DSpace Collection:

Occurrence and diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in animals in Portugal: novel data and public health implications

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Occurrence and diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in animals in Portugal: novel data and public health implications Authors: Louro, Mariana; Lozano, João; Lopes, Patrícia; Alves, Paulo; Garret, Margarida; Vale, Carolina; Bernardino, Rui; Petrucci-Fonseca, Francisco; Vieira, João; Duarte, Leticia; Brazio, Erica; Lopes, Ana Filipa; Mateus, Teresa Letra; Carvalho, Luís Madeira de; Fonseca, Isabel Pereira da; Gomes, Jacinto Abstract: Introduction: Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are common intestinal protozoa with zoonotic potential, affecting a broad range of domestic and wild animals. In Portugal, knowledge on their occurrence and genetic diversity remains fragmented. This study integrates new molecular results from multiple animal groups with a comprehensive review of published national data to establish an updated baseline for these parasites within a One Health framework. Methods: A total of 805 faecal samples from 91 animal species were analysed, including domestic (n = 192 samples), captive (n = 283) and wild (n = 330) hosts. Detection was performed by modified Ziehl–Neelsen and direct immunofluorescence assays; samples that were positive or doubtful after microscopic screening were further subjected to nested PCR and sequencing targeting SSU rRNA, gp60 (for C. parvum), and gdh, bg and tpi (for G. duodenalis). Newly generated sequences were compared to GenBank references and compiled with data from 29 Portuguese studies published between 2001 and 2025. Results: Overall, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 11/805 samples (1.4%) and G. duodenalis in 101/805 (12.5%). Detection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. were 3.6% (7/192) in domestic, 0.0% in captive, and 1.2% (4/330) in wild animals, while Giardia spp. occurred in 18.8% (36/192), 8.5% (24/283), and 12.4% (41/330), respectively. Molecular analysis revealed C. parvum (IIaA19G2R1 in Iberian wolf, and IIcA5G3 in hedgehogs), C. canis, and C. cuniculus. Moreover, G. duodenalis assemblages were diverse, in cluding assemblage E in ruminants, D in canids and felids, B in rabbits, lemurs, cheetahs and suricates, F in lions, and E and B co- occurring in suricates and raccoons. The compiled dataset from available Portuguese studies included 3741 animals tested for Cryptosporidium spp. and 3353 for Giardia spp., providing a descriptive overview of host and genotype diversity across the country. Conclusions: This study provides the first integrated overview of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis occurrences in animals across the Portuguese territory. The findings demonstrate that livestock, pets, zoo animals, and free- ranging wildlife can contribute to the circulation of these protozoan parasites, emphasizing the importance of harmonized molecular surveillance and integrated One Health strategies for early detection and control.

Raman Spectroscopy for Differentiating High- and Low-Grade Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumours

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Raman Spectroscopy for Differentiating High- and Low-Grade Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumours Authors: Catarino, José; Silva, Susana; Novais, Susana; Santos, Joana; Payan-Carreira, Rita; Faísca, Pedro; Reis, Joana

Design of a patient-specific 3D-printed splint for surgical correction of pectus excavatum in a kitten

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Design of a patient-specific 3D-printed splint for surgical correction of pectus excavatum in a kitten Authors: Reis, Joana; Ovalles, Kervin; Araújo, João; Silva, Fernando; Coelho, Rafael; Gomes, Marco; Simões, José Abstract: Pectus excavatum is a rare congenital deformation of the chest wall. Associated clinical signs depend on the severity of the de formity of the sternum and costochondral cartilages. After thoracic radiographic studies, a patient-specific plastic external splint was designed based on a previously made plaster cast of the chest of the kitten. The splint was designed using 3D scan equipment and data processing to obtain the computer-aided model that was then used to manufacture the splint using 3D printing technology. The surgical application of the customized 3D-printed external splint for the correction of severe pectus excavatum in the young kitten was successful, with excellent tolerance observed postoperatively. After a period of 2 weeks, the splint was removed. Marked improvement of the sternum position was observed, and, more importantly, improvement in dyspnea and ex ercise intolerance was evident.

Beyond the ban: why the UK and EU’s “End of Cage Age” reforms risk exporting poor animal welfare

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Beyond the ban: why the UK and EU’s “End of Cage Age” reforms risk exporting poor animal welfare Authors: Mata, Fernando; Paixão, Gustavo Abstract: Recent and forthcoming bans on confinement systems for farmed animals highlight the growing societal and policy emphasis on improving welfare. In the United Kingdom, the proposed prohibition of enriched cages for laying hens represents a major step beyond existing European Union standards, reflecting both scientific evidence and public concern over the limitations of cage-based systems. While such reforms are indicative of farmed animal welfare gains domestically, experience from the EU ban on conventional cages indicates a critical policy gap: the absence of mechanisms to retire and decommission obsolete infrastructure allows housing systems to be resold or exported, potentially perpetuating welfare issues elsewhere. Similar patterns have emerged in pork production, where gestation and farrowing crates have been inconsistently phased out in different regions of the world, illustrating the broader consequences of neglecting infrastructure lifecycle management. This perspective is based on welfare reforms incorporating decommissioning of equipment to align ethical intent with material outcomes. Decommissioning approaches lead to incentivising or mandating the permanent removal of banned pork production physical infrastructure, mitigating economic risks for producers, and reducing cross-border exacerbation of welfare issues. Coordinated implementation across national, regional, and global locals is essential to maximise the pig welfare effectiveness of reforms. By integrating decommissioning provisions, policymakers can ensure that animal welfare improvements are substantive, credible, and globally effective.