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Seroepidemiology of Rickettsia conorii in dogs in Portugal: a comprehensive 12-year retrospective study (2013–2024)

2026-04-09T15:15:13Z

Title: Seroepidemiology of Rickettsia conorii in dogs in Portugal: a comprehensive 12-year retrospective study (2013–2024) Authors: Lopes, Ricardo; Carvalho, Hugo L; Garces, Andreia; Fernandes, Cátia; Lopes; Martins, A; Duarte, Elsa Leclerc; Cardoso, Luis Lucas; Coelho, AC Abstract: Background Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), caused by Rickettsia conorii, is a zoonotic tick-borne disease of important public health concern, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin. Dogs serve as key sentinels for MSF due to their exposure to vector ticks and close contact with humans. To date, no comprehensive study in Portugal has investigated epidemiological risk factors in dogs infected with or exposed to R. conorii. Methods Seropositivity to R. conorii was determined using an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with titres categorised as negative, low positive, moderate positive and high positive. Statistical analyses included the chisquared test and univariable logistic regression to assess associations between seropositivity and geographical region, season, month, size, breed, sex and age. Results This study analysed 2457 canine samples submitted from 228 veterinary medical centres across mainland Portugal and insular autonomous regions between 2013 and 2024. The overall seroprevalence of R. conorii was 27.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.3–28.8). Significant differences in seroprevalence were observed amongst regions, with the highest values in the Algarve (48.0%; odds ratio [OR] 3.1, 95% CI 2.2–4.4, P<0.001), Alentejo (35.0%; OR1.8, 95% CI 0.7−4.6, P=0.210) and Centre (33.8%; OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.1, P<0.001) regions. Giant breeds had the highest seroprevalence (33.0%; OR3.0, 95% CI 1.3–6.6, P=0.008), with Irish Setter and Miniature Schnauzer identified as highrisk breeds (75.0%; OR27.0, 95% CI 1.3–578.4, P=0.035). Male dogs had higher seroprevalence (28.9%; OR1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.5, P=0.023), whilst geriatric dogs showed the highest risk of exposure to or infection with R. conorii (34.6%; OR5.2, 95% CI 2.8–9.8, P<0.001). Conclusions This study represents the most extensive epidemiological analysis of canine MSF in Portugal. The findings highlight associations between R. conorii seropositivity and geographical region, size, breed, sex and age of dogs, advancing the limited knowledge on the epidemiology of R. conorii in Portugal and underscoring the need for regional surveillance and targeted prevention to reduce infection risks in both canine populations and public health contexts.

The Use of Simulators in Training for Bovine Reproductive Procedures: A Scoping Review

2026-01-12T23:25:51Z

Title: The Use of Simulators in Training for Bovine Reproductive Procedures: A Scoping Review Authors: Azuaga Filho, Heitor; Colaço, Bruno; Payan-Carreira, Rita Abstract: Training in bovine reproduction requires not only technical proficiency but also ethical responsibility and adherence to animal-welfare standards. Traditional instruction relies heavily on repeated practice in abattoir-collected specimens and live cattle, raising concerns about stress, variability, logistical constraints, and student anxiety. Simulation-based education (SBE) has therefore emerged as a pedagogically robust and ethically sound complement to clinical teaching, enabling learners to acquire psychomotor and cognitive skills in structured, low-risk environments. This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on validated simulators used to train bovine reproductive procedures, with particular emphasis on artificial insemination, transrectal palpation, and pregnancy diagnosis. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a comprehensive search of three international databases identified 13 eligible studies that described simulator typologies, validation approaches, implementation strategies, and educational outcomes. Simulators ranged from low-cost handmade models to high-fidelity haptic and hybrid systems, each offering distinct advantages across diverse instructional contexts. Evidence consistently showed that simulator-based training improves anatomical orientation, technical performance, procedural efficiency, and learner confidence, while reducing anxiety and the need for novice practice on live cattle. However, validation standards remain inconsistent, long-term transfer to clinical practice is poorly documented, and most commercial models inadequately represent Bos indicus anatomy, limiting global applicability. Simulation can substantially strengthen competency-based animal and veterinary curricula and advance the 3Rs by replacing or refining early live-animal procedures. To fully realize this potential, future efforts should prioritize rigorous validation, greater anatomical representativeness, and improved accessibility through modular, low-cost designs. Simulation-based training thus represents both an educational innovation and an ethical imperative in modern veterinary practice.

