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        <title>Frontiers in Veterinary Science | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Veterinary Science | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-08-15T06:55:28.816+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1857440</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1857440</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Carbohydrate source modulates protein and amino acid digestibility patterns in domestic cats]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Woong Ji Lee</author><author>Eun Ryul Oh</author><author>Jun-Hyeong Seo</author><author>Yangseon Kim</author><author>Sung Ho Lee</author><author>Hyun-Jun Jang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Domestic cats are obligate carnivores with high dietary protein requirements, yet carbohydrates remain functionally necessary in extruded dry foods. Because carbohydrate matrices may be associated with nutrient accessibility during digestion, this study evaluated whether defined protein- and carbohydrate-source formulations are associated with nutrient and amino acid apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) in cats. A total of 117 Korean short-haired domestic cats were enrolled and underwent a two-week adaptation period before digestibility evaluation. Twelve diets were formulated to compare six protein sources (chicken, duck, salmon, pollock, beef, and cricket) using rice as a reference carbohydrate source and six carbohydrate sources (rice, corn, potato, tapioca, sweet potato, and wheat) using chicken as a reference protein source. ATTD of nutrients and amino acids was measured, and an efficiency ratio (ER) was calculated as an exploratory descriptive ratio reflecting the relationship between crude protein ATTD and the carbohydrate digestibility denominator. Among protein sources, duck, chicken, and salmon showed the highest protein digestibility (86.36, 85.72, and 83.05%, respectively), whereas beef and cricket showed lower values (74.77 and 74.97%). Among carbohydrate sources, rice and corn showed higher protein digestibility (85.72 and 76.82%, respectively) than wheat, tapioca, potato, and sweet potato (75.23, 74.49, 72.52, and 72.04%, respectively) within the tested chicken-based formulations. Although rice showed the lowest carbohydrate digestibility (7.71%), it yielded the highest ER (11.12), reflecting high crude protein ATTD relative to the carbohydrate digestibility denominator rather than direct evidence of protein utilization efficiency. Seven candidate indicator amino acids (Ala, Ser, Val, Thr, His, Phe, and Ile) were identified based on their strong linear agreement with crude protein ATTD across both source categories. Exploratory group-level regressions showed positive associations between ER and selected candidate amino acid ATTD values, with the strongest relationships observed for Phe (R2 = 0.89), Ala (R2 = 0.87), and Ile (R2 = 0.85). These findings suggest that carbohydrate source may be associated with protein and amino acid ATTD within fixed-matrix feline diet formulations. However, ER should be interpreted as a preliminary, matrix-sensitive descriptive index requiring further validation rather than as a direct measure of protein bioavailability or post-absorptive amino acid utilization.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1912728</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1912728</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Mitigating antimicrobial resistance in the animal industry: reduction strategies and alternatives to antibiotics]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Hanan Al-Khalaifah</author><author>Tahani Al-Surrayai</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a worldwide issue of human and animal health, food security, and environmental sustainability due to its seriousness and the challenge of resolving it. Widespread utilization of antibiotics in the animal industry for metaphylactic, therapeutic, production, and prophylactic purposes has significantly contributed to the spread and emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Food- producing animals are also deemed as good reservoirs of “antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and antimicrobial- resistant bacteria (ARB)” that may contaminate humans through the food chain, environmental pathway, and direct contact. Moreover, the discharge of antibiotic residues into the soil and water systems enhances selective pressure among microbial communities, making AMR a nature of One Health. This review summarizes the major strategies to reduce antibiotics use in the animal industry, which include: better husbandry and biosecurity measures, vaccination, wise use of antimicrobials, manure and environmental management. Special attention is given to non-antibiotic options like probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenic compounds, organic acids, immunomodulators, and other feed-based or biological interventions that are emphasized to maintain animal health and productivity while reducing antibiotic use. Through a combination of these strategies in a One Health paradigm, this review outlines feasible and viable solutions to help curb the problem of AMR in the animal sector. Findings highlight the importance of concerted action by producers, veterinarians, policymakers, and researchers to decrease the reliance on antibiotics and protect human health and animal production systems.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1889657</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1889657</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward African swine fever among commercial pig farm producers in Takeo and Kampong Speu provinces, Cambodia]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Bunna Chea</author><author>Kouch Theng</author><author>Ha Thi Thu Le</author><author>Bao Dinh Truong</author><author>Flavie Luce Goutard</author>
