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Chambers G, Laven R, Grinberg A, Ridler A, Velathanthiri N. An observational study of farmer-reported clinical mastitis in New Zealand dairy ewes. N Z Vet J 2024; 72:212-224. [PMID: 38719198 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2024.2344566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To describe the incidence, aetiology, treatment, and outcomes of farmer-reported clinical mastitis on New Zealand dairy sheep farms. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted on 20 spring-lambing New Zealand sheep milking farms over the 2022-2023 season. Clinical mastitis was defined as a change in the appearance of milk and/or signs of inflammation in the gland. Farmers were required to report all cases of clinical mastitis and collect information on affected ewes' demographics, clinical features, treatments (where applicable), and outcomes. Milk samples from mastitic glands were submitted for microbiological culture and identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). RESULTS Partial or complete clinical mastitis data were available for 236 cases from 221 ewes on 18/20 study farms. Clinical mastitis was diagnosed in 0-6% of ewes at the farm level, with an overall incidence of 1.8 (95% CI = 1.0-3.2)% using the study data, or 2.3 (95% CI = 1.6-3.3)% using the study data and farmer estimates that included unreported cases. Cases occurred mostly in early lactation, with 59% detected during the lambing period (August-October), at a median of 7 (IQR 3, 40) days in milk. The majority of cases featured clots in the milk (59%), swelling (55%), and unevenness (71%) of the glands. Pyrexia (rectal temperature ≥ 40.0°C) was diagnosed in 25% of cases and depression (lethargy, inappetence, or inability to stand) in 26% of cases. Treatment was given to 46% of cases, with tylosin being the most commonly used treatment (50% of treated cases). The most common outcome was immediate drying off to be culled without treatment (32%), followed by still milking and recovered but with lasting problems (25%). Nearly half of all the milk samples submitted were culture negative. Streptococcus uberis (14%), non-aureus staphylococci (12%), and Staphylococcus aureus (11%) were the most common isolates, found on 12, 8 and 8 of the 16 farms with microbiological data, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Clinical mastitis affected up to 6% of ewes at the farm level. Systemic signs were observed in one quarter of affected ewes, suggesting a role for supportive treatment. Clinical mastitis can be severe and challenging to fully resolve in New Zealand dairy sheep. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first systematic study of clinical mastitis in New Zealand dairy ewes. It provides baseline information specific to New Zealand conditions for farmers, veterinarians, and other advisors to guide the management of mastitis for the relatively new dairy sheep industry in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Laven
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - A Grinberg
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - A Ridler
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - N Velathanthiri
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Lysitsas M, Spyrou V, Billinis C, Valiakos G. Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci as an Etiologic Agent of Ovine Mastitis, with a Focus on Subclinical Forms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1661. [PMID: 38136695 PMCID: PMC10740641 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this review is to investigate the distribution and the characteristics of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) implicated in ovine mastitis, and especially in subclinical cases, in order to provide a global perspective of the current research data and analyze specific critical aspects of the issue. PRISMA guidelines were implemented in the search of the last 20 years of the related literature in two databases. In total, 139 studies were included in this review. Relevant data were tracked down, assembled, and compared. Regarding the geographical distribution, most studies originated from Europe (68), followed by South America (33). Lacaune was the most examined breed, while S. epidermidis was the predominantly identified species, representing approximately 39% of the obtained isolates. Antibiotic resistance in the relevant bacteria was documented mostly for Penicillin (32.8%) and Amoxicillin (32.1%), while biofilm- and toxin-associated genes were encountered in variable rates because significant inequalities were observed between different articles. Significantly higher rates of antimicrobial resistance were detected in Asia and South America compared to Europe. Finally, the diagnostic procedures carried out in the respective studies were evaluated. Conventional culture and biochemical tests were mostly performed for simple strain identification; therefore, further molecular investigation of isolates should be pursued in future studies, as this will provide important data regarding specific aspects of the implication of CoNS in ovine mastitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Lysitsas
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Department of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41334 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.L.); (C.B.)
| | - George Valiakos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (M.L.); (C.B.)
