Publications by authors named "G J Belsham"

Introduction of African swine fever virus (ASFV) into pig herds can occur via virus-contaminated feed or other objects. Knowledge about ASFV survival in different matrices and under different conditions is required to understand indirect virus transmission. Maintenance of ASFV infectivity can occur for extended periods outside pigs.

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Insect larvae production offers the potential for large-scale synthesis of high-quality protein that can be used as feed or food. However, currently, there are limitations on the source of substrates for the insect larvae to use. One concern is the potential survival of animal pathogens within insect larvae if their feed is contaminated.

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Virus assembly is a crucial step for the completion of the viral replication cycle. In addition to ensuring efficient incorporation of viral genomes into nascent virions, high specificity is required to prevent incorporation of host nucleic acids. For picornaviruses, including FMDV, the mechanisms required to fulfil these requirements are not well understood.

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Article Synopsis
  • Porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) primarily causes mild respiratory issues in pigs, but it can lead to more serious conditions under certain circumstances.
  • A study in Denmark found that around 75% of recent pig blood samples contained antibodies against PRCV, indicating a high prevalence.
  • Genetic analysis showed that the current PRCV strains in Denmark are related to earlier European strains and suggest the need for further research on their impact on pig health.
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In 2020, Denmark buried approximately four million culled, farmed mink in mass graves treated with slaked lime due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 infections. After six months, environmental concerns prompted the exhumation of these cadavers. Our analysis encompassed visual inspections, soil pH measurements, and gas emission assessments of the grave environment.

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