        <description><![CDATA[African swine fever (ASF) poses a major transboundary threat to swine production in Cambodia and across the Asia–Pacific region, with significant economic and food security implications. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2024 to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of commercial pig producers in Kampong Speu and Takeo provinces regarding ASF prevention and control. A structured questionnaire was administered to 76 commercial farms housing more than 100 fattening pigs or 50 breeding pigs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize KAP levels, biosecurity implementation, and challenges, while inferential analyses explored associations among KAP components. Scores were categorized according to Bloom's cut-off criteria as poor (< 60%), moderate (60%−80%), or good (>80%). Respondents generally demonstrated moderate knowledge of ASF characteristics, transmission pathways, and prevention and control measures (73.6%; 95% CI: 64.2–75.5). Nonetheless, notable gaps remained, particularly in recognizing clinical signs and understanding diagnostic procedures ([41.4%; 95% CI: 34.6–49.7). Most producers expressed positive attitudes toward ASF-related biosecurity measures (89.4%; 95% CI: 80.6–94.6) and reported high compliance with hygiene protocols and equipment disinfection (88.3%; 95% CI: 79.0–93.6). No significant associations were found between knowledge and either attitude or practice (p > 0.05), and sociodemographic factors did not significantly influence KAP outcomes (p > 0.05). In conclusion, commercial pig producers demonstrated moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward ASF prevention, with strong implementation of several routine biosecurity and hygiene practices. However, important gaps remained in ASF reporting, visitor-log recording, and emergency preparedness knowledge. To achieve sustainable control, interventions should move beyond information dissemination and promote behavioral change through targeted education, continuous veterinary engagement, and practical biosecurity support. Strengthening these components will be essential for enhancing ASF preparedness and resilience within Cambodia's commercial pig sector, thereby mitigating the risk of disease spread.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1868627</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1868627</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effects of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) hydrolysable tannins on animal performance, health and manure ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions in preweaning holstein calves]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Elena Scaglia</author><author>Laura Gogna</author><author>Anna Antonioli</author><author>Livio Galosi</author><author>Gianni Gilioli</author><author>Valentina Caprarulo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Tannins are plant-derived compounds that can improve animal health by modulating gut health, and reducing the incidence of diarrhea, also influencing the emissions of nitrous oxide and ammonia in animal manure. This study evaluated the effects of hydrolysable tannins from sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) on growth performance, intestinal health, clinical insights, and ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions from manure in Holstein calves. Twenty-four preweaning female Holstein calves were randomly assigned to two experimental groups according to body weight (BW; 39.37 ± 3.42 kg) and age (3.83 days-of-life) for a 56-day trial, a control group (CTRL) fed with milk replacer, and a treatment group (VITAN) fed milk replacer supplemented with 10 g/day of chestnut tannins. Body weight and rectal temperature were recorded on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56. Milk intake, hay intake, average daily feed intake of solid feed, average daily gain and fecal and clinical scores were daily recorded. Fecal samples were collected on d0, d28, and d56 to determine total bacterial counts, coliforms and Lactobacillus spp. Blood samples were collected on d0 and d56 for metabolic profile. After the in vivo trial, manure (feces, urine and straw) of CTRL and VITAN were collected from individual pens, and pooled into six dynamic-chambers (3/treatment) to simulate a 49-day manure storage period. Emissions of NH3 and N₂O (mg/g/h) were monitored by Gasmet-GT5000, and chemicals analysis were performed on d0 and d49. VITAN group showed a reduction of solid average daily feed intake (p < 0.01) without compromising growth performance. The VITAN group showed significantly higher frequency of normal fecal consistency (FS0-1; p < 0.01) and improved fecal consistency. Tannin supplementation appeared to influence manure emissions, lower NH₃ emissions were observed on d0 and 1, and lower N₂O emissions on d1, 2, and 5 in VITAN group. Manure temperature was higher in VITAN group. Chemical analysis also showed lower total solids, ash, and total carbon in VITAN manure on d49. These results should be considered preliminary and require confirmation in studies including biological replicates and appropriate statistical evaluation. In conclusion, tannins might represent a promising nutritional strategy with potential effects on health-related parameters and manure gaseous emissions under the conditions evaluated in this study.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1912990</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1912990</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk factors in sheep from Afyonkarahisar province, Türkiye]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ahmet Cihat Tunç</author><author>Mahmut Sinan Erez</author><author>Esma Kozan</author><author>Fatih Mehmet Birdane</author><author>Luis Pablo Hervé-Claude</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is a major zoonotic pathogen causing reproductive losses in sheep and posing significant public health risks, particularly through meat consumption and congenital infection. Despite Afyonkarahisar Province being one of the most important sheep-producing regions in Türkiye, no farm-level seroepidemiological study with structured risk factor analysis had previously been conducted there.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2025 on 550 sheep blood samples collected from 55 commercial farms across Afyonkarahisar Province. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected using a commercial indirect ELISA (ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Indirect Multi-Species, IDvet), with samples classified as positive (sample-to-positive percentage [S/P%] ≥ 50%), doubtful (40%−50%), or negative (≤40%). A structured questionnaire was administered to collect 19 farm- and animal-level variables. Associations with seropositivity were evaluated by univariable analysis and a mixed-effects logistic regression model with farm as a random effect, with Firth's penalized regression applied to obtain stable estimates where quasi-complete separation occurred.Results and DiscussionThe overall animal-level seroprevalence was 42.2% (232/550; 95% CI: 38.0%−46.4%), and 44 of 55 farms (80.0%; 95% CI: 67.0%−89.6%) were classified as seropositive. In multivariable analysis using Firth's penalized logistic regression, five variables were independently associated with higher seropositivity: flock-level history of abortion (aOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 2.41–6.00), age over 12 months (aOR = 3.54; 95% CI: 2.15–5.97), communal pasture use (aOR = 74.12; 95% CI: 10.22–9431.54, wide owing to quasi-complete separation), leaving aborted materials on site (aOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.49–3.61), and irregular barn cleaning (aOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.46–3.72). Cat presence was universal across all 55 farms, precluding statistical evaluation; however, stray cats had unrestricted access to feed and water on every farm, likely representing the primary driver of environmental oocyst contamination. Breed, sex, water source, and antiparasitic drug type were not significantly associated with seropositivity. T. gondii infection is highly endemic in sheep in Afyonkarahisar, with seroprevalence exceeding the national average. Stray cat access control, safe disposal of aborted materials, and routine differential diagnosis for abortifacient pathogens are recommended as priority interventions for reducing infection pressure and mitigating both animal health and public health risks within a One Health framework.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1857938</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1857938</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Transitional meningioma in a free ranging mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Mario Romero-Vega</author><author>Katharina Gregor</author><author>Isabel Hagnauer</author><author>Alejandro Alfaro-Alarcón</author><author>Andreas Beineke</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Neoplasia in free ranging wildlife remains poorly documented, particularly in non-human primates. An adult free ranging female mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) was found conscious but non-ambulatory on a country road in northwestern Costa Rica. Following admission to a wildlife rescue center, euthanasia was elected due to poor prognosis and body condition. At necropsy, three firm, gritty, white masses were identified on the inner surface of the parietal bones. Histopathologic examination revealed a well-circumscribed, moderately cellular, encapsulated neoplastic proliferation arising from the dura mater and compressing the cerebral cortex while sparing the leptomeninges. Neoplastic cells were arranged in whorls and occasional interlacing streams, with sporadic psammoma bodies. A diagnosis of transitional meningioma was made. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells were positive for S100 and negative for pan-cytokeratin, vimentin, and E-cadherin. Reports of meningiomas in non-human primates, particularly in free ranging individuals, are scarce. This case contributes to the limited knowledge of neoplasia in wildlife and underscores the value of documenting neoplasia in free ranging primates.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1819522</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1819522</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Embedding indigenous and local knowledges with one health: a roadmap for convergence and synergies]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Community Case Study</category>
        <author>Julie Garnier</author><author>Bernardo Couto Soares</author><author>Indira Khurana</author><author>Elizabeth Kola</author><author>Dominique Ouédraogo</author><author>Baldomero Molina-Flores</author><author>Juan Lubroth</author><author>Brigitte Bagnol</author><author>Daniel Kobei</author><author>Vincent Brioudes</author><author>Julia Hlukhonets</author><author>Akul Gupta</author><author>Rahul Narang</author><author>Zanan Coulibaly</author><author>Sisay Getachew</author><author>Raktima Mukhopadhyay</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Establishing synergies between Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) within One Health frameworks is crucial when addressing the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, health, and widening social inequalities. Recognizing that different epistemologies, values and practices of different knowledge systems can equally contribute to One Health initiatives is essential to ensure that they are grounded in equity, respect, reciprocity and justice and that they can fulfil their objective of holistic health and well-being of all. Our objective is to highlight the value of building such synergies by drawing on cases studies that demonstrate the critical importance of indigenous and local knowledge and practices––beyond a purely biomedical approach––for strengthening resilience. We also develop a set of practical and policy-relevant recommendations to promote transdisciplinary collaboration between One Health and ILK actors. We propose advancing synergies and convergences across knowledge systems through the co-creation of transformative learning, governance reform, legal recognition, and knowledge co-production.PositionalityThis article does not seek to speak on behalf of indigenous communities or local knowledge holders. It was co-developed by members of the International Working Group on Education and Communication of the One Sustainable Health for All Forum, most of whom are experienced practitioners engaged in community-led initiatives across different One Health domains around the world. As such, this paper is intended as a practice-oriented contribution to the One Health community, aimed at supporting more equitable, collaborative and impactful community-centred One Health initiatives.