2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV seriously threatened human health. In order to know the genetic relations of the two dangerous clades and genetic mechanism of origin of 2019-nCoV, we compared whole genomic sequences of SARS-CoV and 2019-nCoV clades, and dissected phylogenetic histories of them. To our surprise, we found that the two clades may frequently exchange their genetic materials through homologous recombination in recent decades, resulting in 2019-nCoV and its sister branch represented by CoVZC45. Particularly the 2019-nCoV lineage might thereby acquire the receptor-binding domain from the SARS-CoV clade, enabling it to make use of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as well and thus spread rapidly in humans. Our findings suggest the accomplice role of a virus of SARS-CoV clade in COVID-19 and warn of the possible emergence of more mosaic CoVs capable of launching severe epidemic.

We describe results from a panel study in which pigs from a 17-sow African swine fever (ASF) positive herd in Thái Bình province, Vietnam were followed over time to record the date of onset of ASF signs and the date of death from ASF. Our objectives were to: (1) fit a susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed disease model to the data with transmission coefficients estimated using Approximate Bayesian Computation; and (2) provide commentary on how a model of this type might be used to provide decision support for disease control authorities For the outbreak in this herd the median of the average latent period was 10 days (95% HPD [highest posterior density interval]: 2 to 19 days) and the median of the average duration of infectiousness was 3 days (95% HPD: 2 to 4 days). The estimated median for the transmission coefficient was 3.3 (95% HPD: 0.4 to 8.9) infectious contacts per ASF-infectious pig per day. The estimated median for the basic reproductive number, R0, was 10 (95% HPD: 1.1 to 30). Our estimates of the basic reproductive number R0 were greater than estimates of R0 for ASF reported previously. The results presented in this study may be used to estimate the number of pigs expected to be showing clinical signs at a given number of days following an estimated incursion date. This will allow sample size calculations, with or without adjustment to account for less than perfect sensitivity of clinical examination, to be used to determine the appropriate number of pigs to examine to detect at least one with disease. A second use of the results of this study would be to inform the equation-based within-herd spread components of stochastic agent based and hybrid simulation models of ASF.

Leishmanioses are vector-borne diseases caused by Leishmania spp., which are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae). The recent reports in humans of Leishmania tarentolae, which is primarily found in cold-blooded animals, and Leishmania infantum in Sergentomyia minuta spurred us to develop an internal transcribed spacer 1-based duplex quantitative real-time PCR (dqPCR) assay for the detection and differentiation between these Leishmania spp. The specificity of dqPCR was assessed by processing DNA samples from Phlebotomus spp. (n=188) and Se. minuta (n=171) and from tissues (i.e., heart, liver, muscle, lungs, spleen, kidney, eggs) of Podarcis siculus (n=4) and Tarentola mauritanica (n=3). In the absence of naturally infected and/or co-infected lizards, DNA from cultured L. infantum and L. tarentolae were spiked into tissues of lizards and used as controls. The analytical sensitivity of the dqPCR, assessed using 10-fold serial dilutions of DNA from both Leishmania spp. and spiked DNA samples from lizards was 2.3 x 10-7 ng/2 µl for L. infantum and 2.1 x 10-7 ng/2 µl for L. tarentolae. With the spiked DNA samples, the dqPCR detected up to 2.6 x 10-6 ng/2 µl of L. infantum and up to 2.1 x 10-7 ng/2 µl of L. tarentolae. Of 359 phlebotomine sand flies tested, five (3.6%) and two (1.4%) Ph. perniciosus scored positive for L. infantum and L. tarentolae, respectively. Similarly, of 171 Se. minuta, 56 (32.7%) and six (3.5%) scored positive for L. tarentolae and L. infantum, respectively. Co-infection with both Leishmania spp. was detected in two Se. minuta (1.2%). Out of seven reptiles tested, four P. siculus were positive for L. tarentolae. The newly dqPCR herein described may represent an improvement in the diagnosis of L. infantum and L. tarentolae and may assist in identifying the role of lizards as reservoirs and Se. minuta as vector, for these Leishmania spp.

