Table 1_Zoonoses in dog and cat shelters in North-East Italy: update on emerging, neglected and known zoonotic agents.docx

IntroductionShelters for stray dogs and cats deserve careful monitoring for zoonotic risk, as they represent a crucial point for prevention and control of infection spread. Data sorting to prioritize zoonotic agents in a geographic area need constant updating, but no regular official programs are ongoing, to allow an efficient risk survey for these animal species. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the prevalence of certain known, potential and emerging zoonoses within the framework of the routine monitoring of dog and cat shelters in North-East Italy.MethodsA total of 389 cats and 257 dogs housed in public veterinary services shelters and feline colonies were included in the present investigation. The animals originated from the provinces of Padua, Venice, Rovigo, Vicenza, Verona, Trento and Bolzano. Serological, molecular and microbiological diagnostics were implemented to investigate the prevalence of Leptospira sp., Brucella canis, Leishmania infantum, dermatophytes, gastrointestinal parasites, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, Capnocytophaga sp., Bartonella sp., Norovirus, Rotavirus A, Cowpox virus, Mammalian Orthoreovirus, Hepatitis E virus, SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus.ResultsData about some known zoonoses (e.g., serological positivity of Leishmania infantum 25% and Leptospira sp. 44.3% in dogs, and Bartonella henselae 70% in cats) resulted aligned with previous research and recent reports, whereas there was a notable occurrence of some potential, emerging and neglected pathogens (e.g., Mammalian Orthoreovirus 0.38% in dogs and 2.83% in cats). For some other agents (e.g., dermatophytes in dogs and in cats) the prevalence resulted lower than expected.DiscussionThe prevention of the zoonotic risk requires a re-examination of the complex interaction between humans, animals, and environment. This is of particular importance in settings like companion animal shelters, which serve as key sites for disease monitoring and zoonotic risk mitigation. The study highlights the need to monitor and prioritize the zoonotic pathogens, to implement and constantly update surveillance and specific training programs for the kennels’ operators, and management of epidemiological risks.

流浪犬猫收容所对于动物源性传染病的监测至关重要，它们是预防与控制感染传播的关键节点。针对某一地理区域内动物源性病原体的数据排序需要持续更新，但目前尚无常规官方项目进行，以实现对这些动物物种的有效风险调查。本研究旨在在意大利东北部常规监测犬猫收容所的框架内，对某些已知、潜在和新兴的动物源性传染病的流行情况进行全面调查。方法：本次研究纳入了389只猫和257只狗，它们分别来自帕多瓦、威尼斯、罗维戈、维琴察、维罗纳、特伦托和博尔扎诺省。通过血清学、分子学和微生物学诊断手段，对莱姆螺旋体、布鲁氏菌、利什曼原虫、皮肤癣菌、胃肠道寄生虫、耐药细菌、毛细螺旋体、巴通体、诺如病毒、A型轮状病毒、牛痘病毒、哺乳动物正粘病毒、乙型肝炎病毒、SARS-CoV-2和甲型流感病毒的流行情况进行调查。结果：某些已知动物源性传染病的资料（例如，犬类利什曼原虫血清学阳性率为25%，莱姆螺旋体为44.3%，猫类巴通体为70%）与先前研究和最新报告相符，而某些潜在、新兴和被忽视的病原体（例如，犬类和猫类的哺乳动物正粘病毒分别为0.38%和2.83%）的检出率显著。对于某些其他病原体（例如，犬类和猫类的皮肤癣菌）的流行率低于预期。讨论：动物源性风险的预防需要重新审视人类、动物和环境之间的复杂相互作用。在伴侣动物收容所等疾病监测和动物源性风险减轻的关键场所，这一点尤为重要。本研究强调了监测和优先考虑动物源性病原体、实施并持续更新犬舍操作员和流行病学风险管理特定培训计划的必要性。