Current status and advances of fish vaccines in Malaysia

Reveiw (Published online: 26-02-2022)

30. Current status and advances of fish vaccines in Malaysia

Mohd Syafiq Mohammad Ridzuan, Azila Abdullah, Rimatulhana Ramly, Nur Nazifah Mansor, Norazsida Ramli and Mohd. Firdaus-Nawi

Veterinary World, 15(2): 465-482

ABSTRACT

Fish diseases have a significant negative influence on the Malaysian aquaculture industry. Since the 1980s, the sector has grown in size, which has resulted in a rise in the prevalence of infectious outbreaks affecting both freshwater and marine cultured fish species. Demand for commercially available fish vaccinations is predicted to increase as infectious disease outbreaks continue to occur. In Malaysia, aquaculture vaccine research and development (R&D) are still in its infancy, with most efforts concentrating on producing vaccines against bacterial infections, most notably streptococcosis, vibriosis, and motile Aeromonas septicemia. Despite several attempts, no homegrown vaccine has been effectively introduced into the manufacturing pipeline to date. At the moment, only three imported aquatic vaccines have received full permission, a far cry from the 314 and 60 vaccines licensed in the poultry and porcine industries, respectively. This review will describe recent findings regarding the development of aquaculture vaccines for certain fish species and diseases in Malaysia. In our opinion, R&D on fish vaccines is critical to the aquaculture industry's viability.

Keywords: aquaculture, fish, fish diseases, Malaysia, vaccine.

Seroprevalence of sheeppox and goatpox virus in Asia and African continent: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Scientometrics)

Research (Published online: 25-02-2022)

29. Seroprevalence of sheeppox and goatpox virus in Asia and African continent: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Scientometrics)

Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, Anenahalli Panduranga Bhavya, Chandan Shivamallu, Raghu Ram Achar, Ekaterina Silina, Victor Stupin, Shiva Prasad Kollur, Bibek Ranjan Shome and Sharanagouda S. Patil

Veterinary World, 15(2): 455-464

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Two endemic capripox infectious diseases, sheeppox (SP) and goatpox (GP) are common in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Sheep and goats, in general, are considered current assets of small and marginal farmers and have significant economic value in terms of meat, wool, and skin/hide production. Sheep and goat populations in India total 148.88 million and 74.26 million, respectively. Capripox caused US$ 2.3 million (Indian Rupee [INR] 105 million) in economic damages in Maharashtra (India) alone, and it took over 6 years for a flock to recover from the outbreak. The projected yearly loss at the national level is US$ 27.47 million (INR 1250 million). As a result, Capripox diseases put small and marginal farmers under much financial strain. The present study estimates the seroprevalence of SP and GP diseases in the Asian and African continents using systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of the study will help researchers and policymakers to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of the disease and its burden. In addition, the results are also helpful to design and implement location-specific prevention and eradication measures against these diseases.

Materials and Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines of Cochran collaborations were used for systematic review and subsequently meta-analysis were used. The literature was collected from various databases. Initial search string resulted in more than nine thousand articles for the period 2000 to 2020 using the different combinations of keywords and Boolean operators (or not) asterisk∗ and quotation marks. Out of 9398 papers, 80 studies were chosen for complete test reviews and quality bias evaluation using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 21 articles were used for the meta-analysis. The statistical study employed fixed effects and random effects models using R.

Results: Seroprevalence of SP and GP was calculated using studies with a cumulative sample size of 4352, out of which sheep and goats' samples together contribute 48%, followed by sheep (32%) and goat (21%). The result of the meta-regression revealed that detection techniques had a significant impact on the overall effect size at 5% level (Qm=14.12). Subgroup analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with samples was further grouped into two categories based on the median, and it revealed that 62% of samples used PCR as a detecting test followed by group-II.

Conclusion: From the study, it is concluded that SP and GP diseases are highly prevalent; hence, effective vaccines, proper education to farmers through extension activity, and transboundary disease movement restriction are necessary for the control and eradication of the disease.

