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This retrospective study aimed to investigate the incidence and potential consequences of retained deciduous tooth root remnants in canine patients who were presented at a referral clinic between 2013 and 2023. Among the 5432 medical records reviewed, 237 retained root remnants of deciduous teeth were identified radiographically in 143 patients. The identified root remnants were most commonly associated with the left (604) (39.2%) and right (504) (33.7%) deciduous maxillary canine teeth. The areas surrounding the retained root remnants were evaluated for radiographic changes. Direct problems associated with deciduous root remnants were observed in 117 dogs (81.8%). The most common finding was periapical radiolucency in 63 dogs (44.1%), and root resorption and ankylosis in 54 dogs (37.8%). Additional abnormalities included dental malocclusion, which affected the corresponding permanent dentition. Yorkshire Terriers were overrepresented, comprising 41.2% of the affected patients. This study emphasizes that retained deciduous root remnants do not undergo resorption and may develop clinical complications. Additionally, the importance of routine full-mouth radiography in dogs has been highlighted for the identification of such abnormalities.

Amphibians are among the most vulnerable vertebrates, with 41% of assessed species at risk of extinction. The genus Oophaga has most of its species currently listed as threatened by the IUCN. Oophaga vicentei, an endangered species endemic to central Panama, is facing strong pressures from habitat fragmentation and mining. Despite its threat status, little is known about its population structure and size. Reduced representation approaches are cost efficient alternative to obtain genome-wide estimates of genetic diversity in non-model species. We herein genotyped thousands of exonic SNPs using RNA-seq data to uncover the genetic structure and effective population size of O. vicentei. Population structure analyses revealed two main genetic clusters: a West group (formed by individuals of Calovébora, La Empalizada, and Loma Grande) and an East group with individuals from La Ceiba. A further subdivision of the West cluster was apparent on the PCA with two localities (Calobévora, La Empalizada) splitting from the other Loma Grande. The La Ceiba locality was genetically the most divergent from the rest, with Calovébora and La Empalizada being the most similar. Effective population size of O. vicentei peaked around the Last Interglacial period and declined after the Last Glacial Maximum, with the locality La Ceiba showing the most pronounced decline towards present time. The significant amount of data we obtained validates the applicability of mRNA sequences to elucidate the population structure and demography of a species. Our results reveal strong genetic structure in O. vicentei, with the two main population clusters showing significant differences in their most recent demographic history. These findings provide a genomic baseline for conservation strategies, emphasizing the need to protect all known populations of this endangered species.

Q fever, caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a globally distributed zoonosis for which ruminants are considered to be the main reservoir. In Germany, the majority of human Q fever cases are linked to small ruminants. Epidemiological investigations show clear regional differences in herd prevalence, with higher detection rates in southern Germany, particularly associated with out-of-season lambing. Diagnosis in animals relies on both indirect (primarily ELISA) and direct pathogen detection (primarily PCR), although neither method can confirm the pathogen-free status of individual animals, emphasizing the need for standardized surveillance. Currently, no effective treatment is available for coxiellosis in ruminants. Therefore, vaccination with an inactivated phase I vaccine is the main measure used to reduce pathogen shedding and abortion rates. European animal health legislation (the Animal Health Law) places a general emphasis on the clear responsibilities of livestock keepers, veterinarians, and authorities for the reporting, prevention, and control of coxiellosis. The interdisciplinary consortium Q-GAPS has developed a practical management guideline for Q fever in small ruminants, providing recommendations for outbreak investigations and risk communication. It underscores that effective prevention and control of Q fever require a combination of vaccination, hygiene, and environmental management, as well as close cooperation between veterinary and human medicine, which aligns with the One Health approach. Q-Fieber, verursacht durch das obligat intrazelluläre Bakterium Coxiella burnetii, ist eine weltweit verbreitete Zoonose, bei der Wiederkäuer das wichtigste Reservoir darstellen. Die Mehrzahl der humanen Q-Fieber-Fälle in Deutschland sind auf kleine Wiederkäuer zurückzuführen. Epidemiologische Untersuchungen zeigen deutliche regionale Unterschiede in der Herdenprävalenz, mit höheren Q-Fieber-Nachweisraten in Süddeutschland, die insbesondere mit der asaisonalen Lammzeit zusammenhängen. Die Diagnostik am Tier beruht sowohl auf dem indirekten (v. a. ELISA) als auch direkten Erregernachweis (v. a. PCR), wobei beide Methoden keine eindeutige Aussage über die Erregerfreiheit einzelner Tiere zulassen. Dies verdeutlicht auch die Notwendigkeit einer standardisierten Überwachung. Eine wirksame Therapie der Coxiellose bei Wiederkäuern steht derzeit nicht zur Verfügung. Die Impfung mit einem inaktivierten Phase-I-Impfstoff ist daher die zentrale Maßnahme zur Reduktion der Erregerausscheidung und Abortraten. Das europäische Tiergesundheitsrecht (Animal Health Law), betont die Verantwortung von Tierhaltenden, Tierärztinnen und Tierärzten sowie Behörden für Meldung, Prävention und Bekämpfung der Coxiellose. Das interdisziplinäre Konsortium Q-GAPS hat dazu einen praxisorientierten Leitfaden unter anderem für Ausbruchsuntersuchungen und Risikokommunikation erarbeitet und weist darauf hin, dass eine effektive Prävention und Bekämpfung des Q-Fiebers ein Zusammenspiel aus Impfung, Hygiene- und Umweltmanagement sowie einer engen Kooperation zwischen Veterinär- und Humanmedizin im Sinne des One-Health-Ansatzes erfordert.

