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Animal tuberculosis in cattle (TB) has been controlled in many European countries through long-standing eradication programs, yet sporadic breakdowns continue to occur in officially tuberculosis-free (OTF) areas, challenging the sustainability of disease freedom. This study aimed to identify and quantify herd-level and area-level risk factors associated with TB occurrence in Italian OTF regions in order to support risk-based surveillance strategies. A national longitudinal open-cohort study was conducted using data from the Italian Veterinary Information System, including approximately 300,000 herd-year observations from 2022 to 2025. The outcome was the occurrence of at least one TB breakdown per herd-year, analyzed using a discrete-time hazard modeling approach based on a binomial generalized linear mixed model with province-level random effects. The incidence of TB remained very low but increased over time, and significant spatial clustering was observed. Higher TB risk was associated with larger herd size, a previous history of TB, non-OTF herd status, proximity to recent breakdowns, number of animals purchased, transhumance practices, and a shorter time since acquisition of OTF status at provincial level. These findings highlight that, even in disease-free contexts, TB risk is heterogeneous and driven by identifiable factors, supporting the refinement of targeted, risk-based surveillance to maintain OTF status over time.

The natural transmission cycle of West Nile virus (WNV) involves birds as primary hosts and mosquitoes as vectors, but this virus can spread to mammals, human beings included. Asymptomatic infected donors pose a risk to the safety of blood transfusions and organ transplants, as WNV can be transmitted through these medical procedures. Since 2009, the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy has been implementing an integrated surveillance system in order to detect WNV circulation in the environment at an early stage. Here we report the results of the two components of the surveillance system, the active testing of corvids and humans, and demonstrate that bird surveillance alone improves a surveillance system based solely on human case detection. As WNV risk reduction measures are applied on a provincial basis, we assessed the ability of this surveillance system component to detect virus circulation prior to the notification of the first human case for each province. Overall, 99 epidemic seasons were evaluated as a result of 11 years (2013–2023) of surveillance in the nine provinces of the region. In this period, 22,314 corvids were tested for WNV and 642 (2.9%) were found to be infected. WNV was generally first detected in birds in July, with sample prevalence peaks occurring between August and September. During the same period, 469 autochthonous human cases were notified, about 60% of which were reported in August. WNV was detected 79 times out of the 99 seasons considered. The virus was notified in birds 73 times (92.4%) and 60 times (75.9%) in humans. WNV was first or only notified in birds in 57 seasons (72.1%), while it was first or only notified in humans in 22 seasons (27.8%). Active surveillance in corvids generally allows the detection of WNV before the onset of human cases. Failure of virus detection occurred mainly in seasons where the number of birds tested was low. Our results show that active testing of a minimum of 3.8 corvids per 100 km 2 provides a satisfactory timeliness in the virus detection, but for early detection of WNV it is crucial to test birds between mid-June and mid-August.

Since 2013 in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, surveillance information generated in the public health and in the animal health sectors has been shared and used to guide public health interventions to mitigate the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) transmission via blood transfusion. The objective of the current study was to identify and estimate the costs and benefits associated with this One Health surveillance approach, and to compare it to an approach that does not integrate animal health information in blood donations safety policy (uni-sectoral scenario). Costs of human, animal, and entomological surveillance, sharing of information, and triggered interventions were estimated. Benefits were quantified as the averted costs of potential human cases of WNV neuroinvasive disease associated to infected blood transfusion. In the 2009-2015 period, the One Health approach was estimated to represent a cost saving of €160,921 compared to the uni-sectoral scenario. Blood donation screening was the main cost for both scenarios. The One Health approach further allowed savings of €1.21 million in terms of avoided tests on blood units. Benefits of the One Health approach due to short-term costs of hospitalization and compensation for transfusion-associated disease potentially avoided, were estimated to range from €0 to €2.98 million according to the probability of developing WNV neuroinvasive disease after receiving an infected blood transfusion.

spp. are zoonotic nematodes with a global distribution, primarily maintained through wildlife reservoirs which complicates eradication efforts. In Europe, four species- , , , and -circulate in wild carnivores and omnivores, with and being the most prevalent in wild and domestic hosts. This study aimed to assess the presence and species distribution of spp. in wild mammals. This study presents the results of five years of wildlife surveillance carried out within the long-standing monitoring program implemented in the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, which has been in place since 2006. Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 104,338 wild mammals, including red foxes, wolves, and wild boar, were tested using the magnetic stirrer digestion method in accordance with EU regulations. A total of 12 animals (0.011%) were found to be infected with larvae. Molecular identification of positive samples, performed at the European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, showed the presence of in 11 animals, while one isolate remained unidentified. was detected primarily in wolves and red foxes. No infections were identified in wild boar during the study period. Overall, the low prevalence observed confirms that spp. infections in wildlife in Emilia-Romagna are sporadic but persistently present. Only was detected, supporting its role as the predominant species in this area. These findings highlight the importance of long-term surveillance for early detection and risk assessment within a One Health framework.

