In this study, almost complete genomic sequences of porcine parvovirus (PPV)1 and PPV4 circulating in commercial pig farms in South Korea were obtained and analyzed. Important mutations that may be precursors to host changes, such as premature stop codons of PPV1 and frameshift mutations of PPV4, were observed in these sequences. A 27a-like strain of PPV1, known to show a lack of cross- neutralization against existing commercial vaccine strains, was identified by phylogenetic analysis. Given the active genetic evolution, the additional precursors to host changes and emerging new genotypes of PPVs need to be monitored through continuous sampling and genetic analysis.

An 18-year-old miniature Appaloosa stallion presented with 6 months of history of sanguineous crusts on medial hind limbs and discomfort of micturition. Cauliflower-like and small masses were treated with cryotherapy for 6 months, but the regrowth of masses occurred. Subsequently, local excision via laser and topical treatment with 5% 5-fluorouracil for 5 months were followed. However, the horse was euthanized 4 months later due to regrowth of the masses. The mass was diagnosed as penile papilloma with cellular atypia and Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV-2) DNA was detected. This is the first report of equine penile neoplasm with EcPV-2 infection in Asia.

Hyperthyroidism, characterized by elevated thyroid hormone levels and thyroid gland hyperplasia or adenoma, is a prevalent endocrinopathy in older cats. Treatment options include antithyroid drugs, surgical thyroidectomy, and radioiodine therapy (RAIT), which is non-invasive treatment option that can achieve complete remission. However, efficacy and safety of RAIT in hyperthyroid cats have not been investigated in South Korea. This study includes 10 hyperthyroid cats with RAIT. Initial assessments comprised history, physical examination, blood analysis, and serum total T4 (tT4) concentration. Thyroid scintigraphy revealed hyperactivity and enlargement of thyroid gland at 24 hours before the RAIT. Radioiodine (RAI) was injected subcutaneously with 2 to 6 mCi, determined by the fixed dose or the scoring system based on severity of clinical signs, tT4 concentration, and thyroid size individually. After RAIT, the concentration of serum tT4 and liver enzymes were significantly decreased at discharge. However, no significant differences were noted in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, hematocrits, and white blood cell counts pre- and post-treatment. Although 4 cats received RAI twice, clinical signs disappeared and tT4 levels decreased following the RAIT. All 10 cats achieved complete remission after 6 months without critical adverse effect. The safety and the effectiveness of RAIT was confirmed based on protocols reported other countries. Therefore, RAIT could be considered the treatment option and prevent adverse effects from medication or surgery. This preliminary study presents the first evaluation of RAIT for hyperthyroid cats using locally produced RAI in South Korea and provide valuable insight for clinicians and further studies.

In human, ultrasonography is used to measure the pennation angle in various muscles to identify muscle functions such as force production, and to study alterations of the pennation angle during muscle contraction, hypertrophy, and atrophy. However, assessments of the pennation angle have not yet been conducted in dogs. This study aims to assess the normal pennation angle of the tibialis cranialis muscle in dogs using ultrasound and to detect changes in this angle in dogs with muscular atrophy. Sixty-eight healthy dogs were examined to establish normal values, while 12 ataxic and 12 lame dogs with suspected hindlimb muscle atrophy were also included. The pennation angle was measured using ultrasound at the midpoint between the proximal end of the tibia and the malleolus, measuring the angle between the muscle bundle and the deep aponeurosis. To confirm the significance between the 5 breeds and to identify a difference between normal and atrophied muscles, statistical analysis was conducted. The study found no significant difference in pennation angle between breeds, with mean values (± standard deviation) of 4.97° (± 1.88) in neutral, 7.25° (± 2.68) in flexion, and 3.31° (± 1.33) in extension positions. Decrease of the pennation angle was identified in muscle atrophy and the flexion position was determined to be the most appropriate for pennation angle measurement of tibialis cranialis muscle. We recommend considering the pennation angle as a valuable indicator of muscle health in dogs, as it demonstrates significant potential for diagnosing and monitoring muscular conditions.

No abstract available.

Wild animals, sharing pathogens with domestic animals, play a crucial role in the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Sampling from wild animals poses significant challenges, yet it is vital for inclusion in disease surveillance and monitoring programmes. Often, mass surveillance involves serological screenings using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, typically validated only for domestic animals. This study assessed the diagnostic specificity of commercially available ELISA tests on 342 wild ruminant serum samples and 100 from wild boars. We evaluated three tests for foot-and-mouth disease: two for Peste des petits ruminants, two for Rift Valley fever and one for Capripox virus. Diagnostic specificity was calculated using the formula True Negative/(False Positive + True Negative). Cohen’s kappa coefficient measured agreement between tests. Results showed high specificity and agreement across all tests. Specificity for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) ranged from 93.89% for Prionics to 100% for IDEXX, with IDvet showing 99.6%. The highest agreement was between FMD IDvet and IDEXX at 97.1%. Rift Valley fever (RVF) tests, Ingezim and IDvet, achieved specificities of 100% and 98.83%, respectively. The optimal specificity was attained by retesting single reactors and inactivating the complement. Contribution: Commercially available ELISA kits are specific for foot-and-mouth disease and similar transboundary animal diseases and can be used for highly specific wild animal testing.

Infectious avian, including Newcastle disease (ND), are a major concern in poultry husbandry. The primary method of preventing viral infections is immunization by vaccines to produce neutralizing antibodies. In the first ten days of life, chicks are protected by maternally derived antibodies (MDA). This study aimed to; evaluate and reveal the strength and importance of maternal immunity against ND in the bird’s life and to compare it with the acquired immunity by measurement of antibody titers   with Elisa test. Total number of 150-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) with a history of vaccination of parent against ND, were reared to achieve the study, serum samples were also taken from vaccinated layers with ND to complete the current study. Commercial Elisa kit was used to determine the titers of antibodies against NDV in broilers and layers.  The results showed that the chicks have high levels of maternal antibodies at day old with an average titer of 1287. The levels of maternal antibodies declined over time, and by day 31, the average titer was 90.8 in the unvaccinated group. The vaccinated group had higher levels of antibodies on day 31 (21 days after vaccination), with an average titer of 370.4. However, MDA levels on the first day of life were still higher than the levels of acquired antibodies because MDA interfered with the development of acquired immunity after vaccination. This study concluded that maternal immunity is important for providing early protection against ND, and recommended that the chicks must be tested to measure the antibody levels before vaccination to avoid interference between MDA and acquired antibodies.