Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science

Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology

Works Count: 69335

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This cluster of papers focuses on the dynamics, transmission, and control of livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever. It covers topics including viral pathogenesis, economic impact, vaccination strategies, genetic characterization of viruses, livestock movements, and epidemiological patterns. The research aims to improve understanding and management of these highly impactful diseases in livestock.

Keywords

Foot-and-Mouth Disease; African Swine Fever; Livestock Movements; Viral Pathogenesis; Economic Impact; Vaccination Strategies; Genetic Characterization; Biosecurity Measures; Epidemiological Patterns; Disease Control

Pillars Article: Virus Interference. I. The Interferon. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 1957. 147: 258-267.

2015-09-01

Ariel Isaacs , J. Lindenmann

Bushmeat Hunting, Deforestation, and Prediction of Zoonotic Disease

2005-12-01

Nathan Wolfe , Peter Daszak , A. Marm Kilpatrick +1 more

Understanding the emergence of new zoonotic agents requires knowledge of pathogen biodiversity in wildlife, human-wildlife interactions, anthropogenic pressures on wildlife populations, and changes in society and human behavior. We discuss … Understanding the emergence of new zoonotic agents requires knowledge of pathogen biodiversity in wildlife, human-wildlife interactions, anthropogenic pressures on wildlife populations, and changes in society and human behavior. We discuss an interdisciplinary approach combining virology, wildlife biology, disease ecology, and anthropology that enables better understanding of how deforestation and associated hunting leads to the emergence of novel zoonotic pathogens.

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Molecular Characterization of Pestiviruses

1996-01-01

Gregor Meyers , Heinz‐Jürgen Thiel

Veterinary Immunology: An Introduction (2000)

2001-07-01

Ian R. Tizard

Segregation of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus into Genotypes

1994-11-01

Julia F. Ridpath , Steven R. Bolin , Edward J. Dubovi

Isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were segregated into two groups based on comparison of sequences from the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the viral genome. Phylogenic analysis suggested … Isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were segregated into two groups based on comparison of sequences from the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the viral genome. Phylogenic analysis suggested that these groups, termed BVDV I and BVDV II, are as different from each other as reference BVDV (BVDV-NADL, BVDV-SD-1, BVDV-Osloss) are from hog cholera virus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, based on the 5′ untranslated region and the genomic region coding for the p125 polypeptide, were designed to differentiate between BVDV I and BVDV II. Using these tests, 76 of 140 isolates of BVDV were identified as BVDV II. Antigenic and pathologic differences were noted between BVDV I and BVDV II viruses. Among BVDV I were viruses commonly used in vaccine production, diagnostic tests, and research. BVDV II was isolated predominantly from fetal bovine sera, persistently infected calves born to dams vaccinated against BVDV, and cattle that had died from an acute form of BVDV termed hemorrhagic syndrome.

On A Form of Swine Fever Occurring in British East Africa (Kenya Colony)

1921-01-01

R. Eustace Montgomery

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Hepatitis C virus shares amino acid sequence similarity with pestiviruses and flaviviruses as well as members of two plant virus supergroups.

1990-03-01

R.H. Miller , R H Purcell

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important human pathogen that is associated with transfusion-related non-A, non-B hepatitis. Recently, HCV cDNA was cloned and the nucleotide sequence of approximately three-quarters of … Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important human pathogen that is associated with transfusion-related non-A, non-B hepatitis. Recently, HCV cDNA was cloned and the nucleotide sequence of approximately three-quarters of the virus genome was determined. A region of the predicted polyprotein sequence was found to share similarity with a nonstructural protein encoded by dengue virus, a member of the flavivirus family. We report here that HCV shares an even greater degree of protein sequence similarity with members of the pestivirus group (i.e., bovine viral diarrhea virus and hog cholera virus), which are thought to be distantly related to the flaviviruses. In addition, we find that HCV shares significant protein sequence similarity with the polyproteins encoded by members of the picornavirus-like and alphavirus-like plant virus supergroups. These data suggest that HCV may be evolutionarily related to both plant and animal viruses.

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Large-Scale Spatial-Transmission Models of Infectious Disease

2007-05-31

Steven Riley

During transmission of seasonal endemic diseases such as measles and influenza, spatial waves of infection have been observed between large distant populations. Also, during the initial stages of an outbreak … During transmission of seasonal endemic diseases such as measles and influenza, spatial waves of infection have been observed between large distant populations. Also, during the initial stages of an outbreak of a new or reemerging pathogen, disease incidence tends to occur in spatial clusters, which makes containment possible if you can predict the subsequent spread of disease. Spatial models are being used with increasing frequency to help characterize these large-scale patterns and to evaluate the impact of interventions. Here, I review several recent studies on four diseases that show the benefits of different methodologies: measles (patch models), foot-and-mouth disease (distance-transmission models), pandemic influenza (multigroup models), and smallpox (network models). This review highlights the importance of the household in spatial studies of human diseases, such as smallpox and influenza. It also demonstrates the need to develop a simple model of household demographics, so that these large-scale models can be extended to the investigation of long–time scale human pathogens, such as tuberculosis and HIV.

Protection against foot-and-mouth disease by immunization with a chemically synthesized peptide predicted from the viral nucleotide sequence

1982-07-01

James L. Bittle , Richard A. Houghten , Hannah Alexander +5 more

Dynamics of the 2001 UK Foot and Mouth Epidemic: Stochastic Dispersal in a Heterogeneous Landscape

2001-10-26

Matt J. Keeling , Mark Woolhouse , Darren J. Shaw +7 more

Foot-and-mouth is one of the world's most economically important livestock diseases. We developed an individual farm–based stochastic model of the current UK epidemic. The fine grain of the epidemiological data … Foot-and-mouth is one of the world's most economically important livestock diseases. We developed an individual farm–based stochastic model of the current UK epidemic. The fine grain of the epidemiological data reveals the infection dynamics at an unusually high spatiotemporal resolution. We show that the spatial distribution, size, and species composition of farms all influence the observed pattern and regional variability of outbreaks. The other key dynamical component is long-tailed stochastic dispersal of infection, combining frequent local movements with occasional long jumps. We assess the history and possible duration of the epidemic, the performance of control strategies, and general implications for disease dynamics in space and time.

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Hepatitis C virus and other Flaviviridae viruses enter cells via low density lipoprotein receptor

1999-10-26

Vincent Agnello , György Ábel , Mutasim Elfahal +2 more

Endocytosis of the Flaviviridae viruses, hepatitis C virus, GB virus C/hepatitis G virus, and bovine viral diarrheal virus (BVDV) was shown to be mediated by low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors … Endocytosis of the Flaviviridae viruses, hepatitis C virus, GB virus C/hepatitis G virus, and bovine viral diarrheal virus (BVDV) was shown to be mediated by low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on cultured cells by several lines of evidence: by the demonstration that endocytosis of these virus correlated with LDL receptor activity, by complete inhibition of detectable endocytosis by anti-LDL receptor antibody, by inhibition with anti-apolipoprotein E and -apolipoprotein B antibodies, by chemical methods abrogating lipoprotein/LDL receptor interactions, and by inhibition with the endocytosis inhibitor phenylarsine oxide. Confirmatory evidence was provided by the lack of detectable LDL receptor on cells known to be resistant to BVDV infection. Endocytosis via the LDL receptor was shown to be mediated by complexing of the virus to very low density lipoprotein or LDL but not high density lipoprotein. Studies using LDL receptor-deficient cells or a cytolytic BVDV system indicated that the LDL receptor may be the main but not exclusive means of cell entry of these viruses. Studies on other types of viruses indicated that this mechanism may not be exclusive to Flaviviridae but may be used by viruses that associate with lipoprotein in the blood. These findings provide evidence that the family of LDL receptors may serve as viral receptors.

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The economic impacts of foot and mouth disease – What are they, how big are they and where do they occur?

2013-08-16

Théodore Knight-Jones , Jonathan Rushton

Although a disease of low mortality, the global impact of foot and mouth disease (FMD) is colossal due to the huge numbers of animals affected. This impact can be separated … Although a disease of low mortality, the global impact of foot and mouth disease (FMD) is colossal due to the huge numbers of animals affected. This impact can be separated into two components: (1) direct losses due to reduced production and changes in herd structure; and (2) indirect losses caused by costs of FMD control, poor access to markets and limited use of improved production technologies. This paper estimates that annual impact of FMD in terms of visible production losses and vaccination in endemic regions alone amount to between US$6.5 and 21 billion. In addition, outbreaks in FMD free countries and zones cause losses of >US$1.5 billion a year. FMD impacts are not the same throughout the world: FMD production losses have a big impact on the world's poorest where more people are directly dependent on livestock. FMD reduces herd fertility leading to less efficient herd structures and discourages the use of FMD susceptible, high productivity breeds. Overall the direct losses limit livestock productivity affecting food security. In countries with ongoing control programmes, FMD control and management creates large costs. These control programmes are often difficult to discontinue due to risks of new FMD incursion. The presence, or even threat, of FMD prevents access to lucrative international markets. In FMD free countries outbreaks occur periodically and the costs involved in regaining free status have been enormous. FMD is highly contagious and the actions of one farmer affect the risk of FMD occurring on other holdings; thus sizeable externalities are generated. Control therefore requires coordination within and between countries. These externalities imply that FMD control produces a significant amount of public goods, justifying the need for national and international public investment. Equipping poor countries with the tools needed to control FMD will involve the long term development of state veterinary services that in turn will deliver wider benefits to a nation including the control of other livestock diseases.

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Identification of two distinct regulatory regions adjacent to the human β-interferon gene

1983-10-01

Kai Zinn , Daniel DiMaio , Tom Maniatis

J. Virol. Methods

1996-07-01

R. P. Singh , Jolanta Kurz , Gilles Boiteau

African Swine Fever Virus Isolate, Georgia, 2007

2008-12-01

Rebecca J. Rowlands , Vincent Michaud , Livio Heath +7 more

African swine fever (ASF) is widespread in Africa but is rarely introduced to other continents. In June 2007, ASF was confirmed in the Caucasus region of Georgia, and it has … African swine fever (ASF) is widespread in Africa but is rarely introduced to other continents. In June 2007, ASF was confirmed in the Caucasus region of Georgia, and it has since spread to neighboring countries. DNA fragments amplified from the genome of the isolates from domestic pigs in Georgia in 2007 were sequenced and compared with other ASF virus (ASFV) isolates to establish the genotype of the virus. Sequences were obtained from 4 genome regions, including part of the gene B646L that encodes the p72 capsid protein, the complete E183L and CP204L genes, which encode the p54 and p30 proteins and the variable region of the B602L gene. Analysis of these sequences indicated that the Georgia 2007 isolate is closely related to isolates belonging to genotype II, which is circulating in Mozambique, Madagascar, and Zambia. One possibility for the spread of disease to Georgia is that pigs were fed ASFV-contaminated pork brought in on ships and, subsequently, the disease was disseminated throughout the region.

