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This research reports the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings of a case of leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) in an equid in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Nodular lesions, sometimes crusty or ulcerated, were observed on the auricular pavilion, neck, and limbs of a four-year-old adult female Quarter Horse. Histomorphological findings indicated granulomatous dermatitis, revealing parasitic structures within macrophages, exhibiting an ovoid to slightly elongated morphology, measuring 2-5 µm, with a rounded nucleus and rod-shaped kinetoplast. Immunohistochemical examination showed positive staining of amastigotes of Leishmania spp. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, followed by sequencing and BLASTn analysis, enabled the comparison of the percent similarity between the obtained sequences and those deposited in GenBank, which revealed a 100% of identity with sequences of the subgenus Viannia and 97.27% identity with sequences of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis deposited in the database. The importance of including leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous nodular diseases in equids is emphasized, as well as the need for studies to elucidate the importance of these animals in the biological cycle of leishmaniasis. RESUMO: Este estudo relata os achados clínicos, histológicos, imuno-histoquímicos e moleculares de um caso de leishmaniose por Leishmania (Viannia) em uma égua da raça Quarto de Milha, de quatro anos de idade, no estado de Goiás, Brasil. Lesões nodulares, por vezes crostosas ou ulceradas, foram observadas no pavilhão auricular, pescoço e membros da égua. Os achados histomorfológicos indicaram dermatite granulomatosa, revelando estruturas parasitárias no interior de macrófagos, apresentando morfologia ovoide a ligeiramente alongada, medindo entre 2-5 µm, com núcleo arredondado e cinetoplasto em forma de bastonete. Ao exame imuno-histoquímico houve marcação positiva das formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp. A técnica de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), seguida de sequenciamento e análise BLASTn, permitiu a comparação do percentual de similaridade entre as sequências obtidas e aquelas depositadas no GenBank, revelando 100% de identidade com sequências do subgênero Viannia e 97,27% de identidade com sequências de Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis do banco de dados. Destaca-se a importância de incluir a leishmaniose no diagnóstico diferencial das doenças nodulares cutâneas em equinos, bem como a relevância de estudos para elucidar o papel desses animais no ciclo biológico da leishmaniose.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped, positive sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. The viruses have adapted to infect a large number of animal species, ranging from bats to camels. At present, seven CoVs infect humans, of which Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for causing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans. Since its emergence in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly across the globe. Healthcare systems around the globe have been stretched beyond their limits posing new challenges to emergency healthcare services and critical care. The outbreak continues to jeopardize human health, social life and economy. All known human CoVs have zoonotic origins. Recent detection of SARS-CoV-2 in pet, zoo and certain farm animals has highlighted its potential for reverse zoonosis. This scenario is particularly alarming, since these animals could be potential reservoirs for secondary zoonotic infections. In this article, we highlight interspecies SARS-CoV-2 infections and focus on the reverse zoonotic potential of this virus. We also emphasize the importance of potential secondary zoonotic events and the One-Health and One-World approach to tackle such future pandemics.

Diseases transmitted naturally between animals and humans are referred to as zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases are responsible for many pathogenic infections in humans, especially in endemic regions. In recent years, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infections have become widespread and pose a threat worldwide. Transmitted such bacterial, viral and parasitic infections have been detected in Northen Cyprus over the years. Climate change and human migration are increasing essentially, making such infections potentially more dangerous. To quickly detect these pathogens and limit their spread, it is crucial for the island to control their animal reservoirs. In addition, continued and expanded research is essential for global surveillance.This review aimed to provide an overview of the etiology of the most recorded zoonotic diseases in Northen Cyprus, their impact on human health, and measures to control their spread better.