In recent years human diseases due to mosquito-borne viruses were increasingly reported in Emilia-Romagna region (Italy), from the chikungunya virus in 2007 to the West Nile virus (WNV) in 2008. An extensive entomological survey was performed in 2009 to establish the presence and distribution of mosquito arboviruses in this region, with particular reference to flaviviruses. From May 6 to October 31, a total of 190,516 mosquitoes were sampled in georeferenced stations, grouped in 1,789 pools according date of collection, location, and species, and analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the presence of RNA belong to Flavivirus genus. WNV was detected in 27 mosquito pools, producing sequences similar to those of birds and human strains obtained in 2008 outbreak, pointed out the probable virus overwintering. Isolation of WNV was achieved from one of these pools. Moreover 56 pools of mosquitoes tested positive for Usutu virus (USUV). Most PCR positive pools consisted of Culex pipiens, which also was the most analyzed mosquito species (81.4% of specimens); interestingly, USUV RNA was also found in two Aedes albopictus mosquito pools. Simultaneous circulation of WNV and USUV in the survey area was highlighted by occurrence of 8 mosquito WNV- and USUV-positive pools and by the overlaying of the viruses \"hot spots\", obtained by kernel density estimation (KDE) analysis. Land use of sampled stations pointed out a higher proportion of WNV-positive Cx. pipiens pool in rural environments respect the provenience of total sampled pool, while the USUV-positive pools were uniformly captured in the different environments. Obtained data highlighting the possible role of Cx. pipiens mosquito as the main vector for WNV and USUV in Northern Italy, and the possible involvement of Ae. albopictus mosquito in USUV cycle. The described mosquito-based surveillance could constitute the foundation for a public health alert system targeting mosquito borne arboviruses.

In this study, we present an overview of 348 Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) breakdowns reported in Italy between January 2022 and December 2023, and declared resolved between January 2022 and February 2025. The main objective of this study is to investigate the most probable sources of these bTB breakdowns using decision tree analysis, and to compare the findings with conclusions drawn by official veterinarians. Most of the studied breakdowns (332; 95.4%) involved cattle herds only, 11 (3.1%) involved water buffalo herds only, and five (1.4%) involved multiple species. bTB was primarily detected in beef herds (82.8%), while mixed and dairy herds represented 10.3 and 6.9% of the breakdowns, respectively. In half of the breakdowns, the number of reactors was four or fewer. We also collected genotype data for 268 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from 191 (54.9%) different breakdowns. M. bovis (255 isolates; 95.1%) came from 180 (94.2%) breakdowns, showing wide genetic variability. M. caprae (13 isolates; 4.9%) came from 11 (5.8%) breakdowns. Finally, we investigated the probable sources of infection, considering the five most frequently proposed sources of bTB breakdowns: (i) residual infection; (ii) introduction of infected cattle from other herds; (iii) sharing of pastures with infected herds; (iv) contiguous spread from infected neighboring herds; and (v) interaction with wildlife reservoirs. For each source, a decision tree was developed, and a likelihood of infection was assigned to each end node of the trees. The analysis identified residual infection (11.2%) as the most frequent source of bTB breakdowns, followed by sharing of pastures (10.9%) and interaction with wildlife (7.2%). The introduction of infected cattle and contiguous spread from infected neighboring herds were identified as less relevant sources. These tools allowed us to identify a likely source of infection in about 26% of cases. The results of our study, although based on scientific criteria, showed poor agreement with the conclusions of the veterinary officers who conducted the breakdown investigations in the field. In our opinion, these tools, when added to the “classic” investigation methodologies, should improve their effectiveness in identifying sources of infection in bTB breakdowns in Italy, supporting the eradication of this zoonotic disease.