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The Foot-and-Mouth Epidemic in Great Britain: Pattern of Spread and Impact of Interventions

2001-05-11

Neil M. Ferguson , Christl A. Donnelly , Roy M. Anderson

We present an analysis of the current foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in Great Britain over the first 2 months of the spread of the virus. The net transmission potential of the … We present an analysis of the current foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in Great Britain over the first 2 months of the spread of the virus. The net transmission potential of the pathogen and the increasing impact of control measures are estimated over the course of the epidemic to date. These results are used to parameterize a mathematical model of disease transmission that captures the differing spatial contact patterns between farms before and after the imposition of movement restrictions. The model is used to make predictions of future incidence and to simulate the impact of additional control strategies. Hastening the slaughter of animals with suspected infection is predicted to slow the epidemic, but more drastic action, such as “ring” culling or vaccination around infection foci, is necessary for more rapid control. Culling is predicted to be more effective than vaccination.

The Genotype Conception of Heredity

1911-03-01

Wolfgang Johannsen

Identification of a New Group of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Strains Associated with Severe Outbreaks and High Mortalities

1994-09-01

Charles Pellerin , Jan van den Hurk , Jacqueline Lecomte +1 more

Epidemiological features and economical importance of bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infections

1999-01-01

Hans Houe

Molecular epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease virus

2003-01-01

Nick J. Knowles , A. R. Samuel

Stereochemistry of polypeptide chain configurations

1963-07-01

G. N. Ramachandran , C. Ramakrishnan , V. Sasisekharan

A priori delineation of a peptide which mimics a discontinuous antigenic determinant

1986-07-01

H. Mario Geysen , Stuart J. Rodda , Tom J. Mason

From evolutionary genetics to human immunology: how selection shapes host defence genes

2009-12-01

Luis B. Barreiro , Lluís Quintana‐Murci

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The three-dimensional structure of foot-and-mouth disease virus at 2.9 Å resolution

1989-02-01

Ravindra Acharya , Elizabeth E. Fry , David I. Stuart +3 more

Pestiviruses isolated from pigs, cattle and sheep can be allocated into at least three genogroups using polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease analysis

1994-09-01

Štefan Vilček , A. J. Herring , J. Herring +3 more

AN INVESTIGATION ON THE NATURE OF ULTRA-MICROSCOPIC VIRUSES.

1915-12-01

F.W. Twort

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Cloned Viral Protein Vaccine for Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Responses in Cattle and Swine

1981-12-04

Dennis G. Kleid , Daniel G. Yansura , Barbara Small +7 more

A DNA sequence coding for the immunogenic capsid protein VP3 of foot-and-mouth disease virus A12, prepared from the virion RNA, was ligated to a plasmid designed to express a chimeric … A DNA sequence coding for the immunogenic capsid protein VP3 of foot-and-mouth disease virus A12, prepared from the virion RNA, was ligated to a plasmid designed to express a chimeric protein from the Escherichia coli tryptophan promoter-operator system. When Escherichia coli transformed with this plasmid was grown in tryptophan-depleted media, approximately 17 percent of the total cellular protein was found to be an insoluble and stable chimeric protein. The purified chimeric protein competed equally on a molar basis with VP3 for specific antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease virus. When inoculated into six cattle and two swine, this protein elicited high levels of neutralizing antibody and protection against challenge with foot-and-mouth disease virus.

Real-time PCR in virology

2002-03-15

Ian M Mackay

The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in molecular diagnostics has increased to the point where it is now accepted as the gold standard for detecting nucleic acids from … The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in molecular diagnostics has increased to the point where it is now accepted as the gold standard for detecting nucleic acids from a number of origins and it has become an essential tool in the research laboratory. Real-time PCR has engendered wider acceptance of the PCR due to its improved rapidity, sensitivity, reproducibility and the reduced risk of carry-over contamination. There are currently five main chemistries used for the detection of PCR product during real-time PCR. These are the DNA binding fluorophores, the 5′ endonuclease, adjacent linear and hairpin oligoprobes and the self-fluorescing amplicons, which are described in detail. We also discuss factors that have restricted the development of multiplex real-time PCR as well as the role of real-time PCR in quantitating nucleic acids. Both amplification hardware and the fluorogenic detection chemistries have evolved rapidly as the understanding of real-time PCR has developed and this review aims to update the scientist on the current state of the art. We describe the background, advantages and limitations of real-time PCR and we review the literature as it applies to virus detection in the routine and research laboratory in order to focus on one of the many areas in which the application of real-time PCR has provided significant methodological benefits and improved patient outcomes. However, the technology discussed has been applied to other areas of microbiology as well as studies of gene expression and genetic disease.

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Foot-and-Mouth Disease

2004-04-01

Marvin J. Grubman , Barry Baxt

SUMMARY Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals. The disease was initially described in the 16th century and was the first animal pathogen identified as a … SUMMARY Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals. The disease was initially described in the 16th century and was the first animal pathogen identified as a virus. Recent FMD outbreaks in developed countries and their significant economic impact have increased the concern of governments worldwide. This review describes the reemergence of FMD in developed countries that had been disease free for many years and the effect that this has had on disease control strategies. The etiologic agent, FMD virus (FMDV), a member of the Picornaviridae family, is examined in detail at the genetic, structural, and biochemical levels and in terms of its antigenic diversity. The virus replication cycle, including virus-receptor interactions as well as unique aspects of virus translation and shutoff of host macromolecular synthesis, is discussed. This information has been the basis for the development of improved protocols to rapidly identify disease outbreaks, to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals, and to begin to identify and test novel vaccine candidates. Furthermore, this knowledge, coupled with the ability to manipulate FMDV genomes at the molecular level, has provided the framework for examination of disease pathogenesis and the development of a more complete understanding of the virus and host factors involved.

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African swine fever virus replication and genomics

2012-11-08

Linda K. Dixon , David A. Chapman , Christopher L. Netherton +1 more

Cross-Species Virus Transmission and the Emergence of New Epidemic Diseases

2008-09-01

Colin R. Parrish , Edward C. Holmes , David M. Morens +6 more

SUMMARY Host range is a viral property reflecting natural hosts that are infected either as part of a principal transmission cycle or, less commonly, as “spillover” infections into alternative hosts. … SUMMARY Host range is a viral property reflecting natural hosts that are infected either as part of a principal transmission cycle or, less commonly, as “spillover” infections into alternative hosts. Rarely, viruses gain the ability to spread efficiently within a new host that was not previously exposed or susceptible. These transfers involve either increased exposure or the acquisition of variations that allow them to overcome barriers to infection of the new hosts. In these cases, devastating outbreaks can result. Steps involved in transfers of viruses to new hosts include contact between the virus and the host, infection of an initial individual leading to amplification and an outbreak, and the generation within the original or new host of viral variants that have the ability to spread efficiently between individuals in populations of the new host. Here we review what is known about host switching leading to viral emergence from known examples, considering the evolutionary mechanisms, virus-host interactions, host range barriers to infection, and processes that allow efficient host-to-host transmission in the new host population.

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The Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

2003-06-30

Søren Alexandersen , Zhidong Zhang , Alex Donaldson +1 more

Diseases of humans and their domestic mammals: pathogen characteristics, host range and the risk of emergence

2001-07-29

Sarah Cleaveland , M. Karen Laurenson , Louise Taylor

Pathogens that can be transmitted between different host species are of fundamental interest and importance from public health, conservation and economic perspectives, yet systematic quantification of these pathogens is lacking. … Pathogens that can be transmitted between different host species are of fundamental interest and importance from public health, conservation and economic perspectives, yet systematic quantification of these pathogens is lacking. Here, pathogen characteristics, host range and risk factors determining disease emergence were analysed by constructing a database of disease–causing pathogens of humans and domestic mammals. The database consisted of 1415 pathogens causing disease in humans, 616 in livestock and 374 in domestic carnivores. Multihost pathogens were very prevalent among human pathogens (61.6%) and even more so among domestic mammal pathogens (livestock 77.3%, carnivores 90.0%). Pathogens able to infect human, domestic and wildlife hosts contained a similar proportion of disease–causing pathogens for all three host groups. One hundred and ninety–six pathogens were associated with emerging diseases, 175 in humans, 29 in livestock and 12 in domestic carnivores. Across all these groups, helminths and fungi were relatively unlikely to emerge whereas viruses, particularly RNA viruses, were highly likely to emerge. The ability of a pathogen to infect multiple hosts, particularly hosts in other taxonomic orders or wildlife, were also risk factors for emergence in human and livestock pathogens. There is clearly a need to understand the dynamics of infectious diseases in complex multihost communities in order to mitigate disease threats to public health, livestock economies and wildlife.

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MHC heterozygosity confers a selective advantage against multiple-strain infections

2002-08-12

Dustin J. Penn , Kristy Damjanovich , Wayne K. Potts

Genetic heterozygosity is thought to enhance resistance of hosts to infectious diseases, but few tests of this idea exist. In particular, heterozygosity at the MHC, the highly polymorphic loci that … Genetic heterozygosity is thought to enhance resistance of hosts to infectious diseases, but few tests of this idea exist. In particular, heterozygosity at the MHC, the highly polymorphic loci that control immunological recognition of pathogens, is suspected to confer a selective advantage by enhancing resistance to infectious diseases (the "heterozygote advantage" hypothesis). To test this hypothesis, we released mice into large population enclosures and challenged them with multiple strains of Salmonella and one of Listeria. We found that during Salmonella infections with three avirulent strains, MHC heterozygotes had greater survival and weight than homozygotes (unlike sham controls), and they were more likely to clear chronic Salmonella infection than homozygotes. In laboratory experiments, we found that MHC heterozygosity enhanced the clearance of multiple-strain Salmonella infections. Yet, contrary to what is widely assumed, the benefits of heterozygosity were due to resistance being dominant rather than overdominant, i.e., heterozygotes were more resistant than the average of parental homozygotes, but they were not more resistant than both. The fact that MHC heterozygotes were more resistant to infection and had higher fitness than homozygotes provides a functional explanation for MHC-disassortative mating preferences.

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Pathogen Spillover in Disease Epidemics

2004-10-15

Alison G. Power , Charles E. Mitchell

In field experiments manipulating generalist pathogens and host community composition, the presence of a highly susceptible reservoir species drove disease dynamics in multiple nonreservoir species, sometimes decreasing their abundance through … In field experiments manipulating generalist pathogens and host community composition, the presence of a highly susceptible reservoir species drove disease dynamics in multiple nonreservoir species, sometimes decreasing their abundance through apparent competition. The dynamics of generalist pathogens in multispecies host communities remain a major frontier for disease ecology. Of particular interest are how host community structure controls pathogen transmission and how disease spread feeds back to influence the host community. Pathogen spillover occurs when epidemics in a host population are driven not by transmission within that population but by transmission from a reservoir population. Here we review examples of spillover in pathogens infecting humans, domesticated animals, and crops, noting that most empirical evidence for spillover results from nonmanipulative, observational studies. We then present results from two field experiments utilizing an experimentally tractable model system of annual wild grasses and a generalist virus, the barley yellow dwarf virus. In these experiments, the presence of a highly susceptible reservoir species, Avena fatua (wild oats), greatly increased pathogen prevalence in several other species. This result demonstrates pathogen spillover and illustrates the crucial role of host community structure in controlling the dynamics of generalist pathogens. Further, pathogen spillover from A. fatua decreased the abundance of two other host species through pathogen‐mediated apparent competition. Thus, our results provide experimental support for theoretical predictions of strong feedbacks between host community structure and generalist disease dynamics.

