Island hitchhikers: pathogen agents of Madeira and Azores ticks.

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that can transmit pathogens to their host. As insular ecosystems can enhance tick-host interactions, this study aimed to understand tick diversity, pathogen presence, and their respective associations in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Unfed or partially engorged ticks (n = 120) were collected from 58 cats and dogs in the Azores (n = 41 specimens) and Madeira (n = 79 specimens) from November 2018 to March 2019. Vector identification was based on morphology and molecular criteria. For pathogen sequencing, 18S gene fragment for Babesia/Hepatozoon and gltA for Rickettsia were performed. Sequence data was explored using BLAST and BLAST and phylogenetic inference tools. In the Azores, Ixodes hexagonus, I. ventalloi, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n = 6; 14.6%, n = 6; 14.6%, and n = 29; 70.7% respectively) were found and in Madeira I. ricinus and R. sanguineus (n = 78, 98.7%; and n = 1, 1.3%; respectively) were identified. Tick COI markers confirmed species highlighting confirmation of R. sanguineus s.s. and genotype A of I. ventalloi. In the Azores Islands, the detected Rickettsia massiliae was linked to R. sanguineus (dogs and cats) and I. hexagonus (dogs), and in Madeira Island, R. monacensis (dogs) and Hepatozoon silvestris (cats) were found associated with I. ricinus. Further, I. ventalloi presence in the Azores expands west its known range, and Hepatozoon silvestris in Madeira may suggest that I. ricinus could have a role as a potential vector. Finally, as R. massiliae and R. monacensis presence underlines public health risks, surveillance by health authorities is crucial as pathogen-tick interactions may drive disease spread, therefore monitoring remains pivotal for disease prevention.

The role of pets in the lives of people with dementia: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review is designed to understand the role of pet ownership in the lives of people living in the community with dementia. METHOD: A five-stage framework for conducting a scoping review guided the review. Two research questions framed the study. Nine databases were searched, with six papers meeting the criteria for detailed review. RESULTS: Pets can play a central role in the lives of people living with dementia. These relationships can be profound and can provide companionship and a sense of purpose. The activities associated with pet ownership and possible benefits for the person living with dementia have been explored to varying degrees and some benefits have been shown regarding the impact on physical and mental well-being. However, little is known about the challenges that may be faced when caring for a pet. CONCLUSION: Despite the importance of pet ownership, experiences of ownership documented among people living with dementia is limited. Still, the studies indicate how pet ownership can support people to remain socially engaged. Future studies should seek to gain a broader understanding of pet ownership across environments such as care homes and hospitals and in the context of social citizenship, active participation and living well. Creative research methods should be adopted to support the inclusion of people living with dementia in research.

The Human-Animal Bond and Older Adults: The Role of a Community-Based Organization's "Heart to Heart" Program.

In the field of gerontological social work, there is growing interest in further exploring and understanding human-animal bonds and relationships, a trend that accelerated significantly during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-based organizations are promising partners as they provide acknowledgment and support for older adults' relationships with their pets and the strengthening of the human-animal bond. This brief report discusses the history, impact, and potential of one community-based organization's annual Valentine's Day event, Heart to Heart. Initiated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by Animal Advocates of Greater Lafayette (AAGL), an Indiana-based community organization, Heart to Heart recognizes, celebrates, and supports older adults' bonds with their pets through delivering pet presents directly to older adults' homes. Despite the mounting evidence that pets provide support and comfort for people of all ages, but particularly older adults, social service agencies and programs that serve older adults are often reluctant to recognize the power of the human-animal bond. Heart to Heart allows our community to see and appreciate the strength of these relationships, contributing to new conversations and possibilities for keeping pets and people together through the lifespan.

An evaluation of dogs' exposure to benzophenones through hair sample analysis.

Introduction: Benzophenones (BPs) are used in various branches of industry as ultraviolet radiation filters, but they pollute the natural environment, penetrate living organisms, and disrupt endocrine balance. Knowledge of the exposure of domestic animals to these substances is extremely scant. The aim of the study was to investigate long-term exposure of companion dogs to BPs and relate this to environmental factors. Material and Methods: Hair samples taken from 50 dogs and 50 bitches from under 2 to over 10 years old were analysed for BP content with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: The results revealed that dogs are most often exposed to 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) and 4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1). Concentration levels of BP-3 above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 100% of the samples and fluctuated from 4.75 ng/g to 1,765 ng/g. In turn, concentration levels of BP-1 above the MQL were noted in 37% of the samples and ranged from <0.50 ng/g to 666 ng/g. Various factors (such as the use of hygiene and care products and the dog's diet) were found to affect BP concentration levels. Higher levels of BP-3 were observed in castrated/spayed animals and in animals that required veterinary intervention more often. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the analysis of hair samples may be a useful matrix for biomonitoring BPs in dogs, and that these substances may be toxic to them.

