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Animals
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Pathogens in the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface
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Pathogens in the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Wildlife".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 12 February 2025 | Viewed by 9020

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sergio Migliore

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
Interests: One Health; microbiology; mycoplasma; bacteria; public health; animal health; environment; wildlife
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paola Galluzzo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
Interests: molecular zoonosis (mainly through real-time PCR, PCR and sequencing) and serological diagnosis (mainly through ELISA, IFAT, SAR); experience in isolation of both pathogenic bacteria and lactic bacteria
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Guido Ruggero Loria

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
Interests: One Health; microbiology; mycoplasma; bacteria; public health; animal health; environment; wildlife
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Diseases are increasingly emerging into animal and human populations as a consequence of the complex, and often unseen, processes of interaction among wildlife, livestock, human, vectors and the environment. In many countries of the world, urbanization is leading to dramatic changes in the natural landscape, favoring the adaptation of some wild animals to urban, peri-urban and rural habitats, owing to the greater availability of a food supply. Unfortunately, some of these highly adaptable species are also hosts for a great number of pathogens of public health and veterinary significance. In this regard, it is vital to understand the dynamics present among wildlife, domestic animal species, humans and arthropod vectors sharing the same environmental areas in order to conduct more focused research on the transmission of pathogens. The aim of this Special Issue is to publish original research papers or reviews concerning the emergence, spread and maintenance of pathogens in complex eco-systems characterized by interactions among wildlife, livestock, human, vectors and the environment.

We invite you to share your recent findings by contributing to this Special Issue.

Dr. Sergio Migliore
Dr. Paola Galluzzo
Dr. Guido Ruggero Loria
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pathogens
  • environment
  • wildlife
  • vector livestock
  • human parasite
  • virus bacteria
  • One Health
  • eco-systems interaction

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 560 KiB  
Article
Presence of Borrelia Spirochetes in White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), and Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca): Hospitalized in a Wild Bird Hospital and Sanctuary (Hortobágy, Hungary)
by András Pál Bózsik, János Déri, Béla Pál Bózsik and Borisz Egri
Animals 2024, 14(24), 3553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243553 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 848
Abstract
Wild birds across the globe can carry the causative agent of avian borreliosis, Borrelia anserina, and that of human Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the ticks attached to them. Currently, only limited proof exists for the presence of these pathogens [...] Read more.
Wild birds across the globe can carry the causative agent of avian borreliosis, Borrelia anserina, and that of human Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the ticks attached to them. Currently, only limited proof exists for the presence of these pathogens in samples taken from living wild birds, carried by the birds as a reservoir, without symptoms. We investigated blood samples of large-bodied wild birds admitted to a bird hospital, where basic clinical symptoms were recorded. Thirty-six blood samples were collected from them, according to the DualDur kit methodology, and investigated using dark-field microscopy to search for spirochetes. Five of the samples were also investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy to identify Borrelia burgdorferi. Since the main reason for admittance to the hospital was a physical injury, no significant symptoms were observed regarding a current Borrelia infection. Out of the sixteen birds of prey, eleven (68%) were infected with spirochetes, and fifteen out of twenty storks (75%) were also infected with spirochetes, without major symptoms. All five samples investigated using immunofluorescence were confirmed to contain the human pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Thus, direct investigations of the blood of wild birds may show the asymptomatic prevalence of Borrelia in the wild bird population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogens in the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface)
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22 pages, 2672 KiB  
Article
Potential Inhibitors of Lumpy Skin Disease’s Viral Protein (DNA Polymerase): A Combination of Bioinformatics Approaches
by Sabbir Zia, Md-Mehedi Sumon, Md-Ashiqur Ashik, Abul Basar, Sangjin Lim, Yeonsu Oh, Yungchul Park and Md-Mafizur Rahman
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091283 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2161
Abstract
Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by a virus within the Poxviridae family and Capripoxvirus genus, induces nodular skin lesions in cattle. This spreads through direct contact and insect vectors, significantly affecting global cattle farming. Despite the availability of vaccines, their efficacy is limited [...] Read more.
Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by a virus within the Poxviridae family and Capripoxvirus genus, induces nodular skin lesions in cattle. This spreads through direct contact and insect vectors, significantly affecting global cattle farming. Despite the availability of vaccines, their efficacy is limited by poor prophylaxis and adverse effects. Our study aimed to identify the potential inhibitors targeting the LSDV-encoded DNA polymerase protein (gene LSDV039) for further investigation through comprehensive analysis and computational methods. Virtual screening revealed rhein and taxifolin as being potent binders among 380 phytocompounds, with respective affinities of −8.97 and −7.20 kcal/mol. Canagliflozin and tepotinib exhibited strong affinities (−9.86 and −8.86 kcal/mol) among 718 FDA-approved antiviral drugs. Simulating the molecular dynamics of canagliflozin, tepotinib, rhein, and taxifolin highlighted taxifolin’s superior stability and binding energy. Rhein displayed compactness in RMSD and RMSF, but fluctuated in Rg and SASA, while canagliflozin demonstrated stability compared to tepotinib. This study highlights the promising potential of using repurposed drugs and phytocompounds as potential LSD therapeutics. However, extensive validation through in vitro and in vivo testing and clinical trials is crucial for their practical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogens in the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface)
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12 pages, 293 KiB  
Communication
Detection of Antibodies for Pathogenic Leptospira in Wild Mammals and Birds from Southern Chile—First Record of Seropositivity in a Guiña (Leopardus guigna)
by Luis Balcázar, Lucía Azócar-Aedo, Violeta Barrera, Gloria Meniconi, Victoria Muñoz and Carola Valencia-Soto
Animals 2024, 14(4), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040601 - 12 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1900
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution that is present in different animal species. This epidemiological study determined the seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Puerto Montt, southern Chile, by sampling 60 animals [...] Read more.
Leptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution that is present in different animal species. This epidemiological study determined the seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Puerto Montt, southern Chile, by sampling 60 animals belonging to three classes (birds, mammals, and reptiles). Diagnosis was performed using the microscopic agglutination test with a panel of eight serovars and serogroups. The results showed that 15 animals had anti-Leptospira antibodies, obtaining a seroprevalence of 25.00%, with Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Tarassovi presenting reactivity in 13 of the seropositive animals. Among the classes of mammals, chilla foxes (Lycalopex griseus) and pudus (Pudu puda) were seropositive. A guiña (Leopardus guigna) was also seropositive, which was described for the first time in mammals. Among the classes of birds, choroy parrots (Enicognathus leptorhynchus), bandurrias (Theristicus melanopis), and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) were seropositive. Routine examinations to diagnose leptospirosis, perform epidemiological surveillance, and apply prevention and control measures are necessary, and additional research focusing on the One Health approach to explore the epidemiological role of different wild animal species in the maintenance and transmission of leptospirosis at the local and global levels are recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogens in the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface)

