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Veterinary Sciences
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Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic...
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Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 August 2026 | Viewed by 9556

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Porntippa Lekcharoensuk

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Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Interests: virology; vaccine development; molecular biology; veterinary sciences
Dr. Pipat Arunvipas

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Guest Editor
Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kampangsaen Campus, 1 Malaiman Road, Kamphaeng Saen, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Interests: ruminant medicine; epidemiology; herd management
Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan

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Guest Editor
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Henri-Dunant Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Interests: veterinary viral diseases; feline morbillivirus; canine pneumovirus; canine distemper virus

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decades, numerous emerging and re-emerging diseases of veterinary significance have impacted both farming and companion animals, posing significant economic threats.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), which emerged in East Asia in 2004, caused immense losses to the poultry industry, leading to the culling of millions of birds. HPAIV has since evolved through genetic reassortment, acquiring the ability to mix with different neuraminidases—a surface protein gene—and subsequently spreading to Europe and North America. To this day, it continues to affect North America and periodically re-emerges in parts of Asia.

In addition to HPAIV, and notably during the COVID-19 pandemic in humans, at least three viral infectious diseases in animals originally from the African continent have emerged in other continents. Firstly, African swine fever virus (ASFV) emerged in Eastern Europe in 2007, gradually spread to Russia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, and has become endemic in some Asian countries. ASFV has devastated the swine industry and related pork production and commerce. Secondly, a new strain of lumpy skin disease virus, resulting from recombination with a vaccine strain, spread rapidly through Southeast Asia between 2020 and 2022. The most recent emerging disease is African horse sickness, an arbovirus, which surfaced in Thailand in 2020, possibly due to animal transportation.

Beyond these emerging viruses that significantly affect domestic animals and economies, re-emerging viruses, such as foot-and-mouth disease viruses, are also continuing to devastate the economies of both endemic and epidemic countries.

Controlling infectious diseases demands a combination of measures. These include not only effective vaccination, biosecurity, quarantine, restricted animal movement, and animal culling, but also early detection. Therefore, innovating highly sensitive, specific, rapid, or onsite diagnostic assays can significantly accelerate the efficacy of disease control. Additionally, there is a strong interest in diagnostic tests that can differentiate infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Each diagnostic assay is suited for different stages of infection; for instance, nucleic acid-based assays are typically best for early detection, while immunoassays prove more useful in later stages. Hence, innovations in both nucleic acid-based assays and immunoassays are highly valued.

Moreover, understanding the genetic characterization and molecular epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging viruses is crucial in disease prevention and control, making them integral to this Special Issue. Beyond the diseases already mentioned, numerous other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases exist. Most of these are zoonotic diseases, and some are caused by vector-borne viruses. Consequently, a One Health approach is essential in controlling these diseases and ensuring the safety of humans, animals, and the environment.

Dr. Porntippa Lekcharoensuk
Dr. Pipat Arunvipas
Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • emerging viral diseases
  • viral zoonotic diseases
  • economic impact
  • diagnostic innovation
  • One Health
  • genetic characterization
  • molecular epidemiology