Components of Resistance that Reduce the Rate of Epidemic Development

1979-09-01

J. E. Parlevliet

The Clinical Manifestations of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Infection

1995-11-01

John C. Baker

African Swine Fever Virus: A Review

2017-05-10

Inmaculada Galindo , Covadonga Alonso

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of swine which causes high mortality, approaching 100%, in domestic pigs. ASF is caused by a large, double stranded DNA … African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of swine which causes high mortality, approaching 100%, in domestic pigs. ASF is caused by a large, double stranded DNA virus, ASF virus (ASFV), which replicates predominantly in the cytoplasm of macrophages and is the only member of the Asfarviridae family, genus Asfivirus. The natural hosts of this virus include wild suids and arthropod vectors of the Ornithodoros genus. The infection of ASFV in its reservoir hosts is usually asymptomatic and develops a persistent infection. In contrast, infection of domestic pigs leads to a lethal hemorrhagic fever for which there is no effective vaccine. Identification of ASFV genes involved in virulence and the characterization of mechanisms used by the virus to evade the immune response of the host are recognized as critical steps in the development of a vaccine. Moreover, the interplay of the viral products with host pathways, which are relevant for virus replication, provides the basic information needed for the identification of potential targets for the development of intervention strategies against this disease.

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Emergence of African Swine Fever in China, 2018

2018-08-13

Xintao Zhou , Nan Li , Yuzi Luo +7 more

Transboundary and Emerging DiseasesVolume 65, Issue 6 p. 1482-1484 OUTBREAK ALERTS Emergence of African Swine Fever in China, 2018 Xintao Zhou, Xintao Zhou Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of … Transboundary and Emerging DiseasesVolume 65, Issue 6 p. 1482-1484 OUTBREAK ALERTS Emergence of African Swine Fever in China, 2018 Xintao Zhou, Xintao Zhou Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaThese authors contributed equally to this studySearch for more papers by this authorNan Li, Nan Li Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaThese authors contributed equally to this studySearch for more papers by this authorYuzi Luo, Yuzi Luo State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, ChinaThese authors contributed equally to this studySearch for more papers by this authorYe Liu, Ye Liu Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorFaming Miao, Faming Miao Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorTeng Chen, Teng Chen Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorShoufeng Zhang, Shoufeng Zhang Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorPeili Cao, Peili Cao State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorXiangdong Li, Xiangdong Li National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Luoyang, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorKegong Tian, Corresponding Author Kegong Tian [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-5362-1415 National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Luoyang, China College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China Correspondence Rongliang Hu, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 666 Liuying West Road, Jingyue Economic Development Zone, Changchun, Jilin 130122, China. Email: [email protected] and Hua-Ji Qiu, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 678 Haping Road, Harbin 150069, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] and Kegong Tian, National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, High-Tech District, Luoyang, China. Email: [email protected] for more papers by this authorHua-Ji Qiu, Corresponding Author Hua-Ji Qiu [email protected] State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China Correspondence Rongliang Hu, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 666 Liuying West Road, Jingyue Economic Development Zone, Changchun, Jilin 130122, China. Email: [email protected] and Hua-Ji Qiu, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 678 Haping Road, Harbin 150069, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] and Kegong Tian, National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, High-Tech District, Luoyang, China. Email: [email protected] for more papers by this authorRongliang Hu, Corresponding Author Rongliang Hu [email protected] Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, China Correspondence Rongliang Hu, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 666 Liuying West Road, Jingyue Economic Development Zone, Changchun, Jilin 130122, China. Email: [email protected] and Hua-Ji Qiu, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 678 Haping Road, Harbin 150069, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] and Kegong Tian, National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, High-Tech District, Luoyang, China. Email: [email protected] for more papers by this author Xintao Zhou, Xintao Zhou Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaThese authors contributed equally to this studySearch for more papers by this authorNan Li, Nan Li Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaThese authors contributed equally to this studySearch for more papers by this authorYuzi Luo, Yuzi Luo State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, ChinaThese authors contributed equally to this studySearch for more papers by this authorYe Liu, Ye Liu Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorFaming Miao, Faming Miao Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorTeng Chen, Teng Chen Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorShoufeng Zhang, Shoufeng Zhang Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorPeili Cao, Peili Cao State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorXiangdong Li, Xiangdong Li National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Luoyang, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorKegong Tian, Corresponding Author Kegong Tian [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-5362-1415 National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, Luoyang, China College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China Correspondence Rongliang Hu, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 666 Liuying West Road, Jingyue Economic Development Zone, Changchun, Jilin 130122, China. Email: [email protected] and Hua-Ji Qiu, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 678 Haping Road, Harbin 150069, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] and Kegong Tian, National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, High-Tech District, Luoyang, China. Email: [email protected] for more papers by this authorHua-Ji Qiu, Corresponding Author Hua-Ji Qiu [email protected] State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China Correspondence Rongliang Hu, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 666 Liuying West Road, Jingyue Economic Development Zone, Changchun, Jilin 130122, China. Email: [email protected] and Hua-Ji Qiu, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 678 Haping Road, Harbin 150069, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] and Kegong Tian, National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, High-Tech District, Luoyang, China. Email: [email protected] for more papers by this authorRongliang Hu, Corresponding Author Rongliang Hu [email protected] Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, China Correspondence Rongliang Hu, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 666 Liuying West Road, Jingyue Economic Development Zone, Changchun, Jilin 130122, China. Email: [email protected] and Hua-Ji Qiu, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 678 Haping Road, Harbin 150069, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] and Kegong Tian, National Research Center for Veterinary Medicine, High-Tech District, Luoyang, China. Email: [email protected] for more papers by this author First published: 13 August 2018 https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.12989Citations: 287 Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume65, Issue6December 2018Pages 1482-1484 RelatedInformation

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Veterinary Epidemiology

2018-02-23

Michael Thrusfield , Robert Christley , Helen Brown +7 more

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Global distribution data for cattle, buffaloes, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks in 2010

2018-10-30

Marius Gilbert , Gaëlle Nicolas , Giusepina Cinardi +4 more

Abstract Global data sets on the geographic distribution of livestock are essential for diverse applications in agricultural socio-economics, food security, environmental impact assessment and epidemiology. We present a new version … Abstract Global data sets on the geographic distribution of livestock are essential for diverse applications in agricultural socio-economics, food security, environmental impact assessment and epidemiology. We present a new version of the Gridded Livestock of the World (GLW 3) database, reflecting the most recently compiled and harmonized subnational livestock distribution data for 2010. GLW 3 provides global population densities of cattle, buffaloes, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks in each land pixel at a spatial resolution of 0.083333 decimal degrees (approximately 10 km at the equator). They are accompanied by detailed metadata on the year, spatial resolution and source of the input census data. Two versions of each species distribution are produced. In the first version, livestock numbers are disaggregated within census polygons according to weights established by statistical models using high resolution spatial covariates (dasymetric weighting). In the second version, animal numbers are distributed homogeneously with equal densities within their census polygons (areal weighting) to provide spatial data layers free of any assumptions linking them to other spatial variables.

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Veterinary Epidemiology

2004-01-01

William J. A. Saville , Thomas E. Wittum

Economic costs of the foot and mouth disease outbreak in the United Kingdom in 2001

2002-12-01

D.K. THOMPSON , Priscilla Muriel , David Russell +5 more

The authors present estimates of the economic costs to agriculture and industries affected by tourism of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom (UK) in … The authors present estimates of the economic costs to agriculture and industries affected by tourism of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2001. The losses to agriculture and the food chain amount to about Pound Sterling3.1 billion. The majority of the costs to agriculture have been met by the Government through compensation for slaughter and disposal as well as clean-up costs. Nonetheless, agricultural producers will have suffered losses, estimated at Pound Sterling355 million, which represents about 20% of the estimated total income from farming in 2001. Based on data from surveys of tourism, businesses directly affected by tourist expenditure are estimated to have lost a similar total amount (between Pound Sterling2.7 and Pound Sterling3.2 billion) as a result of reduced numbers of people visiting the countryside. The industries which supply agriculture, the food industries and tourist-related businesses will also have suffered losses. However, the overall costs to the UK economy are substantially less than the sum of these components, as much of the expenditure by tourists was not lost, but merely displaced to other sectors of the economy. Overall, the net effect of FMD is estimated to have reduced the gross domestic product in the UK by less than 0.2% in 2001.

The European Union summary report on trends and sources of zoonoses, zoonotic agents and food‐borne outbreaks in 2017

2018-12-01

This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2017 in 37 … This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2017 in 37 European countries (28 Member States (MS) and nine non-MS). Campylobacteriosis was the commonest reported zoonosis and its EU trend for confirmed human cases increasing since 2008 stabilised during 2013-2017. The decreasing EU trend for confirmed human salmonellosis cases since 2008 ended during 2013-2017, and the proportion of human

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Pathology of Domestic Animals

1993-01-01

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Social and economic impacts of the donkey skin trade on donkey-dependent women and communities in Kenya

2025-06-25

David Obiero Oduori , Gilbert Kirui , Robert Ofwete +3 more | Human-Animal Interactions

Abstract Women in sub-Saharan Africa experience considerable economic vulnerability, with many living on less than US$1.90 per day. These women rely heavily on donkeys to perform essential daily tasks, enabling … Abstract Women in sub-Saharan Africa experience considerable economic vulnerability, with many living on less than US$1.90 per day. These women rely heavily on donkeys to perform essential daily tasks, enabling them to balance family and livelihood responsibilities. However, the rapid expansion of the donkey skin trade, driven by the demand for the Chinese product ejiao, has increased the incidence of donkey theft and illegal slaughter. Although a recent ban on the donkey skin trade across Africa offers some hope, a thorough understanding of the impact of this trade is critical for the development of informed policy and support for vulnerable women. Through questionnaires and key informant interviews, we explore the relationship between women and their donkeys, and examine the repercussions of donkey loss on women, families, and communities dependent on donkeys for stability and income. We highlight the steps these women have taken to protect their donkeys from theft and outline direct awareness and impacts of the skin trade on women’s lives and livelihoods. While impacts varied between locations, women in donkey-reliant communities can be significantly affected, with those in one of the studied communities forfeiting up to 73% of their household income following the loss of donkeys. The impact of the trade extended beyond financial loss, manifesting as emotional strain, health issues, and disruption of children’s education. Replacing lost donkeys often involved trade-offs such as delaying school fees, scaling back investments, and limiting access to basic necessities. Rising purchase costs for donkeys made replacement challenging, perpetuating these impacts. Findings also revealed that local efforts to protect donkeys may be insufficient without external support from both non-government-organization interventions and enforcement of government-led policy change. We strongly advocate for the continuation of Kenya’s moratorium on the trade and emphasize the need for policies and programs focused on enhancing donkey welfare and supporting donkey-dependent communities.

