Chlamydia psittaci st24: clonal strains of one health importance dominate in Australian horse, bird and human infections

Chlamydia psittaci is traditionally regarded as a globally distributed avian pathogen that can cause zoonotic spill-over. Molecular research has identified an extended global host range and significant genetic diversity. However, Australia has reported a reduced host range (avian, horse, and human) with a dominance of clonal strains, denoted ST24. To better understand the widespread of this strain type in Australia, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and ompA genotyping were applied on samples from a range of hosts (avian, equine, marsupial, and bovine) from Australia. MLST confirms that clonal ST24 strains dominate infections of Australian psittacine and equine hosts (82/88; 93.18%). However, this study also found novel hosts (Australian white ibis, King parrots, racing pigeon, bovine, and a wallaby) and demonstrated that strain diversity does exist in Australia. The discovery of a C. psittaci novel strain (ST306) in a novel host, the Western brush wallaby, is the first detection in a marsupial. Analysis of the results of this study applied a multidisciplinary approach regarding Chlamydia infections, equine infectious disease, ecology, and One Health. Recommendations include an update for the descriptive framework of C. psittaci disease and cell biology work to inform pathogenicity and complement molecular epidemiologySusan I. Anstey, Vasilli Kasimov, Cheryl Jenkins, Alistair Legione, Joanne Devlin, Jemima Amery-Gale ... et al

Qualitative Release Assessment to Estimate the Likelihood of Henipavirus Entering the United Kingdom

The genus Henipavirus includes Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), for which fruit bats (particularly those of the genus Pteropus) are considered to be the wildlife reservoir. The recognition of henipaviruses occurring across a wider geographic and host range suggests the possibility of the virus entering the United Kingdom (UK). To estimate the likelihood of henipaviruses entering the UK, a qualitative release assessment was undertaken. To facilitate the release assessment, the world was divided into four zones according to location of outbreaks of henipaviruses, isolation of henipaviruses, proximity to other countries where incidents of henipaviruses have occurred and the distribution of Pteropus spp. fruit bats. From this release assessment, the key findings are that the importation of fruit from Zone 1 and 2 and bat bushmeat from Zone 1 each have a Low annual probability of release of henipaviruses into the UK. Similarly, the importation of bat meat from Zone 2, horses and companion animals from Zone 1 and people travelling from Zone 1 and entering the UK was estimated to pose a Very Low probability of release. The annual probability of release for all other release routes was assessed to be Negligible. It is recommended that the release assessment be periodically re-assessed to reflect changes in knowledge and circumstances over time

A review of zoonotic infection risks associated with the wild meat trade in Malaysia.

The overhunting of wildlife for food and commercial gain presents a major threat to biodiversity in tropical forests and poses health risks to humans from contact with wild animals. Using a recent survey of wildlife offered at wild meat markets in Malaysia as a basis, we review the literature to determine the potential zoonotic infection risks from hunting, butchering and consuming the species offered. We also determine which taxa potentially host the highest number of pathogens and discuss the significant disease risks from traded wildlife, considering how cultural practices influence zoonotic transmission. We identify 51 zoonotic pathogens (16 viruses, 19 bacteria and 16 parasites) potentially hosted by wildlife and describe the human health risks. The Suidae and the Cervidae families potentially host the highest number of pathogens. We conclude that there are substantial gaps in our knowledge of zoonotic pathogens and recommend performing microbial food safety risk assessments to assess the hazards of wild meat consumption. Overall, there may be considerable zoonotic risks to people involved in the hunting, butchering or consumption of wild meat in Southeast Asia, and these should be considered in public health strategies

Brucellosis seroprevalence in captive scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) in the United Arab Emirates and associated risk factors

Background: The scimitar‐horned oryx (Oryx dammah) (SHO) is a large African antelope that became extinct in the wild just over two decades ago. Conservation of the species is of prime importance, but it might face pathogen stressors. Methods and principal findings: Brucella melitensis biovar 1 was previously confirmed in a high‐density captive population of SHO held in Abu‐Dhabi emirate. The infection reached 67.0 % (95 % CI: 64.0–70.0) individual seroprevalence (n = 959) during testing performed between January 2013 and January 2015. A model based on a multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the seroprevalence ranged from 51.2 (95 % CI: 39.6–62.7) to 86.9 % (95 % CI: 82.4–91.4) between six different enclosures, and probability of being seropositive was 1.83 (95 % CI: 1.32–2.55) higher in females than in males, 3.09 (95 % CI: 1.66–5.91) and 9.35 (95 % CI: 4.66–19.44) higher in subadults and adults than in juveniles, respectively. The three serological tests used in this study (Rose Bengal Test, lateral flow assay and in‐house i‐ELISA) had a perfect or near‐perfect agreement (Cohen’s Kappa coefficient >=0.97). Recurrent high seroprevalence in time and congruence of results from three different serological tests point toward a persistent B. melitensis infection in a high‐density captive SHO population. Conclusion and significance: Testing strategy (Bengal Test, lateral flow assay or in‐house i‐ELISA) has no effect on the estimation of the brucellosis seroprevalence in SHO permitting the selection of a practical test. We call for an evidence‐based control program, and Brucella vaccine efficacy and innocuity studies in this endangered species.Louis Lignereux, Anne-Lise Chaber, Quentin Nemery, Jacques Godfroid, Claude Saegerma

