2026-04-01
Huong Q. Duong, Jessie S. F. Wong, Melinda Doyle, Samuel Phillips, Nina Pollak, Peter Timms, Martina Jelocnik
Chlamydia pecorum is globally recognised as an important pathogen of both agricultural and conservation concerns, contributing to significant production losses in livestock and debilitating disease in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). This scoping review evaluates the current C. pecorum research trends and identifies critical knowledge gaps. A systematic literature search across six major databases yielded 2,099 records. Following screening and eligibility assessment using the PRISMA-ScR framework, supplemented with the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis: Scoping Reviews, 194 studies were included and categorised into seven thematic areas: diagnostics and surveillance (n = 56), genotyping (n = 32), genomics (n = 14), co-infections (n = 28), vaccines and therapeutics (n = 39), cell biology (n = 14), and literature reviews (n = 11). While the literature is dominated by studies on diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of livestock and koala infections, C. pecorum genomic data remain sparse, with only seven complete genomes available. The significance of C. pecorum infections in non-koala marsupials, wildlife and other domestic animals remains unclear. Similarly, the contributions of bacterial, viral, and protozoal co-pathogens to disease outcomes across hosts are still poorly defined. Functional cell biology studies are similarly underrepresented and rely on a narrow range of livestock and koala strains. Vaccine trials in koalas and sheep, while promising, have shown limited protection, with current formulations failing to achieve sterilising immunity. Overall, this review highlights the substantial progress in diagnostic and surveillance research while emphasising the urgent need for expanded genomic resources, broader isolate biobanks, and integrated, multidisciplinary approaches, to advance our understanding of C. pecorum cell biology, evolution, transmission, and host–pathogen interactions.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.17995912026-04-01
Rosy G. Cruz-Monterrosa, J. Efrén Ramírez-Bribiesca, María M. Crosby-Galván, Elsa M. Crosby-Galván, Daniel Mota-Rojas, Ignacio A. Domínguez-Vara, Diana T. Ramírez, Ethel C. García y González
BackgroundColostrum is a functional food for newborn calves and can be preserved by refrigeration, freezing, or freeze-drying. The physicochemical characteristics of colostrum may or may not be affected by the freeze-drying process. No information is available on freeze-dried buffalo colostrum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical quality and fatty acid profile of fresh and freeze-dried buffalo colostrum collected 10–12 h postpartum, and to compare them with those of cow colostrum.MethodsColostrum was collected from ranches located in the Mexican highlands. The samples were classified as: (a) fresh cow colostrum (FCC), (b) fresh buffalo colostrum (FBC), (c) 24-h freeze-dried cow colostrum (FdC24), (d) 24-h freeze-dried buffalo colostrum (FdB24), (e) 48-day freeze-dried cow colostrum (FdC48), and (f) 48-day freeze-dried buffalo colostrum (FdB48).ResultsFat and protein content did not differ between FCC and FBC (P > 0.05), while the fat and protein content of FdC24 and FdC48 decreased compared to FdB24 and FdB48 (P 0.05) among groups. NE was higher in buffalo colostrum compared to cow colostrum (P < 0.05). SFA in fresh and freeze-dried colostrum were higher (P < 0.05) in cow colostrum. MUFA were higher (P < 0.05) in buffalo colostrum.ConclusionThe analysis revealed that saturated fatty acid levels were elevated in colostrum from cows, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were more abundant in buffalo colostrum. However, these findings should be substantiated by measurements of lipid oxidation markers, fat globule membrane integrity, and peroxide values. The freeze-drying process tends to reduce fat content and alter the fatty acid profile. Therefore, proper preservation of colostrum is crucial for maintaining its quality; studies indicate that freeze-drying for up to 48 h can effectively preserve its characteristics, making it suitable for use in neonates and other specific nutraceutical applications.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.17761162026-04-01
Fuwan Peng, Shijie Tang, Yutong Cui, Yuyou Zeng