In 2020, a dairy farm in northwest Germany reported several cows with severe respiratory disease, fever, and reduced milk production. Multiple direct and indirect diagnostic methods were used to identify the cause of the disease. However, the pathogens detected could not be correlated with the severity of the clinical symptoms, so further diagnostic steps were taken. Blood and nasal swab samples were examined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) as part of a metagenomic analysis. For the first time in Germany, Hepacivirus bovis genotype 2 was detected. Real-time RT-PCR assays confirmed the presence of BovHepV genotypes 1 and 2 in the herd between 2020 and 2023. Analyses of complete and partial genome sequences demonstrated the presence of different virus variants in the herd over several years. In addition, the sequence data indicated that cattle can be reinfected with viruses belonging either to different BovHepV subtypes or to the same subtype. Although no direct link could be established between the detection of bovine hepaciviruses and the observed clinical symptoms, the PCR and sequence data obtained provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of BovHepV infections.

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) continues to pose a significant threat to intensive poultry farming regions worldwide. Current control strategies primarily rely on live attenuated and recombinant live ILT virus (ILTV) vaccines. However, concerns persist regarding the potential reversion to virulence, recombination of vaccine viruses, and interference from maternal antibodies. mRNA vaccine platforms offer a novel and promising approach for developing next-generation ILTV vaccines. In this study, we designed a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine incorporating the ILTV gD gene and evaluated its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in chickens. The saRNA-gD vaccine elicited robust humoral immunity, with serum neutralizing antibody titers reaching up to 1:415. All vaccinated chickens achieved seropositivity within 7 days post-vaccination (dpv). Significantly elevated levels of IL-2 cytokine were observed at 28 and 42 dpv compared to the LNP control group, suggesting the potential activation of cellular immune responses following vaccination. Animal challenge experiment revealed that the saRNA-gD vaccine effectively mitigated clinical symptoms induced by ILTV infection, conferring a protection rate of approximately 66.7%, which is comparable to that of the commercial recombinant fowl pox virus (rFPV-LT) vaccine. Quantification of viral loads in tracheal swabs and histopathological examination demonstrated that the saRNA-gD vaccine significantly reduced viral DNA copies in swabs and induced markedly milder histopathological changes. These findings indicate that the saRNA-gD vaccine induces potent immune responses and provides substantial protection against ILTV challenge, potentiating it as a highly promising vaccine candidate for the control of ILT in poultry.

