Effect of exogenous melatonin and different photoperiods on oxidative status and antioxidant enzyme activity in Chhotanagpuri ewe

Research (Published online: 07-02-2018)

6. Effect of exogenous melatonin and different photoperiods on oxidative status and antioxidant enzyme activity in Chhotanagpuri ewe

Pankaj Kumar Choudhary, Ajay Kumar Ishwar, Rajesh Kumar, Debasish Niyogi and Mukesh Kumar

Veterinary World, 11(2): 130-134

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of exogenous melatonin under different photoperiods on oxidative status in Chhotanagpuri ewe.

Materials and Methods: A total of 42 non-pregnant, non-lactating Chhotanagpuri ewe, having body weight ranging between 14.11±0.09 and 15.38±0.06 kg, were selected and were isolated from rams 2 months before melatonin administration. The selected animals were allocated randomly into seven groups, namely, Group I (normal control), Group II (long day [LD] control), Group III (LD+melatonin administration orally, 3 mg/day), Group IV (LD+melatonin administration subcutaneously, 1 mg/day), Group V (short day [SD] control), Group VI (SD+melatonin administration orally, 3 mg/day), and Group VII (SD+melatonin administration subcutaneously, 1 mg/day) comprising six animals in each group. Rams were then introduced into each group after completion of exogenous administration of melatonin. Blood samples with anticoagulant in vials were collected from each animal day before the start of the experiment and thereafter every month up to 5th month. Hemolysate was prepared for estimation of oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT).

Results: It was observed that the level of MDA was significantly (p<0.05) higher in LD groups (Group II, III and IV) in comparison to control and SD groups (VI and VII) at 1st month. MDA concentration after exogenous administration of melatonin was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in Group IV and VI in comparison to 1st month. SOD was significantly (p<0.05) higher in SD groups (V, VI, and VII) at the 1st month in comparison to 0 day. After exogenous administration of melatonin, SOD concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Groups III and IV in comparison to 1st month. CAT was significantly (p<0.05) higher in SD groups (V, VI, and VII) in comparison to control and LD groups. After exogenous administration of melatonin, CAT concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Groups III, IV, VI, and VIII in comparison to Groups I, II, and V. At the 3rd month, CAT concentration significantly (p<0.05) decreased in Groups III, IV, VI, and VII in comparison to 2nd month of experiment. However, a decreasing trend of CAT was observed in all the groups from 3rd to 5th month.

Conclusion: The present experiment revealed that exogenous melatonin was able to reduce significantly the level of MDA and increased the activity of SOD and CAT in Chhotanagpuri ewe.

Keywords: catalase, Chhotanagpuri ewe, exogenous melatonin, malondialdehyde, photoperiod, superoxide dismutase.

Bacteriological cure rate and changes in milk composition in mastitis vaccinated ewes affected with subclinical mastitis

Research (Published online: 06-02-2018)

5. Bacteriological cure rate and changes in milk composition in mastitis vaccinated ewes affected with subclinical mastitis

Myassar O. Alekish, Z. Bani Ismail, H. M. Hammouri, M. H. Daradka, S. Al Taha and I. Olymat

Veterinary World, 11(2): 125-129

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using a commercially-available polyvalent mastitis vaccine on the bacteriological cure rate of existing subclinical mastitis in Awassi sheep.

Materials and Methods: A total of 164 lactating ewes were divided into two main groups according to udder health and milk somatic cell count (SCC): Group 1=normal (N; n=80) and Group 2=subclinical mastitis (SC; n=84). Each group was then subdivided randomly into two treatment groups: N vaccinated (Nvax; n=38), N non-vaccinated (Nnvax; n=42), SC vaccinated (SCvax; n=42), and SC non-vaccinated (SCnvax; n=42). The vaccine was administered as per manufacturer's recommendations. Milk samples were collected aseptically from all ewes before vaccine administration (T0) and again on days 28 (T2) and 42 (T3) of the experiment.

Results: In the SC group, the bacteriological cure rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 76% and 69%, respectively. In N group, the new intramammary infection rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 48% and 50%, respectively. Vaccination of normal ewes resulted in a significant (p<0.05) reduction in bacterial growth rate both at day 28 and day 42 of the study. The prevalence of new intramammary infection rate in Nvax ewes on days 28 and 42 was 19% and 20%, respectively. The prevalence of new intramammary infection rate in Nnvax group on days 28 and 42 was 33% and 30%, respectively. In SCvax group, the bacterial growth rate on days 28 and 42 was 44% and 35%, respectively. In SCnvax group, the bacterial growth rate on days 28 and 42 was 27% and 32%, respectively. There was no statistically significant effect of vaccination on any of the studied milk composition parameters.