The liver serves as the core organ for metabolism, detoxification, and immune regulation in animals. Its functional homeostasis directly determines the animal's health status and production performance. The gut-liver axis, as a critical inter-organ regulatory network connecting the intestine and the liver, plays a vital role in regulating immune responses, maintaining nutritional metabolism balance, and preventing pathogen invasion. The review systematically elucidates the central role of the gut-liver axis in regulating metabolic homeostasis and immune defense in animals. It comprehensively integrates the structural foundations, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions of this axis across ruminants, pigs and poultry. It focuses on disruptions to intestinal barrier integrity and dynamic alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolites (such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, etc.). These alterations directly or indirectly influence hepatic metabolism, immunity, detoxification functions and systemic inflammation, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of various liver and related metabolic disorders. It provides intervention strategies based on gut-liver axis regulation, such as dietary interventions, probiotics/prebiotics, and microbiota-directed modulation. It also explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data modeling in monitoring the gut-liver axis with the goal of developing early warning systems. By integrating multi-omics technologies to identify key regulatory factors specific to the gut-liver axis, this work extends beyond the conventional gut-centric, single-organ framework to encompass multi-organ synergistic interactions. This approach provides novel theoretical insights and technical support for the discovery of multi-target bioactive compounds and the advancement of precision disease prevention strategies.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.18120642026-04-01
Rebecca L. Bacon, Sara D. Lawhon, Stanton B. Gray, Carolyn L. Hodo
Chronic enterocolitis (CE) is a disease of significant concern in colony-housed rhesus macaques, leading to chronic diarrhea and severe weight loss necessitating euthanasia in up to 25% of adults. Despite over three decades of research into this syndrome, mitigating strategies have been met with variable success and chronic diarrhea remains an ongoing problem in research colonies. Some risk factors, clinicopathologic characteristics, and histopathologic characteristics have been investigated, but an underlying cause has yet to be determined, making identification of at-risk individuals and development of specific therapies difficult. There is some evidence for the syndrome occurring as a post-infectious sequela, particularly with respect to Campylobacter spp. infections, though associations with protozoal agents and other bacteria have been investigated as well. If causality is proven, the syndrome could be used as a naturally occurring model for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) in humans, a syndrome which develops in over one-third of people following an episode of infectious gastroenteritis. Existing animal models fail to replicate PI-IBS in its entirety, preventing the development of effective therapies for this disruptive disease. Given the impact CE has on research colonies, particularly when macaques are in short supply for critical research, as well as the potential as a translational research model, further investigation into this syndrome is crucial. This review will aim to revisit the characterization of CE in rhesus macaques, provide a brief summary of existing animal models for PI-IBS, and discuss recent work on the suitability of CE as a model for the human disease.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.17593382026-03-31
D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Jorge Luis Bonilla-Aldana, Dayana M. Calle-Hernández, Jaime E. Castellanos, Lysien Zambrano, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
IntroductionYellow fever remains a major mosquito-borne viral disease of global public health and ecological concern. Non-human primates (NHPs) are central to the sylvatic transmission cycle and serve as key sentinels of viral circulation. Yet, evidence on yellow fever virus (YFV) infection in NHPs is dispersed and has not been synthesized comprehensively.ObjectiveTo systematically review and meta-analyze global data on the prevalence and seroprevalence of YFV infection in NHP, and to summarize molecular, clinical, and pathological findings from reported epizootic cases.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and SciELO for studies published between 1950 and 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies reporting YFV prevalence or seroprevalence in NHPs were included in the quantitative syntheses, and individual case reports were analyzed separately. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed, with subgroup analyses by geographic region, diagnostic method, and primate genus.ResultsThirty-nine articles assessing 7,183 NHP met the inclusion criteria; 28 contributed to meta-analyses, and 10 provided 19 individual case reports. Pooled molecular prevalence by RT-PCR was 30.7%, and prevalence by immunohistochemistry was 43.4%, both with substantial between-study heterogeneity. Seroprevalence estimates ranged from 5.0 to 36.4% across assays and settings. Higher infection metrics were observed in howler monkeys and titi monkeys. All reported individual cases were fatal and predominantly associated with severe hepatic and multisystemic pathology. Most data originated from the Americas, particularly Brazil, with limited representation from African endemic regions.ConclusionYFV infection in NHP is widespread, often severe, and epidemiologically significant. Our findings underscore the critical sentinel role of NHPs and highlight the need to strengthen integrated One Health surveillance systems to inform prevention and control strategies, particularly in the context of the current resurgence of yellow fever in Latin America and persistent data gaps in Africa.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.17986232026-03-31
Dickson Machira Nyaguthii, James Hassel, Daniel Nthiwa, Michael E. von Fricken, Ellen P. Carlin, Francesco Fava, Victor Ofula, Dino Martins, David Redding, Jeffrey W. Koehler, Mathew Muturi, Eric M. Fèvre, Peter Kimeli, Joshua Orungo Onono
IntroductionPastoralism is a livestock production system practiced in areas with harsh environmental conditions and is characterized by low investment in animal health, increasing the risk of animal disease outbreaks. Zoonotic diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Rift Valley fever (RVF), and tularemia may spread through livestock product value chains.MethodsPublished studies on the three diseases were systematically searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar using predetermined search terms. Eligible studies were screened, and full texts were reviewed for data extraction. Extracted variables included publication details, laboratory methods, and measures of disease occurrence. Studies were grouped according to livestock value chain nodes. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled prevalence. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test and funnel plot symmetry. A random forest algorithm identified relevant moderators of prevalence, which were further evaluated using mixed-effects models.ResultsA total of 34 studies were included, with RVF being the most studied pathogen (64.7%), followed by CCHF (29.4%) and tularemia (5.9%). RVF prevalence was highest in humans (29%; 95% CI: 7–69%), followed by camels (19%; 95% CI: 7–43%), and lowest in goats (6%; 95% CI: 4–10%). CCHF prevalence was highest in camels (48%; 95% CI: 8–91%) and lowest in humans (6%; 95% CI: 2–19%). At the value chain level, prevalence was highest at livestock farms for both RVF (13%; 95% CI: 10–16%) and CCHF (15%; 95% CI: 4–44%). Females were more likely to test positive (OR = 5.20; 95% CI: 3.09–8.76; p < 0.01), while mixed herds showed higher likelihood of RVF positivity (OR = 33.34; 95% CI: 0.72–1548.64; p = 0.0734). Tularemia had a pooled positivity rate of 2% (95% CI: 0–8%).DiscussionThis review provides evidence that CCHF, RVF, and tularemia are endemic in pastoral areas. Strengthened surveillance along livestock value chain nodes is needed to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.16247482026-03-31
Mohamed Abdelrahman, Sali Issa, Montaser Elsayed Ali, Jamal Alotaibi, Fahad Alshanbari
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.18108732026-03-31
Sam Wicker, Sydney Craig, Julia Albright, Cary Springer, Kathleen Freeman, Luca Giori
IntroductionThe measurement of baseline cortisol concentrations in dogs is affected by within-subject (individual, CVI) and between-subject (group, CVG) variability, together called “biological variation,” as well as analytical variability (CVA).MethodsBaseline cortisol concentrations analyzed in duplicate from 18 healthy, acclimated, client-owned dogs over a 6-week period were used to quantify biological variation for this measurand.ResultsIndividual variation and group variation were CVI = 32.41% and CVG = 37.70%, and analytical variation (CVA) was 6.86%. Cortisol concentrations were not associated with age, breed, sex, neuter status, or venipuncture site (jugular vs. cephalic). Baseline cortisol concentrations were not associated with date of sampling as the study progressed.DiscussionBiological variation of baseline cortisol in dogs can be used to help interpret individual cortisol results and when establishing laboratory quality goals. Veterinarians should be aware of the potential biological variation of baseline cortisol measurements in dogs.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.18058802026-03-30