Correction: Isolation and identification of an AKAV strain in dairy cattle in China

2025-06-25

| Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Environmental variability and pathogen synergy influencing tilapia lake virus outbreaks on tilapia farms in Tamil Nadu, India

2025-06-24

Alagukanthasami Ponsrinivasan , A. Uma , P. Chidambaram +5 more | Archives of Virology

Morbidity and mortality of Asian small-clawed otters ( <i>Aonyx cinereus</i> ) and North American river otters ( <i>Lontra canadensis</i> ) in US zoos and aquaria from 2000 to 2020: A survey of lesions in 2 popular otter species

2025-06-24

Alison L. Righton , Hali T. Jungers , Alexandria J. Mena +6 more | Veterinary Pathology

Asian small-clawed otters ( Aonyx cinereus , ASCOs) and North American river otters ( Lontra canadensis , NAROs) are commonly housed at zoos and aquaria in the United States. The … Asian small-clawed otters ( Aonyx cinereus , ASCOs) and North American river otters ( Lontra canadensis , NAROs) are commonly housed at zoos and aquaria in the United States. The few reports of diseases in these species have mainly focused on free-ranging populations and do not represent otters in managed care. Necropsy reports from 93 individuals, 71 ASCO and 22 NARO, that died or were euthanized between 2000 and 2020 from 10 separate institutions were evaluated, including 47 females, 45 males, and 1 unreported sex. All otters with known ages ranged between 2 months and 21 years of age (median = 14 years). Otters were further divided into age classes according to known lifespan. ASCO age classes were juvenile (4; 6%), adult (26; 37%), older adult (9; 13%), and geriatric (32; 45%). NARO age classes were juveniles (0; 0%), adult (5; 23%), older adult (5; 23%), and geriatric (12; 55%). Common causes of death or euthanasia in both species included malignant neoplasia (29), chronic renal disease and/or urolithiasis (27), degenerative joint disease (13), and cardiovascular disease (10). Severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused mortality in 9 (13%) ASCOs. Common morbidities or comorbidities included periodontal disease (30) and degenerative joint disease (21). Consistent health and disease surveillance of these otter species in managed care will further elucidate mechanisms of disease, aid in the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies, and continue optimizing standards of care.

A Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) forecasting model to predict the epidemic trends of scrub typhus in China

2025-06-23

Pei‐Ying Peng , Huiying Duan , Lei Xu +4 more | PLoS ONE

Scrub typhus is a deadly infectious disease that is frequently underdiagnosed. Forecasting the emergence of infectious diseases using epidemiological models has emerged as a crucial instrument for comprehending the dynamics … Scrub typhus is a deadly infectious disease that is frequently underdiagnosed. Forecasting the emergence of infectious diseases using epidemiological models has emerged as a crucial instrument for comprehending the dynamics of their occurrence. This research aimed to investigate epidemic traits and create a predictive model for scrub typhus in mainland China, employing the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) time series method. Monthly records of scrub typhus cases were gathered from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, covering the timeframe from 2006 to 2019. From 2006 to 2018, a total of 142849 scrub typhus cases were reported in China, the females' morbidity was higher than the males' one (P < 0.001). The ideal model was SARIMA (1, 0, 2) (1, 1, 1) 12 with its residual being white noise (P > 0.05). This method forecasted scrub typhus cases between January and December 2019, with the predicted values for 2019 falling within the 95% confidence range. The research indicates that the SARIMA model accurately simulated the epidemiological patterns of scrub typhus across mainland China. Utilizing the SARIMA model is a practical approach for tracking scrub typhus cases in mainland China.

African swine fever virus MGF505-3R facilitates ferroptosis to restrict TBK1-IRF3 pathway

2025-06-23

Sai Niu , Ying Zhou , Christopher Fang +4 more | Microbiology Spectrum

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes hemorrhagic, severe infectious diseases and serious economic losses to the pig industry. ASFV multigene family 505 can antagonize the host's innate immunity through multiple … African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes hemorrhagic, severe infectious diseases and serious economic losses to the pig industry. ASFV multigene family 505 can antagonize the host's innate immunity through multiple signaling pathways and is considered an important target for vaccine development. However, the mechanism by which it induces host cell damage remains unclear. In this study, we observed that ASFV infection, similar to RSL3, can induce ferroptosis with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron, decrease glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression, and restrain the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor E2-related factor (Keap1-Nrf2) pathway. Moreover, the expression of ferroptosis biomarkers (LOX and PTGS2) has been moderately upregulated. Some proteins related to ASFV replication, invasion, and infection were evaluated for evidence of ferroptosis. MGF505-3R interacts with GPX4 to undergo ferroptosis, resulting in ROS accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential destruction, and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy elevation. In addition, MGF505-3R suppressed the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, while GPX4 activation counteracted its stimulatory effect on TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-IRF3 phosphorylation. Importantly, the transcription levels of interferon beta (IFN-β), ISG15, and ISG54 were elevated after GPX4 activation, suggesting that ferroptosis resistance could reverse the inhibition of the TBK1-IRF3 pathway and IFN-β levels induced by MGF505-3R. These findings provide new ideas and directions for elucidating the mechanism of ASFV-induced oxidative damage and lay a significant foundation for revealing the pathogenic mechanism of the virus by targeting ferroptosis. We revealed that ASFV infection and MGF505-3R transfection induced the accumulation of iron and ROS, resulting in NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and ferroptosis, as well as restricted GPX4 expression and the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. GPX4 activation promotes the TBK1-IRF3-IFN-β pathway and exerts antiviral activity. These findings indicate that ASFV facilitates ferroptosis, providing a proof of principle that may be applicable to oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation manipulation-based therapy for ASFV infection. Given the GPX4 downregulation in ASFV infection, GPX4 activation and ferroptosis resistance highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for viral infection.

Evaluation of sampling and laboratory parameters contributing to successful isolation of senecavirus A1 from pigs

2025-06-23

Byeong‐Seong Kim , Munashe Chigerwe , Beate Crossley | Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation

Senecavirus A1 (SVA; Picornaviridae , Senecavirus valles ) infection causes an emerging infectious disease of swine that often leads to cutaneous vesicles on the snout and coronary bands and in … Senecavirus A1 (SVA; Picornaviridae , Senecavirus valles ) infection causes an emerging infectious disease of swine that often leads to cutaneous vesicles on the snout and coronary bands and in the oral cavity of affected pigs, and causes epidemic transient neonatal loss in piglets. Virus isolation (VI) of SVA is required for viability testing, reference stock production, and monitoring virus evolution. We evaluated sampling and testing parameters leading to the successful propagation of SVA with a cross-sectional design based on 1,102 samples submitted to a reference laboratory. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between 16 variables and the outcome. When April was considered the reference month, the odds of SVA isolation failure were 17 and 100 times more likely during July and August, respectively. When foot samples were considered the referent, the odds of VI were 1.7 times more likely in unspecified samples. Compared to pooled samples, the odds of successful SVA isolation in individual samples were 8 and 45 times more likely in July and August, respectively. Laboratory parameters were not significantly associated with SVA isolation. The logistic model was moderately accurate (AUC = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.65–0.72%), suggesting that the model should be used cautiously for practical purposes. High environmental temperatures might negatively affect virus recovery. Using individual samples might improve SVA recovery when high ambient temperatures are recorded, as in the months of July and August.

Insights into Bovine Viral Diarrhea Epidemiology in Moroccan Cattle Population.

2025-06-23

Hanane Khallouki , Fatiha El Mellouli , Youssef Edderdouri +2 more | PubMed

This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in Moroccan cattle and to investigate associations with age, sex, breed, housing system, and geographic region. A … This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in Moroccan cattle and to investigate associations with age, sex, breed, housing system, and geographic region. A total of 545 serum samples were randomly collected from cattle across various Moroccan regions between December 2023 and February 2024. Antibodies against BVDV were detected using a commercial competitive ELISA, and herd-level data were gathered via questionnaire. Overall, 25.0% (95% CI: 21.4 - 28.8) of samples tested seropositive. The highest prevalence was observed in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region (44.0%; 95% CI: 24.4 - 65.1), followed by Casablanca-Settat (32.6%; 95% CI: 26.1 - 39.6). Seropositivity was highest among cattle older than 12 months (37.5%) and in crossbred animals (86.1%) compared to purebreds (74.3%). Although not statistically significant, cattle in intensive systems showed higher prevalence (29.3%) than those in semi-intensive systems (23.2%). Females exhibited a higher seroprevalence (27.87%) than males (21.7%), with sex emerging as a significant risk factor. These findings highlight the widespread circulation of BVDV in Morocco and underscore the need for targeted control measures and improved herd management practices to mitigate virus transmission.

Development of nucleic acid-based RAA test strip assay for the rapid detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus

2025-06-23

Wenxian Chen , Xinni Niu , Weijun Zeng +7 more | Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes blister-like lesions in animals, leading to significant economic losses in animal husbandry. Accurate and rapid detection of FMD is crucial for effective prevention and control. … Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes blister-like lesions in animals, leading to significant economic losses in animal husbandry. Accurate and rapid detection of FMD is crucial for effective prevention and control. The recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) technique enables rapid amplification of target fragments under isothermal conditions. In this study, based on the conserved sequence of the FMDV 3D gene, optimal RAA primers and probes were designed and screened, and a simple, rapid, and visual FMDV nucleic acid RAA test strip was developed. The optimum reaction conditions of the assay were determined to be 32°C for 30 min. The specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability of the FMDV nucleic acid RAA test strip were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the FMDV nucleic acid RAA test strip specifically reacted with FMDV nucleic acid and exhibited no cross-reactivity with other viruses. The lowest detection limits for recombinant plasmids and virus titer were 10 copies/μL and 10 0 TCID 50 /mL, respectively. In addition, all 17 positive samples and 21 negative samples were accurately identified using the FMDV nucleic acid RAA test strip, resulting in a 100% positive detection rate. In conclusion, the FMDV nucleic acid RAA test strip developed in this study—characterized by high specificity, efficiency, and sensitivity—offers a robust technical platform for the prevention and control of FMD.

CD44 mediates the internalization of foot-and-mouth disease virus through macropinocytosis

2025-06-21

Xuefei Wang , Dong Hu , J. Wu +2 more | Veterinary Research

Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a member of the Picornavirus family, poses a significant threat to global animal husbandry. While it is known that macropinocytosis plays a crucial role in … Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a member of the Picornavirus family, poses a significant threat to global animal husbandry. While it is known that macropinocytosis plays a crucial role in the entry of FMDV into cells, the specific cellular proteins that regulate this process and the downstream signalling pathways associated with these proteins are not yet fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that the membrane protein cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is essential for the internalization of FMDV in BHK-21 cells, while it is not involved in the attachment of the virus to the cell. In addition, we found that CD44 is internalized in response to FMDV entry. Interestingly, the use of a macropinocytosis inhibitor impaired both CD44 internalization and FMDV entry and infection, indicating a strong connection between these two processes. Further experiments revealed that CD44 facilitates FMDV internalization through macropinocytosis. Importantly, our study shows that CD44 interacts with FMDV capsid proteins VP2 and VP3 and becomes phosphorylated during the entry of the virus. The phosphorylation of CD44 subsequently promotes the phosphorylation of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), which is a critical component in the macropinocytotic entry of FMDV. Overall, this study provides new insights into the role of CD44 in the invasion of pathogens into host cells and highlights potential strategies for improving FMDV vaccines.

