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Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are important pathogens of fish, causing chronic infections that are difficult to control in aquaculture. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of twelve plant-derived compounds against six fish-associated NTM strains using a broth microdilution assay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 0.25 to >32 µg/mL. Our results demonstrated that cinnamaldehyde exhibited the strongest antimycobacterial effect, followed by sesamol and farnesol, while several other phytochemicals showed moderate activity and salicylic acid was inactive. These findings highlight the potential of selected plant-derived compounds, particularly cinnamaldehyde, as promising candidates for alternative or adjunctive strategies against fish mycobacteriosis.

The paper presents a method for genotyping Charolais and Angus beef bulls for the causative mutation within KIF1C gene responsible for Progressive Ataxia (PA). The method involves amplifying a 406 bp fragment of the KIF1C gene using PCR and detecting the polymorphic site with the Mvn I restriction enzyme. Due to its simplicity, speed, and low cost, this method is accessible to an average laboratory equipped with a PCR thermocycler. Using this method, 62 bulls (46 Charolais and 16 Angus) currently used in artificial insemination in Poland were tested, among which 7 PA carriers were identified, exclusively among Charolais bulls. Detecting PA carriers does not mean they need to be eliminated, as according to the literature, they exhibit better growth and muscling traits.

Eggs are among the most nutritious and accessible products that have been an important part of the human diets for thousands of years. Well digestible proteins belong to the main nutritional components of eggs. Evolutionary old vitellogenin in serum of laying hens is enzymatically degraded to vitally important proteins, including phosvitin and yolkin. The latter protein has documented immunoregulatory properties and improves cognitive function. Yolkin isolated from hen eggs was tested for its potential virucidal and antiviral properties against Rous-associated virus-2 (RAV-2) using DF-1 hen fibroblasts, defined as a reduction in virus titer and the cytopathic effect, following 96 h culture in DF-1 infected cells. The mixing of yolkin with the virus led to concentration-dependent virus inactivation by 2-log at 50 µg/mL and by 1-log at 10 µg/mL of yolkin – virucidal properties. On the other hand, the treatment of infected DF-1 cells with yolkin caused a diminution of the virus titer by 3-log for a concentration of 50 µg/mL and by 1-log at 10 µg/ml of yolkin – an antiviral effect. The results indicate that yolkin may exhibit both a direct virucidal property and the capability to interfere with virus replication in the homologous model. The involvement of ERK/MAPK signaling in RAV-2 replication in DF-1 cells, by using specific inhibitor PD98059, was also demonstrated. In conclusion, yolkin may play an antiviral role in the development of bird embryos. The accumulated data on the actions of yolkin in rodent models strongly suggest benefit of egg consumption in human everyday diet.

Equine asthma is increasingly recognised as a biologically heterogeneous syndrome in which similar clinical manifestations may arise from distinct molecular mechanisms. Although clinical phenotypes have substantially improved disease classification, increasing evidence indicates that molecular endotypes more accurately reflect the biological mechanisms underlying disease heterogeneity. This review summarises current knowledge regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms of equine asthma, with particular emphasis on inflammatory pathways, molecular endotypes, genetic susceptibility, airway remodelling and emerging neuroimmune interactions. Special attention is given to the transition from phenotype-based disease classification towards mechanism-based endotyping and its potential implications for future diagnostics and targeted therapeutic strategies. The review was based on a comprehensive search of the PubMed and Scopus databases using the terms “equine asthma”, “diagnostics”, “phenotypes”, “endotypes”, “genetic background” and “neuroimmune pathophysiology”. Following predefined selection criteria, 146 publications were included in the review. Current evidence demonstrates that persistent airway inflammation, structural remodelling, genetic background and neuroimmune signalling interact throughout disease progression and cannot be fully explained by clinical phenotypes alone. Improving our understanding of these biological mechanisms will facilitate more precise disease classification and may provide the foundation for future biomarker-guided diagnosis and precision medicine in equine asthma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of individual types of canine hip dysplasia during 25 years of breeding the Hovawart breed in the Czech Republic and to determine the effect of negative selection on the subsequent occurrence of canine hip dysplasia in the following generations of animals. During the study period, from 1998 to 2022, a total of 3,297 radiographs of Hovawart dogs were analysed. The study period was divided into 5 groups (1998-2002; 2003-2007; 2008-2012; 2013-2017 and 2018-2022) and the dogs were divided into three groups according to the severity of hip dysplasia (CHD-A, CHD-B and CHD-C/E). The results show that there was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of the more severe form of dysplasia during the study years, from 20.54% in 1998-2002 to 1.91% in 2018-2022. In the last period studied, 2018-2022, the proportion of CHD-A in the Hovawart population that underwent radiographic examinations was 92.99%. It can also be noted that younger dogs (up to 2 years of age) had a lower percentage of incidence of the more severe form of dysplasia (7.32%) compared to dogs over 3 years of age (12.04%). The decrease in the incidence of dysplasia from year to year clearly demonstrates the positive effect of the stricter selection of dogs entering the breeding programme in the Czech Republic.