The study aim was to assess the success of a novel adhesive technique in piglets with umbilical herniation in comparison to standard surgical procedure as well as no treatment.In a pilot phase, piglets with umbilical hernias were observed up to weaning and remained either untreated, underwent surgery or were treated by application of a 2.5 cm wide adhesive tape diagonally across the hernial orifice following the reposition of the umbilical protrusion. In accordance to the success rate, an appropriate sample size was calculated for a subsequent study, in which 50 affected piglets were systematically treated with the new taping technique and compared with 50 affected piglets remaining untreated. Mortality, daily weight gains, widths of hernia orifices and hernia sac sizes were recorded.In the pilot phase, mortality in untreated animals was 24%. In 52% of the surviving animals the umbilical hernias resolved spontaneously by weaning. In the taped piglet group 9% of the animals died and 90% of hernias resolved by weaning. Following umbilical hernia surgery the mortality rate amounted to 35% and the recurrence rate was 63%. For this reason, surgery was not performed in the subsequent main study.The systematic comparison of the taping technique with an untreated control group in the main study resulted in a mortality rate of 20% in the control group and 8% in the experimental group up to week 15 of life. The healing rate up to fattening (survived and without umbilical hernia) was 50% in the control group and 84% in the experimental group (p=0.01). Animals that were included in the trial with a two-finger wide hernia orifice or / and a walnut sized hernia sac were significantly more likely to have to be taped up to three times. The size of the hernia orifice had a negative influence on the daily weight gain during the suckling period (p=0.02).Approximately half of all umbilical hernias resolve spontaneously. The loss and recurrence rate after umbilical hernia surgery is high. A taping technique for reposition of the hernia sac in the early suckling piglet period can significantly improve the healing rate of umbilical hernias.A taping technique for treating umbilical hernias during the suckling piglet period can significantly reduce losses due to this condition. Der Erfolg einer neuen Klebetechnik wurde im Vergleich zu einer Nabelbruchoperationstechnik und zu einer Nicht-Behandlung bei Ferkeln mit Nabelbrüchen bewertet.In der Pilotphase wurden Ferkel entweder nicht behandelt, operiert oder durch ein diagonal über der Bruchpforte angebrachtes 2,5 cm breites medizinisches Klebeband behandelt und bis zum Absetzen beobachtet. Entsprechend der Erfolgsquote wurde eine Stichprobenplanung durchgeführt und in einer daran anschließenden systematischen Hauptstudie jeweils 50 Ferkel verglichen, die entweder nicht behandelt oder mit der neuen Klebetechnik versorgt wurden. Es wurden die Mortalität, Tageszunahmen, Bruchpfortenweiten und Bruchsackgrößen erhoben.In der Pilotphase lag die Mortalität bei unbehandelten Tieren bei 24%. Bei 52% der überlebenden Tiere bildeten sich die Nabelbrüche bis zum Absetzen zurück. In der Klebegruppe verendeten 9% der Tiere, 90% der Tiere zeigten zum Absetzen keinen Nabelbruch mehr. In der Gruppe der operierten Tiere lag die Mortalität bei 35% und die Rezidivrate betrug 63%. Aus diesem Grund wurde in der sich anschließenden Hauptstudie auf Operationen verzichtet.Der systematische Vergleich der Klebetechnik mit einer unbehandelten Kontrollgruppe in der Hauptstudie ergab bis zur 15. Lebenswoche eine Mortalität von 20% in der Kontroll- und 8% in der Versuchsgruppe. Die Heilungsrate bis zur Mast (überlebt und ohne Nabelbruch) war 50% in der Kontroll- und 84% in der Versuchsgruppe (p=0,01). Bei Tieren, die mit einer zweifingergroßen Bruchpforte oder/und einem walnussgroßen Bruchsack in den Versuch eingeschlossen wurden, musste signifikant häufiger bis zu dreimal geklebt werden. Die Größe der Bruchpforte hatte einen negativen Einfluss auf die Tageszunahmen in der Säugephase (p=0,02).Etwa die Hälfte der Nabelbrüche heilt von allein aus. Die Verlust- und Rezidivrate nach Nabelbruchoperationen ist hoch. Eine Klebetechnik zur Reposition des Bruchsacks in der frühen Saugferkelphase kann die Heilungsrate von Nabelbrüchen signifikant verbessern.Die Anwendung einer Klebetechnik zur Behandlung von Nabelbrüchen in der frühen Saugferkelphase kann spätere Tierverluste durch dieses Krankheitsbild signifikant verringern.

Colour polytypism represents an example of phenotypic diversification shaped by genetic divergence and ecological pressures. Poison frogs of the genus Oophaga (Dendrobatidae) are highly polytypic in coloration, making them an ideal system for investigating the genetic and physiological basis of colour variation. We examined gene expression, pigment and histological differences across four colour morphs (aquamarine, brown, green, and red) of Oophaga vicentei from mainland Panama. RNA sequencing revealed 1838 and 5085 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the skin and liver, respectively. Melanin synthesis genes were upregulated in the brown morph, whereas pteridine pathway genes were upregulated in red and green morphs, consistent with previous findings in O. pumilio. In aquamarine frogs, pigment composition was similar to brown and green frogs, but transcriptional profiles were highly divergent. Red morphs upregulate a paralog of the dendrobatid ketolase cyp3a80 in the liver, suggesting modified ketolation mechanisms in O. vicentei. This is consistent with higher ketocarotenoid accumulation in red frogs. Co-expression network analysis identified morph-related modules in both tissues but the relationship between modules and known pigmentation pathways remains unclear. Comparative analysis across seven dendrobatid species revealed conserved pigmentation genes (e.g., xdh, ttc3b) alongside morph-specific expression patterns. Our results show that red frogs are dissimilar in pigments, chromatophore structure, and gene expression, whereas aquamarine, brown, and green coloration share overlapping pigment profiles and chromatophore organisation, with transcriptional differences suggesting structural or regulatory mechanisms.

