The concept of one health applied to the problem of zoonotic diseases

One health agriculture: Heat stress mitigation dilemma in agriculture

The concept of One Health was developed as a successful strategy for addressing global crises that impact the health of animals, humans, and plants. The agriculture industry is facing a huge dilemma due to climate change and the impacts of heat stress, which might pose a threat to mankind in the future. In order to enhance the management of heat stress in the agriculture sector (Agri-heat stress), we suggest implementing the One Health approach. This is because the existing methods employed to alleviate heat stress in both livestock and crop farming may have side-effects on the well-being of animals, plants, humans, and the ecosystem. This review article examines the "dilemma" of mitigating heat stress in animal and crop husbandry. It discusses the One Health approach to heat stress, including a recommended strategy for reducing Agri-heat stress using the One Health approach. The study also highlights the benefits of adopting the One Health approach in mitigating Agri-heat stress. In our opinion, the efficacy of the One Health Approach in reducing Agri-heat stress depends on the process of conceptualization. This process includes recognizing the issue or hypothesis, as well as incorporating cooperating teams in the creation of environmentally friendly approaches. The efficacy and challenges of implementing this notion arise from the precise coordination of resources and collaborators.

Cattle Zoonotic and Non-Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Europe-A Retrospective Analysis of the Past 15 Years

Vector-borne diseases play a significant role in veterinary health, impacting both wild and domestic animals and posing a major constraint on the development of animal husbandry worldwide. The current study aimed to highlight some of the factors involved in the appearance and dissemination of these emerging and re-emerging diseases, as well as the prevalence rate of certain species of pathogens, in cattle throughout Europe. Considering the complexity of vector-host systems, ticks can be mentioned as the first and most common vector involved in the transmission of pathogens in cattle. The highest prevalence was reported for two vector species: Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis punctata. Another factor that contributes to the rapid identification of these diseases is the employed diagnostic method; thus, the most frequently employed techniques in Europe are: PCR, ELISA, and phylogenetic analysis of sequences. The prevalence of tick-borne infections in cattle is continuously increasing. The most frequent associations are Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. Overall, this study highlights a rising occurrence and prevalence of vector-borne diseases in European cattle, underscoring the need for thorough monitoring of farms and vector hotspots-ideally within a "One Health" framework.

The global distribution and risk prediction of Anaplasmataceae species: a systematic review and geospatial modelling analysis

BACKGROUND

The family Anaplasmataceae, reclassified under the order Rickettsiales, represents a highly complex group that poses an increasing global threat. However, their infection risk remains poorly understood. We aimed to map the diversity, distribution, and potential infection risk of Anaplasmataceae members.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, bioRvix, and MedRvix for published articles to extract data on the detection of Anaplasmatacea species in vectors, animals, and humans from 1910 to 2022. We mapped the richness and global distribution of identified Anaplasmatacea species. Machine learning algorithms were applied to determine the ecological and vector-related factors contributing to the occurrence of major Anaplasmatacea members and project their potential risk distributions.

FINDINGS

A total of 2605 studies meeting our inclusion criteria were used for data extraction. We identified 85 species of Anaplasmataceae family from 134 tick species, 312 wild animals, and 12 domestic animals. Anaplasma phagocytophilum had the widest range of vectors (97 species), followed by Anaplasma marginale (54 species), Anaplasma bovis (46 species), Anaplasma ovis (37 species), and Anaplasma platys (35 species). Aanaplasmaphagocytophilum was also detected in the widest range of wildlife (208 species), followed by Ehrlichia chaffeensis (46 species), Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (36 species), Ehrlichia canis (35 species), and A. bovis (32 species). In total, 52,315 human cases involving 15 Anaplasmataceae species were recorded, A. phagocytophilum and E. chaffeensis accounted for majority of human infections (66·5% and 32·4%, respectively). According to our modelling analysis, the geographic distribution of six major Anaplasmatacea species is primarily influenced by the projected habitat suitability index of tick vectors and climatic conditions. Among these, A. phagocytophilum presents the highest risk, with an estimated 3·97 billion individuals and 8·95 million km2 area potentially affected.

INTERPRETATION

The widespread distribution of Anaplasmataceae species emphasizes the need to enhance identification, surveillance, and diagnosis efforts in high-risk areas, particularly within low-income regions.

FUNDING

The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC2605603) and the Natural Science Foundation of China (82330103).

Navigating the Interconnected Web of Health: A Comprehensive Review of the One Health Paradigm and Its Implications for Disease Management

Disease outbreaks pose serious threats to humans, as highlighted by the recent pandemic, underscoring the need for an institutionalized multi-sectoral approach like One Health, encompassing human, animal, and environmental health. One Health has demonstrated efficacy in addressing emerging issues such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic disease spillover. While integrating the human-animal sector has yielded positive outcomes, the majority of zoonotic spillovers originate from wildlife, emphasizing the crucial role of environmental surveillance within global One Health systems. Additionally, climate change intensifies the frequency and emergence of infectious diseases and spillover events. Tackling the complexity and interconnectedness of health challenges necessitates integrated solutions that incorporate broader structural factors, aiding in the prevention, detection, and mitigation of disease outbreaks. Embracing One Health through multi-sectoral preparedness can effectively confront the escalating threats of pandemics and other emerging diseases.

