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Djokic V, Freddi L, de Massis F, Lahti E, van den Esker MH, Whatmore A, Haughey A, Ferreira AC, Garofolo G, Melzer F, Sacchini F, Koets A, Wyllie S, Fontbonne A, Girault G, Vicente AF, McGiven J, Ponsart C. The emergence of Brucella canis as a public health threat in Europe: what we know and what we need to learn. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2249126. [PMID: 37649455 PMCID: PMC10540651 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2249126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic bacteria, Brucella canis, is becoming the leading cause of canine brucellosis in Europe. In dogs, it causes reproductive problems as well as non-specific lameness or discospondilitis. In humans, B. canis can be origin of chronic debilitating conditions characteristic to its genus such as undulant fever, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Although B. canis shows some pathogenic characteristics similar to B. abortus and B. melitensis, it lacks surface O-polysaccharide, like nonzoonotic B. ovis. This review shows that host-B. canis interactions are still poorly understood, with many knowledge and capability gaps, causing relatively poor sensitivity and specificity of existing diagnostic tools. Currently, there is no vaccine for this rough Brucella species. Besides, antimicrobial therapy does not guarantee bacterial elimination, and infection relapses are frequently reported, increasing the risks of antibiotic resistance development. B. canis has been detected in dogs in almost all European countries which increased human exposure, but currently there is no systematic surveillance. Moreover, B. canis caused brucellosis is not included in Animal Health Law, and therefore there is no legal framework to tackle this emerging infectious disease. To map out the diagnostic strategies, identify risks for human infections and propose management scheme for infected pet and kennel dogs, we present current understanding of canine B. canis caused brucellosis, outline major knowledge gaps and propose future steps. To address and highlight challenges veterinary and public health services encounter in Europe, we developed two B. canis infection scenarios: of a single household pet and of a kennel dog in larger group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitomir Djokic
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luca Freddi
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Fabrizio de Massis
- National and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Elina Lahti
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marielle H. van den Esker
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Whatmore
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Anna Haughey
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Ana Cristina Ferreira
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, I.P. (INIAV, IP), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Giuliano Garofolo
- National and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Falk Melzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Flavio Sacchini
- National and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ad Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen Wyllie
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Alain Fontbonne
- Unité de Médecine de L'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume Girault
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Acacia Ferreira Vicente
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - John McGiven
- WOAH and FAO Brucellosis Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, UK
| | - Claire Ponsart
- EU/WOAH & National Reference Laboratory for Animal Brucellosis, Animal Health Laboratory, Paris-Est University/ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Alavi M, Nokhodchi A. Micro- and nanoformulations of antibiotics against Brucella. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103809. [PMID: 37923166 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103809] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Brucellosis, a zoonotic intracellular bacterial infection primarily transmitted through the consumption of unpasteurized milk from infected animals, remains a challenging condition to clinically control. This is mainly because of the limited effectiveness of conventional antibiotics in targeting intracellular Brucella. Micro- and nanoformulations of antibiotics, whether used as a mono- or combination therapy, have the potential to reduce the antibiotic doses required and treatment duration. Extensive research has been conducted on various organic, semiorganic, and inorganic nanomaterials with different morphologies, such as nanoparticles (NPs), nanotubes, nanowires, and nanobelts. Metal/metal oxide, lipidic, polymeric, and carbonic NPs have been widely explored to overcome the limitations of traditional formulations. In this review, we discuss the advances and challenges of these novel formulations based on recent investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Alavi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran.
| | - Ali Nokhodchi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Lupin Research Inc, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Coral Springs, FL, USA; Daru Vira Iranian Pharmaceutical Group, Isfahan, Iran.
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Abstract
This report by the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of the zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2022 in 27 Member States (MSs), the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and 11 non-MSs. Key statistics on zoonoses and zoonotic agents in humans, food, animals and feed are provided and interpreted historically. In 2022, the first and second most reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. The number of cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remained stable in comparison with 2021. Nineteen MSs and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) achieved all the established targets in poultry populations for the reduction of Salmonella prevalence for the relevant serovars. Salmonella samples from carcases of various animal species, and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcases, were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when own checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalisations and highest case fatality rates. In 2022, reporting showed an increase of more than 600% compared with 2021 in locally acquired cases of human West Nile virus infection, which is a mosquito-borne disease. In the EU, the number of reported foodborne outbreaks and cases, hospitalisations and deaths was higher in 2022 than in 2021. The number of deaths from outbreaks was the highest ever reported in the EU in the last 10 years, mainly caused by L. monocytogenes and to a lesser degree by Salmonella. Salmonella and in particular S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Norovirus (and other calicivirus) was the agent associated with the highest number of outbreak human cases. This report also provides updates on brucellosis, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), echinococcosis, rabies, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (focusing on Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae) and tularaemia.
