Acta Veterinaria Feed

Seasonal Variability in Simulated Cephapirin Use at Dry-Off and Associated Environmental and Economic Impacts in Holstein and Simmental Cows

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The study aimed to assess the potential to reduce antibiotic usage during the dry period of dairy cows and the associated environmental impacts by simulating potential cephapirin (Cefa-Safe) application according to the recording season and udder health status of the dairy cow population in Croatia. Official milk recording data from the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (HAPIH) collected between 2013 and 2022 were used for the analysis. Based on these data, cows were classified according to udder health status: healthy (<200000 cells/mL), subclinical mastitis (200000–400000 cells/mL), and clinical mastitis (>400000 cells/mL). Using these proportions, the total amount of cephapirin, its economic value, and potential environmental emission under the standard blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT) scenario were simulated. The analysis was conducted by season (spring, summer, autumn, winter). The highest estimated antibiotic usage and emissions were observed during summer in Holstein cows and in spring in Simmental cows, whereas the lowest values were recorded in winter for both breeds. The calculated risk quotients (RQ = PEC/PNEC) exceeded the threshold value RQ > 1 in all seasons, indicating a persistent environmental risk. The economic estimations followed the same pattern, with the highest costs recorded during the warmer part of the year. The results confirm that seasonal variation affects udder health status and consequently the amount of antibiotics potentially required during the dry period. The proposed model enables a quantitative assessment of the potential for reducing antibiotic usage and provides a scientific basis for transitioning from standard to selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) within the framework of sustainable dairy production.

Management Of Abandoned Dogs In Serbia: Divergent Outcomes Across Three Municipal Service Models

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Management of free-roaming dogs is a continuing challenge for animal welfare, public health and local administration. In Serbia, this challenge is shaped by a structural inconsistency: the Veterinary Law defines zoohygiene as a veterinary public health activity requiring professional competence and traceability, while the Public Utilities Law classifies it as a communal service. This dual framework has produced three institutional models with significantly different outcomes. This study compares the integrated veterinary public-service model, the municipal public utility model and the private contractor model. Legal documents, municipal records, financial reports and operational data obtained from local authorities were analyzed to assess how each model manages abandoned animals and ensures transparency and humane practices. Findings show that the integrated veterinary model provides reliable outcomes, including individual records, verifiable sterilization numbers and low mortality. The public utility model shows fragmented or absent data and high mortality despite substantial public spending. The private contractor model presents the lowest transparency, with municipalities lacking access to operational data and with outcomes inconsistent with humane population management. The results indicate that current Serbian practice diverges from European approaches, which place dog population management within veterinary or public health systems. Strengthening veterinary overview, improving data transparency and limiting reliance on non veterinary participants are necessary to support effective, humane and accountable population management.

Pest Des Petits Ruminants in Eastern Europe: An Emerging Threat

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants, with significant socioeconomic impact, particularly in regions with extensive livestock farming. It poses a growing threat to animal health and food security, making its surveillance and control a global priority. This review aims to assess the current epidemiological status of PPR in Europe during 2024–2025, focusing on affected countries. Official data from national veterinary authorities and international reporting systems such as ADIS and WOA H were analyzed. The review synthesizes recent trends in PPR outbreaks, concerning their timeline and geographic spread, assesses the prevention and control strategies adopted by the affected countries, and highlights challenges that encumbered effective disease management. Additionally, the paper documents clinical and pathological features observed during confirmed outbreaks in Tulcea, Romania, in 2024, providing a practical insight into the field presentation of the disease. In 2024–2025, Peste des petits ruminants re-emerged in Southeastern Europe, with confirmed outbreaks reported in Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Albania. Delays in detection and insufficient cross-border coordination have significantly hindered containment efforts. While emergency measures—such as culling and enhanced surveillance—were implemented, structural or decisional ongoing challenges in veterinary systems and limited awareness among livestock owners continue to pose major challenges. Moreover, negative public responses to necessary control measures may further impede timely reporting and detection of future outbreaks. These findings highlight the urgent need for strengthening the regional cooperation and capacity-building to improve early warning systems and response capabilities. Without timely field recognition and coordinated interventions, the risk of a broader regional spread increases, threatening the EU ’s PPR-free status and undermining global eradication efforts.