Serologic and molecular survey for Rickettsia in small mammals in the Andes of Colombia

Zoonotic vector-borne infectious diseases represent a significant global challenge. Ticks are one of the most important vectors globally, transmitting a wide range of pathogens. Among these pathogens, bacteria of the genus Rickettsia cause zoonotic diseases, knows as rickettsioses, that primarily affect tropical and subtropical regions. Rickettsiae are transmitted between vertebrate hosts and vectors, with some wild mammals serving as key amplifying hosts. In Colombia, the limited information on wild reservoirs contrasts with their high diversity, which includes 553 native mammal species, and 51 species of ticks associated with wild mammal hosts. To detect Rickettsia exposure and infections in wild mammals from the Colombian Andean region, serum, blood, and organ samples were collected from wild mammals in the Departments of Caldas and Risaralda, Colombia, between July 2021 and November 2022. A total of 147 mammals belonging to 58 species and three orders (Didelphimorphia, Chiroptera, and Rodentia) were captured. The indirect immunofluorescence assays analysis detected antibodies for Rickettsia in 100 % of didelphids, 65.2 % of rodents, and 45.9 % of bats. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 4.1 % of the mammals analyzed, with 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia rickettsii, and Rickettsia parkeri identified in rodents and bats. The detection of Rickettsia in wild mammals reinforces their role as reservoirs and highlights the need to investigate their ecology to improve surveillance and control of rickettsiosis in Colombia.

Assessing Socioeconomic and Environmental Vulnerability and Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases From a One Health Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Rural Population in Tamil Nadu, India

BACKGROUND

The interconnection between human, animal, and ecosystem health is crucial, particularly in rural areas, where several socio-economic and environmental risk factors heighten vulnerability to zoonotic diseases. This study aims to assess the vulnerability as well as knowledge and practices concerning zoonosis from a One Health perspective.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was carried out in rural areas of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, from July to December 2024, selected by simple random sampling. The socio-demographic and ecological risk factors, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding zoonosis were assessed utilizing a validated semi-structured questionnaire among 408 participants. Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) and R programming (version 4.4.3; R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) were used for analyzing the data.

RESULTS

The study sample, comprising 238 (58.3%) males, had a mean age of 43.32 years, with 46 (11.3%) being illiterate. Around 134 (32.84%) belonged to the lower middle class, with 50 (12.3%) worked in agriculture, and 118 (28.9%) were unemployed. Around 96 (23.53%) of the population lived in kutcha houses, 151 (37.01%) reported dampness, and 253 (62.01%) reported overcrowding. Environmental issues include mosquito breeding in 279 (68.38%), open drains in 268 (65.69%), stray animals in 308 (75.49%), and rat infestations in 155 (37.99%) of communities. Around 321 (79%) of individuals demonstrated good knowledge, while only 96 (24%) exhibited a positive attitude and 107 (26%) engaged in good practices. We noted a negative attitude and poor practices among 120 (29%) and 170 (42%), respectively. Individuals aged 41 years and older (p=0.02) and pet owners (p=0.01) demonstrated a higher level of knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in socially and ecologically disadvantaged populations to prevent zoonotic diseases. It identifies a gap between knowledge and practical application, advocating for behavior change for better rural health outcomes.

Pathways to One Health: Enhancing Inter-Sectoral Collaboration in Pakistan

One Health is an integrative approach aiming to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnection between humans, animals, and the environment. This study explores the understanding, perspectives, hurdles, and implications of intersectoral collaboration within Pakistan's human health system, focusing on One Health principles. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, involving 17 key informant interviews with purposively selected stakeholders from public health, agriculture, veterinary medicine, agriculture and environmental science. Thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes. There are varying levels of understanding and awareness of One Health principles, with some showing strong comprehension; while, others showed significant knowledge gaps. Barriers such as institutional silos, fragmented policies, and limited resources were identified for operationalizing the intersectoral collaboration requisite for One Health. Successful collaborative initiatives demonstrated the potential of One Health in achieving significant health outcomes. Meaningful engagement of stakeholders and capacity building emerged as critical needs, with recommendations for continuous in-service training centered on One Health principles. Unified policies, strengthened institutional support, and continuous capacity building will enhance One Health agenda. Overarching governance and decentralized decision-making processes can promote consistency and cooperation across sectors for advancing One Health initiatives and effectively addressing complex human health challenges in Pakistan.

The role of climatic changes in the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases: bibliometric analysis and literature-supported studies on zoonoses