Pets at work: integrating pet-friendly initiatives into human resources for enhanced workplace harmony.

AIMS: The representation of companion animals, or pets, has been changing recently. Research concerning how pets influence employees' work-related well-being has also started to take its first steps. This research aimed to analyze (1) how managers perceive pet-friendly practices and their main effects at work, and (2) the impact of such practices on employees' well-being and work engagement. Relying on the social exchange perspective and the self-determination theory it was hypothesized that pet-friendly practices would positively influence employees' well-being and work engagement by satisfying their three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). METHODOLOGY: Two studies with mixed methods were conducted. The first and exploratory study resorted to semi-structured interviews with six managers. The second was a two-wave study conducted with a large sample of workers (N = 379). RESULTS: The first study highlighted the primary advantages and disadvantages of pet-friendly practices, along with the various obstacles and limitations, and proposed managerial strategies to overcome them. Managers generally expressed interest and enthusiasm about the topic but also pointed out challenges in implementing a pet-friendly strategy due to the limited number of empirical studies demonstrating its benefits. The second study's findings indicated that pet-friendly practices positively impacted employees' work engagement and well-being by fulfilling their needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. ORIGINALITY: Overall, Portugal is seen as having a conservative culture, which slows the dissemination and implementation of these measures. To overcome these challenges, several managerial recommendations have been proposed. Raising awareness and fostering discussion on the topic are crucial steps toward integrating pet-friendly policies into human resources management.

Pet your cat, walk your dog: The spillover effects of morning quality time with pets on outcomes during and after the workday.

For decades, psychologists have explored dynamics within the realm of human-animal interaction. Organizational psychologists are no different; research has found that exchanges with pets and other animals have the potential to influence important work outcomes, such as performance, well-being, and satisfaction. Relatively little is understood, however, regarding the potential spillover effects of human-animal interaction from the non-work to work context. To address this gap in the literature, the present research-synthesising Broaden and Build Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory-explores the daily spillover effects of morning quality time with pets on affective, behavioural, and cognitive outcomes for employees, both during and after the workday. It is also suggested that openness to experience may act as a cross-level moderator for these daily relationships. An occupationally heterogenous daily diary sample of employed pet owners from the United Kingdom (NLevel 1 = 405, NLevel 2 = 81) was used to test these relationships. Using a mixed effects modelling approach, it was revealed that morning quality time with pets was associated with reduced Negative Affect (NA) during the workday, and reduced incivility and withdrawal upon returning home from work. Moreover, higher levels of trait openness to experience strengthened the negative relationships between daily morning quality time with pets and daily workday NA and afterwork incivility. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Companion Animals in Households with Confirmed Human COVID-19 Cases.

We aimed to characterize SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals living in households with COVID-19-positive people and understand the dynamics surrounding how these animals become infected. Public health investigators contacted households with at least one confirmed, symptomatic person with COVID-19 for study recruitment. Blood, nasal, and rectal swab specimens were collected from pet dogs and cats and a questionnaire was completed. Specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, and for neutralizing antibodies; genomic sequencing was performed on viral-positive samples. A total of 36.4% of 110 pets enrolled had evidence of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Pets were more likely to test positive if the pet was immunocompromised, and if more than one person in the home was positive for COVID-19. Among 12 multi-pet households where at least one pet was positive, 10 had at least one other pet test positive. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the genomes of viral lineages circulating in the community during the time of sample collection. Our findings suggest a high likelihood of viral transmission in households with multiple pets and when pets had very close interactions with symptomatic humans. Further surveillance studies are needed to characterize how new variants impact animals and to understand opportunities for infection and spillover in susceptible species.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in a Domestic Ferret Suffering from Chronic Diarrhea and Maldigestion-Fecal Microbiota and Clinical Outcome: A Case Report.