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Queiroga MC, Laranjo M, Andrade N, Marques M, Costa AR, Antunes CM. Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Toxicological Assessment of Propolis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020347. [PMID: 36830258 PMCID: PMC9952062 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem for the control of infections and infectious diseases. Propolis is a substance produced by honeybees with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. To consider propolis as an alternative to the use of antimicrobials for infection control, we assessed its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. To assess propolis for topical medical use, toxicological studies were also performed. A Portuguese 70% propolis ethanolic extract was chemically evaluated and studied for antimicrobial activity on staphylococcal field isolates (n = 137) and antibiofilm action (n = 45). Cell toxicological assessment was performed using keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Pinobanksin, chrysin, acacetin, apigenin, pinocembrin, and kaempferol-dimethyl-ether were detected. All 137 isolates were susceptible to 6.68 mg/mL or lower propolis concentration (80% isolates were susceptible to <1 mg/mL). The mean percentage of biofilm inhibition was 71%, and biofilm disruption was 88.5%. Propolis (<1 mg/mL) was well-tolerated by fibroblasts and moderately tolerated by keratinocytes. The combined antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect of propolis, together with its low toxicity to connective tissue and epithelial cells, suggests a good applicability for topical antibacterial treatment. Therefore, propolis seems to be a good alternative to antimicrobials for the treatment of infections with Staphylococcus spp. that deserves to be evaluated in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Queiroga
- MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Laranjo
- MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nara Andrade
- Universidade Paulista, Campus Petrolina-PE, Av. Barão do Rio Branco, 700-862 - Centro, Petrolina - PE, CEP: 56304-260, Brazil
| | - Mariana Marques
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra, ICT, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ana Rodrigues Costa
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra, ICT, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Médicas e da Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Célia Maria Antunes
- Instituto de Ciências da Terra, ICT, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Médicas e da Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico do Alentejo, C-TRAIL, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
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Dias BV, da Costa GM, Leite RF, Lucas FA, Custódio DADC, Lima RRD, Brighenti CRG, Alves NG. Relationship between subclinical mastitis and reproduction in Lacaune sheep. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Virulence Factors in Staphylococcus Associated with Small Ruminant Mastitis: Biofilm Production and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060633. [PMID: 34070557 PMCID: PMC8228312 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant mastitis is a serious problem, mainly caused by Staphylococcus spp. Different virulence factors affect mastitis pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate virulence factors genes for biofilm production and antimicrobial resistance to β-lactams and tetracyclines in 137 staphylococcal isolates from goats (86) and sheep (51). The presence of coa, nuc, bap, icaA, icaD, blaZ, mecA, mecC, tetK, and tetM genes was investigated. The nuc gene was detected in all S. aureus isolates and in some coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). None of the S. aureus isolates carried the bap gene, while 8 out of 18 CNS harbored this gene. The icaA gene was detected in S. aureus and S. warneri, while icaD only in S. aureus. None of the isolates carrying the bap gene harbored the ica genes. None of the biofilm-associated genes were detected in 14 isolates (six S. aureus and eight CNS). An association was found between Staphylococcus species and resistance to some antibiotics and between antimicrobial resistance and animal species. Nine penicillin-susceptible isolates exhibited the blaZ gene, questioning the reliability of susceptibility testing. Most S. aureus isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, and no cefazolin or gentamycin resistance was detected. These should replace other currently used antimicrobials.
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Streptococcus spp. from bulk-tank milk and milking machine teatcups on small ruminant farms, and factors potentially associated with their isolation. J DAIRY RES 2020; 87:277-281. [PMID: 32883377 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029920000734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this work were (a) to determine the presence of streptococci in samples from small ruminant dairy farms (bulk-tank milk and, where possible, teatcup swabs), (b) to investigate the potential adverse effects of streptococci on milk quality and (c) to investigate the importance of some husbandry factors for the isolation of streptococci. Bulk-tank milk samples and teatcups swab samples were examined bacteriologically for the presence of streptococci. Somatic cell counting and milk composition measurements were also performed. The husbandry factors present in each farm were assessed for potential associations with the isolation of streptococci. Streptococci were isolated from milk samples from 31.4% of sheep and 17.4% of goat farms and from 4.8% of sheep and 5.9% of goat teatcups. Streptococci were isolated more frequently from the upper part than the lower part of teatcups: 5.0% vs. 1.9%. Most isolates (57.9%) were identified as Streptococcus uberis. Most isolates (68.4%) were slime-producing; slime-production was more frequent among isolates from teatcups (83.3%) than from bulk-tank milk (55.0%). Somatic cell counts and milk composition did not differ between farms in which streptococci were or were not isolated. Machine-milking was associated with the isolation of streptococci from bulk-tank milk samples. The initial stage of the milking period (first two months) was found to be associated with the isolation of streptococci from milking machine teatcups in sheep farms only.
