Articles tagged with Animal Health
Researchers found that earthworms prefer soils with bioplastic particles and digest them differently than petroleum-derived plastics. The worms can break down bioplastics like polylactic acid into smaller fragments, which are then excreted slowly.
Researchers found that healthy companion animals and their owners can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes to each other, highlighting the importance of hygiene practices around pets. The study suggests that even low-level shedding of bacteria by healthy carriers can pose a risk to vulnerable individuals.
A recent Cornell University study reveals that white-tailed deer can shed and transmit the COVID-19 virus for up to five days following infection. The virus replicates in the deer's respiratory tract, lymphoid tissues, and central nervous system, making them a potential reservoir for the virus in nature.
Researchers at Clemson University have identified a genetic variation associated with congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) in German shepherd dogs, which is often fatal if left untreated. A genetic test using melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 and dog's sex can predict the risk of CIM with 75% accuracy.
Free-ranging dairy cows exhibit unique natural behaviors, taking more daily steps than penned cattle. A comparison study found penned cattle take half as many daily steps in modern cubicle housing without access to pasture.
A new study by Washington State University researchers has developed a camera-trapping method that accurately estimates the density of snowshoe hares and potentially other unmarked small mammals. The method, validated through a large-scale field test, shows promise as an inexpensive and non-invasive alternative to live-trapping.
A team of international researchers has developed an algorithm to translate pig grunts into actual emotions, with 92% accuracy. The study provides insight into animal welfare and could lead to improved living conditions for livestock.
A survey of 426 Italian dog owners found that 86% observed negative changes in surviving dogs' behavior after the death of their companion. These changes included increased attention seeking, decreased activity, and fearfulness.
Researchers from Tohoku University developed a new approach to treating intractable diarrhea in calves by harnessing the power of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The study identified key factors, including Selenomonas and Sporobacter, that facilitate successful FMT treatment.
A study of over 1,200 agility dogs found that core strength exercises and balance activities can lower the risk of cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. Dogs that engage in high-level agility events and flyball are at higher risk, while those with certain breeds and age factors may also be more prone to injury.
A Texas A&M research team is using dietary supplements of arginine and creatine to improve the overall litter weight and health of individual pig babies. The study's findings also have implications for human fetal development, as arginine plays a key role in pregnancy by promoting blood vessel growth and supporting fetal-placental growth.
A recent study evaluated pet cages, running wheels, and hay racks sold in German retailers and found that many failed to meet animal welfare standards. The research highlights concerns about the quality of pet supplies sold in retail stores.
The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking study that has enrolled over 32,000 dogs to understand the aging process. Researchers are using this dataset to identify biomarkers of canine aging and potential genetic factors contributing to exceptional longevity, which they hope will translate to human health.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that flat-faced breeds like Neapolitan mastiffs and English bulldogs are disproportionately affected by the condition. The study suggests that breed-specific characteristics may contribute to the development of cherry eye.
A study from North Carolina State University demonstrates the accuracy of a less invasive technique for monitoring wildlife health using dried blood spots. Researchers found that this method is comparable to traditional techniques, allowing for easier and less stressful data collection from wild populations.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a mange outbreak in San Guillermo National Park, Argentina decimated the wild vicuña and guanaco populations, with nearly three-quarters of the animals lost between 2017-18. The authors suggest domestic llamas introduced to the site may have triggered the outbreak.
A recent study reveals that lead poisoning from eating contaminated carcasses has reduced bald eagle population growth by 4-6% annually in the Northeast. The researchers emphasize the need for hunters to choose copper-based ammunition to mitigate this issue, which could impact other species as well.
Young dairy calves are motivated to seek full social contact, even with partial interaction, according to a new study. The researchers found that calves pushed more weight to access pens with a social partner compared to empty pens, highlighting the importance of socialization for calf development.
Researchers found that increasing energy intake by feeding more milk replacer supports greater growth during summer. However, feeding frequency had no effect on growth during summer but improved growth during winter. The study suggests optimizing feeding strategies to maximize calf growth and welfare in hot environments.
