Articles tagged with Animal Diseases
A recent study found that over half of NYC's free-roaming cats are infected with zoonotic parasites. Young male cats, in particular, act as 'super-shedders' of roundworm (Toxocara) eggs, posing public health risks.
Researchers from the University of Calgary and international collaborators explored the zoonotic potential of CWD in controlled laboratory settings. The study found that infectious prions can still be present and transmissible even without obvious clinical signs, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and research.
The Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LiNK) improves conservation-led veterinary medicine by providing accessible diagnostic infrastructure. The lab, established through a collaborative partnership, serves the northern Kenya landscape and enhances the country's national wildlife health infrastructure.
Researchers surveyed 7 pathogens in wild native snakes, finding Ophidiomyces and Raillietiella orientalis as most important infectious agents. Rattlesnakes are most likely to host these pathogens, with increased risks of ophidiomycosis and parasitic lung infection.
A research team at the University of Zurich has developed a new gene editing approach that correctly treats the genetic mutation causing hereditary epilepsy in mice. The therapy improves communication between nerve cells, reduces febrile seizures, and increases survival rates.
A disease-causing tapeworm has been detected in Washington coyotes, which can spread to domestic dogs and humans if ingested through contaminated food or feces. The parasite's life cycle involves multiple hosts, including rodents and other canid species, making it a public health threat.
Marine mammal experts use drone-based thermal imaging to measure dolphin surface temperature and respiration rates, detecting biologically meaningful changes in physiological state. The study validates the accuracy of drone measurements under controlled conditions, paving the way for safer health monitoring of marine mammals.
A comprehensive analysis reveals that raccoon roundworm has spread across nine European countries, primarily in Central Europe. The parasite can infect humans, causing severe neurological damage or death, especially in children.
A study by Iowa State University researchers reveals that avian influenza can infect livestock and humans through their mammary glands, which have high levels of sialic acids. This increases the risk of transmission and potentially more dangerous adaptations emerging.
A study in Arequipa, Peru found that efforts to track dog-related rabies in poorer areas were lacking, despite higher disease prevalence. An active surveillance system improved data collection and analysis, revealing striking differences between risk and surveillance.
A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.
INRAE's work prioritizes agroecological practices to ensure animal health and sustainability in livestock farming. The PREZODE initiative aims to prevent future pandemics by bringing together over 170 partners, while research focuses on developing new tools for early disease diagnosis and prevention strategies.
Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli clones were found in two colonized birds, a vulture and an owl, at the Santos Municipal Orchid Garden rehabilitation center. The presence of these strains in animals raises concerns about potential impact on wildlife health.
Researchers have found a clear relationship between koala stress and increased risk of disease, including Chlamydia. The study suggests that high KoRV loads may be weakening the immune system, making koalas more susceptible to diseases such as blindness and infertility.
A study of over 26,000 dogs reveals which diseases tend to co-occur and provide insights into canine healthcare. The network analysis suggests new connections between diseases, such as low iron and protein in the urine, and helps guide veterinary practice.
Researchers created a high-resolution map of Panama showing the movement and intensity of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a deadly fungal disease. The data reveals that higher elevations are more hospitable to the fungus, but rainy seasons bring outbreaks in lowlands.
Researchers discover Vibrio pectenicida as the causative agent behind sea star wasting disease, a devastating epidemic that has killed billions of sunflower sea stars. The discovery is crucial for recovering these species and their kelp forest ecosystems, which provide habitat for thousands of marine creatures and contribute millions t...
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused different long-term consequences in lean and obese macaques, with obesity increasing risks like persistent lung damage. Lean animals also experienced signs of metabolic disruption, suggesting long COVID may be more common than reported.
A comprehensive study of over 2,500 bat faecal samples reveals that young bats are frequently infected with multiple coronaviruses. This finding could inform the prediction of emerging riskier coronaviruses and highlights the importance of understanding coronavirus evolution in their natural host.
A machine learning model trained on European HPAI outbreak data found key predictors of avian flu outbreaks, including minimum autumn temperature and presence of mute swans. These findings could help improve future monitoring programs and reduce the risk of human infection.
