Health evaluation in the native Garfagnina goat

Global prevalence of Eimeria species in goats: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Coccidiosis is a protozoal disease caused by Eimeria species, the main symptom of which is diarrhea. Eimeria spp. infection can cause weight loss and ill-thrift in goats, and in severe cases, it can lead to mortality in kids, resulting in economic losses for the goat industry. This study aimed to determine the global prevalence of Eimeria spp. in goats and to identify the possible predictors of heterogeneity among selected studies.

Methods

Data were retrieved from five databases of major global importance (PubMed, Web of Science, CAB Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar), with 255 studies published between 1963 and 2022 being included. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI), followed by subgroup meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis to identify factors contributing to high prevalence and explore sources of heterogeneity among studies.

Results

The estimated global prevalence of Eimeria spp. in goats was 62.9% (95% CI: 58.6-67.2). Our results indicated high inter-study variability (inconsistency index (I2) = 99.7%, p < 0.01). Among the variables analyzed, regions and quality of studies were the most significant predictors of heterogeneity. According to the region-based subgroup meta-analysis, North America had the highest estimated prevalence of Eimeria spp. (92.2, 95% CI: 82.7-98.2), followed by Europe (86.6, 95% CI: 79.8-92.3), while Asia had the lowest prevalence (52.0, 95% CI: 45.9-58.1). Most countries (n = 42/56) had an estimated prevalence above the overall pooled estimate (>62.9%). The subgroup of studies conducted in 2000 or later presented a lower prevalence of 59.6% (95% CI: 54.7-64.3). Studies with a score of 5-7 had a significantly higher prevalence (72.4, 95% CI: 66.2-78.2) than studies with low or medium scores (p < 0.01). The prevalence of Eimeria spp. in goats detected with conventional and molecular methods was 67.3% (95% CI: 47.0-84.7). Only 47% (119/255) of the studies provided details on identifying Eimeria at the species level. Overall, more than 26 Eimeria spp. have been identified in goats globally. Among these, the most frequently reported and pathogenic species were E. arloingi (115/119), E. ninakohlyakimovae (108/119), E. christenseni (94/119), and E. caprina (71/119). Other valid species that were reported less frequently include E. alijevi, E. hirci, E. caprovina, E. aspheronica and E. jolchijevi.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the pathogenic Eimeria spp. are widespread in goats globally. Given the high prevalence and the extensive distribution of pathogenic Eimeria spp. in goats, it is recommended that integrated parasite management approaches be implemented for the effective control of coccidiosis in goats.

Control of gastrointestinal helminths in small ruminants to prevent anthelmintic resistance: the Italian experience

Helminth infections are ubiquitous in grazing ruminants and cause significant costs due to production losses. Moreover, anthelmintic resistance (AR) in parasites is now widespread throughout Europe and poses a major threat to the sustainability of modern ruminant livestock farming. Epidemiological data on the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and liver- and rumen-flukes in Italian small ruminants are outdated and fragmentary. However, anthelmintics are commonly used to control these infections and often without prior diagnosis. Compared to other European countries, few reports of AR in small ruminants against levamisole, ivermectin and benzimidazoles have been published in Italy, but recent studies suggest that this phenomenon is spreading. Increased and integrated research efforts in developing innovative approaches to control helminth infections and AR are needed and must be tailored to the peculiarities of each context in order to be effectively implemented. This manuscript provides an overview on helminth prevalence and distribution, sustainable treatment strategies and integrated control approaches in small ruminants in Italy. The implementation of targeted treatments and targeted selective treatments is discussed based on different parameters, such as fecal egg count, degree of anaemia (FAMACHA© method), milk production and body condition score. In addition, several Italian studies have also investigated the implementation of alternative strategies such as the use of different natural bioactive compounds or genetic selection for resistance and resilience to helminth infections. These concrete solutions for helminth management in small ruminant farms in the country are reported and discussed, representing a valid example for other Mediterranean countries.

The status of tularemia in Europe in a one-health context: a review

The bacterium Francisella tularensis causes the vector-borne zoonotic disease tularemia, and may infect a wide range of hosts including invertebrates, mammals and birds. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, or through arthropod vectors. Tularemia has a broad geographical distribution, and there is evidence which suggests local emergence or re-emergence of this disease in Europe. This review was developed to provide an update on the geographical distribution of F. tularensis in humans, wildlife, domestic animals and vector species, to identify potential public health hazards, and to characterize the epidemiology of tularemia in Europe. Information was collated on cases in humans, domestic animals and wildlife, and on reports of detection of the bacterium in arthropod vectors, from 38 European countries for the period 1992-2012. Multiple international databases on human and animal health were consulted, as well as published reports in the literature. Tularemia is a disease of complex epidemiology that is challenging to understand and therefore to control. Many aspects of this disease remain poorly understood. Better understanding is needed of the epidemiological role of animal hosts, potential vectors, mechanisms of maintenance in the different ecosystems, and routes of transmission of the disease.