The present study deals with the co-ordination of cytokine (IL-4 and IFN-γ) expression and kinetics of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus antigen and antibody in PPRV infected and vaccinated goats. The infected animals exhibited mixed cytokine (both T_H1 and T_H2) responses in the initial phase of the disease. The infected and dead goats had increased IFN-γ response before their death; while IL-4 remained at the base level. The cytokine expression in recovered animals was almost similar to that of vaccinated ones, where a unique biphasic response of IL-4 expression was observed with an up-regulation of IFN-γ on 7^th days post vaccination (dpv). Analysis of PPR virus antigen and antibody kinetics in different components of blood from infected and vaccinated animals revealed that the PPR virus antigen load was highest in plasma followed by serum and blood of the infected animals, whereas vaccinated animals showed only marginal positivity on 9^th dpv. The antibody titer was high in serum followed by plasma and blood in both vaccinated and infected animals. Therefore, it is inferred that the presence of antigen and antibody were significant with the expression of cytokine, and that a decreased response of IL-4 was noticed during intermediate phase of the disease i.e., 7 to 12^th days post infection (dpi). This indicates the ability to mount a functional T_H2 response after 14^th dpi could be a critical determinant in deciding the survival of the PPR infected animal.

Since December 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading worldwide, triggering one of the most challenging pandemics in the human population. In light of the reporting of this virus in domestic and wild animals from several parts of the world, a systematic surveillance study was conceptualized to detect SARS-CoV-2 among species of veterinary importance. Nasal and/or rectal samples of 413 animals (dogs n= 195, cattle n = 64, horses n = 42, goats n = 41, buffaloes n = 39, sheep n = 19, cats n = 6, camels n = 6, and a monkey n = 1) were collected from different places in the Gujarat state of India. RNA was extracted from the samples and subjected to RT-qPCR-based quantification of the target sequences in viral nucleoprotein (N), spike (S), and ORF1ab genes. A total of 95 (23.79%) animals were found positive, comprised of n = 67 (34.35%) dogs, n= 15 (23.43%) cattle, and n = 13 (33.33%) buffaloes. Whole SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing was done from one sample (ID-A4N, from a dog), where 32 mutations, including 29 single-nucleotide variations (SNV) and 2 deletions, were detected. Among them, nine mutations were located in the receptor binding domain of the spike (S) protein. The consequent changes in the amino acid sequence revealed T19R, G142D, E156-, F157-, A222V, L452R, T478K, D614G, and P681R mutations in the S protein and D63G, R203M, and D377Y in the N protein. The lineage assigned to this SARS-CoV-2 sequence is B.1.617.2. Thus, the present study highlights the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection from human to animals and suggests being watchful for zoonosis.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in veterinary and human medicine, impacting treatment efficacy and public health. This 18-month longitudinal study monitored AMR trends in bovine mastitis pathogens in the Banaskantha district of North Gujarat, India. A total of 424 bacterial isolates were analyzed following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, with bacterial identification using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and data analysed through the World Health Organization (WHO) WHONET software. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent pathogens, exhibiting high resistance to cefotaxime/clavulanic acid and penicillin G, respectively. The study identified multidrug-resistant (MDR) and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) strains, raising significant treatment concerns. These findings emphasize the urgent need for ongoing AMR surveillance, responsible antibiotic use, and stricter regulations to mitigate resistance risks. A One Health approach is essential to address the interconnected threats posed by AMR across human, animal, and environmental health.