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Fontbonne A. Causes of pregnancy arrest in the canine species. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:72-83. [PMID: 37312645 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14407] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the canine species, early pregnancy arrest before 30-40 days of pregnancy will induce intra-uterine embryonic or foetal resorption, with very few clinical signs. If no genital examination by ultrasound is performed at that time, it will often remain unnoticed and the bitch will be qualified as infertile. It is only when pregnancy stops at a later stage, mostly after 40 days, that clinical signs will be seen. Expulsion of aborted foetuses or placentas may be observed, although the dam frequently eats the expelled tissues. Intra-uterine mummification may also occur. This article reviews the causes of pregnancy termination in the bitch, both at the embryonic and the foetal stages, reported in the literature. Canine brucellosis is by far the most important disease concerned in this aspect. There is an important current concern about this disease, due to the fact that several outbreaks have been observed recently in Europe, and that it is a very contagious disease; it may be an underestimated zoonosis. Other bacterial causes of pregnancy arrest are sporadic. There is, however, a growing attention towards the microbiological content of raw food diets which are more and more popular among dog breeders and may-if badly prepared-contain abortifacient bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni or Listeria monocytogenes. The abortifacient role of endogenous vaginal bacteria and mycoplasms remains unclear and may be related to an imbalanced vaginal flora with subsequent ascending bacterial contamination of the uterus. The role of Canine Herpesvirus on abortion is controversial and probably not frequent. Other viruses have been shown experimentally to induce abortion but their natural occurrence in this respect remains unknown. The same applies to the parasite Neospora caninum which is suspected, but not proven, potentially to induce pregnancy arrest in bitches. Among non-infectious causes, uterine pathology such as cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) or sub-clinical post-mating endometritis which can cause infertility and may also induce embryonic resorption. The role of luteal insufficiency in pregnancy arrest is probably overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Fontbonne
- Unité de Médecine de l'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Perletta F, Di Pancrazio C, Rodomonti D, Di Febo T, Luciani M, Krasteva IM, Maggetti M, Profeta F, Salini R, De Massis F, Sacchini F, Tittarelli M. Evaluation of Three Serological Tests for Diagnosis of Canine Brucellosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2162. [PMID: 37764006 PMCID: PMC10536495 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092162] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis, is an infectious disease affecting dogs and wild Canidae. Clinical diagnosis is challenging, and laboratory testing is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. Various serological methods have been described, but their accuracy is uncertain due to limited validation studies. The present study aimed to evaluate the performances of three serological tests for the diagnosis of B. canis in comparison with bacterial isolation (gold standard), in order to establish a protocol for the serological diagnosis of canine brucellosis. A panel of sera from naturally infected dogs (n = 61), from which B. canis was isolated, and uninfected dogs (n = 143), negative for B. canis isolation, were tested using microplate serum agglutination (mSAT), complement fixation performed using the Brucella ovis antigen (B. ovis-CFT), and a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFAT). The sensitivity and specificity of the three serological methods were, respectively, the following: 96.7% (95% CI 88.8-98.7%) and 92.3 (95% CI 86.7-95.1%) for mSAT; 96.7% (95% CI 88.8-98.7%) and 96.5 (95% CI 92.1-98.2%) for B. ovis-CFT; 98.4% (95% CI 91.3-99.4%) and 99.3 (95% CI 96.2-99.8%) for IFAT. The use in of the three methods in parallel, combined with bacterial isolation and molecular methods, could improve the diagnosis of the infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Di Pancrazio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.P.); (D.R.); (T.D.F.); (M.L.); (I.M.K.); (M.M.); (F.P.); (R.S.); (F.D.M.); (F.S.); (M.T.)
