Human cat borne rabies as the new epidemiology of the disease in the Andes mountains.

BACKGROUND: Rabies virus (RABV) is the etiologic agent of rabies, a fatal brain disease in mammals. Rabies circulation has historically involved the dog has the main source of human rabies worldwide. Nevertheless, in Colombia, cats (Felis catus) have become a relevant species in the epidemiology of rabies. AIMS: To characterize rabies cases in humans in Colombia in the last three decades in the context of the epidemiology of the aggressor animal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal epidemiological study of human rabies caused by cats' aggression, collecting primary and secondary information. Variables considered included the demography of the patient, symptoms, information about the aggressor animal as the source of infection and the viral variant identified. RESULTS: We found that the distribution of rabies incidence over the years has been constant in Colombia. Nevertheless, between 2003 and 2012 a peak of cases occurred in rural Colombia where cats were the most frequent aggressor animal reported. Most cats involved in aggression were unvaccinated against rabies. Cat's clinical signs at the time of the report of the human cases included hypersalivation and changes in behaviour. Human patients were mostly children and female and the exposure primarily corresponded to bite and puncture lacerations in hands. The RABV lineage detected in most cases corresponded to variant 3, linked to the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus). The geographical presentation of cat borne RABV in humans occurred along the Andes mountains, epidemiologically known as the rabies red Andean corridor. DISCUSSION: By finding cats as the primary source of rabies spillover transmission in Colombia, this report highlights the importance of revising national rabies control and prevention protocol in countries in the Andes region. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that rabies vaccination for outdoor cats needs to prioritize to reduce the number of rabies-related human deaths.

Validating the occurrence of the giant mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata) in the Galápagos Islands.

The giant mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata) is distributed mostly in the Indo-West Pacific. However, a few records indicate the presence of this eel in the Tropical Central and East Pacific. In April 2019, an eel specimen was caught in a small stream in San Cristobal Island, Galápagos. Morphological and molecular characters (16S and Cytb mtDNA sequences) confirmed the species as A. marmorata Quoy & Gaimard, 1824. The re-discovery of A. marmorata in Galápagos supports the hypothesis of an eastward range expansion from the west, probably through the North Equatorial Counter-Current.

Histopathological Results of Mouth Lesions in Dogs and Cats from Colombia.

Mouth-related neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions are commonly found in dogs and cats, and their diagnosis and classification are important for treatment planning and prognosis. This retrospective study analyzed mouth-related lesions in dogs and cats between 2000-2019 from the animal pathology laboratory of the Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. A total of 640 mouth-related lesions affecting 572 dogs (89.4%) and 68 cats (10.6%) were reviewed. Lesions were classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. The average age for neoplastic lesions was 8.6 years in dogs and 6.4 years in cats, while for non-neoplastic lesions the average age was 7.7 years for dogs and 5 years for cats. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods according to year and source of report, demographic information for the animal, location of the lesion, and diagnosis. Tissue origin and behavior were variables considered for neoplastic lesions. Melanoma was the most common neoplasia in dogs and squamous cell carcinoma was most common in cats. The most frequent non-neoplastic lesion in dogs was gingival hyperplasia, while in cats the inflammatory lesions showed a wide range of morphological diagnoses. This study described many pathological lesions affecting the oral cavity for both dogs and cats and provides useful epidemiological data for both pathologists and clinicians.

Paratuberculosis control strategies in dairy cattle: A systematic review.

Background: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis is the causative agent of paratuberculosis (PTB), incurable enterocolitis, affecting domestic and wild ruminants. Economic losses, impacts on animal health and welfare, and public health concerns justify its herd-level control. Aim: To systematically collect information to answer: What are the control and eradication strategies of PTB in dairy cattle worldwide? Methods: The search procedure was carried out on October 2nd, 2019, and updated on August 3rd, 2021, using OVID®, SciELO, and Redalyc databases, and the registers from the International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis (1991-2018). The inclusion criteria considered articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and in peer-reviewed journals. The exclusion criteria included irrelevant topics, species other-than bovines, and not original articles. Definitive studies were obtained through the consensus of the authors on eligibility and quality. Data extraction was performed, considering bibliographic information, control and outcome strategies, follow-up time, and results. Results: Twenty-six relevant studies were found, reporting the use of three grouped control strategies: hygiene and management strategy (HMS), test-and-cull strategy (TCS), and vaccination strategy (VS). The HMS was the most common one (20/26), followed by TCS (17/26) and VS (7/26). Combined control strategies such as TCS-HMS (12/26), TCS-VS (1/26), and HMS-VS (1/26) were also described, and the consideration of the three control strategies (TCS-HMS-VS) was reported in two articles. The HMS included practices such as neonates/juvenile livestock hygiene, biosecurity, prevention of infection introduction into the herd, and environmental management. Within HMS, the most frequent practices were to remove calves from their dams as soon as possible after birth and to keep the minimal exposure of calves and heifers to adult cattle. As limitations, within the HMS, it is considered that some strategies cannot be included due to lack of compliance, or the application of the same strategy among one study and another may have a different degree of interpretation; publication bias was not controlled since the results of the control programs in endemic countries may be not available. Conclusion: The main PTB control strategies in dairy cattle worldwide are HMS, TCS, and VS. The use of one or several combined strategies has been found to succeed in controlling the disease at the herd-level.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) molecular diversity in cattle, sheep, and goats from Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review.