Phylogenetic Validation of Ascaridia compar (Schrank, 1790) in Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Ascaridia compar (Schrank, 1790) is a nematode parasite of wild galliform birds that has long been surrounded by taxonomic uncertainty due to overlapping morphological features with several historically described species. In this study, we provide molecular evidence supporting the species identity and preliminary phylogenetic placement of A. compar isolated from western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Morphological analysis of seven adult nematodes (six females, one male) revealed diagnostic traits consistent with assignment to the genus Ascaridia, however, because morphological characters overlap among several historically described grouseassociated taxa, species-level identification was subsequently supported by molecular analysis of the ITS1, cox1, and cox3 gene regions and comparison with homologous sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis supported the identification of the capercaillie-derived specimens as A. compar, with high bootstrap support distinguishing them from A. galli, A. columbae, and A. nymphii. Pairwise distance analysis showed a 1–4% divergence from the Italian A. compar isolate, and significantly greater divergence from congeneric species. This study contributes preliminary molecular evidence relevant to a longstanding taxonomic ambiguity and supports the distinction of A. compar from currently compared congeners, although broader sampling across multiple hosts and populations is needed to confirm these patterns. The presented findings highlight the relevance of integrating morphological and molecular data in nematode systematics and point to the need for future studies on parasite dynamics in declining grouse populations.

Unintended Ultraviolet-C Exposure during Hospitalization in a Dog

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A 12-year-old castrated male Maltese dog was referred for a liver mass and underwent complete liver lobectomy. On postoperative day 3, generalized skin erythema and ocular irritation were observed. Investigation revealed accidental activation of a ceiling-mounted UV-C germicidal lamp (253.7 nm, 2.5 W) located 30 cm above the patient, resulting in an estimated exposure of 15,000 J/m² approximately over 4 hours. Clinical signs included hyperthermia, tachycardia, and diffuse erythema. The site from which a continuous glucose monitoring device had been removed showed deeper skin injury, suggesting enhanced UV-C penetration through compromised stratum corneum and epidermis. Ocular symptoms were mild and resolved rapidly. Supportive care included cooling therapy, topical aloe vera, and prophylactic ophthalmic medication. Dermatological symptoms progressed to partial-thickness skin injury but resolved completely within 1 month, with full hair regrowth and no abnormalities observed at a 6-month follow-up. This case identifies UV-C disinfection systems as a potentially underrecognized source of iatrogenic injury in veterinary hospitals. Prolonged confinement and the inability to escape the irradiated area likely contributed to lesion severity. The case emphasizes the importance of staff education regarding the safe use of UV-C equipment to prevent similar incidents in clinical practice.

Restrictive Versus Liberal Fluid Therapy and Perioperative Outcomes in Canine Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Retrospective Study of 104 Cases

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in dogs induces hemodynamic and respiratory changes due to pneumoperitoneum, thereby making fluid therapy a central element of perioperative management. This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the effect of two crystalloid strategies: restrictive (5 mL/kg/h) and liberal (10 mL/kg/h), in 104 dogs anesthetized between 2014 and 2025 and subjected to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary outcome was perioperative mortality (≤7 days). Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular instability, hypothermia, vasopressor requirement, transfusion requirement, acute kidney injury, hospital resource utilization and short-term recovery. Analyses included between-group comparisons, multivariate logistic regression, and propensity to score matching (1:1). Mortality was low and similar between strategies. The liberal strategy was associated with higher frequency of hypothermia and lower minimum intraoperative temperature, while the restrictive strategy required higher maximum vasopressor doses, without increased severe events. In multivariate models, longer anesthetic time was associated with cardiovascular instability and hypothermia; higher body weight was protective against hypothermia. Findings remained consistent after matching. Therefore, in canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy, restrictive (5 mL/kg/h) and liberal (10 mL/kg/h) strategies showed similar clinical results; choice should be individualized based on each patient’s clinical status.

