Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Spain

We report a case of malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in a mixed herd (ovine/bovine). The case occurred in the Basque Country (north of Spain) in April 2021. The infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in a calf that had developed signs consistent with the ‘head and eye’ form of the disease. Just before its appearance, a group of five calves born at the farm (including the affected one), aged between 8 and 12 months, were temporarily housed in a pen adjacent to the sheep shed, and separated by a metallic fence that allowed direct contact. In Spain, there are no data on the incidence of malignant catarrhal fever, as there is no active surveillance programme in place. Furthermore, the disease is uncommonly considered in differential diagnosesS

Using linguistic data for English and Spanish verb-noun combination identification

We present a linguistic analysis of a set of English and Spanish verb+noun combinations (VNCs), and a method to use this information to improve VNC identification. Firstly, a sample of frequent VNCs are analysed in-depth and tagged along lexico-semantic and morphosyntactic dimensions, obtaining satisfactory inter-annotator agreement scores. Then, a VNC identification experiment is undertaken, where the analysed linguistic data is combined with chunking information and syntactic dependencies. A comparison between the results of the experiment and the results obtained by a basic detection method shows that VNC identification can be greatly improved by using linguistic information, as a large number of additional occurrences are detected with high precision

A Pasteurella multocida strain affecting nulliparous heifers and calves in different ways

Pasteurella multocida isolates from dairy cattle on a farm in Spain were associated with pneumonia of calves (six isolates) and mastitis of heifers (five isolates). The objective was to determine if the P. multocida isolates retrieved from both disease scenarios were the same strain or whether more than one strain was present. The isolates were identified by a species-specific polymerase chain (PCR) assay, serotyped by the Heddleston scheme and then typed by a number of molecular genotyping assays including multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The 11 isolates were confirmed as P. multocida but failed to react with any of the 16 Heddleston antisera. The PCR targeting the genes associated with the lipopolysaccharide outer core biosynthesis locus assigned all the isolates to L3–the type that contains Heddleston serovars 3 and 4. The MLST analysis showed all isolates belonging to ST 79 within the clonal complex of ST13. Only one of the isolates showed a slight different profile by the repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR. The conclusion was that the same strain was associated with pneumonia in calves and mastitis in heifers

In vitro invasion efficiency and intracellular proliferation rate comprise virulence-related phenotypic traits of Neospora caninum

In this study, we examined the in vitro invasion and proliferation capacities of the Nc-Liv and ten Spanish Neospora caninum isolates (Nc-Spain 1 H - Nc-Spain 10). The invasion rate was determined as the number of tachyzoites that completed their internalisation into MARC-145 cells at 2, 4, and 6 h post-inoculation (pi). The proliferation rate was evaluated by determining the doubling time during the exponential proliferation period. Significant differences in the invasion rates of these isolates were detected at 2 and 4 h pi (P < 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test). At 4 h pi, the Nc-Spain 4 H and Nc-Liv isolates displayed the highest, while the Nc-Spain 3 H and Nc-Spain 1 H isolates had the lowest invasion rates (by Dunn's test). Variations in the proliferation kinetics of these isolates were also observed. Between different isolates, the lag phase, which occurs before the exponential growth phase, ranged from 8 to 44 h, and the doubling time ranged from 9.8 to 14.1 h (P = 0.0016, ANOVA test). Tachyzoite yield, which combines invasion and proliferation data, was also assessed and confirmed marked differences between the highly and less prolific isolates. Interestingly, a direct correlation between the invasion rates and tachyzoite yields, and the severity of the disease that was exhibited by infected pregnant mice in previous works could be established for the isolates in this study (Spearman's coefficient > 0.62, P < 0.05). The results of this study may help us to explain the differences in the pathogenicity that are displayed by different isolates

Molecular Identification of a New Pestivirus Associated with Increased Mortality in the Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) in Spain

Pestivirus infection was identified in 16 of 17 chamois during an outbreak of a previously unreported disease in Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) in northeastern Spain in 2001-02. By analysis of the 5' noncoding regions of the virus, we assigned it to the border disease virus cluster with pairwise similarity values ranging from 82.1% to 88.1%. It will be important to investigate the association of this pestivirus with disease in Pyrenean chamois

Influence of Neospora caninum intra-specific variability in the outcome of infection in a pregnant BALB/c mouse model

