Articles tagged with Animal Diseases
A new study reveals the emergence of a deadly viral disease in UK honey bee colonies, with clusters of chronic bee paralysis becoming more frequent. The disease is caused by a virus that leads to infected bees dying within a week, resulting in whole colonies being lost.
A UK-China project develops wearable biosensors and a portable diagnostic test to monitor dairy cow health and detect brucellosis early. This technology aims to prevent disease spread and improve animal welfare.
A genetic disorder affecting Airedale Terriers has been discovered and found to be associated with a surfactant deficiency in their lungs. The study identifies the LAMP3 gene as a candidate gene for this disease and suggests a potential link to human newborn respiratory issues.
Researchers at MLU and Georg August University Göttingen discovered a gene responsible for tyloma, an interdigital hyperplasia affecting up to 60% of German cattle. The disease can lead to tears in skin, bacterial infections, and shortened lifespans.
A study by the USDA Forest Service and Purdue University finds that non-native invasive insects and diseases are reducing the amount of carbon stored in trees across the United States. The study estimates that 41% of live forest biomass is threatened, with certain species like emerald ash borer and gypsy moth causing significant damage.
A 289-million-year-old lizard-like animal exhibited a bone condition similar to Paget's disease, indicating early susceptibility to the disorder. The study provides evidence of an ancient case of a bone metabolic disorder, shedding light on the evolution of diseases in early life forms.
A study by researchers from the University of Exeter and Berkeley found that crowding honeybees together does not greatly increase disease prevalence. However, intensive beekeeping could accelerate the spread of new diseases. Beekeepers don't need to worry about the number of bees they keep together as long as there is enough food.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that crop pests are likely present in many places thought to be free of them. The researchers used data from 1,739 pests and found large numbers of pests in China, India, southern Brazil, and former USSR countries.
Wild snow leopards are under threat from emerging infectious diseases, with four pathogens detected in their blood, including Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira species. This study identifies the need to establish surveillance to monitor potential disease impacts on this vulnerable population.
Researchers combined two models to identify high-risk areas for lumpy skin disease virus in cattle, highlighting the importance of ecological conditions and wind patterns. The study predicts potential spread in regions such as Russia, Turkey, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Researchers discovered a potentially devastating foot disease in Chile's endangered huemul deer population, with severe pain and death caused by the condition. The study's findings highlight the need for improved monitoring and collaboration to help protect the critically endangered species.
New research reveals that females with lupus have an abnormal expression of genes linked to their second X chromosome due to incomplete X inactivation in immune system T cells. This abnormality may contribute to the genetic missteps seen in lupus, and changes in nuclear structure may also play a role.
A plant pathologist at UC Riverside has secured a $4 million grant from the USDA to develop a cure for citrus-destroying disease. The research focuses on a novel class of peptides that can directly kill the bacteria and protect healthy trees from infection, offering hope for California's multibillion-dollar citrus industry.
A new paper suggests that diseases can be more lethal in new hosts with larger evolutionary jumps between species. This research uses data from the World Organisation for Animal Health to track diseases across domesticated mammals and their outcomes.
Researchers found a correlation between accumulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and equine metabolic syndrome severity, suggesting these chemicals may contribute to the disease. The study suggests that reducing exposure to EDCs could help prevent EMS in horses.
Researchers created a viable mouse model of Hirschsprung's disease to study its development and progression. The new model revealed that mucin-producing goblet cells may be a target for preventative treatment and that reduced expression of GFRa1 contributes to susceptibility to the disease.
Scientists have identified regions with high diversity of potential wildlife hosts for flaviviruses, including primates and birds. The study's model predicts hundreds of previously unobserved host species, which can help with disease detection and surveillance efforts.
A study led by the University of California, Davis tracked over 230 Anna's and Allen's hummingbirds around urban feeders, providing insights into their interactions and health. The research found that females stayed longer at feeders than males and males overlapped their visits with other males more frequently than with other females.
A research study shows that the microbiomes of sea stars play a critical role in the progression of the disease. The study found that an imbalance of beneficial and disease-causing bacteria contributes to the severity of the illness, with healthy animals hosting more helpful microbes.