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1827761</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1827761</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Limited IgM seroreactivity to arboviruses in free-ranging black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Daniel Oliveira dos Santos</author><author>Bruna Hermine de Campos</author><author>André Duarte Vieira</author><author>Letícia Neves Ribeiro</author><author>Caio de Castro Cunha Figueiredo</author><author>Janaína Ribeiro Duarte</author><author>Vinícius Henrique Barbosa Amaral</author><author>Lucas dos Reis de Souza</author><author>Nayara Ferreira de Paula</author><author>Maira Alves Pereira</author><author>Sara Cândida Ferreira dos Santos</author><author>Felipe Campos de Melo Iani</author><author>Marcelo Pires Nogueira de Carvalho</author><author>Ayisa Rodrigues de Oliveira</author><author>Renato Lima Santos</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Arboviruses are important causes of human disease, and several species also infect wild animals that may serve as amplifying hosts. Among these, yellow fever virus (Orthoflavivirus flavi) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neotropical primates. In addition to yellow fever virus, several other arboviruses have been reported in these animals. For example, zika virus (Orthoflavivirus zikaense) has been detected in free-ranging marmosets and capuchin monkeys. Antibodies against dengue virus (Orthoflavivirus denguei) have been identified in Alouatta spp. and Ateles spp., while Sapajus spp., Ateles marginatus, and Callithrix jacchus have been shown to develop neutralizing antibodies against chikungunya virus (Alphavirus chikungunya). In this study we assessed anti-arboviruses (A. chikungunya, O. zikaense, O.Denguei, and O. flavi) antibodies in free-ranging black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) living in urban parks. Frequency of putative seroreactivity was low with 2.94% (2/68) of the captured marmosets seroreactive to A. chikungunya (IgM) and 1.47% (1/68) seroreactive to O. zikaense (IgM). One marmoset was seroreactive to both viruses (A. chikungunya and O. zikaense). Arboviruses genomic sequences were not detected in serum samples, but seroreactive animals were not tested by RT-PCR due to sample limitation. This study demonstrated limited evidence of putative seroreactivity of free-ranging black-tufted marmosets to arboviruses in an area where these viruses are endemic in the human population.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1895618</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1895618</link>
        <title><![CDATA[An exploratory study comparing the social behavior of intersex and female goats]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Océane Schmitt</author><author>David Schmitz-Lamping</author><author>Gesine Lühken</author><author>Gerriet Trei</author><author>Uta König von Borstel</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionGoats are highly social animals that establish complex hierarchical and affiliative relationships within their herds. Understanding these social dynamics is fundamental to optimize animal welfare in sustainable livestock systems. In goats, a natural genetic variant causes dominant absence of horns (polledness). As this variant also has an influence on sex development (polled intersex syndrome, PIS), breeding for polledness can result in a higher proportion of intersexual goats in a flock. However, little is known about the behavioral roles and social integration of intersex goats within herds.MethodsThis study compares the social behavior in a closed group of intersex (n = 7) and female (n = 17) polled goats to identify differences in agonistic and affiliative interactions and their implications for herd social dynamics. Behavioral data were obtained through continuous video observation and coded using the software BORIS. Interactions were analyzed via social network analysis (SNA) and hierarchical rank assessment based on David's Score.ResultsIntersex goats showed a significantly higher frequency of affiliative interactions compared with females, suggesting enhanced social connectedness. No significant difference was found in agonistic interaction frequency, but intersex goats fought with significantly fewer opponents than female goats.DiscussionAlthough the analysis should be repeated in other herds, these findings offer novel insights into the social behavior of intersex goats and suggest that they may contribute to social cohesion rather than conflict in a herd.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1897559</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1897559</link>
        <title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs, dog owners, dog breeders, and veterinarians in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions of Ghana—zoonotic implications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Esther Amemor</author><author>Raphael Deladem Folitse</author><author>Achim Hoerauf</author><author>Marijo Parcina</author><author>Manuel Ritter</author><author>Vitus Burimuah</author><author>Bertha Asuamah Yeboah</author><author>Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundAfter the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increasing concern over the causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, mutating into a more virulent strain in animals and spilling over to humans, a potential threat of future pandemics. Anthropo-zoonotic transmissions of the virus can as well not be ruled out. The dynamics of spillover of SARS-CoV-2, particularly from humans to animals and has not been fully studied. Livestock and pet owners, as well as animal health workers, have been documented to be at greater risk of COVID-19 infection. To effectively control and prevent the COVID-19 disease, the virus needs to be adequately studied in humans, animals and the environment. There is limited information on COVID-19 infections in animals in Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out to ascertain the COVID-19 infection status in dogs, their owners, dog breeders, and veterinarians in Ghana, specifically in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions. Blood samples and nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from dogs for serological and molecular analysis. Questionnaires on COVID-19 risk factors were administered. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in sera and viral RNA in swabs were detected using ELISA and RT- PCR, respectively.ResultsIt was observed that 2.3% (CI = 1%−5.3%) of the dogs tested positive on RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2; 5.1% (CI = 2.4%−10.7%) of humans tested positive on PCR for SARS-CoV-2. A seroprevalence of 6.5% (CI = 3.9%−0.6%) of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in dogs, and 99.1% (CI = 95.3%−99.8%) seropositivity was detected in humans. Close proximity to livestock was statistically associated with active SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs (p = 0.004). In humans, a statistically significant association was found between infrequent mask use in public and a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.009).ConclusionThis study provides evidence of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs in Ghana, among the first such indications in the sub-Saharan African region. Close proximity to livestock was associated with infection in dogs and inconsistent mask use with infection in humans, though the cross-sectional design precludes determination of transmission direction, and these associations should be regarded as hypothesis-generating. Longitudinal studies with larger samples and viral sequencing will clarify SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics among humans, animals, and environment.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1929577</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1929577</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Crossing the comfort zone: rabbit appeasing pheromone enhances acclimation to a novel environment]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Umut Burak Agan</author><author>Mattis Macq</author><author>Estelle Descout</author><author>Marcel Bassayi Abalo</author><author>Alessandro Cozzi</author><author>Manon Chasles</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Appeasing pheromones are known to help animals cope with challenging and stressful situations, facilitating acclimation to diverse environments and contexts across a wide range of species. As prey animals highly sensitive to environmental stressors, rabbits are particularly good candidates to benefit from such interventions and represent a relevant species for research in this field. This study evaluated the behavioral effects of topical skin application of Rabbit Appeasing Pheromone (RAP) in rabbits exposed to a novel environment, using an Open-Field (OF) test conducted over two consecutive days. Twenty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, balanced for sex, neutering status, and parity. Behavioral parameters were assessed using both behavioral observation software and automated tracking software to determine the effects of RAP on locomotion, exploration, and grooming. During the first Open-Field test (OF1), all rabbits exhibited a behavioral profile characterized by increased locomotion. During the second exposure (OF2), this pattern shifted toward reduced locomotion and increased stationary behaviors. Rabbits exhibited increased grooming frequency during OF2, regardless of treatment. Grooming duration showed a numerical increase in the placebo group during OF2; however, this increase did not reach statistical significance. The treatment effects were most evident in measures of explorative behaviors, with RAP-treated rabbits showing faster entry into the central zone and spending more time there in both tests. In addition, a statistical tendency was observed for RAP-treated rabbits to enter the arena voluntarily sooner than placebo-treated rabbits. Overall, these results highlight the substantial role of novelty-driven locomotor activity in rabbits, along with the distinct behavioral effects of RAP on their interaction with the novel environment. In particular, the spatial use of the arena by RAP-treated rabbits across both tests is consistent with reduced anxiety-related responses to a novel environment and its repeated exposure. These findings support the potential role of topical RAP application in facilitating rabbits’ behavioral acclimation to novel and potentially challenging situations.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1907159</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1907159</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Development and immunogenicity of a novel subunit vaccine candidate against avian metapneumovirus]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Urzhan Omarbekova</author><author>Aspen Abutalip</author><author>Yergali Moldakhanov</author><author>Madina Alexyuk</author><author>Assylbek Mussoyev</author><author>Indira Mussayeva</author><author>Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy</author><author>Pavel Alexyuk</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectivesaMPV subtype B remains one of the major respiratory pathogens affecting commercial poultry worldwide despite the widespread implementation of vaccination programs. In the present study, epidemiological surveillance, virus isolation, and immunogenic evaluation of a newly developed subunit vaccine against aMPV subtype B were conducted.MethodsClinical samples, representing 115 chicken flocks from 16 commercial poultry farms located in three regions of Kazakhstan, were screened for aMPV subtype B using multiplex real-time RT-PCR. Approximately 20% of the samples collected during the spring season tested positive for aMPV, with subtype B predominating among the detected strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the identified viruses clustered within subtype B and were closely related to vaccine-like strains while forming a distinct monophyletic group.For virus isolation, field samples that tested negative for IBV, NDV, ILTV, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum were propagated in Vero cells. Cytopathic effects were observed after 3–4 passages, and one isolate, designated Ck/B/Kaz/256/25, was successfully recovered from a laying hen. The isolate was subsequently confirmed by electron microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and was used for the development of a subunit vaccine.ResultsThe immunogenicity of the vaccine was evaluated in chickens following a prime–boost immunization regimen and compared with that of a commercial live vaccine. The subunit vaccine induced 100% seroconversion by day 14 post-vaccination and elicited significantly higher IgG and virus-neutralizing antibody titers than the live vaccine. Neutralizing antibody titers were 8-fold higher after primary immunization and 16-fold higher after booster immunization compared with those in the live vaccine group. Furthermore, the subunit vaccine significantly enhanced the expression of IFN-γ and IL-4, indicating activation of both Th1- and Th2-mediated immune responses.ConclusionOverall, these findings demonstrate that the developed subunit vaccine induces robust and durable humoral and cellular immune responses and represents a promising candidate for the prevention and control of aMPV subtype B infection in poultry.