Scientists found that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) therapy improved immune recovery in cats with FIP, a disease similar to Long COVID. The study showed reduced systemic inflammation and increased regulatory T cells, suggesting potential benefits for human patients.
A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.
Researchers discovered how urban rat migration spreads leptospirosis, a deadly disease, and developed a novel technique for testing rat kidneys. The study used advanced molecular techniques to analyze DNA from 328 rat kidney samples collected from 17 sites in Boston, finding that 59 rats were positive for Leptospira bacteria.
Researchers develop mathematical modeling to predict aflatoxin outbreaks in Texas using remote sensing satellites and soil properties. The model has the potential to save farmers billions of dollars in losses by providing early risk prediction and targeted prevention strategies.
The CDC has awarded a $3 million grant to the Texas A&M School of Public Health to investigate avian flu among dairy farm workers in Texas. The team, led by Dr. David Douphrate, aims to identify the scope of exposure and workplace factors involved in transmission.
A study found that UK dog populations decreased by 0.9% annually from 1990 to 2021, with a rise in crossbreed and imported dogs. The research highlights concerns about inherited diseases due to limited genetic diversity in pedigree breeds.
A new study suggests that sunflower sea stars are surviving disease outbreaks in British Columbia's Central Coast fjords due to the unique oceanographic conditions. The fjords' mix of cold water and freshwater runoff provides a refuge for the species, allowing them to venture deeper and escape the effects of sea star wasting disease.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh developed a new treatment approach for anthrax by reactivating the ERK pathway with a combination of growth factors. This method shows promise for treating the disease beyond its typical point of no return, offering hope for patients diagnosed late in the illness.
New study finds park entrances in Dublin, Ireland, to be heavily contaminated with infective Toxocara canis eggs, posing a risk of zoonotic infection. The researchers call for increased measures to prevent dog feces disposal at these locations.
A new study using CRISPR-Cas9 technology enhances cassava's resistance to diseases and improves drought tolerance. Genome-edited cassava plants show increased starch content, benefiting food security and industrial applications.
A new study suggests that paricalcitol may help manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs by reducing renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and proteinuria. The treatment showed promise in stabilizing proteinuria, but raised questions about potential long-term effects on CKD progression.
Researchers discovered that exposure to similar behaviors within a person's social network is the most significant factor predicting individual prevention behaviors. Household-level interventions targeting entire families could result in more effective prevention strategies.
A UMass Amherst Ph.D. student has been awarded a €20,000 grant to investigate a new therapeutic target for Lyme disease by targeting the GuaB enzyme necessary for Borrelia burgdorferi replication in mammals.
Researchers at the Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Laboratory discovered biomarkers that can predict gastrointestinal disease risk in dogs. The study found multiple signs of high-risk disease, including inflammation and leaky guts, which can contribute to the development of GI disease if left unchecked.
Researchers have developed a powerful imaging technology to study cellular metabolism, enabling the visualization of biomolecules' synthesis and turnover in live cells and organisms. Heavy-water probing allows for the tracking of metabolic dynamics, providing insights into aging and age-related diseases.
The University of Texas at Arlington hosted the 74th Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair, attracting more students than ever. The fair featured original research projects on various topics, including using earthworms to remove toxic lead from soil and creating a robotic glove for people with Parkinson's disease.
DNA exonucleases and endonucleases play a critical role in immune response and disease management, regulating genome integrity and immune signaling. Therapeutic interventions targeting these enzymes offer promising avenues for treating immune disorders and cancer.
Researchers investigated two commercial veterinary listeriosis vaccine strains, revealing they belong to different phylogenetic lineages. The attenuated strains demonstrated distinct morphological characteristics when grown on bacterial media. These findings highlight the genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes used in vaccines.
Researchers used advanced molecular tools to survey health status of endangered Indiana bats, identifying microbiome changes resulting from parasitic infections. The analysis revealed that bats with high loads of a protozoan parasite had a corresponding proliferation of certain bacteria.
A Danish study found that rural cat owners are increasingly managing their cats similarly to urban owners, leading to fewer unwanted kittens. The change reflects a growing human attachment to owned cats and a diminishing divide between rural and urban life.