Keywords: Asia, Africa, capripoxvirus, meta-analysis, seroprevalence, subgroup analysis.

Genomic structure of Bali cattle based on linkage disequilibrium and effective population size analyses using 50K single nucleotide polymorphisms data

Research (Published online: 25-02-2022)

28. Genomic structure of Bali cattle based on linkage disequilibrium and effective population size analyses using 50K single nucleotide polymorphisms data

Pita Sudrajad, Richi Yuliavian Kusminanto, Slamet Diah Volkandari and Muhammad Cahyadi

Veterinary World, 15(2): 449-454

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bali Cattle (Bos j. javanicus) is a local breed originating in Indonesia, accounting for 32.3% of the total cattle population. To date, no studies of the genetic structure and demographic status of Bali cattle have been conducted, even though the breeding of Bali cattle has a long and unique history that is likely to have impacted its genetic diversity. Therefore, a study that used molecular breeding technologies to characterize the demography of Bali cattle would be timely. This study aimed to examine genome diversity in Bali cattle and estimate the linkage disequilibrium (LD) and effective population size (Ne) values in the cattle population.

Materials and Methods: In this study, we explored the population structure and genetic diversity of Bali cattle using genomic-level analyses. Our study primarily studied cattle that had been bred in livestock breeding centers since these breeds had subsequently spread throughout Indonesia. We focused on characterizing the genetic structure, determining the level of LD present, and estimating the Ne of the Bali cattle population. The genomic data used for this study were obtained from DNA samples of 48 Bali cattle collected at the Breeding Center of Bali Cattle as well as 54 genomic samples from Bali cattle collected elsewhere in Indonesia that had been used in recent publications. This genomic dataset included exclusively 50K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) array (Illumina Bovine 50SNP bead chip, Illumina, USA) data.

Results: We found that the LD values of Bali cattle from the breeding center and those raised elsewhere were 0.48±0.43 and 0.39±0.40, respectively. Subsequently, the Ne value of Bali cattle from the breeding center and farmers was 151 and 96, respectively.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the selection program of the breeding center is beneficial for maintaining the genetic diversity of Bali cattle.

Keywords: Bali cattle, effective population size, genomic data, genetic structure, linkage disequilibrium.

The first study on seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum infection in pregnant local cows from Northeast Algeria

Research (Published online: 25-02-2022)

27. The first study on seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum infection in pregnant local cows from Northeast Algeria

Besma Abdeltif, Safia Tennah, Salima Yamina Derdour, Asma Temim, Houda Boufendi and Farida Ghalmi

Veterinary World, 15(2): 442-448

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Neospora caninum is one of the most common infectious organisms worldwide that causes abortion in cattle. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have focused on N. caninum infection in the local Atlas brown cattle from Northeast Algeria. This study aimed to assess the importance of bovine neosporosis for causing abortion in Atlas brown cattle and to identify selected risk factors.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was performed on 60 control farms and 30 case farms. We collected 650 blood samples from 650 pregnant cows from 90 farms in five Algerian provinces; Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El-Tarf, and Souk- Ahras. Sera samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against N. caninum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: The seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in the cows was 36.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.7-39.8) and in the farms was 81.1% (95% CI: 73.0-89.2). Risk factors found by multivariable logistic regression included: Presence of dogs (odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95 CI 2.9-7.3); age ≥84 months (OR 4.9, 95 CI 2.8-8.3); Jijel region (OR 2.2, 95 CI 1.1-4.5); white (OR 2.5, 95 CI 1.4-4.4) and gray (OR 2.5, 95 CI 1.4-4.5) coat; moderate (OR 2.30, 95 CI 1.4-3.8) and bad (OR 3.1, 95 CI 1.8-5.3) hygiene; and second (OR 2.5, 95 CI 1.4-4.4); and last (OR 2.3, 95 CI 1.3-4.2) stage of pregnancy. Our case-control study showed no significant association between seropositivity of N. caninum and abortion at the farms level (OR 0.9, 95 CI 0.3-2.7). Similarly, there was no significant association between seropositivity of N. caninum and abortion at the individual level (OR 0.8, 95 CI 0.6-1.2).

Conclusion: This is the first study of N. caninum infection in pregnant local cows from Northeast Algeria. The prevalence rate of antibodies against N. caninum was high. Almost all risk factors studied for infection were significantly associated with seroprevalence. Our analysis showed no relation between N. caninum infection and abortion. Consequently, these local cows are resistant to abortion caused by N. caninum.

Keywords: Algeria, Neospora caninum, pregnant cattle, seroepidemiology.

Single and combined effects of CSN1S1 and CSN2-casein genes on Awassi sheep milk quantity and quality

Research (Published online: 25-02-2022)

26. Single and combined effects of CSN1S1 and CSN2-casein genes on Awassi sheep milk quantity and quality

Ahmad H. Al-Amareen and Khaleel I. Jawasreh

Veterinary World, 15(2): 435-441

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Milk produced from Awassi sheep is of high nutritive value; its production is relatively low in Awassi sheep, so the genetic improvement programs targeted milk production and its components are of high importance, especially when using genes that have an important signal to milk traits. This study was aimed at assessing the influence of alpha S1 (CSN1S1) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes genotypes interaction on Awassi ewes milk productivity.

Materials and Methods: A total number of 391 milk yield and its composition records (taken through five consecutive years, 2007-2011) of 167 ewes were utilized for this study. DNA samples were extracted from the ewe's blood samples, then the polymerase chain reaction products of alpha S1 (CSN1S1) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes were sequenced. The obtained sequences were analyzed; thereafter, the detected variants were tested for their possible association with milk traits.

Results: The CSN1S1 and CSN2 variants allelic frequencies were 0.85 and 0.15, and 0.95 and 0.05, respectively. Lactose and solid not fat (SNF) % were associated with TC CSN1S1 genotypes. No association was found among CSN1S1 polymorphic genotypes with milk production, lactose, and SNF % were associated with TC CSN1S1 genotypes. Ewes of CSN2 AC genotype showed higher milk production traits, while no association was found between milk composition traits and CNS2 genotypes. Nevertheless, CSN1S1∗CSN2 interaction showed the highest SNF, fat percentages, and milk production.

Conclusion: The substantial interaction effects between CSN1S1×CSN2 genes were significantly affected the amount of milk, fat, and SNF% produced. The detected variants should be included in the breeding programs of Awassi sheep that are designed for improving their milk quantity and quality.

Keywords: Awassi sheep, fat, gene, interaction, milk yield, protein.

mRNA expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor in the lung tissue of Wistar rats according to age

Research (Published online: 24-02-2022)

25. mRNA expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor in the lung tissue of Wistar rats according to age

Hazem Almhanna, Nabeel Abd Murad Al-Mamoori and Hassan Hachim Naser

Veterinary World, 15(2): 427-434

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is expressed and plays functional and physiological roles in different tissues of the body. This study aimed to distinguish the levels of expression of ACE2 in the lung tissue at different ages of rats.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 18 male rats were used and divided into three groups according to age. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to determine the levels of the quantification of eosinophil cationic protein mRNA transcript. In addition, tissue specimens of the lung were stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin stains.

Results: This study confirmed that RT-qPCR amplification plots of ACE2 gene exhibited clearly expression of the lung tissue of rats in the different groups and there are strong different threshold cycles numbers according to the age at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6-8 months. Consequently, the expression of ACE2 was completely different between groups depending on the age of the rats. The RT-qPCR results showed that the older animal group (age of 6-8 months) had a significantly higher expression of ACE2 than the other animal groups (ages of 2 weeks and 2 months). In the same way, the second group (age of 2 months) had a significantly higher expression of ACE2 than the first group (age of 2 weeks). This study confirmed that the ACE2 expression is influenced by the age of rats.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the expression of the ACE2 receptor of coronavirus disease 2019 would be different according to the age of rats, and this result suggested that expression of ACE2 in lung tissue could determine infection and pathogenesis of COVID-19 during different ages of rats or some individual differences.

