Avaliação da gordura corporal em equinos Paso colombianos: escore de condição corporal e medidas morfométricas e ultrassonográficas

The body condition score (BCS) is insufficient in determining the amount of body fat in horses, thus defining obesity. Measurement of the subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) by ultrasonography should be considered as an appropriate method in the definition of fat distribution at different body locations in horses. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) characterize the SFT in three different anatomical locations (i.e. neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region); 2) evaluate the relationship between BCS and SFT; 3) determine the influence of gender, weight, age, and gait on BCS and SFT measurements, and 4) explore the agreement between the morphometric measurements [i.e. body mass index (BMI), girth circumference: height at withers ratio (GC: HW), neck circumference: height at withers ratio (NC: HW)], and BCS and SFT in a population of Colombian Paso Horses (CPHs). The Henneke’s body condition scoring was applied to 69 adult CPHs,selected using a convenience sampling. Additionally, BMI, GC: HW, and NC: HW were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated by ultrasound measurement of the SFT in the neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region. The BF% in the CPHs was 6.4 ± 1.1. The GC: HW, NC: HW, and BMI were not predictors of the BF% or BCS, and neither gender nor gait was decisive in the definition of fattening in the study animals, although age and weight were determining variables. According to our results, ultrasound is an adequate tool to calculate the BF% of the CPHs. However, it must be accompanied by Henneke’s BCS assessment.O escore de condição corporal (ECC) é insuficiente para a determinação da quantidade de gordura corporal em cavalos e para a definição da obesidade. A mensuração da espessura da gordura subcutânea (EGS) por ultrassonografia pode ser considerada um método apropriado para a definição da distribuição de gordura em diferentes locais do corpo em cavalos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo 1) caracterizar a EGS em três diferentes localizações anatômicas (pescoço, região lombar e região glútea), 2) avaliar a relação entre ECC e EGS, 3) determinar a influência de gênero, peso, idade e marcha nas medidas ECC e EGS e, 4) explorar a concordância entre as medidas morfométricas [i.e. índice de massa corporal (IMC), razão da circunferência da cintura:altura da cernelha (CC:AC), razão da circunferência do pescoço:altura da cernelha (CP:AC)], ECC e EGS em uma população de Cavalos Paso colombiano (CPCs). A pontuação da condição corporal de Henneke foi aplicada a 69 CPCs adultas, selecionadas por amostragem de conveniência. Além disso, IMC, CC:AC e CP:AC foram calculados. O percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) foi calculado por meio da ultrassonografia da EGS no pescoço, região lombar e região glútea. A %GC nas CPCs foi de 6,4 ± 1,1. O CC:AC, CP:AC e IMC não foram preditores da %GC ou ECC, e nem o gênero nem a marcha foram decisivos na definição de obesidade nos animais do estudo, embora a idade e o peso fossem variáveis determinantes. De acordo com nossos resultados, o ultrassom é um recurso adequado para calcular a %GC das CPCs. No entanto, deve ser acompanhado pela avaliação do ECC do Henneke

A systematic review of tetracycline resistance genes in animals and derived products in Latin America and the Caribbean

Nosso objetivo foi sistematizar e avaliar as  informações científicas sobre os genes de resistência à tetraciclina (TET) em animais, produtos e subprodutos na região da América Latina e Caribe (ALC). As diretrizes do PRISMA foram seguidas. Apenas artigos originais publicados em periódicos revisados por pares foram considerados. Sessenta artigos, publicados entre 2003 e 2023, atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. As áreas geográficas de estudo foram Brasil, México, Chile e Costa Rica e, em menor escala, Colômbia, Bolívia, Cuba, Jamaica, Porto Rico e Uruguai. Os estudos foram relacionados a gado, animais silvestres e animais de estimação. As bactérias mais comumente isoladas foram Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. Os genes tet encontrados com maior frequência nas amostras ou isolados avaliados foram tetA, tetB, tetM, tetL, tetK, tetC, tetO, tetD, tetG, tetW, tetS, tetQ, tetE, tetH, tetJ, tetZ e tetY. Estudos avaliando a presença de genes tet em animais na ALC são limitados, apesar do TET ser um antibiótico amplamente utilizado em animais. É necessário estabelecer políticas públicas transfronteiriças que permitam a capacitação constante do pessoal médico e afins quanto ao uso responsável de antibióticos em animais, bem como o efetivo monitoramento do fenômeno na região. We aimed to systematize and assess scientific information on tetracycline (TET) resistance genes in animals, products, and by-products in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Only original articles published in peer-reviewed journals were considered. Sixty articles published between 2003 and 2023 met the inclusion criteria. The geographical areas of study were Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Costa Rica, and, to a lesser extent, Colombia, Bolivia, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. The studies were related to livestock, wild animals, and pets. The most common isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. The tet genes found in higher frequency in the samples or isolates evaluated were tetA, tetB, tetM, tetL, tetK, tetC, tetO, tetD, tetG, tetW, tetS, tetQ, tetE, tetH, tetJ, tetZ, and tetY. Studies evaluating the presence of tet genes in animals in LAC are limited despite TET being antibiotics widely used in animals. It is necessary to establish cross border public policies that allow the constant training of medical and related personnel regarding the responsible use of antibiotics in animals and the effective monitoring of the phenomenon in the region

