Occurrence and Characteristics of Escherichia albertii in Wild Birds and Poultry Flocks in Switzerland

Escherichia albertii, a zoonotic pathogen, has sporadically been associated with infectious diarrhea in humans. Poultry and wild birds are considered potential reservoirs. We assessed the occurrence of E. albertii in 280 fecal samples from wild birds (n = 130) and pooled fecal samples collected at slaughterhouse level from poultry flocks (n = 150) in Switzerland. Using an E. albertii-specific PCR targeting the Eacdt gene, 23.8% (31/130) of the samples from wild birds, but not from the pooled poultry fecal samples, tested positive for Eacdt. The positive samples originated from 11 bird species belonging to eight families. Strain isolation was attempted on the PCR-positive samples by subculturing the broth cultures onto xylose–MacConkey plates. Isolation was possible on 12 of the 31 Eacdt-PCR-positive samples. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the strains belonged to nine distinct sequence types, with ST13420 and ST5967 being represented by two and three isolates, respectively. All strains harbored the eae gene, while two strains were also positive for stx2f. Our study thus shows that E. albertii is present in the Swiss wild bird population, which can potentially act as a source of this pathogen to humans, other animals, and the environment

Screening of Healthy Feral Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the City of Zurich Reveals Continuous Circulation of Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 and a Serious Threat of Transmission to Domestic Poultry

Pigeon paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1) is predominantly isolated from pigeons or doves and forms a separate group of viral strains within Avian Orthoavulavirus-1, the causative agent of Newcastle disease in poultry. Since the introduction of PPMV-1 into Europe in 1981, these strains have rapidly spread all over Europe, and are nowadays considered to be enzootic in feral and hobby pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Infections with PPMV-1 can range from asymptomatic to fatal. To assess whether PPMV-1 continuously circulates in healthy feral pigeons, 396 tissue samples of pigeons from the city of Zurich were tested by reverse transcriptase real-time PCR over the period of one year. PPMV-1-RNA was detected in 41 feral pigeons (10.35%), determined as the dominant European genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2. In 38 of the 41 pigeons where organ samples tested positive, PPMV-1-RNA was also detected in either choana or cloaca swabs. There were no significant differences in positivity rates between seasons, age, and sex. The current study shows that feral pigeons without clinical signs of disease can harbour and most likely excrete PPMV-1. Spill-over into free-range holdings of chickens are therefore possible, as observed in a recent outbreak of Newcastle disease in laying hens due to PPMV-1 genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2. in the canton of Zurich in January 2022

Advancing One Health: Updated core competencies

One Health recognises the interdependence between the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. With the increasing inclusion of One Health in multiple global health strategies, the One Health workforce must be prepared to protect and sustain the health and well-being of life on the planet. In this paper, a review of past and currently accepted One Health core competencies was conducted, with competence gaps identified. Here, the Network for Ecohealth and One Health (NEOH) propose updated core competencies designed to simplify what can be a complex area, grouping competencies into three main areas of: Skills; Values and Attitudes; and Knowledge and Awareness; with several layers underlying each. These are intentionally applicable to stakeholders from various sectors and across all levels to support capacity-building efforts within the One Health workforce. The updated competencies from NEOH can be used to evaluate and enhance current curricula, create new ones, or inform professional training programs at all levels, including students, university teaching staff, or government officials as well as continual professional development for frontline health practitioners and policy makers. The competencies are aligned with the new definition of One Health developed by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), and when supported by subjectspecific expertise, will deliver the transformation needed to prevent and respond to complex global challenges

Screening of Healthy Feral Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the City of Zurich Reveals Continuous Circulation of Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 and a Serious Threat of Transmission to Domestic Poultry.