Assessing the state of global animal health

2025-06-20

| Veterinary Record

Early disruption of the innate-adaptive immune axis in vivo after infection with virulent Georgia2007/1 ASFV

2025-06-20

Priscilla Tng , Laila Al-Adwani , Lynnette C. Goatley +3 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Effective immune defence and pathogen clearance requires coordination between innate and adaptive immune responses. However, virulent African swine fever virus (ASFV), which has a high case fatality rate in pigs, … Effective immune defence and pathogen clearance requires coordination between innate and adaptive immune responses. However, virulent African swine fever virus (ASFV), which has a high case fatality rate in pigs, causes severe disease by exploiting multiple immune evasion strategies to suppress host responses. The global spread of Georgia2007/1 and its derivatives poses a significant threat to the pig industry and global food security. Although modified live virus vaccines for ASF exist, multiple safety concerns have restricted their use internationally. Conversely, subunit vaccine candidates have not matched the protective efficacy of modified live virus vaccines. This highlights the need to further investigate ASFV-induced immunopathology to support the development of next-generation ASF vaccines. Immune dynamics in whole blood and lymphoid tissues were examined over time after oronasal infection with Georgia 2007/1. CD4+ T cells, γδ-TCR+ T cells and CD21+ B cells were impacted by lymphopenia, and initial immune activation was detected. However, as the disease progressed, impaired maintenance and depletion of adaptive immune cells, such as CD4+ T cells and professional antigen-presenting dendritic cells and macrophages was observed. This depletion of cells may have compromised the innate-adaptive immune axis, weakening host ability to mount a robust adaptive immune response and potentially contributing to disease progression. Differential ASFV infection profiles within the spleen were also detected, highlighting the diversity of ASFV cellular tropism. Further investigation into the innate-adaptive immune axis is needed to better understand its role in ASFV infection.

Development and characterisation of a fully recombinant competition <scp>ELISA</scp> for the diagnosis of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus infection

2025-06-19

Sheng Ye , Nagendrakumar Singanallur Balasubramanian , Olan Dolezal +5 more | Australian Veterinary Journal

Infection of livestock by foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) virus (FMDV) has serious economic implications due to productivity losses and trade restrictions. In countries that are free from foot and mouth disease, … Infection of livestock by foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) virus (FMDV) has serious economic implications due to productivity losses and trade restrictions. In countries that are free from foot and mouth disease, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provides two proof of freedom from disease status categories; namely, FMD‐free without using vaccination or FMD‐free with use of vaccination. Serological surveillance of livestock after an incursion forms one part of a country's emergency disease response plan as it is an important condition in attaining a WOAH declaration of freedom from FMDV. The development of a competition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant antigen (FMDV 3B‐maltose‐binding protein fusion) and recombinant antibody (anti‐FMDV 3B scFv‐alkaline phosphatase fusion) reagents from two independently developed tests is described. The characteristics of the recombinant reagents and performance of the assay are presented and provide evidence of an improved, fully recombinant, competition ELISA suitable for sensitive and specific identification of antibodies to FMDV non‐structural protein 3B in cattle sera, making it suitable for differentiating infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA).

AI-based Animal Intrusion Detection System for Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Bhutan

2025-06-19

Tsheten Dorji , Pema Lhaden , Tandin Phuentsho +2 more | Zorig Melong.

This paper presents the proposed prototype of an Animal Intrusion Detection System powered by Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) technology to address growing challenges of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) in Bhutan. … This paper presents the proposed prototype of an Animal Intrusion Detection System powered by Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) technology to address growing challenges of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) in Bhutan. The major incursions of wildlife in the agriculture fields possess a major threat to sustainable food security and farmer livelihoods in the country. While the government has implemented various mitigation measures like electric and chain-link fencing, and animal repellent system, these solutions have notable limitations. Therefore, our AI-based system aims to provide as an alternative smart agriTech solution to address HWC. The system utilizes a Raspberry Pi 4, a night vision-based camera, an ultrasonic sensor and YOLOv8 deep learning algorithm for real-time animal detection and classification. The YOLO model was trained on a dataset of 30,800 images featuring seven local wildlife species which are common in raiding the crop in Bhutan. The system, upon detecting an intrusion on farmland, will automatically transmits an alert notification to farmers via a mobile app over a cellular network, enabling timely intervention to mitigate the crop damage. When the internet connection is down, the system will notify the farmers through SMS and Dial. In a controlled laboratory environment, the prototype achieved a detection accuracy of 95.7%. These finding indicates a promising alternative innovative agriTech solution for mitigating crop losses, enhancing food security and enhancing farmer livelihoods. However, the prototype requires field validation and further AI model training with a more extensive real animal dataset collected through its pilot implementation to evaluate the system's performance and robustness under real-world conditions of the agriculture field.

Wildlife movement and contact responses to intensive culling: implications for disease control

2025-06-19

Kayleigh Chalkowski , Nathan P. Snow , Abigail B. Feuka +4 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Abstract Culling is frequently used to control animal diseases. Intensive culling can alter the movement behavior of surviving animals, especially in socially-structured wildlife species. These behavioral responses could have unexpected … Abstract Culling is frequently used to control animal diseases. Intensive culling can alter the movement behavior of surviving animals, especially in socially-structured wildlife species. These behavioral responses could have unexpected consequences on the spread of a disease. Thus, planning effective culling responses to diseases in wildlife hosts requires a thorough understanding of the potential impacts of culling on the target wildlife host species. We conducted a BACI design study of behavioral response to culling in wild pigs. We examined movement and contact responses in the populations using 122 GPS-collared wild pigs and three different culling methods (aerial operations, trapping, and an experimental toxic bait). Movement and contact metrics included home range area, net-squared displacement (i.e., home range shift), movement speed, distance, contact degree and contact duration. We observed increased movement distances during and after trapping treatments, and home range shifts and reduced area size after the toxicant treatment. We also observed increases in contact duration and number of unique contacts during trapping removals. Movement and contact responses varied by sex. Our results suggest that continued, intensive culling as with extensive trapping can substantially alter wild pig space use and contact. These behavioral responses could have important consequences for disease spread when managing an introduction of transboundary animal diseases or endemic diseases.

Dairy cows infected with influenza A(H5N1) reveals low infectious dose and transmission barriers

2025-06-19

Carolyn M. Lee , Natalie N. Tarbuck , Hannah J. Cochran +7 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> The discovery that highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus exhibits a strong tropism for the bovine mammary gland1–4 represents a major shift in our understanding of influenza A virus … <title>Abstract</title> The discovery that highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus exhibits a strong tropism for the bovine mammary gland1–4 represents a major shift in our understanding of influenza A virus host range and tissue specificity. We conducted a comprehensive series of experimental studies with influenza A(H5N1) B3.13 genotype in lactating dairy cattle to address several key questions related to the viral dose required to establish infection, routes of exposure that lead to transmission, and factors contributing to the morbidity and mortality observed on farms. We demonstrate that intramammary exposure to as few as 10 TCID50 is sufficient to establish robust infection, shedding of high viral titers in milk, and clinical mastitis. Despite evidence of such a low infectious dose, we were unable to recapitulate transmission to sentinel cows via contaminated milking equipment and close contact with infected animals under experimental conditions. High-dose intramammary exposure to influenza A(H5N1) drives severe clinical outcomes and mortality observed in dairy cows on-farm, while respiratory and oral exposure are less likely to establish productive infection and associated morbidity. This study challenges current hypotheses of influenza A(H5N1) transmission on dairy farms5,6, raising important questions about potential agent, host, or environmental cofactors that contribute to the spread of the virus.

The Multigene Family Genes-Encoded Proteins of African Swine Fever Virus: Roles in Evolution, Cell Tropism, Immune Evasion, and Pathogenesis

2025-06-19

Rongzhong Huang , Rui Luo , Jing Lan +4 more | Viruses

African swine fever virus (ASFV), the causative agent of African swine fever (ASF), poses a catastrophic threat to global swine industries through its capacity for immune subversion and rapid evolution. … African swine fever virus (ASFV), the causative agent of African swine fever (ASF), poses a catastrophic threat to global swine industries through its capacity for immune subversion and rapid evolution. Multigene family genes (MGFs)-encoded proteins serve as molecular hubs governing viral evolution, immune evasion, cell tropism, and disease pathogenesis. This review synthesizes structural and functional evidence demonstrating that MGFs-encoded proteins suppress both interferon signaling and inflammasome activation, while their genomic plasticity in variable terminal regions drives strain diversification and adaptation. Translationally, targeted deletion of immunomodulatory MGFs enables the rational design of live attenuated vaccines that improve protective efficacy while minimizing residual virulence. Moreover, hypervariable MGFs provide strain-specific signatures for PCR-based diagnostics and phylogeographic tracking, directly addressing outbreak surveillance challenges. By unifying virology with translational innovation, this review establishes MGFs as priority targets for next-generation ASF countermeasures.

Evaluating the Role of Canada Goose Populations in Transmission Dynamics During Peak HPAI Incidence in Iowa, February 2022–December 2023

2025-06-19

Christopher Jimenez , Sergios‐Orestis Kolokotronis , Janet E. Rosenbaum +1 more | Applied Sciences

Since its emergence in the United States in February 2022, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has caused significant losses for poultry operations, particularly in Iowa between February 2022 and … Since its emergence in the United States in February 2022, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has caused significant losses for poultry operations, particularly in Iowa between February 2022 and December 2023. Branta canadensis (Canada goose), an abundant North American waterfowl species, is considered a potential reservoir host for H5N1. This study examined the relationship between Canada goose abundance and H5N1 occurrence in Iowa counties. Although counties with H5N1 cases comprised 13% of the state’s Canada goose population—and 32% of those counties had high goose abundance—an inverse relationship was observed. Bivariate analysis indicated that counties with high goose abundance were significantly less likely to report HPAI cases (χ2 = 4.29, p = 0.04). Notably, intermediate goose abundance was associated with a 79% lower likelihood of HPAI occurrence (RR = 0.21, 95% CI [0.05, 0.90], p = 0.04). These findings highlight the limitations posed by the lack of accessible, high-resolution poultry farm location data, which hinders a definitive understanding of Canada geese’s role in H5N1 transmission. To address this gap, stakeholders should consider adopting next-generation surveillance tools like the Biothreats Emergence Analysis and Communication Network (BEACON) AI platform, or AI-integrated chemical sensors that generate real-time, actionable data for biosecurity decision-making. Given the uncertainty surrounding Canada goose role transmission dynamics, the species remains a relevant One Health concern.