Chinese PRV variants have frequent recombination and preferential interspecies transmission. So far, 23 confirmed PRV-infected human cases have been reported. In this letter, we discussed the significance of PRV recombination and its public health issue as an occupational zoonosis.

Africa Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the most important transboundary diseases of pigs. ASF has been identified in India for the first time in domestic pigs from outbreaks reported in two of the North-Eastern states, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in 2020. A total of 11 ASF outbreaks in different regions killed over 3700 pigs and devastated the economy of small-scale livestock owners of both the states. Considering the first outbreak of ASF in India, a generic risk assessment framework was determined to identify potential risk factors that might favour future emergence of the disease. Based on Indian scenario, we considered population density of host, farming practice, availability of biological vectors and wildlife reservoirs, epidemiological cycles and international trade to analyze the possibility of future outbreaks and chances of establishment of endemism. On critical analysis of the identified risk factors, we observed that the risk factors are well preserved in Indian geography and might participate in future outbreaks further disseminating the disease to nearby countries. Since no vaccine is currently available against ASF, the domestic and the wild-pigs (wild boars and the endangered pygmy hogs native to India) of this region are under constant threat of infection. For the near future this region will have to continue to rely on the implementation of preventive measures to avoid the devastating losses that outbreaks can cause. The various adaptive control strategies to minimize the risks associated with the transmission of ASF keeping our views to Indian settings have been described. The risk-analysis framework presented in the study will give a further understanding of the dynamics of disease transmission and will help to design control strategies and corresponding measures to minimize the catastrophic consequences of ASF disease.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly infectious transboundary disease of small ruminants caused by peste-des-petits-ruminants virus. It is one of the most destructive diseases in sheep industry in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In Pamir Plateau, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and other countries bordering Tibet and Xinjiang of China are all PPR epidemic areas. Within this region, there are many big population size wild small ruminants, moving freely across the border. The time-honored transboundary nomadic lifestyle results in transboundary migration of livestock too. China has experienced two national epidemics, which can be sourced back to Tibet and Xinjiang. In order to reach the China National Plan for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants and construct a national wide free zone without immunization in 2020, effective control of transboundary spreading and imported cases is an unavoidable choice. For the countries in the pan Pamir Plateau, the spatial risk distribution of PPR were predicted by a variety of eco-geographical, anthropoid and meteorological variants first time; by the resistance surface analysis, maximum available transboundary paths for PPR spreading by small ruminants were calculated. Finally, 5 paths were obtained, respectively from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Kashmir to enter Xinjiang and Tibet of China through different channels. This study not only confirmed the fact of transboundary communication of small ruminants for the first time, but also provided specific objectives for PPR prevention. This research can also provide new methods for the prevention and control of other transboundary infectious diseases.

Rabbit haemorrhagic virus (RHDV) is a highly infectious and fatal pathogen to rabbits. Classic RHDV is mainly pathogenic to adult rabbits; however, it is not lethal to young rabbits. Since 2010, a RHDV variant has become prevalent in Europe and the Australian continent. This variant, which was named RHDV2 (GI.2/RHDVb), is highly infectious and fatal to both adult and young rabbits; moreover, its host range is broader than that of classic RHDV (GI.1/G1-6). In May 2020, the first RHDV2 case in China was reported. Here, we report and describe the first RHDV2 case in China. We amplified its complete genome sequence (named SC20-01 strain). The phylogenetic tree showed that the SC20-01 strain is mostly related to two strains isolated in Europe, which indicated that it might have spread from Europe to China. Moreover, Recombination Detection Program software showed that the SC20-01 strain is a G6/RHDV2 recombinant strain. Animal experiments showed that the SC20-01 strain is a highly fatal pathogen to specific-pathogen-free (SPF) rabbits and induces typical clinical symptoms of RHD. Our findings highlight RHDV2 emergence in China and its potential to spread widely. There is a need for more attention on the RHDV2 threat in China and the development of new diagnostic methods and vaccines for preventing the spread of RHDV2.

