Evaluation of the performance of the IFN-γ release assay in bovine tuberculosis free herds from five European countries.

The diagnostic methods for granting and maintenance of the official tuberculosis-free (OTF) status and for intra-Community movement of cattle are the tuberculin skin tests (single or comparative) and the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA). However, until now, IGRAs have been primarily applied in infected farms in parallel to the skin test to maximize the number of infected animals detected. Therefore, an evaluation of the performance of IGRAs in OTF herds to assess whether if their specificity is equal to or higher than that of the skin tests is needed.

Comparison of Female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi Goats' Hematological Parameters in The Context of Adaptation to Local Environmental Conditions in Semi-Extensive Systems in Italy.

Local livestock breeds are pivotal to ensure sustainable agriculture and represent a real genetic resource in the context of genetic variability reduction. This study aimed at broadening the knowledge about hematological values in female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi goats (an Italian local and a cosmopolitan goat breed, respectively) and investigating factors affecting them (i.e.

Investigation of Early Supplementation of Nucleotides on the Intestinal Maturation of Weaned Piglets.

Nucleotides are essential for the development of the gastrointestinal tract and immune function, but their intake with milk by piglets could be insufficient. The effect of nucleotides on growth and health was tested on 98 piglets divided into two groups: NU, orally administrated with 4 mL of a nucleotide-based product (SwineMOD) at 10, 15, 18, 21, 27 days, or not (CO). Blood and feces were sampled at weaning (26 d, T1), and at 38 d (T2).

Field Evaluation of the Interferon Gamma Assay for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Water Buffalo () Comparing Four Interpretative Criteria.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a worldwide zoonosis that affects many species of domestic and wild animals. is the main cause of infection in water buffalo () and bovines and is of great concern for human health and for buffalo producers in Italy. The bTB eradication programme is based on slaughterhouse surveillance and intradermal skin tests.