While veterinary surgeons are known to have particularly high rates of injury compared to other sectors, little is known about the rates of injury among veterinary students. This study aims to understand animal-related injury rates, injury context and mechanisms, attitudes to reporting injuries, and resultant behaviour among UK and Irish veterinary students. A survey was distributed to students across all veterinary schools operating in the UK and Ireland in 2021. Questions explored participants' experience of injury through asking about their most recent and most severe injuries via quantitative and free-text questions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and qualitative content analysis. Five hundred thirty-three responses were included in the analyses. Overall, 47.5% of the students reported having been injured by an animal during the veterinary degree, and 35.5% of the students reported being injured within the last 12 months. Most recent injuries were caused by companion animals (38.0%), livestock (37.6%) and equids (23.5%). For their most severe injuries, 48.7% involved livestock, 28.7% companion animals and 22.1% equids. The content analysis highlighted that students normalised injuries and infrequently reported injuries to the university. It was very rare for students to take time off from their studies or placements due to course pressures. These findings reflect concerningly high levels of injury, which are being under-reported and reflect a culture of injury acceptance and expectation among students. Veterinary schools should consider lessons learned in other work environments that have been successful in changing safety culture.
Streptococcus suis is a major pig pathogen with zoonotic potential, posing an occupational risk to farmers and meat handlers. We characterized 110 S. suis strains from diseased pigs in Ireland (2005-2022) using whole-genome sequencing to investigate population structure and phage-host dynamics. We identified 15 distinct serotypes, with serotypes 9 and 2 being the most dominant. In silico multi-locus sequence typing revealed high diversity within the collection, identifying several sequence types (STs), including 26 novel STs. Investigation of strain-level genomic clustering using PopPUNK against global S. suis genomes showed that the Irish isolates were phylogenetically dispersed across the broader global S. suis population rather than clustering in a single clonal group. The majority of Irish isolates fall within the ten established pathogenic lineages, including the highly virulent zoonotic lineage 1. A locally persistent clonal lineage was identified among Irish isolates, showing minimal genetic variation over a decade.Prophage analysis revealed novel viral taxa that were interspersed among known streptococcal phages, rather than clustering distinctly. Restriction-modification systems were the predominant anti-viral defence systems identified across genomes. CRISPR-Cas systems were present in limited strains but showed substantial targeting bias toward full-length prophages, indicating ongoing phage pressure. CRISPR spacers matched non-S. suis streptococcal phages, and phylogenomic analysis revealed that Vansinderenvirus phages clustered with S. suis rather than other Streptococcus thermophilus phages, suggesting evolutionary connections between phage lineages infecting different streptococci.This study presents the first comprehensive genomic characterization of S. suis in Ireland, revealing a diverse population with significant implications for animal and human health.
Mycobacterium bovis causes bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a chronic infectious disease with significant veterinary, public health, and economic consequences. The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay is increasingly used alongside the Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test (SICTT) in Ireland's national bTB eradication programme, but age-specific patterns associated with IFN-γ positivity or post-mortem visible lesion detection (VLD) have not been fully characterised. This retrospective cohort study includes 267,674 SICTT-negative cattle tested with IFN-γ between May 2019 and December 2023 in high-risk Irish herds. Mixed-effects logistic regression models quantify associations between age and (i) IFN-γ positivity and (ii) VLD at slaughter among IFN-γ-positive cattle. Models adjust for sex, herd type, prior inconclusive SICTTs, number of prior 'risky' SICTT tests, and herd-level breakdown size (% of animals positive). Overall, 9.6% of SICTT-negative cattle test positive to IFN-γ. Our findings show that IFN-γ positivity increases with age, peaks in cattle aged 4-6 years, plateaus until 8 years, and declines thereafter. Relative to beef breeding herds, dairy, mixed, and 'other' herd types are associated with higher IFN-γ positivity, as is a history of prior inconclusive SICTTs, and fewer prior 'risky' SICTT exposures. Among IFN-γ-positive cattle, 21.9% exhibit VLD at slaughter. VLD positivity shows a U-shaped relationship with age, highest in the youngest (0-2 years), reducing in cattle aged 2-4, then increasing linearly to oldest (>8 years) cattle. The VLD odds are approximately half in dairy herds compared with beef breeding herds and are elevated in herds in the largest quartile of breakdowns (>6.25% of animals positive). The interpretation of these results should consider that IFN-γ-positivity and VLD likely reflect different stages of bTB infection, with early immune responses detected ante-mortem and visible lesions at post-mortem representing later stage disease; the absence of visible lesions therefore does not exclude M. bovis infection. It appears that age-specific IFN-γ positivity and VLD in high-risk herds are likely shaped by production systems, prior risky SICTT exposures, and herd-level outbreak dynamics rather than simple cumulative risk. The IFN-γ testing helps to identify infected cattle missed by SICTT, particularly in the early infection or large herd breakdowns and serves to support targeted, risk-based deployment to optimize Ireland's bTB eradication programme.
Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) is endemic in the Irish cattle population, but there is no current formal eradication programme for this disease in the Republic of Ireland. This observational, prospective field study is aimed to assess the evolution of the BoHV-1 seroprevalence on fifteen Irish dairy farms (85-250 cows) between 2020 and 2023 following the implementation of a hyperimmunisation IBR vaccination programme. Eligible farms had positive bulk tank results and estimated within-herd seroprevalence ≥ 25%. Animals from three months of age received a live, monovalent, double-deleted (gE-/tk-) marker vaccine (six-monthly boosters). Annually, biosecurity was evaluated using a 44-item survey. Each year, approximately 20 randomly selected animals per farm (4 calves, 4 heifers, 12 cows) were tested by gE-ELISA; in addition, animals with a negative result were retested in subsequent years (N = 818 animals). Seroprevalence was analysed using a logistic regression model with year and the epidemiological unit (calf, heifer or cow) as response variables, and farm as a random effect. A Pearson correlation between within-herd seroprevalences and biosecurity scores was also performed. The overall estimated animal level seroprevalence decreased from 55.7% to 37.2% after one year and was maintained at 37.5% after two years. Among the eleven herds that followed the hyperimmunisation IBR vaccination protocol, the estimated animal level seroprevalence was reduced from 57.3% to 33.6%, and the estimated within-herd seroprevalence from 54.5% to 22.2% within the study period. Reductions were most evident in calves (72.0%) and heifers (76.6%), compared with adult cows (33.1%). A significant negative correlation was observed between within-herd seroprevalences and biocontainment scores (R = -0.51, p < 0.001). Most retested animals maintained a seronegative status across the study period. However, data on culling and replacement rates were not available on the studied farms. The control and eradication of BoHV-1 from the Republic of Ireland present many challenges to the Irish dairy industry. The results suggest that the maintenance of a hyperimmunisation protocol with an IBR gE-/tk- marker vaccine contribute to effectively and efficiently reducing BoHV-1 seroprevalence within the Irish dairy sector at farm level. Further large-scale controlled studies are required to confirm its role in national eradication strategies.
