Frontiers in Veterinary Science

BackgroundJohnes disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic enteritis impacting welfare and productivity in cattle. Screening and animal removal are common for disease management, but efforts are hindered by low diagnostic sensitivity. Expression levels of small non-coding RNA molecules involved in gene regulation (microRNAs) altered during mycobacterial infection may present an alternative diagnostic method. MethodsLevels of 24 microRNAs affected by mycobacterial infection were measured in sera from MAP-positive (n=66) and MAP-negative samples (n=65). They were used to train a collection of statistical and machine learning models to identify an optimal classifier for diagnosis. ResultsThe best-performing model provided 72% accuracy, 78% AUC, 73% sensitivity and 71% specificity on average. LimitationsAlthough control samples were collected from farms nominally MAP-free, low sensitivity in current diagnostics means animals may be misclassified. ConclusionMicroRNA profiling combined with advanced predictive modelling techniques accurately diagnosed Johnes disease in cattle.

Understanding immune mechanisms in cattle is vital for improving disease resistance through informed breeding and vaccine development. Meta-analysis enables the integration of multiple transcriptomic studies to identify consistent gene expression patterns and enhance statistical power. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of four bovine transcriptomic datasets (GSE45439, GSE62048, GSE125964, and GSE247921) to identify immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Bos taurus. These datasets covered infections with Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, comparing diseased and healthy cattle. Our pipeline included FastQC, Trimmomatic, Bowtie2, SAMtools, FeatureCounts, DESeq2, and MetaRNASeq, leading to the discovery of 28 significant DEGs (12 upregulated and 16 downregulated). Comparison with an innate immune gene database identified five key immune-related genes--IL1A, RGS2, RCAN1, and ZBP1--with known regulatory roles in immunity. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed involvement in Necroptosis, Osteoclast Differentiation, Oxytocin Signaling, and cGMP-PKG Signaling pathways, associated with inflammatory cell death, cytokine signaling, and immune cell differentiation. This meta-analysis enhances understanding of conserved immune signaling mechanisms in cattle and highlights genes that may serve as biomarkers for immune competence, disease susceptibility, and vaccine responsiveness, offering valuable insights for future bovine immunogenomics research.

Invasive wild pigs are a global problem and are established in large areas across Canada. Domestic European wild boar were first introduced to Canadian farms in the 1980s, and their escape and intentional release have since led to free-ranging populations, which have expanded rapidly in numbers and range. Wild pigs are associated with widespread damage to crops and natural environments, as well as risks of disease transmission. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of global concern, that can spread between domestic and free-ranging swine and cause catastrophic economic impacts. As ASF preparedness requires a detailed understanding of the distribution and movements of all pig types, this paper aimed to characterize an unregulated grey swine market in Canada to understand risks to domestic swine production and potential contributions to free-ranging wild pig populations. Kijiji.ca is a free Canadian internet classified advertising service, almost exclusively cash-based with no receipts and few, if any, records kept of transactions. We monitored Kijiji for sales of domestic wild boar, pot-bellied pigs, and their hybrids across Canada over two months from April 28 - June 30, 2021. Data was collected from all advertisements, including how the seller labelled pigs breed, age, sex, number for sale, sexual intactness, presence of tattoos and/or ear tags, as well as the date and location of the posting. Locations were mapped and compared to the spatial distribution of existing free-ranging wild pigs in Canada to identify areas they were likely to facilitate new populations or potentially supplement and genetically diversify existing populations. We identified 151 advertisements on Kijiji, the most coming from Ontario (34.4%; n = 52) and Alberta (29.1%; n = 44), followed by Saskatchewan (11.3%; n = 17), British Columbia (10.6%; n = 16), Nova Scotia (7.3%; n = 11), New Brunswick (4.0%; n = 6), Manitoba (2.0%; n = 3), Quebec (0.7%; n = 1), and Prince Edward Island (0.7%; n = 1). No listings were observed in Newfoundland and Labrador, or Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Overall, 62 (41%) of advertisements were within watersheds with existing wild pigs that may contribute to supplementing additional swine, and 89 (59%) were within watersheds where wild pigs have not yet been identified. African swine fever preparedness should include policies and action to address this unmonitored and unregulated sale of swine in Canada, including ear tags, tattoos, genetic analysis, and mandatory reporting.

