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Background Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are important protozoan infections affecting sheep production in Türkiye, with implications for both animal health and zoonotic risk. In light of their epidemiological relevance, the present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and endemic status of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in the sheep population across Türkiye. Methods A total of 2,688 sheep serum samples randomly collected from the seven geographical regions of the country were analyzed using an indirect ELISA based on recombinant Tg SAG2 and Nc SAG1 proteins. Results According to the results, the overall seroprevalence was 30.51% for T. gondii and 5.21% for N. caninum . The highest T. gondii seropositivity was in the Black Sea Region (38.54%), and the lowest in Central Anatolia (19.27%) and the Mediterranean Region (21.35%). For N. caninum , the highest seroprevalence was also in the Black Sea Region (11.46%), and the lowest in the Aegean Region (2.60%). Mono-infections with T. gondii and N. caninum were 27.01% and 1.71%, respectively, while 3.50% of the animals were co-infected. T. gondii seropositivity was significantly higher in sheep over 12 months of age (33.92%) than in younger animals (18.41%) ( P  < 0.001), whereas no age-related association was found for N. caninum ( P  = 0.485). Regional differences were significant for both pathogens ( P  < 0.001). Although higher seropositivity rates were observed in rural areas for both infections, the differences were not statistically significant ( T. gondii : P  = 0.318; N. caninum : P  = 0.0777). Inoculation rates revealed endemic instability for both toxoplasmosis and neosporosis across all age groups, indicating a risk of uncontrolled spread and potential for periodic outbreaks. Conclusion In conclusion, T. gondii was found to be widespread among sheep in Türkiye, whereas N. caninum had a more limited yet notable distribution. Given the zoonotic importance of toxoplasmosis, it is crucial to strengthen biosecurity and implement region-specific, risk-based control strategies. This study lays a scientific foundation for future preventive measures by enabling nationwide epidemiological mapping of ovine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis.

Sheep and goat pox (SGP) are animal diseases of important economic impact which have been emerging into new geographic areas, including occasional incursions in disease free countries. The main objective of this study is to observe and analyse the global distribution of SGP during an 18-year period (2005–2022). Countries’ SGP epidemiology was characterised by classifying them according to the frequency of reporting years. A negative binomial regression model was used to test for associations between the economic status of a country, the sheep and goat populations, the continent, and the likelihood of an SGP outbreak occurring. A change-point analysis was used to determine significant change points of outbreaks for 18 years. Countries which presented high endemic status were mostly located in the North African region, the Middle East, and Asia, in particular India and China. Economic status was found to be significant for outbreak occurrence in endemic countries, in contrast to countries with outbreaks occurring where other socio-economic factors influence the disease occurrence. The total sheep and goat population was found to be significantly associated with countries and regions. The change-point analysis showed that changes in outbreak occurrence were observed when countries with most reported outbreaks controlled the diseases. While the husbandry and social conditions that exist in certain regions, particularly of Africa and Asia, make the prospect of SGP eradication highly unlikely, an effective implementation of vaccination strategies and control policies would decrease the incidence of SGP, improving animal health and economics in affected countries.

Background: Babesia ovis, an intraerythrocytic parasite carried by ticks and one of the most common subclinical ovine illnesses, was studied to ascertain its seroprevalence and endemic status in ram and ewe populations in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, in lambs, yearlings, and adults of over two years of age. Methods: A total of 960 sheep from 10 cities were selected from Jan 2018 to Nov 2019. Blood samples were collected from each animal and tested for the presence of B. ovis antibodies by applying a developed enzyme-linked immuno­sorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Checkerboard titrations were used to determine the optimal dilution of the antigen using negative and positive control sera. To determine whether the disease is endemically stable, inoculation rates for each age group were also calculated. Correlation coefficients were calculated between age and infection rates and also between age and inoculation rates. Results: The results revealed an average infection rate of 49.4% in East Azerbaijan Province. There was a positive cor­relation between the age of animals and susceptibility to infection except for lambs and yearlings, whereas there was no meaningful difference in exposure to B. ovis between rams and ewes. The negative correlation between age and inocula­tion rates indicates increased disease instability with age. Inoculation rate results revealed the endemically instable sta­tus of B. ovis in the studied area. Conclusion: High prevalence rates and endemically instable status of the disease suggest demand for vaccine develop­ment and implementation of appropriate control measures for ovine babesiosis to mitigate the associated economic loss­es.

The Mediterranean flora is characterized by a high number of narrow endemic plant species that are often restricted to a few small populations. One of these species, Valeriana amazonum, a perennial plant occurring only in the Supramontes region of central eastern Sardinia, is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of its restricted range, small population size and an inferred decline caused by several threats. During 2007–2022, we monitored all mature individuals of this plant annually and surveyed ecologically suitable sites for the species. We identified two previously unknown populations and also learnt of two successful translocations carried out independently by an unknown local citizen. As our monitoring data indicate there has been no decline in the number of mature individuals over the period of monitoring, the species’ conservation status requires reassessment. We recommend that V. amazonum should be recategorized as Near Threatened as it seems to be poorly known rather than highly threatened. This could also be the case with other narrow Mediterranean endemics, especially those that grow in inaccessible habitats for which long-term studies are needed to assess conservation status.

