The veterinary quarterlyElisabeth Maria Burgers, Samantha Miles, Ruben van den Broek, Chloé Najac, Beatrice Lena, Thomas O'Reilly, Andrew Webb, Stefanie Veraa
Prohibitive costs associated with high-field MRI systems have resulted in reduced access in resource-limited areas with consequential healthcare inequities. This has renewed interest in purposefully designed low-field (LF) systems that, despite inherently lower signal-to-noise ratios, have advantages in terms of cost, portability, and accessibility. This pilot study successfully translated a previously developed LF (0.05 T) MRI canine cadaver brain protocol for in vivo application and compared the acquired images with paired 1.5 T images from 21 different canine patients. The visibility of 15 anatomic features was ordinarily scored (scale 1-3) on transverse T1-weighted post-contrast (21/21 patients) and T2-weighted (17/21 patients) sequences. Lateral ventricles were easily visualized (89.3%-100% scored 3/3) across all sequence‒system combinations, with T2-weighted sequences also providing good identification of the mesencephalic aqueduct (56.3%-100%), fourth ventricle (77.1%-100%), and thalamus (68.8%-100%). Absolute visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis confirmed comparable performance of the LF system to the 1.5 T MRI for these features, a particularly relevant finding given the system's originally intended application for pediatric hydrocephalus neuroimaging in resource-limited areas. This study represents the first in vivo usage and evaluation of a 0.05 T MRI in a clinical veterinary context.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Sherry Khoddami, Erin Fraser, Chelsea G Himsworth, Anya F Smith, Ellen Boyd
Premises Identification (PID) programs in Canada assign unique identification numbers to locations where animals, such as livestock and poultry, are kept. These programs are provincial and territorial, with a purpose of supporting various animal disease outbreaks, natural disaster emergencies, and animal traceability. While most PID programs have been operating since early 2000s, there has been no study reporting on PID programs in Canada. This qualitative study explored PID programs across Canada through the perspectives of government-employed stakeholders to (1) describe PID programs in participating Canadian provinces and territories, and (2) identify the strengths and weaknesses across PID programs. Stakeholders from nine provinces and one territory (N = 22) participated in online one-on-one interviews or focus groups. Data were analyzed inductively using codebook thematic analysis. Findings suggest that PID programs must build trust with farmers through transparent communication of intended data usage, ideally through familiar social networks. Furthermore, compliance with PID appears to be stronger when there are robust cross-compliance measures in place that have proportional incentives and enforcement measures. Programs with increased capacity and resources were better equipped to maintain data quality, which was achieved by some programs by narrowing the eligibility criteria for PID around the species of interest. This study provides valuable insights for improving the effectiveness of PID programs in Canada. Future research should explore the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as farmers eligible for the program.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Qian Liu, Xi Chen, Chunxia Yang, Li Gu, Hui Yuan, Wentao Zhu
Carbapenem-resistant Providencia (CRP) is a formidable opportunistic pathogen with extensive drug resistance, posing an increasing threat to human, animal, and environmental health. However, its global genomic epidemiology and resistome-plasmidome co-evolution within a One Health context remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comprehensive population genomic and plasmid analysis of 1197 CRP isolates from 35 countries spanning 2012-2025. We reclassified the CRP population into nine Providencia species, identifying P. stuartii and P. rettgeri as established epidemic species alongside the rapid emergence of P. hangzhouensis and P. huashanensis. We pinpointed 2019 as a critical inflection point, marking the transition from endemic stability to rapid global epidemic expansion (80.8% isolates in 2019-2025). Ten intercontinentally disseminated high-risk sequence types (e.g., ST46, ST79), each with strict species-ST specificity, were responsible for global spread. The bla NDM-1 gene (62.4% prevalence) was the predominant carbapenem gene, exhibiting strong geographic and species specificity and mutual exclusion with other major carbapenem genes. Plasmids encoded approximately 80% of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, with 78.0% of these plasmids belonging to 75 stable clusters. These clusters evolved a dual specialist-generalist strategy, with the broad-host-range cluster 72 mediating interspecies AMR transmission and cluster 7 acting as a super-vector carrying six carbapenem genes. Importantly, CRP circulated across interconnected human, animal, and environmental reservoirs, with distinct host-associated species distributions suggesting ecological niche adaptation and potential cross-host dissemination of resistance determinants. These findings demonstrate that the global expansion of CRP is driven by the combined evolution of high-risk clones and mobile genetic elements across interconnected ecological sectors, underscoring the need for integrated One Health surveillance and coordinated interventions spanning clinical, veterinary, agricultural, and environmental settings.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Ugochinyere J Njoga, Emmanuel O Njoga, James W Oguttu
