Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"A case of Setaria equina in a 13-year-old, UK-resident mare","authors":"S.R. Healy,&nbsp;D. Yaffy,&nbsp;H.G. Miller","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Setaria equina</em> is a species of filarial nematode parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, which infects horses and other equids. Adult worms reside in the abdominal cavity with apparently little pathogenic significance, but larvae can migrate to other regions of the body with resulting clinical disease. Cases in the UK are rare, with the last published report in 2001. A recent case of <em>S. equina</em> infection was detected in a 13-year-old, UK-resident mare during postmortem examination in Hertfordshire, UK. Adult worms were collected from the abdominal cavity, their DNA extracted and subjected to PCR and sequencing analysis for identity confirmation. Although rare, clinical seteriasis should be considered by clinicians, especially in ocular disease cases, even without overseas travel history.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101400"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Revealing the northern distribution of Trichinella chanchalensis: New geographic records from Nunavut and ecological perspectives","authors":"Cody J. Malone ,&nbsp;Naima Jutha ,&nbsp;Malik Awan ,&nbsp;Vladislav A. Lobanov ,&nbsp;Emily J. Jenkins","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101406","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101406","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trichinella</em> is a genus of foodborne nematode parasites that comprises 13 taxa. In northern Canada three taxa, <em>T. nativa</em>, T6, and the recently discovered <em>T. chanchalensis</em>, are commonly found in wild carnivores. These parasites are of public health concern, particularly in northern Canada, where human infection rates are markedly higher. Our first objective was to determine whether <em>T. chanchalensis</em>, reported in Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories (NT), is present in wolverines from Nunavut. Our second objective was to determine the prevalence of co-infections and competition among <em>Trichinella</em> spp. Tongue samples were collected from 100 wolverines, from Nunavut and NT. <em>Trichinella</em> spp. larvae were isolated using the artificial digestion method, quantified (calculated as larvae per gram of muscle, LPG), and identified using next-generation sequencing (NGS). <em>Trichinella</em> spp. larvae were detected in 76/100 (76 %) of wolverines, with higher prevalence and infection intensity in Nunavut (82 %, 16.7 LPG) than in NT (70 %, 8.0 LPG). We detected all three taxa in both territories, with co-infections more common in NT (90 %) than in Nunavut (68 %). We found no significant negative associations in the presence or abundance between <em>T. nativa</em> and T6, suggesting minimal competition in the host muscle tissue. We report a new geographic record for <em>T. chanchalensis</em> in Nunavut and demonstrate the utility of NGS for <em>Trichinella</em> spp. genotyping and detecting co-infections. Building on these findings and prior work, we propose hypotheses regarding the origin of <em>T. chanchalensis</em> and suggest approaches for clarifying the taxonomic status of T6.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101406"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetics of canine haemoprotozoan and rickettsial infections in southern India","authors":"Vidhya Venugopal ,&nbsp;P.M. Deepa ,&nbsp;V.N. Muhasin Asaf ,&nbsp;P. Neethu ,&nbsp;V.H. Shyma ,&nbsp;K.C. Bipin ,&nbsp;R.L. Rathish ,&nbsp;Chintu Ravisankar ,&nbsp;Biju Chacko","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Haemoprotozoan</em> infections pose significant health risks to dogs, especially in tropical regions. This study investigated the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of <em>Babesia gibsoni</em>, <em>Babesia vogeli</em>, <em>Hepatozoon canis</em>, <em>Ehrlichia canis</em>, <em>Anaplasma platys</em>, and <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. in 120 clinically affected dogs from southern India (November 2023–September 2024). Dogs exhibiting pyrexia, anorexia, and thrombocytopenia were screened via blood smear microscopy and PCR. <em>Babesia</em> spp. were most prevalent (66.7 %, 80/120), with co-infections of <em>B. gibsoni</em> and <em>B. vogeli</em> (76.3 % of <em>Babesia</em>-positive cases) being common. In contrast, <em>E. canis</em> (6/120, 5.0 %), <em>A. platys</em> (2/120, 1.7 %), and <em>H. canis</em> (2/120, 1.7 %) were detected at much lower rates; no <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. were found. Infected dogs were more often male and typically 1–3 years old, with a peak in cases during the pre-monsoon season (March–May). Tick infestation was frequently observed among cases. Clinically, affected dogs showed fever, pallor, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and dehydration. Haematological and biochemical analyses revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, elevated ALT, ALP, and bilirubin, and reduced total protein in infected dogs. Phylogenetic analysis of the amplified 18S and 16S rRNA gene sequences showed close relationships with