ObjectiveThe Cancer Lifetime Assessment Screening Study in Canines (CLASSiC) is a prospective, longitudinal cancer screening study, in which enrolled dogs are screened for cancer with physical exams and next-generation sequencing-based liquid biopsy testing on a serial basis. The goals of the first interim analysis, presented here, are to assess the benefits of using the OncoK9(R) liquid biopsy test as a cancer screening tool in a prospective clinical setting, and to demonstrate test performance for cancer detection, including preclinical detection. Subjects726 presumably cancer-free client-owned dogs were prospectively enrolled in the study across 24 clinical sites in the US and Canada. Most subjects were at high risk of cancer at the time of enrollment based on age and/or breed. 419 dogs that were enrolled for at least one year and had at least two cancer screening study visits, or that had received a definitive or presumptive diagnosis of cancer up to the time of the interim analysis, were included in the analysis. MethodsClinical data and a blood sample were collected at each study visit (once or twice per year and when cancer was clinically suspected). Cell-free DNA extracted from plasma was tested by OncoK9(R) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Results417 dogs were eligible for inclusion in the interim analysis and had classifiable outcomes, with a mean on-study duration of 422 days. Of these, 51 dogs were newly diagnosed with cancer (37 definitive, 14 presumptive), translating to a 12% (51/417) observed incidence over the study period; the liver, skin, bone, heart, spleen, lung, and lymph node(s) were the most common anatomic locations for disease. The prospectively observed sensitivity (detection rate) of the test was 56.9% (95% CI: 42.3-70.4%) with a specificity of 98.9% (95% CI: 97.0-99.6%). The prospectively observed positive predictive value was 87.9% (95% CI: 70.9-96.0%) and the negative predictive value was 94.3% (95% CI: 91.3-96.3%). NGS-based liquid biopsy doubled the overall number of cancer cases detected in this study population (from 25 to 51); remarkably, the detection rate for preclinical cancer was increased 4.6-fold from 12% (6/51) by routine care alone to 55% (28/51) by combining routine care with OncoK9(R) testing. Clinical RelevanceCLASSiC is the [fi]rst study to prospectively document the incidence of cancer in a predominantly high-risk canine population, and to prospectively demonstrate that the addition of NGS-based cancer screening to regularly scheduled wellness visits has the potential to substantially increase preclinical cancer detection in this population.

There is a high prevalence of tick infestation in Pakistani livestock, affecting more than 45% of the population of more than 200 million small and large ruminants. Most livestock farmers seek assistance from para-veterinary workers, who fall under the definition of Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPPs), according to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). There is a shortage of information concerning the awareness of these para-veterinary workers regarding tick control and management. This study aims to bridge this critical knowledge gap by conducting a cross-sectional survey that evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of para-veterinary workers about tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Pakistan. Between March and August 2023, we conducted a web-based survey among para-veterinary workers recruited via email, text message, and face-to-face conversations. Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scores related to TBDs. We received 118 responses from three provinces; only 27.9% (n = 33) responded that they had attended workshops related to ticks and TBDs. Attending workshops was associated with higher KAP scores. All section scores were correlated, and higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with lower odds of tick exposure. Our findings suggest that workshop attendance is important in increasing overall awareness and promoting better practices regarding TBDs.

