepidus (horseshoe bat) kidney cell line. Here, we observed extensive deletions within the spike and open reading frame 4 (ORF4) genes of five 229E viruses after passaging in bat cells. As a result, spike protein expression and infectivity of human cells was lost in 5 of 6 viruses, but the capability to infect bat cells was maintained. Only viruses that expressed the spike protein could be neutralized by 229E spike-specific antibodies in human cells, whereas there was no neutralizing effect on viruses that did not express the spike protein inoculated on bat cells. However, one isolate acquired an early stop codon, abrogating spike expression but maintaining infection in bat cells. After passaging this isolate in human cells, spike expression was restored due to acquisition of nucleotide insertions among virus subpopulations. Spike-independent infection of human coronavirus 229E may provide an alternative mechanism for viral maintenance in bats that does not rely on the compatibility of viral surface proteins and known cellular entry receptors. IMPORTANCE Many viruses, including coronaviruses, originated from bats. Yet, we know little about how these viruses switch between hosts and enter human populations. Coronaviruses have succeeded in establishing in humans at least five times, including endemic coronaviruses and the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In an approach to identify requirements for host switches, we established a bat cell line and adapted human coronavirus 229E viruses by serial passage. The resulting viruses lost their spike protein but maintained the ability to infect bat cells, but not human cells. Maintenance of 229E viruses in bat cells appears to be independent of a canonical spike receptor match, which in turn might facilitate cross-species transmission in bats.

ORIGINS OF HIV-1 AND SARS-CoV-2

Dr. Worobey will discuss the scientific evidence for when, where and how both the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic originated, and what we can learn from this knowledge to prevent or mitigate future pandemics?. In both cases, cross-species transmission into humans via wildlife consumption, versus via laboratory accident, were plausible hypotheses of origin. And in both cases, there is now overwhelming evidence in favor of the natural zoonosis route. Indeed, in the case of COVID-19, we have insights into the genesis of the pandemic that are in many ways unparalleled in the history of investigating pandemic origins.

Zooanthropogenic potential of SARS-CoV-2 virus: Implications for vaccine-mediated immunity

The human pandemic caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that started in December, 2019 is still continuing in various parts of the world. The SARS-CoV-2 has evolved through sporadic mutations and recombination events and the emergence of alternate variants following adaptations in humans and human-to-animal transmission (zooanthraponosis) has raised concerns over the efficacy of vaccines against new variants. The animal reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 is unknown despite reports of SARS-CoV- 2-related viruses in bats and pangolins. A recent report of back-andforth transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between humans and minks on mink farms in the Netherlands has sparked widespread interest in zooanthroponotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 followed by reemergence to infect human populations. The risk of animal to human transmission depends on virus-host interaction in susceptible species that may be short-term or long term risks. The short term risk might be due to infection to humans during the viremic stage in susceptible animals. The long term risk might be either due to persistence of the virus at population level or latency of infection leading to risk of evolution and re-emergence of the virus. Experimental studies have identified a range of animals that are susceptible and permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection viz. cats, ferrets, hamsters, mink, non-human primates, tree shrews, raccoon dogs, fruit bats, and rabbits. The health impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals are unknown and it is likely that other susceptible species have not been discovered yet. Apart from farmed animals, stray cats and rodents have been identified as a potential opportunity for ongoing transmission in intense farming situations. Recognizing animal species that are most susceptible to infection is the first step in preventing ongoing transmission from humans. Minimizing the risk of zooanthraponosis requires multi-sectoral coordination that includes implementation of strict biosecurity measures such as controlled access to farms that house susceptible animals, bio-secure entry and exit protocols, disinfection protocols in farm, down time for animal transport vehicles and daily assessments of human handlers for exposure to SARS-CoV- 2. Hence, active surveillance in animal species that are prioritized based on risk assessment need to be initiated in coordination with health and environment sectors for early identification of emerging and re-emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus in animals.

Health from ecological justice: from the regeneration of wild nature to the prevention of future pandemics

The aim of this article is to explore a philosophical perspective on health linked to the restoration of wild nature, especially on the basis of some lessons that can be drawn from the spread of recent zoonotic diseases. The first section presents the relationship that the COVID-19 pandemic has maintained with social justice, venturing the thesis that ecological justice is a dimension that should be incorporated with deeper attention. To justify this, the following sections propose, first at the conceptual level, to approach a concept of health that is plural, dynamic and interdependent, and, then at the pragmatic level, to take as a reference the casuistry that shows an inverse correlation between the presence of wild biodiversity in a territory and contagion by zoonoses. In sum, these thoughts may lead to justify anticipatory duties for future pandemics and a responsibility for global health that deserve to be analyzed from an ethical point of view.

Mpox in pregnancy: Management, risks and challenges in Africa and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data on mpox in pregnancy are currently limited. Historically, only 65 cases in pregnancy have been reported globally since mpox was discovered in 1958. This includes 59 cases in the current outbreak. Vertical transmission was confirmed in one patient. Pregnant women are at high risk of severe disease owing to immunological and hormonal changes that increase susceptibility to infections in pregnancy. African women appear to be at higher risk of mpox infection and adverse outcomes in pregnancy for epidemiological and immunologic reasons, in addition to the background high rates of adverse feto-maternal outcomes in the region. This risk is potentially heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the possibility of mpox virus exportation/importation as a result of the lifting of movement restrictions and trans-border travels between countries affected by the current outbreak. Furthermore, coinfection with mpox and COVID-19 in pregnancy is possible, and the clinical features of both conditions may overlap. Challenges of diagnosis and management of mpox in pregnancy in Africa include patients concealing their travel history from healthcare providers and absconding from/evading isolation after diagnosis, shortage of personal protective equipment and polymerase chain reaction testing facilities for diagnosis, vaccine hesitancy/resistance, and poor disease notification systems. There is a need for local, regional and global support to strengthen the capacity of African countries to address these challenges and potentially reduce the disease burden among pregnant women in the continent.

An appraisal of peer-reviewed published literature on Influenza, 2000-2021 from countries in South-East Asia Region.

Background: Influenza poses a major public health challenge in South-East Asia Region (SEAR). To address the challenge, there is a need to generate contextual evidence that could inform policy makers and program managers for response preparedness and impact mitigation. The World Health Organization has identified priority areas across five streams for research evidence generation at a global level (WHO Public Health Research Agenda). Stream 1 focuses on research for reducing the risk of emergence, Stream 2 on limiting the spread, Stream 3 on minimizing the impact, Stream 4 on optimizing the treatment and Stream 5 on promoting public health tools and technologies for Influenza. However, evidence generation from SEAR has been arguably low and needs a relook for alignment with priorities. This study aimed to undertake a bibliometric analysis of medical literature on Influenza over the past 21 years to identify gaps in research evidence and for identifying major areas for focusing with a view to provide recommendations to member states and SEAR office for prioritizing avenues for future research. Methods: We searched Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases in August 2021. We identified studies on influenza published from the 11 countries in WHO SEAR in the date range of 1 January 2000-31 December 2021. Data was retrieved, tagged and analyzed based on the WHO priority streams for Influenza, member states, study design and type of research. Bibliometric analysis was done on Vosviewer. Findings: We included a total of 1,641 articles (Stream 1: n = 307; Stream 2: n = 516; Stream 3: n = 470; Stream 4: n = 309; Stream 5: n = 227). Maximum number of publications were seen in Stream 2, i.e., limiting the spread of pandemic, zoonotic, and seasonal epidemic influenza which majorly included transmission, spread of virus at global and local levels and public health measures to limit the transmission. The highest number of publications was from India (n = 524) followed by Thailand (n = 407), Indonesia (n = 214) and Bangladesh (n = 158). Bhutan (n = 10), Maldives (n = 1), Democratic People's Republic of Korea (n = 1), and Timor-Leste (n = 3) had the least contribution in Influenza research. The top-most journal was PloS One which had the maximum number of influenza articles (n = 94) published from SEAR countries. Research that generated actionable evidence, i.e., implementation and intervention related topics were less common. Similarly, research on pharmaceutical interventions and on innovations was low. SEAR member states had inconsistent output across the five priority research streams, and there was a much higher scope and need for collaborative research. Basic science research showed declining trends and needed reprioritization. Interpretation: While a priority research agenda has been set for influenza at the global level through the WHO Global Influenza Program since 2009, and subsequently revisited in 2011 and again in 2016-2017, a structured contextualized approach to guide actionable evidence generation activities in SEAR has been lacking. In the backset of the Global Influenza Strategy 2019-2030 and the COVID-19 pandemic, attuning research endeavors in SEAR could help in improved pandemic influenza preparedness planning. There is a need to prioritize contextually relevant research themes within priority streams. Member states must inculcate a culture of within and inter-country collaboration to produce evidence that has regional as well as global value.