strains from other Asian regions. Our findings highlight the high prevalence of multi-pathogen co-infections and underscore the need for improved diagnostic, treatment, and vector-control strategies. A One Health perspective is recommended to address the zoonotic risk of these tick-borne pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101399"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First report of Sarcocystis bovifelis-like sporocysts in the intestine of the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) in USA","authors":"Aditya Gupta ,&nbsp;Carolin Humpal ,&nbsp;Michelle Carstensen ,&nbsp;Benjamin M. Rosenthal ,&nbsp;Jitender P. Dubey","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Sarcocystis bovifelis</em> is a cattle parasite for which the domestic cat (<em>Felis catus</em>) is the only confirmed definitive host, and the role of wild felids in its transmission remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the presence and identity of <em>Sarcocystis</em> species in the intestinal tissue of a dead Canada lynx (<em>Lynx canadensis</em>) from Minnesota, USA, to assess whether this wild felid could serve as a definitive host. Approximately 30 cm of terminal ileum was examined microscopically for sporocysts, and DNA from sporocyst-positive material was assayed using <em>18S</em> rRNA and <em>28S</em> rRNA gene markers. Microscopy revealed the presence of <em>Sarcocystis</em> sporocysts, and BLAST analysis of both genetic loci showed 100 % identity with published <em>S. bovifelis</em> sequences. Because only two partial ribosomal markers were available, these results provide strong but not absolute evidence of a <em>S. bovifelis</em>-like parasite. These findings provide the first molecular indication of a <em>S. bovifelis</em>-like parasite in a Canada lynx and suggest, rather than confirm, that wild felids may participate in the natural transmission cycle of this species in the USA. Further studies involving additional wild hosts and broader geographic sampling are needed to confirm prevalence and clarify transmission pathways. This is also the first confirmation of <em>S. bovifelis</em> definitive host in the USA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101397"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Veterinarians' knowledge and practices on animal Tungiasis in Bahia State, Northeast Brazil","authors":"Jamille Bispo de Carvalho Teixeira ,&nbsp;Katharine Costa dos Santos ,&nbsp;Rebeca Costa Vitor ,&nbsp;Marina Cartagena Machado ,&nbsp;Adan William de Melo Navarro ,&nbsp;Thammy Vieira Bittar ,&nbsp;Chiara Boechat Salutto ,&nbsp;Laurence de Oliveira Carneiro ,&nbsp;Tatiani Vitor Harvey ,&nbsp;Paula Elisa Brandão Guedes ,&nbsp;Anaiá da Paixão Sevá ,&nbsp;Jorg Heukelbach ,&nbsp;Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tungiasis is a skin-related neglected tropical disease affecting vulnerable communities, with significant risk to both human and animal health. We investigated knowledge and practices of veterinarians in Bahia State, Brazil, regarding animal tungiasis. An online questionnaire was sent to 600 veterinarians, with a response rate of 209/600 (34.8%). A total of 197/600 (32.8%) questionnaires were valid and included in the analysis. The majority of veterinarians (158/190; 83.2%) self-reported knowledge about <em>Tunga</em> sp., 136/197 (69.0%) had previously treated animals with tungiasis, and 136/183 (74.3%) mentioned dogs as the most commonly affected species. Summer was considered as the season with highest incidences (76/197; 38.6%), and rural areas were the primary origin of affected animals (94/242; 38.8%). A total of 170/197 (85.3%) reported knowledge of transmission between animals and humans, and 139/197 (71%) had observed tungiasis lesions in humans. A total of 153/197 (77.7%) veterinarians answered that they had treated patients with tungiasis lesions in their clinical practice. Systemic nitenpyram was the most commonly used treatment. This study shows that tungiasis is a zoonotic disease of public health importance in Bahia State, and that the zoonosis is well known – but still neglected - by veterinarians. Veterinarians should consider tungiasis in their clinical practice. Intervention measures considering a multidisciplinary One Health Approach are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101394"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in reproductive tissues of companion animals from a municipal neutering program","authors":"Fernando Henrique Antunes Murata ,&nbsp;Jéssica Priscilla Barboza ,&nbsp;Carlos Alexandre Guimarães de Souza ,&nbsp;Daniel Abrahão ,&nbsp;Ubirajara Leoncy de Lavor ,&nbsp;Luiz Carlos de Mattos ,&nbsp;Chunlei Su ,&nbsp;Cinara Cássia Brandão","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a zoonotic parasite capable of infecting a wide range of warm-blooded hosts. Although the parasite has been found in various tissues, including reproductive organs, primarily in experimentally infected animals, its behavior in these tissues in naturally infected hosts remains poorly understood. Domestic dogs and cats are routinely neutered for population and disease control, with their reproductive tissues commonly discarded. This study aimed to investigate the presence of <em>T. gondii</em> in the testicles