BackgroundMastitis is an economically important disease of dairy cows with Staphylococcus aureus a major cause worldwide. Challenge of Holstein-Friesian cows demonstrated that S. aureus strain MOK124, which belongs to Clonal Complex (CC)151, caused clinical mastitis, while strain MOK023, belonging to CC97, caused mild or subclinical mastitis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the host immune response utilising a transcriptomic approach. Milk somatic cells were collected from cows infected with either S. aureus MOK023 or MOK124 at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours post-infection (hpi) and analysed for differentially expressed (DE) genes in response to each strain. ResultsIn response to MOK023, 1278, 2278, 1986 and 1750 DE genes were found at 24, 48, 72 and 168 hpi, respectively, while 2293, 1979, 1428 and 1544 DE genes were found in response to MOK124 at those time points. Genes involved in milk production (CSN1, CSN10, CSN1S2, CSN2, a-LACTA and PRLR) were downregulated in response to both strains, with a more pronounced decrease in the MOK124 group. Immune response pathways such as NF-{kappa}B and TNF signalling were overrepresented in response to both strains at 24 hpi. These immune pathways continued to be overrepresented in the MOK023 group at 48 and 72 hpi, while the Hippo signalling, extracellular matrix interaction (ECM) and tight junction pathways were overrepresented in the MOK124 group between 48 and 168 hpi. Cellular composition analysis demonstrated that a neutrophil response was predominant in response to MOK124, while M1 macrophages were the main milk cell type post-infection in the MOK023 group. ConclusionsA switch from immune response pathways to pathways involved in maintaining the integrity of the epithelial cell layer was observed in the MOK124 group from 48 hpi, which coincided with the occurrence of clinical signs in the infected animals. The higher proportion of M1 macrophages in the MOK023 group and lack of substantial neutrophil recruitment in response to MOK023 may indicate immune evasion by this strain. The results of this study highlight that the somatic cell transcriptomic response to S. aureus is dependent on the genotype of the infecting strain.

Left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) is a common condition in Holstein population mainly occur around the time of parturition. The entrapped abomasum located between the rumen and the abdominal wall caused by the abomasal hypomotility. The heritability of LDA estimated higher than for other bovine diseases but a number of management and nutritional conditions are also affecting the disease appearance. Genome studies revealed many significant genomic regions associated with LDA, although an RNA sequencing analysis of abomasum is missing from the literature. Within the framework of this research, we tried to patch up this area missing from the literature and to reveal the genetic causes and a complex interaction between the endocrine and neuromuscular pathways behind the symptoms of the disease with the help of transcriptomic analysis.

Bovine mastitis causes significant economic loss to the dairy industry by affecting milk quality and quantity. E.coli and S.aureus are the two common mastitis-causing bacteria among the consortia of mastitis pathogens, wherein E.coli is an opportunistic environmental pathogen, and S.aureus is a contagious pathogen. This study was designed to predict molecular markers of bovine mastitis by meta-analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in E.coli or S.aureus infected mammary epithelial cells (MECs) using p-value combination and robust rank aggregation (RRA) methods. High throughput transcriptome of bovine (MECs, infected with E.coli or S.aureus, were analyzed, and correlation of z-scores were computed for the expression datasets to identify the lineage profile and functional ontology of DEGs. Key pathways enriched in infected MECs were deciphered by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), following which combined p-value and RRA were used to perform DEG meta-analysis to limit type I error in the analysis. The miRNA-Gene networks were then built to uncover potential molecular markers of mastitis. Lineage profiling of MECs showed that the gene expression levels were associated with mammary tissue lineage. The up-regulated genes were enriched in immune-related pathways whereas down-regulated genes influenced the cellular processes. GSEA analysis of DEGs deciphered the involvement of Toll-like receptor (TLR), and NF- Kappa B signalling pathway during infection. Comparison after meta-analysis yielded with genes ZC3H12A, RND1 and MAP3K8 having significant expression levels in both E.coli and S.aureus dataset and on evaluating miRNA-Gene network 7 pairs were common to both sets identifying them as potential molecular markers.