Dalbergia odorifera T.C. Chen is an endemic and endangered species in Hainan, China. This study reassessed its conservation status based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 3.1 and its regional guidelines, as well as evaluation indicators for the threatened degree of the tiny population of wild plants endangered in China. The results showed that according to IUCN criteria, D. odorifera T.C. Chen was assessed as critically endangered (CR) under Criteria A1ac and D. This designation reflects the severe population decline and the extremely small number of mature individuals—only about 30—found within a total wild population of approximately 200 in Hainan. The current CR status contrasts sharply with its previous international classification of vulnerable (VU). Based on China's evaluation index system for extremely small wild plant populations, D. odorifera T.C. Chen was also rated as endangered (Grade IV). The outcomes from both assessment systems are congruent, confirming a status equivalent to CR. This consensus is underpinned by the species' critically small, fragmented, and declining wild population, with the total number of mature individuals remaining dangerously low. This study provides a scientific basis for the endangered level assessment of D. odorifera T.C. Chen and the subsequent management and protection strategies.

The plant Carduncellus matritensis (Cardueae, Compositae) was formerly known from only a single locality: Cerro Negro in Madrid Province, Spain. It is one of the six endemic species of the Spanish flora considered to be extinct. The causes of its presumed extinction were anthropogenic: the growth of the city of Madrid subsumed the locality into the city, such that Cerro Negro is now a railway station. During 2021–2022 we discovered three new populations c. 50 km south of the type locality, with 130–166 mature individuals. Habitat fragmentation and degradation are the most significant threats facing the three populations. We categorize the conservation status of the species as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List criteria. To avoid the loss of this species, we recommend both in situ (creation of micro-reserves) and ex situ (seed storage) conservation measures.

Aim Mountains shelter high biological diversity and constitute both important barriers and confluence areas for species. They often contain species whose populations occur at their range limit (peripheral species), which according to the “Centre‐Periphery” hypothesis (CPH) are expected to occur in marginal environments, exhibit low abundance and consequently high vulnerability. Our study investigates this hypothesis for the flora of the Pyrenees, a biogeographical crossroads containing a large proportion of the total European plant diversity. Location Pyrenees. Methods We determined whether more than 2600 native plant species were endemic to the Pyrenees or found at the centre or periphery of their whole distribution range within the mountain chain. We then compared the ecological preferences, local and regional abundance, and conservation status among central, peripheral and endemic species. Results A quarter of the flora was found at its geographic range limit within the Pyrenees. Endemic and peripheral species were more likely to be soil specialists in alpine grasslands and rocks, and exhibited smaller regional ranges than central species, but their local abundance did not tend to differ. Peripheral species at their southern range edge were more widespread regionally than at their northern range edge. Peripheral taxa were more prevalent in the Pyrenean red list of threatened species (55%) compared to national and regional protection lists (40% and 31%, respectively). Main conclusions Peripheral species contribute substantially to the diversity of the Pyrenean flora. They follow the predictions of the CPH given their occurrence in scarce habitats, their low regional abundance and their high vulnerability according to the Pyrenean red list, although they tend to show similar local abundances as other species and are infrequent in protection lists. Integrative and cross‐border assessments of the ecology and rarity of mountain floras provide better estimates of their vulnerability and ensure more efficient prioritization of their conservation.

The plant Mollinedia stenophylla Perkins (Monimiaceae) is endemic to southern Brazil and, until 2015, had not been seen for 122 years. We located a single population of the species on the margin of a watercourse in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state. We describe the location of the species, comment on its morphology, ecology and conservation, assess its conservation status, propose conservation measures, and discuss the potential value of local action plans for this and other narrow endemic plant species. Mollinedia stenophylla has whorled leaves, clonal reproduction and a low height, unusual traits in the genus Mollinedia. Using the IUCN Red List criteria we assess the species as Critically Endangered. This example highlights the importance of investing time in plant surveys and taxonomy, especially in megadiverse countries such as Brazil.

Assessment methods have been developed to estimate a preliminary conservation status for species and subsequently to facilitate the building of Red Lists. Such pre-assessment methods could be particularly useful in the French Overseas Territories (FOTs) where Red Lists tend to be out-dated or absent and where a high number of endemic species face detrimental anthropogenic pressures. We first aimed to conduct a preliminary assessment (hereafter, pre-assessment) of the conservation status of endemic plants from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, French sub-Antarctic islands, New Caledonia, and Scattered Islands. We then compared the various methods used in conducting the pre-assessment and discussed ways to adapt these methods to small territories. We compiled occurrence data of endemic species identified thanks to a previous taxonomic work and pre-assessed their conservation status under Red List criteria A and B and the use of a Random Forest algorithm. We then measured the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of each method based on existing Red Lists. The Random Forest algorithm and a method based on range-size performed best at correctly attributing conservation status. Using these pre-assessment methods, we estimated that up to 60% of the endemic flora of the FOTs is potentially threatened. Range restriction but also anthropogenic pressures were key factors that explained these risks. Pre-assessment methods are useful tools to get a first measure of species conservation status. These methods should be adapted to the territories considered and their conservation issues in order to reach a good performance.

The current monkeypox disease (MPX) outbreak constitutes a new threat and challenge for our society. With more than 55,000 confirmed cases in 103 countries, World Health Organization declared the ongoing MPX outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on July 23, 2022. The current MPX outbreak is the largest, most widespread, and most serious since the diagnosis of the first case of MPX in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country where MPX is an endemic disease. Throughout history, there have only been sporadic and self‐limiting outbreaks of MPX outside Africa, with a total of 58 cases described from 2003 to 2021. This figure contrasts with the current outbreak of 2022, in which more than 55,000 cases have been confirmed in just 4 months. MPX is, in most cases, self‐limiting; however, severe clinical manifestations and complications have been reported. Complications are usually related to the extent of virus exposure and patient health status, generally affecting children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients. The expansive nature of the current outbreak leaves many questions that the scientific community should investigate and answer in order to understand this phenomenon better and prevent new threats in the future. In this review, 50 questions regarding monkeypox virus (MPXV) and the current MPX outbreak were answered in order to provide the most updated scientific information and to explore the potential causes and consequences of this new health threat.