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Article History

Received: 11 February 2026

Accepted: 8 June 2026

First Online: 11 July 2026

Declarations

:

: Human data and biological samples were collected within an observational study approved by the Ethics Committee Palermo 1 (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy; approval no. 04/2021, session of 28 April 2021; protocol GR-2019-12369134), in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and national regulations. All participants provided written informed consent prior to enrollment, and all data were anonymized before analysis. Canine sampling was performed as part of official veterinary surveillance and routine diagnostic activities, in compliance with Italian and European legislation on animal welfare. Sampling was conducted within standard clinical practice after obtaining informed consent from dog owners. No experimental procedures, sedation, or interventions beyond routine veterinary practice were performed.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.