Susceptibility of turkeys, chickens and chicken embryos to SARS-CoV-2 virus was evaluated by experiment inoculation. Turkeys and chickens were inoculated using a combination of intranasal, oral and ocular routes. Both turkeys and chickens did not develop clinical disease or antibodies to the virus following inoculation. Viral RNA was not detected in oral and cloacal swabs and in tissues using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In addition, chicken embryos were inoculated using the yolk sac, intravenous, chorioallantoic membrane and allantoic cavity routes did not support replication of the virus. SARS-COV-2 virus does not affect both turkeys and chickens in the current genetic state and does not pose any potential risk to establish in both species of domestic poultry.

Vectors of emerging infectious diseases have expanded their distributional ranges in recent decades due to increased global travel, trade connectivity, and climate change. Transboundary range shifts, arising from the continuous movement of humans and livestock across borders, are of particular disease control concern. Several tick-borne diseases are known to circulate between eastern Uganda and the western counties of Kenya, with one fatal case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) reported in 2000 in Western Kenya. Recent reports of CCHF in Uganda have highlighted the risk of cross-border disease translocation and the importance of establishing inter-epidemic, early warning systems to detect possible outbreaks. We therefore carried out surveillance of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in three counties of western Kenya that neighbour Uganda. Ticks and other ectoparasites were collected from livestock and identified using morphological keys. The two most frequently sampled tick species were Rhipicephalus decoloratus (35%) and Amblyomma variegatum (30%), and Ctenocephalides felis fleas and Haematopinus suis lice were also present. In total 486 ticks, lice, and fleas were screened for pathogen presence using established molecular workflows incorporating high-resolution melting analysis and identified through PCR-sequencing of PCR products. We detected CCHF virus in Rh. decoloratus and Rhipicephalus sp. cattle ticks and 82 of 96 pools of Am. variegatum were positive for Rickettsia africae. Apicomplexan protozoa and bcteria of veterinary importance, such as Theileria parva, Babesia bigemina, and Anaplasma marginale, were primarily detected in rhipicephaline ticks. Our findings show the presence of several pathogens of public health and veterinary importance in ticks from livestock at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in western Kenya. Confirmation of CCHF virus, a Nairovirus that causes haemorrhagic fever with a high case fatality rate in humans, highlights the risk of under-diagnosed zoonotic diseases and calls for continuous surveillance and the development of preventative measures.

Pigs (Sus scrofa) may be important surveillance targets for risk assessment and risk-based control planning against emerging zoonoses. Pigs have high-contact rates with humans and other animals, transmit similar pathogens as humans including CoVs, and serve as reservoirs and intermediate hosts for notable human pandemics. Wild and domestic pigs both interface with humans and each other but have unique ecologies that demand different surveillance strategies. Three fundamental questions shape any surveillance program: where, when, and how can surveillance be conducted to optimize the surveillance objective? Using theory of mechanisms of zoonotic spillover and data on risk factors, we propose a framework for determining where surveillance might begin initially to maximize a detection in each host species at their interface. We illustrate the utility of the framework using data from the United States. We then discuss variables to consider in refining when and how to conduct surveillance. Recent advances in accounting for opportunistic sampling designs and in translating serology samples into infection times provide promising directions for extracting spatio-temporal estimates of disease risk from typical surveillance data. Such robust estimates of population-level disease risk allow surveillance plans to be updated in space and time based on new information (adaptive surveillance) thus optimizing allocation of surveillance resources to maximize the quality of risk assessment insight.