Conclusion: This is a preliminary study that indicated a possible protective effect of vaccination against mastitis in sheep. Further, case-controlled studies are indicated to estimate the level of immunity this vaccine provides to vaccinated sheep.

Keywords: immunity, mastitis pathogens, prevention, vaccination.

Market potential and opportunities for commercialization of traditional meat products in North East Hill Region of India

Review (Published online: 05-02-2018)

4. Market potential and opportunities for commercialization of traditional meat products in North East Hill Region of India

G. Kadirvel, Bandita B. Banerjee, Surajit Meitei, S. Doley, Arnab Sen and M. Muthukumar

Veterinary World, 11(2): 118-124

ABSTRACT

The North Eastern (NE) India is renowned for its preference for animal-based food. This region is known for its traditional meat products. However, the popularity of these products remains confined to the specific community/location. The knowledge on the traditional preparation methods is generally passed across generations through practice and word of mouth. The traditional style of preparation and the specific ingredients added to each product makes them unique. In this review, an attempt has been made to identify the initiatives, opportunities, and market potential for commercialization of the traditional meat products. These unique features and properties of the traditional meat products have been highlighted. The commercialization of these products will enhance entrepreneurship development and ensure quality ethnic products to the consumer in the NE hill region of India.

Keywords: commercialization, North East India, meat, products, property, traditional.

Hepato nephropathology associated with inclusion body hepatitis complicated with citrinin mycotoxicosis in a broiler farm

Research (Published online: 04-02-2018)

3. Hepato nephropathology associated with inclusion body hepatitis complicated with citrinin mycotoxicosis in a broiler farm

Asok Kumar Mariappan, Palanivelu Munusamy, Shyma K. Latheef, Shambu Dayal Singh and Kuldeep Dhama

Veterinary World, 11(2): 112-117

ABSTRACT

Aim: Mortality in a broiler chicken farm was investigated for identifying the cause of mortality.

Materials and Methods: A broiler farm with a population of 16000 succumbed to a disease outbreak. Clinical signs, vaccination history and mortality, were recorded. Necropsy examination and microscopic examination were carried out along with toxicological and molecular studies.

Results: The clinical signs in the affected broiler birds were of non-specific nature with a total mortality of 26.39%. Postmortem examination and microscopical findings revealed hepatitis with basophilic intranuclear inclusion, splenitis, myocarditis, and nephritis. Glomerulonephritis was the prominent renal pathology recorded in this study. Polymerase chain reaction test confirmed the presence of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) genome in the target organs, and toxicological examination by thin-layer chromatography revealed the presence of a toxic level of citrinin in the feed samples.

Conclusion: Based on various diagnostic investigations, the mortality in the flock was attributed to inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) complicated with citrinin mycotoxicosis. Thus, apart from liver pathology which occurs in a classical IBH cases, glomerulonephritis too occurs which are also a prominent finding which pathologists often miss. Thus, kidneys should also be examined histologically to assess the microscopic tissue alterations in poultry suspected for IBH along with a mycotoxicological analysis of feed. This will definitely throw light on the synergistic pathology elicited and exhibited by FAdV and mycotoxins in the poultry.

Keywords: citrinin, fowl adenovirus, glomerulonephritis, inclusion body hepatitis, thin-layer chromatography.

Occurrence and quantification of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from food matrices

Research (Published online: 03-02-2018)

2. Occurrence and quantification of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from food matrices

C. Sethulekshmi, C. Latha and C. J. Anu

Veterinary World, 11(2): 104-111

ABSTRACT

Aim: The objective of the study was to detect Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to quantify the bacterial DNA present in different food matrices.

Materials and Methods: A total of 758 samples were collected during a period from January 2015 to December 2016 from Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Alappuzha districts of Kerala. The samples consisted of raw milk (135), pasteurized milk (100), beef (132), buffalo meat (130), chevon (104), beef kheema (115), and beef sausage (42). All the samples collected were subjected to isolation and identification of STEC by conventional culture technique. Confirmation of virulence genes was carried out using PCR. For the quantification of STEC in different food matrices, a qPCR was standardized against stx1 gene of STEC by the construction of standard curve using SYBR green chemistry.