This case report describes the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) administered via enema in a 4-year-old spayed, champagne Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with chronic diarrhea, maldigestion and weight loss. We aimed to establish a protocol for FMT as a novel therapeutic treatment for chronic diarrhea in domestic ferrets. We mapped the fecal microbiome by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to track the patient's fecal microbiota throughout the treatment and observation period. Initial oral FMTs were associated with temporary weight improvement but subsequent treatments, via enema and oral delivery, showed varied outcomes. Molecular analysis highlighted distinct gut microbiota composition profiles between the healthy donor and the diseased ferret. The diseased ferret initially exhibited high abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia, and Enterobacter, which ultimately normalized to level like those found in the donor ferret. Overall, the gut microbiota of the recipient became more similar to the donor microbiota using a Yue-Clayton theta coefficients analysis. After a restoration of the gut microbiota and clinical improvement, the recipient's symptoms returned indicating that repeated FMTs might be required for long-term resolution of symptoms and complete restructuring of the gut microbiota. Future studies are warranted to map the microbiome of a larger population of domestic ferrets to investigate a potential correlation between fecal microbiota profiles and chronic/acute gastrointestinal disorders.

Association of longitudinal pet ownership with wheezing in 3-year-old children using the distributed lag model: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

BACKGROUND: Time-varying exposures like pet ownership pose challenges for identifying critical windows due to multicollinearity when modeled simultaneously. The Distributed Lag Model (DLM) estimates critical windows for time-varying exposures, which are mainly continuous variables. However, applying complex functions such as high-order splines and nonlinear functions within DLMs may not be suitable for situations with limited time points or binary exposure, such as in questionnaire surveys. OBJECTIVES: (1) We examined the estimation performance of a simple DLM with fractional polynomial function for time-varying binary exposures through simulation experiments. (2) We evaluated the impact of pet ownership on childhood wheezing onset and estimate critical windows. METHODS: (1) We compared logistic regression including time-varying exposure in separate models, in one model simultaneously, and using DLM. For evaluation, we employed bias, empirical standard error (EmpSE), and mean squared error (MSE). (2) The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) is a prospective birth cohort study of approximately 100,000 parent-child pairs, registered across Japan from 2011 to 2014. We applied DLM to the JECS data up to age 3. The estimated odds ratios (OR) were considered to be within critical windows when they were significant at the 5% level. RESULTS: (1) DLM and the separate model exhibited lower bias compared to the simultaneously model. Additionally, both DLM and the simultaneously model demonstrated lower EmpSEs than the separate model. In all scenarios, DLM had lower MSEs than the other methods. Specifically, where critical windows is clearly present and exposure correlation is high, DLM showed MSEs about 1/2 to 1/200 of those of other models. (2) Application of DLM to the JECS data showed that, unlike other models, a significant exposure effect was observed only between the ages of 0 and 6 months. During that periods, the highest ORs were 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.14) , observed between the ages of 2 and 5 months. CONCLUSIONS: (1) A simple DLM improves the accuracy of exposure effect and critical windows estimation. (2) 0-6 months may be the critical windows for the effect of pet ownership on the wheezing onset at 3 years.

SARS-CoV-2 Research in Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and Felines (Felis silvestris catus) Domiciled in an International Border Region (Paraguay and Brazil).

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has become a serious threat to public health owing to its rapid spread from aerosols from infected people. Despite being considered a strictly human disease, there are reports in the literature about animals with confirmed presence of the virus. Aim: Owing to the scarcity of scientific literature on the potential for infection of animals and their importance for One Health, the objective of this work was to research SARS-CoV-2 RNA in felines (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) domiciled. Materials and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from domestic dogs and cats belonging to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from August to October 2021 and residents of the northwest and west regions of Paraná, Brazil. Results: Of the 34 samples collected, 14 were from dogs and 20 from cats. Three of these samples tested positive in real-time PCR, and two of them were also positive in the immunochromatographic test. After testing positive in real-time PCR, the samples underwent genetic sequencing using the Illumina COVIDSeq test. Of the 34 samples collected, three (9%), all of them female and from the feline species, tested positive in real-time PCR, with two of these (67%) also testing positive in the immunochromatographic test. Regarding sequencing, it was possible to sequence the three samples aligned with the AY.101 lineage, corresponding to the Delta variant. Conclusion: The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats is seen as an unintended event with significant implications for public health, including its potential transmission to other animal species. Further research is required to enhance our understanding of how this disease spreads among these animals and its broader impact on One Health initiatives.