Researchers advocate for a systems biology approach to better understand Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the need for modern, human-based technologies to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a naturally occurring neurodegenerative disease in monkeys that mimics Batten disease, a fatal childhood disorder. The study confirms the CLN7 gene mutation and provides a promising model for developing new gene therapies.
Researchers identified a molecular key, P2X4 receptor, that delays Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression by reducing chronic inflammation and promoting repair responses in the nervous tissue. The study found that activating this receptor improves symptoms during the disease's chronic phase.
Researchers identified specific water areas and air temperatures that can permanently eliminate mosquito populations and reduce Rift Valley fever transmission. Understanding these ecological controls is crucial for informing policy makers and developing effective disease management strategies.
A Belgian study emphasizes the need for human-based tools in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic liver disease impacting millions globally. The study proposes a roadmap to better understand NASH's biological mechanisms, crucial for developing effective treatments.
Dr. Christopher Basler and his team will study Reston ebolavirus (Reston virus), a virus that resembles Ebola but does not cause disease in humans. They aim to better understand the virus's mechanisms of replication, animal disease severity, and potential ways to reduce its deadly effects.
A study published in PLOS ONE used citizen scientist data to track exposure to tick-borne diseases, identifying 83 counties with previously unknown disease-carrying bacteria. The research highlights the importance of early detection and understanding how diseases spread.
Researchers found that isoxazoline drugs, commonly used to protect pets from fleas and ticks, can kill disease-carrying mosquitoes and sand flies. Administering these drugs to less than a third of the population in areas prone to seasonal outbreaks could prevent up to 97 percent of all cases of infection.
Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine identified six common categories of disgust related to infectious diseases, including infected wounds and poor hygiene. These findings could help target public health messaging and develop new methods to keep environments healthy.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a gene therapy that restored vision in dogs with progressive retinal atrophy, a condition similar to human retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment has shown a 100% success rate and is now being advanced for human use with a $8.2 million grant.
Tsetse flies transmit Nagana disease to livestock by injecting trypanosomes into the skin, which then invade the bloodstream and cause severe illness. Understanding how these microbes develop inside the fly may lead to new methods of controlling the spread of the disease.
A team of researchers has created a mouse model exhibiting diabetic retinopathy symptoms, paving the way for future translational research studies. The study also reveals that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in the development of diabetic retinopathy.
Research reveals inflammatory airway disease (IAD) is common among racehorses, even those without respiratory signs. The study of 95 deceased racehorses found most had some degree of IAD, suggesting all horses may be exposed to inflammation.
Researchers have developed a new animal model using cynomolgus macaques to study the progression and interactions of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever with the immune system. The study aims to develop treatments and vaccines for the disease, which is fatal in nearly one in three cases.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers has identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key player in impairing the immune response of cattle affected by Johne's disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a method to control this chronic enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.
The new guidelines provide updated clinical recommendations for treating strangles in horses, including a shift away from bacterial culture as the gold standard and new methods for determining disease-free status. The consensus statement also outlines best practices for quarantine, examination, and biosecurity protocols to prevent dise...
Sand flies infect about one million people each year with the parasite Leishmania, causing chronic disease Leishmaniasis. Researchers at University of Calgary's high-containment lab are studying transmission of the disease and immune system's response to it by raising sand flies.
The study highlights characteristics of the dogs, including age, medical condition, preventive care, and more. Over 3,000 golden retrievers are enrolled in the study, with a median age of 14 months at enrollment.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding equine laminitis, a painful condition affecting horses' hooves. The study's findings indicate that insulin regulation is the primary cause of the disease, leading to new diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Researchers found high rates of tick-borne disease exposure among Mongolian herders and livestock, particularly in the northern provinces. The study highlights the importance of investigating human-livestock-environment interactions to identify risk factors for disease transmission.
Scientists are developing tools to map areas at risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks using machine learning and big data. The project aims to predict when and where pathogens will make the leap from animals to people, enabling a proactive approach to managing zoonotic diseases.