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 1378 KB  
Article
Diagnostic Performance of Infrared Nasal Thermography for the Detection of Enzootic Nasal Adenocarcinoma in Goats
by Pablo Quilez, Marta Ruiz de Arcaute, Marcelo de las Heras, Delia Lacasta, David Guallar, Javier Balado, José María González, Carlos Hedman, Alfredo Benito, Héctor Ruiz and Aurora Ortín
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040389 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma is a contagious neoplasm of goats for which early antemortem diagnosis remains challenging under field conditions. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of infrared nasal thermography for detecting the disease using histopathology as the reference standard. Eighty-six goats from a [...] Read more.
Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma is a contagious neoplasm of goats for which early antemortem diagnosis remains challenging under field conditions. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of infrared nasal thermography for detecting the disease using histopathology as the reference standard. Eighty-six goats from a dairy herd with confirmed enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma were examined by infrared thermography one day prior to slaughter under standardized environmental conditions. Thermal images of the ethmoidal region were qualitatively assessed for asymmetry or focal hyperthermia. Following slaughter, all heads underwent systematic necropsy and bilateral histopathological examination. Twenty-three goats (26.7%) were histologically confirmed as positive with confirmation by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) from tissue samples. Infrared thermography showed a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 90.5%, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 88.4%. Positive and negative predictive values were 76.0% and 93.4%, respectively. Agreement between thermography and histopathology was substantial (Cohen’s κ = 0.711; p < 0.001). Although thermography did not achieve the specificity of macroscopic post-mortem examination, its non-invasive and rapid nature supports its potential as a preliminary complementary antemortem screening approach, although its applicability at herd level requires validation in broader and more representative populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
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13 pages, 1843 KB  
Article
Beta-2-Microglobulin Regulates Sheep Susceptibility to Escherichia coliF17b in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
by Xinyu Gu, Weihao Chen, Hadeer M. Aboshady, Ahmed A. Saleh, Yuxuan Song, Xiyun Zhang, Hossam E. Rushdi and Wei Sun
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(3), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13030252 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is a key component protein in the processing and presentation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I antigens and plays an important role in the immune system regulation. Previous studies have shown that B2M is significantly overexpressed in the intestinal tissues of sheep [...] Read more.
Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is a key component protein in the processing and presentation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I antigens and plays an important role in the immune system regulation. Previous studies have shown that B2M is significantly overexpressed in the intestinal tissues of sheep that are resistant to E. coli F17b infection (defined by milder clinical symptoms post-challenge) compared to those that are susceptible (exhibiting severe diarrhea). Based on this finding, this study aimed to investigate whether B2M influences the adhesion of E. coli F17b to sheep intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and to assess its role in regulating IEC proliferation and migration. We tested this by overexpressing and knocking down B2M in IECs, and then measured bacterial adhesion through colony counts and fimbrial gene expression (RT-qPCR). Moreover, cell health was assessed using proliferation (CCK-8 and EdU) and migration (scratch) assays. The results showed that upregulation of B2M expression inhibited E. coli F17b adhesion and promoted IEC proliferation and migration. Silencing B2M increased bacterial adhesion and impaired cell function. In summary, B2M helps protect sheep IECs from E. coli F17b by strengthening the epithelial barrier through improved cell growth, proliferation, and migration. These findings elucidate part of the host defense mechanism against E. coli F17b, providing a basis for further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
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14 pages, 288 KB  
Article
Gaps Between Awareness and Prevention of West Nile Virus Among Horse Owners in an Endemic Country: A Cross-Sectional Study from Romania
by Paula Nistor, Livia Stânga, Andreia Chirilă, Vlad Iorgoni, Vlad Cocioba, Răzvan Grigore Cojocaru, Alexandru Gligor, Alexandru Cireșan, Bogdan Florea, Horia Iorgoni, Ionica Iancu, Cosmin Horațiu Mariș, Janos Degi and Viorel Herman
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(3), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13030239 - 1 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 460
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) circulates endemically in Romania, yet prevention of WNV infection in horses largely depends on owner-driven decisions that require accurate risk perception and veterinary guidance. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out between May and November 2025 to evaluate the [...] Read more.
