Halicephalosis is a rare cosmopolitan disease affecting equids, cattle, and humans, manifesting as meningoencephalitis. This study reports the detection of Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in two adult horses with neurological clinical signs in Rio Grande do Sul state, in the Southern Brazil. It underscores the pathological main findings and phylogenetic analyses. In both cases, the horses exhibited severe neurological manifestations and were euthanized due to poor prognosis. Pathological findings revealed gross brain lesions, in addition, alterations in the kidneys and lymph nodes. Histopathological examinations revealed granulomatous encephalitis, nephritis, and lymphadenitis, lesions that have been reported in human and animal infections. Molecular analyses by 28 S rRNA gene confirmed H. gingivalis infection and identified a genetic correlation of the isolates with Lineage 3 of the nematode, which is associated with infections in horses worldwide. This report represents the first phylogenetic description of H. gingivalis in Brazil and emphasizes the zoonotic significance of this parasite, particularly in occupational settings.

Sea turtles are susceptible to opportunistic infections, particularly when debilitated, injured, or exposed to environmental stressors. Although nontuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly recognized as emerging pathogens in marine wildlife, documented cases in sea turtles remain limited, and coinfections involving mycobacteria and uncommon environmental fungi are rarely reported. Here, we describe a fatal multisystemic disease involving Mycobacterium fortuitum infection, Epicoccum sp.-associated coelomitis, and severe coccidial enteritis in an adult olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) stranded in Southeastern Brazil. The turtle was admitted with marked emaciation, dehydration, and lethargy and died six days after admission despite supportive care and antimicrobial therapy. Necropsy revealed multiple disseminated granulomas over the serosal surfaces of the coelomic viscera, along with pneumonia, hepatitis, cystitis, orchitis, and severe enteritis. Histopathological examination demonstrated granulocytic coelomitis with abundant intralesional septate fungal hyphae, necrosis, and aggregates of unidentified bacterial bacilli. Severe coccidial enteritis associated with intralesional bacilli was also observed. Culture and molecular analyses identified M. fortuitum from tissue samples, while sequencing of fungal DNA recovered from fresh and formalin-fixed tissues identified Epicoccum sp. These findings support a complex multisystemic disease process characterized by mycobacterial infection, opportunistic fungal coelomitis, and severe coccidial enteritis. Chronic debilitation and severe coccidial enteritis may have predisposed the turtle to systemic M. fortuitum infection, with Epicoccum sp. subsequently acting as a secondary opportunistic invader. This case reinforces the pathogenic potential of M. fortuitum in free-ranging sea turtles and contributes to the growing recognition of nontuberculous mycobacteria as relevant pathogens in marine wildlife. In addition, the detection of Epicoccum sp. expands the known host range and pathological spectrum of this rarely reported opportunistic fungus.

Chronic equine proliferative pododermatitis (canker) is a hypertrophic hoof disease characterized by excessive proliferation of horn-producing tissues resulting from dyskeratosis of keratinocytes. Since its etiology remains unknown, this study investigated potential etiological agents and evaluated biochemical and immunological profiles. Ten horses with hoof canker and ten healthy controls of the Norik of Muran breed were included. Dermatophytes and bovine papillomavirus 1 and 2 (BPV 1/2) were not detected. Candida glabrata was the most frequently identified species in both affected and healthy groups. In horses with canker, Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor spp., and Trichosporon spp. were also detected. Biochemical analysis showed significantly higher creatine kinase myoglobin binding activity in affected horses compared to controls (12.58 ± 5.86 vs. 4.11 ± 1.57; p < 0.01), with a slight increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity. Principal component analysis revealed substantial overlap between healthy and affected groups. Immunologically, monocyte phagocytic activity was significantly reduced in affected horses (83.78% ± 3.40 vs. 90.26% ± 2.88; p < 0.001). Affected horses had increased CD4+ (Th) lymphocyte counts and a higher CD4+:CD8+ ratio (p < 0.01), along with higher IgM+ B lymphocyte levels (27.20% ± 8.23 vs. 18.51% ± 4.53; p < 0.05). Serum IgG levels were also significantly elevated (11.15 ± 3.42 vs. 5.88 ± 1.91 mg/mL; p < 0.001). These results indicate stimulation of adaptive cellular and humoral immune responses in canker-affected horses. However, the lack of consistent pathogen detection suggests that the precise etiology of hoof canker remains unresolved and requires further investigation.

