Detection of Potential Zoonotic Agents Isolated in Italian Shelters and the Assessment of Animal Welfare Correlation with Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Strains.

Welfare conditions in shelters, where dogs might be housed for a long period of time, may have a possible correlation with the occurrence of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this study, we assessed the occurrence of AMR in 54 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from dogs housed in 15 Italian shelters and we correlated the resistance patterns to animal welfare. We also aimed to evaluate the presence of specific pathogens with zoonotic potential in sheltered dogs. Thus, nasopharyngeal, rectal, and oral swabs were collected from a group of 20 dogs in each shelter and totaled 758 swabs. We identified 9 Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, 1 Pasteurella multocida, 9 Staphylococcus aureus, 12 Campylobacter spp., 54 Escherichia coli, 2 Salmonella enterica, and 246 Capnocytophaga spp. The antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed for the E. coli isolates using a panel of 14 antibiotics. The highest level of relative AMR was recorded for ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole. The association found between AMR and the levels of animal welfare scores in shelters was evident although not statistically significant. These results support the hypothesis that the good management of shelters can increase the level of animal welfare, thus reducing the use of antibiotics and, as a consequence, the AMR occurrence found in dogs that share their domestic environment with humans.

Campylobacter and risk factors associated with dog ownership: a retrospective study in household and in shelter dogs.

Campylobacteriosis has been the most frequently reported zoonotic disease in humans in Europe. The scientific literature has reported that the role of dogs may be relevant. The objectives of this work are to improve the knowledge about Campylobacter spp. carriage, infection and antimicrobial resistance in household and shelter dogs in Italy, and to assess risk factors at the dog/human interface. During the 2015­2016 period, rectal swabs were collected from 431 household vet­visiting dogs and 173 dogs housed in shelters. A total of 3 veterinary clinics, located in three Italian regions (Abruzzo, Molise and Tuscany) and 10 shelters, five in Abruzzo and five in Molise, were included in the study. Relevant risk factors for the transmission of Campylobacter spp. from dogs to humans were assessed by means of a questionnaire administered to owners of household dogs. For Campylobacter spp. isolation, selective cultivation methods were used, followed by confirmation and species identification with the PCR method. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles assayed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing were combined. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 9 household dogs (2.1% CI 1.1% ­ 3.9%) and from 13 shelter dogs (7.5 % CI 4.5% ­ 12.4%). In household dogs C. jejuni was the most represented species (0.9%). In shelter dogs, the most common species was C. jejuni (5.2%). Campylobacter spp. isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (22.73%), nalidixic acid (22.73%), tetracyclines (27.27%), streptomycin (9.09%) and erythromycin (4.55%). The main C. jejuni Clonal Complex identified in dogs were CC21, CC45, CC206, CC403, CC42 and CC658. The risk of contracting Campylobacteriosis from dogs remains a concrete reality. This risk is increased in the presence of common habits, as shown by the data from the questionnaire. Prevalence control of Campylobacter spp. in household and shelter dogs would be important in order to reduce the transmission to humans.

A Pilot Study to Develop an Assessment Tool for Dogs Undergoing Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) in Italy. An Overview on the National Implementation of TNR Programmes.

A descriptive analysis, inter-observer and test-retest reliability of the animal-based measures (ABMs) included in the protocol were performed. This study aimed at the development of a welfare assessment protocol for dogs recruited in the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programmes and the description of the implantation of these programmes in Italy. Nine Italian regions carried out TNR programmes. A varied scenario, along with some critical issues, emerged. Fifty dogs were recruited and assessed simultaneously by two assessors to determine the reliability of ABMs included in the protocol. A subsample of ten dogs were assessed three times to assess test-retest reliability. All females were neutered against 36% of males. Most dogs were adults (58%) and of a large size (68%). Vaccine prophylaxis and parasitic prevention were regular in 13% and 76% of dogs, respectively. Few dogs showed lameness, evidence of pain, other clinical problems, or thermal discomfort. Overall, 82% of dogs did not show fear or aggression to unfamiliar people. The level of agreement between the two assessors was quite high, ranging from substantial (0.61-0.80) to perfect (1) for the majority of measures. This study highlighted some critical issues in TNR implementation and the suitability of the protocol as a tool for animal welfare assessment.