This study aimed to systematically collect and appraise the scientific evidence to answer the research question: What MAP genotypes have been isolated from cattle, sheep, and goats in Latin America and the Caribbean? An electronic search was conducted on three platforms (i.e., OVID®, Web of Science®, SciELO) as well as on the proceedings of the International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined a priori and conserved through the systematic process and only articles published in peer-reviewed journals were considered. A total of 26 articles met the definitive inclusion criteria. All were published in English, in 15 different journals, and between 1989 and 2020. The relevant articles reported the use of six different genotyping techniques (i.e., polymerase chain reaction-restriction endonuclease analysis, restriction fragment length polymorphism, type-specific-PCR, mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats, multi-locus short sequence repeat, single nucleotide polymorphism) in isolates from seven countries. Genotypes found so far in the region using typing techniques were mainly C type. MIRU-VNTR mostly reported INMV 1, INMV 2, and INMV 11 subtypes, among others. MLSSR reported genotypes from four different countries, reporting nine different subtypes of which 7g-10g-4ggt was the most common for loci 1, 2, and 8, respectively. Regardless the high diversity of techniques used so far to genotype Latin American and Caribbean MAP isolates, the original question of this systematic review has been answered. In addition, a relative genetic similarity between MAP strains recovered from cattle, goats, and sheep unrelatedly of the matrix and geographic origin was identified.

Blood lactate concentrations and heart rates of Colombian Paso horses during a field exercise test.

Information on performance indices in Paso horses is scarce. Field exercise tests are necessary to recreate the exertion that occurs during training and competition. To describe blood lactate concentrations and heart rates of untrained Colombian Paso horses (CPHs) in response to a field exercise test. A 30-minutes-long standardized field exercise test was carried out on 11 untrained adult CPHs of both sexes. Blood lactate concentration (BLConc) and heart rate (HR) were measured before, during each step of the test, and at recovery. The BLConc and HR were used to calculate the HR at which a BLConc of 4 mmol/L or anaerobic threshold (HRL4) was reached. The HR during the field exercise test increased according to the protocol used. The BLConc during the test was variable and, despite having been increasing like the HR, the distribution of the values in each step of the test was remarkably dispersed. The mean blood lactate clearance (BLClear) percentage was 56.3 ± 16, similar in most animals. The HRL4 was reached at a notably different HR among individuals (132 to 251 bpm). The field exercise test protocol used herein is useful to assess BLConc and HR changes in acute response to exercise in CPHs. It would be useful to evaluate training kinetics with other parameters including cell blood count and muscle enzymes.

Estimating biological reference intervals for cell blood counts in a dog population / Estimación de los intervalos biológicos de referencia para conteos celulares sanguíneos en una población de perros / Estimando intervalos de referência biológica para contagens de células sanguíneas em uma população de cães

Abstract Background: The results from automated equipment and peripheral blood smears allow correlating clinical data with cellular blood counts (CBC), generating information on pathologies of hematological and non-hematological origin in dogs. Objective: To describe qualitative and quantitative magnitudes of CBC in healthy donor dogs of a blood- bank in Medellín (Colombia). Methods: A descriptive-prospective study was carried out from 146 records of CBC results from a blood-bank. The samples were processed by automated equipment, and trained personnel performed the observation of peripheral blood smears to collect qualitative information. Variables such as age, sex, breed, quantitative results, and observations of the peripheral blood smears were considered. For the definition of biological intervals (BIs), the mean and two standard deviations were used for the data with a normal distribution. Otherwise, the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were used. Results: The size, granularity, and cytoplasmic vacuoles in monocytes and polymorphonuclear eosinophils, as well as the presence of Barr chromatin and occasional circulating erythroblasts, were remarkable findings to the peripheral blood smear. With the standardization of data obtained from dogs of large and giant breeds, the present work provides BIs for some of the CBC data in the studied population. Conclusion: The findings of the present study allow approximations to the definition of alterations in blood cells and their counts, which can guide the veterinarian towards an early diagnosis in dogs.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los datos obtenidos de equipos automatizados y extendidos de sangre periférica permiten correlacionar la clínica y los resultados del hemograma, generando información de interés sobre patologías de origen hematológico y no hematológico en perros. Objetivo: Describir las magnitudes cualitativas y cuantitativas del hemograma en perros sanos, donantes de un banco de sangre en Medellín (Colombia). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-prospectivo a partir de 146 registros de resultados de hemograma remitidos por un banco de sangre. Las muestras fueron procesadas por un equipo automatizado y personal entrenado realizó la observación del extendido de sangre periférica para la colección de información de corte cualitativo. Variables como edad, sexo, raza, resultados cuantitativos de las muestras y observaciones al extendido de sangre periférica fueron consideradas. Para la definición de intervalos biológicos (IBs) se utilizaron la media y dos desviaciones estándar para los datos con distribución normal. De lo contrario, se utilizaron los percentiles 2,5 y 97,5. Resultados: El tamaño, granularidad y vacuolas citoplasmáticas en monocitos y polimorfonucleares eosinófilos, así como la presencia de Cromatina de Barr y eritroblastos circulantes ocasionales fueron hallazgos llamativos al extendido de sangre periférica. Con la normalización de los datos para caninos de razas grandes y gigantes, el presente trabajo aporta IBs para algunos de los datos del hemograma en la población estudiada. Conclusión: Los hallazgos del presente estudio permiten aproximaciones a la definición de alteraciones en las células hemáticas y sus conteos, que pueden orientar al médico veterinario hacia un diagnóstico temprano en perros.

Resumo Antecedentes: As informações obtidas de equipamentos automatizados e esfregaços de sangue periférico permitem correlacionar os resultados clínicos e de hemogramas, gerando informações interessantes sobre patologias de origem hematológica e não hematológica em cães. Objetivo: Descrever as magnitudes qualitativa e quantitativa do hemograma em cães saudáveis, doadores de um banco de sangue em Medellín (Colômbia). Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo-prospectivo a partir de 146 registros de resultados de hemograma encaminhados por um banco de sangue. As amostras foram processadas por uma equipe automatizada e pessoal treinado observou o esfregaço de sangue periférico para a coleta de informações qualitativas. Foram consideradas variáveis como idade, sexo, raça, resultados quantitativos das amostras e observações do esfregaço de sangue periférico. Para a definição de intervalos biológicos (IBs), foram utilizados a média e dois desvios-padrão para os dados com distribuição normal. Caso contrário, foram utilizados os percentis 2,5 e 97,5. Resultados: O tamanho, a granularidade e os vacúolos citoplasmáticos dos monócitos e das células polimorfonucleares dos eosinófilos, bem como a presença da cromatina de Barr e ocasionais eritroblastos circulantes foram achados marcantes na disseminação do sangue periférico. Com a normalização dos dados para cães de raças grandes e gigantes, o presente trabalho fornece IBs para alguns dos dados de hemograma na população estudada. Conclusão: Os achados do presente estudo permitem aproximações à definição de alterações nas células sanguíneas e suas contagens, o que pode orientar o médico veterinário responsável pelo diagnóstico precoce em cães.