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Sebzda MK, Kauffman LK. Update on Brucella canis: Understanding the Past and Preparing for the Future. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023:S0195-5616(23)00075-X. [PMID: 37385876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.05.002] [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: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The genus Brucella is known by veterinarians as a primary cause of reproductive diseases. It is widely known to cause financial devastation in livestock species, and is lesser known as a problem for dog breeders and fanciers with similar reproductive diseases seen in dogs. Now there are concerns about the dispersal of Brucella canis into countries that have enjoyed a fairly low incidence, through the importation of dogs from endemic countries. B canis, much like Brucella abortus, suis or mellitensis, is zoonotic and handling or working with infected dogs can lead to human disease. Only within the last few decades has the risk of brucellosis in dogs, and the people who own and work with them, been more fully acknowledged. This review will focus on new information that has been obtained since our last B canis article in 2018. Readers are encouraged to look to that article for information not presented within this update. Current B canis epidemiology along with a complete review of diagnostic testing options will be covered. Regulations for the international movement of dogs will be discussed in addition to concerns for increased zoonosis potential. Future goals would include better management of this disease including proposed screening of all imported dogs. Canine brucellosis prevention, owner and shelter/rescue education along with proposed therapies for the future will also be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Sebzda
- Newport Harbor Animal Hospital, 125 Mesa Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA; Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Lin K Kauffman
- Prairie View Animal Hospital, 1830 Southeast Princeton Drive Suite A, Grimes, IA 50111, USA.
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Kolwijck E, Lutgens SPM, Visser VXN, van Apeldoorn MJ, Graham H, Koets AP, Schrauwen MMWP, Reubsaet FAG, Broens EM, Kortbeek LM. First Case of Human Brucella canis Infection in the Netherlands. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:2250-2252. [PMID: 35653425 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A patient was diagnosed with Brucella canis following exposure to infected dogs in her breeding facility. Transboundary spread of B. canis through (illegal) import of infected dogs to non-endemic countries in Europe suggest that B. canis infection should be considered in European patients with occupational exposure to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kolwijck
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne P M Lutgens
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa X N Visser
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan J van Apeldoorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Heather Graham
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ad P Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostic Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frans A G Reubsaet
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Els M Broens
- Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laetitia M Kortbeek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Abstract
This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2021 in 27 MSs, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and nine non-MSs. Key statistics on zoonoses and zoonotic agents in humans, food, animals and feed are provided and interpreted historically. In 2021, the first and second most reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. Cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis increased in comparison with 2020, but decreased compared with previous years. In 2021, data collection and analysis at the EU level were still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the control measures adopted in the MSs, including partial or total lockdowns. Sixteen MSs and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) achieved all the established targets in poultry populations for reduction in Salmonella prevalence for the relevant serovars. Salmonella samples from carcases of various animal species and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcases were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when own-checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalisations and highest case fatality rates. Overall, MSs reported more foodborne outbreaks and cases in 2021 than in 2020. S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Salmonella in 'eggs and egg products' and in 'mixed foods' were the agent/food pairs of most concern. Outbreaks linked to 'vegetables and juices and products thereof' rose considerably compared with previous years. This report also provides updates on brucellosis, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), echinococcosis, rabies, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis or M. caprae, and tularaemia.