Preclinical drug research still relies heavily on animal testing; however, this is becoming more difficult because of ethical issues, substantial costs, species-specific variations, and the unpredictability of human reactions. This review assesses the state of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for preclinical research, focusing on their uses, constraints, and regulatory acceptance in human and veterinary drug development. Advanced in vitro models, such as three-dimensional cell cultures, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip systems, are covered in the review, along with in silico methods such as machine learning for toxicity and ADMET prediction, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. Additionally, recent regulatory actions taken by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other international organizations to support the implementation of NAM. According to the available data, some NAMs are well established for particular regulatory applications, whereas many AI-based strategies are still complementary tools that require more validation before being widely accepted by regulators. Reducing the reliance on animal testing while maintaining scientifically sound and trustworthy safety assessments requires ongoing standardization, open validation, and the integration of complementary NAMs.

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility profile in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from healthy cats and dogs in Indonesia. A total of 186 rectal swab samples were individually collected from June to October 2025 at 13 animal clinics from three regions. Bacterial isolation was performed using selective agar media, and the species was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. In this study, we obtained 71 of 164 (43.3%) antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) E. coli and 53 of 94 (56.4%) AMR enterococci by disc diffusion test. The highest resistance of E. coli was observed for ampicillin (36.6%), followed by streptomycin (21.3%), tetracycline (15.9%), cefazolin (13.4%), nalidixic acid (12.8%), cefotaxime (11.0%), gentamicin (11.0%), aztreonam (8.5%), doxycycline (8.5%), chloramphenicol (7.9%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (6.7%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (3.7%), ciprofloxacin (3.0%) and enrofloxacin (2.4%). On the other hand, the highest resistance of enterococci was identified for tetracycline (24.5%), followed by high-level streptomycin (21.3%), erythromycin (21.3%), ciprofloxacin (10.6%), enrofloxacin (9.6%), penicillin (7.4%), linezolid (6.4%), ampicillin (5.3%), fosfomycin (4.3%) and chloramphenicol (3.2%). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli was detected in 44 of 164 (26.8%) isolates, which were dominated by extraintestinal pathogenic strains (phylogroup B2 and D), while MDR enterococci were detected from 13 of 94 (13.8%) isolates. Our study offers valuable insights into the resistance profiles of Indonesian companion animals. A continuous monitoring strategy for AMR is needed to control the development of AMR bacteria in companion animals.