Seroprevalence of Leptospira antibodies in dogs and cats from Santa Fe, a city in East-Central Argentina endemic for leptospirosis.

This study examines household pets as potential epidemiological links between environments contaminated with pathogenic leptospires and humans in Santa Fe, Argentina. The aims of our study were: (a) to characterize the habits and exposure to environmental sources of leptospirosis in the population of dogs and cats attending to municipal spay and neutering campaigns in Santa Fe, Argentina, (b) to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in asymptomatic dogs and cats, (c) to evaluate factors that could increase seropositivity, and (d) to identify spatial clusters of seropositive dogs and cats in the capital city of Santa Fe. From May to November 2022, a cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted during municipal spaying/neutering campaigns. Eligible household dogs and cats were over 6 months old, apparently healthy, and not vaccinated against leptospirosis in the past 6 months. We used microagglutination test (MAT) to assess anti-Leptospira antibodies using a panel of 10 reference strains. We used generalized linear mixed effects models (GLMM) to examine individual and census tract-level risk factors for seropositivity, and local Moran's I statistic for spatial clusters. Results showed higher leptospiral antibody prevalence in dogs (18.2 %) than cats (3.6 %, p = 0.002). Dogs with street access had higher likelihood of being seropositive (OR: 3.8, 95 % CI: 1.2; 11.9), and areas with chronic poverty showed an elevated risk of presenting seropositive animals (RR: 4.0, 95 % CI: 1.1; 14.4). Spatial analysis didn't reveal significant seropositivity clusters among census tracts. These findings shed light on widespread Leptospira seropositivity in pets in this endemic region. Understanding seroprevalence and risk factors can guide public and veterinary health strategies, emphasizing increased leptospirosis vaccination for dogs in vulnerable areas and promoting responsible pet care.

Diagnosis of Septic Body Cavity Effusion in Dogs and Cats: Cytology vs. Bacterial Culture.

The elective test for the determination of the effusions etiopathogenesis is represented by physico-chemical analysis and cytology. Nevertheless, the bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests are crucial for setting therapy and for the outcome. This study compared cytology with microbiology in the etiologic diagnosis of exudative body cavity effusions in dogs and cats collected from October 2018 to October 2022. All samples underwent aerobic and anaerobic culture and cytology examination. Bacterial identifications were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, whereas cytological samples were blindly evaluated either in May Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG) or Gram-stained samples by two board-certified clinical pathologists. A moderate agreement (κ = 0.454) between cytology and bacterial culture was revealed. The sensitivity of the cytological evaluation in our study ranged from 38.5% to 67.9%, and the specificity ranged from 88.9% to 100%, depending on the type of the effusion, so cytology may not be representative of the etiopathogenesis, whereas bacterial culture can misidentify or fail to isolate the correct pathogen for difficult in vitro growing due to the presence of inhibitory substances or contamination. Cytology and bacterial culture results for exudative body cavity effusions in dogs and cats can be misleading if conducted separately, so these two tests should be performed together to increase diagnostic accuracy.

Identification of Aichivirus in a Pet Rat (Rattus norvegicus) in Italy.

We investigated the occurrence of eight potential zoonotic viruses in 91 exotic companion mammals from pet shops in southern Italy via real-time PCR and end-point PCR. The animals were screened for aichivirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, hepatitis A, noroviruses (GI and GII), rotavirus, circovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. Among the nine species of exotic pets studied, only one rat tested positive for aichivirus. The high sequence similarity to a murine kobuvirus-1 strain previously identified in China suggests that the virus may have been introduced into Italy through the importation of animals from Asia. Since exotic companion mammals live in close contact with humans, continuous sanitary monitoring is crucial to prevent the spread of new pathogens among domestic animals and humans. Further investigations on detecting and typing zoonotic viruses are needed to identify emerging and re-emerging viruses to safeguard public health.

Assessing the Current Landscape of Reptile Pet Ownership in Hong Kong: A Foundation for Improved Animal Welfare and Future Research Directions.

We investigated the evolving landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong. Employing a quantitative approach, a self-administered survey was distributed and over 200 reptile pet owners residing in Hong Kong responded. The survey instrument captured demographic data on pet ownership history, species preferences, husbandry practices, and veterinary care utilization. The findings revealed a strong interest in pet reptiles, with lizards being particularly popular (67%) among new owners. Turtles remain common (35%), likely due to cultural factors and perceived ease of care. However, a gap was noted between the awareness and the implementation of proper husbandry practices, with 51% of respondents expressing concerns about enrichment and 21% uncertain about appropriate enclosure size. Veterinary care utilization also showed a disconnect, with 50% of the respondents reporting no regular check-ups were performed, despite acknowledging its importance. Reptile behavior served as a well-being indicator. Over 90% of the respondents observed normal behaviors like locomotion and breathing. Interestingly, a positive correlation emerged between reptile behavior scores and duration of ownership (r = 0.200, p < 0.01), suggesting improved well-being for reptiles that were in long-term care. These findings emphasize the need for educational initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership practices and fostering collaboration between reptile owners, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations. By addressing these knowledge gaps and promoting a collaborative approach, our results aim to contribute to enhanced reptile welfare in the context of Hong Kong's evolving pet ownership trends.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in Birds and Mammals.

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are highly contagious respiratory viruses of birds, leading to significant morbidity and mortality globally and causing substantial economic losses to the poultry industry and agriculture. Since their first isolation in 2013-2014, the Asian-origin H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAI) of clade 2.3.4.4b have undergone unprecedented evolution and reassortment of internal gene segments. In just a few years, it supplanted other AIV clades, and now it is widespread in the wild migratory waterfowl, spreading to Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Wild waterfowl, the natural reservoir of LPAIVs and generally more resistant to the disease, also manifested high morbidity and mortality with HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b. This clade also caused overt clinical signs and mass mortality in a variety of avian and mammalian species never reported before, such as raptors, seabirds, sealions, foxes, and others. Most notably, the recent outbreaks in dairy cattle were associated with the emergence of a few critical mutations related to mammalian adaptation, raising concerns about the possibility of jumping species and acquisition of sustained human-to-human transmission. The main clinical signs and anatomopathological findings associated with clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in birds and non-human mammals are hereby summarized.

The development of the PET@home toolkit: An experience-based co-design method study.

Objective: The relevance of pets in long-term home care is increasingly recognised because of their effects on health outcomes in clients and the rising number of clients receiving long-term care at home (further referred to as clients receiving home care). Currently, there is a lack of supportive materials that address pet-related challenges within home care. This study aimed to develop a toolkit for clients receiving home care with pets, their family, and professional caregivers using a participatory research approach. Methods: We used the Experience-Based Co-Design method involving clients receiving home care, family caregivers, and professional caregivers to create tools that are based on both theory and practice. This approach consists of four phases: 1) Exploring topics of emotional significance requiring attention (i.e., key moments) from the perspective of clients receiving home care, family caregivers, and professional caregivers; 2) Collaboratively prioritising these topics, through prioritisation meetings; 3) Developing and refining Toolkit materials through a co-design process; and 4) Evaluating the quality and feasibility of these materials. Results: Based on the results of a previously-conducted systematic review and individual interviews, we developed a preliminary information booklet and conversation cards. Subsequently, we conducted a total of 28 semi-structured interviews and seven focus groups, including one with representatives of animal interest organisations, such as veterinarians. This process led to the PET@home Toolkit which includes various materials to support pet ownership in home care settings, such as leaflets with advice on communication and animal welfare and an infographic. Conclusion: The PET@home Toolkit can support professional caregivers and their pet-owning clients receiving home care, family caregivers, and their pets. It may be a valuable addition to providing person-centred care in long-term care at home for clients with pets. The PET@home Toolkit and future updates will be readily available and free to download from May 2024 via the University Knowledge Network for Older Adult Care Nijmegen (www.ukonnetwerk.nl). Tweetable abstract: The PET@home Toolkit: Supporting pet ownership in long-term care at home.

Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in Human and Animal Stool Samples.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are opportunistic microorganisms with remarkable zoonotic transmission potential due to their capacity to infect humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these microorganisms in stool samples of animal and human origin. In total, 369 stool samples (205 from human patients with diarrhea and 164 of animal origin) were included in the study. Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia presence were determined by using multiplex nested PCR. Positive results were analyzed by using Sanger sequencing of the amplicon, utilizing BLASTN and ClustalX software to confirm identification. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 0.97% and 4.26% of human and animal samples, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in human and animal stools in 6.82% and 3.05% of the samples, respectively. No associations were found when analyzing the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi and the demographic and clinical variables of patients and animals. This study demonstrates the presence of these microorganisms in human and animal samples from different species, and the most interesting findings are the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in pets (e.g., rodents) that are not usually included in this type of study, and the identification of E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea without underlying disease.