Leptospira spp. is the etiological agent of leptospirosis, a worldwide zoonosis impacting the economy and public and animal health. It is present in rural and urban environments and transmitted by direct or indirect contact, especially by the urine of infected animals. Domestic and wild animals can harbor Leptospira spp. and be a source of infection for other susceptible hosts. Domestic mammals commonly affected by the disease include dogs, cattle, horses, and pigs; although, the role of domestic cats in the epidemiology of leptospirosis is still not fully understood. Therefore, this study investigated the possible role of cats with different life habits (domestic, stray and feral) as carriers and/or transmitters of Leptospira spp. This systematic review and meta-analysis covered studies published between 2002 and 2021 in different databases following the PRISMA protocol. We found 200 articles and, after excluding duplicates, 183 were selected based on title and abstract. Exclusion criteria were applied to these articles and 18 were read in full and eight were eligible and included in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated the occurrence of Leptospira spp., L.interrogans, L. borgptersenii, and L. biflexa in cats, with a higher frequency of molecular detection in renal tissue samples. It was verified respectively that stray, feral and domestic cats can act as reservoirs and/or transmitters of Leptospira spp. to other host species, as well as contaminating the environment, water and food sources. In addition, this study brings relevant contributions from Veterinary Medicine to One Health. RESUMO: Leptospira spp. é o agente etiológico da leptospirose, uma zoonose de ocorrência mundial que impacta na economia, na saúde pública e animal. A bactéria está presente em ambientes rurais e urbanos e é transmitida pelo contato direto ou indireto, principalmente pela urina de animais infectados. Animais domésticos e silvestres podem albergar Leptospira spp. e ser uma fonte de infecção para outros hospedeiros suscetíveis. Os mamíferos domésticos comumente acometidos pela doença incluem cães, bovinos, equinos e suínos. Destaca-se que o papel dos gatos domésticos na epidemiologia da leptospirose ainda não está totalmente elucidado. Portanto, este estudo investigou o papel dos gatos domésticos, de vida livre e ferais como portadores e/ou transmissores de Leptospira spp. Esta revisão sistemática e meta-análise abrangeu estudos publicados entre 2002 e 2021, em diferentes bases de dados, seguindo o protocolo PRISMA. Foram encontrados 200 artigos e, após exclusão dos duplicados, foram selecionados 183 com base no título e resumo. A estes artigos foram aplicados critérios de exclusão e 18 foram lidos na íntegra e oito foram elegíveis e incluídos nesta meta-análise. Os resultados demonstraram a ocorrência de Leptospira spp., L. interrogans, L. borgptersenii e L. biflexa em gatos e com maior frequência de detecção molecular em amostras de tecido renal. Verificou-se respectivamente que gatos de vida livre, ferais e domésticos podem atuar como reservatórios e transmissores de Leptospira spp. para outras espécies hospedeiras, bem como atuam como contaminantes do meio ambiente, da água e de fontes de alimento. Adicionalmente, este estudo traz contribuições relevantes da Medicina Veterinária à Saúde Única.

Lyme disease (LD) is a globally distributed zoonotic multisystemic condition caused by gram-negative spirochete bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi complex, transmitted through tick bites. Research on LD in domestic animals in Portugal is limited, potentially leading to underestimating its prevalence. This disease affects many species, including humans, making it a critical public health issue. In domestic animals, LD often presents subclinically or with non-specific clinical signs, complicating its diagnosis. Nevertheless, veterinarians should always consider LD in cases with a history of tick exposure and compatible clinical signs. Diagnostic confirmation can be achieved through serological and other complementary tests. Treatment involves eradicating the bacterial infection and managing clinical signs using a combination of antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and other medications. Effective prevention primarily relies on tick control measures. This review aims to provide an up-to-date state-of-the-art LD, particularly in Portugal.

The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a near-threatened mammal frequently admitted to wildlife rescue centres. In early 2025, an outbreak of haemorrhagic enteritis affected 28 hoglets and juvenile hedgehogs at the Ria Formosa Wildlife Recovery and Research Centre (RIAS) in Portugal, resulting in a mortality rate exceeding 35%. Clinical signs included appetite and weight loss, and diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea). Diagnostic testing (parasitology, virology, bacteriology and histopathology) was conducted and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, was isolated from internal organs (liver, spleen, intestine, and lung) of four necropsied individuals. Following antimicrobial susceptibility testing, treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole associated with critical care led to clinical improvement in surviving animals. This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing infectious disease outbreaks in wildlife rescue centres and highlights the zoonotic risk of diseases that can affect hedgehogs, as salmonellosis. The findings emphasise the need for enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and effective biosecurity protocols in conservation centres to ensure animal welfare, good recovery rates and mitigate public health risks.