Microcrystalline tyrosine (MCT) is a biodegradable adjuvant composed of crystallized L-tyrosine that has been used for more than five decades in human allergen-specific immunotherapy. Despite its long-standing clinical use and well-documented safety profile, its application in veterinary prophylactic vaccination remains largely unexplored. This review critically integrates and compares current knowledge on the physicochemical properties, manufacturing principles, biodistribution, mechanisms of action, immunological effects, and safety profile of MCT, with aluminum oxyhydroxide considered as a reference adjuvant widely used in both human and veterinary vaccines. Available evidence indicates that MCT acts as a transient antigen depot while remaining biodegradable and rapidly resorbed, inducing mild and self-limiting local inflammatory responses. Experimental and clinical data suggest that MCT can promote balanced immune responses with favorable tolerability across multiple species. Although its use in veterinary vaccinology remains limited, preclinical studies in animal models and recent experimental data in sheep demonstrate its capacity to induce antibody responses against infectious agents, including bluetongue virus. Taken together, these findings highlight MCT as an underexplored adjuvant platform with translational potential for veterinary prophylactic vaccines. By consolidating available evidence and identifying key knowledge gaps, this review provides a framework for future research and supports the evaluation of MCT in veterinary vaccine development, with potential implications for both animal and human vaccinology.

Bovine diseases arise from dynamic interactions among genetic susceptibility, regulatory responses, immune activity, metabolism, microbial ecology and tissue function. Although individual omics studies have identified numerous disease-associated molecular signatures, many remain context-dependent and poorly reproducible across animals, breeds, disease stages and biological matrices. Integrative multi-omics extends beyond parallel profiling of individual molecular layers by connecting genomic variation with epigenetic regulation, transcriptional activity, protein and metabolite states, and microbial ecology to reconstruct coordinated mechanisms underlying disease development and recovery. This review synthesizes integrative multi-omics data across a trajectory from pre-disease vulnerability through active disease to persistence or functional recovery, while examining ecological destabilization as a process that may arise at different points along this continuum. Across diseases, integration of multiple molecular layers identifies recurrent associations among genetic regulation of disease-response pathways, inflammatory activation, immune-metabolic and redox imbalance, tissue-barrier dysfunction and microbiome-metabolite feedback. These interacting processes have the potential to provide greater biological and predictive information than isolated molecular alterations. We therefore propose that robust biomarker development should prioritize reproducible cross-omics signals and compact panels integrating three complementary components: disease burden or causal trigger, host-response state and functional consequence. Such biomarkers require validation across independent populations, breeds, disease stages and field conditions before clinical deployment. By linking molecular layers rather than cataloguing individual signatures, multi-omics can support more reliable disease prediction, mechanistically informed diagnostics, targeted intervention and selection for improved disease resistance and resilience in cattle.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic bacterium frequently involved in healthcare-associated infections and has become increasingly relevant in One Health when associated with methicillin resistance profile. Despite its significance in human medicine, the circulation of S. epidermidis in wildlife still poorly reported. In this study, we communicate the isolation and genomic characterization of a multidrug-resistant S. epidermidis Sequence Type 280 isolated from a skin lesion in an illegally traded wild rufous-bellied thrush (Turdus rufiventris). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and genome sequencing revealed extensive multidrug resistance, including resistance to methicillin, related to the presence of antimicrobial resistance (mecA; blaZ; aadD; aac(6') - aph(2''); fosB; erm(C) and rpoB (D471E/I527M)). This finding provides compelling evidence for the global dissemination and ecological plasticity of this clone. Ultimately, the detection of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis in a wild bird highlights the potential for urban environments to harbor and disseminate antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, highlighting the need to incorporate wildlife monitoring into One Health surveillance models.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan infecting approximately one-third of the global human population, causes substantial morbidity in immunocompromised individuals, congenital complications, neuropsychiatric sequelae, and considerable economic losses in livestock production. Gut microbial communities critically modulate T. gondii infection susceptibility, disease progression, and clinical outcomes, positioning the microbiome as a central axis in toxoplasmosis pathogenesis. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and T. gondii, wherein dysbiosis functions simultaneously as a consequence and driver of disease severity. Protective commensal taxa reinforce intestinal barrier integrity, produce short-chain fatty acids, and stimulate anti-parasitic immunity through IFN-γ, IL-12, and tryptophan-aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, while pathobionts exacerbate immunopathology via TLR4 and inflammasome activation. Conversely, acute infection drives rapid microbial community collapse with persistent Proteobacteria expansion, butyrate-producing taxa depletion, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment in chronic infection. Across the One Health spectrum, host-specific microbiome signatures in felids, livestock, wildlife, and environmental reservoirs modulate zoonotic transmission dynamics and population-level susceptibility. Diagnostically, emerging microbiome-based approaches including metagenomics and multi-omics platforms offer promising biomarker discovery opportunities, though validated clinical signatures remain absent. Microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and postbiotics show preclinical promise, although human clinical trial validation is critically lacking. Critical research gaps and interdisciplinary One Health priorities are identified to advance microbiome-informed surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1) is a reproductively important pathogen whose presence in bovine semen restricts international trade. The increasing use of controlled breeding programs highlights the need for effective viral inactivation strategies. This study evaluated the antiviral activity of the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin in bovine semen experimentally inoculated with BoAHV1. Indolicidin was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Antiviral activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined in MDBK cell cultures. The peptide was then tested in inoculated semen, and semen quality was assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Indolicidin inhibited BoAHV1 in MDBK cells with an MIC of 8 µM. In semen, viral titer was significantly reduced at 10 µM with complete inactivation at 30 µM, confirmed by the absence of cytopathic effect in MDBK cells. Sperm kinematic, structural and functional integrity analysis demonstrated that semen quality parameters were preserved at concentrations up to 30 µM, while 100 µM caused a significant reduction in total and progressive motility.