Although Zambia and many other countries globally have very high rates of antimicrobial resistance, there is a surprisingly limited amount of quantitative data on antimicrobial use (AMU) to guide important control actions. Here, we used the VetCAb-ID [Veterinary Consumption of Antibiotics-International Documentation; ©Tierärztliche Hochschule (TiHo) Hannover, Germany] system to conduct a prospective longitudinal analysis of AMU in broiler poultry farms in the Lusaka district of Zambia to quantify the use by the treatment frequency (TF) metric. The overall TF was 7, and the median treatment frequency per day (TFpd) was 0.14. Of all flocks, 80% of them received treatment. Metaphylactic treatment was applied to all flocks at all farms. Overall, a total of nine antimicrobial classes were used, namely tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, aminopenicillins, diaminopyrimidines, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, phosphonic acid derivatives, quinolones, and sulphonamides. Tetracyclines were the antimicrobials most commonly used (62.7%), followed by sulphonamides (15.7%). Prophylactic use accounted for the majority (54.9%) of the total AMU in this study. Therapeutic uses of antimicrobials were primarily for digestive (21.14%) and respiratory (23.43%) problems of the chickens. Of all the treatments recorded, a greater proportion (87.8%) were underdosed, and 7.3% were overdosed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of farm-level monitoring of AMU data from Zambian poultry farms and provides the first quantitative trends of AMU in poultry farms in Zambia. Our findings of the widespread use of antimicrobials for prophylaxis, incorrect dosing patterns, and the relative usage of the highest-priority critically important antimicrobials in Zambian broiler poultry farms are suggestive of misuse. There is a need for continued education about the issue of antimicrobial resistance, application of antimicrobial stewardship, and the establishment of monitoring and benchmarking systems.

To evaluate different laboratory procedures for determining the etiologic diagnosis of equine recurrent uveitis regarding intraocular infection with Leptospira spp. and to establish a diagnostic guideline. Eighty horses with a history of ERU were ophthalmologically examined. Serum and aqueous humor were collected. Total protein, albumin level, and MAT against Leptospira spp. were evaluated on serum and aqueous humor. PCR for Leptospira spp., EHV-1 and -4 was performed on aqueous humor. Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC) and C-value (CC) were calculated based on MAT. In 42 cases, an additional ELISA was initiated. Forty-six female and 34 male horses of different breeds (mean age 10.9 years; range 3 to 31) were included. By MAT 56/80 horses (70.0%) were identified seropositive for Leptospira spp. MAT results were positive for Leptospira spp. in aqueous humor of 47/80 (58.8%) patients. PCR tested 16/80 (20.0%) positive, ELISA detected 13/42 (31.0%) positive. Neither EHV-1 nor EHV-4 were detected by PCR. Calculating GWC gives evidence suggestive of intraocular involvement with Leptospira spp. in 53/80 (66.3%) at the level ≥ 3. Setting GWC ≥ 3 as gold standard, ELISA and C ≥ 2 closely matched this threshold, showing high accuracy (95.2%; 91.3%), sensitivity (86.7%; 84.9%), and strong agreement (V = 0.90; V = 0.81). PCR was less accurate (53.8%) and sensitive (30.2%) compared to GWC. Within this setting, GWC achieved the highest number of positive results for detecting intraocular involvement of Leptospira spp. when compared to PCR, ELISA, and C-value.

Research within nanotoxicology has revealed inhalation of particles can interfere with fetal development. Our research group has contributed knowledge on several aspects of developmental toxicity of manufactured nanomaterials. In some cases, the same batch of particles were examined in more than one mouse study. The present review evaluates whether our findings are within-laboratory reproducible and furthermore examines the potential relationships between induced maternal lung inflammation as a potential mediator of developmental toxicity, irrespectively of particle type. Our results ranged from fully reproducible (lack of effects on gestational and litter parameters, on germline mutations in females, irrespective of particle type, and on daily sperm production in F1 males of mothers exposed to carbon black; and depression of immune system function after maternal exposure to multiwalled carbon nanotubes) to not reproducible (transplacental genotoxicity and daily sperm production in the F2 generation of mothers exposed to carbon black and behavioral measures in general). Delineation of the relationship between maternal lung inflammation and developmental effects was somewhat hampered by differences time span from exposure termination to assessment of lung inflammation. At the observed levels, lung inflammation was however not associated with changes in gestational nor litter parameters, and did not seem to play a role in transplacental genotoxicity. In conclusion, this review reveals both consistency and variability in outcomes across studies. The results underscore the complexity of effects of nanoparticle exposure in developmental toxicology and reproducibility of results and warrants future research to focus on reproducibility and elucidate specific mechanisms underlying the observed toxicological effects.