Infectious bronchitis, caused by the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is a highly contagious multisystem disease affecting poultry of all ages and leading to significant economic losses worldwide. IBV exhibits considerable genetic variability, with numerous genotypes and lineages associated with respiratory, reproductive, and kidney issues. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of IBV in poultry-dense areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. An outbreak-driven sampling method was used to collect a total of 425 clinical samples, including tracheal swabs and tissue specimens, from suspected flocks across different districts. Specifically, 100 samples were collected from Abbottabad and Mansehra, 90 from Mardan and Peshawar, and 45 from Malakand Division, proportionate to regional poultry populations. Viral RNA was extracted and tested using RT-PCR targeting the IBV S1 gene. Selected positive samples underwent Sanger sequencing. Sequence analysis was carried out using ClustalW in MEGA 12, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred via the Maximum Likelihood method based on the T92+G Tamura 3-parameter model with gamma distribution. The overall IBV prevalence was 29.6%. The highest prevalence was observed in Mansehra (39%), whereas Malakand Division had the lowest prevalence (7.7%). IBV detection was more frequent in young birds (35.2%) and layer flocks (33.7%) compared to broilers (30.7%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most circulating IBV strains belong to genotype GI-1, indicating ongoing circulation of classical IBV strains in the area. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing molecular surveillance and the development of region-specific vaccines. Implementing improved biosecurity measures, such as enhanced ventilation, thorough disinfection between production cycles, and all-in–all-out flock management, is essential to reduce IBV outbreaks and improve poultry health and productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) represents a remarkable model of physiological and anatomical adaptation to extreme environments. While many researchers have focused on its unique metabolic and water-conserving abilities, the neuroscience underlying these adaptations particularly important unexplored. This study reviews the latest findings in the anatomy, histology, and embryology of the dromedary nervous system. It highlights the gross and comparative neuroanatomy, emphasizing distinctive features of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including the complex cerebral vasculature. Histological studies demonstrate a diverse array of neuronal and glial cell types in the caudate nucleus, cerebellum, and spinal trigeminal nucleus, reflecting advanced neural processing. Furthermore, embryological investigations trace the development of the nervous system from neurulation and the formation of brain vesicles. Finally, this review connects these neurobiological features to the camel's unique adaptations, such as thermoregulation and pain perception, and discusses the implications of emerging technologies like nanobody-based therapies derived from camelids for treating neurological disorders. This comprehensive overview underscores the camel as a vital subject for neuroscientific research, offering novel perspectives on neural structure, function, and evolution in response to environmental pressures.

The combination of several sonographic techniques can provide important information on pathological feature of mammary tumors. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of spectral Doppler indices and shear wave elastography (SWE) in dogs with mammary tumors and their relationship to tumor proliferation. The study consisted of malignant epithelial tumors (Group MET; n=49) and healthy mammary tissues (Group C; n=15). Ultrasonographic findings (echotexture, echogenicity, mass width, etc.), tissue Ki-67 levels, Doppler ultrasonography and sonoelastographic measurements were performed. Ultrasonography was performed by a single experienced veterinary sonographer prior to mastectomy using a Resona i9 US device equipped with a linear transducer (L20-5s). Histopathological results were used as the gold standard. Tissue Ki-67 levels were measured using a canine Ki-67 Protein (Ki67P) ELISA kit. The distribution of echotexture and echogenicity in Group MET were mostly heterogeneous and hyperechoic. Also, the most frequent vascular pattern was a mixed pattern in Group MET, and the vascularization amount did not differ in terms of histological grades in canine mammary carcinomas. Vascular resistivity (RI) in Group MET was significantly higher than in Group C while pulsatility indexes (PI) was not significantly different between the groups . Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) increased in malignant tumors and showed adequate sensitivity and specificity values to distinguish the malignant tumors than healthy mammary tissues. Shear wave speed and stiffness of malignant tumors were higher than healthy mammary tissue. The highest shear wave speed and tissue elasticity were observed in tumors larger than 5 cm. Elastography parameters in Grade 3 carcinomas were higher than in Grade 2 carcinomas. Tissue Ki-67 concentration was significantly associated with Doppler velocimetry parameters and SWE measurements. Also, Ki-67 was accurate in distingiuishing the healthy mammary tissue than canine mammary masses with moderate sensitivity and high specificity. Tissue Ki-67, RI, PSV, shear wave speed, and elasticity amounts have 100% specificity to distinguish malignant mammary tumors compared to healthy mammary tissues in dogs. It was concluded that a combination of imaging techniques should be applied for a more accurate diagnosis of mammary tumors.