Campylobacter and antimicrobial resistance in dogs and humans: "One health" in practice.

Increasing antimicrobial resistance in both medicine and agriculture is recognised as a major emerging public health concern. Since 2005, campylobacteriosis has been the most zoonotic disease reported in humans in the European Union. Human infections due to Campylobacter spp. primarily comes from food. However, the human-animal interface is a potential space for the bidirectional movement of zoonotic agents, including antimicrobial resistant strains. Dogs have been identified as carriers of the Campylobacter species and their role as a source of infection for humans has been demonstrated. Furthermore, dogs may play an important role as a reservoir of resistant bacteria or resistance genes. Human beings may also be a reservoir of Campylobacter spp. for their pets. This review analyses the current literature related to the risk of Campylobacter antimicrobial resistance at the dog-human interface.

Bartonella infections in humans dogs and cats.

Bartonellae are emerging vector-borne pathogens distributed worldwide that can cause various clinical symptoms in humans and animals, ranging from a mild flu-like illness to more severe manifestations such as endocarditis, myocarditis, arthritis, hepatitis, and arthralgia. Numerous mammalian species, including domestic animals such as dogs, cats, as well as humans, serve as reservoir hosts for various Bartonella species. The vectors play a central role in the transmission of these bacteria and pets and their ectoparasites can pose a serious risk of zoonoses. This paper reviews selected literature on important bartonellosis of dogs, cats, and humans with notes on transmission, vectors, pathogenesis, and diagnosis.

Campylobacter infections, a significant issue of veterinary urban hygiene: dog­related risk factors.

Campylobacter spp. are ubiquitous bacteria and campylobacteriosis is the most frequently reported zoonotic disease in humans in Europe, since 2005. Handling or consuming contaminated/undercooked meat (especially poultry) are the most important sources of human campylobacteriosis. However, in recent years, the role of dogs as a source of infection for humans has been amply demonstrated. Approximately 6% of human campylobacteriosis cases are due to contact with pets. This review analyses the current literature related to risk factors at the dog-human interface.

Fleas of dog and cat: species, biology and flea-borne diseases.

Ectoparasitic insects play a major role in veterinary medicine. Fleas infest man and animals and are the most frequent external parasites of companion animals worldwide. Some species are known to be vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Dogs and cats may play an important role either as reservoir of some of the pathogens or as transport vehicles for infected eas between their natural reservoirs and human beings, thus playing a crucial step in the transmission cycle of ea-borne diseases. This article reviews relevant literature on morphology, classi cation, host speci city, geographical distribution, and seasonality of eas infesting dogs and cats in order to improve their timely identi cation, prevention, and control.

Methods of Control of the Leishmania infantum Dog Reservoir: State of the Art.

Leishmania infantum is a protozoan parasite causing severe vector-borne visceral diseases both in humans and dogs. The latter are the most important natural reservoir and therefore should be the main target of control measures. The real efficacy of seropositive dogs culling as a direct control method is still debated, and the new sensitivity of large part of population considers ethically unacceptable this kind of approach. Treatment of infectious dogs with one of the available therapeutic protocols is recommendable as it allows to reduce parasite burdens and therefore the possibility of transmission of Leishmania infantum to vectors. Vaccination has been proven to be a very effective control tool, but the absence of a commonly recognized diagnostic method able to distinguish vaccinate from seropositive individuals is still an important limit. Concerning indirect control methods, a number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of topical insecticides treatment (collars, spot-on, and sprays) in reducing incidence and prevalence of L. infantum. Also, the reduction of the odds of seroconversion in humans in endemic areas has been reported after the application of indirect control measures on dogs. The contemporary use of direct and indirect methods is even more effective in reducing seroprevalence in dogs.