BackgroundHeat stress (HS) poses a major challenge to the dairy industry by reducing milk production, yet its cell type-specific effects in the bovine mammary gland remain incompletely defined. In this study, we recorded production traits and collected mammary biopsies from cows under thermoneutral (TN), HS, and pair-fed (PF) conditions. ResultsClinical measurements confirmed HS-induced physiological alterations. Compared with TN cows, HS cows exhibited reduced dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and yields of fat, protein, and lactose, along with increased water intake and milk urea nitrogen. The use of PF controls indicated that decreased DMI accounted for 45% of the milk-yield reduction, whereas direct HS effects accounted for the remaining reduction. We applied single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) on mammary biopsies to generate cell-resolved HS responses. We identified 14 distinct cell clusters, including epithelial, immune, and stromal populations. Under the TN condition, casein genes (e.g., CSN1S1, CSN2) were broadly expressed across luminal cells but were attenuated under HS, whereas luminal alveolar cells showed relative upregulation. Heat shock protein genes were strongly induced by HS, primarily in epithelial clusters. Gene-set enrichment analyses revealed increased ribosomal activities across HS-responsive clusters and enrichment of protein folding and metabolic pathways in luminal alveolar cells, suggesting elevated proteostasis demands under stress. Pseudotime analysis positioned luminal cells along a progenitor-to-secretory trajectory under TN, accompanied by increased casein gene expression, whereas under HS, mature luminal cells shifted toward a homeostasis regulatory state. Cell-cell communication analysis demonstrated HS-induced remodeling of interepithelial signaling, including altered ERBB4-mediated signaling from luminal hormone-sensing to alveolar lineages. Finally, transcription factor activity profiling highlighted cell type-specific HS-activated regulators and their downstream target genes. ConclusionsTogether, this cell type-resolved atlas delineates how HS alters bovine mammary epithelial function, developmental state, and intercellular crosstalk. These findings point to proteostasis pressure, disrupted signaling pathways, and rewired regulatory networks as mechanistic contributors to reduced lactational performance under HS, offering insights for improving heat resilience in dairy cattle.

The S1094 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Multistate Research Project is a community of scientists working together to utilize equine genetics and genomics to improve the health and well-being of horses while also providing educational and genetic testing resources to those in the equine industry. To assess the knowledge and priorities of stakeholders regarding genetic testing, we conducted an online survey targeting horse owners and enthusiasts in the United States. Data were collected from March to October 2024 with 412 respondents from 44 states completing the survey. Most of the survey participants were horse owners, and the two most common age ranges for respondents were 31-50 (33.6%) and 51-70 (33.3%) years old. The two most common use categories for horses reported by respondents were sport and stock horses. The survey revealed that a majority of respondents were confident in their knowledge of genetics and that they relied primarily on breed and discipline organizations, as well as universities for their genetic information. Secondarily they relied upon social media and their veterinarians. Respondents expressed significant interest in genetic testing for diversity and performance traits. Across all horse use categories, arthritis, colic and intestinal disease, laminitis, metabolic disorders, and tendon and ligament issues had the greatest level of concern - all of which are complex genetic traits and will require collaborative efforts to discern levels of genetic involvement. Results from the survey underscore the need for continued outreach and education of horse owners, as well as further development of genetic testing tools to support informed decision-making among stakeholders in the equine industry. Lay SummaryGenetic testing helps horse owners, breeders, and breed registries and associations verify parentage, evaluate health, and improve performance. The S1094 USDA Multistate Research Project has a mission of improving genomics and genetics tools, as well as providing educational resources for those in the equine industry. To better understand the knowledge and priorities of stakeholders in the equine industry, we conducted an online survey netting responses from 412 individuals in the United States. Respondents were primarily horse owners who self-identified as confident in their knowledge of horse genetics. Furthermore, those responding indicated that their primary resources for information about genetics were breed and discipline association websites and universities. They also expressed interest in genetic testing for diversity and performance traits. Across all horse use categories, arthritis, colic and intestinal disease, laminitis, metabolic disorders, and tendon and ligament issues had the greatest level of concern. Given the complex nature of these conditions, collaborative efforts will be required to discern levels of genetic involvement. Respondents felt that genetic testing and education efforts have significant impacts on the equine industry because they aid owners in making breeding decisions and in the management of horse health and well-being. Teaser TextThis nationwide survey of U.S. horse owners discerned strong stakeholder interest in equine genetic testing, determined sources for knowledge acquisition, and highlighted key priorities for the development of genetic tools and educational materials.

