E-ISSN: 3023-7378 Indexing: ERIH+

Volume 3 (2018) Archives

Explore all published peer-reviewed issues and multidisciplinary research from Volume 3.

Emerging Coronaviruses at the Animal-Human Interface: Surveillance, Reassortment, and Pandemic Preparedness
Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; School of Veterinary Medicine, Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract: The sustained emergence of zoonotic coronaviruses from wildlife reservoirs into domestic animal populations and human communities highlights the critical fragility of global health security. This paper examines the molecular mechanisms of cross-species transmission, viral recombination, and spike protein adaptation that facilitate coronavirus host-switching. By analyzing surveillance datasets from diverse bat species, live animal trading networks, and intermediate agricultural hosts, we map the evolutionary pathways leading to epizootic outbreaks and human epidemics. Metagenomic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses reveal that high viral diversity within fragmented natural habitats combined with dense animal holding conditions accelerates genetic reassortment. The study evaluates current diagnostic capabilities and underscores the imperative for proactive surveillance across wildlife-human interfaces rather than reactive containment. We propose an expanded One Health framework incorporating real-time virological monitoring, enhanced biosecurity standards in live animal markets, and international data-sharing protocols. Strengthening global preparedness against coronavirus spillover requires coordinated cooperation uniting virologists, ecologists, and public health officials.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Agricultural Soils: Persistence, Transport, and Environmental Risk Assessment
Department of Environmental Microbiology, University of Hohenheim, Germany; National Institute of Agricultural Research, INRA, Lyon, France

Abstract: The accumulation of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural soils amended with livestock manure and sewage sludge represents a silent ecological crisis with profound implications for human and environmental health. This investigation evaluates the persistence, vertical leaching, and horizontal transfer dynamics of tetracycline, sulfonamide, and macrolide resistance determinants across diverse soil types. Using quantitative PCR and high-throughput metagenomic profiling over a 12-month field trial, our findings demonstrate that heavy application of antibiotic-laden manure leads to long-term retention of ARGs in soil microbial communities long after parent antibiotic compounds have degraded. Furthermore, heavy precipitation events facilitate the runoff and subsurface transport of resistant bacterial strains into adjacent aquatic ecosystems. Soil microbial diversity analyses indicated that chronic exposure to veterinary pharmaceutical residues selectively enriches multi-drug resistant taxa while suppressing beneficial native microflora. We emphasize the urgent need for stringent regulatory limits on manure application rates, improved composting pretreatment standards, and comprehensive soil health monitoring programs. Safeguarding agricultural environments from resistome pollution is essential to preserving the efficacy of clinical antimicrobials.

Vector-Borne Pathogen Dynamics in Changing Landscapes: Deforestation and Arbovirus Amplification
Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Sweden; School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Anthropogenic landscape modifications, particularly tropical deforestation and agricultural expansion, drastically alter vector ecology and accelerate the transmission dynamics of arboviral diseases. This study explores the ecological mechanisms connecting forest fragmentation to the proliferation of generalist mosquito vectors and the subsequent amplification of dengue, yellow fever, and Oropouche viruses. Utilizing spatial satellite telemetry, mosquito trapping matrices, and vertebrate host blood-meal analyses across Amazonian and Southeast Asian deforestation fronts, we evaluate how edge effects and microclimatic shifts favor vector reproduction. Empirical results demonstrate that forest fragmentation reduces mammalian predator diversity while increasing the density of competent rodent and avian reservoir hosts, thereby concentrating transmission cycles near newly established human settlements. Multivariable regression models confirm that deforestation rates correlate positively with localized vector infection rates. The study highlights the necessity for integrated land-use planning and ecological restoration as core components of vector-borne disease prevention. Incorporating environmental conservation measures into public health policy provides a sustainable defense against emerging arboviral threats.