BACKGROUND: Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) involves multifactorial pathogen interactions that complicate surveillance strategies in commercial pig production. Current individual animal sampling methods present logistical constraints and animal welfare concerns. This longitudinal study evaluated the antibody responses and diagnostic efficacy of matched antemortem sample specimens (serum, nasal and pen-based oral fluids) for detecting Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and influenza A virus (IAV) across all production stages from weaning to slaughter (5 to 24 weeks of age) in seven Irish farrow-to-finish herds. RESULTS: High-herd seroprevalence was observed at all five time-points, with concurrent antibody detection for the targeted respiratory pathogens occurring in 27.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 24.4–30.2%] of individual samples and 64.7% (95% CI = 46.5–80.3%) at herd level. Nucleic acid co-detection from two pathogens occurred in 11.1% of oral fluid and 15.3% of nasal swab samples, indicating widespread co-infection patterns. McNemar’s test demonstrated significant discordance between pathogen-specific immunoassays and PCR methodologies across all matrices (p < 0.05). Cohen’s kappa (κ) analysis revealed pathogen-specific agreement patterns. Slight matrix concordance was observed between nasal swabs and oral fluids for App (κ = 0.177) and Mhyo (κ = 0.135), while substantial agreement was demonstrated for PRRSV-1 (κ = 0.752) and IAV (κ = 0.629). Detection of PRRSV-1 showed moderate agreement between serum and nasal swabs (κ = 0.570) or oral fluids (κ = 0.575). Pathogen-specific detection peaks varied by agent and sample matrix with peaks for App and IAV at 5 weeks of age, Mhyo during finishing stages and extended PRRSV-1 detection window (10–19 weeks of age) in oral fluids. Prevalence detection rates were consistently equivalent or superior in oral fluids compared to nasal swabs, with significantly higher PRRSV-1 detection in oral fluids versus serum. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative analysis validates oral fluid sampling as a diagnostically robust alternative to conventional matrices. The documented pathogen-specific temporal patterns and matrix-specific performance data provide evidence-based parameters for refining surveillance protocols. Statistical validation of oral fluid efficacy, combined with operational and welfare advantages, supports adoption of oral fluid sampling for comprehensive PRDC monitoring to enhance early pathogen detection, improve diagnostic accuracy, boost production efficiency and assist herd health management decisions in intensive pig production systems.
INTRODUCTION: Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a notifiable zoonotic pathogen in Ireland. While typically subclinical in ruminants, infection is associated with reproductive losses. In humans, disease can range from asymptomatic to more serious complications. Ruminants have been identified as the main reservoir for human infection. Ireland’s dairy cattle industry has expanded substantially in recent years, yet current data on the national prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in dairy herds are limited. Understanding the herd-level prevalence and associated risk factors is essential for informing disease management and control strategies. METHODS: Bulk milk tank testing results from an Irish dairy cooperative herd health programme were analysed to determine the apparent and true prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies, using 2022 data. Further analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between Coxiella burnetii prevalence and co-morbid disease and herd characteristics. RESULTS: 2687 dairy herds were included in the sample. The true prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies was 61.7%. Coxiella burnetii prevalence was associated with increasing herd size, whereas higher herd average EBI and lower replacement rates were associated with decreased odds of infection. CONCLUSION: This study provides updated data, revealing the highest herd-level prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies reported to date in Ireland. The association with larger herd size is particularly relevant with the substantial growth in the national dairy herd over the past decade. These findings reinforce the need for further research into transmission dynamics, impact on production and zoonotic risk.
A 2-year-old Irish Sport Horse colt presented with acute, severe and rapidly progressive neurological signs, arriving recumbent to the hospital. Ante-mortem diagnostics did not reveal the cause of the recumbency, and the colt was euthanized after treatment and supportive care did not result in clinical improvement. A cranial cervical extradural mast cell tumour with eosinophilic granulomas and secondary compressive myelopathy with axonal degeneration was diagnosed on post-mortem evaluation. No other masses or clinically relevant findings were present, suggesting a primary neoplasm. Neoplasia associated with the spinal cord is rare in horses, and often carries a grave prognosis due to diagnostic and treatment barriers based on the large size of the patient.
Broodmares are at increased risk of gastrointestinal colic. However, colic risk factors specific to this population have not been investigated. To investigate horse- and management-level risk factors for post-partum colic in a cohort of Thoroughbred broodmares in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Prospective, nested case-control study. Twenty-nine Thoroughbred stud farms in the United Kingdom and Ireland were recruited, and 1044 mares were followed over the 2021 and/or 2022 foaling seasons. Data were collected on signalment, medical and management history for post-partum colic mares and matched (3:1) controls. Multivariable analysis was conducted using conditional logistic regression. Due to strong collinearity between days post-partum and time spent stabled, two multivariable models were built. Days post-partum (Model 1: OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-0.9; p < 0.001) and increasing hours stabled (Model 2: OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3; p < 0.001) were strongly associated with increased risk of post-partum colic. Colic risk was highest immediately post-partum, with reduction in likelihood of colic up to 50 days after foaling. NSAID use in the previous 28 days (Model 1: OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.0-65.5; Model 2: OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-15.0; p = 0.048) and a history of previous colic (Model 1: OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.2-7.9; Model 2: OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.7-17.1; p = 0.01) were also associated with increased colic risk. Calcium supplementation was associated with increased likelihood of post-partum colic in Model 1 only (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3-15.7; p = 0.04). Mares comprised a small sub-population of UK and Irish Thoroughbred broodmares. Pre-partum colic was not investigated. Maximising turnout in post-partum broodmares may reduce colic risk, immediately post-partum and up to 50 days. Broodmares who have recently received NSAIDs, have a history of colic or are receiving a calcium-based supplement may be at increased risk of post-partum colic.
