Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals play a major role in the transmission of disease, which in turn may result in financial and productive losses. Notwithstanding, studies on the burden and distribution of diarrheagenic protists in zoological gardens are still insufficient. Given the close animal–animal and animal–human interaction in these settings, Public Health concerns under the One Health context are raised. Using molecular detection tools and phylogenetic analysis, the goal of this study was to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic protists—Balantioides coli, Blastocystis sp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.—in animals residing in zoological parks in Portugal. Occurrence of Eimeria spp. was also assessed because of its veterinary relevance. Although Blastocystis sp. represents most of the positive samples obtained (11.6%; 95% CI: 0.08–0.17), all parasites were detected (B. coli (2.9%; 95% CI: 0.01–0.06), and Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Giardia spp. presented the same prevalence (0.5%; 95% CI: 0.00–0.03)). We also describe the first molecular detection of B. coli in a collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), of Blastocystis sp. in three different python species, and G. muris in a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), suggesting the broadening of the host range for these parasites.

The Preta de Montesinho goat is an autochthonous Portuguese breed classified as endangered. Autochthonous breeds should be preserved because they are usually well adapted to their specific regional conditions, exhibit resistance to certain diseases, and serve as important reservoirs of unique genetic diversity. For a breed like the Preta de Montesinho, maintaining the health of the animals to ensure their reproduction and increase their numbers is essential. Therefore, understanding the hematological reference interval is particularly important. This study aimed to determine the hematological reference interval for the Preta de Montesinho breed and assess the potential influence of age, sex, and seasons on these intervals. A total of 136 blood samples were collected from healthy animals. The samples were analyzed using the Mindray BC?5000 Vet? automatic hematology analyzer, and reference intervals for 23 blood parameters were established applying the Reference Value Advisor v2.1 software. JMP? was utilized to determine statistically significant differences between the established groups. Regarding age, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between young and old goats were detected in 15 parameters. Sex significantly influenced eight parameters, six of which were erythrocyte indices. The annual season (summer or winter) affected seven parameters and six erythrocyte indices. The reference intervals described here can serve as a tool to identify sick animals, evaluate responses to therapies, and select healthy animals for reproduction, thus contributing to the breed?s preservation.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an intracellular eukaryote closely related to fungi, is recognized as a significant pathogen affecting humans, particularly those with compromised immune systems. While its transmission routes are still not fully elucidated, fecal–oral transmission remains the primary one. With a wide host range, the zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi is a concern, albeit direct evidence of animal-to-human transmission remains scarce. Genotyping based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region facilitates the delineation of genetic diversity, with potentially zoonotic genotypes predominantly associated with Groups 1 and 2. Despite the broad spectrum of susceptible animal hosts, research into microsporidian infection among zoo animals remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of E. bieneusi infection across diverse captive animals, focusing on zoo settings in Portugal. Fecal samples were collected from a variety of animals, and molecular detection of E. bieneusi was conducted using nested PCR targeting the ITS region. Of 127 fecal samples, 1.57% (95% CI: 0.19–5.57) tested positive for E. bieneusi, with non-human primates (NHP’s) exhibiting an 18.18% (95% CI: 2.28–51.78) occurrence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering within Group 2 genotypes, indicating potential zoonotic implications. This study highlights the need for further research to understand the epidemiology of E. bieneusi in zoo environments and its potential transmission pathways to humans.

In the Brazilian Amazon biome, there has been a rise in human spotted fever cases, but still significant knowledge gaps regarding the diversity and epidemiology of the tick–host–Rickettsia relationship. In the herein study, rickettsiae were investigated in ticks from captured live wild hosts in the Amazon biome by PCR targeting a partial sequence of ompB and gltA genes. All 343 ticks were morphologically identified as belonging to five species of the genus Amblyomma. Amblyomma varium (n = 24, 7%) were collected from a Rhinella marina and a Bradypus tridactylus. Amblyomma geayi (n = 51, 15%) were collected from two Bradypus tridactylus. Amblyomma goeldii (n = 116, 34%) were collected from three Tamandua tetradactyla. Amblyomma dissimile (n = 131, 38%) were collected from two Boa constrictor. Amblyomma humerale (n = 21, 6%) were collected from a Chelonoidis spp. Four A. geayi ticks (one female and three males) collected from a three-toed sloth (B. tridactylus) in 2015 were found to be positive for Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. The molecular findings herein have confirmed that R. parkeri spotted fever may occur in the Amazon Rainforest associated with A. geayi, expanding the geographical distribution of the R. parkeri strain to the Central Amazon Rainforest.

Vector-borne diseases, particularly those caused by Rickettsia species, pose a significant public health threat in Europe. Despite extensive research on tick-borne pathogens in various European countries, Luxembourg has yet not been studied for Rickettsia spp. in ticks infesting domestic animals. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the presence of Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from domestic dogs in Luxembourg between April 2023 and April 2024. A total of 61 ticks were examined using molecular techniques, including PCR amplification of the outer membrane protein B (ompB), outer membrane protein A (ompA), and citrate synthase (gltA) genes. Results revealed the presence of R. helvetica and R. conorii subsp. raoultii, with 4.9% of ticks testing positive for Rickettsia spp. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the high genetic identity of the sequences obtained with previously described strains from Europe and Asia. This study highlights the potential risk of emerging tick-borne diseases in Luxembourg and emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance to better understand the spread of Rickettsia spp. in Europe, particularly as climate change may facilitate the expansion of tick populations and their associated pathogens.