Articles tagged with Animal Diseases
The new Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners provide a concise explanation of what veterinary professionals know about the etiology and pathogenesis of clinical feline hyperthyroidism. The guidelines outline six clinical categories with associated management strategies to treat all hyperthyroid cats, regardl...
A new analysis suggests that malaria evolved in insects over 100 million years ago, with the first vertebrate hosts being reptiles and later dinosaurs. Understanding this ancient history may hold clues to interrupting malaria transmission through its most common vector, the Anopheles mosquito.
The study reveals novel adaptations and traits in infectious species of Leptospira that help illuminate its evolutionary history and provide new preventive and treatment approaches. It identifies key pathogen-specific features, including the CRISPR-Cas genetic machinery, which are unique to pathogenic Leptospira.
A recent study reveals that animal-borne diseases can persist in wider populations through repeated dispersal, leading to slower but more insidious transmission. This 'slow, smoldering' approach challenges traditional assumptions about disease outbreaks.
A team of researchers at Kansas State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has identified a novel pestivirus affecting swine, causing uncontrollable shaking that led to the death of nearly 700 pigs. The virus, named APPV, was found to be widely distributed in the US swine herd and is associated with neurological disease.
Kansas State University researchers are exploring the role of long-distance dispersal in spreading vector-borne infectious diseases. They will evaluate control methods such as limiting animal movements and reducing vector populations to develop rules of thumb for controlling outbreaks.
A recent review article by UC Riverside-led researcher Peter Graystock highlights the risks of managed bees to wild bees, including disease transmission and population declines. The study recommends improved disease screening, unified international regulations, and conservation efforts to mitigate these effects.
A $7.3 million genomic project in Canada is developing a winter-hardy, disease-resistant breed of honeybees to combat declining health and economic losses. The research aims to improve bee health through the identification of genetic markers and the development of accurate tests for detecting Africanized genetics.
Experts identify self-disseminating vaccines as a potential solution to control emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) at their animal source. The vaccines use virus-based vectors to deliver vaccinations across populations, making it easier to inoculate animals and prevent disease transmission.
A virulent strain of BVDV-2c virus affected over 5,000 cattle in Germany, causing severe symptoms and significant economic losses. The study suggests that farmers and people who visit farms should take biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission.
Research finds that fishermen in Turks and Caicos Islands are increasing the local prevalence of a disease affecting turtle populations worldwide by selectively harvesting healthy creatures and throwing back infected animals. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that this practice has the opposite effect of cul...
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that resveratrol simultaneously increases and decreases dog's immune systems, leading to mixed signals. The study aims to better understand how this chemical affects human diseases, potentially leading to valuable treatments like cancer therapy.
Researchers from the University of Calgary developed an ear tag-attached accelerometer unit to monitor rumination and feeding behavior in beef cattle. The technology was able to identify feeding activity correctly 95% of the time, but only identified rumination activity correctly 49% of the time.
A new method is being used to screen primates in remote locations without invasive sampling techniques. Saliva from discarded ropes is collected and tested for viral diseases, providing valuable information on zoonotic pathogens.
Researchers find striking similarities between snake fungal disease and white-nose syndrome in bats, both persisting across habitats and infecting multiple species. The snake fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, is highly virulent and can spread through pet trade and animal release.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have created a new disease model that closely resembles the human mechanisms and effectively studies hypercholesterolemia. The study successfully cured the disorder using gene therapy, offering a promising approach for treating metabolic diseases.
Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have discovered a new case of koi sleepy disease in Austria, which is believed to originate from Asia. The virus causes symptoms such as sunken eyes and swollen gills in infected fish.
A new study by NIH researchers compares the Makona strain of Ebola virus to the original 1976 Mayinga strain, revealing a decreased ability to cause disease in West Africa, with liver damage and rash appearing two days later than in the 1976 strain.
A study of 1,500 Kenyan households and their livestock found a strong relationship between animal illnesses and human sickness. Healthy livestock can lower malnutrition and disease, while unhealthy animals may transmit pathogens.