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van der Giessen J, Vlaanderen F, Kortbeek T, Swaan C, van den Kerkhof H, Broens E, Rijks J, Koene M, De Rosa M, Uiterwijk M, Augustijn-Schretlen M, Maassen C. Signalling and responding to zoonotic threats using a One Health approach: a decade of the Zoonoses Structure in the Netherlands, 2011 to 2021. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 35929428 PMCID: PMC9358405 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.31.2200039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the Netherlands, the avian influenza outbreak in poultry in 2003 and the Q fever outbreak in dairy goats between 2007 and 2010 had severe consequences for public health. These outbreaks led to the establishment of an integrated human-veterinary risk analysis system for zoonoses, the Zoonoses Structure. The aim of the Zoonoses Structure is to signal, assess and control emerging zoonoses that may pose a risk to animal and/or human health in an integrated One Health approach. The Signalling Forum Zoonoses (SO-Z), the first step of the Zoonoses Structure, is a multidisciplinary committee composed of experts from the medical, veterinary, entomology and wildlife domains. The SO-Z shares relevant signals with professionals and has monthly meetings. Over the past 10 years (June 2011 to December 2021), 390 different signals of various zoonotic pathogens in animal reservoirs and humans have been assessed. Here, we describe the Zoonoses Structure with examples from signals and responses for four zoonotic events in the Netherlands (tularaemia, Brucella canis, West Nile virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)). This may serve as an example for other countries on how to collaborate in a One Health approach to signal and control emerging zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke van der Giessen
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frits Vlaanderen
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Titia Kortbeek
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Corien Swaan
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van den Kerkhof
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Els Broens
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jolianne Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Koene
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Mauro De Rosa
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathilde Uiterwijk
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), Netherlands Institute for Vectors, Invasive plants and Plant health (NIVIP), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Catharina Maassen
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Investigation into owner-reported differences between dogs born in versus imported into Canada. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268885. [PMID: 35704562 PMCID: PMC9200170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 1 million dogs are imported into the United States and roughly 340,000 dogs into the United Kingdom yearly. Although the official number of dogs arriving to Canada is currently unknown, local animal professionals estimate that thousands of dogs are imported into Canada each year. Dog importation may be increasing globally while regulation and surveillance are still limited, resulting in concerns for the health and welfare of imported dogs. To date, few studies have investigated how the source location of dogs influences the owner-dog relationship. The current report presents two independent studies that were conducted to assess whether owners of imported dogs reported a poorer owner-dog relationships compared to owners of Canadian-born dogs. In both studies, an online survey was distributed to dog owners (Study 1: n = 803; Study 2: n = 878) in British Columbia, Canada, containing questions on various aspects of the owner-dog relationship. The first study included questions from the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, Human-Animal Bond questionnaire, Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale, and constructed questions about training methods, expectations, and health. The second study was comprised of original questions assessing difficult behaviour, training practices, health, attachment, and perceived level of burden of owning a dog. Both studies found no evidence of a poorer owner-dog relationship in non-Canadian-sourced dogs. In fact, owners of Canadian-sourced dogs used harsh training methods more frequently and had higher expectations for their dog. While no signs of poorer owner-dog relationship in non-Canadian-sourced dogs were found, future research should continue the investigation of age, health, and backgrounds of incoming dogs.
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Unterköfler MS, Eipeldauer I, Merz S, Pantchev N, Hermann J, Brunthaler R, Basso W, Hinney B. Strongyloides stercoralis infection in dogs in Austria: two case reports. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:168. [PMID: 35570317 PMCID: PMC9107779 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strongyloides stercoralis is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, but reports of infections in central and northern Europe have been recently increasing. Infections occur mainly in humans and dogs. In dogs, both dog-adapted and zoonotic S. stercoralis genotypes seem to occur. Clinical manifestations mainly include gastrointestinal and respiratory signs. The severity of the disease can vary greatly and depends on the immune status of the host. The infection is potentially fatal in immunosuppressed individuals, either medically induced or due to an underlying disease, in which hyperinfections and disseminated infections with extraintestinal parasite dissemination may occur. Methods Diagnosis was based on coproscopy, including flotation and the Baermann funnel technique, histology of small intestinal biopsies and molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and hypervariable regions I and IV (HVR I and HVR IV) of the nuclear 18S rDNA loci. Results Two independent cases of severe canine S.stercoralis infection in Austria are presented. In both cases, S. stercoralis was detected in histological sections of the small intestine and with the Baermann funnel technique. Molecular analysis revealed strains with zoonotic potential. Case 1 was a 1-year-old female French bulldog with a long history of respiratory and gastrointestinal signs, severe emaciation and apathy before S.stercoralis infection was diagnosed. Treatment with moxidectin (2.5 mg/kg body weight [BW], oral route) did not eliminate the infection, but treatment with ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg BW, subcutaneously) was successful. Case 2 consisted of two 2-month-old Pomeranian puppies, one female and one male, from a litter of four, which died soon after presenting dyspnoea and haemorrhagic diarrhoea (female) or torticollis (male); S.stercoralis infection was first diagnosed post-mortem. Conclusion More attention should be paid to this nematode because although it appears to be rare in Austria, it is easily overlooked on standard coproscopy unless a Baermann funnel technique is used, and even then, it can be missed. Moxidectin is not always successful in eliminating the infection, and treatment with ivermectin should be considered in cases of infection. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iris Eipeldauer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Josef Hermann
- Veterinary Practice Dipl.Tzt. Josef Hermann, Trautmannsdorf, Austria
| | - René Brunthaler
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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