Climate change (CC) is increasingly recognised as a critical driver in the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases. The relationship between CC and infectious diseases is complex and multifaceted, encompassing changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. This study describes the role of CC in the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases, emphasising zoonoses. It used a mixed methodology, including an initial literature contextualisation and a bibliometric analysis, to identify key thematic research areas related to CC and zoonotic diseases and show their connections. The research relied on the Scopus database for the identification of relevant source literature and focused the search query on publications in English. VOSviewer was used to discover clear thematic clusters that illustrate what research areas have been addressed in the literature and how they are interlinked. In addition, the research selected and analysed twelve literature-supported studies to investigate the relevance of the zoonoses involved in infectious disease emergence and re-emergence linked to CC impacts. Many pathogens and their vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents, are sensitive to temperature and moisture. CC can expand or shift the geographical distribution of these vectors, bringing diseases to new areas. Warmer temperatures may allow mosquitoes that transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever to survive and reproduce in regions that were previously too cold. Also, extreme events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes can lead to immediate increases in waterborne and vector-borne diseases (VBD) by facilitating the spread of pathogens. There is a need to better understand the connections between CC and zoonoses. To address the challenges posed by zoonoses linked to CC, international organizations like the WHO should coordinate a global response to provide clear guidance. Governments must integrate CC and zoonoses into national health policies, ensuring that health frameworks address these interconnected risks. Funding should be allocated for research on the root causes of CC and for strengthening defenses, particularly in developing countries with fragile health systems. Additionally, enhanced communication, education, and training for healthcare professionals about the links between CC and zoonoses are essential for raising awareness and promoting proactive measures.

Environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural drivers of monkeypox transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a One Health perspective

BACKGROUND

Monkeypox (mpox) is an emerging zoonotic disease that has persistently impacted public health in endemic regions of West and Central Africa for over half a century. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains one of the countries most affected. Understanding the risk factors for disease transmission from a One Health perspective is of great importance in the risk assessment, prevention, and control of zoonotic diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the risk factors for human mpox transmission at the human-animal-environment interface in the DRC.

METHODS

Epidemiological, environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural data from the DRC from 2000 to 2015 were obtained from publicly available dataset. Using these data, we applied negative binomial regression model, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model, and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify key environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural factors contributing to mpox transmission. Moreover, a grey prediction model GM (1, n) was constructed to predict the epidemic trend of mpox post-2015 and validated using suspected mpox case data in the DRC from 2016 to 2021, sourced from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2021, a total of 43,628 suspected mpox cases were reported in the DRC, with a peak of 6216 cases in 2020. From 2016 to 2021, suspected cases accounted for over half (24,379/43,628, 55.9%) of the total reported during the 2000-2021 period. The proportion of primary forest [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.023, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018-1.027], index of economic well-being (IRR: 1.046, 95% CI: 1.039-1.052), and mean annual precipitation (IRR 1.040, 95% CI: 1.031-1.049) were positively associated with mpox incidence. PCA identified five principal components, explaining 69% of the variance in the environmental, socioeconomic, and sociocultural variables. The first component was characterized by socioeconomic factors. The GM (1, n) model, based on the proportion of primary forest, index of economic well-being, and mean annual precipitation, predicted the epidemic trend (revealed relative error: 2.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Both socioeconomic and environmental factors play important roles in mpox transmission. Our study further highlighted the importance of considering the interconnectedness among humans, animals, and the environment, and treating these factors as a whole to explain the transmission and emergence of mpox outbreaks in the DRC according to the One Health concept.

Making sense of sentinels: wildlife as the One Health bridge for environmental antimicrobial resistance surveillance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), arising from decades of imprudent anthropogenic use of antimicrobials in healthcare and agriculture, is considered one of the greatest One Health crises facing healthcare globally. Antimicrobial pollutants released from human-associated sources are intensifying resistance evolution in the environment. Due to various ecological factors, wildlife interact with these polluted ecosystems, acquiring resistant bacteria and genes. Although wildlife are recognized reservoirs and disseminators of AMR in the environment, current AMR surveillance systems still primarily focus on clinical and agricultural settings, neglecting this environmental dimension. Wildlife can serve as valuable sentinels of AMR in the environment, reflecting ecosystem health, and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. This review explores knowledge gaps surrounding the ecological factors influencing AMR acquisition and dissemination in wildlife, and highlights limitations in current surveillance systems and policy instruments that do not sufficiently address the environmental component of AMR. We discuss the underutilized opportunity of using wildlife as sentinel species in a holistic, One Health-centred AMR surveillance system. By better integrating wildlife into systematic AMR surveillance and policy, and leveraging advances in high-throughput technologies, we can track and predict resistance evolution, assess the ecological impacts, and better understand the complex dynamics of environmental transmission of AMR across ecosystems.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Associated Factors Amongst Health Professionals: A Scoping Review of the Published Literature

Background/Objectives: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) hold significant influence over public attitudes toward vaccinations. Studies suggest that HCPs are hesitant towards the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. This hesitancy could lead to lower vaccination rates in the community. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to assess the extent of hesitancy towards COVID-19 booster doses among HCPs and identify the associated factors. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed and Scopus databases from April to August 2024, using keywords related to COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy, HCPs, and booster vaccination. Studies that had been peer-reviewed, published in English after 2022, and focused on the hesitancy of the COVID-19 booster dose hesitancy among HCPs were included. Out of the 6703 studies screened, 24 studies were included. Results: Most of the HCPs have received their initial series of COVID-19 vaccinations. However, there is a lower rate of uptake for booster doses, with hesitancy rates ranging from 12% to 66.5%. Hesitancy rates varied significantly across continents, with Asia, Africa, and Europe ranging from 19.7% to 66.5%, 27% to 46.1%, 14% to 60.2%, respectively. Hesitancy was reported to be influenced by various factors, including concerns about vaccine safety, necessity, and effectiveness of these vaccines. In addition, the hesitancy regarding booster doses was also found to be influenced by factors like age, gender, profession, and previous COVID-19. Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists exhibited vaccine hesitancy rates ranging from 12.8% to 43.7%, 26% to 37%, and 26% to 34.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Our review underscores the hesitancy among HCPs towards receiving booster doses across countries around the world and explores the underlying factors. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of future pandemic vaccination programs.