Researchers suggest families choose pet species that carry fewer diseases, such as dogs or cats, and follow general recommendations like handwashing and cleaning cages. The review aims to reduce zoonotic disease transmission among vulnerable groups, including infants and those with compromised immune systems.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that co-infection with two parasite species can reduce the severity of a more lethal disease, East Coast fever. The researchers propose using a mild parasitic infection as a vaccine alternative, which could be safer and less costly.
Dr. Juan Martinez and his team are studying Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia conorii, RMSF, and MSF to identify proteins that play a role in pathogenesis and develop strategies to inhibit their function.
A study found that canine distemper in lions is no longer primarily spread by domestic dogs but rather by multiple wild carnivore species. The virus can jump between species in natural ecosystems, threatening vulnerable populations.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting bovine paratuberculosis using lymphatic fluid, which yields more positive results than traditional methods. The test has shown to be effective in identifying infected animals, with about 70% of tested animals being culled from their herds after one year.
Researchers discovered that the bluetongue virus overwinters in female midges infected during previous season, allowing it to survive colder temperatures. The findings have significant implications for predicting and controlling the disease's spread.
Researchers have discovered a novel virus in ball pythons that could be the source of severe respiratory disease, with implications for public health and animal care. The virus, named ball python nidovirus, has been sequenced and found to be similar to toroviruses, which infect mammals and fish.
Researchers used mathematical models and genetic analysis to discover that cooperative bacteria are better equipped to adapt to environments, increasing their ability to infect multiple species. This knowledge could help predict and manage health threats from animal-borne diseases.
A University of Florida research team has identified the first known case of an equine influenza virus in camels. The discovery highlights the potential role of camels in the ecology of zoonotic diseases and raises concerns about public health.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a unique group of proteins that indicate transitional cell carcinoma, the most common cause of bladder cancer in both dogs and humans. The assay has shown high accuracy and could lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment options, and potentially even an over-the-counter test.
A new study from the University of Liverpool surveyed 1,821 people in Guangdong to understand how diseases such as bird flu spread among communities. The research found that people met around ten others each day and spent between five and ten hours a day with other people.
The loss of large wildlife has been directly correlated with a significant increase in rodents and zoonotic diseases dangerous to humans. The study suggests that conservation efforts could help mitigate the problem of rodent-borne diseases.
Researchers at NIH's NIAID have developed a monkey model of human hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, allowing them to study the disease's progression and potential treatments. The study found that the virus triggers a life-threatening immune response nearly two weeks after infection, providing a potential target for early diagnosis.
Cornell scientists developed the first vaccines that can prevent metritis in dairy cows, reducing incidence by up to 83% and alleviating symptoms. The research could help curb antibiotic resistance and save the US billions annually.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found significant disagreement among experts about the severity of horse incoordination, also known as ataxia. The study aimed to establish clearer definitions for normal and abnormal gait patterns in horses, which could lead to greater agreement among specialists.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have used 3D scans to map the widespread fish disease enteric redmouth disease. The study reveals that the bacteria infects fish through their ultra-thin gills, providing a new understanding of the infection pathway and potential solutions.
A new £1 million project will improve detection and control of liver fluke in UK dairy farms, causing weight loss, anaemia and lethargy. The research programme aims to develop sustainable drug treatments and practical farming techniques.
A Kansas State University epidemiologist has found that climate, physical environment, and socio-ecologic conditions contribute to tularemia infections among domestic cats. The study identified newly urbanized areas, residential locations surrounded by grassland, and high-humidity environments as key factors in the disease's prevalence.
Researchers have developed a simple immune-based screening test for inclusion body disease (IBD) in snakes, a debilitating condition that affects boa constrictors and pythons. The test uses a monoclonal antibody to detect the presence of IBD in snakes, offering a potential solution for managing the spread of the disease.
The University of Illinois has won Grand Challenges Explorations grants to develop a single-dose vaccine for multiple animal diseases and a system to study the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium. This funding aims to address pressing disease problems in developing nations, improving animal health and productivity.
A study of wild mice found they prefer to sleep and eat near used nesting material and droppings, outweighing risk of disease. This contrasts with clean-living domesticated animals, which tend to avoid dirt due to plentiful food and reduced predator risks.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a model of the American foulbrood disease outbreak in Jersey, which helps understand how the disease spreads and simulates various control interventions. The study found that just under half of the infection spread was attributed to transmission by beekeepers between their own hives.