A new early warning system called Y-Ware is being developed to alert farmers to the risk of disease among their young cattle stock, aiming to improve health and welfare while reducing antimicrobial use. The project utilizes machine learning techniques and real-time data from sensors to provide an early warning system for health.
A genetic mutation has been identified as a key factor in the development of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds and French bulldogs. The discovery provides a valuable tool for owners, breeders, and veterinarians to mitigate the risk of IVDD and related spinal cord disease.
The Vanderbilt team will create tissue chip systems to test novel epilepsy drugs on human cells, potentially leading to more accurate platforms and improved drug efficacy. This technology may also address rare diseases with limited animal models and patient populations.
Research found owners of chronically ill pets experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as poorer quality of life. The study's findings may also inform veterinarian wellbeing and highlight the need for improved training on long-term care.
Scientists recommend reducing disease impacts on honeybees by limiting colony mixing and supporting natural bee behaviors. This approach could help reduce parasite transmission and promote disease resistance among the bees.
The University of Liverpool's Tick Cell Biobank has received £940,000 funding to expand its tick cell line collection globally. The Biobank will establish outposts in South-East Asia, Africa and South America to support research into tick-borne diseases.
A study published in PLOS ONE identified the progression of Lafora disease, a devastating form of epilepsy that affects up to 50 young children worldwide. Collaboration with dog owners helped researchers develop effective treatment for both humans and canines.
Climate change may exacerbate epidemics and spread diseases within their natural range, according to a new study on European pathogens. Nearly two-thirds of the top 100 human and animal pathogens are found to be sensitive to climate change.
Researchers have identified a novel endemic area for Borna disease in Upper Austria, with high concentrations of Bornaviruses found in shrews and horses. Genetic analysis reveals the strain is distinct from neighboring regions, shedding light on the virus's spread.
Researchers found that devils with higher fitness rates are more likely to contract devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), a transmissible cancer. The study suggests that socially dominant individuals may be more susceptible due to their aggressive behavior and mating encounters.
The journal's 10th Anniversary Collection highlights the progress made in controlling or eliminating NTDs, with a focus on disease elimination. Despite mixed success stories, researchers remain optimistic about achieving breakthroughs for at least five NTDs within a few years.
A team of Penn researchers has pinpointed the underlying mechanism leading to vision loss in Best disease, a condition affecting central vision. They discovered that differences in supporting structures between rods and cones contribute to lesion development in the macula.
Biologists and veterinarians across the US are working with Illinois researchers to identify, understand and treat snake fungal disease. The team has developed a nebulizer treatment that shows promise in preventing the spread of infection, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
Ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have led a study that informs optimal strategies for controlling devastating midge-borne diseases like bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. The model predicts that timing insecticide treatments over the Autumn midge peak has the greatest effect on population suppression.
Researchers have developed a new test to improve understanding of inclusion body disease in snakes, revealing subclinical cases in apparently healthy boa constrictors. The study found that 19% of captive snake populations had IBD, with 87% being clinically healthy.
Existing mosquito control strategies are often ineffective and may even be counterproductive in fighting Zika virus, according to a review of previous studies. The quality of evidence supporting these methods is poor, making it difficult to determine the best approach to combat the disease.
The study highlights the risks of human presence on endangered ape populations, including disease transmission and habitat destruction. To mitigate these threats, Schultz proposes improving protocols and regulations for ecotourism and promoting understanding of interspecies disease transmission as a conservation threat.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict zoonotic disease outbreaks like Ebola and Lassa fever. The model incorporates spillover and stuttering transmission, enabling more accurate predictions and informing targeted public health strategies.
When sick, animals alter behavior to reduce social contact and minimize disease transmission, a key finding of the study. By removing themselves from groups, sick animals may protect healthy relatives from infection.
Animal models can help researchers understand genetic and environmental factors contributing to human diseases, which could inform precision medicine approaches. The large amounts of data generated by these models can be used to develop more targeted therapies, improving treatment outcomes for patients.