Research from the Marine Biological Laboratory reveals that sea anemones are severely impacted by pollutants in their native habitats. The study found that exposure to common pollutants like phthalates and potassium nitrate led to decreased body size, fewer tentacles, and reduced stinging cells.
The 2020 wildfires in Brazil's Pantanal wetland resulted in the deaths of an estimated 16.9 million vertebrates, including lizards, birds, and primates. The study estimates that between 13.2 million and 18.8 million small vertebrates and 691,000 to 1.2 million medium-to-large vertebrates were killed.
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
A team of researchers from the University of Groningen developed an AI-based system that can identify individual Holstein cows in a milking station based on their coat pattern. The system achieved a recognition rate of 99.7% and has several advantages, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
A collaborative research study found Cryptosporidium prevalence to be 20-25% across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, posing a serious threat to dairy cattle and human life. The parasite is concerning due to its ability to become infectious in chlorine, increasing the risk of infection through traditional methods.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a wood boiler system that improves bird health and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by drying litter and creating dry heat. The system has the potential to replace propane heating systems in poultry farms, benefiting both animal welfare and the environment.
Research reveals that captive animals on soft food diets may experience weaker skulls and reduced bite effectiveness when released back into the wild. The study found that rats fed softer diets had weaker skulls, but those switched from hard to soft food as juveniles also showed signs of weakened bone growth.
Research using ring-tailed lemurs shows that fecal microbiota transplants can stabilize and restore a healthy gut microbiome after antibiotic use. The study confirms the effectiveness of this ancient treatment for reducing the negative effects of antibiotics on the gut, which can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Researchers found that high-frequency, intermittent noises trigger more anxiety in dogs than low-frequency, continuous noise. Dog owners often underestimate their pets' fearfulness and respond with amusement rather than concern.
Scientists call for scientifically-informed reforms to manage overabundant kangaroo populations, addressing animal welfare, conservation and environmental concerns. The special edition of the journal features research papers on sustainable monitoring and management practices to reduce harm to wildlife species.
A modelling study estimates nearly a quarter of a million unowned cats in UK urban areas, with higher deprivation and density linked to higher abundance. Socioeconomic factors and human population density were key predictors of unowned cat presence.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.
A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that intelligent bird species such as parrots and great apes are at risk of poor welfare in captivity. The researchers recommend providing naturalistic diets, enrichment items, and stimulating environments to improve care and reduce psychological problems.
Researchers at Shedd Aquarium and Northwestern University discovered a family of microbes responsible for disappearing anti-parasitic medicine in the aquarium's quarantine habitats. The microbes, which were using the medicine as a source of nitrogen, were found in outlet pipes and were identified as belonging to various phyla.
Researchers found that great tits nesting near healthy oak trees advance their egg-laying timing more than those near unhealthy oaks. The variation in timing is linked to the health of nearby oak trees and reveals patterns masked by population-wide studies.
A recent study found that Cavalier King Charles spaniels have an increased number of disease-causing mutations compared to other breeds. The breed's history of intense breeding and limited gene pool has led to the accumulation of harmful genetic variants, including those linked to myxomatous mitral valve disease, a common heart condition.
A new study found that heat stress in pregnant dairy cows reduces fetal growth and influences the performance and immune development of offspring. Calves born to heat-stressed cows have lower birth weights, organ weights, and higher rates of cell death, suggesting compromised placental and fetal development.
The Southwest National Primate Research Center and Texas Biomedical Research Institute have received continued full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) for their exceptional animal care. The institution houses over 2,500 nonhuman primates, including pathogen-free rhesus...
Researchers at UMD developed a supplement that improves pig muscle growth, which could lead to increased sustainability in the pork industry. The study also explored potential applications in human health, including improved immune function and reduced inflammation.
A recent study on tsetse flies found that a mother's age and diet influence the health of her offspring. Female tsetse flies produce weaker offspring as they get older or feed on poor-quality blood. The study also revealed that nutritional stress affects female fertility, but not the rate of reproductive ageing.
