In recent years, the four main swine influenza A virus (IAV-S) subtypes circulating in swine in the EU have been H1avN1, H1huN2, H1N1pdm09, and H3N2. The latter emerged in 1984 from a reassortment event between a human seasonal H3N2 and H1avN1, and is currently detected at low prevalence in swine in Italy. Here, we describe nine H3N2 IAV-S isolates belonging to three novel genotypes, first detected in Italy in 2021, likely resulting from reassortment events between swine and human IAVs. The first genotype was characterized by a hemagglutinin (H3 HA) of human seasonal origin, a neuraminidase (N2 NA) derived from H1huN2 strains circulating in Italian swine, and an avian-like internal gene cassette (IGC). The second genotype differed in its IGC constellation: PB2, PB1, PA and NP segments were of pandemic origin (pdm09), while NS and M segments derived from the Eurasian avian-like lineage. The third genotype combined a human-derived H3, a Gent/84-derived N2, and a pdm09-origin IGC, except for an avian-like NS. This study aimed to characterize the genetic features of these novel H3huN2 and assess their epidemiological relevance, with implications for surveillance and control, improving preparedness and mitigating the risks posed by zoonotic influenza viruses.

We report here the isolation of Clostridium botulinum type C from the medial muscles of the thigh of a gestating gilt with a claw wound and without evidence of septicemia. The pig died with paralytic signs, consistent with wound botulism, similar to episodes in humans.

Sudden outbreaks of exudative epidermitis (EE) are managed with antibiotics. This retrospective observational study evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus (S.) hyicus strains isolated in Northern Italy between January 2022 and April 2025. Isolates were recovered from clinical cases submitted to IZSLER diagnostic laboratories. To ensure data independence, only one isolate per pig farm or strains from the same farm isolated at least 6 months apart were included in the final analysis. Strains resulted from bacteriological examinations on skin swabs (65) and synovial fluid (1) of pigs with EE. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by determining the MIC of 16 antimicrobials in broth microdilution. MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values were determined, and strains were classified as wild-type (WT) or non-WT according to EUCAST ECOFFs. Each antimicrobial showed different sub-populations with reduced susceptibility. MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values were identical or differed by one dilution for most antimicrobials. The highest ratios of non-WT strains were penicillin (97%), tetracycline (91%), and clindamycin (90%). Conversely, non-WT strains ranged between 3 and 6% for oxacillin, cefazolin, ceftiofur, and rifampin.

Clostridium piliforme (Cp) is a pleomorphic spore-forming obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Tyzzer’s disease. The condition affects multiple species, including rabbits, in which the disease is sporadic in recently weaned animals. This report details a case of disease caused by Cp observed exclusively in breeding rabbits of a commercial farm. The clinical manifestations were a higher mortality rate in does and late-gestation abortions. We performed necropsy and further microbiological, parasitological and histopathological analyses. Anatomopathological lesions were suggestive of Tyzzer’s disease and the presence of Cp was confirmed by PCR. Parasitological analysis tested negative and standard bacteriological examination of intestines revealed a high load of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens, which were considered secondary pathogens. Chlamydophila sp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections were excluded by PCR as causative agents of abortions. Moreover, in the months following the diagnosed outbreak, episodes of subcutaneous edema occurred in multiple does and young breeders born after the resolution of the epidemic. The constant reduction in the use of antimicrobials in recent years could make some neglected diseases emerge again. Therefore, it is crucial to suspect such uncommon pathologies in commercial rabbitries to properly manage them on farms.