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Tvarožková K, Tančin V, Uhrinčať M, Hleba L, Mačuhová L. Mastitis pathogens and somatic cell count in ewes milk. POTRAVINARSTVO 2020. [DOI: 10.5219/1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of pathogens in selected group of ewes and the relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) and the presence of pathogens. The experiment was carried out on a dairy farm, where predominantly breed was a Tsigai. Sampling was carried out in monthly intervals as part of the milk recording test day from February to July 2019. A total of 303 ewes were included in the survey, during the milk recording test day. The ewes with SCC ≥1000 × 103 cells.mL-1 were selected for further sampling at half udder level. Based on SCC the ewes were divided into five groups: <200 ×103; ≥200 <400 × 103; ≥400 <600 × 103; ≥600 <1000 × 103; ≥1000 × 103 cells.mL-1. The first group of SCC contained 33.9% of milk samples, the second 14.1% of samples, the third 5.7% of samples, the fourth 6.2% and the fifth 40.1% of samples. The most common pathogens were coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS). The most frequent CNS was Staphylococcus (S.) simulans (24.4%). S. aureus was identified in 5.3% of bacteriological positive samples. Almost 70% of ewes with bacteriological positive samples were repeated identified the presence of pathogens during tested period. SCC ≥500 × 103 cells.mL-1 were detected in 92.5% bacteriological positive milk samples. The presence of pathogens increased SCC in milk (p <0.001) as compared to samples free of pathogens. In conclusion, the SCC ≥500 × 103 cells.mL-1 could be important for detection of subclinical mastitis at half udder level in dairy ewes.
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Rosa NM, Agnoletti F, Lollai S, Tola S. Comparison of PCR-RFLP, API® 20 Strep and MALDI-TOF MS for identification of Streptococcus spp. collected from sheep and goat milk samples. Small Rumin Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2019.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Vasileiou NGC, Mavrogianni VS, Petinaki E, Fthenakis GC. Predisposing factors for bacterial mastitis in ewes. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1424-1431. [PMID: 31361921 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective of this review paper is the appraisal of predisposing factors for bacterial mastitis in ewes. Factors that predispose ewes to mastitis can be classified into non-animal-related factors (environmental and climatological factors, housing, nutrition, milking practices) and animal-related factors (anatomic, genetic, litter size-ethological factors, number and stage of lactation period, health problems). There are clear management-environment-animal interactions in mastitis development in ewes, which underline its multifactorial nature. Research and studies regarding risk factors are important, in order to develop strategies for their elimination, control or correction. Control measures for bacterial mastitis, which attempt to eliminate predisposing factors for infection, can thus be developed and implemented.
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Tvarožková K, Tančin V, Uhrinčať M, Mačuhová L, Vršková M, Oravcová M. Somatic cell count during first and second lactation in ewes. POTRAVINARSTVO 2019. [DOI: 10.5219/1059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of distribution of ewes in SCC groups on the basis SCS (somatic cells score) per lactation and estimate changes of SCC from 1st lactation on 2nd lactation. The experiment was carried at seven farms in 1st observed period (2016 and 2017) and at eight farms in 2nd observed one (2017 and 2018). Within each of periods the same animals were sampled on their 1st and following 2nd lactation in next year of study, only. Totally 1199 milk samples from 159 ewes and 1653 milk samples from 219 ewes were collected during 1st period and 2nd period, respectively. Milk sampling were taken monthly from April to August in both periods. For evaluation only ewes with minimum three sampling per year (minimum six samples per animal) were included in the study within both periods. The ewes were divided into the five SCC groups on basis of their SCS per lactation: G1 = SCC <200 × 103 cells.mL-1, G2 = SCC ≥200 <400 × 103 cells.mL-1, G3 = SCC ≥400 <600 × 103 cells.mL-1, G4 = SCC ≥600 <1000 × 103 cells.mL-1 and G5 = SCC ≥1000 × 103 cells.mL-1. In total statistically significant impact of parity on SCC in 2nd period was detected (p <0.0001) only. From the farm point of view in 1st period only in two farms and in 2nd one in five farms significant effect of parity was found out. Thus in some farms no increase of SCC from first to second lactation was observed. When comparing the changes in SCC from the first to the second lactation in both first and second periods, 6.92% and 10.96%, respectively ewes moved from SCC group G1 to G5. The significant effect of farm management and parity on SCC was demonstrated.