Aquaculture Wastewater Discharges and Ecotoxicological Impacts on Freshwater Benthic Communities
Department of Aquatic Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Japan; Institute of Inland Water Research, Leibniz-IGB, Berlin, Germany

Abstract: Intensified freshwater aquaculture operations generate significant volumes of nutrient-rich wastewater laden with unconsumed feed, faecal solids, prophylactic antibiotics, and therapeutic copper compounds, posing severe ecotoxicological risks to receiving aquatic ecosystems. This study assesses the spatial impact of aquaculture effluent discharges on benthic macroinvertebrate communities, sediment chemistry, and microbial enzymatic activities across multiple riverine networks. Water quality monitoring and sediment core analyses revealed pronounced organic enrichment, severe dissolved oxygen depletion, and high concentrations of bioavailable copper and oxytetracycline downstream from intensive fish farms. Benthic community assessments demonstrated a drastic reduction in sensitive taxa (such as Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera) and a parallel dominance of tolerant oligochaete species, signaling severe ecological degradation. Bioassays confirmed chronic toxic stress in native fish and invertebrate species exposed to sediment elutriates. We advocate for mandatory installation of mechanical and biological wastewater treatment systems in commercial aquaculture facilities, alongside stricter discharge standards. Aligning aquaculture production with ecological sustainability is essential to protecting freshwater biodiversity and water security.

Occupational Zoonotic Risks Among Small-Scale Dairy Farmers: Seroprevalence and Preventive Practices
Department of Veterinary Public Health, University of Nairobi, Kenya; School of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Uganda

Abstract: Small-scale dairy farming is vital for rural livelihoods in developing regions, yet farmers face persistent occupational exposure to classical zoonotic pathogens including *Brucella* species, *Coxiella burnetii*, and bovine leptospires. This cross-sectional study investigates the seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever among 600 smallholder dairy farmers and evaluates their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding occupational biosafety. Serum samples tested via ELISA and agglutination assays revealed cumulative seropositivity rates of 24.5% for brucellosis and 31.8% for Q fever. Structured questionnaires demonstrated that over 70% of participants regularly assisted with animal parturition without wearing protective gloves, consumed unpasteurized raw milk, and practiced unsafe placental disposal. Multivariable logistic regression identified lack of formal biosafety training and assisting with dystocia as primary risk factors for seropositivity. The findings expose critical gaps in rural extension services and veterinary public health outreach. We recommend targeted community education programs, accessible farmer vaccination initiatives for livestock, and improved milk pasteurization infrastructure to protect agrarian communities from preventable occupational infections.

Climate Change Impacts on Waterborne Pathogen Transport and Pediatric Gastroenteritis Outbreaks
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Patras, Greece; Institute of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract: Changing climatic patterns characterized by increased frequency of extreme rainfall events and prolonged droughts significantly exacerbate the mobilization and transport of waterborne enteric pathogens, elevating pediatric gastrointestinal disease burdens. This epidemiological and hydrological investigation analyzes the correlation between heavy precipitation anomalies, municipal drinking water turbidity spikes, and emergency hospital admissions for pediatric acute gastroenteritis across regional healthcare networks over a five-year period. Water sample assays confirmed elevated concentrations of *Cryptosporidium*, *Giardia lamblia*, and pathogenic *Escherichia coli* following storm surges that overwhelmed conventional municipal water treatment plants and rural septic systems. Time-series regression models demonstrated a statistically significant 4.2-fold surge in pediatric gastroenteritis hospitalizations within fourteen days following extreme flooding events. Vulnerability analyses highlighted aging water infrastructure and inadequate sanitation in peri-urban settlements as primary risk multipliers. We advocate for climate-resilient water infrastructure upgrades, real-time microbial sensor deployment, and enhanced community boil-water advisory mechanisms to protect vulnerable child populations from climate-driven waterborne health crises.

Micropollutants in Agricultural Irrigation Water: Uptake, Accumulation, and Dietary Exposure Risks in Crop Systems
Department of Agrochemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark; African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract: The utilization of treated and untreated municipal wastewater for agricultural irrigation in water-scarce regions introduces complex mixtures of emerging organic micropollutants—including pharmaceutical residues, personal care products, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals—into soil-crop systems. This study evaluates the root uptake, systemic translocation, and tissue accumulation of carbamazepine, diclofenac, and triclosan in edible leafy vegetables and root crops irrigated with effluent-amended water. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analyses of harvested crop tissues demonstrated measurable bioaccumulation of pharmaceutical residues, particularly in leafy brassicas grown in sandy loam soils. Estimated daily intake (EDI) calculations and target hazard quotient evaluations indicated potential dietary exposure risks for heavy consumers of raw agricultural produce. Physiological plant assays further revealed oxidative stress and inhibited chlorophyll synthesis in high-exposure cohorts. The findings demonstrate that agricultural water reuse policies must account for organic micropollutant persistence. We advocate for advanced tertiary wastewater treatment integration, improved soil-water monitoring, and revised irrigation guidelines to safeguard food safety and consumer health.

