Sero-prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and associated risk factors in rural Rwanda: A cross-sectional study

Background Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted through the urine of wild and domestic animals, and is responsible for over 50,000 deaths each year. In East Africa, prevalence varies greatly, from as low as 7% in Kenya to 37% in Somalia. Transmission epidemiology also varies around the world, with research in Nicaragua showing that rodents are the most clinically important, while studies in Egypt and Chile suggest that dogs may play a more important role. There are no published studies of leptospirosis in Rwanda. Methods & findings We performed a cross-sectional survey of asymptomatic adults recruited from five occupational categories. Serum samples were tested using ELISA and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). We found that 40.1% (151/377) of asymptomatic adults had been exposed to Leptospira spp. Almost 36.3% of positive subjects reported contact with rats (137/377) which represent 90.7% among positive leptospira serology compared with 48.2% of negative subjects (182/377) which represent 80.5% among negative leptospira serology (OR 2.37, CI 1.25–4.49) and 1.7 fold on prevalence ratio and 2.37 of odd ratio. Furthermore, being a crop farmer was significantly associated with leptospirosis (OR 2.06, CI 1.29–3.28). We identified 6 asymptomatic subjects (1.6%) who met criteria for acute infection. Conclusions This study demonstrates a high prevalence of leptospiral antibodies infection among asymptomatic adults in rural Rwanda, particularly relative to neighboring countries. Although positive subjects were more likely to report rat contact, we found no independent association between rats and leptospirosis infection. Nonetheless, exposure was high among crop farmers, which is supportive of the hypothesis that rats together with domestic livestock might contribute to the transmission. Further studies are needed to understand infecting Leptospira servers and elucidate the transmission epidemiology in Rwanda and identify means of host transmitters.

Time-Resolved Analysis of N-RNA Interactions during RVFV Infection Shows Qualitative and Quantitative Shifts in RNA Encapsidation and Packaging

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a negative-sense, tripartite RNA virus that is endemic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It can cause severe disease and mortality in humans and domestic livestock and is a concern for its potential to spread more globally. RVFV’s nucleocapsid protein (N) is an RNA-binding protein that is necessary for viral transcription, replication, and the production of nascent viral particles. We have conducted crosslinking, immunoprecipitation, and sequencing (CLIP-seq) to characterize N interactions with host and viral RNAs during infection. In parallel, to precisely measure intracellular N levels, we employed multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). Our results show that N binds mostly to host RNAs at early stages of infection, yielding nascent virus particles of reduced infectivity. The expression of N plateaus 10 h post-infection, whereas the intracellular viral RNA concentration continues to increase. Moreover, the virions produced later in infection have higher infectivity. Taken together, the detailed examination of these N–RNA interactions provides insight into how the regulated expression of N and viral RNA produces both infectious and incomplete, noninfectious particles.

Metabarcoding in two isolated populations of wild roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) reveals variation in gastrointestinal nematode community composition between regions and among age classes

Background Gastrointestinal nematodes are ubiquitous for both domestic and wild ungulates and have varying consequences for health and fitness. They exist as complex communities of multiple co-infecting species, and we have a limited understanding of how these communities vary in different hosts, regions and circumstances or of how this affects their impacts. Methods We have undertaken ITS2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding with next-generation sequencing on populations of nematode larvae isolated from 149 fecal samples of roe deer of different sex and age classes in the two isolated populations of Chizé and Trois Fontaines in France not co-grazing with any domestic ungulate species. Results We identified 100 amplified sequence variants (ASVs) that were assigned to 14 gastrointestinal nematode taxa overall at either genus (29%) or species (71%) level. These taxa were dominated by parasites classically found in cervids—e.g. Ostertagia leptospicularis, Spiculopteragia spp. Higher parasite species diversity was present in the Trois Fontaines population than in the Chizé population including the presence of species more typically seen in domestic livestock (Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum sp., Cooperia punctata, Teladorsagia circumcincta). No differences in parasite species diversity or community composition were seen in the samples collected from three zones of differing habitat quality within the Chizé study area. Young roe deer hosted the highest diversity of gastrointestinal nematodes, with more pronounced effects of age apparent in Trois Fontaines. The effect of host age differed between gastrointestinal nematode species, e.g. there was little effect on O. leptospicularis but a large effect on Trichostrongylus spp. No effect of host sex was detected in either site. Conclusions The presence of some livestock parasite species in the Trois Fontaines roe deer population was unexpected given the isolation of this population away from grazing domestic livestock since decades. Overall, our results illustrate the influence of host traits and the local environment on roe deer nemabiome and demonstrate the power of the nemabiome metabarcoding approach to elucidate the composition of gastrointestinal nematode communities in wildlife. Graphical Abstract