Results: The overall occurrence of STEC in raw milk (n=135), beef (n=132), buffalo meat (n=130), chevon (n=104), and beef kheema (n=115) samples collected from Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Alappuzha districts of Kerala was 19.26%, 41.6%, 16.92%, 28.85%, and 41.74%, respectively. PCR revealed the presence of stx1 and stx2 genes in 88.46 and 83.64 and 30.77 and 40.00% of STEC isolates from raw milk and beef samples, respectively, while 100% of the STEC isolates from buffalo beef and beef kheema samples carried stx1 gene. Real-time qPCR assay was used to quantify the bacterial cells present in different food matrices. The standard curve was developed, and the slopes, intercept, and R2 of linear regression curves were -3.10, 34.24, and 0.99, respectively.

Conclusion: The considerably high occurrence of STEC in the study confirms the importance of foods of animal origin as a vehicle of infection to humans. In the present study, on comparing the overall occurrence of STEC, the highest percentage of occurrence was reported in beef kheema samples. The study shows the need for rigid food safety measures to combat the potential pathogenic effects of harmful bacteria throughout the production chain from production to consumption.

Keywords: food matrices, occurrence, polymerase chain reaction, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Jatropha curcas Linn. latex in cream formulation on CD68 expression in mice skin wound

Research (Published online: 02-02-2018)

1. Anti-inflammatory activity of Jatropha curcas Linn. latex in cream formulation on CD68 expression in mice skin wound

Muhammad Nur Salim, Dian Masyitha, Abdul Harris, Ummu Balqis, Cut Dahlia Iskandar, Muhammad Hambal and Darmawi

Veterinary World, 11(2): 99-103

ABSTRACT

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential of Jatropha curcas latex in the cream formulation on CD68 immune expression (macrophages) during inflammatory phase wound healing process in mice skin.

Materials and Methods: Amount of 12 two-months-old male mice were used between 30 and 40 g. To surgical procedures, wound skin incision was performed 2.0 cm in length until subcutaneous on the paravertebral of each animal. The treatment was carried under locally anesthetized with procaine cream. The mice were allotted into four groups of each, entire surface of each group wound covered by base cream control, sulfadiazine 0.1% cream, J. curcas latex cream 10% and, 15%, respectively. All experiments were performed twice a day for 3 days. The wound healing was assayed in stained histological sections in immunohistochemical of the wounds. CD68 expression was investigated under a microscope.

Results: The results showed that the cream from the 10% and 15% latex of J. curcas revealed moderate immune reaction to CD68 on wound healing.

Conclusion: We concluded that the latex cream of J. curcas possesses anti-inflammatory activity in wound healing process of mice skin.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory, CD68, Jatropha curcas latex cream, wound healing.

Effect of dietary supplementation of sea buckthorn and giloe leaf meal on the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, biochemical attributes, and meat composition of turkey poults

Research (Published online: 31-01-2018)

16. Effect of dietary supplementation of sea buckthorn and giloe leaf meal on the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, biochemical attributes, and meat composition of turkey poults

Aditya Sharma, Pankaj Kumar Shukla, Amitav Bhattacharyya, Upendra Kumar, Debashis Roy, Brijesh Yadav and Atul Prakash

Veterinary World, 11(1): 93-98

ABSTRACT

Aim: In the recent past, few studies have been carried out about sea buckthorn (SBT) and giloe in chicken as a part of the quest for suitable alternatives to antibiotics. However, studies in turkeys are lacking. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of SBT and giloe leaf meal by dietary feed supplementation in turkey poults.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1-day-old turkey poults (n=84) of small white variety were distributed into four dietary treatments having three replicates each with seven birds. The study was conducted in turkey poults during 0-8 weeks of age. During the experiment, the poults were fed basal ration (28% crude protein [CP], 2800 Kcal/kg ME) T1, T2-basal ration was supplemented with SBT leaf meal powder at 0.5%, T3-basal ration was supplemented with giloe leaf meal powder at 0.5%, and T4-basal ration was fed along with supplementation of both SBT at 0.5% and giloe leaf meal powder at 0.5%.

