Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Eucoleus boehmi in dogs: Anthelmintic treatment challenges and impact on olfactory capacity","authors":"Nathan D. Mitchell ,&nbsp;Jenna D. Balk ,&nbsp;Jake Hughes ,&nbsp;Priscila Soto Nauto ,&nbsp;Joseph Rossi ,&nbsp;Caroline Sobotyk ,&nbsp;Robert Valeris-Chacin ,&nbsp;Roger Ramirez-Barrios","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nasal capillarid <em>Eucoleus boehmi</em> has gained importance in the veterinary field in recent years. However, much is still unknown regarding its life cycle, geographic distribution, and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three commercial anthelmintic products against <em>E. boehmi</em> in foxhound dogs and to assess the olfactory capacity of infected individuals. The treatment protocols included moxidectin/imidacloprid (MI) and pyrantel pamoate/febantel/praziquantel (PFP), separately and combined, as well as emodepside/praziquantel (EP) alone. Fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) were performed using the mini-FLOTAC technique for evaluating the anthelmintic efficacy. The olfactory capacity was assessed through a natural detection task method. In the first phase, the fecal egg count reduction (FECR) values at day 11 post-treatment (PT) were 58 % (95 % CI: 31 %-77 %) for MI, 35 % (95 % CI: 16 %-65 %) for PFP, and 84 % (95 % CI: 68 %-92 %) for EP. On day 33 PT, the fecal egg count (FEC) was higher in all animals compared with day 0. One month after finishing the first phase of the study, a second phase of the trial was performed, and eligible animals were treated either with a combination of MI/PFP or EP alone. On day 13 PT, FECR was 95 % (95 % CI: 78 %-100 %) in animals treated with MI/PFP and 89 % (95 % CI: 77 %-94 %) in animals that received EP. While EP demonstrated moderate efficacy in both phases, MI and PFP products were ineffective individually but achieved high efficacy when used together. In the olfactory function assessment, there was a moderate negative correlation between the egg counts and the performance of the dog in the test. In general, lower FEC were associated with better performance in the olfactory assessment. Further studies are needed to evaluate additional anthelmintics’ efficacy, and to further understand the effect of <em>E. boehmi</em> on a dog’s olfactory capacity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative evaluation of an AI-based counting system (OvaCyte™) and the McMaster counting method for quantification of strongyle eggs in sheep faeces","authors":"Giulio Grandi ,&nbsp;Jaroslav Vadlejch ,&nbsp;Johan Höglund","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We compared an artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology (OvaCyte™, OC) for the enumeration of strongyle eggs in sheep faeces with the McMaster method (MM). Initially, two experiments were performed with faeces containing pure <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> eggs. In experiment A, faeces containing three egg concentrations were processed using OC (extended and standard mode) in parallel with MM. In experiment B, faeces were spiked with different amounts of eggs. Secondly, samples from naturally infected sheep were analysed. Overall, EPG values in experiment A were consistent across all replicates at each dilution. Accuracy was particularly good for the AI-method (mean OC=72 %, mean MM=45 %), and it also achieved the highest precision (CV 5.6–40 %). In experiment B, as in experiment A, within replicate variability was observed at for both methods all concentrations. Although there were no significant differences between sample means, precision and the number of egg-positive samples was higher for OC. Finally, analysis of both experimental (r = 0.98) and field samples (r = 0.93) showed a strong positive correlation between OC and MM. OC also yielded a higher proportion of positive samples than MM in the field study OC provided a higher proportion of positive samples than MM. This study is the first comparison of OC and MM using both experimental and field-based data. In contrast to previous studies, our analysis was based on identical sample preparations that were processed in parallel using both methods. Although the results show strong agreement between methods, some limitations of OC were noted. These limitations can probably be overcome by further refinement of the AI model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110533"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an enzyme immunoassay employing low molecular weight recombinant Ag1 and Ag1V1 proteins of cystic fluid for the serodiagnosis of porcine cysticercosis","authors":"Siju Susan Jacob,&nbsp;Pinaki Prasad Sengupta,&nbsp;Samer Shamshad,&nbsp;S. Sudhagar,&nbsp;A.G. S. Chandu,&nbsp;S.S. Patil,&nbsp;S.Madhaba Maharana","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Taenia solium</em> cysticercosis is one of the neglected tropical diseases with public health importance especially in developing countries across the globe. Pigs serve as the intermediate host in the life cycle of <em>T.solium</em> and acts as a major source of infection to humans. Detecting the infection in pigs is extremely important in controlling the transmission in humans. In this study, the two low molecular weight antigens (Ag1 and Ag1V1) of <em>T. solium</em> cysticerci were cloned, sequenced and analyzed. After sequence confirmation, the purified PCR products were ligated into pET 32b expression vector and the recombinant proteins were expressed in prokaryotic expression system. The purified recombinant proteins were characterized by Western blotting using the hyperimmune sera raised against cyst fluid antigens. Further, the present study was aimed to develop enzyme linked immuno sorbent assays (ELISA) using recombinant Ag1 and Ag1V1 antigens. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay using Ag1 remained 95.3 % and 91.7 %, respectively and using Ag1V1 they were 93.7 % and 97.9 %, respectively, when compared with cystic fluid antigen. The weighted Cohen’s kappa was recorded as 0.726 (95 % CI 0.588–0.865) for Ag1 Ag1 based ELISA and 0.847 (95 % CI 0.738–0.955) for the Ag1V1 based one. Hence, the developed assay can be exploited as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and sero-surveillance of porcine cysticercosis and thereby the high-risk areas can be identified to implement strategic control measures. However, as it is a preliminary study, further confirmation by assessment of infected and non-infected free roaming pig serum samples will reveal the clearer picture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110532"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144331158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fluazuron efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) in cattle: Systemic exposure and pattern of tick drug uptake","authors":"Macarena Sarli ,&nbsp;María Victoria Rossner ,&nbsp;María Victoria Miró ,&nbsp;Carlos Lanusse ,&nbsp;Lautaro Segovia Stefani ,&nbsp;Norma Cabaña ,&nbsp;Santiago Nava ,&nbsp;Adrián Lifschitz","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aims of this work were to evaluate the relevance of the tick attachment site on the host’s body in the fluazuron (FZN) uptake by ticks through direct contact, characterizing the early distribution of the drug through the skin and adipose tissue of different anatomical regions. Additionally, characterize how the systemic exposure (plasma availability) of FZN affects its efficacy against <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em>. Five heifers were experimentally infested with <em>R. microplus</em> larvae and topically treated with FZN. Ticks exposed (TE) to direct topical contact with the drug—either in the dorsal (DTE) or ventral (VTE) areas of each heifer's body—or not exposed (TNE), were collected at 12 and 24 h post-treatment (PT). Skin and adipose tissue biopsies were taken at 12 h, 1 day and 10 days PT. Fluazuron concentrations in plasma, tissues and ticks were measured HPLC. Tick counts were performed from day 0 to day 38 PT. Mean FZN concentrations were similar in DTE and VTE and significantly higher than in TNE at 24 h PT. Dorsal and ventral skin samples showed comparable FZN levels. The area under the plasma concentration–time curves (AUC)₀₋₃₁ ranged from 589 to 1276 ng⋅d/mL. A negative correlation was observed between FZN plasma AUC_3–17 and tick counts at day 17 PT. Results confirm that FZN is absorbed through the tick’s integument by direct contact independently of the attachment site. Fluazuron plasma concentrations of 20–25 ng/mL appear necessary to achieve optimal efficacy. Inter-animal variability in FZN exposure after topical application affects treatment efficacy against cattle ticks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110531"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144331145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oxidative and inflammatory status, daily weight gain, intake and feed efficiency on natural congenitally Neospora caninum infected dairy calves","authors":"Evangelina Miqueo ,&nbsp;Micaela Solange Cruz ,&nbsp;Dadin Prando Moore ,&nbsp;Lucía María Campero","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explored the effect of <em>Neospora caninum</em> infection on oxidative and inflammatory status in newborn dairy calves and the relationship between antibody levels in dairy cows and congenital transmission. The study involved 59 cow-calf pairs from a dairy herd in Mar y Sierras Basin, Argentina. Calf performance metrics (total intake, daily weight gain, feed efficiency, and fecal consistency) were recorded. Serum samples from cows were collected prepartum, and from calves at birth (pre-colostrum), 7, 14, and 63 days of birth to assess <em>N. caninum</em> antibodies and oxidative status. No differences in total intake, daily weight gain, feed efficiency, or fecal score were observed between <em>N. caninum</em> infected and non-infected calves. Similarly, total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and haptoglobin levels did not differ between groups. Among the 59 cows evaluated, 17 tested seropositive for <em>N. caninum</em>. Of these, 15 gave birth to <em>N. caninum</em> seropositive calves, corresponding to a vertical transmission rate of 88.2 %. Among these cows, higher relative index percentage (RIPC) values were associated with successful vertical transmission (mean RIPC 69.8 vs. 7.8; p = 0.01). Congenitally infected calves also had higher RIPC values compared to those that seroconverted postnatally (mean RIPC 32 vs 17.4; p = 0.02). The absence of oxidative stress differences suggests parasite adaptation in congenitally infected calves without clinical signs. This study highlights a substantial transplacental transmission linked to higher RICP in seropositive cows and limited exposure to <em>N. caninum</em> during the artificial rearing. Results emphasize two factors: higher antibody levels correlated with congenital transmission and the absence of horizontal transmission during dairy calf rearing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144298559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring medicinal plants for antiparamphistomiasis: A scoping review of pharmacological insights and methodologies","authors":"Iman Surya Pratama ,&nbsp;Wisnu Nurcahyo ,&nbsp;Enade Perdana Istyastono ,&nbsp;Triana Hertiani","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Paramphistomiasis, a neglected infectious disease affecting ruminants, leads to significant productivity losses. The limitations of current antitrematodal agents and emerging anthelmintic resistance highlight the need for alternative treatments, including those derived from medicinal plants. Pharmacological screening plays a crucial role in the discovery and development of natural products for antiparamphistomiasis. This scoping review summarises the methodological aspects used in pharmacological screening studies of medicinal plants for antiparamphistomiasis. Eligible studies included original research articles involving <em>in vitro</em>, <em>in vivo</em>, and <em>in silico</em> methodologies, published in English without year restrictions. Studies focusing on diagnostics, epidemiology, synthetic agents, or feed supplementation were excluded. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus using the keywords <em>Paramphistomum</em>, <em>pharmacological screening</em>, and <em>medicinal plant</em> research. The search, carried out between 11 December 2023 and 31 December 2024, identified 45 articles. Data were extracted using standardised tables covering the test compound, methodological aspects (study design, assay techniques, reporting standards), and study outcomes. A framework analysis categorised methodological element into inputs, processes, and outputs. The findings revealed that the test compounds included plant extracts, fractions, isolates, herbal preparations, and nanoparticles. Common screening methods included the Adult Motility Assay (AMA), Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT), and molecular docking. However, considerable heterogeneity in study design, implementation, and reporting contributed to bias, particularly within <em>in vivo</em> studies. The review highlights the need for more integrated and standardised research frameworks to advance natural products as alternative therapies for antiparamphistomiasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110522"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144470829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A blending-based therapeutic strategy using diaryl dichalcogenides and ivermectin against gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants","authors":"Irineu Romero-Neto ,&nbsp;Júlia Dall’Anese ,&nbsp;Tay Zugman ,&nbsp;Eduarda Proença ,&nbsp;Alda Lúcia Gomes Monteiro ,&nbsp;Leandro Piovan ,&nbsp;Marcelo Beltrão Molento","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections have a significant impact on small ruminants worldwide. The widespread multidrug resistance in nematodes has led to the investigation of novel compounds. The present study aimed to investigate the <em>in vitro</em> effect of recently synthesized diaryl dichalcogenides: diacetal ditelluride (LQ07), diacetal diselenide (LQ62), and diacetyl diselenide (LQ68), individually and in combination with ivermectin (IVM) against GIN, predominantly <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> (78 %). The compounds were tested through the egg hatch (EHT) and the larval migration inhibition test (LMIT). Cell death and viability assays were employed to investigate the mode of action of the compounds on treated infective third-stage free-living larvae (L3) with propidium iodide (PI). A concentration-dependent ovicidal and larvicidal effect was observed for all tested compounds. The egg hatch inhibitory effect was more potent for LQ68 and IVM, with an inhibitory concentration of 50 % (IC₅₀) of 0.47 mmol L⁻¹ and 0.44 mmol L⁻¹, respectively. LQ62 exhibited the most potent larvicidal activity (IC₅₀ of 0.90 mmol L⁻¹). Mechanistic experiments revealed no significant alterations in the levels of reactive oxygen and nitric oxide species. Even though PI demonstrated distinct patterns of transcuticular diffusion and identified the most susceptible tissues for each compound. Variations in the compounds’ activity depended on the developmental stage of the parasites. Blending IVM with organochalcogen compounds (OCs) showed an additive effect of up to 34 %, contributing to developing novel blending-based therapeutic strategies. A distinctive mechanism of action of the OCs can also be an advantage in controlling multidrug-resistant parasites of ruminants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lipid profiling of Toxoplasma tachyzoites and the mouse host","authors":"Lijun Shi,&nbsp;Lin Liang,&nbsp;Wenchao Li,&nbsp;Cun Liu,&nbsp;Kun Han,&nbsp;Xinghui Zhao,&nbsp;Zhanzhong Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Our understanding of lipids in <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> and its host is incomplete. This study aimed to analyze phospholipids and sphingolipids in tachyzoites and mice. RH strain tachyzoites were cultured and purified. Models using BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with tachyzoites or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were developed and evaluated. Samples were analyzed with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method. In tachyzoites, phospholipids [phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylcholine (PC), oxidized PC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylserine (PS)], lysophospholipids (LPLs)[lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG), lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), and lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS)], fatty acids (FAs) and their metabolites [arachidonic acid (20:4 AA), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 DHA), prostaglandins, epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET), and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHET)], were detected, suggesting de novo synthesis, PC oxidation, phospholipase action, and metabolism of FAs. Sphingolipids [ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelin (SM)] were also detected in