Regulating the immune system through tumor immunotherapy to defeat tumors is currently one of the most popular methods of tumor treatment. We previously found that the combinations of IL12, IL2 and GMCSF has superior antitumor activities. In this study, IL12IL2GMCSF fusion protein was produced from 293 cells transduced by expression lentiviral vector. IL12IL2GMCSF fusion protein was injected into canine tumors, and the efficacy was monitored to evaluate the potential of tumor immunotherapy. In 14 canines injected with IL12IL2GMCSF protein, 6 had a complete response (CR), 7 had a partial response (PR), and 1 had stable disease (SD). IL12IL2GMCSF fusion protein has great anti-tumor potential. Intratumoral injection of IL12IL2GMCSF can effectively treat tumors without severe adverse effects. It provides a promising immune therapeutics in canine cancers.

Comparative studies of naturally-occurring canine cancers have provided new insight into many areas of cancer research. The inclusion of pet dogs in the development and validation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) diagnostics may be uniquely informative for human translation for many reasons, including: high incidence of certain spontaneous cancers, repeated access to blood and tumor from the same individuals during the course of disease progression, and molecular heterogeneity of naturally-occurring cancers in dogs. Here, we present a feasibility study of ctDNA analysis performed in 9 healthy dogs and 39 dogs with either benign or malignant splenic tumors (hemangiosarcoma) using shallow whole genome sequencing (sWGS) of cell-free DNA. To enable detection and quantification of ctDNA using sWGS, we adapted two informatic approaches and compared their performance for the canine genome. At presentation, mean ctDNA tumor fraction in dogs with malignant splenic tumors was 11.2%, significantly higher than dogs with benign lesions (3.2%; p 0.001), achieving an AUC of 0.84. ctDNA tumor fraction was 14.3% and 9.0% in dogs with metastatic and localized disease, respectively although this difference was not statistically significant (p 0.227). In paired analysis, ctDNA fraction decreased from 11.0% to 7.9% after resection of malignant tumors (p 0.047). Our results demonstrate that ctDNA analysis is feasible in dogs with hemangiosarcoma using a cost-effective approach such as sWGS. Future studies are underway to validate these findings, and further evaluate the role of ctDNA to assess burden of disease and treatment response during drug development.