Keywords: angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, expression, rats, real-time polymerase chain reactions, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on chicken sperm quality: A meta-analysis

Research (Published online: 24-02-2022)

24. Effect of vitamin E supplementation on chicken sperm quality: A meta-analysis

Sari Yanti Hayanti, Cecep Hidayat, Anuraga Jayanegara, Mohammad Miftakhus Sholikin, Supardi Rusdiana, Yeni Widyaningrum, Masito Masito, Yenni Yusriani, Novia Qomariyah and Yenny Nur Anggraeny

Veterinary World, 15(2): 419-426

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Among several factors, the sperm quality of poultry is affected by the rooster's body size and the availability of antioxidants like vitamin E. This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on rooster sperm quality through a meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods: After verification and evaluation, a total of 19 articles were included in this study. Data, including dietary vitamin E, semen volume, concentration, total sperm cells, pH, motility, viability, percentage of dead and abnormal sperm, vitamin E sperm content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and testosterone levels, were tabulated in a database; these were subsequently analyzed using mixed modeling with vitamin E dose as a fixed effect and study identity as a random effect.

Results: Dietary supplementation level of vitamin E significantly (p<0.001) affected sperm concentration, significantly affected motility (p<0.001), significantly affected sperm vitamin E (p<0.001), significantly affected viability (p<0.001), and significantly affected chicken sperm fertility (p=0.001). Vitamin E administration also significantly reduced the number of sperm cell deaths (p<0.001); however, increased dietary levels of vitamin E did not affect semen volume (p=0.853), pH (p=0.951), MDA (p=0.542), the percentage of abnormal sperm cells (p=0.343), nor testosterone levels (p=0.063).

Conclusion: Dietary vitamin E supplementation is recommended for male chickens since it generally enhances the quality of their sperm.

Keywords: meta-analysis, rooster, sperm, vitamin E.

Parasitofauna and current status of anthelmintic resistance in Latvian sheep farms

Research (Published online: 23-02-2022)

23. Parasitofauna and current status of anthelmintic resistance in Latvian sheep farms

Dace Keidāne, Alīna Kļaviņa, Marta Barbara Bergmane and Līga Kovaļčuka

Veterinary World, 15(2): 414-418

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Parasitic invasions, especially gastrointestinal nematodes, are widespread and are one of the main problems in sheep farms. For this reason, sheep are dewormed more often than other livestock species, often several times a year. Concerns about antiparasitic resistance from the farmers and veterinarians have arisen because, on some farms, antiparasitic drugs are used routinely for very long periods. There are no data available on anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep in Latvia. Our work aimed to determine the most common endoparasites in sheep and the degree of anthelmintic resistance on sheep farms in Latvia.

Materials and Methods: All sheep (577) underwent a coprological examination before the start of the study, and only sheep diagnosed with more than 200 McMaster eggs per gram of feces were included in the study. A fecal egg count reduction (FECR) test was performed on 20 sheep flocks in Latvia.

Results: In Latvia, sheep were most commonly infected with Eimeria spp. 97% (confidence interval [CI] 95% 96-98). The second most commonly diagnosed species were Trichostrongylidae 91% (CI 95% 89-93) and Strongyloides spp. 76% (CI 95%, 72-79). The ivermectin (IVM) FECR was 0.74% (0.73-0.74), showing resistance in all sheep farms included in this study. Albendazole (ABZ) FECR 0.89% (0.88-0.89) was effective.

Conclusion: This study showed that the most popular deworming drugs (ivermectin, albendazole) in Latvia are ineffective in sheep. Additional studies on the use of IVM+ABZ combinations for deworming sheep should be performed.

Keywords: anthelmintic resistance, gastrointestinal parasites, sheep.