the tachyzoites. In mice, the histopathological changes in the tissues and plasma, are thought to be associated with changes in phospholipids and sphingolipids at the local and circulating levels. These changes create a parasitized microenvironment for <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>. Current evidence suggests that 16:0 20:4 PC, 16:0 22:6 PC, 18:0 22:6 PE, 16:0 22:6 PI, 22:6 DHA, d18:1 23:0 SM, 16:0 Cer and 16:0 cerebroside (16:0 Cb) are important as potential biomarkers and targets of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> infection. Overall, the comprehensive and comparative profiling of lipids in tachyzoites and the mouse host has been achieved, contributing to the understanding of <em>Toxoplasma</em> lipid biology and the exploration of strategies against toxoplasmosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110526"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consumption and effectiveness of anthelmintic-medicated block supplements for the treatment of trichostrongyle nematodes in a northern Great Plains Bison Herd","authors":"Michael B. Hildreth ,&nbsp;John B. McKenzie ,&nbsp;Matthew A. Branan ,&nbsp;Tseganesh T. Hailemariam ,&nbsp;Jeff M. Martin","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In high numbers, trichostrongyle nematodes decrease productivity and cause health problems in ruminants including North American bison (<em>Bison bison</em>). Treatment strategies used to limit their impact in cattle are also being used by bison producers, including free-choice group-treatments either as the sole option or in combination with squeeze chute treatments. There have been no published studies evaluating the efficacy of free-choice anthelmintic strategies for bison under pasture conditions, and so the present study evaluated the effectiveness of fenbendazole-medicated multinutrient blocks using 56 pastured bison from South Dakota that were naturally infected with trichostrongyles. Consumption comparisons between non-medicated protein-based multinutrient blocks and those based on molasses found that bison eventually consumed roughly similar amounts, but that consumption increased more quickly for the protein-based blocks. Therefore, Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole) Free-choice Protein Blocks were used for the efficacy study and were added to the pasture for 10 days. Consumption rates were similar to non-medicated rates and consistent with recommendations for cattle. Based upon 154 pre-treatment and 168 post-treatment fecal samples collected daily for 7 days before and 7 days after treatment, there was a 95 % reduction (with 90 % confidence interval ranging from approximately 90–98 %) in fecal egg counts resulting from the treatment. This study showed that substantial trichostrongyle reductions can be achieved among grazing plains bison herds through the use of Safe-Guard® blocks. While effective, the increased risk for developing anthelmintic resistance from chronic underdosing requires that free-choice products be used only occasionally to solve health issues until management strategies can be improved.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110521"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144280792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Smart farming with AI: Enhancing anemia detection in small ruminants","authors":"Aftab Siddique ,&nbsp;Sophia Khan ,&nbsp;Thomas H. Terrill ,&nbsp;Ajit K. Mahaptra ,&nbsp;Sudhanshu S. Panda ,&nbsp;Eric R. Morgan ,&nbsp;Andres A. Pech-Cervantes ,&nbsp;Reginald Randall ,&nbsp;Anurag Singh ,&nbsp;Phaneendra Batchu ,&nbsp;Priyanka Gurrapu ,&nbsp;Jan A. van Wyk","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate classification of FAMACHA© scores is essential for assessing anemia in small ruminants and optimizing parasite management strategies in livestock agriculture. The FAMACHA© system categorizes anemia severity on a scale from 1 to 5, where scores 1 and 2 indicate healthy animals, score 3 represents a borderline condition, and scores 4 and 5 indicate severe anemia. In this study, a dataset of 4700 images of the lower eye conjunctiva of young male goats was collected weekly over six months using a Samsung A54 smartphone. Traditional FAMACHA© assessment methods rely on subjective visual examination, which is labor-intensive and susceptible to observer bias. To address this limitation, this study implemented machine learning algorithms to automate FAMACHA© classification, leveraging Support Vector Machine (SVM), Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models. A comparative analysis of these models was conducted using precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy metrics. The CNN model demonstrated the highest classification accuracy (97.8 %), outperforming both BPNN and SVM. The SVM model achieved a mean accuracy of 84.6 %, with strong performance in severe anemia detection, but limitations in intermediate classes. The overall accuracy of 84 % attained by the BPNN model provided a balanced tradeoff between precision and recall. The CNN model’s superior performance was attributed to its ability to learn spatial and contextual patterns from images, ensuring robust classification across all FAMACHA© categories. These findings underscore CNN’s potential as a reliable, scalable solution for automated anemia detection in livestock, facilitating early intervention and improving herd health management. The study also highlights the need for future research to explore ensemble learning approaches and integration with mobile applications for real-time deployment for both commercial and resource-limited livestock producers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"338 ","pages":"Article 110525"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}