Muhammad Waqas’ Post

Despite these findings, there is no proof that plant prions cause infections in deer or other animals. The likelihood of a species barrier preventing the transmission of these prions to humans remains high. Experts acknowledge the situation's complexity and stress the importance of more research. Unanswered questions revolve around different CWD strains, the role of weathering, and how it affects disease management. Future research involves studying how prions are taken up in the digestive system of ruminants, investigating the speed of uptake, how long prions stay in plants, and the buildup of prions in pollen and fruit. This groundbreaking study challenges what we know about prions and opens up new areas of exploration at the intersection of plant physiology, animal rearing, and prion research. The implications for agriculture, wildlife, and public health highlight the need for ongoing investigation into how prions behave in the environment. #Research #Biosafety #PrionResearch #Sitero

“The problem with TB is that it’s not a one-directional issue. If we don’t take care of the TB problem in our domestic animals and in our wildlife species, there will be potential spillover into humans, and that will add to the total TB burden." - Prof Michele Miller, DSI-NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Animal TB #onehealth #onehealthapproach #animaltb #bovinetb #animaltuberculosis #krugernationalpark #genetics #livestock #conservation #tbgenomics #molecularbiology #researchforimpact

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐁 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 The researchers, based in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics in the Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, are determined to understand exactly how the transmission of TB occurs between wildlife, livestock, and people. One of their research endeavours, for instance, is an elephant surveillance programme that involves screening the KNP’s elephants for mycobacteria. Since 2016, no more cases of human TB in elephants have been detected. Five elephants have, however, been diagnosed with animal TB. Read more here 👉 https://bit.ly/416VDY8

#editorchoice 👉 Title: #Helminths in Invasive Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Southwest Germany 👨🎓 by Nico P. Reinhardt et al. 🔗 Link: https://lnkd.in/ggKyaRHW 🎯 Article Views: 1904; Citations: 4 As hosts of numerous zoonotic pathogens, the role of raccoons needs to be considered in the #OneHealth 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 PetChekTM 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. #OpenAccess

🌱PLANT VIRUS - GEMINIVIRUS🦠 Geminivirus are affect #plants and pathogenic to higher plants. The leafhopper and whiteflies in this insect serve as vectors, transmitting viruses that impact plants. The harmless to human and other animals, but reduce plant crop yield and quality of crops. *️⃣Morphology : *To have circular single stranded DNA. This are non- enveloped, icosahedral virions that consists of a capsid. The capsid is germinate or twinned and consists of 22 capsomers. The capsid in 30nm long and has a diameter of 18- 20nm. The non-segmented genome is 2500-3000 nucleotides long, the segmented #genome is 4800-5600 nucleotides long. The genome encode for both structural and non- structural protein. *️⃣Symptoms : *The virus strains and the present of mixed #infection . The common symptoms are stunting, curling and twisting of leaves. Yellowing of the infected plants, very small, down- curled tips and margins of the youngest leaves, chlorosis. *️⃣Diagnosis: *PCR is currently the method of choice for geminivirus detection as it rapid, sensitive and precise. Sequence of the PCR amplified geminivirus DNA fragments allows for precise identification of the #virus . Rolling circle amplification (RCA) can also be used to identify mixed infection of geminivirus. *️⃣Management of Geminivirus: *In the development of an integrated pest management. Production of virus and vector free tomato transplant in a #greenhouse . Protected culture in screen house allows for effective management of disease of vegetables crops. Row covers provide a barrier that protect young plants of susceptible crops from infection by insect. Yellow sticky cards can be used to monitor insect vector population ( leafhopper/whiteflies). *️⃣Image source: https://lnkd.in/gZY7bd_c *️⃣Notes from: Annual review 📝 #virology #diseases #pestmanagement #plantscience #diagnostic #plantpathology #plantbiotechnology #insectes #biotechnology #microbiology #botany #plants