Tipificación molecular de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis en lecherías de Antioquia, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la diversidad molecular de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en muestras ambientales de hatos lecheros colombianos. Materiales y métodos. Las muestras ambientales de 25 hatos lecheros positivos a MAP por IS900-qPCR se cultivaron por duplicado en medio de yema de huevo de Herrold con micobactina J para obtener aislamientos. Las colonias sospechosas fueron confirmadas para MAP por IS900-qPCR. El ADN positivo se subtipó utilizando técnicas de unidades micobacterialess repetitivas intercaladas - número variable de repeticiones en tándem (MIRU-VNTR) y técnicas de repeticiones de multilocus de secuencia corta (MLSSR) para analizar las diferencias genéticas entre los aislamientos. Resultados. El subtipado reveló dos genotipos diferentes por MIRU-VNTR (INMV 2 e INMV 36). La técnica de MLSSR se realizó para aumentar el poder discriminatorio de lo obtenido por MIRU-VNTR, pero no se observaron diferencias entre los aislamientos recuperados. Conclusiones. El presente estudio representa un enfoque importante para el conocimiento del estatus epidemiológico de MAP en la población de estudio.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) molecular diversity in environmental samples from Colombian dairy herds. Materials and methods. Environmental samples from 25 IS900-qPCR MAP-positive dairy herds were cultured by duplicate in Herrold's egg yolk medium with mycobactin J to obtain isolates. Suspicious colonies were confirmed by MAP-IS900-qPCR. Positive DNA was sub-typed using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) and multilocus short sequence repeats (MLSSR) techniques to analyze the genetic differences between the isolates. Results. Sub-typing revealed two different genotypes by MIRU-VNTR (INMV 2 and INMV 36). MLSSR technique was carried out to increase the discriminatory power from what was obtained by MIRU-VNTR, but no differences were observed among the recovered isolates. Conclusions. The present study represents an important approach to the knowledge on MAP epidemiological status in the study population.

Detección de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis en bovinos de hatos lecheros de trópico bajo en los departamentos de Sucre y Córdoba, Colombia / Detection of anti-Mycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosis antibodies in cows of low-tropic dairy herds in the Provinces of Sucre and Córdoba, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo. Reportar la frecuencia de la seropositividad a Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) y explorar los factores asociados al resultado positivo, tanto a nivel de hato como de animal. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en 204 vacas lecheras resultado del cruce de diferentes razas, en cinco hatos de zonas de trópico bajo ubicadas en tres municipios de los departamentos de Sucre y Córdoba (Colombia) en 2018. Los animales fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente y se colectaron muestras de sangre de cada uno. Se utilizó un kit comercial de ELISA para analizar los sueros. La información con respecto a los factores relacionados con los hatos y los animales se recopiló mediante cuestionarios. Se calcularon las estadísticas descriptivas para todas las variables (i.e. tamaño del hato, presencia de otros rumiantes en co-pastoreo con el ganado bovino en los últimos 2 años, edad de los animales, paridad y días desde el último parto), y se exploró la asociación entre dichas variables y el resultado a ELISA (p<0.05). Resultados. El 17.2% (35/204; IC 95%: 12.0-22.3%) de las vacas resultaron positivas a MAP mediante la prueba de ELISA, y los cinco hatos tenían animales seropositivos. La variable a nivel de hato presencia de otros rumiantes en co-pastoreo con el ganado bovino en los últimos 2 años y las variables a nivel de animal edad y paridad se encontraron asociados con los resultados positivos de ELISA. Conclusiones. El presente estudio encontró que el 17.2% de las vacas y el 100% de los hatos fueron positivos a MAP mediante la prueba de ELISA. Adicionalmente se identificaron variables asociadas que pueden ser de interés tanto para los productores como para los veterinarios de animales de producción, y orientar su enfoque para el manejo de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Objective. To report the frequency of seropositivity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and to explore the factors associated with the positive outcome, both at herd and animal level. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 204 dairy cows, result of the crossing of different breeds, from five low-tropic dairy herds, located in three municipalities of the Provinces of Sucre and Córdoba (Colombia) in 2018. The animals were randomly selected, and blood samples were collected from each one. A commercial ELISA kit was used to analyze the sera. Information regarding factors related to herds and animals was collected through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables (i.e. herd size, presence of other ruminants co-grazing with cattle in the last 2 years, age of the animals, parity, and days since the last birth), and the association between these variables and the result to ELISA (p<0.05) was explored. Results. The 17.2% (35/204; 95% CI: 12.0-22.3%) of the cows were positive for MAP by the ELISA test, and the five herds had seropositive animals. The herd-level variable presence of other ruminants in co-grazing with cattle in the last 2 years and the animal-level variables age and parity were associated with the positive ELISA results. Conclusions. The present study found that 17.2% of the cows and 100% of the herds were MAP positive by the ELISA test. Additionally, associated variables were identified and may be of interest to both producers and veterinarians of production animals, guiding their approach to disease management.