Thematic and hotspot analysis of human-elk conflicts statewide in California

Human-wildlife conflicts are an important factor for consideration in wildlife management at urban-wildland interfaces. Effective and adaptive management of human-wildlife conflicts is needed to promote tolerance and coexistence of humans and wildlife. Anecdotal reports suggest a recent spike in human-elk conflicts in California, yet there has not been a systematic analysis of human-elk conflicts in the state. To better understand human-elk conflicts in California, we conducted thematic analysis of human-elk conflicts reported in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system. We also conducted a hotspot analysis using locations of human-elk conflicts reported in the WIR system and evaluated reports for principles of adaptive management. The WIR system contained n = 89 reports for elk and n = 78 of these described conflicts with elk. Overall, property damage (including crop damage) was the most common type of human-elk conflict reported, occurring in 69% of reports (n = 54/78), followed by non-competitive conflict with domestic animals (13%), competition with domestic livestock (12%), and habituation to humans (24%). We identified three hotspots of human-elk conflict in California in Del Norte, Kern, and San Luis Obispo counties. All incidents of human-elk conflict reported in the WIR system included at least one principle of adaptive management. We recommend modifications to the WIR system and interactions with property owners and stakeholders to enhance and facilitate adaptive management of human-elk conflicts in California.

Reducing the European Union's plant protein deficit: Options and impacts

The EU has a historical deficit of plant protein and is heavily reliant on imports to sustain domestic livestock production. Using an economic model of global agricultural markets, this article investigates three policy drivers that could have an influence on the increased production of protein-rich crops in the EU, namely coupled payments for protein-rich crops, investment in research and development leading to higher yields, and phasing out of imported high indirect land-use change risk biofuel feedstocks. Results indicate that a one per cent annual increase in yields over the medium-term has a much larger effect on EU domestic protein production than additional coupled payments of EUR 75 per ha. Moreover, phasing out palm-based biodiesel only has a small impact on protein self-sufficiency. A significant unknown is how costly it will be to increase the yields on protein crops grown in the EU.

363 Relationship Between Parasite Load and Performance in Goat Kids at Weaning and Early Post Weaning

Goats are small ruminants that have enormous potential to boost the economy and be a major source of income especially to marginal farmers and landless laborers. A very common and economically important condition, which affects domestic livestock species worldwide, is Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism. Haemonchus contortus is the gastrointestinal parasite most common in small ruminants. To better understand the impact of GI parasitism, a study was conducted to research the relationship between parasite load and performance in goat kids at weaning and 60 d post-weaning. Fecal samples were collected at weaning and 60 d post-weaning and egg counts were performed using the modified McMasters technique. Data collected included weights, Fecal Egg Count at weaning, and at 60 d post-weaning. The average fecal egg count at weaning was 830 eggs per gram and 1103 eggs per gram 60 d post-weaning for H. contortus. Egg count at weaning was significantly related to weight at both weaning and 60 d post-weaning (P < .0001 and P = .0003 respectively), but not to ADG (P > .05). Fecal egg count at 60 d post-weaning was not significantly related to either weight or ADG (P > .05). Egg counts at weaning and 60 days post-weaning were not related (P = .0708). The results indicate that early parasite infection can influence animal weights. The lack of a significant correlation between egg counts at weaning and 60 d post weaning indicates a need to evaluate parasite load at later ages in kids when selecting for resistance.

Genealogical structure and evaluation of Holstein breeding bulls

The Holstein bulls’ genealogical structure on the Russian Federation breeding enterprises (n= 3 75), as well as the selection types ratio of their breeding, genomic parameters’ assessments in the countries of exporting were studied. The evaluation of 21 breeding sires on their daughters quality and their mothers milk production comparison in the breeding plant’s herd was carried out. A narrow range of genealogical lines of imported Holsteins, that does not allow genetic variability’s effective use at domestic livestock populations improvement, has been identified. These bulls evaluation by the offspring quality revealed the distribution of daughters on milk yield terms and the mass fraction of protein (PC) at the herd improvement, but with the mass fat fraction (FC) decreasing relative to the groups of mothers. The determination of the daughter groups’ repeatability coefficients and ranking based on the milk production characteristics revealed significant differences with the genomic values estimated fortheir fathers: for milk yield rs = 0,395, for PC — rs =0,200, and for FC — rs = – 0,570. The author concludes that it is impossible to plan improvement ofthe main features of breeding in herd at breeding bulls selecting according to the genomic assessment indicators’ levels and givessuggestions for improvment of methodology of evaluating breeding sires by the quality of offspring in dairy cattle breeding of the Russian Federation.