Results: T2 turkey poults had a significantly higher (p<0.01) body weight gain than T3 and T4 at 7th week of age. Weekly body weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 than T3 during 5th-8th week and 0-8th week of the growth phase. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (p<0.01) in T2 than other treatment groups during 4th-8th week phase of growth (2.09 vs. 2.36, 2.29 and 2.31). Further, FCR was significantly better (p<0.01) in T2 group as compared to other treatment groups during 0-8th week of growth phase (1.95 vs. 2.21, 2.21 and 2.12). Plasma uric acid was found significantly increased (p<0.05) in T1 than T3 and T4, and alkaline phosphatase value was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T1 and T3 than T2. Zinc content of breast (pectoralis major) muscles was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 and T4 as compared to T1, while ether extract (EE) in thigh (ilio tibialis) muscles was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T2 as compared to the other treatment groups.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that supplementation of SBT leaf meal at 0.5% may improve production performance of turkey poults. Supplementation of 0.5% SBT leaf meal may result in higher levels of zinc and EE in the breast and thigh cuts of turkey poults.

Keywords: giloe, growth, meat composition, sea buckthorn, turkey.

Observations on biotic parameters of Angora rabbit breed under controlled conditions in different housing systems

Research (Published online: 30-01-2018)

15. Observations on biotic parameters of Angora rabbit breed under controlled conditions in different housing systems

Sajid Ur Rahman, Xichun Wang and Li Yu

Veterinary World, 11(1): 88-92

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the body weight (BW) gain and physiological parameters such as temperature, respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) of Angora rabbit reared in different housing systems.

Materials and Methods: A total of 30 angora rabbits (age 4-6 months), weight 1.5 kg in average were divided into three groups, i.e., (outdoor control [OC], indoor in cages [IC], and indoor open [IO]). All rabbits were reared for 10 weeks. Feed and water were given ad libitum. BW gain and physiological parameters such as temperature, RR, and HR were recorded.

Results: All parameters showed some degree of variations. The BW differed significantly (p<0.05). The mean BW in kilogram (kg) of OC group was 1.59±0.03 obtained during the experimental period, while the BW of IC group shows a decrease of 1.43±0.05 and IO group it was 1.49±0.06 kg. The body temperature (BT) of the control group was 38.83±1.07°C, but IC and IO groups show increased in BT (39.10±0.78°C) and (39.33±1.24°C), indicated no significant difference among the groups (p=0.05). The RR in breaths/min of OC group recorded was 40.3±5.20, but the RR recorded for IC and IO groups was 41.2±7.29 and 39.3±6.30 breaths/min, respectively, showed less variation. The HR obtained in beat/min of OC group was 136.9±15.22, IC group (139.1±16.42) and IO group were (139.6±19.90 beat/min) showed less substantial variation.

Conclusion: The present study clearly indicates that housing rabbits in cages and stress condition is a cause of poor welfare due to movement constraint, it will affect the body biotic parameters such as normal temperature, respiration as well as it can reduce the growth performance of animals significantly but housing system may not affect HR.

Keywords: body weight, heart rate, physiological parameters, respiratory rate, temperature.

One health: The interface between veterinary and human health

Review (Published online: 29-01-2018)

2. One health: The interface between veterinary and human health - Kshitiz Shrestha, Krishna Prasad Acharyaand Sujan Shrestha

International Journal of One Health, 4: 8-14

  doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2018.8-14

ABSTRACT

One Health is an emerging global key concept integrating human and animal health through international research and policy. The complex relationships between the human and animal have resulted in a human-animal-environment interface since prehistorical times. The people, animals, plants, and the environment are so intrinsically linked that prevention of risks and the mitigation of effects of crises that originate at the interface between humans, animals, and their environments can only improve health and wellbeing. The “One Health” approach has been successfully implemented in numerous projects around the world. The containment of pandemic threats such as avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome within months of outbreak are few examples of successful applications of the One Health paradigm. The paper begins with a brief overview of the human-animal interface and continues with the socio-economic and public health impact caused by various zoonotic diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome, Influenza, and Ebola virus. This is followed by the role of “One Health” to deal the global problem by the global solution. It emphasizes the interdisciplinary collaboration, training for health professionals and institutional support to minimize global health threats due to infectious diseases. The broad definition of the concept is supposed to lead multiple interpretations that impede the effective implementation of One Health approach within veterinary profession, within the medical profession, by wildlife specialists and by environmentalists, while on the other side, it gives a value of interdisciplinary collaboration for reducing threats in human-animal-environment interface.