Researchers developed an animal model simulating eye complications associated with Graves' disease, paving the way for better treatments. The condition causes the thyroid gland to become overactive and produce too much thyroid hormone, leading to eye problems like swelling of tissue behind the eyes causing them to bulge outward.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 unknown viral agents in mammals alone, potentially causing emerging diseases like SARS and Ebola. The study provides a new strategy to identify total viral diversity and estimate costs of discovery.
A new study finds Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a human heart disease, in chimpanzees. The condition was detected in two half-brother chimps who died suddenly during physical exertion at a UK zoo.
Researchers have developed a new method using inertial sensors to accurately measure horse movement and detect lameness and Wobblers disease. This allows for better analysis of movement patterns in horses with lameness and enables veterinarians to monitor diagnostics and rehabilitation outside the gait lab.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found microchimerism in dogs, allowing them to track potential health effects over a shorter lifespan. The study suggests that microchimerism may increase risk of thyroid disease and lower risk of breast cancer in women.
Researchers used complex network metrics to study primate species and their parasite fauna, finding that central primates are more capable of transmitting parasites to other species and humans. This discovery could inform early warning plans for emerging diseases in humans.
Researchers found a chemical that interferes with mosquito proteins, causing kidney failure and affecting flight capabilities. The discovery may lead to the development of new insecticides for combating malaria and dengue fever.
Research reveals Nipah virus can be carried by fruit bats on both sides of Wallace's line, which may have initially restricted the spread of avian flu to Australia. The finding extends the known regions where Nipah virus has been detected, including the island of Timor.
Researchers found that animals use various methods to self-medicate, including learning and innate behaviors. This practice has significant implications for the ecology and evolution of animal hosts and their parasites.
Research models estimate post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) costs British pigs up to £84 per pig, with a two-day quarantine and vaccination strategy saving farmers up to £11,500 per year. The disease affects 30% of cases, causing emaciation and death.
A new enzyme therapy has significantly delayed the onset and progression of symptoms in dogs with Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting children. The treatment, developed by MU and BioMarin researchers, replaces the deficient enzyme and is administered into the spinal fluid, slowing brain degeneration and extending survival.
Researchers have identified mitochondrial CYP2D6 as a potential target for mitigating Parkinson's disease. The study found that mitochondrial CYP2D6 can effectively metabolize MPTP, a compound causing brain cell damage in Parkinson's, and that inhibiting its activity reduces neuronal degeneration.
Emerging infectious diseases can be split into two types: introduced and locally emerging. Introduced diseases often cause a spike in infections, while locally emerging diseases show a steady increase. Climate change is not a major driving force behind emerging diseases.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that a common canine virus, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), can be used as a vector to deliver vaccines against deadly human diseases such as H5N1 flu, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. A single dose vaccine using PIV5 has protected mice from seasonal flu and bird flu.
A recent study led by academics from the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences found that caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve can be a viable option for headshaking in horses. The procedure showed a nearly 50% long-term success rate, offering a promising alternative to euthanasia.
Local African herders guided scientists to decide which animals to immunize and when, achieving higher than 80% herd immunity. The eradication of rinderpest is a triumph against a disease that has plagued animals and humankind for centuries.
Researchers tracked parasite-induced disease and death in reintroduced wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park, finding that mange did not infect wolves until 2007. The diseases that infected the wolves quickly were all viral, including canine distemper and parvovirus, while mange is a skin infection caused by scabies mites.
A rare but deadly infection, similar to malaria in humans, was discovered among a group of horses at the King Ranch in Texas. WSU/USDA scientist Don Knowles developed a reliable diagnostic test and treatment to kill the parasites, containing the outbreak and identifying a new tick species responsible for its spread.
A novel arenavirus has been identified as the possible cause of inclusion body disease in snakes, a devastating illness that spreads easily among boas and pythons in captivity. The discovery may lead to the development of diagnostic tools and treatments to eradicate the disease from snake collections worldwide.