Erratum: Body fat evaluation in Colombian Paso horses: body condition score and morphometric and ultrasound measurements

O escore de condição corporal (ECC) é insuficiente para a determinação da quantidade de gordura corporal em cavalos e para a definição da obesidade. A mensuração da espessura da gordura subcutânea (EGS) por ultrassonografia pode ser considerada um método apropriado para a definição da distribuição de gordura em diferentes locais do corpo em cavalos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo 1) caracterizar a EGS em três diferentes localizações anatômicas (pescoço, região lombar e região glútea), 2) avaliar a relação entre ECC e EGS, 3) determinar a influência de gênero, peso, idade e marcha nas medidas ECC e EGS e, 4) explorar a concordância entre as medidas morfométricas [i.e. índice de massa corporal (IMC), razão da circunferência da cintura:altura da cernelha (CC:AC), razão da circunferência do pescoço:altura da cernelha (CP:AC)], ECC e EGS em uma população de Cavalos Paso colombiano (CPCs). A pontuação da condição corporal de Henneke foi aplicada a 69 CPCs adultas, selecionadas por amostragem de conveniência. Além disso, IMC, CC:AC e CP:AC foram calculados. O percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) foi calculado por meio da ultrassonografia da EGS no pescoço, região lombar e região glútea. A %GC nas CPCs foi de 6,4 ± 1,1. O CC:AC, CP:AC e IMC não foram preditores da %GC ou ECC, e nem o gênero nem a marcha foram decisivos na definição de obesidade nos animais do estudo, embora a idade e o peso fossem variáveis determinantes. De acordo com nossos resultados, o ultrassom é um recurso adequado para calcular a %GC das CPCs. No entanto, deve ser acompanhado pela avaliação do ECC do Henneke.The body condition score (BCS) is insufficient in determining the amount of body fat in horses, thus defining obesity. Measurement of the subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) by ultrasonography should be considered as an appropriate method in the definition of fat distribution at different body locations in horses. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) characterize the SFT in three different anatomical locations (i.e. neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region); 2) evaluate the relationship between BCS and SFT; 3) determine the influence of gender, weight, age, and gait on BCS and SFT measurements, and 4) explore the agreement between the morphometric measurements [i.e. body mass index (BMI), girth circumference: height at withers ratio (GC: HW), neck circumference: height at withers ratio (NC: HW)], and BCS and SFT in a population of Colombian Paso Horses (CPHs). The Henneke’s body condition scoring was applied to 69 adult CPHs, selected using a convenience sampling. Additionally, BMI, GC: HW, and NC: HW were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated by ultrasound measurement of the SFT in the neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region. The BF% in the CPHs was 6.4 ± 1.1. The GC: HW, NC: HW, and BMI were not predictors of the BF% or BCS, and neither gender nor gait was decisive in the definition of fattening in the study animals, although age and weight were determining variables. According to our results, ultrasound is an adequate tool to calculate the BF% of the CPHs. However, it must be accompanied by Henneke’s BCS assessment

Detección de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis en bovinos de hatos lecheros de trópico bajo en Colombia