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1761152</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1761152</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Diet-associated iodine-deficiency goitrous hypothyroidism in a dog: a longitudinal clinical, endocrine, and ultrasonographic evaluation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Sohee Lim</author><author>Sang-June Sohn</author><author>Yeon-Jung Hong</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism is well recognized in humans, but is considered rare in dogs, largely because commercial canine diets typically meet the established iodine requirements. Herein, we describe a dog that developed primary hypothyroidism with bilateral goiter attributable to dietary iodine deficiency. A 9-year-old spayed female Chihuahua fed a non-standardized home-prepared diet without vitamin and mineral supplementation presented with mild weight gain and bilaterally enlarged thyroid lobes, but without the classic clinical signs of hypothyroidism. Basal thyroid hormone testing revealed markedly decreased total and free thyroxine concentrations with pronounced elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, consistent with primary hypothyroidism. Ultrasonography revealed symmetric thyroid enlargement with preserved architecture and mild diffuse hypoechogenicity. Fine-needle aspiration excluded neoplasia, and the serum inorganic iodine concentration was severely decreased. The dog’s diet was changed to a commercially prepared, iodine-supplemented formula without thyroid hormone replacement. Over the following 2 months, serum thyroid hormone concentrations normalized, serum iodine concentrations returned to reference values, and ultrasonographic abnormalities improved markedly, with a substantial reduction in thyroid size and restoration of homogeneous echogenicity. This case highlights the potential for iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism to occur in dogs consuming unbalanced home-prepared diets and demonstrates the reversibility of functional abnormalities and marked ultrasonographic improvement following restoration of adequate dietary iodine intake.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1852633</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1852633</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) gel extract enhances the immune response and tissue regeneration in the zebrafish larvae model]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Javiera F. De la Paz Montt</author><author>Patricio Yañez-Bailey</author><author>Nicolás Zambrano</author><author>Priscila García-Castro</author><author>Fernando Cruzat</author><author>Alejandra Llanos-Rivera</author><author>Karen Fehrmann-Cartes</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Aquaculture is one of the world’s major food-producing industries; however, intensive farming conditions expose fish to multiple stressors that impair immune function and tissue regeneration, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Therefore, sustainable strategies to enhance wound healing and fish health are needed. This study evaluated the regenerative and immunomodulatory potential of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel using zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae subjected to tail tip amputation. Aloe vera was administered by immersion and dietary supplementation before and/or after injury. Regenerative and immune responses were assessed by quantifying leukocyte recruitment, analyzing the expression of genes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue regeneration, and evaluating larval growth and skin mucus-producing cells. Aloe vera enhanced leukocyte recruitment and significantly improved tissue regeneration following injury. These effects were accompanied by modulation of innate immune markers (il1b, mpx, mpeg1.1, and cox-2a) and antioxidant defense genes (sod1, sod2, and gpx1a). Dietary supplementation with aloe vera also alleviated the detrimental effects of an inflammatory plant protein-based diet on regeneration, promoted larval growth, and increased both the number and size of skin goblet cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that aloe vera enhances immune function, antioxidant responses, tissue repair, and mucosal protection, supporting its potential as a natural functional additive to improve fish health and welfare in aquaculture.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1880267</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1880267</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Surgical management of mandibular oral histiocytic sarcoma in a ragdoll cat with favorable outcome]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Byung-Joon Seung</author><author>Jongmun Cho</author><author>Byungho Lee</author><author>Jungwhan Chon</author><author>Kihoon Kim</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Feline oral histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an exceptionally rare malignancy with limited clinical characterization and a poor prognosis. This report describes a case of mandibular HS in a 6-year-old Ragdoll cat that achieved a favorable local control following surgical management alone. The cat presented with left mandibular swelling, and diagnostic imaging revealed a poorly demarcated mass with extensive osteolysis of the mandible. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings supported the diagnosis of a poorly differentiated malignant mesenchymal neoplasm with histiocytic differentiation. Rostral mandibulectomy with 0.5 cm surgical margins was performed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no adjuvant chemotherapy was administered owing to financial constraints. The patient presented with clinical signs of lethargy and anorexia 7 months after surgery. On thoracic radiography, several soft tissue opacity masses throughout the bilateral lung lobes were identified. On ultrasonographic examination, multiple masses were also identified in the liver and kidneys, raising suspicion for metastatic lesion. However, there was no evidence of recurrence at the primary surgical site. The patient was euthanized. Compared with previously reported cases that showed poor outcomes despite additional therapies, this case suggests that surgical resection may provide successful local control in select cases. This report expands the clinical spectrum of feline oral HS and highlights the potential role of surgical excision as a primary treatment.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1891996</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1891996</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A participatory rapid ethnographic assessment protocol for studying human-animal-material interactions in veterinary clinical practice]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Methods</category>
        <author>Brandon W. Kliewer</author><author>Ron Orchard</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Veterinary clinical practice involves complex interactions among clinicians, learners, clients, animals, material objects, and built environments. These interactions shape how care is delivered, how students learn, and how practitioners respond to changing circumstances in real time. However, existing qualitative and ethnographic methods often lack a replicable protocol for capturing how human, animal, and material contributions jointly shape clinical practice as it unfolds. This methodology article presents a participatory Rapid Ethnographic Assessment protocol designed for veterinary educators, practitioners, and researchers who seek to study, teach, and improve context-sensitive clinical practice in interspecies settings. The protocol details the epistemological and philosophical implications of a two-camera audiovisual data collection strategy: one camera records naturally occurring clinical interactions for later research analysis, while a second assessment camera captures interactional sequences that can be rapidly replayed to participants for reflection and coaching. The method proceeds through four stages: identifying candidate sequences of practice, conducting participatory interactional sense- and meaning-making, organizing paired assessment and research recordings for close analysis, and interpreting selected sequences using relevant clinical, educational, organizational, or social science theory. The protocol is illustrated through an example from mobile veterinary care in which a dog treat, clinician, client, patient, and technician collectively contribute to redirecting an interaction and enabling care to proceed. Anticipated outputs include participant-validated interactional data, teachable examples of clinical and leadership practice, context-specific quality improvement insights, and evidence that can inform veterinary education and One Welfare-oriented outreach. The article details required materials, step-by-step procedures, timing, pause points, anticipated results, limitations, pitfalls, and troubleshooting strategies. By making human-animal-material interactions visible and analyzable, this methodological protocol offers a practical method for studying and improving clinical practice in veterinary humanities, social science, and community-engaged veterinary research.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1882881</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1882881</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Serum multi-element profiling and a Metallobalance index for noninvasive differentiation of canine prostatic adenocarcinoma: a pilot case-control study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Naoki Yamada</author><author>Kumiko Ishigaki</author><author>Takeshi Hayakawa</author><author>Kaito Iida</author><author>Shoko Yamaoka</author><author>Pinhui Wang</author><author>Kazushi Asano</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundNoninvasive biomarkers for canine prostatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) are lacking. Serum multi-element profiling by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) may provide diagnostic information.ObjectivesTo derive preliminary reference intervals (PRIs) for 18 serum elements in clinically healthy male dogs, assess a Metallobalance index (MBI) for distinguishing PAC from controls, and explore associations with lymph node metastasis, surgical margin status, and postoperative change.AnimalsThe study included 115 dogs: clinically healthy males (n = 65), dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; n = 25), one dog with a prostatic cyst, and dogs with histopathologically confirmed PAC (n = 24). The diagnostic control group comprised 91 dogs.MethodsSerum concentrations of 18 elements were measured by ICP-MS, and central 95% PRIs were derived. An 18-element linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model generated the MBI. Cutoffs maximized Youden’s index; apparent performance was summarized by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Post hoc analyses restricted controls to dogs aged ≥7 years and compared BPH with PAC using the Study 1 MBI equation without refitting. Element-specific and clinicopathological subgroup analyses were exploratory.ResultsPRIs were derived for all elements. The MBI showed high apparent discrimination between PAC and controls (AUC, 0.983). At a cutoff of 0.8030, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100.0, 92.3, and 93.9%, respectively. Apparent AUCs were 0.984 with age-restricted controls and 0.998 for BPH versus PAC. As these were unvalidated training-set estimates, they should not be interpreted as clinical performance. In dogs with PAC, preoperative MBI was higher with lymph node metastasis, but did not differ by surgical margin status or clearly change 2 weeks postoperatively.Conclusions and clinical relevanceICP-MS-based multi-element profiling with LDA showed high apparent training-set discrimination of canine PAC from controls, including benign prostatic disease. The association with lymph node metastasis warrants further study, whereas findings did not support short-term postoperative monitoring or a validated prognostic role. Independent validation in a larger prospective cohort is required before clinical application.