Detección de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados silvestres en Colombia / Detection of anti-Mycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosis antibodies in wild deer in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados de cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) y venados de páramo (Mazama rufína), capturados en las regiones de la Orinoquía y el Caribe en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Un total de 44 muestras de suero sanguíneo de venados de las especies M. rufína y O. virginianus fueron colectadas en condiciones de campo entre 2014 y 2016. Se utilizó un kit comercial de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos anti-MAP. Un animal se consideró positivo a ELISA cuando la relación muestra-positivo (S/P%) fue > 0.4, según lo recomendado por el fabricante. Resultados. El 50% (22/44) de los animales muestreados resultaron positivos, lo que corresponde a 10 hembras y 12 machos. Un 81.8% (18/22) y un 77.3% (17/22) de estos animales seropositivos fueron capturados en la región de la Orinoquía y fueron reportados como adultos, respectivamente. Conclusiones. No se sabe cómo o cuándo se introdujo MAP en la población de ciervos colombianos en las regiones de estudio. La hipótesis más plausible para explicar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-MAP en estas poblaciones silvestres es la transmisión por contacto con el ganado bovino infectado, ya que en ambas regiones estas especies comparten pasturas. Este es el primer estudio en explorar la infección por MAP en animales silvestres en Colombia. Estos hallazgos respaldan la necesidad de realizar más estudios utilizando técnicas de diagnóstico directo, y aproximaciones investigativas que permitan la definición de vínculos en la dinámica de la infección entre mamíferos silvestres y domésticos en Colombia.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the presence of anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) antibodies in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and red brocket deer (Mazama rufína), captured in the Orinoquía and Caribbean regions in Colombia. Materials and methods. A total of 44 blood serum samples from deer of species M. rufina and O. virginianus were collected under field conditions between 2014 and 2016. An ELISA commercial kit was used to detect anti-MAP antibodies. An animal was considered ELISA-positive at a sample-to-positive ratio (S/P%) of > 0.4, as recommended by the manufacturer. Results. The 50% (22/44) of the animals were positive, corresponding to 10 females and 12 males. An 81.8% (18/22) and 77.3% (17/22) of these seropositive animals were captured in the Orinoquía region and were reported as adults, respectively. Conclusions. It is not known how or when MAP was introduced in the Colombian deer population in the study regions. The most plausible hypothesis to explain the presence of antibodies against MAP in these wild populations is transmission by contact with infected bovine cattle since, in both regions, these species share pastures. This is the first study to explore MAP infection in wild animals in Colombia. These findings support the need for further studies using different direct diagnostic techniques and research approaches that allow the definition of links in the infection dynamics between wild and domestic mammals in Colombia.

Body fat evaluation in Colombian Paso horses: body condition score and morphometric and ultrasound measurements / Avaliação da gordura corporal em equinos Paso colombianos: escore de condição corporal e medidas morfométricas e ultrassonográficas

The body condition score (BCS) is insufficient in determining the amount of body fat in horses, thus defining obesity. Measurement of the subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) by ultrasonography should be considered as an appropriate method in the definition of fat distribution at different body locations in horses. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) characterize the SFT in three different anatomical locations (i.e. neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region); 2) evaluate the relationship between BCS and SFT; 3) determine the influence of gender, weight, age, and gait on BCS and SFT measurements, and 4) explore the agreement between the morphometric measurements [i.e. body mass index (BMI), girth circumference: height at withers ratio (GC: HW), neck circumference: height at withers ratio (NC: HW)], and BCS and SFT in a population of Colombian Paso Horses (CPHs). The Henneke's body condition scoring was applied to 69 adult CPHs, selected using a convenience sampling. Additionally, BMI, GC: HW, and NC: HW were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated by ultrasound measurement of the SFT in the neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region. The BF% in the CPHs was 6.4 ± 1.1. The GC: HW, NC: HW, and BMI were not predictors of the BF% or BCS, and neither gender nor gait was decisive in the definition of fattening in the study animals, although age and weight were determining variables. According to our results, ultrasound is an adequate tool to calculate the BF% of the CPHs. However, it must be accompanied by Henneke's BCS assessment.(AU)

O escore de condição corporal (ECC) é insuficiente para a determinação da quantidade de gordura corporal em cavalos e para a definição da obesidade. A mensuração da espessura da gordura subcutânea (EGS) por ultrassonografia pode ser considerada um método apropriado para a definição da distribuição de gordura em diferentes locais do corpo em cavalos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo 1) caracterizar a EGS em três diferentes localizações anatômicas (pescoço, região lombar e região glútea), 2) avaliar a relação entre ECC e EGS, 3) determinar a influência de gênero, peso, idade e marcha nas medidas ECC e EGS e, 4) explorar a concordância entre as medidas morfométricas [i.e. índice de massa corporal (IMC), razão da circunferência da cintura:altura da cernelha (CC:AC), razão da circunferência do pescoço:altura da cernelha (CP:AC)], ECC e EGS em uma população de Cavalos Paso colombiano (CPCs). A pontuação da condição corporal de Henneke foi aplicada a 69 CPCs adultas, selecionadas por amostragem de conveniência. Além disso, IMC, CC:AC e CP:AC foram calculados. O percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) foi calculado por meio da ultrassonografia da EGS no pescoço, região lombar e região glútea. A %GC nas CPCs foi de 6,4 ± 1,1. O CC:AC, CP:AC e IMC não foram preditores da %GC ou ECC, e nem o gênero nem a marcha foram decisivos na definição de obesidade nos animais do estudo, embora a idade e o peso fossem variáveis determinantes. De acordo com nossos resultados, o ultrassom é um recurso adequado para calcular a %GC das CPCs. No entanto, deve ser acompanhado pela avaliação do ECC do Henneke.