Circular mRNA-LNP vaccine encoding self-assembled E2-TMD-mi3 nanoparticles licit enhanced CSFV-specific immunity over commercial subunit vaccine

2025-06-19

Chunxi Liu , Weifeng Zhai , Wanyun Nie +3 more | Frontiers in Immunology

The E2 subunit vaccine is crucial for eliminating Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) due to its favorable biosafety and Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) capability. However, low immunogenicity and … The E2 subunit vaccine is crucial for eliminating Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) due to its favorable biosafety and Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) capability. However, low immunogenicity and high costs limit its broader application. To overcome these bottlenecks, we leveraged mRNA-LNP technology to design next-generation E2 glycoprotein vaccines with enhanced immunogenicity and cost-effectiveness. We designed different E2 glycoprotein coding sequences incorporating CD154 adjuvants and mi3 self-assembled nanoparticles, delivered via cmRNA-LNP formulations in murine immunogenicity testing. Among these, E2-TMD-mi3 cmRNA-LNP vaccine induced high-titer antibodies with a 78.25% ± 1.32% blocking rate at day 14 post-booster, significantly higher than the commercial subunit vaccine (39.74% ± 3.30%, p &lt;0.01). To further optimize vaccine performance, we compared cmRNA-LNP formulations incorporating with different cationic lipids. Notably, AX4-LNP formulation induced superior cellular and humoral immunity compared to other cationic lipids. In mice, this vaccine induced robust humoral immunity, achieving a mean blocking rate of 80.55% ± 2.06% by day 14 post-booster, alongside potent cellular immunity (IFN-γ ELISpot, 319.60 ± 45.23 SFC/10 5 cell, 5.6-fold higher than that of the commercial vaccine). In swine, the CSFV-specific antibody blocking rate remained at 54.76% ± 3.21% at 120 days post-primary vaccination. In contrast, the antibody blocking rates in other cmRNA-LNP vaccine groups and the commercial vaccine group were below the positivity threshold (&lt;40%, set according to the manufacturer’s technical specifications), outperforming commercial subunit vaccines. Moreover, this vaccine does not affect the body weight gain of immunized pigs and does not cause inflammatory reactions at the immunization site. Ultimately, we successfully developed a cmRNA-LNP vaccine incorporating the E2-TMD-Mi3 coding sequence and AX4-LNP, which demonstrated superior immunogenicity compared to commercial subunit vaccines. This study establishes a modular cmRNA-LNP platform combining mi3 nanoparticles, overcoming traditional subunit vaccine limitations for porcine viral pathogens.

Mapping the Pork Value Chain in Meghalaya: Stakeholder Survey for Tracking Stock Movement and Disease Control

2025-06-19

Samir Das , K. Srinivas , Pranab Jyoti Das +4 more | Deleted Journal

Investigación eco-epidemiológica de la plaga caracol gigante africano (L. fulica) y su potencial impacto en la salud ambiental del Valle del Cauca

2025-06-19

Rubén E. Varela-M | Universidad Santiago de cali eBooks

El caracol gigante africano (Lissachatina fulica) se ha consolidado como una de las especies invasoras más problemáticas en los trópicos, debido a su capacidad de adaptación, rápida reproducción y los … El caracol gigante africano (Lissachatina fulica) se ha consolidado como una de las especies invasoras más problemáticas en los trópicos, debido a su capacidad de adaptación, rápida reproducción y los impactos negativos que genera en los ecosistemas, la agricultura y la salud humana. En el Valle del Cauca, una región de vital importancia ecológica y productiva en Colombia, esta plaga ha encontrado un entorno favorable para su proliferación, convirtiéndose en un desafío para las comunidades y las autoridades locales. El presente trabajo, titulado "Investigación ecoepidemiológica de la plaga caracol gigante africano (L. fulica) y su potencial impacto en la salud ambiental del Valle del Cauca", representa un esfuerzo interdisciplinario para comprender y abordar las complejas dinámicas que rodean esta problemática. Su enfoque no solo explora los aspectos biológicos y ecológicos del caracol gigante africano, sino también las implicaciones epidemiológicas derivadas de su capacidad para ser vector de patógenos que afectan tanto a la fauna silvestre como a las poblaciones humanas. A lo largo de este libro, se integran análisis de su ecología, distribución geoespacial, patógenos asociados y estrategias educomunicativa para desarrollar una visión integral de la situación. Esta perspectiva permite no solo diagnosticar el alcance de la plaga y su impacto, sino también proponer soluciones viables y sostenibles que puedan ser adoptadas por las comunidades afectadas y las instituciones gubernamentales.

Measuring cytokines in Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) with a bovine bead-based multiplex immunoassay and real-time PCR

2025-06-18

Tuva Løken Frøvoll , Kari Lybeck , Hege Lund +6 more | Acta veterinaria Scandinavica

Abstract Background Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus ) herding is based on access to seasonal pastures. Pastureland is, however, being lost and fragmented due to e.g. climate change, human activities, … Abstract Background Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus ) herding is based on access to seasonal pastures. Pastureland is, however, being lost and fragmented due to e.g. climate change, human activities, and predators, creating an increasing need for feeding and fencing. This alters disease occurrence, leading to a greater need for disease investigation tools. Knowledge of the activation of immune pathways during disease can be obtained by measuring cytokines, but no commercial methods are currently available for reindeer. This study investigated whether the MILLIPLEX® Bovine Cytokine Magnetic Bead assay could be used to detect interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in reindeer cell supernatants and serum. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from reindeer (n = 4) and cattle ( Bos taurus , n = 3) were stimulated with mitogens for 6 and 24 h (h) and the quantity of cytokines in cell supernatants was measured. Serum from experimental viral infections in reindeer (Orf virus; ORFV and Varicellovirus cervidalpha2; CvHV2) was also analysed. Additionally, primers were designed to measure cytokine gene expression in response to mitogens by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results The bovine bead-based multiplex immunoassay detected five of six cytokines (IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ) in reindeer PBMC supernatants after stimulation. All cytokines were detected in bovine samples. Although cytokine concentrations were generally higher in bovine samples, analysis of reindeer supernatants demonstrated significantly increased IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α and IFN-γ concentrations in supernatants from stimulated compared to unstimulated PBMCs. Neither reindeer nor cattle samples showed a significant increase for IL-6, while IL-8 was increased only in bovine samples after 6 h stimulation. Serum from reindeer infected with CvHV2 showed significantly increased IFN-γ levels on days 4 and 7 post inoculation. Gene expression of all cytokines was increased by stimulation of reindeer PBMCs, except IL-6 for which primer design was unsuccessful. Conclusions This study shows the potential of the bovine bead-based multiplex immunoassay for measuring IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ concentrations in reindeer. The qPCR is suitable for measuring gene expression of these cytokines and IL-8. These methods may be used to characterise immune responses in reindeer, but further testing and validation are warranted.

Network analysis of farmed Atlantic salmon movements in British Columbia, Canada

2025-06-18

Ahsan Raquib , K. Larry Hammell , Javier Sánchez +2 more | Frontiers in Veterinary Science

An inherent issue to the Atlantic salmon aquaculture production is the possible transmission of infectious pathogens due to the transportation of live fish. This study employed network analysis to model … An inherent issue to the Atlantic salmon aquaculture production is the possible transmission of infectious pathogens due to the transportation of live fish. This study employed network analysis to model the contribution of Atlantic salmon transfers to the spread of pathogens. We used a publicly available salmon transfer dataset covering the period 2015–2022. Official records showed that 812 transfers of Atlantic salmon occurred between various British Columbian (BC) salmon production units in that timeframe. For the purpose of evaluating changes in the network structure of farmed Atlantic salmon movements, the daily networks were aggregated into two-year periods to generate a time-ordered series of biennial movements. The freshwater hatchery and marine netpen sites comprised the two types of facilities that made up the Atlantic salmon transfer network, which consisted of 99 nodes (facilities) and 350 edges (links) overall. All the networks showed both scale-free and small-world topology, which would encourage the persistence and spread of pathogens in the Atlantic salmon facilities while simultaneously making it easier to develop risk-based surveillance techniques by focusing on high centrality nodes. Additionally, the rare occurrence of high betweenness and reach, presence of disassortative mixing, negative correlation between the in- and out-degree and between ingoing and outgoing infection chain of facilities, and the identification of freshwater hatcheries as potential superspreaders all suggest that Atlantic salmon transfers might not play a significant role in the spread of pathogens between facilities in the British Columbian Atlantic salmon farming industry. Community detection revealed two or three communities persistently in the aquaculture management unit (AMU) level network, and it would be more effective to make zoning based on AMU. In conclusion, targeted surveillance efforts on high-centrality facilities can be employed to combat any infectious outbreak in the BC Atlantic salmon industry caused by live Atlantic salmon movement.

Animal movement estimation and network-based epidemic modeling: Illustration for the swine industry in Iowa (US)

2025-06-18

Qihui Yang , Beatriz Martínez‐López , Sifat Afroj Moon +2 more | PLoS ONE

Animal movement plays a critical role in disease transmission between farms. However, in the United States, the lack of available animal shipment data, sometimes coupled with a lack of detailed … Animal movement plays a critical role in disease transmission between farms. However, in the United States, the lack of available animal shipment data, sometimes coupled with a lack of detailed information about farm demographics and characteristics, presents great challenges for epidemic modeling and prediction. In this study, we proposed a new method based on the maximum entropy to generate “synthetic” animal movement networks, considering available statistics about the premises operation type, operation size, and the distance between premises. We illustrated our method for the swine movement networks in Iowa and performed network analyses to gain insights into the swine industry. We then applied the generated networks to a network-based epidemic model to identify potential system vulnerabilities in terms of disease transmission. The model was parameterized for African Swine Fever (ASF) as the US swine industry is quite concerned about this disease. Results show that premises with a central role in the network are more vulnerable to disease outbreaks and play an important role in disease spread. Simulations with outbreaks starting from random farms reveal no significant large outbreaks, indicating the system’s relative robustness against arbitrary disease introductions. However, outbreaks originating from high out-degree farms can lead to large epidemic sizes. This underscores the importance for stakeholders and policymakers to continue improving animal movement records and traceability programs in the US and the value of making that data available to epidemiologists and modelers to better understand risk and inform strategies aimed to cost-effectively prevent and control disease transmission. Our approach could be easily adapted to estimate movement networks in other animal production systems and to inform disease spread models for various infectious diseases.

The impact of legislative regulation on animal epidemic prevention and control input: evidence from 13 main provinces of pig production in China

2025-06-18

Yunguo Liu , Tao Jian-ping | Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Introduction The issue of animal epidemic prevention and control has gained significant attention. Regulating and incentivizing farmers' animal epidemic prevention behaviors is vital for safeguarding national biosecurity. Previous studies have … Introduction The issue of animal epidemic prevention and control has gained significant attention. Regulating and incentivizing farmers' animal epidemic prevention behaviors is vital for safeguarding national biosecurity. Previous studies have focused on the importance of animal disease prevention and control legislation but not examined the incentive of animal epidemic prevention behavior from the perspective of legislation. This study investigates the relationship between legislative regulation and farmers' animal epidemic prevention input, generating critical evidence for refining China's animal epidemic control framework and advancing the high-quality development of animal husbandry. Methods Using balanced panel data from 13 main pig-breeding provinces in China from 2006 to 2022, this study employs the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) method to: (1) evaluate the impact of legislative regulation on pig farmers' animal epidemic prevention and control input; (2) investigate the changes in epidemic prevention and control input of pig farmers of different scales and the differences in the effects of laws and regulations of different legal hierarchies, and (3) examine the impact of law enforcement practices on the effect of textual legislation. Results Legislative regulation significantly increases animal epidemic prevention and control input, with the strongest effect on medium-scale farmers and no effect on large-scale farmers. The input-enhancing effect varies across laws and regulations of different legal hierarchies, with descending order: local administrative rules, central-level administrative regulations and divisional regulations, and local regulations. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that this input-enhancing effect of legislative regulation is only pronounced in regions with higher law enforcement on animal epidemic prevention and control. Discussion This study can also provide important inspiration for other developing countries. Governments should intensify legal literacy initiatives, enhance farmers' regulatory awareness, implement regionally differentiated prevention measures, strengthen adaptive enforcement capacities, and ultimately realizing synergistic welfare gains across economic, biosecurity, and animal wellbeing domains.