To investigate the epidemic profile and genetic diversity of porcine bocavirus (PBoV), 281 clinical samples including 236 intestinal tissue samples and 45 fecal samples were collected from diarrheal piglets in 37 different pig farms of central China, and two SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR assays were developed to detect PBoV1/2 and PBoV3/4/5 respectively. The results showed the detection limits of two assays were 1.66 × 101 genome copies/μl of PBoV1/2 and 3.3 × 101 copies/µL of PBoV 3/4/5. 148 (52.67%) of the 281 clinical samples were positive for PBoV1/2, 117 (41.63%) were positive for PBoV3/4/5, 55 (19.57%) were positive for both PBoV1/2 and PBoV3/4/5, and 86.49% (32/37) of the pig farms were positive for PBoV. Subsequently, complete genomic sequences of two PBoV strains (designated CH/HNZM and PBoV-TY) from two different farms were sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the two PBoV strains obtained in this study belonged to the PBoV2 group and had a close relationship with other 12 PBoV2 strains, but differed genetically from PBoV1, PBoV3/4/5 and 7 other bocaviruses. CH/HNZM and PBoV-TY were closely related to the PBoV strain GD18 (KJ755666) which may be derived from PBoV strains 0912/2012 (MH558677) and 57AT-HU (KF206160) through the recombination analysis. Compared with reference strain ZJD (HM053694)-China, a higher amino acid variation was found in the NS1 protein of CH/HNZM and PBoV-TY. These results extend our understanding of the molecular epidemiology and evolution of PBoV.

Rotaviruses (RVs) are a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in both animals and humans worldwide. According to the molecular and serological properties of Viral Protein 6 (VP6), RVs are classified into nine species or groups (RVA-RVD and RVF-RVJ). RVA, RVB and RVC are well-recognized as etiological agents of enteric disease on swine farms and have been identified in all countries with a relevant pork production. Contrarily, RVH has only been identified on swine farms from Japan and more recently from Brazil, USA, South Africa and Vietnam but not yet in Europe. The occurrence of RVH was investigated in 103 Spanish pig herds. Nine farms were positive and the complete nucleotide sequences were achieved for four RVH isolates. Mean nucleotide identities with the RVH sequences available in GenBak ranged between 69.4 and 93.7 %. Phylogenetically, all genomic segments of Spanish RVH isolates clustered closely with other porcine RVH strains but were distantly related to human RVH as well as bat RVH strain. Moreover, based on the available tentative genotyping system for RVH, a new genotype for VP7 was proposed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of RVH on swine farms in Europe including its characterization by means of complete genome sequencing.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection, is a multi-host disease which negatively affects the wildlife industry, with adverse consequences for conservation, ecotourism, and game/wildlife sales. Although interspecies transmission has been reported between some wildlife hosts, the risk of spread in complex ecosystems is largely unknown. As a controlled disease, tools for accurate detection of M. bovis infection is crucial for effective surveillance and management, especially in wildlife populations. There are however, limited species-specific diagnostic tests available for wildlife. Hippopotamuses are rarely tested for M. bovis infection and infection has not previously been confirmed in these species. In this study, blood and tissue samples collected from common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) residing in a bTB endemic area, the Greater Kruger Protected area (GKPA), were retrospectively screened to determine whether there was evidence for interspecies transmission of M. bovis, and to identify tools for M. bovis detection in this species. Using the multi-species DPP® VetTB serological assay, a bTB seroprevelance of 8% was found in hippopotamus from GKPA. In addition, the first confirmed case of M. bovis infection in a free-ranging common hippopotamus is reported, based on the isolation in mycobacterial culture, genetic speciation, and detection of DNA in tissue samples. Importantly, the M. bovis spoligotype (SB0121) isolated from this common hippopotamus is shared with other M. bovis-infected hosts in GKPA, suggesting interspecies transmission. These results support the hypothesis that M. bovis infection may be under recognized in hippopotamus. Further investigation is needed to determine the risk of interspecies transmission of M. bovis to common hippopotamus in bTB endemic ecosystems and evaluate serological and other diagnostic tools in this species.