Objective. To report the frequency of seropositivity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and to explore the factors associated with the positive outcome, both at herd and animal level. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 204 dairy cows, result of the crossing of different breeds, from five low-tropic dairy herds, located in three municipalities of the Provinces of Sucre and Córdoba (Colombia) in 2018. The animals were randomly selected, and blood samples were collected from each one. A commercial ELISA kit was used to analyze the sera, and the association between these variables and the result to ELISA (p<0.05) was explored. Results. The 17.2% (35/204; 95% CI: 12.0-22.3%) of the cows were positive for MAP by the ELISA test, and the five herds had seropositive animals. The herd-level variable presence of other ruminants in co-grazing with cattle in the last 2 years and the animal-level variables age and parity were associated with the positive ELISA results. Conclusions. The present study found that 17.2% of the cows and 100% of the herds were MAP positive by the ELISA test. Additionally, associated variables were identified that may be of interest to both producers and veterinarians and guide their approach to disease management.Objetivo. Reportar la frecuencia de la seropositividad a Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) y explorar los factores asociados al resultado positivo, tanto a nivel de hato como de animal. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en 204 vacas lecheras resultado del cruce de diferentes razas, en cinco hatos de zonas de trópico bajo ubicadas en tres municipios de los departamentos de Sucre y Córdoba (Colombia) en 2018. Los animales fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente y se colectaron muestras de sangre de cada uno. Se utilizó un kit comercial de ELISA para analizar los sueros y se exploró la asociación entre dichas variables y el resultado a ELISA (p<0.05). Resultados. El 17.2% (35/204; IC 95%: 12.0-22.3%) de las vacas resultaron positivas a MAP mediante la prueba de ELISA, y los cinco hatos tuvieron animales seropositivos. La variable a nivel de hato presencia de otros rumiantes en copastoreo con el ganado bovino en los últimos 2 años y las variables a nivel de animal edad y paridad se encontraron asociados con los resultados positivos de ELISA. Conclusiones. En el presente estudio se encontró que el 17.2% de las vacas y el 100% de los hatos fueron positivos a MAP mediante la prueba de ELISA. Adicionalmente se identificaron variables asociadas que pueden ser de interés tanto para los productores como para los veterinarios y orientar su enfoque para el manejo de la enfermedad

Una evaluación transversal de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas frente a la rabia: Una aproximación preliminar en Colombia

Introduction. Rabies virus infection causes a fatal brain disease in mammals and any species is susceptible to infection. Any effort aimed at recognizing infected animals and the first actions in the event of transmission, is mandatory. Objective. To determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) profiles regarding rabies in a municipality of Colombia, using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). Material and methods. A descriptive observational study was carried out in the municipality of Ibagué (province of Tolima, Colombia), involving 71 pet owners. A questionnaire-based survey collected data on rabies knowledge, attitudes, and practices as well as demographic information. The survey took place between October and November 2021, and data analysis involved descriptive statistics and MCA. Results. The study revealed a commendable level of rabies awareness among the urban residents in the municipality of study. However, areas of concern included the practice of allowing the entrance of stray animals into homes and a lack of awareness regarding reporting deceased animals. Respondents demonstrated a humane approach to bite management and emphasized the importance of wound cleaning. Also expressed a strong desire for more information to enhance their knowledge and awareness of the disease. Conclusion. The findings of this study provide valuable insights to improve rabies prevention efforts and promote public health. Health education, evidence-based strategies, and community participation are essential for successful disease control, as well as addressing educational gaps, considering sociocultural factors.Introducción. La infección por el virus de la rabia causa una enfermedad cerebral fatal en los mamíferos y cualquier especie es susceptible a la infección. Todo esfuerzo encaminado a reconocer a los animales infectados y las primeras acciones en caso de transmisión es obligatorio.Objetivo. Determinar los perfiles de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas (CAP) en relación con la rabia en un municipio de Colombia, utilizando el análisis de correspondencia múltiple (ACM). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional en el municipio de Ibagué (provincia de Tolima, Colombia), que involucró a 71 tutores de mascotas. Se recolectaron datos sobre conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas relacionadas con la rabia mediante una encuesta basada en un cuestionario, así como datos demográficos. La encuesta se llevó a cabo entre octubre y noviembre de 2021, y el análisis de datos incluyó estadísticas descriptivas y ACM. Resultados. El estudio reveló un nivel notable de conciencia sobre la rabia entre los residentes urbanos en el municipio de estudio. Sin embargo, se identificaron áreas de preocupación, como la práctica de permitir el ingreso de animales callejeros en los hogares y la falta de conciencia sobre la notificación de animales fallecidos. Los encuestados demostraron un enfoque humano en el manejo de las mordeduras y enfatizaron la importancia de la limpieza de heridas. Expresaron también un fuerte deseo de obtener más información para mejorar sus conocimientos y conciencia sobre la enfermedad.Conclusión. Los hallazgos de este estudio brindan conocimientos valiosos para mejorar los esfuerzos de prevención de la rabia y promover la salud pública. La educación en salud, las estrategias basadas en evidencia y la participación comunitaria son fundamentales para el control exitoso de la enfermedad, así como abordar las brechas educativas, considerando los factores socioculturales