Intersectoral Competition for Water Between Users and Uses in Tamil Nadu-India

Water is a manageable asset for drinking, food creation, and industry, and demand increases as the population increases. Water for irrigated agriculture, industry and domestic needs in India will go up to 1,072, 130, and 102 billion m3 (BCM) by the year 2050. In the state of Tamil Nadu in 2025, water needs for irrigation, domestic, livestock, and industrial sectors will be 52.7, 1.5, 1, and 2 billion m3, respectively, against the available supply of 24.6 BCM of surface water and 23 BCM of groundwater during the same period. A balance between need and supply is often difficult to achieve. By the year 2050, some 60 per cent of the world’s population will live in cities. In India and Tamil Nadu, 38 and 48 per cent of people will live in cities. Tamil Nadu is the second most urbanized state in India with 48 per cent of its population living in cities. This urban push will demand a large share of common water resources and most of the reservoir systems will face increased water demand for non-agricultural purposes, bringing in imbalances with other sectors, namely agriculture. Contrary to mounting demand, it will be difficult to facilitate the growing need for water. Furthermore, there are social and environmental costs in terms of the diversion of water from agriculture to urban uses. The discharge of sewage and industrial effluents also pollutes surface and groundwater, affecting not only human health but also the entire ecosystem. This paper examines the water management challenges in Tamil Nadu, India with respect to meeting future water demands across competing sectors.

Dung beetle community assemblages in a southern African landscape: niche overlap between domestic and wild herbivore dung

Dung beetles provide important ecosystem functions in semiarid environments, improving the physiochemical characteristics of the soil through tunnelling and burying nutrient-rich dung. In sub-Saharan Africa, diverse indigenous mammal communities support highly abundant dung beetle populations in savannah ecosystems. However, the conversion of landscapes to livestock agriculture may result in changes in the abundance and diversity of wild mammal species. This is likely to have significant impacts on dung beetle communities, particularly because domestic livestock dung may be contaminated with toxic residues of veterinary parasiticides. The environmental impact is likely to be affected by the degree of niche overlap between the beetle communities that colonize cattle dung and those that colonize the dung of wild mammals. We compared dung beetle communities between a pristine national park habitat dominated by large wild herbivores, and a pastoral farming community dominated by domestic livestock. Diurnal dung beetles were attracted to cattle dung in greater abundance and diversity compared to elephant, zebra or giraffe dung. Nocturnal/crepuscular dung beetles were attracted to non-ruminant dung (elephant and zebra) in higher abundance compared to ruminant dung (cattle and giraffe). Although there were no clear trophic specializations, three diurnal species showed an association with cattle dung, whereas eight nocturnal/crepuscular species showed an association with non-ruminant (elephant and zebra) dung. Diurnal species may be at greater risk from the toxic effects of residues of veterinary parasiticides in domestic livestock dung. Although many species showed trophic associations with wild herbivore dung, these beetles can utilize a wide range of dung and will readily colonize cattle dung in the absence of other options. As more land is converted to livestock agriculture, the contamination of dung with toxic residues from veterinary parasiticides could therefore negatively impact the majority of dung beetle species.

Traditional Culture as a System That Helped the Rural Russian Population of Siberia Overcome the Difficulties of Being in the Rear During the Great Patriotic War

В статье на основе полевых исследований с опорой на социальную память, с использованием методов и источников устной истории определяется значение традиционной культуры в поддержании жизнедеятельности сельского общества сибирского тыла в годы Великой Отечественной войны. Анализируется востребованность и мобильность народных традиций в повседневной жизни, описываются жизнесохранительные практики и их связь с традиционными умениями и навыками, определяется место этих практик в процессах социальной и хозяйственно-бытовой адаптации русских крестьян к военному времени. Делается вывод, что в основе сформированной системы преодоления трудностей лежали заместительные технологии обеспечения семьи питанием, жилищем, одеждой. Созидательность традиционной культуры и ее гибкость рассматриваются на примере огородничества и домашнего скотоводства. Отмечены тенденции их реструктуризации с целью замены традиционных базовых компонентов культуры жизнеобеспечения и перемещением их в группу второстепенных. Доказывается, что критерием адаптационных замещений служили многофункциональность и универсальность. Большое внимание уделяется половозрастному перераспределению трудовых обязанностей в сельской семье, связанному с историческим опытом воспитания и семейными традициями. В завершение исследования автор предлагает рассматривать традиционную культуру как фактор победы в Великой Отечественной войне, а опыт выживания крестьянского общества в трудных условиях считать составной частью подвига населения сибирской тыловой деревни This article discusses the importance of traditional culture in maintaining the life of rural society in the Siberian rear during the Great Patriotic War. It is based on field research using methods and sources of oral history to explore social memory. The article analyzes the relevance and mobility of folk traditions in everyday life, describes life-saving practices and their relationship with traditional skills, and determines the place of these practices in helping Russian peasants adapt to wartime social and economic needs. The author asserts that the adaptive system for overcoming difficulty was based on substitute technologies for providing food, housing, and clothing for the family. She considers the creative role of traditional culture and its flexibility in the sphere of kitchen gardening and domestic livestock. The article notes the tendency of their restructuring in order to replace basic components of the traditional culture of life support and to consider them secondary. Multifunctionality and versatility now serve as the criterion for adaptive substitution. Attention is paid to the gender and age redistribution of work responsibilities in the rural family, associated with the historical experience of raising children and family traditions. At the end of the study, the author proposes that traditional culture be considered a factor in Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, and that the survival of peasant society in the difficult conditions of the rear be appreciated as an integral part of the population’s achievement.