Pigeon paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1) is predominantly isolated from pigeons or doves and forms a separate group of viral strains within Avian Orthoavulavirus-1, the causative agent of Newcastle disease in poultry. Since the introduction of PPMV-1 into Europe in 1981, these strains have rapidly spread all over Europe, and are nowadays considered to be enzootic in feral and hobby pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Infections with PPMV-1 can range from asymptomatic to fatal. To assess whether PPMV-1 continuously circulates in healthy feral pigeons, 396 tissue samples of pigeons from the city of Zurich were tested by reverse transcriptase real-time PCR over the period of one year. PPMV-1-RNA was detected in 41 feral pigeons (10.35%), determined as the dominant European genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2. In 38 of the 41 pigeons where organ samples tested positive, PPMV-1-RNA was also detected in either choana or cloaca swabs. There were no significant differences in positivity rates between seasons, age, and sex. The current study shows that feral pigeons without clinical signs of disease can harbour and most likely excrete PPMV-1. Spill-over into free-range holdings of chickens are therefore possible, as observed in a recent outbreak of Newcastle disease in laying hens due to PPMV-1 genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2. in the canton of Zurich in January 2022

Resource-effective serosurveillance for the detection of West Nile Virus in Switzerland using abattoir samples of free-range laying hens

West Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic pathogen maintained in a natural transmission cycle between mosquitoes and birds as reservoir hosts. In dead-end hosts, such as humans, infection may result in fatal neurologic disease translating into disease and death-related suffering and increased health care costs. In humans, WNV may also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants. WNV is not present in Switzerland yet, but competent vector species (especially Culex pipiens and Aedes japonicus) are prevalent and an introduction of the virus, likely through wild birds, is expected at any time. Therefore, it is important for Switzerland to be prepared and establish a surveillance system for WNV to initiate increased prevention activities, such as the screening of blood and organ donations and public education activities in case virus circulation is detected. The long-term goal of these surveillance measures would be a reduced infection rate in humans resulting in less suffering and reduced health care costs. To provide the basis for a pragmatic and resource-effective WNV surveillance program, this study used aliquots of serum samples of free-range laying hens taken at the abattoir and collected in the frame of the ongoing Swiss Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease monitoring program for a 2-year period. All 961 aliquots were analyzed using a commercial competitive WNV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study allowed to set up sampling and laboratory routines as a basis for future WNV surveillance activities. At this stage there is no evidence for circulation of WNV in Switzerland

Advancing One Health:Updated core competencies

International audienceAbstract One Health recognises the interdependence between the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. With the increasing inclusion of One Health in multiple global health strategies, the One Health workforce must be prepared to protect and sustain the health and well-being of life on the planet. In this paper, a review of past and currently accepted One Health core competencies was conducted, with competence gaps identified. Here, the Network for Ecohealth and One Health (NEOH) propose updated core competencies designed to simplify what can be a complex area, grouping competencies into three main areas of: Skills; Values and Attitudes; and Knowledge and Awareness; with several layers underlying each. These are intentionally applicable to stakeholders from various sectors and across all levels to support capacity-building efforts within the One Health workforce. The updated competencies from NEOH can be used to evaluate and enhance current curricula, create new ones, or inform professional training programs at all levels, including students, university teaching staff, or government officials as well as continual professional development for frontline health practitioners and policy makers. The competencies are aligned with the new definition of One Health developed by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP), and when supported by subjectspecific expertise, will deliver the transformation needed to prevent and respond to complex global challenges. One Health Impact Statement Within a rapidly changing global environment, the need for practitioners competent in integrated approaches to health has increased substantially. Narrow approaches may not only limit opportunities for global and local solutions but, initiatives that do not consider other disciplines or social, economic and cultural contexts, may result in unforeseen and detrimental consequences. In keeping with principles of One Health, the Network for Ecohealth and One Health (NEOH) competencies entail a collaborative effort between multiple disciplines and sectors. They focus on enabling practitioners, from any background, at any level or scale of involvement, to promote and support a transformation to integrated health approaches. The updated competencies can be layered with existing disciplinary competencies and used to evaluate and enhance current education curricula, create new ones, or inform professional training programs at all levels-including for students, teachers and government officials as well as continual professional development for frontline health practitioners and policymakers. The competencies outlined here are applicable to all professionals and disciplines who may contribute to One Health, and are complimentary to, not a replacement for, any discipline-specific competencies. We believe the NEOH competencies meet the need outlined by the Quadripartite’s (Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organisation, World Organisation for Animal Health) Joint Plan of Action on One Health which calls for cross-sectoral competencies