Pasteurella multocida is primarily recognized as a respiratory pathogen in various animal species. However, sporadic cases of zoonotic infection in humans have also been reported. Understanding the distribution of capsular types is important for improving treatment strategies and developing preventive measures. This study aimed to determine the capsular type and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of P. multocida isolates obtained from cattle. P. multocida isolates from 650 cattle samples were initially identified by conventional phenotypic methods and subsequently confirmed by PCR. Capsular typing of the isolates was performed using a slide agglutination test and PCR-based capsular genotyping. Of the 48 P. multocida strains typed using the slide agglutination test, 46 (95.8%) were classified as capsular type A, while 2 strains remained untypeable. Genotypic analysis confirmed all isolates as P. multocida via PCR targeting the kmt1 and omp genes. PCR-based capsular genotyping revealed that all 48 isolates belonged to capsular type A. Accordingly, the highest nonsusceptibility rate was observed for OXY (19/48, 39.6%), followed by SXT (11/48, 22.9%), PEN (10/48, 20.8%) and AMC (4/48, 8.3%). Erythromycin was the least effective antimicrobial agent, with a susceptibility rate of 50.0% (24/48) and a resistance rate of 20.8% (10/48). Determining the capsular type and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of P. multocida isolates may contribute to epidemiological studies and support the development of appropriate treatment strategies. However, further research is needed to elucidate the epidemiological and pathogenic characteristics of P. multocida.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Myrtus communis (MC) extract on oxidative stress, inflammation, and alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Forty-two adult male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control (C); Periodontitis (P); Periodontitis + MC via gastric gavage (P+GG+MC); Periodontitis + MC via intraoral application (P+IO+MC); Periodontitis + chlorhexidine (P+CHX); and Periodontitis + MC via both gastric gavage and intraoral application (P+GG+IO+MC). Serum oxidative stress markers (TOS, TAS), inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-8, MMP-9), bone morphometry using micro-CT, and histopathological analyses (RANKL, ICD) were evaluated. The lowest ICD levels were observed in the P+CHX group, while RANKL activity was highest in the P group. TAS levels were significantly higher in the P+GG+MC group compared to the P, P+IO+MC, and P+GG+IO+MC groups, while TOS levels were highest in the P group. Bone quantity tended to be greater in the P+GG+MC group compared to other groups, whereas the bone ratio was higher in the P+CHX group. MMP-8 levels were significantly lower in the P+GG+MC group compared to all other groups. In conclusion, the obtained data indicate that Myrtus communis extract, particularly via systemic administration, may serve as an adjuvant treatment option by preventing alveolar bone loss through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Migratory birds are a source of natural beauty and help in maintaining ecosystems, pest control and pollination. However, as with other pathogens, gastrointestinal (GI) parasites residing within migratory birds consequently contaminate the environment through their droppings. The study was aimed at identifying and estimating the prevalence and spatial distribution of GI parasites in migratory birds. To do this, 265 fecal samples were collected, (Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) Lake, Dhaka: 203), (Tanguar Haor, Sunamganj: 62), from October 2022 to March 2023. Samples were processed and examined using flotation and sedimentation techniques. Overall prevalence of parasites was 19.2% (51 out of 265). Parasites belonging to ten genera were identified, including Ascarid (2.3%), Capillaria (2.3%), Echinuria (0.8%), Heterakis (0.8%), nematode larva (3.4%), Strongyloides (1.9%), Tetrameres (0.8%), Echinostome (4.5%), Raillietina (1.1%), Eimeria (2.6%) and Isospora (2.3%). We detected the highest infections caused by nematodes (10.9%), followed by protozoa (4.9%), trematodes (4.5%), and cestodes (1.1%). Infections were almost equal in Tanguar Haor (19.4%) and the BLRI lake (19.2%). Statistically significant variation among nematode, trematode, cestode and protozoan infections were detected at the BLRI lake (p˂0.001) but were insignificant (p˃0.05) at Tanguar Haor. Most importantly, we also detected zoonotic parasites (4.5%), suggesting potential zoonotic relevance. This indicates that strict guidelines regarding hygienic measures while visiting areas densely populated with migratory birds should be circulated.