BackgroundDog-mediated rabies remains endemic in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa despite the availability of effective vaccines. Achieving and sustaining at least 70% vaccination coverage in dog populations is widely recognized as essential for interrupting transmission; however, there is limited operational evidence from municipal campaigns conducted in rapidly urbanizing, resource-constrained settings. We evaluated the implementation and outcomes of a One Health-coordinated free mass dog rabies vaccination campaign conducted in September 2024 in Techiman South Metropolitan, Ghana. MethodologyA mixed-methods post-campaign assessment was undertaken two weeks after campaign completion. Quantitative data were collected from 200 dog-owning households using structured questionnaires, and administrative vaccination records were reviewed to estimate overall coverage. In addition, key informant interviews were conducted with veterinary officers, public health professionals, environmental health personnel, and community leaders involved in campaign delivery. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize household participation and awareness indicators, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Principal FindingsAmong surveyed households, 59.5% owned more than one dog and 51.5% reported vaccinating at least one dog during the campaign. Awareness that rabies is fatal increased from 45% (self-reported pre-campaign recall) to 75% after the campaign period, while awareness that rabies is preventable increased from 40% to 70%. Administrative records indicated that approximately 5,600 dogs were vaccinated, corresponding to an estimated 74% metropolitan-level coverage based on projected dog population figures. Stakeholders identified strong multisectoral collaboration and World Rabies Day mobilization as key facilitators. Reported challenges included vaccine supply delays, limited cold-chain capacity, inadequate access for peri-urban communities, and the absence of strategies to vaccinate free-roaming dogs. Conclusions/SignificanceThese findings suggest that short-duration, one-health mass dog vaccination campaigns can achieve target coverage thresholds in resource-limited urban contexts. However, reliance on projected denominators and exclusion of free-roaming dogs may overestimate effective population immunity. Strengthening monitoring systems, decentralizing access, and incorporating structured strategies for free-roaming dog vaccination will be critical for sustaining rabies control and advancing toward elimination goals. AUTHOR SUMMARYRabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, yet it can be prevented through vaccination of dogs, which are responsible for nearly all human infections in Africa. Global strategies call for vaccinating at least 70% of dogs each year to stop transmission, but there is limited evidence on how well this works in fast-growing African cities with limited resources. We evaluated a free mass dog rabies vaccination campaign carried out in Techiman, Ghana, using a One Health approach that brought together veterinary services, public health authorities, and community leaders. We interviewed 200 dog-owning households and reviewed official vaccination records. We also spoke with frontline staff involved in the campaign. Official records suggested that roughly three-quarters of the estimated dog population was vaccinated, meeting the recommended coverage threshold. Many households reported improved knowledge about rabies following the campaign. However, not all dog-owning households participated, and free-roaming dogs were not systematically vaccinated. Logistical challenges, including vaccine supply delays and limited access in peri-urban communities, were also identified. Our findings show that coordinated municipal campaigns can reach high vaccination numbers even in resource-limited settings. At the same time, accurate monitoring and inclusion of free-roaming dogs are essential to ensure that reported coverage reflects true protection. Strengthening these components will help Ghana and similar countries move closer to eliminating dog-mediated human rabies.

BackgroundOverweightness and obesity in dogs are associated with negative health outcomes. A better understanding of risk factors associated with canine weight is fundamental to identifying preventative interventions and treatments. In this cross-sectional study, we used a direct to consumer approach to collect body condition scores (BCS), as well as demographic, diet, and lifestyle data on 4,446 dogs. BCS was assessed by owners using a 9-point system and categorized as ideal (BCS 4-5), overweight (BCS 6), and obese (BCS 7+). Following univariate analyses, a stepwise procedure was used to select variables which were included in multivariate logistic regression models. One model was created to compare ideal to all overweight and obese dogs, and another was created to compare ideal to obese dogs only. We then used Elastic Net selection and XGBoost variable importance measures to validate these results. ResultsOverall, 1,480 (33%) of dogs were reported to be overweight or obese, of which 356 (8% total) of dogs were reported to be obese. Seven factors were significantly associated with both overweightness/obesity and obesity alone in all three analyses (stepwise, Elastic Net, and XGBoost): diet composition, probiotic supplementation, treat quantity, exercise, age, food motivation level, and pet appetite. Neutering was also associated with overweightness/obesity in all analyses. ConclusionsThis study recapitulated established risk factors associated with BCS (age, exercise, neutering). Moreover, we elucidated associations between previously examined risk factors and BCS (diet composition, treat consumption, and temperament) and identified a novel factor (probiotic supplementation). Specifically, relative to dogs on fresh food diets, BCS was higher in dogs eating dry food both alone and in combination with other foods. Furthermore, dogs receiving probiotics, but not other forms of supplementation, were more likely to have an ideal BCS. Future studies should corroborate these findings with experimental manipulations.