Keywords: emerging infectious diseases, one health, viral zoonoses.

In vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. in chicken lymphocytes

Research (Published online: 28-01-2018)

14. In vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. in chicken lymphocytes

Pushpa Ruwali, Tanuj Kumar Ambwani and Pankaj Gautam

Veterinary World, 11(1): 80-87

Aim: Evaluation of the in vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. methanolic extract in chicken lymphocyte culture system through lymphocyte (B and T cells) proliferation assay, after standardizing the maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) in chicken lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods: Fresh aerial parts of A. indica Willd. (family: Asteraceae) specimens were collected (altitude 1560 m), gotten authenticated, processed, dried, and Soxhlet extracted to yield methanolic extract (AME). Chicken splenocytes were isolated from spleens collected from healthy birds; lymphocytes were separated by density gradient centrifugation, percentage cell viability determined and final cell count adjusted to 107 cells/ml in RPMI-1640 medium. MNCD of AME in chicken lymphocytes was determined through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide dye reduction assay. Immunomodulatory potential of AME was evaluated through lymphocytes proliferation or B and T cells blastogenesis assay in the presence of appropriate mitogens, namely, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (Con A), respectively.

Results: Maximum concentration of AME exhibiting 100% cell viability (MNCD) was 200 μg/ml and was selected for further in vitro analysis. The in vitro exposure of chicken lymphocytes to 200 μg/ml dose of AME, resulted in significant (p<0.05) upregulation of 11.76% in B cell proliferation in the presence of B cell mitogen (LPS) and a significant (p<0.05) increase of 12.018% T cells proliferation in the presence of the mitogen (Con A), as compared to the control.

Conclusion: The significant upregulation in the proliferation of two major cell types modulating the immune system is an indication of the immunostimulatory potential of the plant. It would be worthwhile to further evaluate A. indica on relevant immunomodulatory aspects, especially the in vivo studies in a poultry system.

Keywords: Artemisia indica Willd., immunomodulation, in vitro chicken lymphocytes, lymphocyte proliferation assay, plant extract.

Edible bird's nest impact on rats' uterine histomorphology, expressions of genes of growth factors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and oxidative stress level

Research (Published online: 27-01-2018)

13. Edible bird's nest impact on rats' uterine histomorphology, expressions of genes of growth factors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and oxidative stress level

Abdulla A. Albishtue, Nurhusien Yimer, Md Zuki A. Zakaria, Abd Wahid Haron, Rosnina Yusoff, Mohammed A. Assi and Bahaa H. Almhanawi

Veterinary World, 11(1): 71-79

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplementation on the uteri of rats based on analyses of the morphological and histomorphometric changes, and expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (REGF) genes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and steroid receptors.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were equally distributed into the following four groups: G1 (control), G2, G3, and G4 represented the groups treated with EBN at graded concentrations of 0, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day for 8 weeks, respectively. During the experimental period, the BW of each rat was recorded weekly. At the proestrus stage of estrous cycle, blood samples were collected from the hearts of anesthetized rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results: The EBN-treated groups showed an increase in the weights and lengths of uteri as compared to the control. Results showed that relative to G1 and G2, G3 and G4 exhibited proliferation in their uterine luminal and glandular epithelia and uterine glands, and up-regulated expressions of EGF, REGF, VEGF, PCNA, and progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor in their uteri. The EBN increased the antioxidant (AO) and total AO capacities and reduced the oxidative stress (OS) levels in non-pregnant rats.

Conclusion: Findings of this study revealed that EBN promotes proliferation of the uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors,EGF, REGF, VEGF, and PCNA in the uterus and increased in the plasma concentrations of AO and reduced levels of OS.

Keywords: antioxidant, edible bird's nest, growth factors, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, uterus.

Seroprevalence of Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goats among different agro-climatic zones of Odisha, India

Research (Published online: 26-01-2018)

12. Seroprevalence of Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goats among different agro-climatic zones of Odisha, India

Abhishek Hota, Sangram Biswal, Niranjana Sahoo, Gnanavel Venkatesan, Sargam Arya, Amit Kumar, Muthannan Andavar Ramakrishnan, Awadh Bihari Pandey and Manoranjan Rout

Veterinary World, 11(1): 66-70

Aim: The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of antibodies to Capripoxviruses among small ruminants of Odisha, India.