Eye-related neoplasms in dogs: A retrospective study / Neoplasias relacionadas con los ojos en perros: Estudio retrospectivo / Neoplasias relacionadas aos olhos em cães: Estudo retrospectivo

Abstract Background: Eye-related neoplasms in dogs have a significant impact on visual ability, comfort, and longevity. Therapeutic alternatives and prognosis vary according to type of neoplasm and its anatomical location. Objective: To describe the frequency and distribution of eye-related neoplasms affecting dogs in the Aburrá valley (Antioquia province, Colombia). Methods: A retrospective collection of eye-related neoplasms in dogs, diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia), was conducted. Data spanning from years 2005 to 2017 were used. Records included age, sex, breed, neoplasm type and location, and cellular origin of neoplasm. A total of 250 eye-related-neoplasm reports affecting 246 dogs were analyzed -one report per animal, with the exception of four animals with both eyes simultaneously affected by the same type of neoplasm. Results: Animals between 8 and 11 years of age were more frequently affected by eye-related neoplasms (43.9%). Labrador retriever (19.1%), mixed-breed dogs (13.4%), and Poodle (12.2%) were the most frequently affected breeds. Neoplasms affected the eyelid in 76.8% of cases. Meibomian gland adenoma was the most frequent neoplasm (22.8%), followed by Meibomian gland epithelioma (20.0%), squamous cell carcinoma (8.8%), and melanocytoma (7.2%). The cellular origin of neoplasms was epithelial in 73.6% of the cases. Conclusion: Meibomian gland adenoma was the most common eye-related neoplasm. To our knowledge, this is the first retrospective report aimed to eye-related neoplasms in dogs published in Colombia.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las neoplasias relacionadas con los ojos en perros tienen un impacto significativo en la capacidad visual, la comodidad y la longevidad del animal. Las opciones terapéuticas y el pronóstico para el perro y para el tejido afectado varían según el tipo de neoplasia y su ubicación anatómica. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y distribución de neoplasias relacionadas con los ojos en perros del Valle de Aburrá (Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia). Métodos: Se realizó una evaluación retrospectiva de neoplasias relacionadas con los ojos en perros, diagnosticadas en el laboratorio de patología animal de la Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia). Los registros incluyeron información de 13 años (2005-2017). Los datos recolectados incluyeron edad, sexo, raza, tipo de tumor y ubicación, y origen celular de la neoplasia. Resultados: Se analizó un total de 250 reportes de neoplasias relacionadas con los ojos, afectando 246 perros (un reporte por animal, excepto cuatro animales en los que ambos ojos fueron afectados simultáneamente por el mismo tipo de neoplasia. Los animales entre 8 y 11 años de edad fueron los más frecuentemente afectados por neoplasias relacionadas con los ojos (43,9%). Las razas Labrador retriever (19,1%), perros mestizos (13,4%) y Poodle (12,2%) fueron las más frecuentemente afectadas. Las neoplasias afectaron el párpado en el 76,8% de los casos. El adenoma de la glándula de Meibomio fue la neoplasia más frecuente (22,8%), seguida por el epitelioma de la glándula de Meibomio (20,0%), el carcinoma de células escamosas (8,8%) y el melanocitoma (7,2%). El origen celular de las neoplasias fue epitelial en el 73,6% de los casos. Conclusión: Se encontró que el adenoma de la glándula de Meibomio es la neoplasia ocular más común. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer reporte retrospectivo dirigido específicamente a neoplasias relacionadas con ojos en perros publicado en Colombia.

Resumo Antecedentes: As neoplasias relacionadas aos olhos em cães são importantes porque têm um impacto significativo na capacidade visual, conforto e longevidade do animal. As opções terapêuticas e o prognóstico para o cão e para o tecido afetado variam de acordo com o tipo de neoplasia e sua localização anatômica. Objetivo: Descrever a frequência e distribuição das neoplasias relacionadas aos olhos em cães do Valle de Aburrá (Estado de Antioquia, Colômbia). Métodos: Foi realizada uma coleta retrospectiva de neoplasias relacionadas aos olhos em cães diagnosticados no laboratório de patologia animal da Universidade de Antioquia (Colômbia). Os registros coletaram informações de 13 anos (2005-2017). Os dados coletados incluíram idade, sexo, raça, tipo de tumor e localização e origem celular da neoplasia. Resultados: Um total de 250 relatos de neoplasias relacionadas aos olhos foram analisados, afetando 246 cães (um relatório por animal, com exceção de quatro animais, em que ambos os olhos foram afetados simultaneamente para o mesmo tipo de neoplasia relacionada aos olhos). Animais entre 8 e 11 anos foram mais acometidos por neoplasias relacionadas aos olhos (43,9%). As raças Labrador retriever (19,1%), mestiças (13,4%) e Poodle (12,2%) foram as raças mais afetadas. Neoplasias afetaram a pálpebra em 76,8% dos casos. Adenoma da glândula Meibomiana foi a neoplasia mais frequente (22,8%), seguido por epitelioma glândula Meibomiana (20,0%), carcinoma de células escamosas (8,8%) e melanocitoma (7,2%). A origem celular das neoplasias foi epitelial em 73,6% dos casos. Conclusão: Este estudo constatou que o adenoma da glândula Meibomiana é a neoplasia ocular mais comum. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro relato retrospectivo especificamente voltado para as neoplasias relacionadas aos olhos em cães publicados até o momento na Colômbia.

Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in dairy herds in Northern Antioquia (Colombia) and associated risk factors using environmental sampling.

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) herd-level prevalence using a quantitative real-time PCR method (qPCR), performed on environmental samples. Secondly, the study aimed to explore herd-level risk factors associated with the presence of MAP in dairy herds with in-paddock milking facilities of the Northern region of the Province of Antioquia (Colombia). Study herds (n = 292) located in 61 different districts from six municipalities were randomly selected amongst 7794 dairies registered in the foot-and-mouth disease vaccination records from 2015. The sampling strategy considered a proportional allocation, both at municipality and district level. Participant herds were visited once between June and October 2016 to collect one composite environmental sample and to complete a risk assessment questionnaire. Each composite environmental sample contained material from six different sites of concentration of adult cattle and/or high traffic areas (e.g. areas surrounding waterers and feeders, areas surrounding the current mobile milking-unit places). Identification of MAP was achieved using a duplex qPCR (Bactotype MAP PCR Kit®, Qiagen). A herd was considered as MAP infected if the environmental sample was positive in the qPCR. Information about the general characteristics of the herd, management practices, and knowledge about the disease was collected using the risk-assessment questionnaire. The information on risk factors was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. The apparent herd-level prevalence was 4.1% (12/292; 95% CI: 1.8-6.4). Herds with a history of mixed farming of cattle with other ruminants had higher odds of being MAP infected than herds without (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.2-13.2). Our study demonstrates the MAP prevalence in dairy herds from Antioquia, Colombia and the possible relationship between MAP environmental positivity with the history of mixed farming of cattle with other susceptible ruminants.