Conception rate and litter size of sows subjected to natural service versus artificial insemination in Rwanda

2025-06-18

J. Makuza , F. Bizimana , C.A. Hirwa +2 more | Deleted Journal

This study aimed to characterize the conception rate (CR), litter size, piglet survival rates, of sows subjected to natural service versus artificial insemination (AI) in swine breeding within the Northern … This study aimed to characterize the conception rate (CR), litter size, piglet survival rates, of sows subjected to natural service versus artificial insemination (AI) in swine breeding within the Northern Province of Rwanda. Pig farming in Rwanda is mainly small-scale, with few medium-sized operations. A total of 583 sows gilts, representing four breeds namely Landrace (n = 188), Landrace × Pietrain (n = 330), Large White (n = 26), local breed (n = 39) was monitored from March to December 2019 across three agricultural seasons. The sows varied in age from 0.7-4.3 years. Data collected included estrus type (induced, 252; natural, 331), mating type (AI, 266; natural service, 317), number of mating (one service, 359; two services, 164, three services, 60), age, parity, CR, gestation length, litter size, and piglet survival rate. Using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and analysis of variance tests, the study analysed effects of breed, age, farm, season, service type and number on CR, litter size, and weaning rate. Results showed that CR (90.2%) was not affected by sow parity but significantly influenced by boar age and number of services. Mean litter size, born alive were 8.70 ± 3.90, 8.60 ± 3.90 piglets per sow, respectively, with a survival rate of 94%. In conclusion, boar age, mating frequency, farm type, boar and sow breed influence conception rates, litter size, and piglet survival. The study highlights AI potential to improve CR and effectively manage litter sizes.

Genetic sleuthing links tigers to livestock losses

2025-06-17

Subhamoy Ghosh | Nature India

Near complete genome sequence of the historic African swine fever isolate Uganda-898

2025-06-16

Edward Spinard , Vivian O’Donnell , Ayushi Rai +6 more | Microbiology Resource Announcements

ABSTRACT African swine fever virus (ASFV) is endemic to Uganda. Here, we report the genome of ASFV-898, an isolate that was collected from Uganda in 1964. ABSTRACT African swine fever virus (ASFV) is endemic to Uganda. Here, we report the genome of ASFV-898, an isolate that was collected from Uganda in 1964.

The pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease virus: current understandings and knowledge gaps

2025-06-16

Carolina Stenfeldt , Michael Eschbaumer , John Humphreys +2 more | Veterinary Research

Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to be one of the most important diseases of livestock globally based upon both biological features and regulatory aspects. Few pathogens have had comparable impact … Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to be one of the most important diseases of livestock globally based upon both biological features and regulatory aspects. Few pathogens have had comparable impact on global livestock production and regulation of international trade in animal-derived products. The pathogenesis (interaction between pathogen and host) is central to the importance of the disease ranging from how the causal pathogen, FMD virus (FMDV), transmits between hosts and is maintained in populations. Key accomplishments over the last decade include description of the primary sites of infection in domestic species, delineating critical differences in temporo-anatomic progression in different host species and emphasizing that knowledge gained regarding FMDV pathogenesis in one host cannot necessarily be extrapolated and applied to a different host. Host responses to infection and viral genomics have been characterized with ever-increasing granularity. Yet, the numerous knowledge gaps that remain in understanding FMDV pathogenesis impede advancements in FMD control and eradication. For instance, it remains unclear if long-term asymptomatic FMDV carriers are biologically relevant (contagious) and the manner in which host genomics and transcriptomics affect pathogenesis during different phases of infection. The characterization of neoteric subclinical infection as a disease stage that is distinct from the persistent “FMDV carrier state” has emphasized the importance of sample collection from clinically unaffected animals for FMDV surveillance. Similarly, incorporating a phase of pre-clinical infectiousness in simulation modeling can dramatically improve prediction of FMD outbreaks in non-endemic regions. The outcome of FMDV infection with regards to viral persistence differs between host species as well as between individuals of the same species. Yet, we lack a satisfactory explanation of the host factors that drive the FMDV carrier state divergence. This review was based upon a gap-analysis workshop organized by the Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Alliance (GFRA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December of 2022. The purpose of this work is to summarize the current understanding of the distinct compartments of FMD pathogenesis with an emphasis on progress made within the last decade and present the critical knowledge gaps that continue to limit FMD control and eradication.

iPAR: A framework for modelling and inferring information about disease spread when the populations at risk are unknown

2025-06-16

Stephen Catterall , Thibaud Porphyre , Glenn Marion | PLoS Computational Biology

We introduce the inference for populations at risk (iPAR) framework which enables modelling and estimation of spatial disease dynamics in scenarios where the population at risk is unknown or poorly … We introduce the inference for populations at risk (iPAR) framework which enables modelling and estimation of spatial disease dynamics in scenarios where the population at risk is unknown or poorly mapped. This framework addresses a gap in spatial infectious disease modelling approaches, with current methods typically requiring data on the spatial distribution of the population at risk. The principles for iPAR are demonstrated in the context of a susceptible-infected disease dynamics model coupled with Bayesian inference implemented via data-augmentation Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). This implementation of iPAR is tested for a range of scenarios using simulated outbreak data. Results indicate that the method can effectively estimate key properties of disease spread from spatio-temporal case reports and make useful predictions of future spread. The method is then applied to a case study exploring the 2014–2019 Estonian outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boar. Estimates of epidemiological parameters reveal evidence for long distance transmission, as well as disease control via reduction of the wild boar population in Estonia.

Change of Diseases in Semi-Intensively Raised Saanen Goats by Year in İzmir

2025-06-16

Fatma Akkaya , Çağrı Kandemir , Turğay Taşkın +1 more | Osmaniye Korkut Ata Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of important infectious and metabolic diseases in goats kept on a farm from 2019 to 2022, as well as the data acquired from … This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of important infectious and metabolic diseases in goats kept on a farm from 2019 to 2022, as well as the data acquired from the implementation of prophylactic strategies to mitigate these diseases. The study included animals of various ages and genders from the breeding Saanen herd, which is kept in a private enterprise in Izmir. Over the years, the most prevalent diseases in this herd included respiratory system infections, scabies, mastitis, enteritis, and pregnancy toxaemia. The most common disease is toxoplasmosis (20.2%), which is followed by pneumonia (19.1%) and border disease (9.52%). However, following the introduction of appropriate immunization and biosecurity protocols, the pneumonia was the incidence rate dropped dramatically (to 3.57%) the next year. It has been found that the year that the cat population grows is when toxoplasmosis peaks (2022). Pregnancy toxaemia, a metabolic disease with a modest prevalence (1.06-3.44%) in all years except 2022, is another important concern. Except for the flea problem (5.31%) in 2021, no cases were encountered in other years. Preventive strategies have been observed to have a consistent downward trend in the incidence of pregnancy toxaemia, enteritis, and mastitis throughout time. According to this study, biosecurity, preventative, and protective veterinary care can significantly help to uphold timely and regular medical procedures, reduce expenses, and boost output and milk quality.

Epidemiology and control strategies for foot-and-mouth disease in livestock and wildlife in Uganda: systematic review

2025-06-16

Benedicto Byamukama , Anik Amin , Frank Norbert Mwiine +1 more | Veterinary Research Communications

Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a persistent threat to the livestock sector in Uganda and globally. To understand the reasons for continued FMD outbreaks in Uganda, a systematic review was … Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a persistent threat to the livestock sector in Uganda and globally. To understand the reasons for continued FMD outbreaks in Uganda, a systematic review was conducted to examine FMD epidemiology, control strategies, and related challenges. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for the period 1958–2022, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Additionally, FMD reports for the same period were retrieved from the World Reference Laboratories for FMD and the World Organization for Animal Health/Food and Agriculture Organization FMD Laboratories Network websites. A total of 62 documents (26 studies and 36 reports) were eligible for analysis. Results showed that Uganda experienced 17 to 37 FMD outbreaks annually. Most of the studies focused on cattle ( n = 20), with few targeting African buffalo ( n = 3) and small ruminants ( n = 2). The reports revealed that serotype O was the most isolated, followed by A, SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3. FMD clustering was observed near international borders with Kenya and Tanzania and around Queen Elizabeth National Park. Identified risk factors included dry season, animal movements, proximity to borders, and pastoralism. The key control challenges included limited diagnostic capacity, FMD virus diversity, vaccine mismatch, and low vaccination coverage. The findings highlight the need for enhanced FMD monitoring, surveillance, and control strategies that consider circulating serotypes and topotypes, and improvement in vaccination coverage and strengthening of diagnostic capacity. Further research is needed to address the epidemiology of FMD in understudied species, including small ruminants, swine, and wildlife.

Breeding Bulls in Alberta: A cross-sectional descriptive survey of breeding bull herds and current management strategies

2025-06-14

Thomas Daborn , Edmond A. Pajor , Jennifer M. Pearson | Translational Animal Science

Abstract Currently, there is very little known about bull demographics and how bulls are managed on cow-calf operations in Alberta. Identifying these knowledge gaps will provide valuable insights on producer … Abstract Currently, there is very little known about bull demographics and how bulls are managed on cow-calf operations in Alberta. Identifying these knowledge gaps will provide valuable insights on producer practices and potentially influence future management protocols that will improve bull management and the productivity of cow-calf operations. The objectives of this study were to benchmark beef bull herd demographics and bull management strategies in Alberta, Canada and to investigate associations between herd demographics and management strategies. Cow-calf producers were surveyed between February and August 2022 by paper or electronic copies of the survey. Fifty-two of 72 respondents were enrolled. Forty-two percent of the respondents were seedstock producers. The median female herd size exposed for breeding was 160 cows (IQR: 57 - 275; range: 14 – 1600) as reported by 43 respondents. The most common breed of bull used was Angus, followed by Hereford. The median number of bulls kept was 9, (IQR: 4-15; range: 1-71). Roughly 1 in 6 bulls were culled with the majority of bulls being culled or treated for conditions due to musculoskeletal or infectious foot causes. The median bull:cow ratio was 1:21 (IQR: 1:11-1:25) for heifers and 1:23 (IQR 1:20-1:26) for cows. The top 3 selection considerations for replacement bulls for breeding heifers was bull birthweight, bull EPD for calving ease, and physical appearance. The selection criteria for cows were bull adjusted weaning weight, physical appearance, and foot and leg conformation. This study contributes novel information on the breeding bull demographics and management strategies of cow-calf producers in Alberta. In addition, it identifies musculoskeletal issues as the major causes of treatment, death, and culling in bulls and recommends further investigation into causes and management strategies to mitigate these issues and improve bull health and welfare.

