We have developed a new strategy for immunization of wild rabbit populations against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) that uses recombinant viruses based on a naturally attenuated field strain of myxoma virus (MV). The recombinant viruses expressed the RHDV major capsid protein (VP60) including a linear epitope tag from the transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) nucleoprotein. Following inoculation, the recombinant viruses induced specific antibody responses against MV, RHDV, and the TGEV tag. Immunization of wild rabbits by the subcutaneous and oral routes conferred protection against virulent RHDV and MV challenges. The recombinant viruses showed a limited horizontal transmission capacity, either by direct contact or in a flea-mediated process, promoting immunization of contact uninoculated animals.

BackgroundPathogens with the zoonotic potential to infect humans, such as Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Chlamydophila psittaci, can be found in feral pigeons (Columba livia). Given the high density of these birds in the public parks and gardens of most cities, they may pose a direct threat to public health.MethodsA total of 118 pigeons were captured in three samplings carried out in 2006-2007 in public parks and gardens in Madrid, Spain. Standard haematological and morphological analyses were carried out on the pigeons. PCR was used to screen for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and Chlamydophila psittaci. Positive samples were confirmed by DNA sequencing.ResultsThe analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci (52.6%) and Campylobacter jejuni (69.1%) among the birds captured. In contrast, Campylobacter coli was rarely detected (1.1%).ConclusionsPigeons in Madrid can carry Chlamydophila psittaci and Campylobacter jejuni. They may be asymptomatic or subclinical carriers of both pathogens.

We have recently developed a transmissible vaccine to immunize rabbits against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease based on a recombinant myxoma virus (MV) expressing the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) capsid protein [Bárcena et al. Horizontal transmissible protection against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorragic disease using a recombinant myxoma virus. J. Virol. 2000;74:1114-23]. Administration of the recombinant virus protects rabbits against lethal RHDV and MV challenges. Furthermore, the recombinant virus is capable of horizontal spreading promoting protection of contact animals, thus providing the opportunity to immunize wild rabbit populations. However, potential risks must be extensively evaluated before considering its field use. In this study several safety issues concerning the proposed vaccine have been evaluated under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that vaccine administration is safe even at a 100-fold overdose. No undesirable effects were detected upon administration to immunosuppressed or pregnant rabbits. The recombinant virus maintained its attenuated phenotype after 10 passages in vivo.

The usage of antibiotics in animal husbandry has dramatically increased the concentration of antibiotic residues and has promoted the development and abundance of antibiotic resistance in manure. When it is spread onto agricultural land, both residues of antibiotics and bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes may be introduced into the environment. In this research, we isolated resistant gram negative bacteria from manure produced in two dairy and two beef cattle farms, located in Madrid (Spain), to determine their resistance to seventeen representative antibiotics commonly used in veterinary therapy. A total of 63 isolates were used to assess the overall bacterial antimicrobial resistance on cattle manure samples. Predominant species were Escherichia coli and Comamonas testosteroni accounting for 25% and 19.6% of the total, respectively. The most found antimicrobial resistances in gram-negative bacteria were to tetracycline (66.7%), sulphamethoxazole (55.6%), ampicillin (52.4%), cephalothin (46.0%), chloramphenicol (44.4%), nalidixic acid (39.7%) and trimethroprimsulphamethoxazole (33.3%). The mean of resistance and the percentage of multi-resistant bacteria in beef farms were higher and statistically significant when compared to dairy farms which is opposite from the findings of the previous studies. The presence of three tetracyclines in all manure samples was also examined with stable recoveries (76% -82%) and high sensitivity (limit of quantification 0.015 -0.03 μg/kg). The concentrations of tetracyclines detected (<0.015 -10 mg/kg) were consistent to the theoretical tetracycline levels in manure in Spain according to the excretion rate of these antibiotics and the values reported in scientific literature in other European countries.

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