Q fever vaccination: Australian animal science and veterinary students’ One Health perspectives on Q fever prevention

Published online: 12 Nov 2020Unvaccinated animal science and veterinary students are at risk of Q fever, a vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. We investigated students’ perspectives on Q fever prevention using a One Health approach combining animal, human and environmental health. Animal science and veterinary students enrolled at the University of Adelaide in 2019 were invited to participate in an online survey to explore their perceptions about Q fever and prevention strategies. We undertook descriptive analysis and logistic regression. Overall, 46% of students reported little to no knowledge of Q fever. Over three-quarters of students reported transmission of Q fever via aerosol inhalation and animal culling, whilst other modes including sexual transmission between humans (7%) was poorly identified. The majority of students reported exposure to cattle, sheep and goats. Of those who reported vaccination status, 5% veterinary and 61% animal science students were unvaccinated for Q fever. Challenges concerning vaccination included cost, time and access to healthcare with strategies aimed at promoting awareness, improving healthcare access and subsidized and mass vaccination. Knowledge of Q fever among respondents, particularly about disease transmission was suboptimal. As a key principle to One Health approach, adherence to biosecurity guidelines during contact with animals could potentially reduce zoonoses including Q fever transmission. Improving access to Q fever vaccine for unvaccinated students is a priority. Findings underscore that university policy for Q fever vaccination needs to consider subsidized vaccination for both animal science and veterinary students.Md R. Rahaman, Adriana Milazzo, Helen Marshall, Anne-Lise Chaber, and Peng B

Serosurvey for selected viral pathogens among sympatric species of the African large predator guild in northern Botswana

The recent increase in the creation of trans-boundary protected areas and wildlife corridors between them lend importance to information on pathogen prevalence and transmission among wildlife species that will become connected. One such initiative is the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA/TFCA) of which Botswana’s Okavango Delta constitute a major contribution in terms of wildlife and ecosystems. Between 2008 and 2011, we collected serum samples from 14 lions (Panthera leo), four leopards (P. pardus), 19 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), and six cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Okavango. Samples were tested for antibodies against: canine distemper virus (CDV), feline panleukopenia virus, enteric coronavirus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Evidence of exposure to all of these pathogens was found to varying degrees in at least one of the species sampled. High seroprevalence (> 90%) was only found for FHV-1 and FIV in lions. Only hyenas (26%, 5/19) were seropositive against CDV. Apart from one case, all individuals displayed physical conditions consistent with normal health for a minimum of 12 months following sampling. Our results emphasize the need for a comprehensive multi-species approach to disease monitoring and the development of coordinated management strategies for sub-populations likely to be connected in trans-boundary initiatives

Q fever prevention: perspectives from university animal science and veterinary students and livestock farmers

Published online 31 January 2022Objective: To explore animal science and veterinary students’ and livestock farmers’ perceptions concerning Q fever prevention. Design: An online survey with an open-ended question seeking knowledge and perceptions about Q fever prevention was distributed among participants during March-September 2019. We applied thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Setting: Animal science and veterinary students enrolled at the University of Adelaide and members of Livestock South Australia representing cattle, sheep and goat farmers in South Australia. Participants: A total of 56 animal science and veterinary students and 154 livestock farmers responded to the open-ended question. Interventions: Not applicable. Main outcome measures: Perceived challenges and opportunities for a coordinated Q fever prevention approach including human vaccination reported by the participants. Results: Two major themes arose in each group. Students and farmers viewed Q fever vaccination as important. However, excessive cost for students was a barrier and for farmers, it was general practitioners' lack of knowledge of Q fever and access to an accredited immunisation provider. Similarly, both groups highlighted the need for education and increasing public and community awareness of Q fever. Conclusion: Our findings underscore that a sector-wide approach involving community awareness programmes, education and training for general practitioners, and subsidised vaccination as well as commitment from government and industry partners may contribute to reducing the burden of Q fever among at-risk populations.Md Rezanur Rahaman, Teresa Burgess, Helen Marshall, Adriana Milazzo, Anne-Lise Chaber, Deane Crabb, Peng B