West Nile virus (WNV) circulates endemically in Romania, yet prevention of WNV infection in horses largely depends on owner-driven decisions that require accurate risk perception and veterinary guidance. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out between May and November 2025 to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) regarding WNV among 227 horse owners from various Romanian regions. In total, 67.4% of respondents had previously heard of WNV. The main transmission route was correctly identified as mosquito bites by 49.8% of participants, while 32.2% answered “don’t know” or presented misconceptions: horse-to-horse contact (9.3%), tick bites (10.6%) and blood transfusion (0.4%). Recognition of clinical signs was limited, with fever (31.3% of respondents) and gait abnormalities or ataxia (24.7% of respondents) being most frequently mentioned, followed by inappetence (19.4% of respondents), seizures (18.1% of respondents), coughing (8.8% of respondents), and abortions (10.6% of respondents); 47.6% of respondents were unable to identify any specific signs. Awareness of the existence of an equine WNV vaccine was reported by 23.8% of respondents, while only 4.0% indicated that their horses had been vaccinated. The most common preventive measures included the use of insecticides in stables (61.2%) and topical repellents on horses (55.5%), whereas environmental control actions such as removing standing water (14.1%) or avoiding swampy areas (11.9%) were less frequent; 19.4% reported taking no preventive measures. Veterinary communication was limited, with only 17.2% of respondents having received information about WNV from a veterinarian, and 21.6% perceiving a real risk of infection in Romania. Overall, the data show a marked disconnect between awareness and actionable prevention (particularly vaccination and environmental mosquito control), indicating that targeted owner education must be paired with structured veterinary communication to translate knowledge into preventive uptake in endemic settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
13 pages, 2451 KB  
Article
Identification of the Role of NAT10 in the Regulation of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Infection
by Ying Liu, Gang Zhou, Guolian Wang and Zhengchang Wu
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121160 - 4 Dec 2025
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) represents a principal infectious agent causing considerable economic detriment to swine production. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10), which catalyzes N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) deposition, has been implicated in regulating immune responses, RNA stability, and viral replication. However, its [...] Read more.
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) represents a principal infectious agent causing considerable economic detriment to swine production. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10), which catalyzes N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) deposition, has been implicated in regulating immune responses, RNA stability, and viral replication. However, its role in PCV2 infection remains unclear. In this study, we established a PCV2-infected PK15 cell model and observed a marked downregulation of NAT10 expression following infection. Functional assays demonstrated that NAT10 knockdown significantly suppressed PCV2 replication in PK15 cells. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that NAT10 silencing altered the expression of 81 genes, predominantly involved in immune-related signaling pathways. Notably, integrative omics analysis identified NR1H4 as a potential downstream target of NAT10. Collectively, these findings elucidate the regulatory mechanism of NAT10 in PCV2 replication and provide new insights for identifying NAT10 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PCV2 infection in pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
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15 pages, 5746 KB  
Article
Epidemiological Investigation and Molecular Characterization of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus in Broilers in Liaoning Province, China
by Yufu Li, Zhenyu Chen, Yiyang Huang, Shuang Hu, Qiufeng Lv and Peng Zhang
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111031 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
Chicken anemia virus (CAV) targets the immune system of chickens, causing anemia and atrophy of the bone marrow and lymphoid organs, resulting in significant damage to poultry farming. From April 2024 to March 2025, a total of 359 liver samples were collected from [...] Read more.
Chicken anemia virus (CAV) targets the immune system of chickens, causing anemia and atrophy of the bone marrow and lymphoid organs, resulting in significant damage to poultry farming. From April 2024 to March 2025, a total of 359 liver samples were collected from broiler farms in 11 cities across Liaoning Province. CAV was detected using PCR, and 16 complete genome sequences of CAV isolates from different regions were analyzed through phylogenetic and recombination analyses. The overall CAV positivity rate was 13.9%, with spring identified as the peak season. Phylogenetic analysis and genotyping revealed that ten CAV strains clustered within subgroup C1, while the remaining six were distributed among subgroups C2 and C3, as well as Group D. Specific mutations were observed among the VP1 protein genotypes, including mutations previously associated with increased pathogenicity and transmission. One isolate, LN2511, was identified as a potential recombinant strain with its parents CAV-Shanxi7 and CAV-EG-13. During 2024–2025, CAV infection remained prevalent in Liaoning Province, with subtype C1 being the dominant genotype. Amino acid sequence analysis indicated the presence of highly pathogenic strains across the province. These findings fill a knowledge gap regarding CAV infection status and evolutionary trends in chicken populations in Liaoning, China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
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17 pages, 2906 KB  
Article
The Viremic Phase and Humoral Immune Response Against African Horse Sickness Virus That Emerged in Thailand in 2020
by Paphavee Pipitpornsirikul, Nattarat Thangthamniyom, Aree Laikul, Tapanut Songkasupa, Watcharapol Pathomsakulwong, Tawanhathai Apichaimongkonkun, Suwicha Kasemsuwan, Teerasak E-kobon and Porntippa Lekcharoensuk
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090878 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1607
Abstract
African horse sickness (AHS), a life-threatening disease caused by African horse sickness virus serotype 1 (AHSV-1), emerged in Thailand in February 2020 with 607 cases and a 93% fatality rate. The outbreak was mitigated by vector control and a live attenuated virus (LAV) [...] Read more.
