No abstract

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that requires a One Health approach. Despite several studies have reported the role of companion animals as reservoirs of AMR, limited information is available regarding the role of cats in the circulation of AMR. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genotypic profile of 75 Escherichia coli isolated from rectal swabs and fecal samples of 75 stray cats (living in solitary or in a colony) sampled in Palermo (Sicily, Italy), to determine whether these animals may participate in the spread of AMR. Susceptibility to 8 antibiotics was tested using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assays, while the presence of the common antibiotic resistance genes blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tet(A), and tet(B) was investigated by PCR. From the 75 E. coli isolates analyzed, 43% were resistant to at least one of the eight antibiotics tested, with 31% of the isolates resistant to ampicillin, 23% to cefotaxime, 21% to tetracycline, 20% to cefazolin, and 17% to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Most isolates harbored the blaTEM gene (29%), followed by blaCTX-M (23%), tet(A) (21%), and tet(B) (20%). Our results confirm the fecal carriage of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and clinically relevant resistance genes in stray cats. This study highlights the potential role of stray cats in the spread of AMR in urban environments, emphasising the need to better understand their role in AMR circulation when planning strategies to combat it.

The hormonal activity of the thyroid gland has an important role in ruminants for the modulation of metabolic variables. In this study changes in thyroid hormones and biochemical parameters in dairy cows around calving were evaluated and the critical thyroid hormones thresholds for predicting the risk of ketosis were estimated. Blood samples were collected from 82 dairy cows at 5±3 days pre-partum and 5±3 days postpartum. Serum values of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), non-esterifi ed fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), insulin, glucose, Ca, Cl, Mg, P, K, Na, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and urea were evaluated. Signifi cant decrease in the levels of T3, T4 and TSH was found in the postpartum period. The values of T3 and T4 were negatively correlated with NEFA and BHB levels, and TSH values were negatively correlated with NEFA. A critical T3 threshold was found by means of ROC analysis for predicting the risk of ketosis. T3 values < 1.23 nmol/L were associated with BHB > 1.10 mmol/L in postpartum, which represents the BHB threshold commonly used as the indicator of hyperketonaemia.The results confi rm that the peripartum period is accompanied by marked changes in circulating thyroid hormone profile that is correlated with lipomobilization predictors.

An evaluation of blood chemistry profile in relation to specific stages of livestock cycle can help better understand variations in physiological conditions in order to adjust management systems to animal needs. In addition to basal hematological investigation, the acid-base balance and blood gases are essential tools in evaluating metabolism in calves. The relationship between blood gas parameters, diet and growth should be further investigated.The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in acid-base status, blood gases, serum chemistry and hematological parameters in veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle.One hundred twenty-eight healthy cross breeding calves were enrolled in a farm in North-East Italy. Blood samplings were carried out from the jugular vein on day 1 (t1), 60 (t2) and 150 (t3) after arrival. Blood gas analysis was performed and hematological parameters were evaluated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test were performed to assess differences between blood parameter values at the different periods.The main differences in blood gas parameter levels during the livestock cycle concerned pH, Base Excess and HCO 3 with higher values recorded in t3. Urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin mean values were significantly higher in t1 than in t2 and t3. Aspartate aminotransferase increased from t1 to t2 and t3. Alkaline Phosphatase was higher in t2. Fe levels severely dropped in t2 and in t3, and the decrease led to a restrained but significant reduction in haemoglobin values. A correspondent decrease in the other haemocytometric parameters was found.