We studied humoral long-term adaptive viral neutralization responses in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), an increasingly useful vertebrate model for viral diseases actually limited by the absence of standardized anti-zebrafish immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. We established an alternative method, similar to those used in other fish, to achieve a first estimation of zebrafish anti-viral antibody-like responses. We used the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) model because, although protection after this non-natural infection was demonstrated in cold-acclimatized zebrafish, little is known about their induced anti-VHSV antibody-like responses. Therefore, we first optimized a micro-neutralization method based on immunostaining VHSV-infected fish cell monolayers to detect zebrafish neutralizing activity in plasma samples in one day. We then used the method to measure the specific anti-VHSV neutralization in plasma obtained from individual zebrafish under various VHSV challenges or immunization protocols. The neutralizing activity was inhibited by protein A-sepharose and rabbit anti-zebrafish IgM antibodies, suggesting the implication of IgM zebrafish antibodies in such responses. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate detectable and significant VHSV neutralization titers in zebrafish surviving VHSV infections. This micro-method might be useful, not only for the follow-up of infection/vaccine development in the zebrafish/VHSV model in particular, but also for similar work involving other in vitro neutralizable zebrafish pathogens. This technique might also further the development of alternative ELISA assay methods to measure specific immunoglobulins in zebrafish.

Aeromonas salmonicida is one of the major threats to world aquaculture, causing fish furunculosis and high mortality rates in cultured fish, particularly salmonids. Although Aeromonas spp. is a thoroughly studied pathogen, little is known regarding aeromoniasis in sturgeons. After a mortality outbreak, four juvenile sturgeons (Acipenser baerii) were submitted for autopsy and tissue samples were collected for histopathological and microbiological studies. The external examination revealed size heterogenicity, skin hyperpigmentation and reduced body condition of sturgeons. Within the abdominal cavity, mild hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were observed, as well as generalized organic congestion. Histology revealed severe multifocal haemorrhagic and ulcerative dermatitis, mainly localized in the dorsal and latero-ventral areas of fish. The histological study also showed moderate to severe inflammation of gills and organic lesions compatible with septicaemia. Bacterial isolates were identified as Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida using MALDI-TOF MS and PCR. Overall, the lesions first described here are consistent with those previously reported in other cultured fish species and contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida in the Siberian sturgeon, aside from providing new diagnostic tools for bacterial diseases impacting the fast-growing industry of caviar.

Flavobacterium psychrophilum affects many cultured fish species and is considered one of the most important bacterial pathogens causing substantial economic losses in salmonid aquaculture worldwide. Here, F. psychrophilum was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and nested PCR as the aetiological agent causing mortality in diseased juvenile Siberian sturgeons (Acipenser baerii) reared on a freshwater fish farm. Diseased sturgeons were lethargic and displayed dark skin pigmentation, increased mucus production and the presence of skin ulcerations and haemorrhages specially on the ventral side and the base of fins. The histological examination of fish revealed proliferative branchitis, ulcerative and necrotizing dermatitis and myositis, lymphoid tissue atrophy, liver and kidney degeneration and thrombosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the infection of Siberian sturgeons by F. psychrophilum. The detection of F. psychrophilum in diseased Siberian sturgeons and the description of the pathological findings observed during the outbreak may contribute to a better understanding of the bacterium pathogenicity and the range of fish species susceptible to infection.

Despite the well-established link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, animal mistreatment remains a global issue. Challenges such as inconsistent legislation, limited training of specialized pathologists, and lack of regional data persist and must be addressed. In Spain, the real incidence of animal abuse is unknown, and the literature on the topic remains scarce. This study aims to assess the evolution of feline abuse cases in the Community of Madrid, Spain, since the publication of a previous study in the same region. Over a five-year period (2020–2024), 53 cats with suspected abuse were diagnosed at the Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Unit of the VISAVET Health Surveillance Center. Thirty-one cats (58.49%) died from non-natural causes: 17 (32.07%) due to blunt force trauma, eight (15.09%) due to poisoning, and six (11.32%) due to projectile injuries. Natural causes accounted for 21 cases (39.62%). Compared to the previous study, data suggest a possible upward trend in the number of cats referred with suspected animal abuse, including eight new cases of ethylene glycol poisoning. The correlation between the type of suspected abuse and final diagnosis was very low. This article examines current challenges related to animal violence, with particular emphasis on feline colonies, and promotes awareness among both veterinary and non-veterinary professionals.

Animal victims of human cruelty are receiving increasing attention from the press and society. Veterinary pathologists and civic authorities have a duty not only to elucidate the cause, method and manner of death but also to address the motivation behind a case. Poultry are commonly used as offering to gods in Santería rituals (ebós). Only a few cases have been reported in scientific journals, in contrast with the number of cases described in the media. Here, a hen and a cockerel (Gallus domesticus) were submitted to the VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre for autopsy, which comprised macroscopic and histological studies and microbiological testing for Chlamydia psittaci, avian orthoavulavirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus), West Nile virus and avian influenza virus. The carcasses were in an active decay stage of decomposition, containing larvae of Lucilia eximia. Both animals had been decapitated and haemorrhages in the cutting region were observed histologically. Post-mortem burns were also observed. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first post-mortem description of lesions in a domestic avian species due to religious rituals. European Union and Spanish forensic practitioners should be aware that these ritual sacrifices occur in some European countries. Moreover, future European and national legislation updates should consider this type of animal abuse.