Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie

A dual-duplex RT-dPCR surveillance strategy for discriminating avian and seasonal influenza viruses in wastewater

Abstract The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5Nx) viruses, specifically those of clade 2.3.4.4b, remain a major concern for global animal and public health. The current epidemiological situation in Europe and beyond reveal an alarming increase in spread and occurrence...

Optimization and Intra-Laboratory Validation of the Neuro-2a Assay for Tetrodotoxin Detection in Mussels

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent marine neurotoxin responsible for severe seafood poisoning in humans, characterized by neurological symptoms that may be fatal. Originally identified as a natural contaminant of pufferfish (Tetraodontidae family), over the last few years TTX and its...

Autochthonous chikungunya virus outbreak in Verona province, Italy, 2025

Abstract Background Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has increasingly caused autochthonous outbreaks in temperate regions, including Italy. In 2025, a local CHIKV outbreak occurred in Verona province, Veneto Region. We report the findings of i...

Uncovering Newcastle disease virus dynamics in Northern Nigeria: insights from an epidemiological survey in unvaccinated village poultry

Abstract Background Newcastle disease virus (NDV) remains a major constraint to village and backyard poultry production in Nigeria, where limited vaccination and low biosecurity may facilitate sustained virus circulation. This study investigated the serological and molecular epid...