Ebert, L.A.; Schlemper, J.C.; Pelisser, M.R.; Vásquez-Ponce, F.; Branco, J.O., and Barbieri, E., 2025. Detection of pathogenic bacteria isolated from Larus dominicanus on the coast of Brazil. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 409–416. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Bacterial resistance is a significant public health issue as it exacerbates adverse impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. Larus dominicanus are considered potential carriers or reservoirs. The objective of this study was to identify the possible presence of bacteria pathogenic to humans in the gull L. dominicanus and to evaluate their resistance to antibiotics. For this, 39 cloacal samples were obtained from L. dominicanus with swabs and subjected to biochemical tests for the detection of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; the isolated bacteria were subjected to antibiogram analysis using the cutoff points reported in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Twenty-two bacteria were isolated from the cloacal samples, with three families and 12 distinct genera with zoonotic potential observed more frequently in the gulls of the Moleques do Sul Archipelago. The antibiogram revealed that most of the bacteria were resistant to ampicillin.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an RNA virus of the Hepeviridae family, has marked heterogeneity. While all five HEV genotypes can cause human infections, genotypes HEV-1 and -2 infect humans alone, genotypes HEV-3 and -4 primarily infect pigs, boars and deer, and genotype HEV-7 primarily infects dromedaries. The global distribution of HEV has distinct epidemiological patterns based on ecology and socioeconomic factors. In resource-poor countries, disease presents as large-scale waterborne epidemics, and few epidemics have spread through person-to-person contact; however, endemic diseases within these countries can potentially spread through person-to-person contact or fecally contaminated water and foods. Vertical transmission of HEV from infected mother to fetus causes high fetal and perinatal mortality. Other means of transmission, such as zoonotic transmission, can fluctuate depending upon the region and strain of the virus. For instance, zoonotic transmission can sometimes play an insignificant role in human infections, such as in India, where human and pig HEV infections are unrelated. However, recently China and Southeast Asia have experienced a zoonotic spread of HEV-4 from pigs to humans and this has become the dominant mode of transmission of hepatitis E in eastern China. Zoonotic HEV infections in humans occur by eating undercooked pig flesh, raw liver, and sausages; through vocational contact; or via pig slurry, which leads to environmental contamination of agricultural products and seafood. Lastly, blood transfusion-associated HEV infections occur in many countries and screening of donors for HEV RNA is currently under serious consideration. To summarize, HEV genotypes 1 and 2 cause epidemic and endemic diseases in resource poor countries, primarily spreading through contaminated drinking water. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 on the other hand, cause autochthonous infections in developed, and many developing countries, by means of a unique zoonotic food-borne transmission.

The global vaccination programme against smallpox led to its successful eradication and averted millions of deaths. Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a close relative of the Variola (smallpox) virus. Due to antigenic similarity, smallpox vaccines cross-protect against MPXV. However, over 70% of people living today were never vaccinated against smallpox. Symptoms of monkeypox (MPX) include fever, head- and muscle ache, lymphadenopathy and a characteristic rash that develops into papules, vesicles and pustules which eventually scab over and heal. MPX is less often fatal (case fatality rates range from <1% to up to 11%) than smallpox (up to 30%). MPXV is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, infecting wild animals and causing zoonotic outbreaks. Exotic animal trade and international travel, combined with the increasing susceptibility of the human population due to halted vaccination, facilitated the spread of MPXV to new areas. The ongoing outbreak, with >10,000 cases in >50 countries between May and July 2022, shows that MPXV can significantly spread between people and may thus become a serious threat to public health with global consequences. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about this re-emerging virus, discuss available strategies to limit its spread and pathogenicity and evaluate its risk to the human population.