Background: Canine pyoderma is a common bacterial skin disease that can be classified as superficial or deep and is associated with inflammatory processes. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers such as procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and beta-defensin-2 (Defb2) may reflect immune activation; however, their diagnostic and clinical relevance in canine pyoderma remains unclear. Materials and Methods: Serum concentrations of PCT, IL-8, and Defb2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in healthy control dogs (group 1, n = 40), dogs with superficial pyoderma (group 2a, n = 16), and dogs with deep pyoderma (group 3a, n = 7). A subset of dogs with superficial pyoderma (group 2b, n = 12) was re-evaluated after clinical remission. Biomarker concentrations were statistically compared between groups and over time. Results: Dogs with superficial and deep pyoderma exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of PCT and IL-8 compared to healthy controls, whereas Defb2 concentrations were significantly reduced in both disease groups. No statistically significant differences were detected between superficial and deep pyoderma for any of the biomarkers, although IL-8 showed a trend toward higher concentrations in dogs with deep pyoderma (p = 0.07). Follow-up examinations after clinical improvement revealed no significant changes in biomarker concentrations. Conclusions: Canine pyoderma is associated with measurable systemic inflammatory alterations, characterized by increased serum concentrations of PCT and IL-8 and decreased Defb2 levels, irrespective of disease depth. The lack of biomarker normalization following clinical remission suggests that systemic inflammatory responses may persist beyond visible clinical healing. While these biomarkers may provide complementary information on inflammatory activity, their utility for monitoring treatment response appears limited.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 000 live births. It is primarily caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene, which disrupts intracellular cholesterol transport and leads to lipid accumulation in late endosomes and lysosomes. This results in visceral dysfunction and progressive neurological deterioration. This study investigated the effects of three NPC1 disease-causing mutations (p.I1061T, p.D874V, and p.P1007A) on NPC1 biosynthesis, trafficking of NPC1, and cellular cholesterol levels. By expressing NPC1 mutants and wild-type NPC1 in NPC1 knockout Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-CT43), we analysed the trafficking patterns using Western blot based on endoglycosidase H sensitivity. We also examined lipid raft distribution and unesterified cholesterol accumulation using flotillin 2, filipin staining, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our findings revealed significant differences in NPC1 mutant expression levels and trafficking patterns, categorizing them into three distinct phenotypes: intracellularly retained, slow-trafficking, and finally wild-type-like mutants. Notably, the variations in NPC1 mutant expression and trafficking patterns in CHO-CT43 cells correlated with alterations in lipid rafts distribution and cellular cholesterol levels. The study demonstrated a clear association between cholesterol accumulation and NPC1 mutant trafficking phenotypes, with the p.I1061T variant exhibiting the most severe biochemical profile and highest cellular cholesterol levels. In conclusion, this study highlights a promising framework for elucidating the genotype-phenotype relationships in NPC and assessing their potential pathogenicity. These findings have significant implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying NPC, and they propose personalized, targeted therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease.

Marine megafauna species are affected by a wide range of anthropogenic threats. To evaluate the risk of such threats, species' vulnerability to each threat must first be determined. We build on the existing threats classification scheme and ranking system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species by assessing the vulnerability of 256 marine megafauna species to 23 at-sea threats. The threats we considered included individual fishing gear types, climate-change-related subthreats not previously assessed, and threats associated with coastal impacts and maritime disturbances. Our ratings resulted in 70 species having high vulnerability (v > 0.778 out of 1) to at least 1 threat, primarily drifting longlines, temperature extremes, or fixed gear. These 3 threats were also considered to have the most severe effects (i.e., steepest population declines). Overall, temperature extremes and plastics and other solid waste were rated as affecting the largest proportion of populations. Penguins, pinnipeds, and polar bears had the highest vulnerability to temperature extremes. Bony fishes had the highest vulnerability to drifting longlines and plastics and other solid waste; pelagic cetaceans to 4 maritime disturbance threats; elasmobranchs to 5 fishing threats; and flying birds to drifting longlines and 2 maritime disturbance threats. Sirenians and turtles had the highest vulnerability to at least one threat from all 4 categories. Despite not necessarily having severe effects for most taxonomic groups, temperature extremes were rated among the top threats for all taxa except bony fishes. The vulnerability scores we provide are an important first step in estimating the risk of threats to marine megafauna. Importantly, they help differentiate scope from severity, which is key to identifying threats that should be prioritized for mitigation. Vulnerabilidad de la megafauna marina ante las amenazas antropogénicas globales en el mar VanCompernolle et al. Resumen Las especies de megafauna marina se ven afectadas por una amplia gama de amenazas antropogénicas. Para evaluar el riesgo de dichas amenazas, primero se debe determinar la vulnerabilidad de las especies a cada una de ellas. Nos basamos en el esquema de clasificación de amenazas y el sistema de clasificación existentes de la Lista Roja de Especies Amenazadas de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN) para evaluar la vulnerabilidad de 256 especies de megafauna marina ante 23 amenazas marítimas. Las amenazas que consideramos incluyeron tipos de pesquerías individuales, subamenazas relacionadas con el cambio climático sin evaluación previa y amenazas asociadas con impactos costeros y perturbaciones marítimas. Nuestras calificaciones dieron como resultado que 70 especies tenían una alta vulnerabilidad (v > 0.778 de 1) a al menos una amenaza, principalmente los palangres de deriva, las temperaturas extremas o las artes de pesca fijas. También se consideró que estas tres amenazas tenían los efectos más graves (i. e., las disminuciones más pronunciadas de la población). En general, se consideró que las temperaturas extremas y los plásticos y otros residuos sólidos afectaban a la mayor proporción de poblaciones. Los pingüinos, los pinnípedos y los osos polares fueron los más vulnerables a las temperaturas extremas; los peces óseos, los más vulnerables a los palangres a la deriva y a los plásticos y otros residuos sólidos; los cetáceos pelágicos, a cuatro amenazas de perturbación marítima; los elasmobranquios, a cinco amenazas relacionadas con la pesca; y las aves voladoras, a los palangres a la deriva y a dos amenazas de perturbación marítima. Los sirénidos y las tortugas fueron los más vulnerables a al menos una amenaza de las cuatro categorías. A pesar de no tener necesariamente efectos graves para la mayoría de los grupos taxonómicos, las temperaturas extremas se clasificaron entre las principales amenazas para todos los taxones, excepto los peces óseos. Las puntuaciones de vulnerabilidad que proporcionamos son un primer paso importante para estimar el riesgo de las amenazas para la megafauna marina. Es importante destacar que ayudan a diferenciar el alcance de la gravedad, lo cual es clave para identificar las amenazas que deben priorizarse para su mitigación.