A systematic review on global zoonotic virus-associated mortality events in marine mammals

Marine mammals play a critical role as sentinels for tracking the spread of zoonotic diseases, with viruses being the primary causative factor behind infectious disease induced mortality events. A systematic review was conducted to document marine mammal mortality events attributed to zoonotic viral infections in published literature across the globe. This rigorous search strategy yielded 2883 studies with 88 meeting inclusion criteria. The studies spanned from 1989 to 2023, with a peak in publications observed in 2020. Most of the included studies were retrospective, providing valuable insights into historical trends. The United States (U.S.) reported the highest number of mortality events followed by Spain, Italy, Brazil and the United Kingdom. Harbor seals were the most impacted species, particularly in regions like Anholt, Denmark and the New England Coast, U.S. Analysis revealed six main viruses responsible for mortality events, with Morbillivirus causing the highest proportion of deaths. Notably, the occurrence of these viral events varied geographically, with distinct patterns observed in different regions. Immunohistochemistry emerged as the most employed detection method. This study underscores the importance of global surveillance efforts in understanding and mitigating the impact of viral infections on marine mammal populations, thereby emphasizing the necessity of collaborative One Health approaches to address emerging threats at the human-animal-environment interface. Additionally, the potential transfer of zoonotic viruses to aquatic organisms used in food production, such as fish and shellfish, highlights the broader implications for food safety, food security and public health.

Meta-Analysis of Seroprevalence and Prevalence of Influenza A Viruses (Subtypes H3N2, H3N8, and H1N1) in Dogs

Influenza A is a zoonotic disease that affects dogs, pigs, horses, poultry, and birds. In this report, a meta-analysis according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was conducted. Studies of influenza A viruses in dogs providing prevalence or seroprevalence in any location worldwide were included. The results in this study show that the seroprevalence for the H3N8 influenza subtype was 7.96% (95% CI: 2.03-16.8, p < 0.001), for the H3N2 subtype was 7.44% (95% CI: 4.51-10.5, p < 0.001), and for the H1N1 subtype was 3.10% (95% CI: 0.890-6.01, p < 0.001). In the case of the prevalence analysis, a prevalence of 0.395% (95% CI: 0.160-2.44) for the H3N8 subtype. For the H3N2 subtype, a prevalence of 17.8% (95% CI: 6.66-32.6, p < 0.001) was found. No publication bias was observed in the studies evaluating seroprevalence in the H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes. In the H3N8 subtype, Begg's test indicated publication bias, but Egger's test showed no bias. It is essential to know the approximate prevalence and seroprevalence worldwide of canine influenza, so this study reports the presence of influenza subtypes in dogs, placing this species as a reservoir for human, swine, equine, and avian influenza A viruses.

Redefining infections with trypanosomatids in Neotropical primates: Case study of the white-footed tamarin (Oedipomidas leucopus)

Trypanosomes are blood parasites capable of infecting nearly any vertebrate. Many Neotropical primates frequently host trypanosomes and are considered potential reservoirs for Trypanosoma cruzi and other human-pathogenic trypanosomatids. However, diagnostic methods originally developed for detecting these trypanosomatids in humans and domestic species must be validated to reliably diagnose infections in non-human primates. Without such validation, taxonomic biases and incorrect assignments of wildlife reservoirs can occur. The white-footed tamarin (Oedipomidas leucopus), a primate endemic to northwestern Colombia, is classified by the World Health Organization as a reservoir of T. cruzi. However, this classification is based on studies with small sample sizes, ambiguous diagnostic methods, and questionable geographic records. In this study, the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified via PCR and sequenced to estimate trypanosome infection rates and identify species in natural populations of O. leucopus across a wide geographic range, as well as in (ex situ) specimens. This molecular approach was also compared with traditional microscopy diagnosis using blood smears. The molecular diagnosis revealed that over 60% of the tested specimens were infected, whereas traditional microscopy resulted in 58% false negatives compared to the molecular method. A Bayesian phylogeny of the 18S gene identified T. minasense as the sole trypanosomatid species present in O. leucopus, with no detections of T. cruzi or other trypanosomatids of concern to human or domestic animal health. This study highlights the risk of overestimating the presence of human-infecting trypanosomes, such as T. cruzi, in tamarins and other vertebrates, and underscores the importance of validating diagnostic methods to accurately assess the zoonotic potential of wild species. Accurate identification of wildlife reservoirs is essential for understanding parasite life cycles and implementing effective management and conservation strategies for primates and other potential reservoirs.