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1885914</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1885914</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Demographic disparities in animal law enforcement: rates and outcomes]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Liana R. Moss</author><author>Kaleigh M. O'Reilly</author><author>Michelle Hansen</author><author>Amanda Arrington</author><author>Kevin N. Morris</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Animal control is typically afforded the same enforcement powers and discretion as police in the United States. However, while there is a great deal of policing research, there is minimal research exploring demographic disparities in animal control enforcement. Aggregated animal control case and outcome data are well-positioned to examine demographic disparities in enforcement because they are linkable to census-level demographics due to the prevalence of cases at subjects' residences. The objectives of this study are to examine if the most marginalized communities experience higher numbers of animal control cases and if they are more likely to experience punitive enforcement. We analyzed a U.S. representative animal control dataset of 1,034,406 cases from 2015 to 2022 from five agencies. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to link cases with their associated Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores, with higher scores identifying more marginalized communities. To control for inter-agency case volume variability, a weighted analysis of animal control outcomes was performed. An unweighted binomial logistic regression analysis controlling for multiple variables verifies the results of the weighted analysis. Results indicate that the most marginalized communities experience the preponderance of cases and higher rates of punitive outcomes. Racial & Ethnic Minority Status and Socioeconomic Status SVI domains primarily influence the disparities, even when controlling for case type. Combined results highlight racial and socioeconomic inequities in animal law enforcement that hold wider implications for the intersections between animal control and access to veterinary care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1901540</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1901540</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Modulating the avian cecal microbiome: probiotics in the prevention of Histomonas meleagridis in poultry]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Suqin Wang</author><author>Aftab Shaukat</author><author>Meihua Zhou</author><author>Jingwen Tang</author><author>Fangyu Liu</author><author>Congqiang Luo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Histomoniasis is a serious infectious enteric disease that mainly affects gallinaceous poultry in all parts of the world. The protozoan parasite, Histomonas meleagridis is the causative agent. Once regulated by synthetic chemical additives, the disease has resurged globally since the banning of effective yet probably toxic pharmacological prophylactic agents. The pathogenesis of Histomonas meleagridis has a complicated interaction with the avian cecal microbiome, which is discussed in this review. Infection leads to active induction of deep dysbiosis by the parasite that drastically decreases the number of beneficial bacteria and increases growth of opportunistic pathogens. The scientifically feasible option of mitigating diseases by modulating the cecal ecosystem with targeted probiotic administration has come up. This review explains the biological processes of the parasite, the homeostatic role of the microbiome, and the high standards of selection of poultry probiotics. Crucially, while most current evidence remains indirect due to a lack of targeted in vivo models, this review uniquely explains how probiotics utilize competitive exclusion and immunomodulatory mechanisms to reverse parasitic colonization. By comparing these microbial interventions to existing avian prophylaxis, this manuscript highlights the practical significance of precision microbiome modulation in commercial flocks and sets the stage for future targeted experimental research.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1874543</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1874543</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Chronic mechanical irritation as a potential contributor to nasal fibroma formation in a captive Javanese cownose ray (Rhinoptera javanica)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ji-Hyung Park</author><author>Kyungwhan An</author><author>Sungwon Jeon</author><author>Jong Bhak</author><author>Seung Hyeok Seok</author><author>Sang Wha Kim</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionRays rarely develop neoplasia in nature, yet tumors have been repeatedly reported in captive individuals, suggesting environmental or species-specific factors.MethodsWe surgically removed the nasal fibroma under general anesthesia, followed by transcriptomic and histopathological analyses in a captive Javanese cownose ray (Rhinoptera javanica).ResultsHistopathology revealed a fibromatous lesion characterized by dense, mature collagen-rich fibrosis in the central core, accompanied by peripheral fibroinflammatory change, vascular congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammatory-cell infiltration. Exploratory transcriptomic profiling of the central fibrotic core provided complementary evidence of candidate remodeling-associated expression patterns, including increased mechanical-stimulus response and epithelial proliferation terms. Together, these findings support a plausible link between repeated surface contact and chronic injury-associated remodeling of the nasal tissue.Discussion and conclusionThese findings suggest that persistent mechanical stimulation in artificial environments may contribute to chronic fibrosis and fibroinflammatory tumor development. Together with the clinicopathological findings, the transcriptomic findings provide exploratory, hypothesis-generating support for a possible association between captivity-related mechanical stress and species-specific fibroma formation in the Javanese cownose ray.]]></description>
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