Ebolavirus (EBOV) is responsible for several EBOV disease (EVD) outbreaks in Africa, with a fatality rate of up to 90%. During 2014-2016, An epidemic of EVD spread throughout Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, and killed over 11,000 people. EBOV began to circulate again in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018. Due to the need for a BSL-4 facility to manipulate this virus, the development and improvement of specific therapeutics has been hindered. As a result, it is imperative to perform reliable research on EBOV under lowered BSL restrictions. In this study, we developed a safe neutralization assay based on pseudotyped EBOV, which incorporates the glycoprotein of the 2014 EBOV epidemic strain into a lentivirus vector. Our results demonstrated that the tropism of pseudotyped EBOV was similar to that of authentic EBOV, but with only one infection cycle. And neutralizing activity of both authentic EBOV and pseudotyped EBOV were compared in neutralization assay using three different samples of antibody-based reagents against EBOV, similar results were obtained. In addition, an indirect ELISA was performed to show the relationship between IgG and neutralizing antibody against EBOV detected by our pseudotyped EBOV-based neutralization assay. As expected, the neutralizing antibody titers varied with the IgG titers detected by indirect ELISA, and a correlation between the results of the two assays was identified. By comparison with two different assays, the reliability of the results detected by the pseudotyped EBOV-based neutralization assay was confirmed. Collectively, in the absence of BSL-4 restrictions, pseudotyped EBOV production and neutralizing activity evaluation can be performed safely and in a manner that is neither labor- nor time-consuming, providing a simple and safe method for EBOV-neutralizing antibody detection and the assessment of immunogenicity of EBOV vaccines. All these remarkable advantages of the newly established assay highlight its potential to further application in assessment of immunogenicity of EBOV vaccine candidates.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has radically changed the sta tus quo of the global society. The fast spread of the new coronavirus is governed by nonlinear dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the complex dynamics inherent by the dissemination of COVID-19 into 27 Brazilian States. Because of this, we have investigated the time series of daily death caused by COVID-19. Our analysis taking into account the Bandt & Pompe method (BPM) to estimate the Information Theory quantifiers, the Permutation entropy (Hs), and the Fisher information measure (Fs). Based on the Information Theory quantifiers we build up the Shannon-Fisher causality plane, which made it possible to study the temporal evolution inherent of the phenomenology associated with the number of daily deaths by COVID-19, as well as their respective locations along the SFCP were mapped. Our results show that the number of death cases due to COVID-19 for Brazilian States present a dynamical behavior that tends to have their starting positions close to the lower-right region at the 2-D plane (Hs x Fs). Thus, the Brazilian States located in this region or its surroundings show high entropy and lowest disorder (highest efficiency). While the Brazilian States located in the middle region of the 2-D plane (Hs x Fs) or its surroundings are depicted by a less entropic and highest disorder (lowest efficiency). We also employed the Permutation entropy and the Fisher information measure to rank the conjuncture of the Brazilian States considering the number of daily death due to COVID-19 based on the complexity hierarchy. From a mathematical point of view, we found an inverse relationship between the Permutation entropy and Fisher information measure. Given this, we concluded that the higher value of the permutation entropy (Hs)the lower value related to the Fisher information measure (Fs).

Equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease affecting horses, is caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. We investigate antigen and antibody of EP in whole bloods and sera of horses in the Republic of Korea during 2016-2017. We collected 1,650 whole bloods and sera of horses in 16 regions and 222 farms to examine antigen and antibody of EP by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 18S rRNA gene and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. T. equi antigen and antibody was detected in 1 of 1,650 samples (0.06%). Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA revealed that T. equi was highly homologous with the strains from China, Mongolia, or Spain. At EP-positive ranch, 52 and 10 ticks were collected in 2016 and 2017, respectively. All of them were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis, but EP pathogens were not detected from the collected ticks. From 1,650 whole bloods, 2 of Theileria spp. were also detected and highly homologous with T. buffeli, T. luwehshuni, and T. orientalis group. EP infectious status was very low in Korea, and routine surveillance should be needed to attain the free status of EP in Korea.