TNF-α Gene Variants and Receptor Expression Associated with BLV Infection in Colombian Holstein Cattle

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a single-stranded RNA retrovirus whose persistence in infected cattle indicates that innate immune responses, particularly antiviral cytokines, are insufficient to control infection. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a key proinflammatory cytokine that may contribute to antiviral defense, acting through two membrane-bound receptors: TNF-α receptor I (TNF-α RI) and TNF-α receptor II (TNF-α RII). Both receptors participate in apoptotic and immune-regulatory pathways. This study aimed to investigate the – 824 A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of the TNF-α gene and to quantify TNF-α RI and TNF-α RII transcript levels, assessing their association with proviral load and persistent lymphocytosis (PL) in Holstein cattle. Blood samples from 140 cows were analyzed for TNF-α genotypes and receptor mRNA expression. Data were normalized and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess differences in gene expression among the experimental groups. The TNF-α G/G genotype was significantly associated with increased odds of BLV infection (p=0.006). TNF-αRI mRNA expression differed significantly between BLV-positive and BLV-negative cows (p=0.0017), whereas TNF- αRII expression showed no differences according to infection status (p=0.999). In BLV-negative animals, TNF-αRI and TNF-αRII expression levels differed significantly, with lower RII expression (p<0.0001); this pattern was not observed in infected cows, regardless of aleukemic or persistent lymphocytosis status. Aleukemic cows exhibited reduced RI and RII expression compared with RI levels in uninfected animals (p<0.05). No significant correlations were detected between TNF-αRI or TNF-αRII expression and PBMC counts or proviral load in infected cattle (ρ≤|0.23|; p>0.05). The results indicate an association between TNF-α genetic variation, receptor expression patterns, and BLV infection status, suggesting that TNF-α signaling may contribute to the host– virus interaction during BLV infection. Further longitudinal and functional studies are required to clarify the biological mechanisms linking TNF-α regulatory polymorphisms with viral persistence and disease progression.

Oxidative Stress and Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Sheep with Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is an infectious and neoplastic disease etiologically linked to the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), characterised by tumour lesions of the lung. Because of the economic losses it induces, OPA is of great importance for flock health. In this study, oxidative stress markers and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity were quantified in lung tissue from sheep, both healthy and those naturally afflicted with OPA. Compared to healthy sheep, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO ), ceruloplasmin (CP) and ADA concentrations/activities were significantly increased (P<0.05 and P<0.001) in fresh lung tissues from JSRV–infected sheep, while reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, pronounced oxidative stress and increased ADA enzyme activity were detected in the JSRV–infected sheep. These findings suggest that ADA activity could serve as a biomarker for disease diagnosis.

Non–Invasive Blood Pressure Measurement in Healthy Neonatal Holstein Calves Using a Mobile Oscillometric Device

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Blood pressure is generally recognized as the fourth vital sign, alongside body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. This study aimed to establish such a reference interval in healthy neonatal calves. Sixty-four healthy Holstein calves, aged 2-18 days were included. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured using an easy-to- operate, non-invasive, mobile oscillometric device that does not require special equipment. Measurements were taken from the right and left forelimbs (arteria radialis) and the tail (arteria coccygea medialis) to determine reference intervals. Additionally, a single blood sample was collected from the jugular vein following blood pressure measurement. Hematological analyses were performed and compared with serum amyloid A concentrations determined by ELISA to verify the clinically healthy status of the calves. Furthermore, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac troponin I levels were measured by ELISA for neonatal cardiac risk assessment. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) values from both forelimbs were statistically significantly higher than those from the tail (P<0.001). The reference intervals (90% confidence) were as follows: left forelimb – SBP: 123–207 mmHg, DBP: 66–158 mmHg, MAP: 77–176 mmHg; right forelimb – SBP: 116–188 mmHg, DBP: 59–146 mmHg, MAP: 78–172 mmHg; tail – SBP: 89–174 mmHg, DBP: 40–126 mmHg, MAP: 57–133 mmHg. This study defined reference intervals for oscillometric blood pressure in healthy calves using a mobile non-invasive monitor. The tail is recommended as the ideal site for routine measurements due to its consistency and clinical practicality.

