Tick-borne pathogens are transmitted by a wide range of tick species and affect both human and animal health. Understanding the diversity of these pathogens and their co-infection rates in domesticated animals in urban areas is crucial for effective disease management and prevention. In this study, a total of 565 owned dogs in the central region of Thailand were investigated for the infection rate of three genera of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Babesia infection using multiplex PCR. The results revealed an overall infection rate of 19.1%, with Ehrlichia having the highest infection rate (12.2%), followed by Babesia (2.5%) and Hepatozoon (1.4%). The rate of co-infection was 3%, with mixed infections involving two or three genera. Male dogs exhibited a slightly higher infection rate compared to females, although not statistically significant. Young adult dogs (1–3 years) showed the highest infection rate of both single infections and co-infections. Monthly infection rate indicated variations throughout the year, with co-infection rate significantly associated with overall infection rate. Clinical manifestations in three genera of infected dogs included thrombocytopenia and eosinopenia. The results of this study are useful to design strategies for the management and prevention of tick-borne diseases in the study area.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Given the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in animals is important. To monitor SARS-CoV-2 infection in wildlife in Thailand, we collected 62 blood samples and nine nasal- and rectal-swab samples from captive tigers (Panthera tigris) in Ratchaburi province in Thailand during 2020–2021. A plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was employed to detect SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. A real-time RT-PCR assay was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our findings demonstrated that four captive tigers (6.5%, 4/62) had SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies against Wuhan Hu-1 and the Delta variant, while no SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome could be detected in all swab samples. Moreover, a low-level titer of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron BA.2 subvariant could be found in only one seropositive tiger. The source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in these tigers most likely came from close contact with the infected animals’ caretakers who engaged in activities such as tiger petting and feeding. In summary, we described the first case of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in captive tigers during the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand and provided seroepidemiological-based evidence of human-to-animal transmission. Our findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of COVID-19 among the captive tiger population and emphasize the need to adopt a One Health approach for preventing and controlling outbreaks of COVID-19 zoonotic disease.

Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is globally distributed in psittacine birds. BFDV is considered a key threat to biodiversity because it has the ability to transmit and shift between host species. Data from captive psittacine birds can help to identify potential risk factors for viral transmission management. Generalized Linear Models (GLM) were used to examine the association of sample type, species, and season on the prevalence of BFDV in captive exotic birds in Thailand. In this study, the overall prevalence of BFDV was 8.2 %, with 346 of 4243 birds being positive. The prevalence in feather samples (12.1 %) and pooled (dried blood and feather) samples (15.4 %) was higher than that in the dried blood samples (4.8 %). A GLM test revealed that the sample type, species, and season were significant factors influencing the prevalence of BFDV. Based on the model, two species (blue-eyed cockatoo; Cacatua ophthalmica, and ring-necked parakeet; Psittacula krameri) were associated with higher BFDV prevalence. By studying the seasonal BFDV prevalence, we can gather important insights into the environmental factors that contribute to its spread. The higher prevalence observed during the wet season suggest a possible affect between BFDV prevalence and environmental factors such as heavy rainfall and humidity. In conclusion, our analysis of the trends in BFDV prevalence offers valuable insights into the prevalence or distribution of BFDV in the studied population. By monitoring BFDV prevalence, identifying high-risk species, and understanding seasonal patterns, we can develop targeted management approaches to control the spread of the virus. This information is crucial for mitigating the impact of BFDV on aviculture.

Background: Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Babesia have the potential to cause life-threatening illnesses in dogs, especially when coinfections occur. Hypothesis/Objectives: To determine the infection rates, coinfection patterns, and risk factors associated with these pathogens in central Thailand. Animals: Two thousand five hundred nineteen owned dogs presented with clinical abnormalities consistent with tick-borne diseases between 2019 and 2023. Methods: Retrospective study, blood samples were analyzed using multiplex PCR to assess infection rates. The study compared infection rates across different sexes and age groups and tracked monthly variations. Results: A total of 19.02% (95% CI: 17.50–20.60) of dogs were infected by one pathogen infection: Ehrlichia 11.47% (10.25–12.78), Babesia 2.78% (2.17–3.50), and Hepatozoon 1.83% (1.34–2.43). Infections occurred year-round but peaked in May. Coinfections were observed in 2.94% (2.31–3.67) of cases. Among infected dogs, coinfections were identified in 34% (36/106) and 53% (52/98) of dogs with babesiosis or hepatozoonosis, respectively, whereas 19% (69/358) of dogs with ehrlichiosis were co-infected. Coinfections peaked in April, occurred in all age groups, and were more frequent in dogs younger than 1 year compared to dogs older than 7 years. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive diagnostic testing for multiple pathogens and tick prevention in dogs living in this region.

Captive wildlife can serve as reservoirs for various tick-borne pathogens for both domestic animals and humans. Ecotourism tiger parks, where tigers (Panthera tigris) engage with humans and other animals, increase the risk of disease transmission. This study aimed to investigate the infection rate, co-infection patterns, and associated risk factors of tick-borne pathogens (Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Babesia) in captive tigers in Thailand. Blood samples were collected from 100 tigers and analyzed using multiplex PCR to detect the presence of three genera of tick-borne pathogens. The overall infection rate at least one tick-borne pathogen was 17 % (17/100). Ehrlichia canis was the most common, affecting 15 % (15/100) of the tigers, followed by Hepatozoon spp. [5 % (5/100)], with no detected Babesia spp. infection. Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon spp. co-infections were confirmed in 3 % (3/100) of the cases. Infection rates were examined according to sex and age. Female tigers exhibited a higher infection rate (22.22 % (10/45)) than males (12.73 % (7/55)), though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.209). Age was a significant factor, with older tigers showing higher infection rates (p < 0.001). Co-infections were observed in tigers older than seven years. All infected tigers, single or co-infected, commonly exhibited hyperproteinemia, anemia, and elevated creatinine levels in their blood. All pathogens identified in this study posed health risks to captive tigers, with infection rates primarily influenced by age. Ehrlichia canis poses the highest health risk for captive tigers in Thailand. These findings underscore the importance of routine health monitoring and effective tick control strategies to protect these endangered animals.

The legal trade of psittacine birds presents both economic opportunities and challenges, particularly in disease management. This study investigates the prevalence and co-infection dynamics of parrot bornavirus (PaBV), beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), and avian polyomavirus (APV) in psittacine birds traded in Thailand from 2020 to 2024. The study population consisted of clinically healthy birds. Molecular diagnostic testing identified PaBV and BFDV in 7.17% and 7.94% of samples, respectively, with significantly higher detection rates in birds from the Psittaculidae family (p < 0.001). APV was infrequently detected (0.57%) and showed no significant variation across host families (p = 0.139). No significant associations were observed between viral prevalence and sex. Viral co-infections were identified in 0.52% of birds, most commonly involving PaBV and BFDV. Among virus-positive individuals, the proportion of co-infections was highest in APV-positive birds (24.14%), followed by PaBV (8.88%) and BFDV (6.81%). Temporal variation was observed in the monthly prevalence of PaBV and BFDV. However, further investigation is required to determine whether these fluctuations are associated with specific seasonal patterns. Our study emphasized the necessity of routine screening for PaBV, BFDV, and APV, which should be implemented, including clinically healthy birds, as clinically unaffected individuals may act as hidden reservoirs and contribute significantly to the ongoing disease burden within captive psittacine populations. Awareness of species-specific infection patterns and potential temporal variation can facilitate more targeted and effective disease monitoring in aviaries.