Haemosporidian parasites are vector-borne parasites infecting terrestrial vertebrates as well as avian species, such as the White-breasted Waterhen, a Gruiformes waterbird found in lowlands near wetlands and distributed throughout Thailand. However, information regarding haemosporidia infection in this species is lacking. To establish regional information, 17 blood samples were collected from White-breasted Waterhens. Four haemoparasite lineages were identified in six blood samples: Haemoproteus gallinulae, Plasmodium collidatum, Plasmodium elongatum, and an unidentified Plasmodium species. H. gallinulae was characterized with morphological features in White-breasted Waterhens for the first time; the morphological characteristics were consistent with previous descriptions. H. gallinulae was more closely related to Haemoproteus species of Passeriformes birds than to those of Gruiformes birds. The Plasmodium parasites infecting these White-breasted Waterhens previously caused severe avian malaria in other host species. The unidentified Plasmodium species had rarely been documented, although it was reported in the Culex vector and was possibly associated with specialist parasites either as host or habitat. Our findings reveal multiple haemosporidian species reflecting the role of this avian host as a carrier of haemosporidians. This study offers species records and molecular materials that may provide critical information for further targeted research into these haemosporidia.

Background and Aim: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a debilitating inflammatory condition of the oral cavity in cats, associated with chronic pain, salivation, halitosis, and reduced quality of life. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have known anti-inflammatory properties and may offer a supportive treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of two marine-derived n-3 PUFA sources – krill oil and green-lipped mussel (GLM) oil – administered through lickable cat treats in cats with FCGS. Materials and Methods: Sixteen FCGS cats were randomized into three double-blinded treatment groups to receive daily lickable treats: Control (no n-3 PUFA), krill oil (100 mg), or GLM oil (100 mg) for 28 days. Clinical outcomes (stomatitis and pain scores, halitosis, and salivation) were assessed on days 0, 14, and 28 by veterinarians. Owner-reported outcomes and inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin 6, interleukin 1 beta, and interferon-gamma) were also evaluated. Results: Both krill and GLM oil treatments were well-tolerated, with no adverse changes in body weight, hematological, or biochemical parameters. Mean stomatitis and pain scores showed a non-significant downward trend in all groups. Halitosis and salivation improved in seven cats, particularly in the GLM and control groups. Owner-reported improvement was observed in 10 of 16 cats, with the highest in the krill oil group (75%). Cytokine levels demonstrated high variability and no statistically significant changes. No significant differences were observed between the n-3 PUFA sources. Conclusion: Daily administration of n-3 PUFA-enriched cat treats is safe and may provide mild clinical benefit in cats with FCGS, particularly in alleviating oral discomfort. While no significant differences were found between krill and GLM oils, both formulations were palatable and suitable as adjunctive therapy. Further research with larger cohorts, extended durations, and sensitive scoring systems is warranted to optimize treatment protocols. Keywords: adjuvant therapy, cat oral health, cytokines, feline chronic gingivostomatitis, green-lipped mussel oil, inflammation, krill oil, nutraceuticals, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, lickable cat treat.

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) resulting from antibiotic misuse in livestock poses a growing threat to animal and human health. The development of sustainable probiotic alternatives supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and perform genomic analysis of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from swine feces exhibiting antibacterial activity against pathogenic Escherichia coli, to explore their potential as eco-friendly probiotic feed additives. Materials and Methods: Thirty fecal samples were collected from slaughtered crossbred pigs in Thailand. LAB isolates were screened for antibacterial activity against five E. coli pathotypes (Enteroaggregative E. coli, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, enteroinvasive E. coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli, and enteropathogenic E. coli) and assessed for acid and bile tolerance, adhesion capacity, and gastrointestinal survival. Two promising isolates (ATP111 and ATP210) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses for genes related to antimicrobial production, stress tolerance, virulence, and AMR. Results: Among 93 initial isolates, Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis ATP111 and Weissella cibaria ATP210 exhibited broad-spectrum inhibition against all E. coli pathotypes. Both strains survived under pH 2.5 and 1% bile conditions, showing 74.39% and 66.90% survival, respectively, in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Genomic analyses revealed the presence of genes encoding bacteriocins, polyketide synthases, terpenes, and multiple stress-response proteins, supporting their resilience and antimicrobial functionality. Importantly, both genomes lacked virulence and AMR genes, confirming biosafety for probiotic use. Conclusion: The integrated phenotypic and genomic evidence positions L. argentoratensis ATP111 and W. cibaria ATP210 as safe, effective, and sustainable probiotic candidates for swine health management. Their application as antibiotic alternatives aligns with SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 15 (life on land), contributing to reduced antibiotic dependence and improved livestock sustainability. Future in vivo validation is recommended to confirm efficacy and support global AMR mitigation efforts. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, Escherichia coli, Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis, Probiotics, SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 15 (life on land), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), sustainability, swine health, Weissella cibaria.

Post-weaning diarrhea caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli is a significant economic challenge in global swine production. Rising antimicrobial resistance linked to traditional antibiotics necessitates safe, sustainable alternatives. This study isolated and characterized host-associated Bacillus species from the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy pigs to evaluate their probiotic potential. Fifty-nine Bacillus isolates were screened for safety, gastrointestinal tract survivability, mucosal adhesion, and antimicrobial efficacy. Several isolates demonstrated robust tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal stress (acidic pH and bile salts), non-hemolytic profiles, and strong mucosal adhesion. Multiple isolates displayed inhibitory activity against pathogenic Escherichia coli in vitro. The most promising candidate, Bacillus subtilis 1BP1Co1, underwent Nanopore whole-genome sequencing. Genomic profiling confirmed its safety, revealing a complete absence of known virulence factors and high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes. Furthermore, genome annotation identified multiple biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for the production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites, including surfactin, fengycin, bacillaene, and subtilosin A, which mechanistically supports its pathogen-inhibitory properties. Collectively, these findings highlight indigenous Bacillus strains, particularly Bacillus subtilis 1BP1Co1, as promising probiotic candidates with the potential to be developed to mitigate Escherichia coli-associated enteric disorders in swine production systems.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) continues to cause devastating economic losses in the swine industry. However, the lack of species-specific in vitro models and reliance on costly animal models hinders development of effective interventions. We established a high-fidelity platform using porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs; line VSMUi001-C) via a 28-day stepwise differentiation protocol. Successful lineage commitment was validated by OCT4 downregulation and robust FOXA2/SOX17 expression at day 5. By day 28, the piPSC-derived intestinal epithelial cells (piPSC-IECs) exhibited organized LGR5+ niches, MUC2+ goblet cells, and Villin+ enterocytes, mirroring native tissue architecture. Barrier functionality was confirmed by the continuous distribution of the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Our results demonstrate that piPSC-IECs are permissive to PEDV and support productive infection, encompassing the complete viral life cycle from entry to release of infectious progeny. Productive replication was confirmed by direct immunodetection of viral antigen within inoculated cells. Viral challenge induced characteristic cytopathic effects and a specific pro-inflammatory elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Notably, infection fragmented ZO-1, providing a mechanistic explanation for the leaky gut phenotype observed in vivo. This platform serves as a robust system for investigating viral kinetics and host–pathogen interactions with high species-specific relevance.