Occurrence, Enterotoxigenic Profile, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine Mastitis Milk Samples

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study included dairy farms registered as milk producers in the entity of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 180 milk samples originating from cows were collected from dairy farms across several locations during 2024 and 2025. Out of the 180 tested raw milk samples obtained from dairy cows suspected to suffer from clinical or subclinical mastitis the presence of Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed in 44 samples, representing 24.4% (SD: 3.2%; 95% CI: 18.2% – 30.7%) of all analyzed samples. The presence of one or more se genes was detected in nine isolates (20.5%; 95% CI: 11.0% – 33.7%). Among the total of 44 S. aureus isolates, only one isolate exhibited phenotypic resistance to cefoxitin using ETE ST® Cefoxitin, which was molecularly confirmed by detection of the mecA gene. All analyzed S. aureus isolates showed resistance to at least one of the tested antimicrobial agents, while 25% (95% CI: 12.2% – 37.8%) of isolates showed resistance to two antimicrobial agents. A total of 15.9% (95% CI: 6.6% – 30.1%) of isolates displayed antimicrobial multidrug resistance (MDR ), defined as resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobial drugs.

Glycosylation Changes in Dairy Calf IGG Heavy Chains during Pre-Ruminant to Ruminant Transition: Pilot Study

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Although IgG heavy chain glycans play a crucial role in mediating immunoglobulin G (IgG) effector functions, data on their structure in cattle remain limited. This study investigated whether pre-ruminant to ruminant transition in dairy calves is associated with changes in the expression of terminal galactose (Gal) and sialic acid (SA) on their IgG heavy chain glycans. The study was conducted using pooled serum samples from four groups of 20 calves, with median ages of 48±9, 75±7, 103±7, and 141±8 days (Group I, II, III, and IV, respectively). Gal and SA expression on affinity-isolated serum IgG heavy chains was analyzed by Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) lectin blots. Gal and SA were expressed on IgG heavy chains of all age groups. The expression of Gal was highest in the youngest calves (Group I) and decreased by 40%, 53%, and 62% in Groups II, III, and IV, respectively. In contrast, SA expression was lowest in Group I, increased sharply in Group II (2.9 times higher than in Group I), remained stable in Group III, and slightly decreased in Group IV. The Gal-to-SA ratio in Group I was 5 to 6 times higher than in the older groups. This study highlights the dynamic changes in glycosylation of calf IgG molecules during preruminant to ruminant transition. Remains to be determined whether observed agedependent increase in SA expression might represent an adaptation to the evolving gastrointestinal microbiome in this period, when shifting toward sialylated, anti-inflammatory IgG that may help protect immature tissues from inflammatory damage.

Determining the Presence of Escherichia Coli in Mussels in Montenegro in the Period 2022-2023

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This paper explores the biological diversity of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, its ecological functions, and its economic importance for local communities. By analyzing the ecological roles of mussels in the preservation of ecosystems, as well as their contribution to the local economy through fishing and aquaculture, the work provides a comprehensive insight into their importance and the threats they face. The aim of this study is to analyze the presence of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) and determine statistical significance in mussels collected from three different locations in Montenegro: Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Kotor. The analyses were carried out during different seasons, in a period of two years, 2022 and 2023. This approach enabled a detailed analysis of seasonal variations in the level of mussel contamination. Preliminary results show that the highest concentrations of E. coli were recorded during the summer months, which can be associated with increased tourist activities and a greater load on the sewage system. The lowest levels of contamination were registered during the winter months. This reduction occurs because tourist and industrial activity decreases, resulting in less waste and wastewater production. Furthermore, precipitation and winds that dilute pollutants increase, while lower temperatures slow down biological processes. Among the localities analyzed, samples from Kotor showed the highest average concentration of E. coli, while samples from Herceg Novi had the lowest values. These results indicate significant differences in the degree of pollution between localities and seasons, which can have serious consequences for human health, and the ecosystem. The presence of E. coli in mussels directly threatens the safety of food products, because the consumption of contaminated mussels can lead to various gastrointestinal diseases. Also, long-term pollution can disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the stability of mussel populations.

Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Follow-up of a Chihuahua with Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Origin Treated with Prednisolone and Imatinib: A Case Report

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is an immune-mediated central nervous system disorder in dogs in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in diagnosis and monitoring. This case report describes a five-year-old spayed female Chihuahua (3.9 kg) presented with acute right-sided weakness, anorexia, and vomiting. The initial MRI demonstrated multifocal T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions in the left frontal lobe with suspected disruption of the blood–brain barrier, consistent with MUO. Immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg twice daily, tapered to 0.15 mg/kg once daily) was administered in combination with imatinib (10 mg/kg once daily). Follow-up MRI after seven weeks revealed partial remission of lesions, restoration of blood–brain barrier integrity, and mild ventricular enlargement. At eleven months, chronic gliosis, progressive cerebral atrophy, and further ventricular dilation (39% vs. 29% at 7 weeks) were evident without new lesions. Clinical signs resolved within 25 days, but long-term therapy caused polyphagia, polydipsia, persistent alkaline phosphatase elevation, transient alanine aminotransferase increase, and episodes of hypertriglyceridemia. This case highlights the value of sequential MRI for documenting the transition from acute inflammation to partial remission and chronic structural change in MUO. Prednisolone-based immunosuppression combined with imatinib achieved sustained clinical improvement, while long-term monitoring was essential to detect progressive atrophy and treatment of related adverse effects.

Suspected Dorzolamide–Induced Delayed Hypersensitivity Blepharitis in Dogs

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The aim was to investigate the incidence, clinical presentation, and potential risk factors for suspected dorzolamide-induced blepharitis (DIB), in dogs diagnosed with glaucoma or hereditary glaucoma predisposition. A retrospective review was conducted using clinical records of 286 dogs with primary or secondary glaucoma, or a hereditary predisposition to glaucoma (goniodysgenesis), that received dorzolamide eye drops between October 1, 2012, and January 1, 2020. Cases of suspected DI B were identified based on resolution of blepharitis following drug withdrawal. Statistical analysis, including odds ratio calculations, was performed to assess the potential risk factors. Eighteen dogs (6.2%) developed DIB after dorzolamide use. The median time before the development of DI B was 60 days. A significant association was identified between dogs with a history of seasonal skin allergies and the development of blepharitis (odds ratio: 12.4, 95% CI: 4.04–35.3, p < 0.001). However, no significant association was found with prior intraocular surgery (p = 0.26) or dry eye disease (p = 0.19). Clinical symptoms resolved within a median of 60 days after discontinuing dorzolamide, and most dogs were successfully switched to brinzolamide without recurrence of symptoms. Seasonal allergies seem to be a significant risk factor for development of DI B. Dorzolamide is one of the most frequently used drugs for treatment of glaucoma, with relatively high prevalence of suspected delayed hypersensitivity reaction (blepharitis). Brinzolamide may be the safer option for the treatment of glaucoma in dogs.

New Insights on the Distribution of Setaria tundra: A Case Report from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Genetic Variation of the COX1 Gene

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Filaroid nematode Setaria tundra is a parasite well adapted to cervids, especially to roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Adult forms are located in the abdominal cavity, and infections are usually asymptomatic. During 2024, a total od 31 carcasses of roe deer were examined in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). During gross pathologic examination nematodes were found in two cases and were identified as S. tundra by morphological and molecular analysis. In the Balkan region, this nematode has previously been described in Croatia and Serbia. This study represents the first report of S. tundra in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Genetic diversity parameters and neutrality tests of 50 cox1 sequences belonging to S. tundra from Europe indicate a genetic signature consistent with recent population expansion.