Hematological, biochemical, and endocrine parameters in acute response to increasing-intensity exercise in Colombian Paso horses

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir los parámetros hematológicos, bioquímicos y endocrinos en la respuesta aguda al ejercicio de intensidad creciente en caballos de Paso colombianos (CPC). Se realizó una prueba estandarizada de ejercicio de campo en 11 CPC adultos no entrenados de ambos sexos. Las variables de interés se midieron antes y después de la prueba (esto es, hematocrito, proteínas plasmáticas totales, creatina quinasa, creatinina, nitrógeno ureico en sangre —NUS, aspartato aminotransferasa, gamma glutamil transpeptidasa, triglicéridos, colesterol, fosfatasa alcalina, cortisol, insulina, niveles de azúcar en sangre). Se encontró evidencia de activación de la respuesta simpática-adrenérgica, descrita para otras razas y disciplinas deportivas ecuestres (esto es, hemoconcentración, cambio negativo en el volumen plasmático, ligero aumento de la creatinina y NUS). Además, se encontró evidencia de movilización y uso de fuentes de energía como glucosa y triglicéridos. En conclusión, el ejercicio de intensidad creciente realizado durante una prueba de campo estandarizada produjo un cambio negativo en el volumen plasmático y la activación de la clásica respuesta simpática-adrenérgica en los CPC.The present study aimed to describe the hematological, biochemical, and endocrine parameters in acute response to increasing-intensity exercise in Colombian Paso horses (CPHs). A standardized field exercise test was carried out on 11 untrained adult CPHs of both sexes. The variables of interest were measured before and after the test (i.e. hematocrit, total plasma proteins, creatine kinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen —BUN, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, triglycerides, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, cortisol, insulin, blood sugar levels). Evidence of sympathetic-adrenergic response activation, described for other breeds and equestrian sports disciplines (i.e. hemoconcentration, negative change in plasma volume, slight increase in creatinine and BUN) was found. In addition, evidence of mobilization and use of energy sources such as glucose and triglycerides was found. In conclusion, the increasing-intensity exercise carried out during a standardized field test produced a negative change in plasma volume and the activation of the classic sympathetic-adrenergic response in CPHs

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en un hato lechero de búfalos en Colombia