Since 2017, duck spleen necrosis caused by a new variant duck orthoreovirus (N-DRV) infection had been observed in many provinces in China. This disease causes the growth and development of ducks to be retarded, and the feed return rate is reduced. Because the target organ of the disease is mainly the spleen, the immune suppression of the diseased ducks is easy to secondary infection of other pathogens. In this study, we successfully constructed a breeding duck artificial infection model and found that N-DRV infection can cause pathological changes such as ovarian hemorrhage, follicle atrophy, and fallopian tube bleeding in breeding ducks, resulting in a significant reduction in the fertilization rate and hatching rate of breeding eggs. The qPCR method was used to detect viral RNA in samples of egg vitelline membrane, duck embryo, and duckling’s spleen. It was found that viral RNA was present in the above samples. Although there were no obvious clinical symptoms in the early stage of ducklings, autopsy revealed obvious pathological changes in the spleen and other organs. The sequence distance and phylogenetic analysis of the strain re-isolated from the spleen samples of ducklings (named N-DRV-SD19) confirmed that N-DRV-SD19 was consistent with the strain N-DRV-XT18 used for the infection of the breeding ducks. The findings of the above research confirmed that N-DRV can be vertically transmitted through eggs, which will provide an important reference for the prevention and control of the disease.

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is a newly emerged circovirus discovered in 2016, and since then is threatening the swine industry worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the presence of different PCV3 strains in swine herds from Brazil. PCV3 was detected by qPCR in different samples from different life stages. Sequencing was performed with seventeen positive samples. This study reported the coinfection of different PCV3 strains in one animal. This study provides insights into the genetic diversity of PCV3 strains circulating in the Brazilian swine herds.

Conventional piglets were inoculated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through different routes, including intranasal, endotracheal, intramuscular and intravenous ones. Although piglets were not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and lacked lesions or viral RNA in tissues/swabs, seroconversion was observed in pigs inoculated parenterally (intramuscularly or intravenously).

Being able to link clinical outcomes to SARS-CoV-2 virus strains is a critical component of understanding COVID-19. Here we discuss how current processes hamper sustainable data collection to enable meaningful analysis and insights. Following ‘Fast Healthcare Interoperable Resource’ implementation guide, we introduce an ontology-based standard questionnaire to overcome these shortcomings and describe patient “journeys” in coordination with the World Health Organization. We identify steps in the clinical health data acquisition cycle and workflows that likely have the biggest impact in the data-driven understanding of this virus.

Letter to editor It has been demonstrated that the latest outbreak-causing novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) virus (2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2) invades human alveolar epithelial cells primarily by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ACE2 (Zhou et al., 2020). The SARS-CoV engages ACE2 for cellular entry to produce final infection (Hoffmann et al., 2020). Furthermore, Zhao et al documented that in human lungs, ACE2 is found primarily in alveolar epithelial cells of type II (AT2), indicating that this virus activates ACE2-positive AT2 cells to cause pneumonia (Zhao et al., 2020). Recently an epidemiological research indicated that certain patients with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit symptoms of severe liver injury (Chen et al., 2020). The investigators also established that ACE2 is significantly enriched in cholangiocytes by studying stable liver cells at single-cell resolution (Chai et al., 2020), depicting that the virus may bind ACE2-positive cholangiocytes directly causes dis-regulation result in liver function. Now the main question arises that why ACE2 is crucial for COVID-19 control and treatment strategies? Normally, ACE2 catalyzing the transformation of angiotensin-II into angiotensin-1–7. Angiotensin-II acts on angiotensin receptor-1(AT1) and controls the processes of vasoconstriction, apoptosis, proinflammatory changes, and fibrosis cycle, while angiotensin 1–7 acts on Mas receptors induces contrary symptoms (Paz Ocaranza et al., 2020 ). Thus any loss in the activity of ACE2 in the alveolar cells may increase the level of angiotensin II and result in acute respiratory distress. The expression of ACE2 is comparatively higher in lung and a study documented the protective role of ACE2 in lung injury (Imai et al., 2005). It was proved in a mice model that acidic gas inhaled by mice downregulated ACE2 and increased the level of Ang II in the lung and plasma of wild-type mice, and the levels of Ang II in the lung. Further, the research team found that recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2) protein action may reduce the plasma Ang II levels and reduce the risk of acute lung injury in ACE2 Knockout mice. The binding mode of COVID-19 virus with ACE2 and the clinical importance of renin-angiotensin System, revealed that this system is extensively involved in the pathology of COVID-19 (Gurwitz, 2020; Vaduganathan et al., 2020). Mostly the COVID-19 patients develop fever, inflammatory changes, and respiratory distress. It can be hypothesized that these changes might be due to lack of ACE2 and imbalance in renin-angiotensin system in the pulmonary interstitium. Furthermore, Gurwitz suggested that telmisartan as an alternative choice for treating COVID19 before the respiratory distress develops. Interestingly, Zhang et al. noticed a low fatality rate in COVID-19 hypertensive patients that were exposed to Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) than control ones (Zhang et al., 2020). Hoffmann and his co-workers proved that protease inhibitor-mediated blocking of Ace2 and Tmprss2 might be a target in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 (Hoffmann et al., 2020).Based on the above findings, we can speculate that the treatment strategies for COVID-19 may include recombinant ACE2 therapy, hormones such as estradiol, which increases the level of ACE2, and drugs that decrease the level of angiotensin II.Keywords: ACE2, Angiotensin II, Zoonosis, COVID19, therapeutic purpose