Super cool new paper out from BeeCSI led by our awesome collaborator Dr. Alison McAfee at UBC! 🐝🦠🫐 https://lnkd.in/gswX459K Highbush blueberry pollination depends on managed honey bees (Apis mellifera) L. for adequate fruit sets; however, beekeepers have raised concerns about the poor health of colonies after pollinating this crop. Postulated causes include agrochemical exposure, nutritional deficits, and interactions with parasites and pathogens, particularly Melisococcus plutonius [(ex. White) Bailey and Collins, Lactobacillales: Enterococcaceae], the causal agent of European foulbrood disease, but other pathogens could be involved. To broadly investigate common honey bee pathogens in relation to blueberry pollination, we sampled adult honey bees from colonies at time points corresponding to before (t1), during (t2), at the end (t3), and after (t4) highbush blueberry pollination in British Columbia, Canada, across 2 years (2020 and 2021). Nine viruses, as well as M. plutonius, Vairimorpha ceranae, and V. apis [Tokarev et al., Microsporidia: Nosematidae; formerly Nosema ceranae (Fries et al.) and N. apis (Zander)], were detected by PCR and compared among colonies located near and far from blueberry fields. We found a significant interactive effect of time and blueberry proximity on the multivariate pathogen community, mainly due to differences at t4 (corresponding to ~6 wk after the beginning of the pollination period). Post hoc comparisons of pathogens in near and far groups at t4 showed that detections of sacbrood virus (SBV), which was significantly higher in the near group, not M. plutonius, was the primary driver. Further research is needed to determine if the association of SBV with highbush blueberry pollination is contributing to the health decline that beekeepers observe after pollinating this crop.

"Entomology in environmental health is the art and science of understanding the intricate dance between insects, humans, and the environment. It's the study of how tiny creatures can have a massive impact on our well-being, and how we can harness that knowledge to prevent disease, promote sustainability, and create a healthier world for all." "Entomology in environmental health refers to the study and application of insect knowledge to prevent and control diseases transmitted by insects, and to mitigate the impact of insects on human health and the environment. Entomology in environmental health focuses on: 1. _Vector-borne diseases_: understanding the role of insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas in transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and Lyme disease. 2. _Insect-borne disease prevention_: developing strategies to prevent insect bites and disease transmission, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and repellents. 3. _Insect surveillance and monitoring_: tracking insect populations and disease outbreaks to predict and respond to public health threats. 4. _Insect control methods_: developing and evaluating methods to control insect populations, such as insecticides, biological control agents, and genetic modification. 5. _Environmental modification_: modifying environments to reduce insect habitats and breeding sites, such as eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. 6. _Public education and awareness_: educating communities about insect-borne diseases and prevention measures. Entomologists in environmental health work to: 1. _Prevent disease outbreaks_ 2. _Develop sustainable insect control methods_ 3. _Improve public health policy and practice_ 4. _Conduct research and development_ 5. _Collaborate with communities and stakeholders_ By understanding the complex relationships between insects, environments, and human health, entomologists play a crucial role in protecting public health and promoting environmental sustainability. #entomology #environmentalhealth

THAT’S ALMOST IT FROM OUR BEES FOR THIS YEAR – BUT THEY’LL BE BACK SOON! It has been another very successful season of honeybee semi-field trials here at APIS, and the team has worked incredibly hard over the summer to deliver for our clients. As in previous years, we have had a nice mix of standard guideline studies and some more unusual bespoke designs that were commissioned to address very specific product performance questions. Unlike our lab studies, where capacity is almost infinitely scalable, our capacity for these big field studies is limited and so we have to allocate them on a strictly first come, first served basis. They are the only studies that we have to ration in this way, so if you are likely to need a honeybee semi-field study in 2025 we would definitely recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a company called APIS, our bee expertise is often the first thing that people think of. It’s certainly a big part of what we do, but it’s very far from being all that we do! So, if you are looking for any of the invertebrate NTA studies – terrestrial or aquatic – or 5-batch analysis, pathogen screening, storage stability, non-target plants, or indeed anything else that requires our entomology or microbiology expertise, then just get in touch. We’d be delighted to help you.

Recently, I also encountered another study regarding the effect of non-nutritive sugars on Drosophila #flies. 🔬 Could maybe #sugars be used to get rid of insect pests in the future? 🤓 #research #entomology #pestcontrol #pesticidefree #sweeteners https://lnkd.in/dbNUrBnP Main points of the article: 👉"Sucralose-water solutions were effective in reducing survival of German #cockroaches via effects on their gastrointestinal system... 👉While sucralose has now been found to reduce survival in Blattella germanica and Drosophila suzukii, it is unknown whether sucralose would be effective for a broad variety of #insect #pests... 👉It will be important to also conduct tests in which sucralose solutions are presented to cockroaches along with a competing resource, as well as tests in real-world settings."

Such and interesting read! Thanks Entomological Society of America for the post.