Prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) in China

2026-06-30T08:29:47+07:00

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is now recognised as an emerging pathogen, which can cause a series of intestinal diseases in humans and animals. However, limited information is available about the occurrence of E. bieneusi in hedgehogs. In this study, a total of 205 fecal samples of captive wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) were collected from two wildlife conservation centers in Henan and Anhui provinces, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from the stool samples and screened by nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs was 44.4% (91/205). Five zoonotic genotypes were identified, including four known genotypes (IV, D, K and WildBoar3) and one new genotype designated (AHCW-1). Of these, genotype IV was the most prevalent in the present study (n = 63; 69.2%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all five genotypes clustered within the zoonotic Group 1, suggesting their zoonotic potential. To our knowledge, this study reports the novel genotype AHCW-1 and provides the first epidemiological data on E. bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs from Henan and Anhui Provinces, China. The identification of these zoonotic genotypes in captive wild hedgehogs indicates that these animals may serve as a potential reservoir, highlighting the need for further investigation into zoonotic transmission to humans in the studied regions.

Value-chain factors influencing production volume and gross margin: Evidence from a Thai dairy processing firm

2026-06-30T08:38:35+07:00

The dairy industry is vital for food security and economic stability, particularly in developing markets such as Thailand. Understanding factors related to production volume and gross margin in dairy processing firms can help inform performance and profitability considerations. Based on Porter’s value chain framework and a perception-based survey approach, this study used document reviews, in-depth interviews with 14 key informants, and an employee perception survey (n = 21) covering 74 relevant factors. Results indicated significant differences across ten activity categories for both production volume (Χ2 = 53.59, df = 9, P < 0.001) and gross margin (Χ2 = 26.89, df = 9, P < 0.001). For production volume, research and development (3.96 ± 0.66), human resources management (3.93 ± 0.63), and external factors (3.82 ± 0.82) had the highest mean perceived importance scores. For gross margin, external factors recorded the highest mean score (3.96 ± 0.81). At the factor level, the Thai government-regulated raw milk price was classified as the most important factor associated with production volume, while fuel prices were the most important factor related to gross margin. Both factors had the highest proportion of “High” and “Very High” responses (90.5%). These findings highlight the importance of aligning internal activities with external conditions within an institutional and policy context. This study provides insights into how institutional and policy constraints shape the way firm-level activities and external conditions are perceived and prioritized, and how these perceptions relate to performance in dairy processing firms in Thailand.

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in captive wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) in China

Value-chain factors influencing production volume and gross margin: Evidence from a Thai dairy processing firm