Metabolic status plays a critical role in reproductive efficiency in small ruminants; however, longitudinal information describing metabolic adaptations from estrus synchronization through gestation and the immediate postpartum period remains limited. This study investigated temporal changes in selected serum metabolic and hormonal parameters in estrus-synchronized ewes and compared pregnant (PR) and non-pregnant (NPR) animals, with particular emphasis on the influence of litter size. A total of 235 ewes were synchronized during the breeding season. Of these, 150 animals (75 PR and 75 NPR) were included in the main comparative analysis, while a subset of 45 ewes (30 PR and 15 NPR) was monitored longitudinally across gestation and the early postpartum period. Blood samples were collected during synchronization (D −14 and D0), pregnancy (D35, 60, 120, and 145), and on Day 1 postpartum (1 dpp). Serum glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and progesterone concentrations were determined. Glucose concentrations at D−14 were significantly higher in ewes that subsequently established pregnancy (p<0.05). During gestation, NEFA and BHB concentrations increased progressively, with the highest values observed during late pregnancy, particularly in ewes carrying multiple fetuses (p<0.05). Serum AST activity increased moderately toward late gestation and the postpartum period but remained within physiological reference ranges. Progesterone concentrations were markedly higher in PR ewes from D35 onward (p<0.05) and were positively associated with litter size. These findings demonstrate stage-dependent metabolic adaptations and suggest that assessing pre-mating metabolic status and monitoring metabolism during late gestation may provide useful information for reproductive management, particularly in ewes carrying multiple fetuses.

This study characterized agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) profiles of calf serum and evaluated the accuracy of two commercial AGE kits (J711 and J718) for estimating immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations. Samples were collected from 10 calves at birth (Day 0), 10–12 h later (Day 0.5), and 2 days after colostrum ingestion (Day 2). AGE was performed with both kits, and IgG concentrations were measured via ELISA. After colostrum ingestion, β2 globulin (Glb) and γ Glb fractions merged electrophoretically and were analyzed together as β2γ Glb. On Day 0, γ globulin was nearly absent, confirming no transplacental Ig transfer. By Day 2, β2γ Glb had markedly increased. Linear mixed effects models showed that β2γ Glb was a strong predictor of IgG levels, with marginal R2 values of 0.960 (J711) and 0.958 (J718). The results suggest that the AGE kits have potential as a practical alternative for evaluating passive immunity in calves.

Malassezia pachydermatis is a lipophilic yeast that forms part of the skin microbiota of dogs and cats, and can transform into an opportunistic pathogen when the microbial equilibrium is disrupted. It is most commonly implicated in cases of otitis externa and dermatitis in dogs, and is increasingly isolated from cats as well, particularly in instances of otitis externa. The rising number of infections reported in recent years underscores the growing significance of this microorganism in veterinary medicine. Despite its clinical relevance, standardized methods for assessing the antifungal susceptibility of M. pachydermatis are still lacking. Existing studies vary in the culture media used, incubation conditions, and interpretation of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, which complicates the comparison of results and the evaluation of the true extent of antifungal resistance. Of particular concern is the increasing resistance to azoles, which remain the cornerstone of therapy for Malassezia-associated infections. Due to the limitations in efficacy and safety of conventional antifungal drugs, natural compounds with antifungal activity, including essential oils, are receiving increasing attention. These oils are mixtures of volatile plant metabolites with a broad spectrum of biological activity, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Selected essential oils, such as oregano and thyme oils, have been shown to exhibit significant activity against yeasts of the genus Malassezia. Their potential therapeutic application represents a promising research direction, particularly in the context of increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents.