This Collection seeks to synthesize management strategies used to control infectious diseases in animals and their associated challenges. Each contribution will be framed around a central question (simple to state, but not necessarily to answer): “Given current knowledge, what are the key challenges in managing [disease name], and where are the most promising advances likely to emerge in the next decade?” We encourage papers to adopt a global perspective, enabling comparisons across different contexts (e.g., endemic vs. disease-free regions). Titles will follow a standardized format: “Management of [disease] in [host species]: a global view of current challenges.”

To structure the collection, we will pre-select a set of animal infectious diseases with major impacts on animal and/or human health. These will cover a broad range of host species (livestock, companion animals, fish) and pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, prions), across different regulatory settings (local, national, and international). Internationally-recognized experts will be invited by the guest editorial board to assemble author teams with extensive expertise in managing the disease of interest and representing diverse epidemiological contexts worldwide. Contributors may include academic researchers, risk assessors, or risk managers. While most papers will be commissioned, unsolicited submissions are welcome if the lead author receives prior approval from the editorial board by demonstrating both the significance of the disease and the global expertise of the proposed author team.

The challenges addressed in each paper may relate to logistics, stakeholder engagement, acceptability, technical or technological limitations, regulatory gaps, evidence-based decision-making, or conceptual hurdles. However, these must be presented as specific and well-defined issues. Authors will be asked not to produce general overviews of diseases nor exhaustive reviews but to focus on operational and strategic challenges and to cite only a few carefully chosen references that provide context and support their arguments. This will be reinforced through limits on manuscript length and citation counts. Each paper should outline five to ten key challenges, offering informed perspectives rather than an exhaustive catalogue. Some overlap across papers is expected, as many diseases share common management issues. All submissions will undergo peer review by at least two leading experts to ensure that challenges are significant, clearly presented, and adequately grounded in prior work.

Each article will aim to be accessible and useful not only to researchers, but also to farmers, veterinarians, national veterinary authorities and international organizations (e.g., WOAH, FAO). The goal is to foster dialogue between science and decision-making. The overarching aim of this collection is to present a series of well-defined problems that require solutions, with the hope of inspiring risk assessors and managers to tackle them and strengthen our capacity to manage infectious animal diseases. Success will be achieved if, in the coming decades, many of the challenges described here become focal points for future research, policy discussions, or implementation frameworks. We are excited to play a role in advancing this progress.

Unsolicited submissions are welcome if the lead author receives prior approval from the editorial board by demonstrating both the significance of the disease and the global expertise of the proposed author team.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 2, Zero Hunger, SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15, Life on Land.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

Streptococcus suis remains one of the most significant bacterial pathogens affecting the global swine industry, responsible for substantial economic losses and serious animal welfare concerns. Beyond its impact in pigs, causing mainly meningitis, arthritis, sudden death and endocarditis, S. suis is an important zoonotic agent, causing severe invasive infections such as meningitis, septic shock and other infections in humans, particularly in regions with high levels of pork production and consumption. As such, S. suis exemplifies the necessity of a One Health approach, bridging veterinary medicine, sustainable animal production, and public health. S. suis is also responsible for one third of antibiotic use in post-weaned piglets.

In recent years, remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding S. suis virulence factors, host–pathogen interactions, population diversity, and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Advances in surveillance, diagnostic techniques, immunology, and vaccination strategies are providing new opportunities for disease prevention and improved clinical management. At the same time, changes in pig production systems, global trade, and environmental pressures continue to shape the epidemiology and emergence of S. suis disease worldwide.

Following the 6^th International Workshop on Streptococcus suis, that was held in Cambridge, UK in September 2025, this Special Collection brings together state-of-the-art research across the full spectrum of science on this pathogen. Topics include but are not limited to: bacterial genomics and evolution; virulence determinants; host immunity and pathophysiology; vaccines and immunotherapies; diagnostic innovation; epidemiology and transmission dynamics; antimicrobial resistance and stewardship; and clinical aspects in both pigs and humans.

Our aim is to highlight innovative findings, promote interdisciplinary exchange, and foster collaborative strategies to mitigate the burden of S. suis infections. By bringing together contributions from leading experts in the field, this issue will help guide future research priorities and support the development of effective disease control measures benefiting animal and human health alike.

We warmly invite submissions of original research articles, short communications, and comprehensive reviews.

Additional information:

The collection features contributions presented at the International Workshop and invites complementary studies that expand upon its themes.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.