Researchers challenge long-held views on transition dairy cow health, suggesting that common metabolic changes may not be the cause of health problems. The study highlights the need to re-examine methods and conclusions of previous research to develop more effective solutions.
A new study found that one in ten veterinary workers in the Netherlands carries strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing bacteria. The study suggests that occupational contact with animals may be a key factor in transmitting these resistant bacteria to humans.
Researchers developed a method using trained ferrets to identify low pathogenic avian influenza A virus in mallard feces. The technique shows promise as an early warning system for detecting the disease.
A pilot study found emotional support animals reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness in individuals with chronic mental health issues. Participants showed lower stress hormone cortisol and higher bonding hormone oxytocin levels after interacting with their animal.
Researchers used image-analysis methods from engineering to spot minute movements of a stony coral. The study found more activities happening under nighttime conditions and provided insights into coral behavior and physiology.
Research on early treatments for cerebral palsy has generated limited supportive data, but emerging efforts aim to improve developmental motor outcomes in children with the condition. Newer, more targeted interventions are being explored to provide novel insights and transform treatment approaches.
The partnership aims to improve understanding of CDS incidence, prevalence and risk factors. Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects about 14% of dogs 8 years and older.
Researchers aim to understand how physical health affects mental health in senior cats, with potential implications for early detection and monitoring of chronic inflammation. The study may also provide insights into the relationships between physical and cognitive health in feline patients.
The summit aims to discuss how individual behaviour and organisational norms can be changed to slow down the development of antimicrobial resistance. Key findings include the need for strong political leadership and communication strategies to address misconceptions about antimicrobial resistance.
The updated guidelines outline four age-related life stages, from kittens to senior cats, with a focus on tailored care approaches and lifelong healthcare plans. Quick reference tables and lifestyle assessment forms aid veterinary professionals in developing evolving care plans that cater to each cat's unique needs.
A study by the University of York found that animal owners in the UK reported increased appreciation for their pets during the pandemic, with many perceiving them as a reliable source of emotional and physical support. However, concerns about caring for animals, accessing veterinary care, and financial uncertainty were also expressed.
A universal leptospirosis vaccine candidate has been developed, providing cross-protection against different species of the Leptospira genus. The attenuated vaccine elicited a wide range of protein-specific antibodies, targeting key proteins critical to the bacteria's survival.
A study found high levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water in some Chinese cities, exceeding international guideline levels. The findings suggest urgent need for elimination of these chemicals from drinking water and better control and reduction of PFAS releases.
The harbor porpoise population is declining in the German North Sea, with a decline of 1.79% per year reported over two decades. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the species, which has been affected by human activities at sea, including shipping routes and wind farms.
Researchers discovered that some English bulldogs diagnosed with a common cancer may actually have polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, a non-cancerous syndrome. This condition can save dogs from being misdiagnosed or euthanized unnecessarily.
Research reveals that an imbalance in gut bacteria can cause depressive-like behaviors by reducing essential lipid metabolites. Transferring healthy gut bacteria from one animal to another can restore normal brain function and alleviate depression.
A decade-long analysis of necropsies reveals that killer whales are vulnerable to multiple human-caused deaths, affecting all age classes. The study underscores the need for improved conservation strategies and mitigation efforts to protect these endangered species.
A new study reveals that up to 20% of the world's most connected cities are at risk of harboring spillovers from wildlife, potentially leading to global pandemics. The research identifies areas with poor health infrastructure and high human pressure on wildlife as hotspots for potential outbreaks.
Researchers found epigenetic biomarkers that indicate chronic stress in commercially raised chickens, potentially leading to improved animal welfare and quality meat. The study suggests a diagnostic tool could be developed to track recurrent stress in production animals.
Researchers found that an immune protein in squid controls the movement of immune cells to deliver nutrients to bacteria, influencing daily rhythms. This discovery could provide clues on factors affecting human microbiome rhythms and has implications for understanding symbiotic systems.