Comparative Immunology of Avian-to-Mammalian Influenza Spillover: Host Restriction Factors and Mutation Pathways
Department of Virology, Gamaleya Research Institute, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Immunology, Kyoto University, Japan

Abstract: Avian influenza viruses represent an ongoing pandemic threat through occasional interspecies transmission events into mammalian hosts, crossing formidable immunological and receptor-binding barriers. This study investigates the comparative innate immune responses and viral polymerase adaptations governing avian-to-mammalian influenza spillover. By analyzing hemagglutinin receptor binding profiles, sialic acid linkage preferences, and host restriction factor antagonism (such as ANP32A and MxA) across avian, swine, and human cellular models, we identify key genetic mutations required for efficient mammalian replication. In vitro infection assays demonstrate that specific amino acid substitutions in the PB2 and HA proteins significantly enhance viral replication kinetics at lower mammalian respiratory tract temperatures. Furthermore, evaluation of mucosal interferon signaling pathways revealed that virulent strains successfully suppress host innate defense mechanisms. The research underscores the critical importance of continuous virological surveillance in live bird markets and swine production facilities. Identifying molecular markers of mammalian adaptation is essential for early pandemic risk assessment and rapid intervention.

Microplastics and Associated Pathogens in Marine Shellfish: A One Health Assessment of Seafood Safety
Department of Marine Ecology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Oceanography, Xiamen University, China

Abstract: The global accumulation of microplastic particles in marine coastal waters has created a novel ecological niche known as the plastisphere, capable of concentrating and transporting human enteric pathogens into filter-feeding bivalves harvested for human consumption. This investigation evaluates microplastic ingestion rates and associated bacterial pathogen loads in commercially important mussel and oyster populations across urbanized estuarine bays. Utilizing Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, extracted microplastics and bivalve tissue homogenates demonstrated pervasive contamination, with high abundances of *Vibrio*, *Salmonella*, and pathogenic *Escherichia coli* strains colonizing plastic surfaces. Comparative survival assays indicated that pathogen persistence on microplastic surfaces significantly exceeded that in ambient seawater. Dietary exposure modeling highlights substantial public health risks for consumers of raw or lightly cooked shellfish. We advocate for stricter global plastic pollution control policies, integration of microplastic monitoring into routine seafood safety protocols, and enhanced wastewater treatment standards to protect marine food webs and human health.

Wildlife-Livestock Interface Dynamics: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Transmission Across Protected Area Boundaries
Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Infectious Diseases, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Abstract: The shared interface between protected wildlife reserves and adjacent agro-pastoral livestock farming communities presents persistent epidemiological challenges regarding the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). This study examines the spatial overlap, contact behaviors, and viral transmission pathways between free-ranging African buffalo populations and domestic cattle herds along national park boundary zones. GPS telemetry tracking of wildlife movements combined with viral serotyping, molecular sequencing, and livestock vaccination coverage audits revealed that communal grazing practices and shared water sources serve as primary transmission conduits. Phylogenetic analysis of FMDV isolates confirmed identical viral topotypes circulating in both wildlife and livestock hosts, validating interspecies transmission. Economic impact assessments demonstrated severe agricultural losses and trade embargoes resulting from regional outbreaks. We emphasize the necessity for science-based buffer zone management, including double-fencing maintenance, restricted watering access, and synchronized livestock vaccination campaigns. Balancing wildlife conservation with agricultural biosecurity is paramount for sustainable rural economies.