African horse sickness (AHS), a life-threatening disease caused by African horse sickness virus serotype 1 (AHSV-1), emerged in Thailand in February 2020 with 607 cases and a 93% fatality rate. The outbreak was mitigated by vector control and a live attenuated virus (LAV) vaccine. Information regarding viremia and immunity after infection and vaccination during outbreaks are essential for controlling disease transmission. This study evaluated these parameters in 15 infected naïve horses and 11 vaccinated horses during the 2020 outbreak. Whole blood was collected and subjected to RT real-time PCR to detect viremia up to 52 weeks post-infection. ASHV-specific antibodies were accessed by blocking ELISA until 37 weeks post-vaccination. In both groups, viremia appeared in the first week and lasted until week 5 in 25% of the horses. Moreover, seroconversion occurred at week 5 in 73.3% of infected horses and at week 3 in 90% of vaccinated horses. Antibodies persisted in both groups until the end of study, with more uniform levels in vaccinated animals. Chronological relations among clinical signs, viremia, and immunity were analyzed. These findings support the use of insect-proof housing for horses for at least 5 weeks after exposure or vaccination, and provide essential insights into AHSV epidemiology and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
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16 pages, 3023 KB  
Article
Antiviral Activity of Diltiazem HCl Against Pseudorabies Virus Infection In Vitro
by Mengting Zuo, Decai Xiang, Zhen-Xing Zhang, Xi Yang, Yuqing Duan, Juan Li, Bangquan Zeng, Lu Dong, Guoquan Wu, Yi Zhou, Lei Tan and Bofang Duan
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090864 - 5 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1263
Abstract
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly pathogenic agent that adversely impacts swine populations, leading to considerable economic losses within the Chinese pig industry. Furthermore, the potential for PRV to transmit across species from pigs to other hosts has attracted significant attention. In light [...] Read more.
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly pathogenic agent that adversely impacts swine populations, leading to considerable economic losses within the Chinese pig industry. Furthermore, the potential for PRV to transmit across species from pigs to other hosts has attracted significant attention. In light of this, it is essential to identify efficacious antiviral agents for the treatment of PRV infection. In this study, we investigated the antiviral properties of Diltiazem HCl (DTZ) against PRV infection in susceptible cell lines. Our results demonstrated that DTZ significantly inhibited PRV infection in both PK15 and Vero cells. Moreover, this chemical compound exhibited antiviral activity against both variant and classical strains of PRV, as well as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Time-of-addition assays showed that DTZ exerted its inhibitory effect through specific interference with the virus replication process. Subsequent transcriptomic analysis via RNA sequencing indicated that the calcium signaling pathway might be involved in the antiviral properties of DTZ against PRV infection. Specifically, treatment with EGTA or calcium ion (Ca2+)-free medium inhibited PRV infection; this inhibitory effect was substantially mitigated upon the reintroduction of CaCl2. In summary, DTZ effectively suppressed PRV infection in vitro, demonstrating its potential as an antiviral agent against PRV infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
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18 pages, 3973 KB  
Article
Epidemiological Investigation of Infectious Diseases at the Domestic–Synanthropic–Wild Animal Interface Reveals Threats to Endangered Species Reintroduction in AlUla, Saudi Arabia
by Sulaiman F. Aljasir, Abdelmaged A. Draz, Bilal Aslam, Abdullah S. M. Aljohani, Madeh Sadan, Nawaf Al-Johani, Ayman Elbehiry, Waleed Al Abdulmonem, Musaad Aldubaib, Basheer Aldurubi, Abdulhakim M. Alyahya, Abdulmalik Alduhami, Abdulaziz Aljaralh, Moh A. Alkhamis, Jeffrey C. Chandler, Bledar Bisha and Osama B. Mohammed
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090836 - 30 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2724
Abstract
AlUla, a unique conservation and tourism hub in Saudi Arabia, is undergoing extensive biodiversity restoration efforts, including the reintroduction of threatened wild species. However, interactions among wildlife, domestic, and synanthropic animals in these reserves raise significant concerns about disease transmission to reintroduced species. [...] Read more.
AlUla, a unique conservation and tourism hub in Saudi Arabia, is undergoing extensive biodiversity restoration efforts, including the reintroduction of threatened wild species. However, interactions among wildlife, domestic, and synanthropic animals in these reserves raise significant concerns about disease transmission to reintroduced species. This study aimed to assess disease risks at the domestic–synanthropic–wildlife interface and identify infectious diseases posing the greatest threat to reintroduced species. A multi-phased prioritization system was developed to guide monitoring based on transmissibility to protected wildlife, susceptibility of reintroduced species, reservoir hosts, vector-borne potential, likelihood of occurrence, and disease severity. A comprehensive expert review identified 61 diseases important to the reintroduced wildlife. From this, 11 priority pathogens were selected for monitoring. A total of 7760 samples were collected from 1367 domestic and synanthropic animals and were analyzed using Real-Time PCR and/or ELISA. All priority pathogens, or prior exposure to these pathogens, were detected. Disease presence was affected by factors such as species, location, health status, and grazing habits. Taken together, these findings underscore the need for robust preventive measures to mitigate disease transmission risks and ensure the sustainability of AlUla’s conservation initiatives. This study also offers a model approach to support reintroduction programs and guide future conservation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Diseases in Animals: Molecular Insights, Diagnostic Innovations, and One Health Implications)
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