Bovine and bubaline brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy. Although control and eradication measures have been implemented for several years, the brucellosis situation remains problematic in the Campania region. The infection is present in the provinces of Salerno and Caserta, with the latter experiencing a drastic increase in the prevalence and incidence of infection in buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis) in recent years. The brucellosis eradication plan in Italy is subject to the European co-financing system, and failure to achieve the objectives of the plan has resulted in economic cuts for the Campania Region for years. This study aimed to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with the spread and persistence of brucellosis infection on buffalo farms in the Province of Caserta. The results of official controls carried out from 2015 to 2020 on the buffalo farms of the Province were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the R software (version 4.1.0) on a final dataset consisting of 4583 observations. The possible association between covariates and outcome (presence/absence of infection) was evaluated (T-Fisher and Wilcoxon). A logistic regression model with mixed effects was carried out. The study shows that the risk of infection is statistically associated with the density of farms per square km and previous notifications of abortions on the same farms. Furthermore, animal movements constitute a risk factor for the permanence of infection over time (OR > 1), and herds already infected prior to 2015 were seen to have an almost three-fold higher risk of developing the disease (OR = 3.35).

Brucella is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen that causes infection in sheep and goats (B. melitensis.); B. melitensis can also infect other animals. Sheep and goat brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy, including Campania, and causes considerable economic losses and health threats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors influencing the spread of brucellosis among sheep and goat farms in the Campania region in order to provide the local veterinary services with practical support in evaluating and planning diagnostic, preventive and control interventions. The results of official controls for brucellosis carried out from 2015 to 2020 in the sheep and goat farms of the Campania Region were analyzed. Data were extracted from the National Veterinary Information Systems and the Laboratory Management System of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy. Statistical analysis was carried out through the software R version 4.1.0; the dataset consisted of 37,442 observations, and 9 qualitative and quantitative variables were evaluated on 8487 farms, 248 of which were positive. The association between covariates and the outcome (presence/absence of the disease) was evaluated (Fisher and Wilcoxon tests). A logistic regression model with mixed effects was carried out. This study confirmed that brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Campania region mostly occurs through contact with infected animals imported from other farms (OR = 3.41—IC 95% [1.82–6.41]). Farms with a greater number of animals were seen to be at the greatest risk of infection (OR = 1.04—IC 95% [1.03–1.05]); previous suspension of healthy status also proved to be a risk factor (OR = 55.8—IC 95% [26.7–117]).

Climate changes and human-related activities are identified as major factors responsible for the increasing distribution and abundance of vectors worldwide and, consequently, of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Farmed animals, during grazing or in establishments with the absence of biosecurity measures, can easily be exposed to wildlife showing high-risk of contagion of several infectious diseases, including VBDs. Furthermore, livestock represents an interface between wildlife and humans, and thus, promoting the transmission pathway of VBDs. Little is known about the presence and prevalence of VBDs in livestock in Southern Italy; therefore, the present study evaluated the circulation of zoonotic VBDs in livestock and potential risk of exposure. A total of 621 whole blood samples belonging to cattle and buffaloes (n = 345) and small ruminants (n = 276) were examined by molecular examinations for the detection of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). High prevalence (66.3%) for at least one agent was observed. Moreover, the risk of exposure related to environmental features was assessed, as follows: presence of humid areas, high-density of animals, and sample collection during May. These results show a high circulation of TBPs among livestock and underline the need for surveillance in high-risk habitats for public health.

Vector-borne infections (Arbovirosis) represent a significant threat to public health worldwide. Climate change, currently a global problem, seems to contribute to the incidence and prevalence of autochthonous and imported cases of arbovirosis in Europe. The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of climate change on the occurrence and spread of arbovirosis in order to offer concrete ideas to the competent authorities and modulate surveillance plans on the basis of risk assessment. The results of official controls carried out from 2018 to 2023 on animals subjected to the Surveillance Plans for Blue Tongue, West Nile and Usutu viruses in the Campania Region were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.5.0). The possible correlation between the prevalence of infections and climate parameters was evaluated with the “cross-correlation time series” (p-value < 0.05). The generalized linear mixed model showed that for each unit increase in humidity and temperature, the probability of disease spread increased by 4.56% and 7.84%, respectively. The univariate logistic regression model and the odds ratio were necessary to evaluate the possible risk related to the proximity to wetlands or to bodies of water: in the past few years, these have represented a risk for the persistence and spread of arbovirosis in the Campania region.

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoon that can infect both animals and humans. The main route of human infection is the consumption of the raw or undercooked meat of several animal species, including pigs. Although T. gondii represents a public health concern, control during slaughter is not mandatory, leading to a lack of information on the impact on human contagion as well as poor data availability in domestic animals intended for human consumption. We studied the presence of T. gondii in home-reared pigs, an unconventional type of farming subjected to stringent breeding conditions dictated by Italian regulation. Thus, the diaphragms, livers and masseter muscles from 480 pigs in Napoli Province (Italy) were analyzed using real-time PCR and digital droplet PCR. The results showed four matrices that tested positive for T. gondii with very low protozoan loads (0.62%), belonging to three different animals. The low density of the animals (the maximum was four animals per farm) and the biosafety farming features decisively contributed to the bioexclusion of this pathogen. Comparing these results to intensive and extensive farm data, lower exposure to the parasite was revealed, suggesting that this farming method might mitigate the risk of human exposure through meat consumption.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis , is one of the most important zoonotic diseases of veterinary and public health concern, with significant economic, productive, and sanitary implications. In the Campania region, characterized by a high density of cattle and buffalo farms and a complex diversity of production systems, understanding the risk factors that influence the persistence and spread of the disease is essential for designing effective control and eradication strategies. This retrospective longitudinal observational cohort study analyzed a seven-year period (2017–2023) with the aim of identifying the main structural, management, and environmental variables associated with the occurrence of bTB outbreaks in cattle and buffalo herds across Campania. Data were integrated from national information systems (SANAN, SIMAN, and BDN) and analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The covariates considered included herd size, animal movements, previous history of infection, territorial characteristics (farm density, outbreak proximity, presence of pasture), and the presence of other domestic species. In the buffalo cohort ( n = 892), 13% of farms reported at least one positive case. Independent risk factors identified were previous infection (OR = 3.14; 95% CI: 1.61–5.92), introduction of animals from outside the region (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.19–0.85), and the number of outbreaks within a 2 km radius (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.07–1.33). In the cattle cohort ( n = 4,467), the prevalence of positivity was 3%. Significant predictors included previous infection (OR = 8.98; 95% CI: 4.18–17.76), presence of pasture within 2 km (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.62–4.19), animal movements (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.11–3.57), and the number of outbreaks within a 2 km buffer (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.28–1.58). The findings highlight the crucial role of herd-level (size and movements), historical (previous infection), and spatial (outbreak proximity, pasture presence) factors in the transmission dynamics of bTB. The integration of epidemiological and spatial analytical approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of the regional risk landscape, offering valuable insights for improving biosecurity, surveillance, and control strategies aimed at reducing the burden of bovine tuberculosis in both cattle and buffalo populations.