Serological and molecular survey of hepatitis E virus in cats and dogs in Spain

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that is currently recognized as one of themajor causes of acute human hepatitis worldwide. In Europe, the increasing number of hepatitis E cases is mainly associated with the consumption of animal food products or contact with infected animals. Dogs and cats have been suggested as a zoonotic source of HEV infection. The aim of this study was to assess Orthohepevirus circulation, including HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C species, in sympatric urban cats and dogs in southern Spain. Between 2017 and 2020, blood samples were collected from 144 stray cats and 152 dogs, both strays and pets. The presence of antibodies againstHEV were tested using a double-antigen sandwich ELISA and seropositive simples were further analysed bywestern blot.ART-PCR was performed to detect RNAof Orthohepevirus species (HEV-A,HEV-B andHEV-C).Atotal of 19 (6.4%; 95%CI: 3.6-9.2) of the 296 animals tested showed anti-HEV antibodies by ELISA. Seropositivity was significantly higher in dogs (9.9%; 15/152; 95%CI: 5.1-14.6) than in cats (2.8%; 4/144; 95%CI: 0.1-5.5). Ten of the 18 ELISA-positive animals that could be further analysed by western blot, reacted against HEV-3 and/or HEV-C1 antigens, which suggest circulation of both genotypes in urban cats and dogs in the study area. However, HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C RNA were not detected in any of the tested sera. This is the first study to assess HEV circulation in both stray cats and dogs in Europe. Our results provide evidence of HEV exposure in sympatric urban cat and dog populations in southern Spain. Further studies are needed to determine the role of these species in the epidemiology of HEV

Epidemiological surveillance of Schmallenberg virus in small ruminants in southern Spain

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an emerging Culicoides‐borne Orthobunyavirus that affects ruminant species. Between 2011 and 2013, it was responsible for a large‐scale epidemic in Europe. In the present study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with SBV exposure in sheep and goats in the region where the first Schmallenberg disease outbreak in Spain was reported. Blood samples from 1,796 small ruminants from 120 farms were collected in Andalusia (southern Spain) between 2015 and 2017. Antibodies against SBV were detected in 536 of 1,796 animals (29.8%; 95%CI: 27.7–32.0) using a commercial blocking ELISA. The individual seroprevalence according to species was 31.1% (280/900; 95%CI: 28.1–34.1) in sheep and 28.6% (256/896; 95%CI: 25.6–31.5) in goats. The farm prevalence was 76.7% (95%CI: 69.1–84.2). Seropositivity to SBV was confirmed in both sheep and goats in all provinces by virus neutralization test. Two significant (p 14ºC) and altitude (<400 metres above sea level) were risk factors associated with SBV exposure in small ruminants. Our results highlight widespread but not homogeneous circulation of SBV in small ruminant populations in Spain.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with hepatitis E virus in small ruminants in southern Spain

Autochthonous cases of hepatitis E (HE) associated with zoonotic genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 have significantly increased in industrialized countries over the last decade. Suidae are generally recognized as the main reservoirs of these genotypes. Susceptibility to HE virus (HEV) infection and zoonotic potential have also been confirmed in other species, including sheep and goat. However, the information about their role in the epidemiology of HEV remains very scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with HEV exposure in sheep and goats in southern Spain, the country with the highest census of small domestic ruminants in the European Union. Blood samples from 240 sheep and 240 goats were collected between 2015 and 2017. Sera were analysed in parallel using a commercial double-antigen ELISA and real-time PCR. A total of 38 (7.9%; 95%CI: 5.5–10.3) out of 480 sampled animals showed anti-HEV antibodies. By species, the seroprevalences found in sheep and goats were 2.1% (5/240; 95%CI: 0.3–3.9) and 13.8% (33/240; 95%CI: 9.4–18.1) respectively. Anti-HEV antibodies were found on 19 (59.4%; 95%CI: 42.4–76.4) of the 32 sampled farms. The GEE model showed that species (goat) and number of small ruminants in the farm (≤348 animals and ≥538 animals) were risk factors potentially associated with HEV exposure in small ruminants in the study area. HEV RNA was not detected in any of the 480 (0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0–0.8) tested animals. Our results confirm that sheep and goats are naturally, but not equally exposed to HEV and indicate the widespread spatial distribution of HEV among small ruminant populations in southern Spain. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of sheep and goat in the epidemiology of HEV and their potential implications for public health