Researchers have discovered evidence that plague may have been involved in epidemics a century before the Black Death, challenging previous assumptions about the disease's arrival in Western Eurasia. The study uses historical sources and genetic analysis to propose a new timeline for the plague's emergence.
Researchers at UC Davis found that acidifying milk to a pH of 4.1-4.2 with citric acid effectively deactivates the H5N1 virus, providing a cost-effective solution for dairy farms. The process takes only six hours and doesn't require refrigeration, increasing safety and reducing costs.
A recent study found that cold temperatures allow the bird pink eye pathogen to survive on bird feeders for up to seven days, causing more severe disease in birds compared to warmer temperatures. Regular cleaning of feeder surfaces with bleach can help mitigate the spread of the disease.
Researchers found that more than a third of beekeepers deviate from recommended treatment guidelines, leading to exacerbated colony losses. Adhering to specific timeframes for treatments can significantly reduce honey bee mortality caused by the parasitic Varroa mite.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University successfully transport mRNA-based drugs to the immune system of small and large intestines without passing through the liver. The breakthrough could enable treatments for inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's and colitis.
A deadly ciliate parasite has decimated sea urchin populations in the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, with mortality rates reaching over 90%. The International team of researchers is working to track the disease and preserve sea urchins, which play a crucial role in maintaining coral reef health.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified a new henipavirus, Camp Hill virus, in shrews in Alabama, USA. The discovery suggests these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought, with implications for human health and vaccine development.
Aging cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have lower levels of key kidney transporter genes, leading to impaired waste removal. Monitoring these transporters and toxin buildup may help detect CKD early and improve treatment options.
The review highlights seven zoonotic infections in people, including those transmitted through traditional diets and hunting practices. Climate change is affecting the local ecosystem, altering animal behavior and parasite life cycles, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
A new Dartmouth study reveals that 50% of adult blacklegged ticks in the Northeast carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The study found small changes in tick abundance but a significant increase in pathogen prevalence over 30 years, highlighting the need for continued prevention measures.
A new self-destructing vaccine provides improved safety and protection against TB in macaque monkeys, outperforming the standard BCG vaccine. The 'kill switch' mechanism eliminates the risk of accidental infection, offering a safer vaccination option for immunocompromised individuals.
The NIH and its partners remain focused on monitoring the H5N1 virus, which has caused sporadic infections among wild birds and poultry farms. Researchers highlight four keys to controlling the current outbreak: timely collaborations, disease surveillance, medical countermeasures, and precautions to prevent exposure.
A new study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers suggests that many people may already have immune cells on standby to combat the H5N1 virus. The study found similarities between H5N1 and seasonal influenza viruses, allowing scientists to predict cross-reactive T cell responses that could help decrease disease severity.
A six-year study examining 38 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus found genes and gene alleles associated with disease severity. The research aims to develop new treatments targeting these genetic variations, predicting disease outcomes and improving patient care.
Researchers investigate how perturbed gene expression contributes to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. Alternative polyadenylation, a mechanism regulating protein production, is being studied for its potential role in the disease.
In China, leptospirosis continues to be a significant public health concern despite reduced prevalence. The article highlights the importance of raising awareness among stakeholders to prevent and control the continuous transmission of leptospirosis.
A research initiative by Sapna Dass aims to identify pathogens, monitor transmission pathways, and implement rapid responses to address potential danger from unidentified pathogens. The project employs SARS-CoV-2 as a model virus to study spillover events from wildlife to livestock.
A recent study published in Nature found that mother fleas can transmit the plague to their offspring, posing a significant threat to prairie dog colonies and other rodent populations. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the role of animals in the dissemination of the disease.
A team of UCalgary researchers, led by Dr. Anthony Schryvers, has developed a new vaccine to protect cattle from hemorrhagic septicemia, a deadly bacterial disease that destroys livestock and livelihoods. The vaccine is designed with a long-lasting immune response and has been patented.
Researchers developed a platform to produce mature, uniform organoids using a three-dimensional engineered membrane. This breakthrough enables consistent quality and improved efficiency for practical applications in clinical trials and drug development.