West Nile (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Thanks to their importance as zoonotic diseases, a regional plan for surveillance of Arboviruses was implemented in Emilia-Romagna in 2009. The province of Ferrara belongs to the Emilia-Romagna region, and it is an endemic territory for these viruses, with favorable ecological conditions for abundance of mosquitoes and wild birds. From 2015 to 2019, we collected 1842 dead-found birds at a wildlife rehabilitation center, which were analysed by three different PCRs for the detection of WNV and USUV genomes. August was characterized by the highest infection rate for both viruses. Columbiformes scored the highest USUV prevalence (8%), while Galliformes and Strigiformes reported the highest prevalence for WNV (13%). Among Passeriformes (the most populated Order), Turdus merula was the most abundant species and scored the highest prevalence for both viruses. To optimize passive surveillance plans, monitoring should be focused on the summer and towards the avian species more prone to infection by both viruses.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis , is one of the most important zoonotic diseases of veterinary and public health concern, with significant economic, productive, and sanitary implications. In the Campania region, characterized by a high density of cattle and buffalo farms and a complex diversity of production systems, understanding the risk factors that influence the persistence and spread of the disease is essential for designing effective control and eradication strategies. This retrospective longitudinal observational cohort study analyzed a seven-year period (2017–2023) with the aim of identifying the main structural, management, and environmental variables associated with the occurrence of bTB outbreaks in cattle and buffalo herds across Campania. Data were integrated from national information systems (SANAN, SIMAN, and BDN) and analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The covariates considered included herd size, animal movements, previous history of infection, territorial characteristics (farm density, outbreak proximity, presence of pasture), and the presence of other domestic species. In the buffalo cohort ( n = 892), 13% of farms reported at least one positive case. Independent risk factors identified were previous infection (OR = 3.14; 95% CI: 1.61–5.92), introduction of animals from outside the region (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.19–0.85), and the number of outbreaks within a 2 km radius (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.07–1.33). In the cattle cohort ( n = 4,467), the prevalence of positivity was 3%. Significant predictors included previous infection (OR = 8.98; 95% CI: 4.18–17.76), presence of pasture within 2 km (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.62–4.19), animal movements (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.11–3.57), and the number of outbreaks within a 2 km buffer (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.28–1.58). The findings highlight the crucial role of herd-level (size and movements), historical (previous infection), and spatial (outbreak proximity, pasture presence) factors in the transmission dynamics of bTB. The integration of epidemiological and spatial analytical approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of the regional risk landscape, offering valuable insights for improving biosecurity, surveillance, and control strategies aimed at reducing the burden of bovine tuberculosis in both cattle and buffalo populations.

This research communication explores the value of routinely collected bulk tank milk quality data for estimating dairy cattle welfare at herd level. Selected bulk tank milk quality parameters (somatic cell count, total bacterial count, urea, protein and fat contents) recorded during the years 2014–2016 in 287 Italian dairy farms were compared with the animal welfare data of each farm. The welfare assessment data were extracted from the database of the Italian Reference Centre for Animal Welfare (CReNBA), which includes the outputs of the application of the CReNBA welfare assessment protocol for dairy cows, used at national level for on-farm controls. The statistical analysis was carried out using the correlation coefficient for Kendall's Tau ranks, in order to investigate the presence of a categoric relationship between the selected bulk tank milk quality parameters and the overall animal welfare score or the scores of the single areas A (farm management and staff training), B (housing) and C (animal-based measures). Somatic cell count, total bacterial count, urea and proteins demonstrated only a few statistically significant and very weak correlations with farm animal welfare data, while no significant correlations were obtained for milk fat content. Given the weak correlations found, the selected bulk tank milk parameters seems to be able to provide only limited information about the welfare level of the herd, thus it could be difficult to use them for drawing up a pre-screening model for identifying herds at risk of poor welfare.

In 2008, after the first West Nile virus (WNV) detection in the Emilia-Romagna region, a surveillance system, including mosquito- and bird-based surveillance, was established to evaluate the virus presence. Surveillance was improved in following years by extending the monitoring to larger areas and increasing the numbers of mosquitoes and birds tested. A network of mosquito traps, evenly distributed and regularly activated, was set up within the surveyed area. A total of 438,558 mosquitoes, grouped in 3,111 pools and 1,276 birds (1,130 actively sampled and 146 from passive surveillance), were tested by biomolecular analysis. The survey detected WNV in 3 Culex pipiens pools while Usutu virus (USUV) was found in 89 Cx. pipiens pools and in 2 Aedes albopictus pools. Two birds were WNV-positive and 12 were USUV-positive. Furthermore, 30 human cases of acute meningoencephalitis, possibly caused by WNV or USUV, were evaluated for both viruses and 1,053 blood bags were tested for WNV, without any positive result. Despite not finding symptomatic human WNV infections during 2010, the persistence of the virus, probably due to overwintering, was confirmed through viral circulation in mosquitoes and birds, as well as for USUV. In 2010, circulation of the two viruses was lower and more delayed than in 2009, but this decrease was not explained by the relative abundance of Cx. pipiens mosquito, which was greater in 2010. The USUV detection in mosquito species confirms the role of Cx. pipiens as the main vector and the possible involvement of Ae. albopictus in the virus cycle. The effects of meteorological conditions on the presence of USUV-positive mosquito pools were considered finding an association with drought conditions and a wide temperature range. The output produced by the surveillance system demonstrated its usefulness and reliability in terms of planning public health policies.