Pharmacokinetic Modeling of an Induction Regimen for In Vivo Combined Testing of Novel Drugs against Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Xenografts

Current regimens for induction therapy of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or for re-induction post relapse, use a combination of vincristine (VCR), a glucocorticoid, and l-asparaginase (ASP) with or without an anthracycline. With cure rates now approximately 80%, robust pre-clinical models are necessary to prioritize active new drugs for clinical trials in relapsed/refractory patients, and the ability of these models to predict synergy/antagonism with established therapy is an essential attribute. In this study, we report optimization of an induction-type regimen by combining VCR, dexamethasone (DEX) and ASP (VXL) against ALL xenograft models established from patient biopsies in immune-deficient mice. We demonstrate that the VXL combination was synergistic in vitro against leukemia cell lines as well as in vivo against ALL xenografts. In vivo, VXL treatment caused delays in progression of individual xenografts ranging from 22 to >146 days. The median progression delay of xenografts derived from long-term surviving patients was 2-fold greater than that of xenografts derived from patients who died of their disease. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that systemic DEX exposure in mice increased 2-fold when administered in combination with VCR and ASP, consistent with clinical findings, which may contribute to the observed synergy between the 3 drugs. Finally, as proof-of-principle we tested the in vivo efficacy of combining VXL with either the Bcl-2/Bcl-xL/Bcl-w inhibitor, ABT-737, or arsenic trioxide to provide evidence of a robust in vivo platform to prioritize new drugs for clinical trials in children with relapsed/refractory ALL

On the reproductive biology of the Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)

