Prevalent Bacterial Pathogens in Fish from Southern Taiwan
Tzu-Ming Huang
Abstract
To prevent and control bacterial infections in aquatic animals, it is urgent to investigate the prevalent bacterial pathogens in aquatic animals. From 2023 to October 2024, 1547 isolates of pathogenic bacteria were collected from aquatic animals isolated by the local animal disease diagnostic laboratories in Chiayi, Tainan and Pingtung, including 327 isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae, S. iniae, S. dysgalactiae and Lactococcus garvieae, 215 isolates of Aeromonas veronii and A. hydrophila, 238 isolates of Vibrio cholerae and V. vulnificus, 158 isolates of Edwardsiella tarda, E. piscicida and E. anguillarum, and 12 isolates of Nocardia seriolae. Of these, Edwardsiella species could not be identified by conventional 16s gene sequencing and required further sequencing of other genes such as sodB. Although the biochemical characteristics of the Edwardsiella isolates varied, the species could not be identified by the commercial kit, and most of them were susceptible to antimicrobial agents. Mucoid colonies were found in both S. agalactiae and S. iniae isolates, suggesting isolates with different serotypes may exist. The results showed that there were genetic and biochemical differences between the bacterial isolates from aquatic animals. That isolate variation may be taken into account in the future when antimicrobials or vaccines are used to control bacterial infections.
The Molecular Epidemiology of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Taiwan
Yu-Liang Huang
Abstract
Since the first isolation of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) in 1991, it has been widely present in pig farms across Taiwan, causing significant economic losses. This study aims to analyze the genetic sequences of PRRSV in Taiwan by molecular epidemiology method to understand the evolution of this virus in the country. The samples and virus strains collected by our institute from 2014 to 2024 were analyzed and compared, focusing on the NSP2, ORF5, ORF7, and full-length gene sequences. The results revealed that the prevailing genotype of PRRSV in Taiwan is the North American genotype, with the previously common L5 genotype now disappeared. The L3 genotype is currently dominant, but this genotype also evolves over time, leading to new genetic subtypes. Additionally, since 2018, L1 genotype virus strains have emerged, and starting from 2020, recombinant strains of both the domestic L3 genotype and the invading L1 genotype have been detected. In conclusion, the study shows that multiple PRRSV strains are co-circulating in pig farms in Taiwan.
Regional workshop on laboratory expertise for equine diseases in Asia and the Pacific
Yu-Ching Chuang
Abstract
This workshop belongs to one of the series events of the initiative hold by World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), “Facilitation of the international horse movement in Asia and the Pacific region”. The aims of this workshop are to summarize the investigation of the laboratory capacities for equine disease in Asia and the Pacific region, and to facilitate reginal cooperation and networking. This workshop, which hold in Tokyo, Japan, is the last event for the series events in this region. It was hosted by Japan Racing Association (JRA), and the focus was on building laboratory capacities. By means of this face-to-face workshop, and inviting the official veterinarians from the member countries, the WOAH experts, and the relevant equestrian associations, several issues had been emphasized. These issues include “the six diseases” which are important for international horse movement (African Horse Sickness, Glanders, Dourine and Surra, Equine Piroplasmosis, Equine Infectious Anemia, and Equine Influenza), and their relevant diagnosis and control measures; and also identifying the existing capacities and specific needs for the member countries. This workshop also set out to provide training and assistance for member countries, by means of regional co-operation. Finally, the outcome for the project was summarized and future plans were discussed.
By participating this important international meeting, we can understand the latest trends for equine disease diagnosis, and to familiar relevant organizations and regulations. This can strengthen equine disease diagnosis capacities, and also can facilitate international equestrian activities in Taiwan.
WOAH Regional Workshop on Vector Borne diseases in Asia and the Pacific
Yu-Ching Chuang
Abstract
Under the background of climate change, the distribution patterns of arthropod vectors have changes, and the importance of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) is increasing. Therefore, World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) hold this workshop, which mainly focus on the existing VBDs and their potential threats, that are important to human and animals in Asia and the Pacific region. The epidemiology, vector distribution and behavior, and the preventive and control measures were introduced. Furthermore, eight member countries were invited to share their experiences on the control measures for VBDs and the challenges faced. The aims for this workshop are to promote regional-cooperation, enhance laboratory capacities for VBDs, build early-warning systems, and to combine jointed efforts to prevent and control these diseases. In this workshop, WOAH introduced the standards for animal and vector surveillance, and invited experts from various fields, to introduce the following issues: neglected VBDs in Asia, Blue Tongue, Epizootic Hemorrhage Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease, Bovine Babesiosis, Japanese Encephalitis, West Nile Fever, and Leishmaniosis. Furthermore, important issues and researches related to VBDs were introduced under the framework of One Health. Finally, by means of group discussion, developing cooperation mechanisms based on One Health concept in Asia and Pacific region were investigated, and the prioritized issues were discussed. The workshop concluded that, in order to tackle the threats of VBDs, besides cross-border and cross-disciplines cooperation, more resources should be devoted into this important field which lacking surveillances and researches.