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complex and global problem. Despite the growing literature on AMR in the medical and veterinary settings, there is still a lack of knowledge and research on the wildlife compartment. The main aim of this study was to report the global trends in AMR research in wildlife, through a bibliometric study of articles found in the Web of Science database. A total of 214 articles were obtained, published between 1979 and 2019. A rising interest in the last decades towards this topic becomes evident. During this period, the scientific literature was distributed among a broad range of scientific fields, however it became more multidisciplinary in the last years with a change of the spotlight into the “One Health” paradigm. There was a geographical bias in the research outputs. Most published documents were indisputably from the United States, followed by Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom. The most productive institutions in terms of publication number were located in Portugal and Spain. An important level of international collaboration was identified. An analysis of the main keywords showed an overall dominance of “AMR”, “E. coli”, “genes”, “prevalence”, “bacteria”, “Salmonella spp.” and “wild birds”. This is the first study providing a global overview of the spatial and temporal trends of research related to AMR in wildlife. Given the growth tendency over the last years, it is envisaged that scientific production and research efforts will expand in the future. In addition to offering a broad view of the existing research trends, this study identifies research gaps both in terms of geographical incidence and also in relation to unexplored subtopics. Unearthing scientific areas that should be invested in and explored in the future is key to designing new strategic research agendas in AMR research in wildlife and to inform funding programs.

Objectives: The current study was carried out to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards Brucellosis in the people of Khyber Pukhtun Khwa Province, Pakistan. Study design: Cross-sectional study Material and methods: Total of 1600 participants belong to different professions, education level, locality and nature of contact with animals were selected by random sample method. The samples were selected from the Khyber Pakhtun Khwa province of Pakistan. Results: The findings of this study documented poor knowledge regarding brucellosis in the selected participants of current study. Although human and animal health professionals had sufficient knowledge about brucellosis, however no serious trends to control brucellosis were noticed even in health professionals. The unhygienic approach was observed in farmers regarding the handling animal and their products. Self medication approach was also documented in many participants which create antibiotic resistance. Conclusions: Based on the findings we noticed a lack of information regarding zoonotic diseases, health facilities and a weak bond between health and non-health professionals in KPK. Proper education and awareness is highly recommended on zoonotic diseases. Keywords: Zoonotic diseases, Brucellosis, Knowledge, Practices, Attitude

Inclusion body hepatitis and hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) associated with fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infections occurred worldwide. In this study, we confirmed an outbreak of HHS in captive peacocks in Henan Province, China. The causative agent fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) was isolated and designated HN19. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HN19 isolate was clustered in FAdV-C. Animal experiments showed that HN19 exhibited high pathogenicity to chickens. The findings suggested that the possibility risk of cross-host transmission of FAdV-4.