A "One health" approach to the understanding of mammals, ticks and Rickettsia interactions in the Andes of Colombia

Infectious diseases, especially zoonotic, represent a significant global threat to both human and animal health. Ticks are among the primary vectors of pathogens affecting wild and domestic animals, some of which can also cause severe human diseases. To effectively face zoonotic diseases, the "One Health" approach is being promoted to integrate the health of human, animals, and ecosystems. Here, we identify the associations between ticks, rickettsiae, wild and domestic mammals, and humans in the Andean region of Colombia. A total of 366 ticks of 17 species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Ixodes, Ornithodoros, and Rhipicephalus were collected as free-living organisms, or parasitizing humans, wild (22 species) and domestic (3 species) mammals. Infection with Rickettsia parkeri strain NOD, Rickettsia cf. monacensis and 'Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae' was detected in 3.4% of the ticks analyzed (n = 3). This study highlights the diversity of ticks in humans and wild and domestic mammals in Colombia. It also underscores the risk these ectoparasites represent to human and animal health due to the potential transmission of zoonotic pathogens such as Rickettsia spp.

Advancing One Health education: integrative pedagogical approaches and their impacts on interdisciplinary learning

One Health is an integrative approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, advocating for collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts to address health challenges, particularly amid globalization and emerging threats. This paper examines the integration of One Health principles into global health education, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative pedagogical approaches. It evaluates various teaching methods, including problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), simulation-based education (SBE), case-based learning (CBL), interdisciplinary workshops and seminars (IWS), and service-learning (SL), analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in fostering interdisciplinary understanding and practical application of One Health concepts. While these methods enhance learning by promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application, they also face challenges such as resource constraints, variability in group dynamics, and the complexity of assessing long-term learning outcomes. The paper also discusses the role of global partnerships, such as the Global One Health Research Partnership (GOHRP), in advancing One Health education through collaborative research and educational initiatives. Addressing challenges in curriculum integration and interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for the effective implementation of One Health education, ensuring that future health professionals are equipped to tackle complex global health challenges.

Surveillance strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infections through one health approach

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an emergent disease that threatens global health. Public health structures and economic activities have been disrupted globally by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 556.3 million confirmed cases and 6.3 million deaths have been reported. However, the exact mechanism of its emergence in humans remains unclear. SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have a zoonotic origin, suggesting a spillover route from animals to humans, which is potentially facilitated by wildlife farming and trade. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the One Health approach in managing threats of zoonosis in the human-animal-environment interaction. Implementing vigilant surveillance programs by adopting the One Health concept at the interfaces between wildlife, livestock, and humans is the most pertinent, practical, and actionable strategy for preventing and preparing for future pandemics of zoonosis, such as COVID-19 infection. This review summarizes the updated evidence of CoV infections in humans and animals and provides an appropriate strategy for preventive measures focused on surveillance systems through an On Health approach.

BRUSH Summer Research Program: Promoting Science Identity in Underrepresented Veterinary and Undergraduate Students

While all facets of the health care workforce need to diversify, the veterinary profession lags behind in training students from underrepresented populations. The need to increase diversity among health care professionals is not limited to clinicians but extends to those generating new information through biomedical research. To address demographic disparities within the biomedical research community, we provide a summer research program for veterinary and undergraduate students from populations historically underrepresented in the biomedical workforce that is explicitly designed to foster science identity and subsequently increase participants' interest and success in pursuing biomedical research-related educational and career paths. We hypothesized that participation in this program would enhance science identity, confidence, and pursuit of research-related education and subsequent careers. Three validated survey instruments containing qualitative ordered rating scales were administered to program participants (N = 57) over the course of the summer in which they participated (2018-2022). Questions asked at two time points were analyzed with a repeated-measures linear mixed-effects model. Significant growth was reported in most topics surveyed over time. Many queries within gains, confidence, and science identity modules displayed significant increases over time or scored high in surveys at both time points. In addition, post-graduate educational and career outcomes were obtained for alumni (N = 130) of program years 2011-2023; their post-graduate enrollment rates (78%) markedly exceeded national norms. This multidimensional experiential research program, which holistically fosters professional networking and student confidence in research-related endeavors, provides quantifiable growth in research skills and science identity. These gains support students' persistence in research and biomedical-related educational and career paths.

A scoping review on bovine tuberculosis highlights the need for novel data streams and analytical approaches to curb zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases represent a significant societal challenge in terms of their health and economic impacts. One Health approaches to managing zoonotic diseases are becoming more prevalent, but require novel thinking, tools and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one example of a costly One Health challenge with a complex epidemiology involving humans, domestic animals, wildlife and environmental factors, which require sophisticated collaborative approaches. We undertook a scoping review of multi-host bTB epidemiology to identify trends in species publication focus, methodologies, and One Health approaches. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps where novel research could provide insights to inform control policy, for bTB and other zoonoses. The review included 532 articles. We found different levels of research attention across episystems, with a significant proportion of the literature focusing on the badger-cattle-TB episystem, with far less attention given to tropical multi-host episystems. We found a limited number of studies focusing on management solutions and their efficacy, with very few studies looking at modelling exit strategies. Only a small number of studies looked at the effect of human disturbances on the spread of bTB involving wildlife hosts. Most of the studies we reviewed focused on the effect of badger vaccination and culling on bTB dynamics with few looking at how roads, human perturbations and habitat change may affect wildlife movement and disease spread. Finally, we observed a lack of studies considering the effect of weather variables on bTB spread, which is particularly relevant when studying zoonoses under climate change scenarios. Significant technological and methodological advances have been applied to bTB episystems, providing explicit insights into its spread and maintenance across populations. We identified a prominent bias towards certain species and locations. Generating more high-quality empirical data on wildlife host distribution and abundance, high-resolution individual behaviours and greater use of mathematical models and simulations are key areas for future research. Integrating data sources across disciplines, and a "virtuous cycle" of well-designed empirical data collection linked with mathematical and simulation modelling could provide additional gains for policy-makers and managers, enabling optimised bTB management with broader insights for other zoonoses.