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8 pages, 1745 KiB  
Opinion
The Silent Threat: Unraveling the Impact of Rabies in Herbivores in Brazil
by Marcelo Cardoso da Silva Ventura, Jéssica Milena Moura Neves, Randyson da Silva Pinheiro, Marcos Vinicius Costa Santos, Elba Regina Sampaio de Lemos and Marco Aurelio Pereira Horta
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162305 - 8 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1375
Abstract
Rabies, a zoonotic viral disease, poses a significant threat due to its adaptability to diverse environments. Herbivore rabies, predominantly affecting cattle, horses, and goats in Brazil, remains a concern, results in substantial losses in the livestock industry, and poses risks to public health. [...] Read more.
Rabies, a zoonotic viral disease, poses a significant threat due to its adaptability to diverse environments. Herbivore rabies, predominantly affecting cattle, horses, and goats in Brazil, remains a concern, results in substantial losses in the livestock industry, and poses risks to public health. Rabies virus transmission, primarily through hematophagous bats in Latin America, underscores the need for effective strategies, and vaccination plays a crucial role in controlling herbivorous rabies, with systematic vaccination beingly the primary method. Efforts to control rabies in herbivores include vaccination campaigns, public awareness programs, and the enhancement of surveillance systems. Despite these initiatives, rabies persists and imposes an economic burden and a significant health risk. Economic impacts include losses in the livestock industry, trade restrictions on livestock products, and financial burdens on governments and farmers owing to control measures. Despite the considerable costs of campaigns, surveillance, and control, investing in rabies vaccination and control not only safeguards livestock, but also preserves public health, reduces human cases, and strengthens the sustainability of the livestock industry. Mitigating the impact of herbivorous rabies in Brazil requires integrated approaches and continuous investments in vaccination, surveillance, and control measures to protect public health and ensure the sustainability of the livestock industry, thus contributing to food and economic security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogens in the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface)
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8 pages, 219 KiB  
Commentary
African Swine Fever and Its Control Measures in Wild Boar: A “De Iure Condito” Analysis in the European Union
by Sergio Migliore, Hany A. Hussein, Paola Galluzzo, Roberto Puleio and Guido Ruggero Loria
Animals 2024, 14(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010014 - 19 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1808
Abstract
Recently, the African swine fever (ASF) epizootic has been reported in domestic pigs and wild boars in several European Union Member States (EU MS) and epidemiological evidence has accumulated which indicates that wild boar play a key role in maintaining and spreading the [...] Read more.
Recently, the African swine fever (ASF) epizootic has been reported in domestic pigs and wild boars in several European Union Member States (EU MS) and epidemiological evidence has accumulated which indicates that wild boar play a key role in maintaining and spreading the disease. Thanks to the experience gained when managing ASF outbreaks in Sardinia (Italy) and Eastern Europe, Directive 2002/60 CE was issued. This directive represented an important step forward in controlling the disease, particularly the risk of spreading the virus to wild animals. Since 2021, according to Regulation (EU) 2016/429, which is also called “Animal Health Law—AHL”, when the MS competent authority suspects or confirms ASF (a cat. A listed disease) in wild animals, it is mandatory to conduct surveillance in the wild boar population and implement the necessary control measures. Within AHL, Regulations (EU) 2020/687 and 2023/594 established special ASF control measures in kept and wild porcine animals, and their products and by-products, focusing on and underlying old and new responsibilities that vets (both public and private ones) have to accomplish under the new regulations. The new change in the legal framework deals with specific measures to be applied in the wild and represents a great challenge for MS veterinary services. Some of these measures have been well established in the last two decades, particularly those related to application in the farming system, while other measures are still new to veterinary health management and require a holistic approach in terms of intensity, considering all geographical, ecological, productive, cultural and social features of the involved EU MS. In this contribution, the authors intend to focus on specific measures which have been issued in order to limit or stop the spread of ASF in a wild, “boundless” ecosystem. These measures expand the field of competence of the official veterinary service to wild areas in addition to farm activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogens in the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface)
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