Hybrid CNN-Haralick Framework for Foot and Mouth Disease Classification in Cattle

2025-06-14

Oluwaseyi Ezekiel Olorunshola , Nanji Emmanuella Lakan , Fatimah Adamu-Fika +1 more | Asian Journal of Research in Computer Science

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses a major challenge to livestock health, resulting in notable economic losses and threatening of food security. This study hereby leverages an Artificial intelligence (AI) … Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses a major challenge to livestock health, resulting in notable economic losses and threatening of food security. This study hereby leverages an Artificial intelligence (AI) technique by introducing a hybrid classification model that combines Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for spatial feature extraction with texture analysis using Haralick features. Evaluated on a curated dataset of FMD-infected and healthy cattle images, the hybrid model demonstrated a notable improvement over other existing pure deep learning and CNN models, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 94%. Generally, the framework exhibited a balanced f1-score, precision and recall across all classes, addressing challenges such as overlapping patterns and class imbalance. By leveraging complementary spatial and texture-based features, the approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, offering a novel approach for FMD classification. This research underscores the value of hybrid models in advancing veterinary diagnostics and lays the groundwork for broader applications in livestock disease monitoring systems.

A novel killed oil adjuvanted bovine viral diarrhea virus vaccine protects from viremia and clinical manifestations: an immune response and challenge study in cattle

2025-06-13

Berfin Kadiroğlu , Gizem Aytoğu , Kadir Yeşilbağ | Veterinary Research Communications

Comparison of two continuous cell lines BHK-21 and IB-IS2 for isolating field serotypes O and A of Foot-and-Mouth disease virus

2025-06-13

Siamak Khoshnood , Seyed Mahmoud Azimi , Zahra Ziafati Kafi +2 more | Virus Genes

Identifying control strategies to eliminate African swine fever in the United States swine industry in under 12 months

2025-06-13

Abagael L. Sykes , Jason A. Galvis , Kathleen C O'Hara +3 more | Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Effects of coadministration of foot and mouth disease vaccine and inactivated parapoxvirusovis on humoral immunity in cattle

2025-06-13

Rahmi Canbar , Muhammed Fuad Uslu | Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an acute viral disease in animals. Inactive parapoxvirus ovis (IPPVO) strengthens humoral immunity. This study aimed to determine the effect of IPPVO application together … Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an acute viral disease in animals. Inactive parapoxvirus ovis (IPPVO) strengthens humoral immunity. This study aimed to determine the effect of IPPVO application together with FMD vaccine on cattle immunity. It included 30 Holstein cattle randomly divided into two groups: one was administered only the FMD vaccine, and the other was administered the FMD vaccine and IPPVO simultaneously. Control blood was collected from all animals at 0 hours. Serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were measured in blood samples collected at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours post-vaccination, while serum IgG and IgM levels were measured in blood samples collected at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days post-vaccination using ELISA kits. While no changes in serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were detected in the FMD group, IL-1β levels significantly increased (peaking at four hours) in the FMD + IPPVO group. In the FMD group, while IgG levels increased significantly (peaking at 16 days), IgM levels did not change. In the FMD + IPPVO group, IgG level on day 8 was higher than the 16 days value. Also, the IgM level increased significantly on day 16. In conclusion, the application of FMD with IPPVO increases the primary immune response (IgM), but it does not affect the long-term immune response (IgG).

Amplicon sequencing of pasteurized retail dairy enables genomic surveillance of H5N1 avian influenza virus in United States cattle

2025-06-13

Andrew J. Lail , William C. Vuyk , Heather Machkovech +7 more | PLoS ONE

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses with H5 hemagglutinin (HA) genes (clade 2.3.4.4b) are causing an ongoing panzootic in wild birds. Circulation of these viruses is associated with spillover infections … Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses with H5 hemagglutinin (HA) genes (clade 2.3.4.4b) are causing an ongoing panzootic in wild birds. Circulation of these viruses is associated with spillover infections in multiple species of mammals, including a large, unprecedented outbreak in American dairy cattle. Before widespread on-farm testing, there was an unmet need for genomic surveillance. Infected cattle can shed high amounts of HPAI H5N1 viruses in milk, allowing detection in pasteurized retail dairy samples. Over a 2-month sampling period in one Midwestern city, we obtained dairy products processed in 20 different states. Here we demonstrate that a tiled-amplicon sequencing approach produced over 90% genome coverage at greater than 20x depth from 5 of 13 viral RNA positive samples, with higher viral copies corresponding to better sequencing success. The sequences clustered phylogenetically within the rest of the cattle outbreak sequences reported. A combination of RT-qPCR testing and sequencing from retail dairy products can be a useful component of a One Health framework for responding to the avian influenza outbreak in cattle.

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the Erns protein of classical swine fever virus: application for virus detection

2025-06-13

S. M. Gopinath , Madhusudan Hosamani , Suresh H. Basagoudanavar +3 more | Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

Detection of Human-Transmissible Animal Viruses in Meat Markets: A Survey Using PCR Techniques

2025-06-13

M. Abdallah | Journal Siplieria Sciences

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of animal viruses transmissible to humans in meat products traded in Iraqi markets, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Sixty equal samples were … This study aimed to assess the prevalence of animal viruses transmissible to humans in meat products traded in Iraqi markets, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Sixty equal samples were collected from three types of meat: poultry, red meat, and fish (20 samples for each type). The study focused on detecting hepatitis E viruses, adenovirus, and rotavirus, as these are among the viruses most associated with foodborne illnesses. The results showed a high percentage of contaminated samples, with 71.7% of samples testing positive for viruses, particularly HEV, AdV and RV reflecting the seriousness of markets with poor sanitary conditions. Analysis revealed differences in contamination rates depending on the type of meat, with poultry and red meat being more susceptible to contamination. PCR was also proven effective as a sensitive and accurate method for the early detection of foodborne viruses. The study concluded that markets that lack regular health supervision represent a fertile environment for the transmission of viruses from animals to humans, posing a threat to public health. The findings were supported by comparison with similar studies in Brazil and Laos, which emphasized the seriousness of open markets as a major source of viral epidemics. The study recommends strict market controls, the implementation of periodic PCR testing programs, and increased health awareness among consumers and food chain workers.

3C protease–independent production of foot-and-mouth disease virus-like particles in Pichia pastoris

2025-06-12

Zhiyao Li , Dong Hu , Shuanghui Yin +5 more | Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

The inactivated vaccines have played a pivotal role in the control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). However, certain safety concerns remain. Recently, virus-like particles (VLPs) have gradually become a … The inactivated vaccines have played a pivotal role in the control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). However, certain safety concerns remain. Recently, virus-like particles (VLPs) have gradually become a research hotspot. As the eukaryotic expression system with the lowest production costs, the production of VLPs using Pichia pastoris has significant potential. During the natural infection process of FMD virus (FMDV), the polyprotein P1 is cleaved by 3C protease to form VP0, VP3, and VP1, which are subsequently assembled into VLPs. In this study, we adopted an alternative approach, co-expressing VP0, VP3, and VP1 without 3C protease for the production of FMDV VLPs in P. pastoris. The western blot (WB) assays showed variable protein expression on the same plasmid. VP0 was the highest, while VP3 and VP1 were similar. Furthermore, the order of proteins on the plasmid also mattered. The results indicated that His6 tags at VP0, VP3, and VP1 N-termini significantly affected VLPs assembly. The three-dimensional structure of FMDV revealed that the N-terminus of VP3 and VP1, which are situated in the external space of VLPs, can be fused with His6 tag. Inserting His6 tags into the G-H loop region of VP1 did not hinder assembly, thus providing a reference for the affinity purification of capsid and VLPs assembly. Here, FMDV VLPs were successfully produced independently of 3C protease, avoiding the uncontrollable cleavage efficiency and toxicity of 3C protease in host cells and demonstrating the potential of P. pastoris for FMDV VLPs production. KEY POINTS: • FMDV VLPs could be produced in P. pastoris by a 3 C protease-independent approach • Optimal expression of FMDV VLPs in P. pastoris is achieved at pH 7 with 72-h induction • His6 can be fused to the G-H region and C-terminus of VP1 and C-terminus of VP3 without affecting the VLPs assembly.

Technological limitations of cattle breeding in La Pampa, Argentina: diagnosis and challenges

2025-06-12

Santiago Agustín Pérez | Perspectivas

African swine fever virus infection enhances CD14-dependent phagocytosis of porcine alveolar macrophages to promote bacterial uptake and apoptotic body-mediated viral transmission

2025-06-12

Fengyang Shi , Zhen Xu , Peng Gao +7 more | Journal of Virology

ABSTRACT African swine fever virus (ASFV) is an economically devastating pathogen that can cause fatal infections in both domestic pigs and wild boar, with monocytes and macrophages as its target … ABSTRACT African swine fever virus (ASFV) is an economically devastating pathogen that can cause fatal infections in both domestic pigs and wild boar, with monocytes and macrophages as its target cells. For macrophages, phagocytosis is a fundamental and crucial process, which is usually suppressed by the virus, impeding pathogen clearance and antigen presentation. However, it was unexpectedly found that ASFV infection enhances the phagocytic ability of primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), as evaluated using an EGFP-labeled bacterial phagocytosis model. The phagocytic processes, including cell migration, bacterial adhesion, pseudopod extension, and pattern recognition receptor (PRR) expression, in ASFV-infected PAMs were systematically investigated. In addition, the upregulated PRRs were knocked down to analyze their role in enhanced phagocytosis. CD14, a receptor of LPS and phospholipid, was identified as being upregulated by ASFV, leading to enhanced bacterial uptake. Further exploration revealed that ASFV’s genomic nucleic acid in infected PAMs activates the cGAS/STING/NF-κB pathway to increase CD14 expression. Meanwhile, the free ASFV nucleic acid released from infected PAMs can also activate CD14 expression in bystander PAMs via the TLR9 pathway, facilitating ASFV transmission via apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs). Moreover, the boosted bacterial phagocytosis in the early stages of ASFV infection potentially creates a more inflamed environment with more intense cytokine production. Here, it reveals a critical mechanism by which ASFV enhances CD14-dependent bacterial uptake in PAMs via the cGAS/STING/NF-κB and TLR9 pathways, promoting viral transmission through ApoBDs and amplifying inflammatory responses to bacterial co-infections, providing vital insights into ASFV pathogenesis and host immune manipulation. IMPORTANCE Porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) are the target cells of African swine fever virus (ASFV), but how ASFV impacts their phagocytic function is less known. Here, it was discovered that the nucleic acids of ASFV can enhance the expression of CD14, a receptor of LPS and phospholipid, in infected PAMs via the cGAS/STING/NF-κB pathway, or in bystander PAMs via the TLR9 pathway. Consequently, enhanced CD14 expression facilitates the uptake of bacteria and apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs), promoting the inflammatory response and ASFV cell-to-cell transmission. It provides new insights into the innate immunity response following ASFV infection and the transmission of ASFV.