Materials and Methods: A total of 500 random serum samples collected from 214 sheep and 286 goats across 10 agro-climatic zones of Odisha, were screened using whole virus antigen-based indirect ELISA for antibodies against Capripoxviruses. Results were analyzed by suitable statistical methods.

Results: Screening of 500 serum samples showed seropositivity of 8.88% and 31.47% in sheep and goats, respectively, for Capripoxviruses. The prevalence rate according to agro-climatic zone ranged from 0% (North Eastern coastal plain zone) to 48.57% (North central plateau zone) for goat pox, and 0% (Western undulating zone and North central plateau) to 22.22% (South Eastern ghat zone) for sheep pox. The difference in prevalence rates among the various agro-climatic zones was statistically significant (p<0.05) for goats, but not for sheep. Antibody prevalence rates among various districts were recorded to be the highest in Jagatsinghpur (30%) for sheep pox and Dhenkanal (80%) for goat pox.

Conclusion: The study revealed serological evidence of Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goat populations in the study area, in the absence of vaccination. Systematic investigation, monitoring, and reporting of outbreaks are necessary to devise control strategies.

Keywords: capripox, goat pox, indirect ELISA, Odisha, seroprevalence, sheep pox.

Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran

Research (Published online: 23-01-2018)

11. Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran

Shahabeddin Sarvi, Ahmad Daryani, Mehdi Sharif, Mohammad Taghi Rahimi, Mohammad Hasan Kohansal, Siavash Mirshafiee, Abolghasem Siyadatpanah, Seyed-Abdollah Hosseini and Shirzad Gholami

Veterinary World, 11(1): 58-65

ABSTRACT

Aim: Parasitic infections, especially of the zoonotic-parasitic type, are the most important health, economic, and social problems in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to review systematically the available data on gastrointestinal parasites of carnivores in Iran and their ability to infect humans.

Materials and Methods: Studies reporting intestinal parasites of carnivores were systematically collected from nine electronic English and Persian databases and Proceedings of Iranian parasitology and veterinary congresses published between 1997 and 2015. A total of 26 studies issued from 1997 to 2015 met the eligibility criteria.

Results: The pooled proportion of intestinal parasites of carnivores was estimated as 80.4% (95% confidence interval=70.2-88.8%). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats, foxes, and jackals were 57.89%, 90.62%, 89.17%, and 97.32%, respectively. Dipylidium caninum (20.45%), Toxocara spp. (18.81%), Taenia hydatigena (15.28%), Mesocestoides lineatus (11.83%), Echinococcus granulosus (10%), and Toxascaris leonina (8.69%) were the most frequently observed parasites.

Conclusion: High prevalence rates of zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores particularly Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. increase the risk of acquiring zoonotic infections such as cystic hydatid, alveolar cysts, and visceral or ocular larva migrants in Iranian people. Therefore, it is essential for public health centers to develop more effective control strategies to decrease infections rates in carnivores' populations.

Keywords: carnivores, intestinal parasites, zoonotic disease.

Exploring knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases among agro-pastoral communities in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Research (Published online: 21-01-2018)

10. Exploring knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases among agro-pastoral communities in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Isack Ibrahim Kerario, Martin Simuunza, Emmanuel L. K. Laisser and Sebastian Chenyambuga

Veterinary World, 11(1): 48-57

ABSTRACT

Aim: The current study was conducted to assess the farmers' knowledge and management practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) through individual interview using a structured questionnaire in Mbarali and Momba districts of Mbeya region.

Materials and Methods: A total of 240 households, 120 from each district were asked to mention TBDs of cattle which they thought were the most important in their localities and period of the year when the diseases occurred more frequently. In addition, farmers were asked to describe clinical signs and management practices associated with the common TBDs that they knew.

Results: The majority of respondents (46.2%) reported that East Coast fever (ECF) was the most important disease of cattle in the region, followed by anaplasmosis (33.8%), heartwater (15.4%), and babesiosis (4.6%). According to the farmers, ECF and anaplasmosis occurred more frequently during the dry season, while babesiosis and heartwater occurred more frequently during the rainy season. The majority of farmers were able to describe properly the signs of the common TBDs. Most farmers (80.4%) reported that they used acaricide to control ticks at a frequency of after every 2 weeks and a small proportion (15.8%) vaccinated their animals against ECF.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that farmers in Mbeya have considerable knowledge on tick species and clinical signs of TBDs affecting their cattle. Based on the findings of the current study, it is recommended that integrated approach to the control of ticks and TBDs be adopted in the study area and many other areas that utilize agro-pastoral and pastoral cattle production systems.

