The genus Macavirus, subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae, comprises ungulate viruses that infect domestic and wild ruminants and swine. They cause asymptomatic latent infections in reservoir hosts and malignant catarrhal fever in susceptible species. Lung, spleen, bronchial lymph node, and tongue were collected from 448 cattle (348 necropsied, 100 slaughtered) in Switzerland, United Kingdom, Finland, Belgium, and Germany to determine their infection with bovine herpesvirus-6 (BoHV-6) and gammaherpesviruses of other ruminants, i.e., ovine herpesvirus-1 and -2, caprine herpesvirus-2, and bison lymphotropic herpesvirus, using quantitative PCR. Only BoHV-6 was detected, with an overall frequency of 32%, ranging between 22% and 42% in the different countries. Infection was detected across all ages, from one day after birth, and was positively correlated with age. There was no evidence of an association with specific disease processes. In positive animals, BoHV-6 was detected in all organs with high frequency, consistently in the lungs or spleen. Viral loads varied substantially. In BoHV-6-positive gravid cows, organs of fetuses tested negative for infection, indicating that the virus is not vertically transmitted. Our results confirm previous data indicating that BoHV-6 is a commensal of domestic cattle not associated with disease processes and confirm that infections with other macaviruses are rare and sporadic.

As hosts of numerous zoonotic pathogens, the role of raccoons needs to be considered in the One Health context. Raccoons progressively expand their range as invasive alien species in Europe. This study aimed to investigate the intestinal helminth fauna of raccoons in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, as no such screening had ever been conducted there. In total, we obtained 102 animals from hunters in 2019 and 2020. Intestinal helminths were retrieved using the SSCT (segmented sedimentation and counting technique) and identified morphologically and by PCR-based Sanger sequencing. Fecal samples were assessed using the ELISA PetChek^TM IP assay (IDEXX, Germany) and flotation technique. The artificial digestion method was employed for analyzing muscle tissue. We detected species of four nematode genera (Baylisascaris procyonis, Toxocara canis, Capillaria spp., and Trichuris spp.), three cestode genera (Atriotaenia cf. incisa/procyonis, Taenia martis, and Mesocestoides spp.), and three trematode genera (Isthmiophora hortensis/melis, Plagiorchis muris, and Brachylaima spp.). Echinococcus spp. and Trichinella spp. were not found. The invasive behavior and synanthropic habits of raccoons may increase the infection risk with these helminths in wildlife, domestic and zoo animals, and humans by serving as a connecting link. Therefore, it is crucial to initiate additional studies assessing these risks.

Shamonda virus (SHAV), which has recently emerged in Central Europe and has caused disease in numerous cattle herds, was detected in brain tissue from two horses that showed clinical signs, including neurological disorder, and underwent pathological examination. The horses reportedly exhibited seizure-like episodes (Horse A) as well as fever and ataxia (Horse B). In both horses, severe lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalitis with hemorrhages was observed in various parts of the central nervous system (CNS), while outside the CNS no abnormalities were found. The virus genome could be detected by RT-qPCR in all examined parts of the CNS of both horses. In a postmortem cerebrospinal fluid sample of one horse, the virus could only be detected with a very low genome load; however, postmortem contamination cannot be completely ruled out. Consistent with the histological findings, no SHAV genome was detected in either the blood or organs outside the CNS. Postmortem, CNS material—especially brainstem tissue—is suitable for detection of histological lesions and virus genomes via RT-qPCR, while intravital diagnostics of a SHAV infection in horses exhibiting neurological signs is at the moment only possible to a very limited extent. The epidemiological role of horses in the SHAV outbreak is currently unclear.

Shamonda virus (SHAV), which has recently emerged in Central Europe, was detected in brain tissue from two horses that showed clinical signs including neurological disorder and underwent pathological examination. The horses reportedly exhibited seizure-like episodes (Horse A) as well as fever and ataxia (Horse B). In both horses, severe lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalitis with hemorrhages were observed in various parts of the central nervous system (CNS), while outside the CNS no abnormalities were found. The virus genome could be detected by RT-qPCR in all examined parts of the CNS of both horses. In a postmortem cerebrospinal fluid sample of one horse, the virus could only be detected with a very low genome load; however, postmortem contamination cannot be completely ruled out. Consistent with the histological findings, no SHAV genome was detected in either the blood or organs outside the CNS. Postmortem, CNS material - especially brainstem tissue – is suitable for detection of histological lesions and virus genome via PT-qPCR, while intra vitam diagnostics of a SHAV infection in horses exhibiting neurological signs is at the moment only possible to a very limited extent.