Bovine mastitis, a significant challenge for dairy farming in Zimbabwe, affects milk production, animal health, and economic viability. This study investigated the etiology, prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of mastitis pathogens in dairy farms in the north-eastern regions of Zimbabwe. Of the 256 cows tested, 36.3% showed signs of mastitis, predominantly subclinical (28.1%). Key pathogens isolated included Staphylococcus spp. (34.4%), Streptococcus spp. (26.9%), and Escherichia coli (18.3%). Notably, Candida spp. and Corynebacterium bovis were identified for the first time as mastitis pathogens in Zimbabwe. The detection of Candida spp. underscores the impact of prolonged antibiotic use, which disrupts bacterial flora and promotes fungal infections, while the presence of Corynebacterium bovis highlights hygiene deficiencies in milking practices. Alarmingly, 25% of Staphylococcus isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials such as tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was widespread, further complicating treatment options. This study emphasizes the need for improved hygiene practices, routine screening, and antimicrobial stewardship to manage mastitis and curb the spread of resistance.

Canine pyoderma is characterised by a predominant colonisation of the skin with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and inflammatory symptoms associated with it. Immunoglobulins isolated from cow ss milk are neutralizing virulence factors and toxins of S. pseudintermedius. In a pilot study with four dogs with pyoderma we were able to show that the application of immunoglobulin gel leads to a decrease in the staphylococcal population and an increase in the diversity of the skin microbiome. Due to the limited number of animals, the measurable effect is not statistically significant. Therefore, we are planning a follow-up study that includes more animals.

BackgroundDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is considered a predominantly inherited disease in dogs. Recent reports suggest an increased incidence of DCM in atypical breeds eating grain-free and/or legume-rich diets. However, little data regarding incidence of DCM within the US is available; and no existing data quantifies DCM among breeds over time. HypothesisWe hypothesized that DCM incidence among breeds could be estimated by retrospective polling of veterinary cardiologists. Further, if a correlation existed between grain-free diets and DCM, an increase in DCM would be on trend with increased grain-free pet food sales. Materials and MethodsThirty-six U.S. cardiology specialty practices were asked for all initial canine and DCM cases evaluated from 2000-2019; fourteen cardiology practices participated. DCM signalment data was provided by three hospitals over 15 years; representing 68 breeds. Age distribution of DCM cases upon diagnosis were compared to other cardio cases and general hospital population from one hospital. All data were evaluated using linear regression models. Grain-free pet food sales data was evaluated from 2011-2019. ResultsFourteen hospitals participated and reported 67,243 unique canine patients. Nationally, data did not support a significant change in percent DCM over time (p=0.85). The overall average incidence rate of DCM during the study period was 3.83% (range 2.41-5.65%), while grain-free diet sales increased 500% from 2011-2019. No correlation between overall DCM incidence and grain free diet sales was discovered. A significant upward trend in mixed breeds diagnosed with DCM, with no significant trend in other breeds was appreciated. An upward trend in age at DCM diagnosis was identified, correlating with trends from overall hospital populations. ConclusionsThese data do not support overall increased DCM incidence, or a correlation with grain-free pet food sales. Additional data are necessary to understand whether regional factors contribute to increased DCM within smaller cohorts.

Pain management should be utilized with castration to reduce physiological and behavioral changes. Transdermal application of drugs require less animal management and fewer labor risks, which can occur with oral administration or injections. The objective was to determine the effects of transdermal flunixin meglumine on meat goats’ behavior post-castration. Male goats (N = 18; mean body weight ± standard deviation: 26.4 ± 1.6 kg) were housed individually in pens and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) castrated, dosed with transdermal flunixin meglumine; (2) castrated, dosed with transdermal placebo; and (3) sham castrated, dosed with transdermal flunixin meglumine. Body position, rumination, and head- pressing were observed for 1 h ± 10 minutes twice daily on days −1, 0, 1, 2, and 5 around castration. Each goat was observed once every 5-minutes (scan samples) and reported as percentage of observations. Accelerometers were used to measure standing, lying, and laterality (total time, bouts, and bout duration). A linear mixed model was conducted using GLIMMIX. Fixed effects of treatment, day relative to castration, and treatment*day relative to castration and random effect of date and goat nested within treatment were included. Treatment 1 goats (32.7 ± 2.8%) and treatment 2 goats (32.5 ± 2.8%) ruminated less than treatment 3 goats (47.4 ± 2.8%, P = 0.0012). Head pressing was greater on day of castration in treatment 2 goats (P < 0.001). Standing bout duration was greatest in treatment 2 goats on day 1 post-castration (P < 0.001). Lying bout duration was greatest in treatment 2 goats on day 1 post-castration compared to treatment 1 and treatment 3 goats(P < 0.001). Transdermal flunixin meglumine improved goats’ fluidity of movement post-castration and decreased head pressing, indicating a mitigation of pain behavior.View Full Text