The urgency of wider adoption of one health approach for the prevention of a future pandemic

Review (Published online: 23-02-2022)

3. The urgency of wider adoption of one health approach for the prevention of a future pandemic

M. Nazmul Hoque, Golam Mahbub Faisal, Farhan Rahman Chowdhury, Amlan Haque and Tofazzal Islam

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 20-33

ABSTRACT

Recurring outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses serve as a reminder that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected. Therefore, multisectoral, transdisciplinary, and collaborative approaches are required at local, regional, and global levels to tackle the ever-increasing zoonotic threat. The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 zoonosis has been posing tremendous threats to global human health and economies. The devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic teaches us to adopt a "One Health Approach (OHA)" to tackle a possible future pandemic through a concerted effort of the global scientific community, human health professionals, public health experts, veterinarians and policymakers through open science and open data sharing practices. The OHA is an integrated, holistic, collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach to tackle potential pandemic zoonotic diseases. It includes expanding scientific inquiry into zoonotic infections; monitoring, and regulating traditional food markets, transforming existing food systems, and incentivizing animal husbandry and legal wildlife trade to adopt effective zoonotic control measures. To adopt an OHA globally, research and academic institutions, governments and non-government sectors at the local, regional, and international levels must work together. This review aimed to provide an overview of the major pandemics in human history including the COVID-19, anthropogenic drivers of zoonoses, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse zoonoses, the concept of OHA and how an OHA could be utilized to prevent future pandemic threats to the human-animal-ecosystem interfaces. In addition, this review article discusses the strategic framework of OHA and possible challenges to implement OHA in practice to prevent any future pandemics. The practices of open data sharing, open science, and international collaboration should be included in the OHA to prevent and/or rapidly tackle any health emergencies in the future.

Keywords: COVID-19, future pandemic, one health approach, prevention.

Attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnology application for improved indigenous pig production in Zambia

Research (Published online: 22-02-2022)

22. Attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnology application for improved indigenous pig production in Zambia

Rubaijaniza Abigaba, Pharaoh C. Sianangama, Progress H. Nyanga, Wilson N. M. M. Mwenya and Edwell S. Mwaanga

Veterinary World, 15(2): 403-413

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Pig production remains crucial to the livelihood of farmers in Zambia. However, low production continues to undermine efforts to reduce animal protein deficit; hence, the need emerges to improve production through biotechnology. To contribute to the prediction of their acceptance, this study assessed the attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnologies by exploring the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers.

Materials and Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey that employed a mixed-methods design with a qualitative-quantitative methodological triangulation. Quantitative data were obtained from 622 respondents using a questionnaire, whereas seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results: The majority (65.1%) of the respondents were low-income earners who mainly (64.8%) attained primary education. In addition, pig farming was dominated by middle-aged (43.7%) and elderly (40.7%) individuals. Moreover, most of the respondents owned (51.3% and 78.0%) more than 2 acres and six pigs, respectively. Furthermore, the respondents expressed a positive attitude (3.84±0.42) toward reproductive biotechnology application. However, despite supportive opinions (4.17±0.54) and favorable behavioral intentions (4.09±0.51), their feelings were generally neutral (3.10±0.89). In addition, the study observed various contrasting attitudes across socio-demographic factors. The respondents mainly preferred artificial insemination (AI; 66.2%). The results of the FGDs supported the survey findings. Nevertheless, the lack of information, knowledge and practical exposure, absence of peer influence, perceived beliefs and risks, poverty situations, and gender issues were pinpointed as the identified barriers to the biotechnology acceptance of the participants.

Conclusion: The respondents generally supported reproductive biotechnology application and its contribution to improved production. However, further promotion of the favorable attitudes of the farmers will be required. In this case, interventions sensitive to their socio-demographic characteristics, perceived barriers, and identified contributing factors to favorable attitudes will be crucial. In addition, despite the overwhelming preference for AI, efforts to promote AI-supporting reproductive technologies are required because they contribute to AI success rate.

Keywords: attitudes, indigenous pig production, reproductive biotechnology, survey, traditional farmers.