Follicular mucinosis is a rare form of alopecia in dogs characterised by deposition of mural mucin, leading to hair loss, favouring the face, neck and limbs. This report documents its histopathological features, dermoscopic findings, clinical course and successful treatment in a golden retriever dog with follicular mucinosis.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) expresses a specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) protease, designated IdeSsuis. Vaccination with recombinant IdeSsuis elicits protection against S. suis serotype 2. This study was initiated by the finding that the isogenic deletion mutant ΔideSsuis shows a hypervirulent phenotype in 4-week-old piglets, presumably in association with maternally derived antibodies against IdeSsuis. This prompted us to conduct a field study to test the working hypothesis that maternal αIdeSsuis IgG antibodies are biologically relevant. Investigations in one herd with autogenous S. suis vaccination pre-farrowing showed a significant correlation of IgG levels against IdeSsuis in serum of 2-week-old-piglets and levels in colostrum. These antibody levels declined over the subsequent weeks of life. Levels of IgM binding to S. suis in sera of 2-week-old piglets did not correlate with respective levels in colostrum but with the amount of colostrum taken up. Bactericidal assays with wild type (wt) and ideSsuis mutants demonstrated that expression of functional or nonfunctional full-length IdeSsuis results in increased killing of S. suis serotype 2 in the blood of 2-week-old piglets. This phenotype disappeared as piglets aged. Linear mixed-effects models confirmed that serum IgG against IdeSsuis exerts a significant, time-independent effect on survival of S. suis wt and ∇ideSsuis_C195S, expressing a nonfunctional variant of IdeSsuis, but not ΔideSsuis. Furthermore, IgM binding to S. suis wt influenced survival of wt and ∇ideSsuis_C195S in a time-dependent manner. This is in line with the concept that αIdeSsuis IgG are protective through induction of fragment crystallizable (Fc)-mediated opsonophagocytosis rather than neutralization of the IgM protease, at least in suckling piglets.

Bacteria are a natural semen component, but their growth must be inhibited during semen preservation in order to ensure sperm quality and animal health. This is particularly relevant for boar semen, which is routinely stored at 16°C-18°C in nutrient-rich extender media. For this reason, antibiotics are commonly added to semen extenders. This practice, however, increasingly contributes to antimicrobial resistance in extended boar semen. Therefore, effective antimicrobial and sperm protecting alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed. A novel antibiotic-free preservation method for boar semen - cold storage at 5°C - has been developed and extensively tested both in the laboratory and field insemination trials. It is now ready for implementation into breeding practice in sow farms. In this review article, consequences of bacterial growth in boar semen are elucidated and cold semen storage is presented as a potential solution. The aim is to support veterinary consulting activities in sow breeding herds by providing insights into the new preservation method, thereby facilitating its transfer into practice. This, in turn, promotes the reduction of antibiotic use in animal husbandry and contributes to the One Health concept. Bakterien sind eine natürliche Komponente von Ejakulaten, deren Vermehrung während der Samenkonservierung zur Erhaltung von Spermaqualität und Tiergesundheit gehemmt werden muss. Das trifft besonders auf Ebersperma zu, das konventionell bei 16°C bis 18°C für mehrere Tage in nährstoffreichen Medien konserviert wird. Daher werden weltweit den Spermaverdünnern routinemäßig Antibiotika zugesetzt, mit der Folge, dass zunehmend antimikrobielle Resistenzen im konservierten Ebersperma zu beobachten sind. Effektive antimikrobielle und zugleich spermienschonende Alternativen zu Antibiotika werden daher dringend gesucht. Ein Novum ist die antibiotikafreie Konservierung von Ebersamen bei 5°C, die nach mehrjähriger Entwicklungs- und Testphase im Labor und im Feld jetzt Praxisreife erlangt hat. In dem vorliegenden Übersichtsartikel werden zunächst Konsequenzen von Bakterienresistenzen im Ebersperma erläutert und die Kühllagerung als Lösungsweg vorgestellt. Ziel ist es, die Beratungskompetenz bestandsbetreuender Tierärztinnen und Tierärzte für den Praxistransfer des neuartig konservierten Spermas in Sauenbetriebe zu stärken. Dies fördert die Reduzierung des Einsatzes von Antibiotika in der Nutztierhaltung und ist ein Beitrag zum One-Health-Ansatz.