Rickettsiaceae in two reptile-associated tick species, Amblyomma exornatum and Africaniella transversale: First evidence of Occidentia massiliensis in hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

All species of hard ticks associated with reptiles as hosts throughout their life cycle, are currently assigned to genera including Amblyomma and Africaniella. Among these species, based on literature data, Africaniella transversale has never been investigated for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. In this study, seven DNA extracts (two from A. transversale and five from Amblyomma exornatum) were screened for the presence of important tick-borne protozoa (piroplasms) and bacteria (Anaplasmataceae and Rickettsiaceae) with conventional PCRs and sequencing. A new heat shock protein chaperonin (groEL) gene-specific PCR was also developed to identify Occidentia spp. in these samples. In A. transversale, Occidentia massiliensis (previously detected in rodent-associated soft ticks) and Rickettsia hoogstraalii were present. While the latter was molecularly identical with formerly reported sequences of this rickettsia, the genotype of O. massiliensis was new based on sequence and phylogenetic analyses of its groEL gene. In A. exornatum, a Rickettsia genotype closely related to R. tamurae and R. monacensis, was detected. The ompA sequence of this genotype was identical to that of Rickettsia sp. Ae-8 reported from A. exornatum in a reptile breeding facility in the USA. These results show that A. transversale might carry O. massiliensis which (unless having a symbiotic nature in ticks) may originate either from the reptile host of this hard tick species or the rodent prey of reptiles. This is also the first detection of the reptile tick-associated Rickettsia sp. Ae-8 (phylogenetically aligning with R. tamurae, R. monacensis) in Africa, i.e. within the original geographical range of A. exornatum.Sándor Hornok, Jenõ Kontschán, Nóra Takács, Anne-Lise Chaber, Ali Halajian, Sándor Szekeres, Attila D. Sándor, Olivier Plantar

Unravelling animal exposure profiles of human Q fever cases in Queensland, Australia using natural language processing

Q fever, caused by the zoonotic bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a globally distributed emerging infectious disease. Livestock are the most important zoonotic transmission sources, yet infection in people without livestock exposure is common. Identifying potential exposure pathways is necessary to design effective interventions and aid outbreak prevention. We used natural language processing and graphical network methods to provide insights into how Q fever notifications are associated with variation in patient occupations or lifestyles. Using an 18-year time-series of Q fever notifications in Queensland, Australia, we used topic models to test whether compositions of patient answers to follow-up exposure questionnaires varied between demographic groups or across geographical areas. To determine heterogeneity in possible zoonotic exposures, we explored patterns of livestock and game animal co-exposures using Markov Random Fields models. Finally, to identify possible correlates of Q fever case severity, we modelled patient probabilities of being hospitalised as a function of particular exposures. Different demographic groups consistently reported distinct sets of exposure terms and were concentrated in different areas of the state, suggesting the presence of multiple transmission pathways. Macropod exposure was commonly reported among Q fever cases, even when exposure to cattle, sheep or goats was absent. Males, older patients and those that reported macropod exposure were more likely to be hospitalised due to Q fever infection. Our study indicates that follow-up surveillance combined with text modelling is useful for unravelling exposure pathways in the battle to reduce Q fever incidence and associated morbidity.Nicholas J. Clark, Sarah Tozer, Caitlin Wood, Simon M. Firestone, Mark Stevenson, Charles Caraguel, Anne-Lise Chaber, Jane Heller, Ricardo J. Soares Magalhãe

The scale of illegal meat importation from Africa to Europe via Paris

Concerns have been raised about the illegal import of bushmeat from Africa into Europe, particularly regarding the health risks posed to people and livestock. The role of international trade in driving unsustainable hunting in source countries is unknown, but generally assumed to be limited. Here, we present the first systematic study of the scale and nature of this international trade. We estimate that around five tonnes of bushmeat per week is smuggled in personal baggage through Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport. Bushmeat is not only imported for personal consumption but is part of a lucrative organized trade, with high prices indicating luxury status. A wide range of species is carried, many of which are CITES-listed. Based on these findings, we suggest ways in which customs, airlines, and airport authorities could reduce imports, focussing on raising awareness of regulations, and improving surveillance and deterrence, particularly where CITES-listed species are concerned.Anne-Lise Chaber, Sophie Allebone-Webb, Yves Lignereux, Andrew A. Cunningham, J. Marcus Rowcliff