Frequency and distribution of foot lesions identified during cattle hoof trimming in the Province of Antioquia, Colombia (2011-2016).

Lameness is a severe welfare problem in cattle and has a detrimental effect on longevity, productivity, and reproductive performance. This study aimed to describe the frequency and distribution of foot lesions in cattle using hoof trimming records over a period of 6 years in the Province of Antioquia (Colombia). The data collection instrument enabled differentiation between limbs, digits, and views. The Claw Lesion Identification in Dairy Cattle brochure was the reference for foot lesion identification. A total of 1814 foot lesions observations, recorded from 1120 cows in 71 herds, were analyzed and 11 different foot lesions were identified. Non-infectious foot lesions were more common than infectious (94.4 vs 5.6%). White line disease was more frequently observed in the hind limbs (79.6%) compared to the front limbs (20.4%), and more frequent in medial claws of the front limbs (70.3%) compared to lateral claws (29.7%). In hind limbs, the lateral claws were more commonly affected (65.7%) compared to the medial claws (34.3%). Claw zone 3 was affected in 61.3% of the cases, followed by zones 2 (21.7%) and 1 (17%). Although our data are from a limited area of the country, they are consistent with published and anecdotal reports of foot lesions in cattle in Colombia and worldwide. Our results suggest that there is need for additional prospective research under Colombian dairy cattle management conditions to better understand the lameness and benefit of trimming intervention.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Colombia (1924-2016): A review / Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis en Colombia (1924-2016): Revisión de literatura / Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis na Colômbia (1924-2016): Revisão de literatura

Abstract Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is an acid-fast, gram-positive bacillus. MAP is the causal agent of paratuberculosis (PTB) or Johne's disease, an infectious disease affecting domestic ruminants and some wild species. Its importance as a potentially zoonotic agent due to its relation to Crohn's disease (CD) in humans is still under debate and investigation. The aim of the present systematic review is to summarize original studies on MAP carried out in Colombia since 1924, as well as to establish strengths, weaknesses, and future research opportunities in the country with emphasis on diagnosis and epidemiology. The initial search for existing publications reporting original studies on MAP, PTB, and the relationship between MAP and CD was carried out in the available databases and national libraries. After compilation of the available studies (n = 20), the relevant data was extracted (year, province of report, species studied, diagnostic tests used, study design, summary of results, and authors). Recommendations for future research opportunities on MAP in Colombia are made.

Resumen Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) es un bacilo ácido resistente, gram-positivo. MAP es el agente causal de la paratuberculosis (PTB) o enfermedad de Johne, una enfermedad infecciosa que afecta rumiantes domésticos y algunas especies salvajes. Su importancia como agente zoonótico, debido a su relación con la enfermedad de Crohn (CD) en humanos, está aún en debate y bajo investigación. El objetivo de la presente revisión es exponer los estudios originales sobre MAP llevados a cabo en Colombia desde 1924, así como establecer sus fortalezas, debilidades y oportunidades de investigación futura, con énfasis en los puntos de vista diagnóstico y epidemiológico. La búsqueda inicial de las publicaciones existentes sobre estudios originales realizados acerca de MAP, PTB y la relación MAP y CD fue realizada en las bases de datos disponibles y en bibliotecas nacionales. Luego de la compilación de los estudios disponibles (n = 20), los datos relevantes fueron extraídos (año, provincia de reporte, especie estudiada, prueba diagnóstica usada, diseño del estudio, resumen de resultados y autores). Se hacen recomendaciones para futuras investigaciónes de MAP en Colombia.

Resumo Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) é um ácido forte, bacilo gram-positivo. O MAP é o agente causador da paratuberculosis (PTB) ou doença de Johne, uma doença infecciosa que afecta os ruminantes domésticos e algumas espécies selvagens. Sua importância como um agente zoonótico por causa de sua relação com a doença de Crohn (CD) em humanos ainda está em discussão e sob investigação. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar a estudos mapa original realizado na Colômbia desde 1924, e estabelecer pontos fortes, pontos fracos e oportunidades para futuras pesquisas no país com ênfase no diagnóstico e epidemiológico pontos de vista. A busca inicial da literatura sobre estudos originais sobre MAP, PTB e a relação MAP e CD foi feita nas bases de dados disponíveis e bibliotecas nacionais. Após a compilação dos estudos disponíveis (n = 20), os dados relevantes foram extraídos (ano, relatório província, espécies estudadas, teste de diagnóstico utilizado, desenho do estudo, os resultados resumo e autores). Foram feitas recomendações sobre futuras oportunidades de pesquisa em MAP em Colômbia.

Fecal culture and two fecal-PCR methods for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in a seropositive herd / Cultivo fecal y dos métodos de PCR en materia fecal para el diagnóstico de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis en un hato seropositivo / Cultivo fecal e dois métodos de PCR em matéria fecal para o diagnóstico de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis em um rebanho soropositivo

Abstract Background: paratuberculosis is a slow-developing infectious disease, characterized by chronic granulomatous enterocolitis. This disease has a variable incubation period from 6 months to over 15 years, and is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Its detection by direct and indirect diagnostic techniques has been of special interest. Objective: to report the diagnosis and detection of MAP using several diagnostic tests in a herd of the Northern region of Antioquia, Colombia. Methods: serum samples from the study herd were analyzed, using a commercial ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Fecal samples were cultured by duplicate using Herrold´s egg yolk medium (HEYM), and analyzed by an end- point IS900-specific nested PCR protocol, and a commercial F57-real-time PCR kit. Results: eight out of 27 serum samples in the study herd resulted ELISA-positive. None of fecal samples resulted positive to HEYM culture by duplicate and none were found to be positive by F57-real-time PCR. Seven of the 27 fecal samples were found to be positive by end-point IS900-specific nested PCR. Agreement was found between ELISA and end-point IS900-specific nested PCR in one of the animals. Conclusion: the present study gives information about the agreement between direct and indirect MAP-detection techniques, using different matrixes from animals under the same husbandry conditions.