Indiscriminate maternal slaughter and the resulting foetal wastages are persistent but overlooked threats to livestock productivity, food security, and public health in Africa. Comprehensive data on the drivers and consequences of foetal wastages in Nigerian slaughterhouses remain limited, hampering control efforts. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted for six months in four major slaughterhouses in Enugu State, Nigeria, to determine the pregnancy status of 1745 randomly selected female animals (589 cows, 586 does, 570 sows) slaughtered for meat. Univariable analysis assessed associations between species, age, breed, and season (independent variables) and pregnancy (outcome). Variables with p ≤ 0.2 were included in the multivariable models, while descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Economic losses were estimated based on unit foetal monetary values and adjusted for 5% post-partum mortality. Prevalence of maternal slaughter was 31.7%, 31.1% and 10.5% in goats, cattle, and pigs, respectively. Hot/dry season was associated with pregnancy in goats (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.03-2.42; P = 0.036). The 907 foetuses recovered were mostly in the first trimester (38.3-52.2%), with 18.7-25.6% in the third trimester. Foetal disposal included open dumping (28%), sale for dog food (32%), sale for human consumption (18%), and feed for farmed fish (22%). Net economic loss over the six months this study lasted was US$23,659.94. Major drivers of maternal slaughter and foetal wastage included ignorance of pregnancy status (96%), economic hardship (38%), and high meat demands during festivities (20%). Maternal slaughter and foetal wastage are largely driven by systemic failure in livestock production and processing governance. Maternal slaughter impacts livestock farming profitability and productivity, genetic conservation, food security, zoonotic disease spread, occupational and environmental health negatively. Mandatory ante-mortem pregnancy screening, stakeholder education and improved abattoir governance are imperative to limit maternal slaughter, foetal wastage and the negative impacts.
Cercarial dermatitis is an important occupational health problem among rice farmers in Assam and other parts of India. We surveyed 1657 paddy farmers from sixteen villages across four districts of Assam, Northeast India, to determine the prevalence of cercarial dermatitis. Of these, 555 (33.5%) reported dermatitis during the preceding three months, and a subset of affected farmers from Barpeta district showed a high proportion of moderate-to-severe disease, often complicated by secondary bacterial infection. Snail surveys were conducted in thirteen villages across eight districts. Examination of 13,309 freshwater snails representing six species identified Indoplanorbis exustus as the only intermediate host shedding Schistosome cercariae, with an infection prevalence of 6.3% among I. exustus. Experimental infections in mice yielded adult worms that were used for morphological, molecular, immunological, and proteomic studies. Molecular identification based on partial 28S rDNA sequencing confirmed the Assamese isolates as Schistosoma spindale, and phylogenetic analysis placed them firmly within the S. spindale clade together with reference sequences from Nepal and Sri Lanka. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting identified four dominant immunoreactive antigens of approximately 25, 38, 60, and 100 kDa. Two-dimensional PAGE coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF MS identified several conserved proteins, including paramyosin, tropomyosin, actin, and heat shock protein 70, based on best database matches. ELISA developed using adult worm antigen showed high diagnostic performance (96% sensitivity and 100% specificity) and outperformed the cercarial antigen-based ELISA. This integrated epidemiological, malacological, molecular, proteomic, and immunological investigation provides comprehensive insight into S. spindale the causative agent of cercarial dermatitis in Assam. The findings highlight the need to recognize cercarial dermatitis as a neglected occupational and zoonotic disease within a One Health framework.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Chiara Storoni, Renato Colognato, Anna-Rita Attili, Silvia Preziuso, Yubao Li, Vincenzo Cuteri
Brucella canis is a facultative intracellular, Gram-negative coccobacillus and an underrecognized zoonotic pathogen maintained primarily in domestic dogs. Unlike smooth Brucella species, B. canis expresses a naturally rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phenotype, characterized by absence or marked truncation of the O-polysaccharide chain. This antigenic profile reduces the performances of routine smooth-antigen serological assay and contribute to underdiagnosis in veterinary and human medicine. A recent global meta-analysis including 175,675 canine samples estimated pooled canine prevalence of 7.96%, with substantial geographic heterogeneity and markedly higher values in high-density breeding, kennel, and shelter settings. In dogs, infection results in reproductive failure, persistent bacteremia, and a high proportion of asymptomatic carriers capable of intermittent shedding. Human infection remains infrequently reported but is likely underestimated; a recent scoping review (68 cases) found that 80% of infections with known exposure were associated with direct dog contact. Clinical presentation in humans is nonspecific, and diagnostic limitations further obscure detection. This review critically evaluates current knowledge on microbiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges of B. canis, with emphasis on limitations of existing diagnostic tools, variability in epidemiological data, and gaps in validation of emerging methods. We highlight the need for standardized diagnostic algorithms, improved antigen specificity, and integrated surveillance systems. A coordinated One Health framework is proposed to improve detection, reduce transmission, and strengthen cross-sectoral response.