Analysis of the current risk of Leishmania infantum transmission for domestic dogs in Spain and Portugal and its future projection in climate change scenarios

Canine leishmaniosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, is a cosmopolitan vector-borne zoonosis, transmitted principally by Phlebotomus perniciosus in Spain and Portugal, where it is considered an endemic disease. Ecoinformatics tools such as ecological niche models (ENM) have been successfully tested to model the distribution of the risk of infection of different parasitosis as they take into account environmental variables vital for their survival. The risk map proposed in this study combines the potential distribution of Ph. perniciosus in the Iberian Peninsula and the calculation of the infection rate of the parasite in the vector to model the risk of contracting the disease in a more realistic way. In fact, this weighting strategy improves the predictive power of the resulting model (R2 = 0.42, p = < 0.01) compared to the Ph. perniciosus ENM model alone (R2 = 0.13, p > 0.05). The places with the highest risk of transmission are the southwest and central peninsular area, as well as the Mediterranean coast, the Balearic Islands and the Ebro basin, places where the ideal habitat of Ph. perniciosus and the infection rate is also high. In the case of future projections under climate change scenarios, an increase in the risk of infection by L. infantum can be observed in most of the territory (4.5% in 2040, 71.6% in 2060 and 63% in 2080), mainly in the northern part of the peninsula. The use of ENMs and their weighting with the infection rate in Ph. perniciosus is a useful tool in predicting the risk of infection for L. infantum in dogs for a given area. In this way, a more complete model can be obtained to facilitate prevention and control.

Gastrointestinal helminths infection of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in Southeast Iran

BACKGROUND

Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population.

METHODS

From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified.

RESULTS

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate.

CONCLUSION

Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.

A systematic review on the incidence of influenza viruses in wastewater matrices: Implications for public health

Influenza viruses pose a significant public health threat, necessitating comprehensive surveillance strategies to enhance early detection and preventive measures. This systematic review investigates the incidence of influenza viruses in wastewater matrices, aiming to elucidate the potential implications for public health. The study synthesizes existing literature, employing rigorous inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies conducted globally. The essence of the problem lies in the gaps of traditional surveillance methods, which often rely on clinical data and may underestimate the true prevalence of influenza within communities. Wastewater-based epidemiology offers a novel approach to supplementing these conventional methods, providing a broader and more representative assessment of viral circulation. This review systematically examines the methodologies employed in the selected studies, including virus concentration techniques and molecular detection methods, to establish a standardized framework for future research. Our findings reveal a consistent presence of influenza viruses in diverse wastewater matrices across different geographic locations and seasons. Recommendations for future research include the standardization of sampling protocols, improvement of virus concentration methods, and the integration of wastewater surveillance into existing public health frameworks. In conclusion, this systematic review contributes to the understanding of influenza dynamics in wastewater matrices, offering valuable insights for public health practitioners and policymakers. Implementation of wastewater surveillance alongside traditional methods can enhance the resilience of public health systems and better prepare communities for the challenges posed by influenza outbreaks.

Dr. Sait Bilal Golem (1899-1955): Veterinarian and pioneer researcher of public health in Albania and Turkey

Sait Bilal Golem is an Albanian veterinarian who graduated from the Military Veterinary School in 1920. Golem started his doctorate in microbiology at Alfort Veterinary School. In this process, he worked as an assistant to the world-renowned French microbiologist Dr Gaston Ramon at the Pasteur Institute. After his doctorate, he returned to Albania and established the Veterinary Affairs Organization and made significant contributions to its structuring in international standards. Dr Golem returned to Türkiye in 1926 and started working at the Central Institute of Hygiene. Dr Golem, together with physicians and veterinarians at this institute, diagnosed brucellosis in animals and humans with serological methods for the first time in Türkiye. Moreover, he isolated Newcastle virus from embryonated eggs for the first time and prepared Komarov type attenuated dry vaccine against this virus for the first time in Türkiye. He conducted the first research on the diagnosis of Q fever and prepared the first intradermal BCG vaccine in Türkiye. Through his studies for both public and animal health in Türkiye, he has contributed to the One Health concept with an understanding that transcends time.

Pathogen Discovery in the Post-COVID Era

Pathogen discovery plays a crucial role in the fields of infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, and public health. During the past four years, the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of early and accurate identification of novel pathogens for effective management and prevention of outbreaks. The post-COVID era has ushered in a new phase of infectious disease research, marked by accelerated advancements in pathogen discovery. This review encapsulates the recent innovations and paradigm shifts that have reshaped the landscape of pathogen discovery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Primarily, we summarize the latest technology innovations, applications, and causation proving strategies that enable rapid and accurate pathogen discovery for both acute and historical infections. We also explored the significance and the latest trends and approaches being employed for effective implementation of pathogen discovery from various clinical and environmental samples. Furthermore, we emphasize the collaborative nature of the pandemic response, which has led to the establishment of global networks for pathogen discovery.