Ali Erdem Öztürk, Serpil Sarıözkan, Mustafa Bodu, Yunus Emre Atay, Derya Şahin, Oya Korkmaz, Caner Öztürk, Zeliha Kılınç, Muge Mirioglu, Nimet Temur, İbrahim Yasir Teǧiş, Merve Şanlı, Mustafa Numan Bucak, İsmail Öçsoy
Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent derived from the Curcuma longa plant. However, its low water solubility and limited bioavailability restrict its effectiveness in cryopreservation applications. In this study, curcumin nanoparticles (CNp) were produced in two different sizes (20 and 80 nm) to increase bioavailability, and their effects on the freezing of Angora buck sperm were investigated. Semen was collected a total of six times from five Angora bucks (aged 2–3 years). The collected semen was pooled in equal volumes, diluted with a Tris-based egg yolk diluent, and distributed among the experimental groups. Experimental groups set as: control, CNp 20–1 (20 nm CNp at 1 μg/ml), CNp 20-5 (20 nm CNp at 5 μg/ml), CNp 80–1 (80 nm CNp at 1 μg/ml), and CNp 80-5 (80 nm CNp at 5 μg/ml), and were drawn into 0.25 ml straws and frozen. After thawing, motility, kinematic parameters, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity (PMAI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA integrity analyses were performed. The highest motility value was observed in the CNp 20-1 group (p < 0.05), but the groups containing 80 nm CNp reduced MMP (p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between groups in PMAI. DNA integrity remained within acceptable limits in all groups and was better preserved compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition to these findings, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses revealed that CNps exhibited increased water-absorbing capacity and aggregation. The hydrodynamic diameters of 20 and 80 nm CNps were found to be 223.3 and 289.3 nm, respectively. The findings indicate that the size of curcumin nanoparticles significantly affects aggregation behavior, motility, and DNA integrity parameters. These results suggest that curcumin nanoparticles with a 20 nm size may offer a more effective strategy for the cryopreservation of Angora buck sperm.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.17953452026-03-30
Matthew McMillan
IntroductionMedication error is a major cause of preventable harm in healthcare. Superficially, solutions to medication error appear simple, however medication administration often occurs during high-risk clinical scenarios, and under varied and challenging conditions which reduce intervention efficacy. Administering medication by infusion (AMI) is particularly complex. To develop feasible, effective and sustainable medication safety, requires an in-depth understanding of clinical conditions. Resilience engineering techniques can insight into process performance and variation and can identify how frontline staff can be better supported.MethodsA Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) based process evaluation was conducted in a multidisciplinary small-animal referral hospital. Information on work-as-imagined was obtained from institutional standard operating procedures (SOPs). Work-as-done was explored using an anonymous online staff survey with open-ended questions investigating process variation. Data were analysed using the four FRAM phases: identifying process functions, characterising performance variability, assessing functional resonance, and generating resilience-informed recommendations.ResultThere were 45 responses to the survey included in analysis. The SOPs described a relatively linear process consisting of 7 phases whereas the FRAM model consisted of 45 interrelated and interdependent functions. Substantial discrepancies were identified between work-as-imagined and work-as-done. Performance variability and context dependent workarounds were common, particularly in relation to communication, dose calculators, infusion sheets, and double-checking, which were often impracticable under conditions of high workload, limited staffing, or clinical urgency. Interventions aimed at improving frontline abilities to anticipate, monitor and adjust to challenging conditions, and allowing the organisation to learn from outcomes were developed from the model.DiscussionFRAM demonstrated that AMI is a highly complex and variable process which is not adequately captured by existing SOPs. Performance variability reflected necessary adaptations to local conditions rather than individual non-compliance. Resilience-informed redesign of AMI processes may better support frontline staff and improve medication safety across diverse veterinary clinical contexts.
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1781437