Seroepidemiology of tuberculosis in sheep in southern Spain

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-host infectious disease caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). In Mediterranean ecosystems, where multiple animal hosts of TB are present, identifying the role of the different species involved in the epidemiology of TB is a key point to be able to implement proper control measures. Sheep are susceptible to MTC infection but have traditionally been considered a spillover host. However, the occurrence of outbreaks involving sheep in recent years evidences the need to better understand the role of this small ruminant species in the epidemiology of the disease. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep in Andalusia (southern Spain), a region with one of the highest prevalence of MTC infection in both cattle and wild ungulates. A total of 2266 sheep from 83 flocks were tested for antibodies against MTC using an in-house indirect ELISA. Anti-MTC antibodies were detected in 16 (0.7%) of the 2266 sheep (adjusted true prevalence 0.29%, 95% posterior probability interval 0.01–1.05). Seropositivity was found in 14.5% (12/83; 95%CI: 6.9–22.0) of the sheep farms analyzed. A semi-extensive management system was identified as a risk factor associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep farms (OR = 3.7; p < 0.038; 95%CI: 1.1–12.4) in the study area. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first active TB surveillance study carried out to assess MTC exposure in sheep. Our results indicate MTC circulation in sheep farms in southern Spain. However, the low individual seroprevalence obtained suggests that sheep may play a limited role in the epidemiology of TB in this region. Serosurveillance programs could be a valuable tool to detect MTC circulation in sheep in risk scenarios or target farms, in order to optimize control measures on TB animal in multi-host Mediterranean ecosystems.This study was partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) research grant (AGL2013-49159-C2-2-R). This research was also supported by CIBER -Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red- (CB 2021), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Unión Europea – NextGenerationEUD. D. Jiménez-Martín holds a PhD contract granted by Own Research Plan of the University of Córdoba. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Córdoba / CBUA.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Seroepidemiology of tuberculosis in sheep in southern Spain

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-host infectious disease caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). In Mediterranean ecosystems, where multiple animal hosts of TB are present, identifying the role of the different species involved in the epidemiology of TB is a key point to be able to implement proper control measures. Sheep are susceptible to MTC infection but have traditionally been considered a spillover host. However, the occurrence of outbreaks involving sheep in recent years evidences the need to better understand the role of this small ruminant species in the epidemiology of the disease. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep in Andalusia (southern Spain), a region with one of the highest prevalence of MTC infection in both cattle and wild ungulates. A total of 2266 sheep from 83 flocks were tested for antibodies against MTC using an in-house indirect ELISA. Anti-MTC antibodies were detected in 16 (0.7%) of the 2266 sheep (adjusted true prevalence 0.29%, 95% posterior probability interval 0.01-1.05). Seropositivity was found in 14.5% (12/83; 95%CI: 6.9-22.0) of the sheep farms analyzed. A semi-extensive management system was identified as a risk factor associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep farms (OR = 3.7; p < 0.038; 95%CI: 1.1-12.4) in the study area. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first active TB surveillance study carried out to assess MTC exposure in sheep. Our results indicate MTC circulation in sheep farms in southern Spain. However, the low individual seroprevalence obtained suggests that sheep may play a limited role in the epidemiology of TB in this region. Serosurveillance programs could be a valuable tool to detect MTC circulation in sheep in risk scenarios or target farms, in order to optimize control measures on TB animal in multi-host Mediterranean ecosystems.This study was partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) research grant (AGL2013-49159-C2-2-R). This research was also supported by CIBER -Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red- (CB 2021), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Unión Europea – NextGenerationEUD. D. Jiménez-Martín holds a PhD contract granted by Own Research Plan of the University of Córdoba. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Córdoba / CBUA.S

Gamification as a pedagogical tool to support teaching in the Degree in Veterinary Medicine