Modern technologies and solutions to enhance surveillance and response systems for emerging zoonotic diseases

Background

Zoonotic diseases originating in animals pose a significant threat to global public health. Recent outbreaks, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have caused widespread illness, death, and socioeconomic disruptions worldwide. To cope with these diseases effectively, it is crucial to strengthen surveillance capabilities and establish rapid response systems.

Aim

The aim of this review to examine the modern technologies and solutions that have the potential to enhance zoonotic disease surveillance and outbreak responses and provide valuable insights into how cutting-edge innovations could be leveraged to prevent, detect, and control emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks. Herein, we discuss advanced tools including big data analytics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, geographic information systems, remote sensing, molecular diagnostics, point-of-care testing, telemedicine, digital contact tracing, and early warning systems.

Results

These technologies enable real-time monitoring, the prediction of outbreak risks, early anomaly detection, rapid diagnosis, and targeted interventions during outbreaks. When integrated through collaborative partnerships, these strategies can significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of zoonotic disease control. However, several challenges persist, particularly in resource-limited settings, such as infrastructure limitations, costs, data integration and training requirements, and ethical implementation.

Conclusion

With strategic planning and coordinated efforts, modern technologies and solutions offer immense potential to bolster surveillance and outbreak responses, and serve as a critical resource against emerging zoonotic disease threats worldwide.

Emerging Microbes, Infections, and Spillovers: Charting a Path Forward

In an age defined by rapid globalization and unprecedented technological advancements, the field of infectious diseases stands at the intersection of complex challenges and promising opportunities [...].

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a form of human-wildlife conflict: Why and how nondomesticated species should be incorporated into AMR guidance

The challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to receive significant global attention as common infections become increasingly resistant to the drugs used to treat them. Once an infectious microbe has developed a mechanism of resistance, it can cause longer, more damaging infections which are more costly, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible to treat. Such impacts occur across the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Thus, AMR is considered a One Health issue. However, current narratives on AMR focus on humans, food-producing animals, crops, and their immediate environments. Very little attention is given to wildlife in terms of the impact of AMR on their health, nor their role in the evolution and spread of AMR. This article (1) discusses an absence of wildlife in current AMR guidance, (2) suggests how this absence of wildlife could limit understanding of, and action on, AMR, (3) proposes that considering AMR as a form of human-wildlife conflict could enable AMR guidance to better incorporate wildlife into action planning and create a truly One Health approach to tackle AMR.

Evaluation of a viral transcriptome Next Generation Sequencing assay as an alternative to animal assays for viral safety testing of cell substrates

The viral safety of biological products is ensured by tests throughout the production chain, and, for certain products, by steps in the manufacturing process enabling the elimination or inactivation of viruses. Current testing programs include sample inoculation in animals and embryonic eggs. Following the 3Rs principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal-use methods, such techniques are intended to be replaced not only for ethical reasons but also because of their inherent technical limitations, their long turnaround times, and their limits in virus detection. Therefore, we have compared the limit and range of sensitivity of in vivo tests used for viral testing of cells with a transcriptomic assay based on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Cell cultures were infected with a panel of nine (9) viruses, among them only five (5) were detected, with variable sensitivity, by in vivo tests. The transcriptomic assay was able to detect one (1) infected cell among 103 to 107 non-infected cells for all viruses assessed, including those not detected by the conventional in vivo tests. Here we show that NGS extends the breath of detection of viral contaminants compared to traditional testing. Collectively, these results support the replacement of the conventional in vivo tests by an NGS-based transcriptomic assay for virus safety testing of cell substrates.

Pathogenic Leptospira Species Are Present in Urban Rats in Sydney, Australia

Leptospirosis is an emerging disease among people and dogs in Sydney, Australia. However, the routes of Leptospira transmission in these cases, and in particular the possible role of rats as reservoirs of infection in Sydney, are unknown. Rats were collected within the City of Sydney Council area and their kidneys were tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA by real-time (q)PCR. A subset of rats also had qPCR testing performed on whole blood and urine, and Microscopic Agglutination Testing (MAT) that included a panel of 10 Leptospira serovars from nine different Leptospira serogroups was performed on a subset of serum samples. Based on qPCR testing, the proportion of rats with Leptospira DNA in their kidneys was 9/111 (8.1%). qPCR testing of blood samples (n = 9) and urine (n = 4) was negative. None of the 10 serum samples tested MAT positive. A primary cluster of qPCR-positive locations was detected based on six infected rats, which partially overlapped with a previously identified cluster of canine leptospirosis cases in Sydney. These findings suggest that rats in Sydney might play a role in the transmission of leptospirosis to dogs and people. Further testing of rats in Sydney and investigation into other possible wildlife reservoirs of infection and environmental sources of leptospires are needed.

On-Site Inspection Form in Veterinary Cases: The Parma Veterinary Form

The on-site inspection of the scene of an animal cadaver is crucial for a correct interpretation of the autopsy results, to determine the manner, method, and cause of death. This information plays a crucial role in the control of public health including the prevention of zoonoses. It is also fundamental for the recognition and the contrast of crimes against animals and to animal abuse phenomena, considered an alert sign of an anti-social or violent behavior of humans. Today the best veterinary procedure requires an accurate collection of the evidence at the scene that can be then handed to experts belonging to other forensic disciplines for further evaluation and data interpretation. In this paper authors suggest a form aiming to facilitate either the on-site and the autopsy activities, as a guarantee of the quality of the forensic process starting from the discovery scene up to the reconstruction of the case. Essential is training of non-medical personnel who often represent the first responder to be present on the scene. The form is inspired by the interdisciplinary form developed by the European Council of Legal Medicine and represents an initial tool to stimulate a multidisciplinary activity in close synergy with other forensic experts.

Spatial and Temporal Movements of Free-Roaming Cats and Wildlife in Two Local Government Areas in Greater Sydney, Australia

Free-roaming cats pose a risk to their own health and welfare, as well as to the health and welfare of wildlife and humans. This study aimed to monitor and quantify area-specific free-roaming cat movement. Two local government areas (LGAs) in Greater Sydney were included, Campbelltown (CT) and the Blue Mountains (BM). Motion-capture cameras were installed on 100 volunteer properties (50 per LGA) to indirectly capture animal movements over two months. Transect drives were completed eight times (four per LGA) to directly observe roaming cats in residential areas. The cameras and transects both identified higher free-roaming cat numbers in CT (density of 0.31 cats per ha, resulting in an estimated abundance of 361 cats in the 1604 ha of residential area) than the BM (density of 0.21 cats per ha, resulting in an estimated abundance of 3365 cats in the 10,000 ha of residential area). More wildlife events were captured in the BM (total = 5580) than CT (total = 2697). However, there was no significant difference between CT and the BM for cat events (p = 0.11) or wildlife events (p = 0.32) observed via the cameras. Temporally, cats were observed via the cameras throughout the entire day with peaks at 9:30 am and 8:00 pm in the BM, and 7:00 am and 12:00 pm in CT. Overlaps in activity times were recorded for free-roaming cats with bandicoots (BM), possums (BM), and small mammals (BM and CT). This study demonstrates that camera monitoring on private property and transect drives are useful methods to quantify free-roaming cat abundance to inform cat management interventions.

The Impact of Human Activities on Zoonotic Infection Transmissions

As humans expand their territories across more and more regions of the planet, activities such as deforestation, urbanization, tourism, wildlife exploitation, and climate change can have drastic consequences for animal movements and animal-human interactions. These events, especially climate change, can also affect the arthropod vectors that are associated with the animals in these scenarios. As the COVID-19 pandemic and other various significant outbreaks throughout the centuries have demonstrated, when animal patterns and human interactions change, so does the exposure of humans to zoonotic pathogens potentially carried by wildlife. With approximately 60% of emerging human pathogens and around 75% of all emerging infectious diseases being categorized as zoonotic, it is of great importance to examine the impact of human activities on the prevalence and transmission of these infectious agents. A better understanding of the impact of human-related factors on zoonotic disease transmission and prevalence can help drive the preventative measures and containment policies necessary to improve public health.

SARS-CoV-2 Affects Both Humans and Animals: What Is the Potential Transmission Risk? A Literature Review

In March 2020, the World Health Organization Department declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic, as a consequence of its rapid spread on all continents. The COVID-19 pandemic has been not only a health emergency but also a serious general problem as fear of contagion and severe restrictions put economic and social activity on hold in many countries. Considering the close link between human and animal health, COVID-19 might infect wild and companion animals, and spawn dangerous viral mutants that could jump back and pose an ulterior threat to us. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the pandemic, with a particular focus on the clinical manifestations in humans and animals, the different diagnosis methods, the potential transmission risks, and their potential direct impact on the human-animal relationship.

Current Progress on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sporotrichosis and Their Future Trends

Sporotrichosis, a human and animal disease caused by Sporothrix species, is the most important implantation mycosis worldwide. Sporothrix taxonomy has improved in recent years, allowing important advances in diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment. Molecular epidemiology reveals that S. brasiliensis remains highly prevalent during the cat-transmitted sporotrichosis outbreaks in South America and that the spread of S. brasiliensis occurs through founder effects. Sporothrix globosa and S. schenckii are cosmopolitan on the move, causing major sapronoses in Asia and the Americas, respectively. In this emerging scenario, one-health approaches are required to develop a creative, effective, and sustainable response to tackle the spread of sporotrichosis. In the 21st century, it has become vital to speciate Sporothrix, and PCR is the main pillar of molecular diagnosis, aiming at the detection of the pathogen DNA from clinical samples through multiplex assays, whose sensitivity reaches remarkably three copies of the target. The treatment of sporotrichosis can be challenging, especially after the emergence of resistance to azoles and polyenes. Alternative drugs arising from discoveries or repositioning have entered the radar of basic research over the last decade and point to several molecules with antifungal potential, especially the hydrazone derivatives with great in vitro and in vivo activities. There are many promising developments for the near future, and in this review, we discuss how these trends can be applied to the Sporothrix-sporotrichosis system to mitigate the advance of an emerging and re-emerging disease.