This study aimed to investigate accidental secondary pentobarbital intoxications in domestic and wild animals in Europe.Case reports of accidental secondary pentobarbital intoxication were searched for in 2 veterinary pharmacovigilance databases (VigilanceVET and EudraVigilance Veterinary). In addition, 2 toxicology laboratories were asked for information concerning pentobarbital intoxications in animals.Overall, reports were found for 178 animals affected by secondary pentobarbital intoxication including 109 domestic animals (2 cats, 107 dogs) and 69 wild birds. The source of accidental secondary exposure was identified in all cases involving domestic animals and included various ingested organic materials, such as blood, tissue, and whole carcasses of farm and pet animals. The most frequently reported clinical signs in dogs were neurological disorders, such as ataxia, disturbances of consciousness, or convulsions, and systemic disorders, such as lethargy, recumbency, hypothermia, and even death in 9 dogs. In total, 34 cases involving 69 wild birds were identified. Of these 69 wild birds 57 died. The material that caused the intoxication was reported in only 5 cases and included tissue from farm animals and pets. A detailed medical history was available for one case involving a wild common buzzard (Buteo buteo) that had survived exposure to pentobarbital.Ingestion of tissue or blood from euthanised animals may lead to pentobarbital intoxication in domestic and wild animals, which may remain undiscovered due to non-specific clinical signs. Screening for pentobarbital should be considered in free-roaming dogs and cats presenting with neurological signs, as well as in carnivorous or scavenging wildlife exhibiting unclear neurological symptoms or dying from unknown causes. Ziel dieser Studie war es, unbeabsichtigte sekundäre Pentobarbitalintoxikationen bei Haus- und Wildtieren in Europa zu untersuchen.In 2 veterinärmedizinischen Pharmakovigilanz-Datenbanken (VigilanceVET und EudraVigilance Veterinary) wurde nach Fallberichten über unbeabsichtigte sekundäre Pentobarbitalvergiftungen gesucht. Darüber hinaus wurden 2 toxikologische Labore um Informationen zu Pentobarbitalvergiftungen bei Tieren gebeten.Insgesamt wurden Berichte über 178 Tiere gefunden, die von einer sekundären Pentobarbitalintoxikation betroffen waren, darunter 109 Haustiere (2 Katzen, 107 Hunde) und 69 Wildvögel. Die Quelle der versehentlichen sekundären Exposition wurde bei allen Fällen mit Haustieren identifiziert und umfasste verschiedene aufgenommene Materialien wie Blut, Gewebe und ganze Kadaver von Nutz- und Haustieren. Die am häufigsten gemeldeten klinischen Symptome bei Hunden waren neurologische Störungen wie Ataxie, Bewusstseinsstörungen oder Krämpfe sowie systemische Störungen wie Lethargie, Seitenlage, Untertemperatur und der Tod bei 9 Hunden. Es wurden 34 Fälle mit 69 Wildvögeln identifiziert, von denen 57 starben. Das Material, das die Vergiftung verursachte, wurde nur in 5 Fällen gemeldet und umfasste Gewebe von Nutz- und Haustieren. Eine detaillierte Krankengeschichte lag für einen Fall vor, bei dem ein Mäusebussard (Buteo buteo) die Pentobarbitalintoxikation überlebte.Die Aufnahme von Gewebe oder Blut von Tieren, die mit Pentobarbital eingeschläfert wurden, kann bei Haus- und Wildtieren zu einer sekundären Pentobarbitalintoxikation führen, die aufgrund der unspezifischen Symptomatik möglicherweise unerkannt bleibt. Bei Hunden und Katzen mit unkontrolliertem Freigang sowie bei freilebenden fleisch- oder aasfressenden Wildtieren, die unklare neurologische Symptome aufweisen oder aus unbekannter Ursache sterben, sollte ein Pentobarbital-Screening in Betracht gezogen werden.

Slaughterhouse lung assessment is a diagnostic measure within the framework of herd health management in order to evaluate the status quo of respiratory health and the possible progression of respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the reliability of macroscopic lung findings depending on the examiner's level of experience and to describe the quality of lung changes histologically. Lung scores were assigned to 133 slaughter lungs from 4 batches by 5 to 7 experienced and non-experienced examiners. Lung scores were compared using non-parametric methods, taking the batches into account. The quality of the lung alterations was assessed by histological examination of samples from standardized lung locations. The slaughtered lung batches differed in lung and pleuritis scores as well as histological diagnoses and grades. Suppurative bronchopneumonia dominated in 49%, and interstitial pneumonia in 16% of the lungs. The individual assessments of the experienced examiners varied less than those of the inexperienced examiners. Inexperienced examiners assigned significantly higher total lung scores. The histologically determined severity of lung alterations correlated with the macroscopic total lung score, which reflects the extent of alterations, only in experienced examiners and only in cases of suppurative bronchopneumonia (rs=0,28, p=0,02). Experienced and inexperienced examiners differ in their lung assessments, likely due to the subjectivity of the evaluation and the frequent presence of changes in lung color and consistency resembling slaughter artifacts. Training in lung assessment should primarily focus on detection of true pathological lung alterations. Histological and macroscopic findings complement each other and provide information about the quality and extent of lung alterations. Before lung checks at slaughter can be performed for diagnostic purposes the examiners should be trained properly, focusing in particular on the recognition of true pathological lung alterations. For an etiological diagnosis, further diagnostic tests should be performed on suitable sample material. Die Beurteilung von Schlachtlungen wird zur Bewertung des Status-quo der Atemwegsgesundheit und des Verlaufs von möglichen Atemwegserkrankungen als diagnostische Maßnahme im Rahmen der Bestandsbetreuung durchgeführt. Ziel der Studie war, die Aussagekraft der makroskopischen Lungenbefundung abhängig vom Erfahrungsgrad des Untersuchenden abzuschätzen und die Qualität der Lungenveränderungen histologisch zu beschreiben.An 133 Schlachtlungen wurden von 5 bis 7 erfahrenen und unerfahrenen Untersuchern Lungenscores vergeben. Diese wurden mittels nicht-parametrischer Verfahren unter Berücksichtigung der Chargen verglichen. Die Qualität der Lungenveränderungen wurde anhand histologischer Proben beurteilt.Die Schlachtlungenpartien unterschieden sich in Lungen- und Pleuritisscores sowie histologischen Diagnosen. Eine katarrhalisch-eitrige Bronchopneumonie dominierte in 49% und eine interstitielle Pneumonie in 16% der Lungen. Die Einzelbewertungen der erfahrenen Untersucher streuten weniger als bei unerfahrenen Untersuchern. Unerfahrene Untersucher vergaben signifikant höhere Lungengesamtscores. Der histologisch befundete Schweregrad der Lungenveränderungen korrelierte nur bei erfahrenen Untersuchern mit dem makroskopischen Lungengesamtscore, der die Ausdehnung der Lungenveränderungen widerspiegelt, und nur bei katarrhalisch-eitrigen Bronchopneumonien (rs=0,28, p=0,02).Erfahrene und unerfahrene Untersucher kommen aufgrund der Subjektivität der Einschätzung und dem häufigen Vorliegen von Farb- und Konsistenzveränderungen von Lungen, die schlachtbedingten Artefakten gleichen, zu unterschiedlichen Bewertungen. Ein Training für die Lungenbeurteilung sollte die Erkennungsrate tatsächlicher pathologischer Lungenveränderungen verbessern. Histologische und makroskopische Befunde ergänzen sich und geben Aussage über Qualität und Ausdehnung der Lungenveränderungen.Bevor Schlachtlungenbefunde diagnostisch genutzt werden können, sollte ein Training erfolgen, bei dem die Erkennung tatsächlicher pathologischer Veränderungen geschult wird. Für eine ätiologische Diagnose sollten weiterführende Untersuchungen an geeignetem Probenmaterial durchgeführt werden.

Captive bird populations in zoological institutions face unique disease risks due to close interspecies contact and human interaction. Vaccination is widely used as a prophylactic measure. However, most available vaccines are developed for poultry and are used off-label in non-domesticated birds, often without species-specific safety and efficacy data. This review provides a comprehensive overview of vaccines reported in zoo-housed birds for major viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. This review highlights that for most vaccines, evidence of safety and effectiveness is limited. Vaccine use should therefore be guided by risk assessment, relevant legislation, and institutional priorities, and should integrate species-specific data on vaccine safety and effectiveness, disease susceptibility, and local epidemiology. Extensive research and species-specific validation are essential to improve preventive health strategies in avian conservation programs.