Keywords: acaricide, cattle, East Coast fever, indigenous knowledge.

Seroprevalence of selected viral pathogens in pigs reared in organized farms of Meghalaya from 2014 to 16

Research (Published online: 20-01-2018)

9. Seroprevalence of selected viral pathogens in pigs reared in organized farms of Meghalaya from 2014 to 16

Priyanka Mukherjee, Amarjit Karam, Uttam Singh, Amit Kumar Chakraborty, Surmani Huidrom, Arnab Sen and Indu Sharma

Veterinary World, 11(1): 42-47

ABSTRACT

Aim: A pilot study was carried out to find out the seroprevalence of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRS) in pig population of Meghalaya.

Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from piglets of 40-45 days age group, growers, and sows reared under organized and unorganized management in 11 districts of Meghalaya situated in the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo hills divisions in the time period of 2014-2016 from apparently healthy and suspected pigs. Seroprevalence of PCV2, CSFV, and PRRS specific antibodies was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: A total of 1899 serum samples were collected and screened using antibody ELISA kits specific for PCV2, CSFV, and PRRS. The highest antibody prevalence during the selected time periods was detected for PCV2 (80.8% in 2014, 79.1% in 2015, and 96.2% in 2016) followed by CSFV (76.4% in 2014, 66.09% in 2015, and 25.5% in 2016) and PRRS (2.8% in 2014, 2.7% in 2015, and 3.62% in 2016). The result indicates high seroprevalence for PCV2, which can be considered as an inducement factor due to the immunosuppressive nature of the virus, for animals being susceptible to other pathogens in farms where airborne transmission of PCV2 and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome among animals reared in close pens can be a major possibility.

Conclusion: The data from this study indicates ubiquitous prevalence of PCV2 antibodies in the farm animals along with the endemic presence of swine fever and emergence of PRRS in an organized farm. There are few reports regarding PCV2 infections/outbreaks in pigs associated with reproductive failure from northern and southern part of India, but till date, there are no reports regarding concomitant infection of CSFV and PCV2 from India. Considerable high seropositivity of PCV2 indicates the need for high impact hygiene practice in farms, routine seromonitoring and implementation of the vaccination program. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first documented report on the seroprevalence of PCV2, CSFV, and PRRS from pig population of Meghalaya.

Keywords: antibody, classical swine fever virus, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Meghalaya, Porcine circovirus, Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, seroprevalence, virus.

Milk amyloid A as a biomarker for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in cattle

Research (Published online: 19-01-2018)

8. Milk amyloid A as a biomarker for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in cattle

Hany Ahmed Hussein, Khaled Abd El-Hamid Abd El-Razik, Alaa Mohamed Gomaa, Mohamed Karam Elbayoumy, Khaled A. Abdelrahman and H. I. Hosein

Veterinary World, 11(1): 34-41

Background and Aim: Mastitis is one of the most vital noteworthy monetary risks to dairy ranchers and affects reproductive performance in dairy cattle. However, subclinical mastitis (SCM) negatively affects milk quality and quantity and associated with economic losses as clinical mastitis. It is recognizable only by additional testing. Somatic cell count (SCC) is currently used worldwide for the screening of intramammary infection (IMI) infections. However, somatic cells (SC) are affected by numerous factors and not always correlate with infection of the udder. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the milk amyloid A (MAA) in the milk of normal and SCM cows and compare the sensitivity of both MAA secretion and SCC in response to mammary gland bacterial infection.

Materials and Methods: A total of 272 quarter milk samples collected from 68 Friesian cows after clinical examination for detection of clinical mastitis were employed in this study. All quarter milk samples (272) were subjected to bacteriological examination, while SCs were assessed in samples (220). Following SCC estimation and bacteriological examination, the apparently normal quarter milk samples were categorized into 7 groups and MAA concentration was estimated in normal and subclinical mastitic milk samples.