Monitoring of Heavy Metals Content in Fish Muscle Tissue along the Sava River in Serbia

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The aim of this study was to examine the presence of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Hg) in the muscle tissue of fish from the Sava River, from two locations: upstream of Belgrade near Obrenovac and in Belgrade. In order to determine the content of heavy metals in fish muscle tissue, 196 samples of different types of fish were collected: Prussian carp, carp, perch and catfish, during the fall and spring of 2023 – 2025. The content of heavy metals was determined by means of atomic absorption spetrometry. The highest average content of Pb (0.282±0.068 mg/kg) and Hg (0.303±0.116 mg/kg) was found in the muscle tissue of catfish, while the lowest average content of Pb and Hg was determined in the muscle tissue of perch (0.088±0.025 mg/kg), (0.090±0.038 mg/kg), respectively. The highest average content of Cd was recorded in the muscle tissue of carp (0.103±0.030 mg/kg), while the lowest was found in the muscle tissue of catfish (0.032±0.015 mg/kg). In all tested samples, the determined concentrations of Pb and Hg were below the maximum allowed concentrations regulated by the Rulebook of the Republic of Serbia and European Union regulations. The determined concentrations of Cd in the muscle tissue of carp, catfish and Prussian carp were on several locations above the maximum allowed concentration of 0.05 mg/kg of fresh fish. Fish from this part of the Sava river cannot be considered completely safe for human consumption, especially when it comes to species that show a tendency to accumulate Cd. Overall, seasonal variations were more evident than spatial differences, with several species showing moderately higher metal concentrations in spring, particularly in 2025, indicating subtle but recurring seasonal tendencies. Differences between the territories upstream of Belgrade and within Belgrade were generally small, although mercury levels were consistently higher at the downstream location, suggesting a mild but stable spatial influence.

Seropositivity of the Bovine Leukosis Virus and its Effect on the Presence of Subclinical Mastitis in Specialized Dairy Herds in Three High Tropical Regions of Antioquia

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Bovine leukosis virus (BLV) negatively affects the immune health of cattle, increasing their susceptibility to diseases such as subclinical mastitis, a common condition in dairy cows that generates significant economic losses due to decreased milk production, treatment costs, and culling of animals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between BLV seropositivity and subclinical mastitis in 200 cows from 20 specialized herds in the Aburrá Valley, north and east of Antioquia, Colombia. Milk and blood analyses were performed using the California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC) by flow cytometry, and BLV detection by ELISA. The results showed a 68% seropositivity to BLV, an average SCC of 168.350/mL, and a CMT index of 0.42. A high positive correlation (90%) was found between SCC and CMT, indicating the effectiveness of CMT as a diagnostic tool to assess mammary health. Furthermore, the negative correlation (-20%) between SCC and milk production evidences the impact of mastitis on productivity. The significant relationship between BLV seropositivity and increased SCC (P=0.00129) confirms the immunosuppressive effect of BLV, which predisposes cows to subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, bovine leukosis increases the susceptibility of cows to develop subclinical mastitis by weakening their immune system, compromising the general health of herds, and generating economic losses, highlighting the importance of the CMT as an efficient, rapid, and economical method for its diagnosis.