En la última década, la aplicabilidad de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) basadas en la gamificación se ha visto reflejada en el desarrollo de numerosas aplicaciones digitales (Apps). El objetivo general del presente trabajo fue introducir herramientas TIC basadas en gamificación para el autoaprendizaje en el aula en distintos cursos del Grado en Veterinaria. Durante el curso 2019/2020 se incluyeron dos Apps (Plickers y Socrative) en la docencia práctica de diferentes asignaturas del Grado en Veterinaria de la Universidad de Córdoba. Un total de 196 estudiantes participaron en estas actividades. La valoración general por parte del alumnado fue muy positiva (media: 9.0 y 8.8 sobre 10 para Plickers y Socrative, respectivamente). Con una puntuación de 4.8 sobre 5, el alumnado consideró de gran importancia este tipo de aplicaciones en el apoyo a la docencia. Además, con una puntuación de 4.4 y 4.8, sobre 5, el alumnado recomendaría la implantación de Plickers y Socrative, respectivamente, en la evaluación de prácticas de otras asignaturas y repetiría la actividad con este formato (puntuaciones ≥ 4.5 sobre 5 de media). Los resultados obtenidos evidenciaron un elevado grado de satisfacción por parte del alumnado y del profesorado que participó en la experiencia.During the last decade, the applicability of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based on gamification have been reflected in the development of a large number of digital applications (Apps). The main objective of this work was to introduce ICT tools based on gamification for self-learning in the classroom in different courses of the Degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM). During the academic course 2019/2020, two Apps (Plickers and Socrative) were included in the practical teaching of different subjects of the DVM at the University of Cordoba. A total of 196 students were involved in these activities. The overall feedback received from the students was quite positive (mean: 9.0 and 8.8 out of 10 for Plickers and Socrative, respectively). With a score of 4.8 out of 5, the students considered these types of applications to be of great importance for teaching assistance. In addition, with a score of 4.4 and 4.8, out of 5, students would recommend the implementation of Plickers and Socrative, respectively, in the evaluation of practices in other subjects and would repeat the activity (scores ≥ 4.5 out of 5 on average). The results obtained showed high satisfaction levels among the students and teachers involved in this experience

Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasma gondii in wild and domestic lagomorphs in Spain

Resumen del trabajo presentado a la Joint Virtual Conference of the WDA and EWDA, celebrada del 31 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2021.Peer reviewe

Pathological changes and viral antigen distribution in tissues of Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) infected with myxoma virus

Resumen del trabajo presentado a la Joint Virtual Conference of the WDA and EWDA, celebrada del 31 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2021.Peer reviewe

Digital Humanities

Digital relations are deeply transforming our lives : from the nature of political participation to the relationship between digital and non-digital environments ; from the reorganization of the public sphere to the ethics of responsibility, transparency or inclusiveness. We are witnessing fundamental changes in the infrastructures of democracy and the emergence of new forms of digital citizenship.Peer reviewe

Epidemiology of paratuberculosis in sheep and goats in southern Spain

Paratuberculosis is a worldwide, chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) that mainly affects ruminant species. This disease has a significant economic impact on small ruminant production due to the costs of implementing control measures and production losses. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with MAP exposure in sheep and goats in Andalusia (southern Spain). Serum samples from 4134 small ruminants (2266 sheep and 1868 goats) in 153 flocks were tested by an in-house ELISA for antibodies against MAP using paratuberculosis protoplasmic antigen 3 (PPA3) as coating antigen. Antibodies against MAP were detected in 8.1% (183/2266; 95% CI: 7.0–9.2%) of sheep and 20.0% (374/1868; 95% CI: 18.2–21.8%) of goats. The true individual seroprevalence was 8.4% (95% CI: 6.9–10.1%) in sheep and 25.2% (95% CI: 22.7–27.8%) in goats. Seropositivity was detected in 66.3% (55/83; 95% CI: 56.1–76.4%) of sheep herds and 90.0% (63/70; 95% CI: 83.0–97.0%) of goat herds. Spatial analysis identified three statistically significant clusters (p < 0.05) associated with areas with higher seroprevalence of MAP. The main risk factors potentially associated with MAP exposure were: species (goat) and absence of perimeter livestock fencing. The results of this study show that MAP is widespread in small ruminant populations in southern Spain and suggest that goats may play a more important role than sheep in the transmission and maintenance of MAP. Because of animal health concerns and the economic consequences of paratuberculosis, appropriate surveillance and control programs are required to reduce the risk of MAP infections in small ruminant flocks in this country.This study was partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) research grant (AGL2013-49159-C2-2-R). This research was also supported by CIBER -Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red- (CB 2021), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Unión Europea – NextGenerationEU. D. Jiménez-Martín holds a Ph.D. contract granted by Own Research Plan of the University of Cordoba.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Córdoba / CBUA.Peer reviewe