Previous assays in pregnant animals have demonstrated the effect of different host factors and timing of infection on the outcome of neosporosis during pregnancy. However, the influence of Neospora caninum isolate itself has been poorly investigated. Here, we compared the effects on clinical outcome and vertical transmission observed in a pregnant mouse model following infection with 10 different N. caninum isolates. The isolates in our study included the Nc-Liv isolate and nine N. caninum isolates obtained from calves. Female BALB/c mice were inoculated with 2 × 106 tachyzoites at day 7 of pregnancy. Morbidity and mortality, in both dams and offspring during the course of infection, and transmission to progeny at day 30 postpartum were evaluated. The serum IgG1 and IgG2a production in dams were also examined. All dams showed elevated IgG1 and IgG2a responses, confirming N. caninum infection, although signs of disease were only exhibited in dams infected with 4 of the 10 isolates (Nc-Spain 4H, Nc-Spain 5H, Nc-Spain 7 and Nc-Liv). In neonates, clinical signs were observed in all N. caninum-infected groups, and neonatal mortality rates varied from greater than 95% with the isolates mentioned above to less than 32.5% with the other isolates. Vertical transmission rates, as assessed by parasite PCR-detection in neonate brains, also varied from 50% to 100% according to the isolate implicated. These results confirm the wide pathogenic and transmission variability of N. caninum. The intra-specific variability observed herein could help us explain the differences in the outcome of the infection in the natural host

Bluetongue Virus Serotype 1 Outbreak in the Basque Country (Northern Spain) 2007–2008. Data Support a Primary Vector Windborne Transport

BACKGROUND: Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne disease of ruminants that has expanded its traditional global distribution in the last decade. Recently, BTV-1 emerged in Southern Spain and caused several outbreaks in livestock reaching the north of the country. The aim of this paper was to review the emergence of BTV-1 in the Basque Country (Northern Spain) during 2007 and 2008 analyzing the possibility that infected Culicoides were introduced into Basque Country by winds from the infected areas of Southern Spain. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We use a complex HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model to draw wind roses and backward wind trajectories. The analysis of winds showed September 28 to October 2 as the only period for the introduction of infected midges in the Basque Country. These wind trajectories crossed through the areas affected by serotype 1 on those dates in the South of the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally meteorological data, including wind speed and humidity, and altitude along the trajectories showed suitable conditions for Culicoides survival and dispersion. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: An active infection in medium-long distance regions, wind with suitable speed, altitude and trajectory, and appropriate weather can lead to outbreaks of BTV-1 by transport of Culicoides imicola, not only over the sea (as reported previously) but also over the land. This shows that an additional factor has to be taken into account for the control of the disease which is currently essentially based on the assumption that midges will only spread the virus in a series of short hops. Moreover, the epidemiological and serological data cannot rule out the involvement of other Culicoides species in the spread of the infection, especially at a local level

Cepas de Salmonella aisladas en aves y mamíferos salvajes del País Vasco (España)