High Level Fluoroquinolone Resistance and Multidrug Resistance in Salmonella Spp. Isolated from Poultry, Turkey Floks and Slaughterhouses in Algeria

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this work, Salmonella spp. was detected in poultry and turkey farms, slaughterhouses and hatcheries in the Sétif Province in Algeria. Eighty single isolates per farm were analyzed by establishing the resistotype and detected resistance genes underlining the mechanism of resistance. In one case, serotypes S. Virchow and S. Ivory were found in the same sample and both isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid. S. Enteritidis was detected in four broiler breeder flocks, three hatcheries, 12 flocks of layers, 12 broiler flocks while five slaughterhouses yielded 10 isolates. The wide distribution of S. Enteritidis in the primary production and food chain in Algeria requires special measures in the management practice on poultry farms. All isolates except five were resistant to nalidixic acid and pefloxacin which means that these salmonellae phenotypically express reduced sensitivity to ciprofloxacin. Five isolates were multidrug resistant. Two Salmonella Galinarum biotype gallinarum isolates from flocks of laying hens were resistant to quinolones, aminoglycosides and sulfonamides. One of these isolates was also resistant to trimethoprim alone and in combination with sulafmethoxazole. One S. Enteritidis isolate was resistant to ampicillin, nalidixic acid, pefloxacin and colistin. Especially worrying is the high level of resistance to ciprofloxacin in nine isolates (six, Salmonella Galinarum biotype gallinarum, two, S. Kentucky and one Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolate) due to mutations in the enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Resistance genes were identified in 21 isolates. All resistance genes detected are commonly conferring resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin, tetracycline, sulfonamides and trimethoprim antibiotics.

Evaluation of Ruminant Enterotoxaemia: Insights from a Comparative Study Using ELISA, Immunohistochemical, and Pathological Investigations

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Enterotoxaemia, caused by Clostridium perfringens toxins, is one of the most prevalent clostridial diseases in ruminants. The diagnosis is typically based on the detection of C. perfringens toxins in the intestinal content; however, challenges remain in achieving a practical, reliable, and definitive diagnosis. We present comparative findings of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemical (IHC), and pathological in 150 ruminants (sheep, goats, and cattle) suspected of enterotoxaemia. The present results revealed that 19 out of 150 ruminants were positive for at least one C. perfringens toxin (α, β, and ε) by ELISA. Moreover, our findings indicated that macroscopic and histopathological observations were congruent with clostridial enterotoxaemia. IHC for C. perfringens stained numerous long, rod-shaped bacteria present in the intestinal lesions in all toxin-positive cases (19/19). Additionally, positive immunohistochemical staining was observed in 115 of 131 toxin-negative ruminants. Our present findings suggest that elevated rates of positive immunohistochemical staining, particularly in histopathological intestinal lesions, may significantly contribute to the pathological diagnosis of enterotoxaemia. It also suggests that when toxin detection is unfeasible, enterotoxaemia can be diagnosed more effectively and securely by concurrently assessing IHC and histopathological findings, hence allowing for the identification of potential positive cases.

Intraoperative Application of Indocyanine Green in Canine Metastatic Intestinal Adenocarcinoma

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A 12–year–old castrated male mongrel was presented with an intestinal mass, weight loss, and hematochezia. Diagnostic imaging identified a soft tissue mass in the ileum and two enlarged intra–abdominal lymph nodes. Surgical resection was performed with intraoperative guidance using near–infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging and indocyanine green (ICG). The tumor exhibited reduced fluorescence compared to the surrounding intestine, enabling negative contrast–based visualization of the resection boundary and preservation of the ileocecal valve. Submucosal injection of ICG intraoperatively allowed clear visualization of lymphatic drainage and identification of a fluorescent sentinel lymph node (SLN). Histopathological examination confirmed complete excision of an invasive adenocarcinoma with tumor–free margins. The fluorescent lymph node was metastatic, while the non–fluorescent enlarged node was benign adipose tissue. The patient recovered uneventfully, with no recurrence or metastasis observed at the one–year follow–up. This case demonstrates the clinical utility of ICG–NIRF imaging in guiding margin assessment and SLN mapping during intestinal tumor surgery in a dog. The approach facilitated more accurate staging and conservative resection, potentially reducing surgical morbidity. This case report describes the first documented veterinary case of ICG–NIRF–guided resection and SLN mapping for canine intestinal adenocarcinoma.