Q fever is a neglected zoonotic disease that poses a significant threat to the economy, animal health, and public health sectors worldwide, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, where livestock production is the primary source of livelihood and food security for many communities, the implications of Q fever are particularly concerning. Despite its importance as a health issue for both animals and humans, there is insufficient national-level consolidated evidence regarding the burden of Q fever in ticks, domestic ruminants, and humans in Ethiopia. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to assess the pooled prevalence of Q fever among ticks, ruminants, and humans in the country. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using common databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The literature search was conducted from January 21 to January 30, 2026, to identify articles published in Ethiopia between January 1, 1990, and January 30, 2026. To evaluate the heterogeneity among studies, a random-effects model was employed to explore the pooled prevalence of Q fever in ticks, ruminants, and humans. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted to identify sources of variation between studies. Funnel plots, along with Egger's and Begg's correlation tests, were used to assess publication bias. The overall prevalence of Q fever across ticks, ruminants, and humans was 27.0% (95% CI: 20.0-34.0). The pooled prevalence of Q fever was 9% (95% CI: 2.0-16.0) in ticks, 29% (95% CI: 21.0-38.0) in ruminants, and 20% (95% CI: 5.0-36.0) in humans. The prevalence of Q fever was highest in Eastern Ethiopia at 41.0% (95% CI: 22.0-59.0) and lowest in Southwestern Ethiopia at 7.0% (95% CI: 2.0-13.0). Camels exhibited the highest exposure rate at 48.0% (95% CI: 0.0-1.0), while cattle had the lowest at 12.0% (95% CI: 4.0-21.0). The meta-regression analysis revealed that camel and goat species, along with the geographical regions of Eastern and Central Ethiopia, significantly affected the prevalence of Q fever. The findings highlight that Q fever continues to pose a significant threat to ticks, ruminants, and humans in Ethiopia. Therefore, collaboration among environmental, veterinary, and public health professionals is essential for designing and implementing effective prevention and control programs for Q fever in the context of a One Health approach.
Global public healthMartin Mickelsson, Emma Oljans
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge that encompasses social, economic, and ecological risks, and the relationship between human, animal, and environmental health is emerging as a key factor. Addressing AMR means developing capacities across health sectors, with training of health practitioners through higher education institutions (HEIs) essential for strengthening one's health literacy. This paper explores how Zimbabwean University lecturers and students co-create an understanding of AMR, contributing to the development of AMR literacy. A participatory qualitative study using research workshops was conducted at two Zimbabwean HEIs, engaging 60 interdisciplinary participants in vignette-based discussions of AMR. Using thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: (1) reflective engagement with antimicrobial use impacting environmental, human, and animal health; (2) preventive actions to protect environmental, human, and animal health; and (3) holistic health promotion grounded in social and ecological care. AMR literacy is outlined as interdisciplinary and context-dependent, encompassing biomedical understanding, critical ethical reflections, and pluralistic reasoning, enabling context-relevant approaches and decision-making. This study contributes to global health research by highlighting the potential of participatory and contextually sensitive educational approaches to address AMR. Operationalising AMR literacy could support cross-sectoral collaboration among health practitioners, strengthening global health efforts to address sustainable health challenges.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Erdenebat Bulgan, Batsaikhan Chantsal, Tsognemekh Bolormaa, Badrakh Sandagdorj, Purevdorj Nyam-Osor, Batsukh Naranchimeg, Temuulen Erdenebat, Eisaku Kikuchi, A…
In Mongolia, no national data are currently available on the status of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in livestock and companion animals. Given the need for international coordination in tackling antimicrobial resistance, clarifying the prevalence of AMR bacteria in animals is an urgent priority. In this study, we isolated Escherichia coli, as an indicator bacterium, from eight animal species, including livestock and companion animals, and examined their antimicrobial resistance to evaluate the current burden of AMR bacteria in animals in Mongolia. The prevalence of AMR E. coli was very low in livestock raised under nomadic systems (camels, goats, and sheep). AMR E. coli prevalence in cattle remained low, possibly due to a mix of nomadic and intensive husbandry practices. In contrast, AMR E. coli was highly prevalent in pigs and chickens raised by intensive husbandry. In chickens, 93.9% of E. coli isolates were AMR, and 67.4% exhibited multidrug resistance. In pigs, 70.3% of E. coli isolates were AMR, and 37.8% were multidrug-resistant. Rates of horses and dogs carrying AMR E. coli were also very high. In particular, animals in frequent contact with humans exhibited higher AMR E. coli carrying rates. Moreover, carbapenemase-producing E. coli and fluoroquinolone- and/or cephalosporin-resistant E. coli clonal groups ST131 and ST1193, which pose significant global public health threats, were identified only in owned dogs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence of AMR E. coli in livestock and companion animals in Mongolia. These findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated One Health interventions to reduce transmission risk between humans and companion animals.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Magnus R Campler, Andréia G Arruda, Kara Flaherty, Talita Resende, Isaiah Franco, Douglas Jackson-Smith, Timothy J Safranski, Magdiel Lopez-Soriano
The United States (U.S.) swine industry has increasingly relied on North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visa program workers (TN-Visa) to combat labor shortages. However, high turnover rates are also reported among TN-visa workers, but the underlying causes are mainly unknown. The study objectives were to 1) describe TN-Visa participants' demographics and 2) explore underlying factors for job satisfaction, stress levels and the likelihood of changing employers for TN-Visa workers. A survey consisting of a mix of demographic, ranking, and open-ended questions was created and translated to Spanish. The survey was distributed online (N = 50) and in-person (N = 211) to TN-Visa workers in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and North Carolina. Mixed multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of job satisfaction, stress levels, and job change intent. High stress levels were associated with lower job satisfaction. Respondents with over 72 months of TN-visa program tenure were 80% less likely to experience a high level of job satisfaction compared to those with shorter experience, but older TN-visa workers showed higher job satisfaction compared to younger workers. High job satisfaction or moderately sized farm employment decreased the likelihood of considering changing their employer. Previous animal husbandry experiences doubled the likelihood of considering changing their employer compared to workers with no previous animal husbandry experience. These findings underscore the relevance of a One Health approach, as worker wellbeing and retention are closely linked to animal health and welfare; and overall farm sustainability, with improved job satisfaction and reduced stress potentially benefiting both human and animal health outcomes. This study is one of few to present underlying factors for self-reported job satisfaction, stress, and changing employment for TN-visa workers and provides the U.S swine industry stakeholders with important insights into TN-visa working conditions.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Li Du, Xudong Wang
Dog bites are a common cause of injury worldwide and constitute a major public health challenge. In addition to mechanical trauma, they inoculate wounds with complex polymicrobial communities derived from the canine oral microbiota and, in rabies-endemic regions, may transmit rabies virus (RABV), leading to clinical outcomes ranging from localized wound infection to fulminant systemic disease and fatal encephalitis. This review summarizes recent advances in the microbiological profiles, pathogenic mechanisms, and systemic consequences of dog bite-associated infections in humans, integrating evidence from human and veterinary medicine within a One Health framework. Key bacterial pathogens include Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida), Capnocytophaga canimorsus (C. canimorsus), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes, which can cause cellulitis, abscesses, necrotizing soft tissue infection, sepsis, meningitis, and endocarditis through tissue invasion, toxin production, and immune evasion. RABV remains the most devastating consequence of dog bites, with an almost universally fatal outcome after symptom onset, driven by glycoprotein-mediated neuronal entry, retrograde axonal transport, and profound evasion of host immune responses. Children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals bear a disproportionate burden of severe disease. Reducing dog bite-associated morbidity and mortality requires coordinated progress in wound management, rapid molecular diagnostics, rational antimicrobial use, canine vaccination, and timely rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, underscoring the critical value of a One Health strategy.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Hillary M Topazian, Camille E Morgan, Varun Goel
Use of zooprophylaxis as a malaria control strategy has been recommended historically, but a complex relationship exists between animal ownership and malaria infection, with mixed associations described in the literature. We sought to characterize this relationship spatially and temporally in malaria-endemic regions of Africa. We used data from 392,843 individuals from 66 Demographic and Health surveys from countries within Africa to investigate the association between household animal ownership and Plasmodium infection. We used Bayesian models with Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation to incorporate spatially varying coefficient processes, allowing the association of interest to vary over space, time, and within strata of vector species occurrence, land cover, and number of animals owned by households. Spatially varying intercept models showed that ownership of cattle, chickens/poultry, goats, horses/donkeys/mules, pigs, and sheep was broadly associated with malaria infection, with odds ratios ranging from 1.55 to 1.67. However, spatially varying slope models revealed considerable heterogeneity, with odds ratio estimates for all animal types demonstrating both protective and harmful effects varying from 0.33 to 3.33 both subnationally and across time. We found no evidence that modification by vector species, number of animals owned, and land cover fully explained the variation in estimates. Unobserved localized cultural, behavioral, or ecological factors likely modify the association between animal ownership and malaria prevalence. Further exploring the nature of this relationship over space and time will be important to understanding how context-specific One Health dynamics between humans, animals and the environment affect malaria prevention and control efforts.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Phaedra Henley, Maria Albin Qambayot
Recent discussions of Planetary Health education in Africa highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address climate change, environmental degradation, and complex health challenges. While this emphasis is timely and important, it is equally important to recognize that many of the principles underpinning Planetary Health have long been operationalized across the continent through One Health frameworks, multisectoral governance systems, and interdisciplinary educational initiatives. This commentary argues that Planetary Health and One Health are highly complementary approaches that share a commitment to systems thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and addressing interconnected threats to human, animal, and environmental health. Drawing on examples from regional One Health networks and national experiences such as Rwanda, we highlight Africa's longstanding contributions to integrated health governance and education. We suggest that future Planetary Health initiatives in Africa should build upon existing One Health foundations, ensuring that African institutions are recognized not only as implementation sites but also as intellectual leaders in advancing integrated approaches to health.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Anna E Sri, Kirsten E Bailey, James R Gilkerson, Laura Y Hardefeldt
A One Health approach encourages transdisciplinarity and equity when working to optimise the health of people, animals and the environment. It is helpful to use a One Health approach to explore issues such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where a traditionally medicalised focus may otherwise prevent investigation or understanding of lesser known but still relevant influences. In-depth interviews with fourteen participants (nurses, doctors, Aboriginal health workers, veterinarians and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) pharmacists) were conducted to explore under-investigated topics of AMR and AMS in remote communities as they relate to medical and veterinary practice. We aimed to explore the relationships between factors influencing antimicrobial use and health systems, such as the social determinants of health. Staff shortages and high workload were identified as factors that influenced AMS and the capacity of prescribers to make more appropriate antimicrobial choices. Generally low antimicrobial use in remote community veterinary practice was identified, however veterinary surgical prophylaxis is an area where the quality of prescribing could be improved. Other enablers for AMS include the positive influence of local Aboriginal health practitioners and their equivalents in animal health, openness by participants to improve their practices, and evidence amongst participants of understanding or acknowledgement of upstream drivers of AMR and interest in working collaboratively across disciplines.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Natalia Cediel-Becerra, Dominique F Charron, Maxine Whittaker, Salome A Bukachi
There is a persistent lack of gender and social inclusion in widely used One Health assessment, planning and implementation tools, underscoring the gap between high-level One Health policy commitments to equality and inclusion and real-world practice. Most One Health tools, including those produced by international agencies with high-level commitments, do not adequately address gender equality or social equity. To tackle this issue, the authors developed the One Health Gender Equality and Social Inclusion assessment framework (OH-GESI), which evaluates how tools support gender equality, empowerment, and social inclusion in One Health. The framework assesses approaches along a continuum-from ignoring inequalities, to being sensitive or responsive, and ultimately to transforming root causes and structural barriers. Application of OH-GESI to tools inventoried by the One Health High Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) revealed major shortcomings in addressing gender and inclusion, while also pinpointing areas for improvement. The framework provides practical guidance for OH tool developers, users, and stakeholders, encouraging deeper integration of intersectional gender and social analysis into One Health practices. By aligning with the equity principles in the One Health Joint Plan of Action and OHHLEP's core definition, OH-GESI aims to help organizations, governments and stakeholders translate equity and inclusion commitments into meaningful action.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)S D Blacksell, K K Le, P W Selleck, J R Young, J B Kolenchery, J T Paulley, G A Marsh, M P Ward, L J Gleeson
Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are highly pathogenic zoonotic henipaviruses that pose persistent risks at the human-animal-environment interface. Implementation of the WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual fourth edition (LBM4) requires evidence-based risk assessments tailored to specific pathogens, activities, and operational settings; however, the adequacy of biosafety evidence supporting risk-based containment decisions for henipaviruses remains unclear. Spillover from bat reservoirs, amplification in domestic animals, and subsequent human infection have resulted in recurrent outbreaks with high case fatality rates and significant occupational exposure risks for veterinarians, healthcare workers, and laboratory personnel. Effective management of these hazards requires coordinated biosafety approaches across human, animal, and laboratory systems within a One Health framework. We conducted a structured narrative review of evidence relevant to biosafety risk assessment for HeV and NiV, focusing on laboratory diagnostics, occupational exposure, and validated inactivation and decontamination practices. Evidence from experimental studies, outbreak investigations, occupational exposure reports, regulatory guidance, and biosafety literature was critically synthesised across human, veterinary, and laboratory domains using the LBM4 risk-based framework as an organising structure. Substantial gaps were identified in the biosafety evidence base. Human infectious dose thresholds remain undefined, transmission pathways, particularly for NiV, are incompletely characterised, and many recommended inactivation and decontamination procedures lack formal validation across relevant matrices and operational contexts. Key risk factors underpinning spillover and occupational exposure are poorly quantified, and for HeV, the causes of pronounced spatial and temporal clustering of cases remain unresolved. These limitations complicate risk-based decision-making, particularly for diagnostic, field, and laboratory activities conducted outside maximum containment facilities. Addressing these evidence gaps will strengthen implementation of the WHO LBM4 risk-based framework, improve protection of laboratory and field personnel, and enhance One Health preparedness for future spillover events.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Jingshu Liu, Zhengbin Zhou, Lulu Huang, Zhuowei Luo, Shenglin Chen, Peijun Zhang, Shuxun Wang, Yi Zhang, Junhu Chen, Xiaonong Zhou, Shizhu Li
OBJECTIVE: Despite effective historical control, Mountain-Type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (MT-ZVL) resurged in China in the early 2000s, risking geographical expansion and increased incidence. This study assessed progress in applying the One Health approach for MT-ZVL control in endemic provinces and identified optimization for current control framework. METHODS: Seven endemic provinces (2022 data) were assessed with a pre-developed evaluation tool by a weighted scoring method. Results were analyzed to identify progress and challenges and formulate recommendations. RESULTS: The average total score was 47.77/100 (range: 38.59-61.72). Category scores ranked: Disease Control (58.28) > External Environment (50.22) > Internal Support (36.86). Within the External Environment, Social Conditions scored highest (90.43), while Natural Environment scored lowest (31.96). Within the Internal Support, Resource Allocation scored highest (75.71), and Financial Investment scored lowest (27.90). Within the Disease Control, Epidemic Surveillance and Reporting scored highest (72.00), while Control Effectiveness scored lowest (42.78). CONCLUSION: This study evaluated the current status of One Health implementation for MT-ZVL control in seven endemic provinces. The results indicate slow overall progress, with the lowest scores observed for operational capacity and the highest for disease control activities. To advance MT-ZVL control, endemic provinces in China should prioritize integrating the One Health concept into control policies, strengthening the establishment and implementation of multisectoral coordination mechanisms, promoting scientific and technological innovation, and optimizing key interventions such as canine management.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Tanapan Sukee, Sunita B Sumanam, Zhe-Yu Chen, Jane E Hodgkinson, Natalie Wiedemar, Bonnie L Webster, Winston F Ponder, Bill C H Chang, Robin B Gasser, Anson V …
Freshwater snails play essential roles in the transmission of trematode parasites that affect humans, livestock and wildlife. Australia's freshwater ecosystems are increasingly influenced by non-native and potentially invasive snail species that may pose biosecurity challenges and alter parasite transmission dynamics. This study characterised the complete mitochondrial genomes for four non-native snail taxa established in Australia (Pseudosuccinea columella, Orientogalba viridis, Physa acuta and Planorbella sp.) and for Galba truncatula, a high-priority exotic species considered a potential invader. Using long-read sequencing and comparative analyses, 15 complete mitogenomes were assembled, annotated and compared across three families (Lymnaeidae, Physidae and Planorbidae). Genome sizes ranged from 13.7 to 14.3 kb and exhibited conserved gene organisation and marked A + T bias. Australian populations of P. columella, O. viridis and Ph. acuta showed very limited mitochondrial nucleotide variability, consistent with founder effects, demographic bottlenecks and self-fertilisation, in contrast to the marked divergence observed among lineages within Galba from European laboratory strains. Phylogenetic inference based on concatenated and single-gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, cox1) datasets confirmed well-resolved family-level relationships and revealed cryptic diversity within Galba. The mitogenomes defined here provide molecular references for future taxonomic studies, diagnostic assay development and environmental (e)DNA monitoring of freshwater snails. These genomic resources establish a basis for biosecurity preparedness and vector surveillance in Australia and contribute to a broader One Health approach by supporting early detection, accurate identification and risk assessment of trematode-transmitting snails in freshwater ecosystems.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Djamel Tahir, Sophie Dupuis, Virginie Geolier-Lapeyronie, Ambre Sibari, Yousra El-Ouatik, Cécile Collignon, Samantha Favy, Thomas Blondel, Alessia Crippa, Laur…
Canine tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are expanding globally, representing an increasing concern for both veterinary and public health. Dogs, due to their close contact with humans and frequent exposure to ticks, may serve as valuable sentinels for zoonotic risk. Between December 2022 and December 2023, we conducted a year-long multicenter participatory pilot survey in France involving veterinary clinics, dog owners, and research laboratories. Ticks and blood samples were collected from 82 dogs presented in 41 veterinary practices across 34 departments. Tick species were identified morphologically, and genomic DNA extracted from ticks and canine blood and/or serum samples was screened for selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) using PCR and sequencing. Serological analyses were also performed. A total of 165 ticks were collected from enrolled dogs, including Dermacentor reticulatus (29.7%), Ixodes ricinus (18.2%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (16.4%), I. hexagonus (6.7%), and D. marginatus (0.6%). Tick submissions were recorded throughout the study period, with temporal variations observed among tick genera. Molecular screening identified several TBPs in dogs, including Borrelia garinii (n = 5) and Babesia canis canis (n = 5). Serological analyses revealed antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in one and three dogs, respectively. Several infected dogs were asymptomatic. In ticks, the main TBPs detected included B. garinii, B. canis canis, Rickettsia massiliae, and R. raoultii, as well as several endosymbionts. This multicenter participatory pilot study supports the feasibility of a One Health surveillance approach based on veterinary networks for monitoring tick species and TBPs. Although the study was not designed to assess national prevalence or validate dogs as sentinels through comparison with human surveillance data, the findings provide proof-of-concept for the potential value of integrating veterinary and public health surveillance systems to improve our understanding of TBP circulation in France.
One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)Alessandra Mistral De Pascali, Laura Dionisi, Bianca Vandelli, Carola Valenti, Sara Rigamonti, Emanuela Olivieri, Nadia Vicari, Martina Brandolini, Ludovica In…
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) includes several genospecies responsible for Lyme borreliosis (LB), a major zoonotic disease transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks. In Western Europe, LB incidence has risen in recent decades, with documented expansion into previously non-endemic regions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in peri-urban areas of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna (north-eastern Italy), from February to November 2024 to assess the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in questing ticks using real-time PCR. A total of 887 ticks were collected by dragging across 24 sites, including urban parks, school gardens, and forested areas. The 887 ticks were pooled into 130 samples and screened for B. burgdorferi s.l., resulting in an overall estimated prevalence of 10% in nymphs (95% CI 6.6-13.5) and 8% in adults (95% CI 1.4-22.7). This study provides the first prevalence estimate of B. burgdorferi s.l. in ticks within the municipality of Bologna. Pathogen detection in highly frequented peri-urban sites indicates a concrete exposure risk for human and animals. These findings support the need for strengthen local surveillance and targeted prevention strategies in line with One Health principles.