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is essential for mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal health but implementing national initiatives is challenging due to diverse influencing factors and the need for context-specific approaches. An Animal AMS Practice Group, comprised of individuals with lived experience overseeing AMS in various animal health contexts was engaged, and through an experience-based co-design approach created a comprehensive AMS Framework that captures progress and supports tangible improvements in AMS practices in each context. The Framework supported a cross-sectoral pilot assessment that helped users identify progress, areas for improvement, and contextualise antimicrobial usage and AMR data, while also motivating further AMS efforts. Despite common barriers to sharing sensitive data, participants willingly shared AMS results for benchmarking and publication. The process demonstrated that co-design coupled with peer learning and expert support are essential to ensuring AMS tools are utilised in practice. Several participants incorporated the Framework into routine practice, with some using it to drive sector-level AMS action. The resulting Framework offers an adaptable, scalable entry point for AMS efforts and a platform for setting meaningful improvement goals. It supports broader opportunities for national-level AMS assessments and strategy development. Impact StatementThis research offers a practical, scalable approach to improving AMS in animal health. By embedding behaviour change into the project through an experience-based co-design process, rather than expecting it to occur afterward, veterinarians, animal managers, and other frontline professionals defined what good AMS looks like in their context and identified achievable actions to improve daily practices that aligned across diverse animal health settings. The resulting AMS Framework provides a clear, accessible starting point for those overseeing daily AMS activities to benchmark practices, set meaningful goals, and track progress, while also informing national-level prioritisation and decision-making. This user-led model demonstrates that when AMS tools are co-developed with those who will use them and users are empowered to shape the projects design and outputs, the resulting tools are more likely to be adopted, shared, and sustained.

Livestock farming is currently undergoing a digital revolution and becoming increasingly data-driven. Yet, such data often reside in disconnected silos making it impossible to leverage their full potential to improve animal well-being. Here, we introduce a precision medicine approach, bringing together information streams from a variety of life domains of dairy cattle to predict eight common and economically important diseases. Dairy cows are part of a highly industrialised environment. The animals and their surroundings are closely monitored and environmental, behavioural and physiological observations are readily accessible yet seldomly integrated. We use random forest classifiers trained on data from 5,828 animals in 166 herds in Austria to predict occurrences of lameness, acute and chronic mastitis, anoestrus, ovarian cysts, metritis, ketosis (hyperketonemia) and periparturient hypocalcemia (milk fever). To assess the importance of specific cattle life domains and individual features for these predictions, we use multivariate logistic regression and feature permutation approaches. We show that disease in dairy cattle is a product of the complex interplay between a multitude of life domains such as housing, nutrition or climate, and identify a range of features that were previously not associated with increased disease risk. For example, we can predict anoestrus with high sensitivity and specificity (F1=0.72) and find that housing, feed and husbandry variables such as barn design and time on pasture are most predictive of this disease. We also find previously unknown associations of features with disease risk, for example humid conditions, which significantly decrease the odds for ketosis. Our findings pave the way towards data-driven point-of-care interventions and demonstrate the added value of integrating all available data in the dairy industry to improve animal well-being and reduce disease risk.