Development and validation of a chronic pain perception scale for dogs: Structural validity and reliability

2025-11-17T01:08:30Z

Title: Development and validation of a chronic pain perception scale for dogs: Structural validity and reliability Authors: Lavrador, Catarina; Batista, Maria T; Graça-Pereira, Gonçalo Abstract: Background: Chronic pain affects 20–37% of dogs, with osteoarthritis as the primary cause. Chronic pain contributes to behavioural problems, negatively affecting both dogs and their caregivers. Early detection is crucial. However, no standardised tool assesses caregivers’ ability to recognise chronic pain. Methods: This cross-sectional study developed the chronic pain perception scale (CPPS), a self-reported questionnaire assessing caregivers’ ability to identify chronic pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. Psychometric properties were examined using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and composite reliability. Results: The final version of the CPPS consisted of seven items grouped into two factors: motor/sensory expression and emotional expression. An initial CFA in a larger sample showed good fit (root mean square error of approxima- tion [RMSEA]= 0.045, p= 0.569), but concerns about factor structure led to a second CFA in a smaller sample. The final CFA showed good fit (standardised root mean square residual= 0.036, goodness-of-fit index= 0.949, normed fit index= 0.966 and comparative fit index= 0.975), despite RMSEA (0.105, p= 0.002) indicating poor fit. Limitations: The sample lacks diversity as it is composed mostly of women with internet access. Furthermore, as participants were all Portuguese, the tool’s validity may not be generalisable to different languages and cultural contexts. Conclusion: The CPPS is a valid tool for assessing caregivers’ ability to recog- nise chronic pain in dogs with osteoarthritis, supporting both research and clinical practice. It may also help improve veterinarian‒caregiver communication, enabling earlier detection and management of chronic pai

Comprehensive Validation of the TrAI4Nel Simulator for Nelore Artificial Insemination Training: A Controlled Study

2025-10-16T09:53:39Z

Title: Comprehensive Validation of the TrAI4Nel Simulator for Nelore Artificial Insemination Training: A Controlled Study Authors: Azuaga-Filho, Heitor; Santos, Alexandre; Colaço, Bruno; Payan Carreira, Rita Abstract: Effective bovine artificial insemination (AI) training requires balancing technical skill development with animal welfare considerations. Commercial simulators typically replicate Bos taurus anatomy, limiting utility in regions where Bos indicus breeds predominate. This study validates the TrAI4Nel simulator, customized for Nelore cattle AI training. Validation employed a multi-dimensional framework encompassing face, physical, content, construct, and concurrent validity, plus usability and training effectiveness assessments. Of the 85 participants in standardized AI technician courses who were randomly allocated to control (abattoir specimen-based) and experimental (simulator-integrated) groups, 61 provided feedback about TrAI4Nel (19 in the control group and 42 in the experimental group). The simulator was also independently evaluated by 14 AI experts. Trainees rated the simulator highly for anatomical realism and procedural consistency. Compared with abattoir specimens, TrAI4Nel significantly enhanced skill transfer to live animals, particularly cervical pipette navigation and semen deposition identification. The simulator increased trainee confidence, reduced anxiety, and improved perceived preparedness. Performance assessments demonstrated simulator-trained participants achieved significantly higher success rates (78.6%) versus controls (52.6%; p = 0.043), without prolonging completion times. Qualitative feedback emphasized the simulator’s pedagogical value in enhancing anatomical comprehension, skill acquisition, and learner autonomy while supporting animal welfare. Training sequence analysis indicated biological specimen exposure before simulator use may optimize learning efficiency. These findings validate TrAI4Nel as an effective, ethically sound tool for Bos indicus AI training. Simulator integration into curricula provides scalable improvement of reproductive management in zebu-dependent regions.