In a dairy herd in the state of Goiás, Central-West Brazil, a cow died following an acute illness characterized by jaundice and hemoglobinuria. Necropsy revealed jaundice, dark-red urine and dark-red discoloration of the kidneys, and a diffusely copper-colored liver with two extensive, firm lesions surrounded by hyperemic halos in the right and left lobes. Histopathological analysis showed multifocal coagulative necrosis in the liver, accompanied by abundant intralesional bacillary structures and multifocal thrombosis. Renal lesions included tubular cell degeneration and necrosis, intracellular hyaline droplet accumulation, and occasional proteinaceous casts within the tubular lumen. PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of Clostridium haemolyticum DNA in the liver lesions. Based on the characteristic clinical presentation and pathological findings, the diagnosis of bacillary hemoglobinuria was established, with further molecular evidence of the clostridial agent. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bacillary hemoglobinuria in the Central-West region of Brazil, and an unusual report in the Tropical Zone in the country, especially in dairy cattle.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immunomodulatory and regenerative properties that have been extensively investigated in domestic species. However, knowledge of their biological characteristics in wildlife species remains limited and is critical for advancing translational research and conservation medicine. Thus, this study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate the immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative potential of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) from crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous). Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were collected from five healthy adult animals during elective surgeries, following prior ethical approval. All procedures were conducted in accordance with institutional and national ethical guidelines. MSCs were isolated by enzymatic digestion, expanded in vitro, and characterized based on morphology, immunophenotype, and mesodermal multipotency. Cell viability was assessed following inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the gene expression of immunomodulatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The cells displayed typical fibroblast-like morphology, plastic adherence, expression of mesenchymal markers CD90, CD29, and CD44, absence of hematopoietic markers CD14 and CD45, and successful differentiation into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages. LPS stimulation significantly upregulated the expression of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as the neurotrophic and regenerative factors glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). These findings indicate that AT-MSCs derived from Cerdocyon thous possess immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative potential, supporting their relevance for translational research and future applications in conservation veterinary medicine, particularly in the context of inflammatory and neurological disorders.

This study assessed the impact of a methyl donor precursor (methionine) and an essential oil (turmeric oil), either individually or combined, on growth performance, economic efficiency, serum biochemistry, intestinal histomorphometry, and related gene expression in broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male Hubbard chicks were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (5 replicates/group, 10 birds/replicate): control, methionine, turmeric oil, and combined. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to evaluate the relative mRNA levels of appetite-related genes (leptin and cholecystokinin (CCK)), plus growth-related genes (growth hormone receptor (GHR), and insulin like growth factor (IGF-1)). The results indicated that dietary supplementation with either methionine or turmeric oil, when applied separately, enhanced body weight gain, decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR), and improved economic efficiency, including total return and net profit across treatments. Concurrently, it significantly affected intestinal histomorphometry by increasing villus height, crypt depth, and goblet cell density across the small-intestinal segments (P < 0.001). The combined group had the highest duodenal VH/CD ratio, which was significantly higher than that of the methionine group (P = 0.026). At the molecular level, numerical alterations were induced in target genes, including the upregulation of GHR and Leptin expressions, alongside a reduction in CCK expression. Notably, a significant upregulation (P < 0.05) was observed in IGF-1 expression, which showed the most pronounced response, coinciding with enhanced growth performance. In summary, the incorporation of a methyl donor precursor (methionine) and/or essential oil (turmeric oil) in broiler feed markedly improved performance, health, and economic viability and was associated with changes in appetite- and growth-related gene expression.