and uterus of domestic cats and dogs undergoing neutering at a zoonosis control center. Antibodies and titers against <em>T. gondii</em> were assessed in peripheral blood using the Modified agglutination test (MAT), while parasite detection was attempted through mouse bioassay and PCR. Antibodies were detected in 219 (22.6 %) of 967 animals, with the majority showing low to intermediate titers (≤1:400; 78.1 %). No viable <em>T. gondii</em> was isolated from mice, and no <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was detected in reproductive tissues. These findings contribute to the limited knowledge regarding <em>T. gondii</em> infection in reproductive tissues, particularly in naturally exposed animals, and highlight the need for further studies using complementary diagnostic approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101408"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First report of Chorioptes texanus (Acari: Psoroptidae) in Argentina","authors":"Sebastián Muchiut ,&nbsp;Oscar Anziani","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101393","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101393","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Argentina it has historically been assumed that <em>Chorioptes bovis</em> is the only species involved in clinical cases of bovine chorioptic mange. The aim of this communication is to present the first formal report based on morphometric studies of <em>C. texanus</em> in Argentina. Mange mites were collected through skin scrapings of areas with superficial dermatitis on adult dairy cows from three dairy farms located in Santa Fe, Entre Ríos and Córdoba provinces (Argentina). Clinical lesions were characterized by dermatitis located at the base of the tail and ischiorectal fossa, pruritus with hyperkeratosis and crust formation. The taxonomic determination was based on morphological characters. For species-level identification, adult male specimens were isolated from each sample and measurements were taken by using an image analysis software. Based on characteristics such as body length (243–275 μm), the bases of opisthosomal setae <em>h2</em> and <em>h3</em> positioned close to each other, and seta <em>ps2</em> (65–73 μm) being longer than <em>ps1</em> (28–30 μm). On tarsus III, the <em>f</em>III seta was bifurcate. Body length was 1.4 times longer than setae <em>cp</em>. A total of 34 male specimens were identified, all corresponding to <em>C. texanus</em>. The morphometric results of the present study closely align with those documents in the literature and constitute the first diagnoses of <em>C. texanus</em> parasitizing cattle in Argentina.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101393"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bovine coccidiosis: Retrospective study in Central Argentina","authors":"E.J. Vilatuña,&nbsp;G. Cantón,&nbsp;M.F. Ovelar,&nbsp;E. Morrell,&nbsp;M.M. Lloberas,&nbsp;J.A. García","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine coccidiosis is a gastrointestinal disease of cattle with worldwide distribution caused by protozoan parasites of the genus <em>Eimeria</em>. Bovine coccidiosis mainly affects calves worldwide, frequently triggered by stressful management events, with consequent impact on cattle production and economic outcome. Most reports are from subtropical to tropical regions, where environmental conditions favor continuous oocyst survival and dissemination. In the present study we describe 63 outbreaks of bovine coccidiosis that occurred in the central region of Argentina, recorded by the Veterinary Specialized Diagnostic Service (SDVE) INTA Balcarce. Epidemiological information and clinical signs were registered, and 43 necropsies from 35 outbreaks were performed, followed by histopathological evaluation. In addition, 192 fecal samples from 52 outbreaks were analyzed for oocysts per gram of feces and eggs per gram of feces quantification, for identification of <em>Eimeria</em> spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes, respectively. Outbreaks occurred throughout the year but occurred significantly more often in autumn and predominantly in cow-calf systems. Calves younger than 12 months were the most affected group, with outbreaks commonly associated to stress factors such as weaning, recent transportation, and overcrowding. Mean morbidity and mortality were 5.6 % and 2.6 %, respectively. Affected animals generally presented diarrhea containing blood and/or mucosal debris and nervous signs were frequently recorded. Gross findings included multifocal to coalescing segmental hemorrhages in the large intestine. Histopathological findings revealed diffuse necrotizing and mononuclear enteritis with abundant intraepithelial parasitic structures consistent with <em>Eimeria zuernii</em> and <em>E. bovid</em>. Oocyst counts in feces varied widely, from 0 up to 2,240,000 per gram. Overall, a high prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in central Argentina was evident, mostly under suboptimal husbandry conditions. The findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and pathology of the disease and may contribute to more effective diagnostic approaches and control strategies in cattle production systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101410"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection and genetic analysis of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella in ectoparasites from domestic dogs in Sinaloa, Mexico","authors":"Aramis Gurrola Ramírez ,&nbsp;Karla Rossanet Dzul Rosado ,&nbsp;Nohemí Castro del Campo ,&nbsp;Jesús José Portillo Loera ,&nbsp;Dina Ricardo-Caldera ,&nbsp;Jean Pierre González-Gómez ,&nbsp;Osvaldo López-Cuevas ,&nbsp;Hugo Brango ,&nbsp;Soila Maribel Gaxiola Camacho","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101392","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101392","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick- and flea-borne diseases, including rickettsiosis, bartonellosis, and ehrlichiosis, have increased in incidence globally in recent years, affecting both humans and animals. Although the circulation of these pathogens has been documented in Mexico, information from the state of Sinaloa remains limited. Despite environmental conditions that favor zoonotic transmission, the diversity of dog ectoparasites and the pathogens they harbor remains poorly studied. This study aimed to determine the frequency of the main ectoparasites infesting domestic dogs in Sinaloa, Mexico, and to molecularly and genetically identify <em>Rickettsia</em>, <em>Ehrlichia</em>, and <em>Bartonella</em> species harbored by these ectoparasites.</div><div>Ectoparasites were collected from dogs in rural, urban, and suburban communities. A total of 2060 specimens were obtained from 306 dogs, with <em>Rhipicephalus linnaei</em> (86.74 %) and <em>Ctenocephalides felis felis</em> (10.45 %) being the most prevalent species. Other ticks, including <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em>, <em>Amblyomma inornatum</em>, and <em>Dermacentor variabilis</em>; fleas (<em>Ctenocephalides canis</em>, <em>Pulex irritans</em>); and lice (<em>Heterodoxus spiniger</em>) were also identified.</div><div>The molecular prevalence of <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. was 8.57 % in ticks and 13.63 % in fleas. <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. was detected in 1.90 % of ticks, while <em>Bartonella</em> spp. was found in 9.09 % of fleas. Sequencing confirmed <em>Rickettsia felis</em> and <em>Bartonella clarridgeiae</em> in <em>C. felis</em>, and <em>Rickettsia rhipicephali</em> and <em>Ehrlichia canis</em> in <em>R. linnaei</em>. Factors associated with infestation included the dogs' living environment and frequency of outdoor activities.</div><div>These results confirm the presence of <em>Rickettsia</em>, <em>Ehrlichia</em>, and <em>Bartonella</em> in ticks and fleas parasitizing domestic dogs in Sinaloa. The detection of these pathogens highlights a potential public health risk and underscores the need to enhance epidemiological surveillance in areas where ecological conditions favor the transmission of these understudied zoonoses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101392"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A localised risk model for liver fluke infection","authors":"Jacob Priddle ,&nbsp;Darren Swindells ,&nbsp;Timothy Elliott ,&nbsp;Cameron Ralph ,&nbsp;Kalpani Ishara Duwalage ,&nbsp;Jessie Roberts ,&nbsp;Kerrie Mengersen","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Precise and focused risk assessments of liver fluke infection in cattle can be used to increase awareness and promote management uptake. However, accurate estimation of the risk of liver fluke infection in cattle is challenging. Liver fluke disease in adult cattle is typically sub-clinical — meaning infected animals often have no visible symptoms. This is exacerbated by the complex liver fluke life-cycle, which is highly sensitive to climate conditions and requires the presence of the intermediate snail host. The aim of this work was to create a predictive modelling tool that can be used to predict the location-specific risk of infection with respect to changing climate conditions. The study utilised processor data of over 4 million cattle processed between 2016 and 2020 at one of Australia’s largest processors. A binary indicator variable for liver fluke infection (liver fluke or no liver fluke) was observed at processing for each animal, with no further information as to when the infection may have occurred. We propose a spatio-temporal model to predict the risk of liver fluke infection, utilising location specific and time-varying covariates. The model output was used to create localised risk profiles for each Australian postcodes (a four-digit government allocated number used to identify postal delivery regions within Australia). Cross-validation results showed that both the Random Forest (RF) and Generalised Additive Model (GAM) performed comparably on test data, with the RF model slightly preferred for its ability to capture complex nonlinear patterns in liver fluke infection. Forecasts for 2022 reflected seasonal variation and demonstrated the potential utility of the model for informing targeted management decisions in high-risk, wetter regions. The work in this study can be used to help inform cattle producers about the risk of infection on their property.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101411"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}