Streptococcus suis is a major cause of respiratory and systemic diseases in post-weaned pigs, leading to significant production losses and animal welfare concerns. This study provides the first long-term national level analysis of Streptococcus suis-associated disease (SSAD) in the Republic of Ireland. We examined the pig diagnostic submissions, characterised serotype distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, and co-infection patterns from 2010 to 2024. The findings confirm that serotypes 9 and 2 or 1/2 were most frequently associated with disease. We observed a significant shift in recent years where serotype 9 has surpassed serotype 2 or 1/2 in number of occurrences. S. suis was frequently co-detected with viral pathogens including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type 2, and swine influenza virus (SIV), as well as bacterial pathogens such as Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia and Pasteurella multocida, typically from pneumonic lungs. While resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin was high (44.4% to 65.8%), isolates remained susceptible to first-line beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin (7.9% resistance), ampicillin (5.5% resistance) and amoxycillin/clavulanate (0% resistance). The observed heterogeneity between and within herds challenges successful implementation of vaccination and highlights the need for ongoing disease monitoring. These findings provide the first in-depth assessment of SSAD in Ireland's pig population which will offer valuable insights for future surveillance efforts, including genomic studies and supporting evidence-based strategies and vaccine selection for controlling S. suis in Irish pig sector.
The Irish Wolfhound (IW) is a dog breed characterised by a complex demographic history and reduced population size. In this study, we combined multiple population genomic approaches to characterise the genetic structure of 96 dogs collected from 23 countries worldwide, genotyped using the Illumina CanineHD BeadChip. Analyses of effective population size (Ne), linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay, heterozygosity and principal component analysis (PCA) consistently revealed limited genetic diversity. Complementary analyses of runs of homozygosity (ROH) and integrated haplotype score (iHS) identified extended homozygous segments and signatures of selection across the genome. ROH were predominantly short in length, and 40 samples showed ROH longer than 8 Mb. No ROH exceeding 16 Mb were detected, suggesting that these patterns reflect long-term demographic processes and historical selection rather than exclusively recent inbreeding. Particularly, 26 ROH islands were shared by at least 85% of the analysed individuals, with 3 ROHs shared by 100% of the population. Several ROH islands overlapped with regions previously reported in other hunting dog breeds and harboured genes associated with morphology, behaviour and diseases of major relevance to IWs, including osteosarcoma. Genomic regions identified by iHS also include genes involved in cancer and immune response. Compared with a previous IW population with publicly available genotypes, the dogs analysed here represent a more homogeneous subgroup. Overall, all approaches converged on a coherent genomic scenario, which highlights the combined effects of demographic history and selection in shaping the current genetic architecture of the IWs.
Biosecurity measures are essential to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens within (internal biosecurity) and between (external biosecurity) broiler farms. Implementing effective biosecurity practices not only protects animal health but also enhances productivity, welfare, and farm sustainability in general. This study assesses the temporal trends in biosecurity scores in Irish broiler farms from 2019 to 2023 using the Biocheck.UGent tool and identifies areas for improvement. The analysis includes data from 403 broiler farms, as well as recommendations provided by private veterinary practitioners (PVPs) to enhance biosecurity. The results show an overall upward trend in biosecurity scores over the study period. Internal biosecurity scores were consistently higher than external scores. Median internal scores increased from 60 (over 100) in 2019 to 75 in 2023 (P < 0.05). External scores increased from 50 to 65 in the same period (P < 0.05). Farms that underwent at least three assessments showed increases in median total scores of roughly 10 points after the first visit (P < 0.05). However, certain biosecurity categories, particularly cleaning and disinfection with medians over years remaining below 70, received consistently low scores despite frequent recommendations for improvement by the PVPs. The findings suggest that, while progress has been made, further efforts are needed to enhance biosecurity practices, particularly in areas with persistent low scores, such as depopulation of broilers and cleaning and disinfection. PVPs should provide more targeted recommendations for these categories and support farmers in effectively implementing these practices.
BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has been increasingly adopted for its advantages of reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery, underscoring the importance of structured basic skills training. In human medicine, robotic surgery addresses the limitations of conventional laparoscopy, but widespread adoption in veterinary practice is constrained by cost and logistics. The potential for cost-effective alternatives such as three-dimensional (3D) visualization and novel articulating laparoscopic instruments (ALI) is growing, but evidence for their impact on novice training remains limited. This study investigated the influence of visualization systems (two-dimensional (2D) vs. 3D) and instrument types (conventional laparoscopic instruments (CLI) vs. ALI) on early-phase laparoscopic skill acquisition in veterinary students, and to assess feasibility of the performance improvement (Pi) score as an integrated metric. RESULTS: Forty-eight students with no prior laparoscopic experience were randomized into four groups: 2D + CLI, 2D + ALI, 3D + CLI, and 3D + ALI (n = 12 per group). All the participants completed five repetitions of three standardized tasks on a box trainer (peg transfer, pattern cutting, needle guidance). The Pi scores were significantly positively correlated reductions in completion time (ρ = 0.443–0.674, p ≤ 0.002) and errors (ρ = 0.538–0.851, p < 0.001) across tasks. Compared with the ALI group, CLI groups achieved significantly greater performance improvements in peg transfer (F(1,44) = 5.251, p = 0.027; partial η² = 0.107) and needle guidance (F(1,44) = 9.435, p = 0.004; partial η² = 0.177). Although the main effect of vision was not significant, 3D group showed a consistent trend toward higher mean Pi scores than 2D group in all tasks (peg transfer: 1.384 vs. 1.338; pattern cutting: 1.350 vs. 1.311; needle guidance: 1.393 vs. 1.343). No interaction effects were detected. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire and NASA Task Load Index scores did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Pi score provides a valid, comprehensive index reflecting both time and error in early-phase of laparoscopic training, enabling grade-based feedback. Compared with the ALI, the CLI showed higher short-term performance improvement in peg transfer and needle guidance. 3D vision has the potential to alleviate visuomotor demands without inducing simulator sickness. These findings suggest that laparoscopic training should be adapted to individual performance levels, learning objectives, and equipment-specific demands.
暂无摘要（点击查看详情）
Introduction. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a group of bacteria that cause severe bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic syndrome and are associated with neurological complications and potentially life-threatening infections. Children under five and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to STEC infections. The majority of STEC infections have been traced back directly or indirectly to ruminants, and there is an unmet need for a vaccine to protect these vulnerable cohorts.Gap Statement. We previously identified a series of STEC proteins that are involved in attachment to human gastrointestinal epithelial cells, some of which are protective in a murine challenge model. However, the prevalence of the genes in dairy herds was unknown.Aim. Due to zoonotic transmission, the development of a successful human vaccine relies on any protective vaccine antigens being prevalent in ruminant herds in different geographical locations. We aimed to examine the potential geographical differences in antigen gene prevalence.Methodology. Faecal isolates collected from a dairy herd in CA, USA, and isolated from dairy cows in Ireland were analysed by quantitative PCR. Bioinformatic analysis of previously sequenced isolates was also performed.Results. Four antigen genes were highly prevalent among STEC shed from cattle in a Californian dairy herd (>95.7%). Genes encoding FkpA, YiaF and GlnH were also highly prevalent in faecal samples from cows sampled in Ireland (93%). The point prevalence of terD among cattle in the Irish cohort appeared low relative to Californian isolates, but this is most likely due to the absence of tellurite in isolation media used in the former. Expansion of the study to examine Irish bovine and ovine Whole genome sequencing datasets increased the detection of terD in Irish isolates.Conclusion. Overall, three antigen genes are prevalent in both geographically distinct cohorts. Discrepancies in terD gene prevalence are likely due to the use of selective agars in isolation protocols.