Objective. To determine the presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) using serological, microbiological, and molecular methods, to genotype MAP isolates, and to explore factors associated to MAP-seropositive status in a buffalo herd of Antioquia (Colombia). Materials and methods. The study was carried out to test fecal and serum samples from 21 asymptomatic adult buffaloes using culture and ELISA tests, respectively. Suspicious culture isolates were confirmed by MAP-IS900-PCR (IS900-PCR). The positive DNA was retested using MAP-IS900-quantative PCR (IS900-qPCR), and then, sub-typed using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR) and multilocus short sequence repeat (MLSSR). Results. At sampling, the average age of animals was 4.7 years, 90.5% (19/21) were females and 84.2% (16/19) were pregnant. The average body condition score was 4.2 (in a 1-to-5 scale). The average milk yield was 3.5 L/day/animal. No MAP-seropositive animals were detected. One dairy buffalo cow out of the 21 buffaloes was positive by fecal culture at week six of incubation and then confirmed by IS900-PCR. Sub-typing analysis revealed that the MAP isolate corresponded to the INMV 3 genotype by MIRU-VNTR. Conclusions. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of MAP diagnosis and isolation in Colombian buffaloes and the first time an INMV 3 MAP-profile is found in this species the country.Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) mediante métodos serológicos, microbiológicos y moleculares, para genotipar los aislamientos de MAP y explorar factores asociados a la seropositividad a MAP en un hato de búfalos del departamento de Antioquia (Colombia). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal para analizar muestras fecales y de suero de 21 búfalas adultas asintomáticas mediante cultivo y ELISA, respectivamente. Los cultivos aislados sospechosos se confirmaron mediante PCR de MAP-IS900 (IS900-PCR). El ADN positivo se volvió a analizar mediante PCR cuantitativo de MAP-IS900 (IS900-qPCR), y luego, se subtipificó utilizando unidades repetitivas intercaladas de micobacterias-número variable de repeticiones en tándem (MIRU-VNTR) y repetición de secuencia corta de múltiples locus (MLSSR). Resultados. Al muestreo, la edad promedio de los animales era de 4.7 años, el 90.5% (19/21) eran hembras y el 84.2% (16/19) estaban preñadas. El puntaje promedio de condición corporal fue 4.2 (escala de 1 a 5). La producción de leche promedio fue de 3.5 L/día/animal. No se detectaron animales seropositivos a MAP. Una hembra de los 21 búfalos fue positiva mediante cultivo fecal en la semana seis de incubación y luego se confirmó mediante IS900-PCR. El análisis de subtipado reveló que el aislado de MAP correspondía al genotipo INMV 3 por MIRU-VNTR. Conclusiones. Según el conocimiento de los autores, este es el primer diagnóstico y aislamiento de MAP en búfalos en Colombia y la primera vez que se encuentra un perfil INMV 3 de MAP en esta especie en el país

Detección de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados silvestres en Colombia

Objective. To determine the presence of anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) antibodies in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and red brocket deer (Mazama rufina), captured in the Orinoquia and Caribbean regions of Colombia. Materials and methods. A total of 44 blood serum samples from deer of species M. rufina and O. virginianus were collected under field conditions between 2014 and 2016. An ELISA commercial kit was used to detect anti-MAP antibodies. An animal was considered ELISA-positive at a sample-to-positive ratio (S/P%) of ≥ 0.4, as recommended by the manufacturer. Results. The 50% (22/44) of the animals were positive, corresponding to 10 females and 12 males. An 81.8% (18/22) and 77.3% (17/22) of these seropositive animals were captured in the Orinoquia region and were reported as adults, respectively. Conclusions. It is not known how or when MAP was introduced in the Colombian deer population in the study regions. The most plausible hypothesis to explain the presence of antibodies against MAP in these wild populations is transmission by contact with infected bovine cattle since, in both regions, these species share pastures. This is the first study to explore MAP infection in wild animals in Colombia. These findings support the need for further studies using different direct diagnostic techniques and research approaches that allow the definition of links in the infection dynamics between wild and domestic mammals in Colombia.Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados de cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) y venados de páramo (Mazama rufina), capturados en las regiones de la Orinoquía y el Caribe de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Un total de 44 muestras de suero sanguíneo de venados de las especies M. rufina y O. virginianus fueron colectadas en condiciones de campo entre 2014 y 2016. Se utilizó un kit comercial de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos anti-MAP. Un animal se consideró positivo a ELISA cuando la relación muestra-positivo (S/P%) fue ≥0.4, según lo recomendado por el fabricante. Resultados. El 50% (22/44) de los animales muestreados resultaron positivos, lo que corresponde a 10 hembras y 12 machos. Un 81.8% (18/22) y 77.3% (17/22) de estos animales seropositivos fueron capturados en la región de la Orinoquía y fueron reportados como adultos, respectivamente. Conclusiones. No se sabe cómo o cuándo se introdujo MAP en la población de ciervos colombianos en las regiones de estudio. La hipótesis más plausible para explicar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-MAP en estas poblaciones silvestres es la transmisión por contacto con el ganado bovino infectado, ya que en ambas regiones estas especies comparten pasturas. Este es el primer estudio en explorar la infección por MAP en animales silvestres en Colombia. Estos hallazgos respaldan la necesidad de realizar más estudios utilizando técnicas de diagnóstico directo, y aproximaciones investigativas que permitan la definición de vínculos en la dinámica de la infección entre mamíferos silvestres y domésticos en Colombia