[EN] The authors investigated the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in 205 wild birds and mammals belonging to 45 species during the years 2001 and 2002 in the Basque Country (Spain). Salmonella was isolated from 16 (7.8%) animals. The prevalence was 8.5% (7/82) in birds, and 7.2% (9/123) in mammals. Nine serotypes, all of them belonging to the species Salmonella enterica, were identified: two isolates of Typhimurium (from 1/3 griffon vultures [Gyps fulvus], and 1/5 sparrowhawks [Accipiter nisus]); one of 6,14:z4, z23: (subsp. houtenae, 1/1 common kestrel [Falco tinnunculus]); one of Muenchen (1/1 captive Harris's hawk [Parabuteo unicinctus]); two of Enteritidis (1/5 tawny owls [Strix aluco], and 1/14 foxes [Vulpes vulpes]); one of Give, Newport and Umbilo and one untyped islolate (4/22 badgers [Meles meles]); two of Worthington and one of 38:IV:z35 (subsp. arizonae, 3/40 wild boars [Sus scrofa]); and three other untyped isolates (1/1 northern fulmar [Fulmarus glacialis], 1/11 buzzards [Buteo buteo], 1/4 genets [Genetta genetta]). Salmonella isolation was never associated with macroscopic or microscopic lesions. The results of this study confirm the importance of wildlife as a Salmonella reservoir and as a potential risk for humans and livestock.[FR] En 2001-2002, les auteurs ont étudié la prévalence de Salmonella spp. chez 205 oiseaux et mammifères sauvages de 45 espèces dans le Pays basque espagnol. Des salmonelles ont été isolées chez 16 animaux (7,8 %). La prévalence était de 8,5 % chez les oiseaux (7/82) et de 7,2 % chez les mammifères (9/123). Un total de neuf sérotypes appartenant à l’espèce Salmonella enterica ont été identifiés : deux isolats du sérotype Typhimurium chez un vautour fauve Gyps fulvus (1/3) et chez un épervier d’Europe Accipiter nisus (1/5) ; un isolat du sérotype 6,14:z4, z23: (subsp. houtenae) chez un faucon crécerelle Falco tinnunculus (1/1) ; un isolat du sérotype Muenchen chez une buse de Harris Parabuteo unicinctus (1/1) ; deux isolats du sérotype Enteritidis chez une chouette hulotte Strix aluco (1/5) et un renard Vulpes vulpes (1/14) ; un isolat des sérotypes Give, Newport et Umbilo ainsi qu’un isolat non typé chez des blaireaux Meles meles (4/22) ; deux isolats du sérotype Worthington et un isolat du sérotype 38:IV:z35 (subsp. arizonae) chez des sangliers Sus scrofa (3/40) ; trois autres isolats non typés chez un fulmar boréal Fulmarus glacialis (1/1), une buse variable Buteo buteo (1/11) et une genette Genetta genetta (1/4). L’isolement de Salmonella n’était jamais associé à la présence de lésions macroscopiques ou microscopiques. Les résultats de cette étude confirment le rôle des animaux sauvages en tant que réservoir important de Salmonella et le risque potentiel qu’ils constituent pour l’homme et le bétail.[ES] Durante los años 2001 y 2002, los autores investigaron la prevalencia de Salmonella spp. en 205 aves y mamíferos salvajes pertenecientes a 45 especies del País Vasco (España). Se aislaron cepas de Salmonella en 16 animales (7,8%). La prevalencia era del 8,5% (7/82) en las aves y del 7,2% (9/123) en los mamíferos. Se identificaron nueve serotipos de la especie Salmonella enterica: dos cepas de Typhimurium (en 1/3 de buitres comunes Gyps fulvus y 1/5 de gavilanes Accipiter niuss); una de 6,14:z4,z23: (subespecie houtenae, en 1/1 cernícalo vulgar Falco tinnunculus); una de Muenchen (en 1/1 gavilán mixto Parabuteo unicinctus en cautiverio); dos de Enteritidis (en 1/5 de cárabos comunes Strix aluco y en 1/14 de zorros Vulpes vulpes); una de Give; Newport y Umbilo y una cepa atípica (en 4/22 de tejones Meles meles); dos de Worthington y una de 38:IV:z35 (subespecie arizonae, en 3/40 de jabalíes Sus scrofa) y otras tres cepas atípicas (en 1/1 fulmar boreal Fulmarus glacialis, 1/11 de ratoneros comunes Buteo buteo y 1/4 de ginetas Genetta genetta). Ninguna de las cepas de Salmonella estaba asociada a lesiones macroscópicas o microscópicas. Los resultados de este estudio confirman que los animales salvajes constituyen un importante reservorio de Salmonella y un riesgo potencial para los seres humanos y la ganadería.This work was supported by the ‘Departamento de Agricultura y Pesca del Gobierno Vasco’.Peer reviewe

Faecal shedding and strain diversity of <it>Listeria monocytogenes </it>in healthy ruminants and swine in Northern Spain

Abstract Background Listeria monocytogenes is among the most important foodborne bacterial pathogens due to the high mortality rate and severity of the infection. L. monocytogenes is a ubiquitous organism occasionally present in the intestinal tract of various animal species and faecal shedding by asymptomatically infected livestock poses a risk for contamination of farm environments and raw food at the pre-harvest stages. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and strain diversity of L. monocytogenes in healthy ruminants and swine herds. Results Faecal samples from 30 animals per herd were collected from 343 herds (120 sheep, 124 beef cattle, 82 dairy cattle and 17 swine) in the Basque Country and screened in pools by an automated enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay (VIDAS®) to estimate the prevalence of positive herds. Positive samples were subcultured onto the selective and differential agar ALOA and biochemically confirmed. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 46.3% of dairy cattle, 30.6% beef cattle and 14.2% sheep herds, but not from swine. Within-herd prevalence investigated by individually analysing 197 sheep and 221 cattle detected 1.5% of faecal shedders in sheep and 21.3% in cattle. Serotyping of 114 isolates identified complex 4b as the most prevalent (84.2%), followed by 1/2a (13.2%), and PFGE analysis of 68 isolates showed a highly diverse L. monocytogenes population in ruminant herds. Conclusion These results suggested that cattle represent a potentially important reservoir for L. monocytogenes in the Basque Country, and highlighted the complexity of pathogen control at the farm level.</p