The epidemiology of equine influenza (EI) in the United Kingdom has not been systematically described since the 2019 epidemic. To summarise UK EI surveillance (2020-2024), quantify outbreak seasonality and assess movement-related sources. Retrospective observational analysis of national surveillance and horse importation data. Epidemiological data for laboratory-confirmed EI cases in the United Kingdom were collated. Outbreaks (EI-infected premises) were defined as one or more laboratory-confirmed cases on the same premises within a 4-week period. Monthly outbreak counts were analysed using negative binomial regression with year, calendar-quarter and ordered quartiles of 1-month lagged Irish exports to the United Kingdom by equid commodity code. A subset of Q4-2022 sales-related EI outbreaks were mapped. Epidemiological data were available for 149 cases on 126 premises. Outbreaks displayed a repeatable late-year pattern: Q4 (October to December) accounted for 52% (65/126), with a 3.25-fold higher per-month rate than the rest of the year. Over 75% (95/126) of premises reported a new arrival within ≤2 weeks; 56% (28/50) of index new-arrival cases with recorded origin came from Ireland. Q4 incidence exceeded Q1 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 6.9, p < 0.001) and years 2021-2024 incidence exceeded 2020 (IRRs 4.5-5.6, p < 0.001). Adding lagged Irish imports other than pure-bred breeding animals, improved fit, attenuated the Q4 effect (IRR = 3.9, p < 0.001) and identified higher import quartiles as predictors (quartile-3: IRR 4.5, p < 0.001; quartile-4: IRR 3.7, p < 0.001). Under-ascertainment, UK-wide exposure data versus Great Britain-only outcomes, COVID-19 suppression of movements/testing in 2020. EI in the United Kingdom in 2020-2024 was characterised by a notable October to December risk window and strong links to horse movements. Trade in non-pure-bred horses aligns with outbreak timing and partly explains the seasonal excess. Control measures should prioritise vaccination of new arrivals, post-arrival quarantine and strengthened biosecurity during transport. Die Epidemiologie der Pferdegrippe, Equinen Infuluenza (EI), im Vereinigten Königreich (UK) wurde seit der Epidemie von 2019 nicht systematisch beschrieben. Zusammenfassung der EI‐Surveillance im Vereinigten Königreich (2020–2024), Quantifizierung der saisonalen Ausbrüche und Bewertung der mit Transporten verbundenen Ursachen. Retrospektive Beobachtungsanalyse nationaler Überwachungs‐ und Pferdeimportdaten. Es wurden epidemiologische Daten zu laborbestätigten EI‐Fällen im Vereinigten Königreich zusammengestellt. Ausbrüche (mit EI infizierte Betriebe) wurden als ein oder mehrere laborbestätigte Fälle in demselben Betrieb innerhalb eines Zeitraums von vier Wochen definiert. Die monatlichen Ausbruchszahlen wurden unter Verwendung einer negativen binomialen Regression mit Jahr, Kalenderquartal und geordneten Quartilen der um einen Monat verzögerten irischen Exporte in das Vereinigte Königreich nach Equiden‐Zolltarifnummern analysiert. Eine Untergruppe der verkaufsbezogenen EI‐Ausbrüche im vierten Quartal 2022 wurde kartografisch dargestellt. Epidemiologische Daten lagen für 149 Fälle in 126 Einrichtungen vor. Die Ausbrüche zeigten ein wiederkehrendes Muster zum Jahresende: 52% (65/126) entfielen auf das 4. Quartal (Oktober bis Dezember), wobei die monatliche Rate 3,25‐mal höher war als im Rest des Jahres. Über 75% (95/126) der Einrichtungen meldeten innerhalb von ≤2 Wochen einen Neuzugang; 56% (28/50) der Indexfälle von Neuzugängen mit dokumentierter Herkunft stammten aus Irland. Die Inzidenz im vierten Quartal übertraf die des ersten Quartals (Inzidenzratenverhältnis [IRR] 6,9, p < 0,001) und die Inzidenz in den Jahren 2021–2024 übertraf die von 2020 (IRRs 4,5–5,6, p < 0,001). Durch Hinzufügen von verzögerten Importen aus Irland, die keine reinrassigen Zuchttiere waren, verbesserte sich die Anpassung, der Q4‐Effekt wurde abgeschwächt (IRR = 3,9, p < 0,001) und höhere Importquartile wurden als Prädiktoren identifiziert (Quartil 3: IRR 4,5, p < 0,001; Quartil 4: IRR 3,7, p < 0,001). HAUPTEINSCHRÄNKUNGEN: Untererfassung; britische Expositionsdaten im Vergleich zu Ergebnissen nur für Großbritannien; COVID‐19‐bedingte Einschränkung von Bewegungen/Tests im Jahr 2020. Die EI im Vereinigten Königreich in den Jahren 2020–2024 war durch einen auffälligen Risiko‐Zeitraum von Oktober bis Dezember und einen starken Zusammenhang mit Pferdetransporten gekennzeichnet. Der Handel mit nicht reinrassigen Pferden deckt sich mit dem Zeitpunkt des Ausbruchs und erklärt teilweise den saisonalen Anstieg. Kontrollmaßnahmen sollten die Impfung von Neuankömmlingen, die Quarantäne nach der Ankunft und eine verstärkte Biosicherheit während des Transports priorisieren.
Imidacloprid (IMI), a neonicotinoid insecticide (NNI), is commonly used in ectoparasite treatments for pets. With the rise of pet ownership globally, there is also a rise in ectoparasite treatment use and a potential for human exposures to these chemicals. This study explored human exposures to IMI following IMI-based ectoparasite treatment application to household pets, using human biomonitoring methods. In this study, 67 participants in Irish households that applied IMI-based ectoparasite treatments provided five first-morning void urine samples for five days in a row. The first morning urine sample was collected the morning before treatment application, and then one sample was collected each of the following four days. All samples (n = 335) were analysed for IMI, and its metabolites, IMI-olefin and 4/5-hydroxy-IMI (OH-IMI). The study results show a pronounced increase in pet owners' urinary concentrations of IMI, IMI-olefin and OH-IMI in the days following the application. The detection frequency for IMI-olefin increased from 26% in pre-treatment samples to over 74% in post-treatment samples. Participants who had more physical interactions with the treated pet had markedly higher urinary concentrations of the IMI-olefin, as did participants who had used a larger quantity of IMI. However, all urinary concentrations indicated IMI exposures were below the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Urinary concentrations persisted over the sampling period, with no notable decrease in concentrations of IMI-olefin or OH-IMI after five days of sampling. Future studies should aim to conduct sampling over a longer timeframe to find the duration of exposure from IMI product use.
Superficial digital flexor tendinopathy is a common cause of forelimb lameness in Thoroughbred racehorses and sports horses; however, this condition is rarely observed in the hindlimb. A 16-year-old Irish sports horse gelding was presented with bilateral swelling in the plantar metatarsal region and severe bilateral hindlimb lameness visible at the walk. The lameness occurred after the cross-country phase of an eventing competition. The clinical suspicion of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury was confirmed after ultrasonographic examination, which revealed an extensive core lesion in both hindlimb SDFTs. Ultrasound-guided intralesional injection of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) was performed in association with controlled exercise. Following a rehabilitation period of eight months, the horse was able to resume showjumping. Follow-up was available for 44 months, and no recurrence of the previous SDFT injury was noted. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report describing bilateral hindlimb SDF tendinopathy in the metatarsal region of a sports horse.
In September 2023, the official national reference laboratory confirmed the presence of BTV serotype 3 in The Netherlands. In the following weeks, it appeared that the infection caused very severe clinical signs in sheep, but it was challenging for the involved veterinary clinicians to select appropriate labeled drugs to treat them. The objective of this study was therefore to document the clinical presentation and survival outcomes of sheep affected by bluetongue and to evaluate the effects of a treatment protocol with and without antihistamines. From a group of 83 sheep with acute and clear clinical signs of bluetongue, one group of 41 sheep received a single injection of meloxicam (1 mg/kg) followed by oral paracetamol tablets (10-20 mg/kg, 3dd for 3d). Another group with 42 sheep received the same treatment with the addition of an antihistamine injection (chlorphenamine maleate, 1 mg/kg, 1dd for 3d). Clinical signs and survival rates were monitored for all sheep. Logistic regression and survival analyses were performed to evaluate the data. An overall case fatality rate of 57% was observed, which illustrates the challenge in treating infected naïve animals with BTV-3. The most commonly encountered clinical signs were excessive salivation, dyspnea, depression, and lameness. Severe salivation was associated with significantly reduced survival time. The mean survival time for the group treated with antihistamines was 0.8 days, whereas it was 2.5 days for the group without antihistamines. The results of this study may not be representative of bluetongue infections caused by other serotypes or under different conditions. Based on our findings, however, we cannot recommend the use of antihistamines for treating bluetongue-affected sheep, as they did not improve survival. We would like to emphasize the importance of timely decision-making regarding the continuation or cessation of treatment, given the typically low survival rates in clinically affected sheep.
Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), imposes substantial veterinary burdens globally, with potential zoonotic implications, yet systematic surveillance in Turkish goat populations has been poorly documented. This study presents the first national, multi-breed cross-sectional serosurvey of MAP infection across seven indigenous Turkish goat breeds (n = 3,372; 36 herds; 11 provinces), employing a commercial indirect ELISA and modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation to generate prevalence ratios (PRs) directly interpretable as relative risks. Overall apparent seroprevalence reached 14.07% (95% CI: 12.83-15.31%), with herd-level positivity of 93.5%-establishing endemic dissemination across geographically and climatically diverse production systems. Breed-level seroprevalence spanned a 2.66-fold gradient (8.45%-22.47%). Four breeds showed significantly elevated adjusted PRs: Colored Angora (PR = 2.702), Turkish Saanen (PR = 2.571), Maltese (PR = 2.027), and Honamlı (PR = 1.469); three retained significance under cluster-robust estimation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.031) indicated low within-herd clustering, suggesting that individual-level factors may contribute more to seroconversion outcome than shared herd environment in this dataset. Population attributable fraction analysis identified Turkish Saanen (19.70%) and Maltese (13.77%) as the dominant drivers of national disease burden. The seroprevalence contrast between White Angora (0%) and Colored Angora (22.47%) warrants controlled investigation of differential exposure, management, and potentially breed-specific factors. These findings provide an evidence base for establishing a national MAP control programme for small ruminants in Türkiye.
West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus). It circulates in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitoes as vectors and different avian species as reservoir hosts and/or for amplification but humans can be infected as accidental hosts. Since 2019, autochthonous mosquito-borne WNV infections in humans were reported in Germany indicating a continuous circulation in the affected areas. The animal and human infections were initially restricted to Central-East Germany in the first years. This article provides an update to the WNV epidemiology in Germany from 2022 to 2024. Analysis was based on surveillance data and confirmatory testing for human and animal cases of WNV in Germany from 2022 to 2024. Since 2022, a slight annual spread became visible, which intensified in 2024 and caused numerous infections in northwest Germany, particularly among animals. Altogether, 80 confirmed human WNV infections were identified in 2022-2024, mostly among blood donors. Transfusion safety is maintained by donor deferral or testing of donations using nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) after a stay in an affected area. The vast majority of blood establishments test all donations during the transmission season in Germany from June to the end of November. In this way, roughly 2.2 million donations are screened annually, by that contributing significantly to WNV surveillance. Confirmation of initially reactive screening tests is still a challenge as other flaviviruses, especially Usutu virus, are co-circulating. Specific NAT or next-generation sequencing are necessary for discrimination. To fully understand the WNV epidemic, combined results of human and veterinary surveillance including results of sequencing are needed. A One health approach is essential to identify affected areas and to ensure transfusion safety and public health.