Resumen Antecedentes: la paratuberculosis es una enfermedad infecciosa de desarrollo lento, caracterizada por una enterocolitis granulomatosa crónica. Esta enfermedad tiene un periodo de incubación que varía entre los 6 meses hasta por más de 15 años, y es causada por Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Su detección por técnicas diagnósticas directas e indirectas ha sido de interés especial. Objetivo: reportar el diagnóstico y detección de MAP utilizando varias técnicas diagnósticas en un hato de la región norte de Antioquia, Colombia. Métodos: se analizaron las muestras de suero del hato de estudio utilizando un kit comercial de ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Las muestras de materia fecal fueron cultivadas por duplicado en Herrold´s egg yolk medium (HEYM), y analizadas mediante un protocolo de PCR anidado específico de IS900 y un kit comercial de PCR en tiempo real para F57. Resultados: ocho de las 27 muestras de suero resultaron positivas por ELISA. Ninguna de las muestras de materia fecal resultó positiva al cultivo en HEYM por duplicado ni por PCR en tiempo real para F57. Siete de las 27 muestras de materia fecal resultaron positivas a PCR anidado específico de IS900. Se encontró concordancia entre el resultado de ELISA y de PCR anidado específico de IS900 en uno de los animales. Conclusión: el presente estudio brinda información acerca de la concordancia entre técnicas directas e indirectas de detección de MAP, utilizando diferentes matrices a partir de animales bajo las mismas condiciones de manejo.

Resumo Antecedentes: a paratuberculosis é uma doença infecciosa de evolução lenta, caracterizada por uma enterocolite granulomatosa crônica. Esta doença tem um período de incubação que varia de 6 meses a 15 anos e é causada pelo Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Sua detecção por técnicas de diagnóstico diretos e indiretos tem sido de especial interesse. Objetivo: reportar o diagnóstico e a detecção de MAP utilizando várias técnicas de diagnóstico em um rebanho na região norte de Antióquia, Colômbia. Métodos: foram analisadas amostras de soro do rebanho utilizando um kit comercial de ELISA (enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay). As amostras de fezes foram cultivadas em duplicado em Herrold´s egg yolk medium (HEYM) e analisadas utilizando um protocolo de PCR aninhada específico de IS900 e um kit de PCR em tempo real comercial para F57. Resultados: oito das 27 amostras de soro foram positivas para ELISA. Nenhuma das amostras testadas na cultura de fezes HEYM duplicado foram positivas ou na PCR em tempo real para F57. Sete das 27 amostras de fezes foram positivas na PCR aninhada específica para IS900. Foi encontrada concordância entre o resultado de ELISA e PCR aninhada específica para IS900 em um animal. Conclusão: este estudo fornece informações sobre a correlação entre técnicas de detecção direta e indireta do MAP, utilizando diferentes matrizes de animais sob as mesmas condições de condução.

Factors associated with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in dairy cows from Northern Antioquia, Colombia / Factores asociados con el estatus serológico de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis en vacas lecheras del norte de Antioquia, Colombia / Fatores associados ao estado sorológico de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis em soro de gado leiteira no norte de Antioquia, Colombia

Summary Background: Johne´s disease (JD) is a severe enteritis that affects ruminants and has been diagnosed in cattle and sheep in Colombia. However, epidemiological information on the disease in this country is scarce. Objective: to identify factors associated with the JD serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) status of dairy cows. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out in 307 asymptomatic adult Holstein dairy cows from 14 herds in nine districts of Belmira and San Pedro de los Milagros municipalities during November, 2007. From 19 to 25 cows, ≥ 2 years of age were randomly selected and blood sampled from every herd. A commercial ELISA kit was used to analyze sera. Information regarding cow related factors (age, farm-born, parity, and daily milk yield) and herd management practices (i.e. herd size, herd average milk production, current presence of symptomatic animals, cattle purchase, own animals grazing in foreign pastures, feeding of calves before weaning, manure spread on pastures, and sighting of birds in feed storing areas) was collected using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed (p<0.05). Results: ten percent (31/307; 95% CI: 7.0-14.0%) of the animals were positive by ELISA. In 70% (10/14) of the herds, ELISA detected at least one positive animal. Cow and herd factors "parity" and "feeding of calves before weaning" showed weak and strong associations with ELISA positive results, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) for JD seropositivity increased 20% (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.98-1.47; p = 0.067) in cows with > 1 parity. The OR was 0.74 times lower (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.096-0.70; p<0.01) in herds feeding calves with pooled colostrum from several cows, compared to herds feeding calves with colostrum from their own dams. Conclusion: JD seroprevalence was 10 and 70% at animal and herd-level, respectively. Cow and herd factors "parity" and "feeding of calves before weaning" showed weak and strong association with positive results, respectively.

Resumen Antecedentes: la enfermedad de Johne (EJ) es una enteritis severa que afecta rumiantes, y ha sido diagnosticada en bovinos y ovejas en Colombia. Sin embargo, la información epidemiológica de la enfermedad en el país es escaza. Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados con el estatus serológico de la EJ mediante ensayo de inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas (ELISA) en vacas lecheras. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en 307 vacas lecheras adultas asintomáticas de 14 hatos en 9 veredas en los municipios de Belmira y San Pedro de los Milagros, en noviembre de 2007. De cada hato se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 19-25 vacas, mayores de 2 años de edad y se tomaron muestras de sangre. Se utilizó un kit comercial de ELISA para analizar el suero. Se recolectó información mediante cuestionarios sobre características individuales de las vacas y prácticas de manejo de los hatos. Se realizó un estudio estadístico descriptivo para todas las variables de interés y se construyó un modelo de regresión logística multivariada, considerando un nivel de significancia de p<0,05. Resultados: el 10% de los animales fue positivo a ELISA (31/307; 95% CI: 7,0-14%). En el 70% (10/14) de los hatos al menos un animal fue detectado como positivo por ELISA. Los factores a nivel individual y a nivel hato "número de partos" y "tipo de alimentación de terneras antes del destete" mostraron una asociación débil y fuerte con los resultados positivos de ELISA, respectivamente. El odds ratio (OR) para la seropositividad a EJ aumentó en un 20% (OR = 1,20; 95% CI: 0,98-1,47; p = 0,067) en vacas con más de un parto, mientras que fue 0,74 veces menor (OR = 0,26; 95% CI: 0,096-0,70; p<0,01) en hatos que alimentan sus terneras con mezcla de calostro proveniente de varias vacas, en comparación con aquellos hatos que solo utilizan el calostro de la propia madre. Conclusión: la seroprevalencia de EJ fue del 10 y del 70% a nivel individual y a nivel hato, respectivamente. Los factores a nivel individual y a nivel hato "número de partos" y "tipo de alimentación de terneras antes del destete" mostraron una asociación débil y fuerte con los resultados positivos de ELISA, respectivamente.

Resumo Antecedentes: a doença de Johne (DJ) é uma enterite grave que afeta o ruminantes, e tem sido diagnosticada em bovinos e ovinos na Colômbia. No entanto, a informação epidemiológica da doença no país é escassa. Objetivo: identificar os fatores associados ao estado sorológico de DJ em vacas leiteiras por ensaio imunossorvente ligado a enzima (ELISA). Métodos: estudo transversal foi realizado em 307 vacas leiteiras adultos assintomáticos em 9 de 14 aldeias nos municípios de Belmira y San Pedro de los Milagros, em novembro de 2007. Em cada rebanho foram selecionados aleatoriamente 19-25 vacas com mais de 2 anos de idade e amostras de sangue foram tomadas. Um kit de ELISA comercial é utilizado para testar soros. As informações foram coletadas por meio de questionários sobre as características individuais de animais e práticas de gestão do rebanho. A análise estatística descritiva foi realizada para todas as variáveis de interesse e modelo de regressão logística multivariada foi construído, considerando um nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: dez por cento dos animais foram positivos no ELISA (31/307; 95% CI: 7,0-14%). No 70% (10/14) os rebanhos pelo menos, um animal foi detectado como positivo por ELISA. Os fatores a nível individual como a nível do rebanho "paridade" e "tipo de alimentação bezerros antes do desmame" mostraram uma associação fraca e forte com os resultados positivos de ELISA, respectivamente. O odds ratio (OR) para DJ soropositividade aumentou em um 20% (OR = 1,20; 95% CI: 0,98-1,47; p = 0,067) em vacas com mais de um nascimento, enquanto era 0,74 vezes menor (OR = 0,26; 95% CI: 0,096-0,70; p<0,01) em rebanhos que alimentam seus filhotes com a mistura de colostro de várias vacas, em comparação com apenas dados de uso que o colostro da mãe. Conclusão: DJ soroprevalência foi de 10 e 70% a nível individual como a nível do rebanho, respectivamente. Os fatores a nível individual e do rebanho "paridade" e "tipo de alimentação bezerros antes do desmame" mostrou fraca associação e forte com os resultados positivos de ELISA, respectivamente.

Milk yield and lactation stage are associated with positive results to ELISA for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in dairy cows from Northern Antioquia, Colombia: a preliminary study.

Paratuberculosis is a slow-developing infectious disease characterized by chronic granulomatous enterocolitis. This disease has a variable incubation period from 6 months to over 15 years and is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Some studies have been conducted in cattle during the last decades in Colombia. However, those studies were designed using relatively small populations and were not aimed to establish prevalence. This study aimed to determine the MAP seroprevalence in selected dairy herds and to explore risk factors associated with the serology results. Serum samples and related data were collected from 696 randomly selected bovines in 28 dairy herds located in 12 different districts in one of the main dairy municipalities in Colombia (San Pedro de los Milagros). The samples were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit. The information on risk factors was analyzed using a logistic regression. The apparent seroprevalence was 3.6 % (1/28) at the herd level and 2 % (14/696) at the animal level. The number of days in milk production between 100 and 200 days, and over 200 days as well as the daily milk production between 20 and 40 L/cow, and over 40 L/cow were associated with MAP seropositivity with odds ratios of 4.42, 3.45, 2.53, and 20.38, respectively. This study demonstrates the MAP seroprevalence in dairy herds from Antioquia, Colombia and the possible relationship between MAP seropositivity, milk yield, and lactation stage.

Systematic review of the prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle, sheep, and goats in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis causes paratuberculosis or Johne's disease (JD) in domestic ruminants and wild species. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the prevalence of paratuberculosis among farmed animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) in Latin America and the Caribbean. The initial search for existing publications reporting systematic reviews and primary studies was carried out by searching the available databases. For the final selection of studies, an initial screen for basic eligibility and a detailed appraisal of quality were performed. After study selection, the relevant data were extracted. The detailed appraisal generated 24 publications that reported 52 studies, of which 73.1, 11.5, and 15.4 % were from cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. Thirty-three (63.5 %) of the studies were animal level studies, while 19 (36.5 %) were herd-/flock-level studies. No flock-level studies on prevalence in sheep were found. Studies in Latin American and Caribbean countries revealed an overall prevalence of 16.9 (95 % CI (confidence interval) 13.2-20.5) and 75.8 % (95 % CI 50.1-101.5) in cattle at the animal and herd levels, respectively; the prevalence was 16 % (95 % CI 7.9-24.1) in sheep at the animal level and 4.3 % (95 % CI 1.9-6.8) and 3.7 % (95 % CI 0.1-7.4) in goats at the animal and flock levels, respectively. In general, prevalence results reported by the studies were insufficient to accurately determine the prevalence of paratuberculosis in farmed animals in Latin America and the Caribbean. Several flaws in the design of studies limit the quality of evidence regarding the prevalence of paratuberculosis in the region.