A retrospective study of pet owners' complaints against veterinary practices in Türkiye (2012-2021).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine in detail the complaints against veterinarians submitted by pet owners and evaluated by the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association in Türkiye, with the aim to create awareness among Turkish veterinarians about the nature of the complaints and how they might reduce the risk of making medical errors. SAMPLE: 127 files of complaints. METHODS: A total of 127 written complaints from pet owners filed between January 2012 and December 2021 were analyzed. The pet owners' complaints were subjected to a conventional content analysis to identify the primary, secondary, and tertiary themes. Each case was evaluated by a 3-level complaint-coding taxonomy. The first level included 3 domains (themes), namely clinical, management, and relationship, while the second level was ordered in a total of 7 subcategories of complaint types. Thereafter, the third-level minor themes were grouped into related subcategories. RESULTS: From 127 file complaints, 296 specific issues were identified. Of these, 62% were in the clinical domain, 24% in the management domain, and 14% about poor behavior of the attending veterinarians. The most common (43%) complaint was medical errors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An increased awareness of common medical errors should be promoted among Turkish veterinarians in order to reduce the risk of negligence and malpractice.

Pet attachment and owner personality.

Introduction: Research points to a relationship between owner personality and strength of attachment to one's pet, with implications for psychological health. So far, studies in this area, albeit sparse, have focused on the 'Big Five' traits of owner personality. The 'Dark Triad' is a cluster of traits that has also been linked to emotional deficits, but has been overlooked in relation to pet attachment. This study therefore examined the association between owner personality and pet attachment, focusing on both the 'Big Five' and 'Dark Triad' traits of personality. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed to collect quantitative data from dog and cat owners across the globe between May-June 2023. A purpose-designed online survey collected sociodemographic details, along with information on pet ownership, strength of the pet-owner bond and participant personality, assessed using the Big Five personality scale and the Short Dark Triad scale. The survey was fully completed by 759 dog and 179 cat owners. Results: Analysis revealed significant correlations between many of the participants' personality traits, both within and between scales. Strength of pet attachment was positively correlated with neuroticism and conscientiousness, and, more weakly, to Machiavellianism. Regression analysis revealed that females, dog owners, people over the age of 50 and individuals who had children under 18 years to care for were more strongly attached to their pets than others. Both neuroticism and conscientiousness were found to be significant predictors of participants' pet attachment scores. None of the Dark Triad traits significantly predicted the criterion. Discussion: This study points to a relationship between strength of attachment to one's pet and owner personality, at least as measured using the Big Five approach to personality assessment. There was little to support an association between the Dark Triad traits and strength of attachment to one's pet, although the link between these characteristics and attachment styles is still unknown. The investigation lends support for the idea that high attachment levels are associated with personality traits aligned to psychological ill-health. Further work is recommended in this area, with a greater focus on both strength and quality (e.g., attachment style) of the pet-owner bond.

Awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Cairo, Egypt.

Egyptians are becoming more interested in owning and raising pets; however, most of them lack essential awareness about the risk of zoonotic parasites that could be transmitted. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the degree of awareness Egyptian pet owners possess concerning zoonotic parasitic diseases, the risk of transmission, and preventative measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an e-survey. Among 246 pet owners, 64.2% (158) were females, and 67.9% (167) belonged to the 20-30 age group. The majority, 78.9% (194), were raising cats. Only 13.8% (34) visited the veterinarian regularly, with significantly higher results among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 31.3% (77) participants were regularly deworming their pets, and 19.9% (49) were giving their pets prophylaxis against ectoparasites, with significantly higher results among those who visited the veterinarian regularly (p < 0.0001) and among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 54.1% (133) had heard about the term "zoonoses" before, and about 8.9% (22) of participants showed a history of zoonotic parasitic diseases, with significantly higher results among those who allowed their animals to play with other animals of neighbors and friends (p < 0.05). The obtained results concluded that the surveyed group had a relatively good degree of knowledge regarding pets as a source of zoonotic illness; raising pet owners' awareness regarding the importance of routine medical examinations and minimizing the contact of pets with other stray animals is essential.