Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is the causative agent of animal tuberculosis (bTB), infecting and causing disease in several animal species. In areas where there are complex interactions between reservoir hosts and susceptible species, the control of this pathogen is a challenge. The authors report two outbreaks of goat tuberculosis caused by M. bovis in multi-host ecosystems within two protected natural areas of Sicily, where TB is historically endemic. The first outbreak (Farm A) was identified after the incidental detection at the slaughterhouse of TB-like lesions in goat viscera ready to be disposed. Single intradermal cervical tuberculin test (SICT) was performed in Farm A on 205 goats, resulting positive in 10 (4.9%). After slaughtering, six out of ten animals showed TB-like lesions, from which M. bovis spoligotype SB0841 was isolated. The typing did not reveal any epidemiological connection with the neighboring cattle, suggesting that free-ranging type of management exposed the affected goat livestock or wildlife infected with other strains. The second outbreak (Farm B) was detected in a mixed farm (bovine, caprine, and ovine), where relapsing outbreaks of TB in cattle were registered in the previous years after performing the SICT in cohabiting goats. SICT resulted positive in 6/153 (3.9%), and two animals showed bTB-like lesions. No mycobacteria were cultured, and the final diagnosis of TB was achieved by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The reported outbreaks highlight the importance of assessing the epidemiological, diagnostic, and regulatory critical issue, which is fundamental to optimizing the strategies of eradicating TB in the endemic multi-host ecosystem described.

Aujeszky’s disease is caused by Suid alphaherpesvirus 1, and its main reservoir host is the pig. However, other species are also susceptible. Infection with this virus causes a severe neurological clinical picture named Aujeszky’s disease, usually accompanied by itching and death a few days after the onset of symptoms. This study reports a multi-species outbreak of Aujeszky’s disease that occurred in Sicily, which led to the death of 2 goats, 15 sheep, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 foxes. The diagnosis was made by culture, indirect immunofluorescence on brain samples and confirmed by biological test on rabbits. This study reports the first cases of Aujeszky’s disease in Italy in cats, goat and sheep. The finding of Aujeszky’s disease in several species in Sicily suggests a potential epizootic risk. In such areas where a multi-host system is recognised, an analysis of the risk factors should be carried out in order to develop targeted strategies for the control and eradication of the disease. The critical issues that hinder the control of Aujeszky’s disease in the studied territory and perspectives for eradication in the light of EU regulation 429/2016 are also discussed.

Aujeszky’s disease in cattle is caused by Suid herpes virus 1. The natural infection has been reported worldwide in bovine species and it is related to direct and indirect contact with infected pigs, which represent the main reservoir of the virus. Here, it is reported the first documented outbreak of Aujeszky’s disease in cattle in Sicily (Italy). Severe itching and nonspecific neurological symptoms were the main reported clinical signs. No characteristic gross and histological features were reported other than cutaneous lesions caused by excessive pruritus and hyperaemia, haemorrhages and inflammation in the central nervous system. Diagnosis was confirmed by real time PCR and immunohistochemistry on the nervous tissue. The route of infection remained unknown, but serological data observed in pigs living in close cohabitation with cattle revealed a circulation of a wild strain of the virus in the area. This study contributes to a better knowledge of this disease in a non-conventional host and suggests the need to increase the prophylaxis control plans in specific breeding contexts.

Bovine tuberculosis and paratuberculosis are endemic in many areas worldwide. This work aims to study cytokines production and gene expression profiles of bovine macrophages infected with Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis subsp. avium (MAP) strains to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers. Bovine bone marrow stem cells were differentiated into macrophages and subsequently infected in vitro with different spoligotypes of M. bovis and MAP field strains (as single infections and coinfections), using different multiplicity of infection. Supernatant and cell pellets were collected 24 h, 48 h, and one week post-infection. Preliminarily, gene expression on cell pellets of IL-1β, IL-2, INFγ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNFα was assessed by qRT-PCR one week p.i. Subsequently, IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR to investigated their production retrospectively 24 h and 48 h p.i. A variability in macrophages response related to the concentration of mycobacteria, the coinfection with MAP, and M. bovis spoligotypes was identified. An early and constant IL-6 increase was observed in the M. bovis infection. A lower increase in IL-1β was also detected at the highest concentration of the two M. bovis spoligotypes one week post-infection. IL-6 and IL-1 β production was reduced and differently expressed in the MAP infection. IL-6 appeared to be the earliest cytokines produced by bovine macrophages infected with M. bovis.