Results: Prevalence of clinical mastitis was 19.12 % (52 quarters), while 80.88 % (220 quarters) were clinically healthy with normal milk secretion. Of those 220 clinically healthy quarter milk samples, 72 (32.73%) showed SCM as detected by SCC (SCC ≥500,000 cells/ml). The most prevalent bacteria detected in this study were streptococci (48.53%), Staphylococcus aureus (29.41%), Escherichia coli (36.76%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (11.76%). Results of MAA estimation revealed a strong correlation between MAA secretion level and SCC in agreement with the bacteriological examination. Interestingly, there was a prompt increase in MAA concentration in Group III (G III) (group of milk samples had SCC ≤200,000 cells/ml and bacteriologically positive) than Group I (G I) (group of milk samples with SCC ≤500,000 cells/ml and bacteriologically negative), as MAA concentration in G III was about 4 times its concentration in G I.

Conclusion: Our study provides a strong evidence for the significance of MAA measurement in milk during SCM, and MAA is more sensitive to IMI than SCC. This can be attributed to rapid and sensitive marker of inflammation. The advantage of MAA over other diagnostic markers of SCM is attributed the minute or even undetectable level of MAA in the milk of healthy animals, it is not influenced by factors other than mastitis, and could be estimated in preserved samples. Therefore, we recommend that estimation of MAA concentration in milk is a more useful diagnostic tool than SCC to detect SCM and to monitor the udder health in dairy cattle.

Keywords: biomarkers, milk amyloid A, somatic cell count, subclinical mastitis.

Detection of Schmallenberg virus antibody in equine population of Northern and Northeast of Iran

Research (Published online: 18-01-2018)

7. Detection of Schmallenberg virus antibody in equine population of Northern and Northeast of Iran

M. Rasekh, A. Sarani and S. H. Hashemi

Veterinary World, 11(1): 30-33

ABSTRACT

Aim: Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a newly emerging virus in Simbu group that 1st time is reported in 2011 in Germany and now spread to Europe. The clinical signs of infection to this virus are fever, loss of appetite, reduced milk yield and in some cases, diarrhea and in pregnant animals congenital malformations in calves, lambs, and kid goats.

Materials and Methods: In this study for a serologic survey of SBV, blood samples from 200 horse in different rural areas of the northern and northeast of Iran with the high equine population collected and were analyzed using an indirect ELISA test.

Results: Based on our results 5% (n=10) of total 200 samples were positive for SBV antibody and 2% (n=4) was doubtful and 93% (n=186) was negative. There were no significant differences between age and sex and breed properties (p>0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the presence of antibodies against the SBV on horse populations in Iran. The high population and activity of Culicoides biting midges and their proper living conditions, especially the areas of temperate and humid environmental conditions, are the possible causes of arboviruses related diseases seen in this country.

Keywords: horse, Iran, new emerging disease, Schmallenberg virus.

Anti-inflammatory properties of a wound dressing combination of zinc oxide and turmeric extract

Research (Published online: 17-01-2018)

6. Anti-inflammatory properties of a wound dressing combination of zinc oxide and turmeric extract

Asti Meizarini, Aryati, Wibi Riawan and Astari Puteri

Veterinary World, 11(1): 25-29

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a wound dressing consisting of a zinc oxide with turmeric extract combination as an anti-inflammatory on the healing process through the expression of MAC387 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

Materials and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into four control and four treatment groups (n=5). On day 1, a 6 mmx6 mm square of skin in the area of the vertebralis thoracis was excised from all subjects. The wound was then dressed with a combination of zinc oxide and turmeric extract for the treatment groups, while the control groups were left undressed. Both the control and treatment groups were then sequentially sacrificed on days 3, 5, 7, and 14 to obtain subepithelial excision samples. These samples subsequently underwent immunohistochemistry examination through the expression of MAC387 and COX-2 to ascertain the anti-inflammatory reaction to the wound healing process.

Results: The highest expression of MAC387 was found in the treatment group to which a dressing of zinc oxide with turmeric extract had been applied on the day 5 before slowly reducing on days 7 and 14. MAC387 peaked in the undressed control group on day 14. The COX-2 expression results in control groups showed their higher expression on day 3, increased up to day 5, began to decline on day 7 before, and finally, decreasing on day 14. This result was different to those treatment groups which presented a high COX-2 expression on day 3, before gradually decreasing between days 5 and 7 and reaching its lowest point on day 14.

Conclusion: A wound dressing consisting of a combination of zinc oxide and turmeric extract has been proven effective as an anti-inflammatory in the healing process.

Keywords: cyclooxygenase-2, MAC387, turmeric, wound dressing, zinc oxide.