This study evaluated the anthelmintic activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E) from Dalbergia palo-escrito aerial parts against Haemonchus contortus using a bioguided approach. The egg hatching inhibition (EHI) assay was conducted to determine activity. The HA-E was partitioned into an aqueous fraction (Aq-F) and an ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc-F). The EtOAc-F was fractioned by column chromatography into seven subfractions (PeF1 to PeF7). HA-E and EtOAc-F achieved 100% EHI at 50 and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. Subfractions PeF1, PeF3, and PeF4a exhibited strong activity, with EC90 values of 0.32, 0.15 and 0.23 mg/mL. From PeF4, a precipitate (PeF4p) and its mother liquor (PeF4a) were obtained. NMR analysis identified caviunin in PeF4p, but it did not show anthelmintic activity. PeF4a contained a mixture of linear alcohols, terpenes, hydroxybenzoic acids and isoflavones. These results highlight D. palo-escrito as a valuable natural source of compounds with ovicidal activity against H. contortus eggs.

Rising nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) pollution in water bodies has the potential to alter fish physiology and undermine aquaculture sustainability. A valuable byproduct, the watermelon rind (Citrullus lanatus), has potent antioxidant properties. However, its hepatoprotective role against Ni + Cu co-exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) remains uninvestigated. Hence, this study assessed the efficacy of dietary C. lanatus rind powder (CLRP) in safeguarding against liver damage induced by Ni + Cu. Fish (37.30 ± 0.20 g) were assigned to four groups: control, CLRP (40 g/kg diet), Ni + Cu (3.60 and 3.35 mg/L), and CLRP + Ni+Cu for 45 days. Findings showed hepatic dysfunction, as evidenced by increased liver enzymes and reduced protein fractions concurrent with Ni and Cu exposure. In addition, disruption of the lipid profile (increased triglycerides and cholesterol) and elevation of bilirubin fractions were evident in the Ni + Cu group. Simultaneous exposure to Ni and Cu induced suppression of antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), besides the elevation of malondialdehyde levels. Microscopic analysis of hepatic tissue showed hepatocyte necrosis and degeneration as well as dilation of the portal veins. Furthermore, the co-occurring exposure altered the antioxidant signaling pathway (nrf2/keap1). It also downregulated immune function genes (il10 and ctsb) and upregulated stress response genes (hsp70 and hsp90). Importantly, CLRP supplementation notably strengthens antioxidant capacity, supports lipid metabolism, and maintains liver architecture. Additionally, it reduces hepatocyte injury and transcriptional disruptions. Overall, CLRP (40 g/kg) shows promise in protecting Nile tilapia against Ni + Cu combined exposure, supporting its use as a feed additive in aquaculture.

Infectious diarrhoea is a serious threat to farm animals, especially newborns. This study aimed to investigate in vitro selective growth-inhibitory effects of 15 Indian ethnoveterinary plant ethanolic extracts, 5 antibiotic growth promoters, 5 antibiotics, 15 phytochemicals and their synthetic analogues against 12 diarrhoea-associated and 12 probiotic bacteria of veterinary concern. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC≥ 80) of crude extracts and chemicals were determined by the broth microdilution method and log value of the ratio of selective indices (SI) were calculated. Among the tested agents, 8-hydroxyquinoline and chloroxine (SI = 1.3 and 0.7) showed selective antibacterial effects comparable to those of ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and tetracycline (SI = 1.1, 0.8 and 0.9), respectively. The extracts of Embelia ribes fruit and Punica granatum epicarp (SI = 0.3 and 0.2, respectively) produced weak selectivity, inhibiting the growth of diarrhoea-causing strains at lower concentrations than beneficial microbiota. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer and a high-resolution accurate mass (UHPLC/MS-HRAM) analysis of E. ribes extract, that showed a certain degree of selectivity, highest amongst tested species, quantified abundant embelin (256.7-327.6 µg/mg of dry extract), which could be responsible for its antibacterial activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the growth-inhibitory effects of E. ribes and embelin toward gastrointestinal bacteria of veterinary significance. In conclusion, our study identifies potential growth-inhibitory activities of 8-hydroxyquinoline and E. ribes extract, supporting further investigation of their potential relevance for veterinary antidiarrhoeal research. However, further studies are necessary to explore their applications in farm animals.