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Takano PV, Scapini VADC, Valentini T, Girardini LK, de Souza FN, Della Libera AMMP, Heinemann MB, Chande CG, Cortez A, Collet SG, Diniz SA, Blagitz MG. Milk cellularity and intramammary infections in primiparous and multiparous Lacaune ewes during early lactation. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Queiroga MC. Local and systemic humoral response to ovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. SAGE Open Med 2018; 6:2050312118801466. [PMID: 30263120 PMCID: PMC6153545 DOI: 10.1177/2050312118801466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Mastitis is responsible for a decrease in milk yield and quality. Disease
control is vital for producers’ profit and for consumer’s welfare. This
study aimed at investigating the immune response to Staphylococcus
epidermidis intramammary infection. Methods: A total of 14 S. epidermidis isolates from milk collected
from ewes with subclinical mastitis were used. Protein extracts were
prepared and analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis. Immunoblotting assay was performed for the detection of
specific IgG and IgA in blood and milk from S. epidermidis
mastitic ewes and from healthy animals. Results: The presence of pathogen-specific IgG was detected in blood of both infected
and healthy animals. However, in milk, pathogen-specific IgG was only
identified in infected animals, while IgA was found in both groups. Proteins
with 59 and 43 kDa were recognized by all immunoglobulins screened in blood
and milk provided by both healthy and mastitic ewes. In addition, in milk,
IgG and IgA for proteins with 35 kDa were also detected. Conclusion: The results have lead to propose a theory for immunoglobulin dynamics in
mammary gland’s defence: blood IgG1, specifically targeting intestinal
antigens, is transported to the mammary gland with the main purpose of
protecting the newborn, while IgG2 is specific for mammary pathogens and is
transported to the mammary gland exclusively during inflammation. This study
suggests that only local immunization should trigger IgG-producing cells in
the mammary gland as a response to mastitis antigens. Moreover, IgA seems to
be of crucial value for the defence of the ewe mammary gland, and
stimulation strategies towards an increase in IgA should be addressed for
mastitis prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Queiroga
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
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Spuria L, Biasibetti E, Bisanzio D, Biasato I, De Meneghi D, Nebbia P, Robino P, Bianco P, Lamberti M, Caruso C, Di Blasio A, Peletto S, Masoero L, Dondo A, Capucchio MT. Microbial agents in macroscopically healthy mammary gland tissues of small ruminants. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3994. [PMID: 29152416 PMCID: PMC5689019 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health of mammary glands is fundamental for milk and dairy products hygiene and quality, with huge impacts on consumers welfare. Methods This study aims to investigate the microbial agents (bacteria, fungi and lentiviruses) isolated from 89 macroscopically healthy udders of regularly slaughtered small ruminants (41 sheep, 48 goats), also correlating their presence with the histological findings. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between lesions and positivity for different microbial isolates, animal age and bacteria. Results Twenty-five samples were microbiologically negative; 138 different bacteria were isolated in 64 positive udders. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent bacteria isolated (46.42%), followed by environmental opportunists (34.76%), others (10.14%) and pathogens (8.68%). Most mammary glands showed coinfections (75%). Lentiviruses were detected in 39.3% of samples. Histologically, chronic non-suppurative mastitis was observed in 45/89 glands, followed by chronic mixed mastitis (12/89) and acute suppurative mastitis (4/89). Only 28 udders were normal. Histological lesions were significantly associated with the animal species and lentiviruses and coagulase-negative staphylococci infections. Goats had significantly higher risk to show chronic mixed mastitis compared to sheep. Goats showed a significantly lower risk (OR = 0.26; 95% CI [0.06-0.71]) of being infected by environmental opportunists compared to sheep, but higher risk (OR = 10.87; 95% CI [3.69-37.77]) of being infected with lentiviruses. Discussion The results of the present study suggest that macroscopically healthy glands of small ruminants could act as a reservoir of microbial agents for susceptible animals, representing a potential risk factor for the widespread of acute or chronic infection in the flock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Spuria
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Elena Biasibetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Donal Bisanzio
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, c/o Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Daniele De Meneghi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nebbia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patrizia Robino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Caruso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Blasio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Peletto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Loretta Masoero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dondo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
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