Urban Heat Islands and Vulnerable Populations: Assessing Physiological Heat Stress and Cardiovascular Morbidity
Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Health, Politecnico di Milano, Italy; Institute of Public Health, University of Melbourne, Australia

Abstract: Rapid urbanization and the replacement of natural vegetation with heat-absorbing artificial surfaces have intensified urban heat island (UHI) phenomena, precipitating severe physiological heat stress and escalating cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity among vulnerable urban residents. This multidisciplinary study integrates thermal infrared remote sensing, microclimate sensor networks, and emergency medical dispatch records to evaluate the spatial distribution of heat-related illness during extreme summer heatwave events across major metropolitan areas. Empirical findings demonstrate that high-density, low-vegetation urban districts exhibit surface temperatures up to 6.2°C higher than surrounding rural baselines, directly corresponding to clustered spikes in emergency cardiac hospital admissions among elderly and socioeconomically disadvantaged cohorts. Spatial equity analyses reveal that neighborhoods lacking adequate urban green infrastructure experience disproportionate health burdens. We advocate for municipal policy interventions mandating urban forestry expansion, cool-roof retrofitting, and equitable green space distribution. Integrating microclimatic environmental planning into urban governance is vital for building climate-resilient and healthy metropolitan environments.

Mycotoxin Contamination in Animal Feed Inventories and Carryover Dynamics in Dairy Production Systems
Department of Veterinary Food Hygiene, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany

Abstract: Climate anomaly-induced weather extremes, including unseasonal humidity and prolonged droughts during cereal grain maturation, have accelerated fungal proliferation and mycotoxin contamination in livestock feed inventories globally. This toxicological investigation examines the prevalence of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and deoxynivalenol in dairy cattle total mixed rations (TMR) and quantifies the subsequent carryover rates of mycotoxins and their hydroxylated metabolites into raw milk and dairy products. Feed and milk samples collected from 200 commercial dairy farms were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results confirmed widespread co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in stored silage, with detectable levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) exceeding European Union regulatory thresholds in 11% of milk samples derived from herds fed improperly stored forage. Chronic dietary exposure to AFM1 poses established carcinogenic and hepatotoxic risks to human consumers. The study demonstrates that mycotoxin mitigation requires rigorous pre-harvest crop protection, advanced anti-fungal feed additives, and strict supply-chain screening. Protecting consumer health necessitates a cohesive One Health approach uniting agricultural feed management with veterinary food safety oversight.

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Polluted Agricultural Soils: Plant-Rhizobacteria Synergies and Food Safety Restoration
Department of Environmental Science, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Institute of Soil Science, University of Athens, Greece

Abstract: Soil contamination by toxic heavy metals resulting from industrial effluents, mining operations, and agrochemical misuse poses a severe threat to global agricultural productivity and food safety. This experimental study evaluates the efficacy of phytoremediation utilizing hyperaccumulating plant species inoculated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to enhance the extraction and stabilization of cadmium, lead, and nickel in chronically polluted agricultural soils. Microcosm pot trials and field plot experiments monitored plant biomass production, metal translocation factors, and shifts in soil microbial community structure over two consecutive growing seasons. Inoculation with specialized bacterial strains (*Pseudomonas putida* and *Bacillus subtilis*) significantly enhanced root elongation and phytoextraction efficiency by solubilizing bound metal fractions through organic acid exudation. Metagenomic sequencing revealed complete restoration of beneficial microbial functional diversity following successful contaminant reduction. The research demonstrates that harnessing plant-microbiome synergies provides an ecofriendly, cost-effective technology for reclaiming degraded agricultural soils. Integrating phytoremediation into regional land management policies bridges environmental engineering, soil science, and sustainable agriculture.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Practice: A Multi-Country Survey Analysis
Department of Veterinary Economics and Ethics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Netherlands

Abstract: Mitigating global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) depends heavily on prudent antibiotic prescription and administration practices among veterinary practitioners across livestock and companion animal sectors. However, clinical decision-making is frequently influenced by complex socioeconomic pressures, client expectations, financial incentives, and perceived disease risks. This cross-national survey analysis examines the behavioral, economic, and institutional determinants of veterinary antibiotic stewardship among 1,800 licensed practitioners across diverse agricultural economies. Structured questionnaires and clinical case vignettes revealed that empirical broad-spectrum antimicrobial prescribing remains widespread, particularly in intensive livestock sectors driven by commercial client pressure and lack of rapid diagnostic tools. Conversely, veterinarians operating under strict national regulatory frameworks and supported by continuous professional education demonstrated high adherence to evidence-based stewardship guidelines. Statistical modeling indicates that financial dependency on pharmaceutical sales and fear of client attrition are primary barriers to prudent prescribing. We recommend structural policy reforms decoupling veterinary income from drug sales, expanding access to rapid point-of-care diagnostics, and instituting harmonized international stewardship training programs.