Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Parasites are ubiquitous evolutionary agents that, among other things, drive the diversification of hosts. This could also apply to animal domestication, one of the most striking evolutionary processes generating phenotypic diversity, which has recently been proposed as a parasite-mediated process (“The parasites-mediated domestication hypothesis”, PMD). The PMD is based on the fact that parasites can alter the (neuro)endocrine system (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, gut-brain axis, thyroid secretion, etc.), influence gene expression and ontogenetic systems, including neural crest cell development, and thus modulate physiological, behavioural and developmental components underlying the domestication. In this article, domestication is therefore placed in the context of parasite-driven diversification. The rationale for the parasite-mediated domestication process and associated diversification is supported by explanations of possible underlying mechanisms in light of the pioneering work of the Belyaev fox experiment and the later proposed hypothesis on the role of neural crest cells. Finally, a framework for plausible comparative and experimental approaches to test the PMD is proposed. Placing domestication in the context of the parasite-driven host diversification process provides a broad perspective for future research in the field of animal evolution and domestication.

The growing global population has amplified the demand for food, making the international trade of livestock a significant threat to animal and public health due to the increased risk of zoonotic disease transmission through animal movement or the consumption of their products. Biosecurity measures (BSMs) and vaccination are two essential tools that, when effectively implemented, can significantly reduce the spread of diseases from livestock. However, their failure not only escalates the burden of disease but also compromises food security and public health. Weak or poorly enforced BSMs can undermine the efficacy of vaccinations, creating challenges against disease prevention efforts. Conversely, robust BSMs such as nutritional and environmental management, routine monitoring of disease, farm management, and hygiene provide a critical foundation for successful vaccination programs by minimizing disease exposure and ensuring vaccine effectiveness. Inappropriate vaccination administration, inadequate cold chain management, and the frequency of immunosuppressive illnesses are also reported as contributing factors to vaccine failure. This review delves into the interconnected roles of BSMs and vaccination, unveiling the importance of the implementation of biosecurity principles in preventing vaccine failure. It also explores how the integration of biosecurity practices and vaccination strengthens animal health systems, mitigates zoonotic risks, and enhances overall food safety. Future research should concentrate on integrated biosecurity techniques by strengthening on-farm biosecurity protocols, proper handling and administration of vaccines, careful disease surveillance, and awareness programs thereby increasing the resilience of our livestock industry against notable diseases.