Die Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox Bennet, 1833) gehört zu der Familie Herpestidae und ist das größte endemische Raubtier Madagaskars. Als einziger natürlicher Feind der großen Lemurenarten spielt sie eine potentiell wichtige Rolle im Räuber-Beute System der Insel. Seit 2002 wird sie auf der roten Liste der bedrohten Tierarten geführt. Die Fossa ist ein monöstrischer Einzelgänger mit einer kurzen Paarungszeit im Frühjahr. In der vorliegenden Studie sollte die europäische Zoopopulation durch reproduktionsbiologische Parameter beschrieben, saison- und geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede erfasst und der reproduktive Gesundheitsstatus erhoben werden. Hierzu wurden über den Zeitraum von zwei Jahren 16 männliche und 15 weibliche Fossas aus zehn europäischen Zoos, und somit über 50% des europäischen Zoobestandes, meist zu beiden Saisons - Paarungszeit (PZ) und Nicht-Paarungszeit (NPZ) - untersucht. Die Körpermaße der Fossa wurden erfasst und der Penis detailliert beschrieben. Kranial des Skrotums wurde eine Erhebung entdeckt, die ultrasonographisch als zweilappige, in der Haut gelegene Drüse identifiziert und angesichts ihrer Lage als Praeskrotaldrüse bezeichnet wurde. Das Hodenvolumen und die Länge des Os penis wurden vermessen und dabei festgestellt, dass beide Größen mit dem Alter zunehmen. Das weibliche Genitale wurde auf das Vorkommen von Os clitoris und Klitorisstacheln untersucht und bei Vorkommen beider Merkmale das entsprechende Tier als maskulinisiert eingestuft. Das Os clitoris wurde aufgrund seiner geringen Größe ultrasonographisch dargestellt und vermessen - die Länge nahm mit dem Alter ab. Die ultrasonographische Darstellung und Vermessung der inneren Geschlechtsorgane und -drüsen zeigten eine Tendenz zu größeren Volumina in der PZ; bei weiblichen Tieren wurde eine Follikelanbildung auf den Ovarien festgestellt. Zu den pathologischen Befunden zählten der unilaterale Kryptorchismus sowie Zysten und schlechte Ausprägung des weiblichen Genitaltrakts. Die Hormonanalysen spiegelten die ultrasonographischen Befunde wider. Bei der Kothormonanalyse zeigten die Männchen, zwei nicht-trächtige sowie das trächtige Weibchen die höchsten Konzentrationen der gemessenen Sexualhormonmetabolite (Dihydrotestosteron bzw. 5alpha-Progesteron) innerhalb der PZ. Die Werte des trächtigen Weibchens überstiegen dabei die Konzentrationen der nicht-trächtigen um ein Vielfaches und blieben bis kurz nach der Geburt auf einem deutlich erhöhten Niveau. Im Kot zweier weiterer nicht-trächtiger Weibchen wurden über den Jahresverlauf keine deutlichen Änderungen der Sexualhormonmetabolite festgestellt. Die Bluthormonanalyse wies bei Männchen höhere Testosteronwerte als bei Weibchen nach; saisonal waren diese bei Männchen in der PZ und bei Weibchen in der NPZ erhöht. Die bei Weibchen gemessenen Estrogenwerte waren in der PZ erhöht, die Progesteronwerte in der NPZ. Die spermatologische Untersuchung umfasste die Erhebung der klassischen Ejakulat-Parameter sowie die ultrastrukturelle Beschreibung der Fossa-Spermien. Es zeichnete sich eine Tendenz zu höheren Ejakulatvolumina, höherer Motilität und geringerer Spermienkonzentration in der PZ ab. Morphologisch konnten fünf Kopftypen abgegrenzt werden, welche saisonal zu unterschiedlichen prozentualen Anteilen im Ejakulat vorkamen. Im Weiteren war in der PZ eine Tendenz zu längeren Spermien festzustellen. Die Duftstoffanalyse an Fossa-Haaren zeigte saison- und geschlechtsspezifische Duftstoffmuster und es konnten einige geschlechtsspezifische Substanzen identifiziert werden.The Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox Bennet, 1833) belongs to the family herpestidae and is the largest endemic carnivore on Madagascar. It is the only predator of large lemur species and thus plays a potential key role in the predator-prey- relationship of this island. Since 2002 the fossa is listed in the red list of endangered species. The fossa is a solitary animal with a brief breeding season in spring. The aim of the present study was to describe the European zoo population using reproductive parameters; seasonal and gender specific differences were to be detected and the reproductive health to be evaluated. Over the period of two years, 16 male and 15 female fossas of ten European zoos, and thus over 50% of the European zoo population, were assessed during both seasons: the breeding season (BS) and the non-breeding season (NBS). The body size was depicted using morphometric measurements and the morphology of the penis was described in detail. A two-lobed gland was detected in the skin cranial to the scrotum and named by its location as "prescrotal gland". The testical volume and the length of the Os penis were measured; the size of both structures increased with the age of the animal. The female genitals were inspected for the existence of an Os clitoris and clitoridal spikes; animals exhibiting both traits were classified as masculinised. Due to its small size, the Os clitoris was visualised and measured using ultrasonographic imaging: the length of the Os clitoris decreased with the age of the animal. The ultrasonographic analysis of the internal reproductive organs and sexual glands showed a tendency towards larger volumes during the BS; in female animals ovarian follicles were detected. The reproductive organs showed several pathologies such as unilateral cryptorchism, cysts of the female genital tract or poor development of female reproductive organs. The hormone analysis refl ects the ultrasonographical findings. The assessment of faecal steroid metabolites (dihydrotestosterone, 5alpha-progesterone) showed in males as well as in two non-pregnant and one pregnant females the highest concentrations during the BS. In the pregnant animal the concentrations exceeded the values of non-pregnant animals significantly and stayed elevated until shortly after parturition. The annual pattern of faecal steroid metabolites of the remaining two non-pregnant females did not show any significant changes in concentration. The analysis of serum testosterone showed higher values in males than in females with seasonally higher values in the BS for males and the NBS for females. The levels of estrogen were higher during BS and of progesterone during NBS - both hormones were measured in females only. The spermatological analysis included the assessment of the classical semen parameters as well as the description of the ultra structure of fossa spermatozoa. The volume of the ejaculate and the motility of the spermatozoa were increased during the BS while the sperm-concentration was decreased. The morphological analysis revealed five different sperm-head categories showing a seasonal difference in abundance. Additionally, there was a tendency towards a greater total length in spermatozoa during the BS. The analysis of volatiles in fossa hair showed seasonal and gender specific patterns and a number of gender specific substances were identified

Comparative Criminal Procedure

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