Microbial water quality is a major concern in the world, since the ingestion of water contaminated with microorganisms poses risks to human and animal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of drinking water on dairy cattle farms. The study was carried out to determine the occurrence of coliforms and enterococcus species in drinking water samples obtained from selected dairy cattle farms located in four different areas of Portugal (north, central, south and islands). A questionnaire was used to collect relevant information regarding farmer demographics, characteristics of the cattle farms, as well as number of animals per herd, number of adult cows, production type, water source, use of disinfectants and pasture area. In this study, a convenience sample of 32 dairy cattle farms was subjected to screening for water quality. The numbers of animals in the study were 8086 cattle, with a mean herd size of 253, of which 51.7% were cows. Coliform and enterococcus bacterial species were identified by performing the membrane filtration method. The occurrence of poor water quality was recorded in 19 (59.4%) cattle farms. Isolated bacteria included Escherichia coli (20.0%), Enterococcus faecalis (25.0%), total coliforms (65.6%) and fecal coliforms (43.8%). Farms that did not routinely perform disinfection had the worst water quality (70.8%) when compared with farms that performed disinfection (25.0%) (p = 0.022). This research revealed the importance of screening the quality of drinking water on cattle farms, which could contribute to improved animal, human and environmental health in a One Heath approach.

Talaromyces marneffei is a zoonotic dimorphic pathogen endemic to Southeast Asia and reported in 33 countries, with an estimated 17,300 human cases and 4900 deaths annually. We aimed to identify the best available evidence regarding the epidemiological and clinical features and the prevalence of T. marneffei reported in companion animals, wildlife, and humans in Europe. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching three databases under PRISMA guidelines for “Talaromyces marneffei” or “talaromycosis” in Europe or the equivalent. References from the obtained publications were also checked to identify additional papers that met the inclusion criteria. The search was not limited by language or year. Studies published until 30 April 2025 were included. Due to the limited number of publications on animals, the geographic scope was expanded to a global level. Of the 915 studies identified, 33 were eligible and categorised according to the subject they addressed: talaromycosis in humans (n = 26), talaromycosis in companion animals (n = 4), and talaromycosis in wildlife (n = 3). Talaromycosis has been reported 28 times in 11 different European countries among humans. Additionally, one case of T. marneffei in wildlife has been documented in Europe. There is a potential liaison host between bamboo rats and humans. Talaromycosis is an emerging planetary neglected disease. Confusion with other diseases and potential misdiagnosis leads to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary risk to lives. Immunocompromised and HIV-positive patients should be screened for talaromycosis. The unexplained worldwide reports in atypical species and locations prompt a call to action for a more proactive search for T. marneffei in other domestic and wild animals, as well as in soil, to fully understand its hosts and transmission, which must incorporate the Stockholm Paradigm and Planetary Health perspectives.

Resumo A medicina veterinária de abrigo (MVA), focada na saúde e bem-estar dos animais em abrigos, evoluiu significativamente ao longo do tempo. Este resumo fornece uma visão histórica concisa, destacando marcos, desafios e o impacto desta especialidade da medicina veterinária. A MVA teve origem no início do século XX, à medida que os abrigos de animais surgiram para lidar com as populações de animais abandonados e de rua. Inicialmente centrada no controlo de doenças e cuidados primários, a área expandiu-se para englobar a saúde animal, incluindo o maneio comportamental e o controlo populacional. Os desafios enfrentados pela MVA incluem assim recursos limitados, sobrelotação, gestão de doenças infetocontagiosas e considerações éticas sobre a eutanásia. No entanto, surgiram estratégias inovadoras, como programas de vacinação, iniciativas de esterilização e procedimentos de adoção, visando melhorar o bem-estar animal e reduzir as populações em abrigos. O impacto da MVA tem-se tornado significativo. Esta área da medicina veterinária aprimorou a saúde e o bem-estar dos animais em abrigos e a salvaguarda da saúde pública. Além disso, a MVA reduz os riscos de transmissão de doenças, abordando doenças zoonóticas e implementando medidas preventivas, como vacinação e controlo de parasitas. Além disso, a MVA fomenta colaborações entre profissionais veterinários, organizações de proteção animal e comunidades. Estas parcerias resultam em políticas progressistas, legislação e aumento de oportunidades de investigação e aprendizagem. De uma abordagem rudimentar a MVA transformou-se numa disciplina abrangente. Apesar dos desafios,  as contribuições substanciais para o bem-estar animal e a saúde pública são evidentes. Exemplo disso é o reconhecimento total como especialidade do American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) em março de 2023. Avanços e colaborações são fundamentais para melhorar o cuidado dos animais em abrigos e criar um futuro  sustentável para animais e humanos. Palavras-chave: Controlo de Doenças; Gestão Populacional; Medicina Veterinária de Abrigo; Saúde Animal; Saúde Pública. Abstract Veterinary shelter medicine (VSM), focused on the health and welfare of animals in shelters, has evolved significantly over time. This abstract provides a concise historical overview, highlighting milestones, challenges, and the impact of this specialised field. VSM originated in the early 20th century as animal shelters emerged to address stray and abandoned animal populations. Initially centred on disease control and primary care, the field expanded to encompass comprehensive animal health, including behaviour management and population control. Challenges faced by VSM include limited resources, overcrowding, infectocontagious disease management, and ethical considerations of euthanasia. However, innovative strategies like vaccination programs, spay/neuter initiatives, and adoption procedures emerged to improve animal welfare and reduce shelter populations. The impact of VSM is significant. It enhances the health and well-being of shelter animals and safeguards public health. In addition, VSM has reduced disease transmission risks by addressing zoonotic diseases and implementing preventive measures, such as vaccination and parasite control. Moreover, the field fosters collaborations between veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations, and communities. These collaborations led to progressive policies, legislation, and increased research and training opportunities. VSM has transformed from a rudimentary approach to a comprehensive discipline. Despite challenges, it has made substantial contributions to animal welfare and public health and received full recognition from the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) in March 2023. Advancements and collaborations are vital to improving care for shelter animals and creating a compassionate and sustainable future for animals and humans. Keywords: Animal Health; Disease Control; Population Management; Public Health; Veterinary Shelter Medicine.