Intestinal parasites among migrant barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the central region of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Research (Published online: 28-08-2018)

24. Intestinal parasites among migrant barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the central region of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Mahdi Fakhar, Tooran Nayeri Chegeni, Reza Bastani, Zahra Hosseininejad, Reza Saberi and Saber Armat

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1179-1182

ABSTRACT

Aim: Swallows are a family of migratory birds found worldwide except Antarctica. Annually, a number of species of swallows migrate to Iran. As they make their nests close to human living places, this may be a potential risk for public health. Conversely, no study has been conducted on intestinal parasitic infections of these birds so far. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in migratory swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the central region of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 205 feces samples from two districts (Sari and Qaemshahr) in the central region of Mazandaran were randomly collected during the summer and spring sessions of 2016-2017. The collected samples were examined using the routine direct fecal examination and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration. In addition, the samples were examined by cold acid-fast staining method to detect possible Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Results: The results of this study indicated that 38 samples (18.5%) were infected with intestinal parasites. Among the helminthic parasites, eight genera and species were identified as follows: Ascaridia galli, Syngamus trachea, Raillietina, Toxocara spp., Choanotaenia, Taenia spp., Ascaridia spp., and Moniezia spp. In addition, among protozoan parasites, only the Coccidia spp. oocysts were identified.

Conclusion: Our findings showed a relatively high prevalence of parasitic infections in migratory barn swallows in Mazandaran Province. Given the presence of zoonotic parasites in the samples, further investigations are needed to identify all parasites fauna, particularly zoonotic species among swallows in the region.

Keywords: barn swallow, Hirundo rustica, intestinal parasites, Iran, zoonosis.

Serosurveillance of Brucella antibody in food animals and role of slaughterhouse workers in spread of Brucella infection in Southeast Nigeria

Research (Published online: 27-08-2018)

23. Serosurveillance of Brucella antibody in food animals and role of slaughterhouse workers in spread of Brucella infection in Southeast Nigeria

Samuel Okezie Ekere, Emmanuel Okechukwu Njoga, Joseph Ikechukwu Onunkwo and Ugochinyere Juliet Njoga

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1171-1178

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibody in slaughter cattle and goats; and the role of slaughterhouse workers (SHWs) in spread of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Rose Bengal plate test was used to screen for Brucella antibody in 484 cattle and 340 goats slaughtered for human consumption in the state. Structured and pretested questionnaire was used to elicit information from randomly selected SHWs, on socioeconomic characteristics, awareness of brucellosis and involvement in practices that aid dissemination of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations.

Results: Suspected seroprevalence of 2.5% and 4.1% were recorded for Brucella antibody in cattle and goats respectively. There was poor awareness of brucellosis (32.1%) among the workers surveyed. Slaughterhouse practices that aid acquisition or spread of Brucella infection and percentage of SHWs engaged in the practices are: non-use of personal protective clothing during slaughterhouse operations (70.8%), discharge of eviscerated fetuses or pregnant uterine contents by open-air dump method of refuse disposal (64.9%) and illegal sell of eviscerated fetuses or gravid uterine contents for human consumption (59.9%) or preparation of dog food (71.5%).

Conclusion: The 4.1% suspected seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in goats represents 128% increase from 1.8% seroprevalence earlier reported in the same species and study area in 2009. Significant amounts of Brucella antibody was detected in the food animals screened. Slaughterhouse workers played significant roles in spread of Brucella infection by their involvement in risk practices and behaviours that facilitate pathogen transmission. Therefore, massive awareness campaign and coordinated brucellosis control program in Enugu State are imperative to forestall the zoonotic and economic consequences associated with brucellosis.

Keywords: Brucella antibody, brucellosis, cattle, goats, slaughterhouse workers.

An epidemiological investigation on occurrence of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in raw milk

Research (Published online: 25-08-2018)

22. An epidemiological investigation on occurrence of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in raw milk

H. D. Vanitha, C. Sethulekshmi and C. Latha

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1164-1170

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to study the epidemiology of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in raw milk and molecular characterization of isolates using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Materials and Methods: A total of 125 raw milk samples were subjected to isolation, identification, and confirmation of virulence-associated genes by multiplex PCR (mPCR). The samples were collected from a milk cooperative society of Thrissur district, Kerala. For further epidemiological investigation, samples such as dung (126), hair coat of cow (60), udder swab (60), udder wash (60), milking utensil wash (36), Milker's hand wash (36), water (36), soil (36), and feed (36) were collected from the households from which the raw milk tested positive for EHEC.

Results: The occurrence of EHEC in individual raw milk samples was found to be 8.8%. The major source of contamination to raw milk was found to be dung (19.84%) followed by udder swab (16.67%), hair coat of cow (15%), Milker's hand and milking utensils and water (11.11% each), and udder wash and soil (8.33% each). For identification of virulence genes, all the isolates were subjected to mPCR, of 75 isolates 73.33% of isolates harbored stx 2 gene while 53.33, 36, and 36% of isolates were encoded by stx 1, eae A, and hly A genes, respectively. On epidemiological survey, the multiple risk factors accountable for occurrence of EHEC in raw milk were found to be the quality of water used, improper and inadequate udder preparation, unhygienic hands of Milker's, use of insufficiently cleaned milking utensils, and using common utensil for washings of udder and milking purposes.

Conclusion: The result of the present study signifies that raw milk was contaminated with EHEC and possesses a high public health threat. As dairy cattle and its environment serve as a potential niche for EHEC, hygienic milking practices should be adopted to curb the occurrence of EHEC in raw milk.

Keywords: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, epidemiological investigation, epidemiological survey, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, raw milk.

Morphologic and morphometric characteristics of ascaroid worm, Ophidascaris piscatori in Xenochrophis piscator snake in Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 25-08-2018)

21. Morphologic and morphometric characteristics of ascaroid worm, Ophidascaris piscatori in Xenochrophis piscator snake in Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Lucia Tri Suwanti, Inggarsetya Syah Audini, Setiawan Koesdarto and Emmanuel Djoko Poetranto

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1159-1163

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study was conducted to describe the morphology and morphometry of nematode worm in the stomach of Xenochrophis piscator snake macroscopically and microscopically using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Materials and Methods: The sample was 40 nematode worms that have been collected from 60 snakes which slaughtered at snake slaughterhouses in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. The worms (10 male and 10 female) were stained with carmine, and the others were sent to Indonesian Science Institute for ultrastructure observation by SEM. Some of the female worms were immersed in physiological NaCl and incubated to collect the worm eggs.

Results: Nematode worm in this study had three lips with almost the same size and it had papillae, so it was included in ascaridoid. The mouth of ascaridoids has three lips, the dorsal bearing two large outer papillae and the each lateroventral with one papilla. The body length and width of the male worm were 70-105 mm and 0.92-1.32, respectively, with head diameter of 0.22-0.28 mm. Dorsal and ventrolateral lips almost have the same size that was 0.10-0.12×0.11-0.13 mm. The length of interlabia was 0.06-0.08 mm, esophagus was 3.21-4 mm, tail was 0.17-0.23 mm, and spicule was 2.12-3.36 mm. The body length and width of the female worm were 85-130 mm and 1.28-1.71 mm, respectively. The head diameter was 0.29-0.38 mm. Dorsal and ventrolateral lips almost have the same size that was 0.13-0.16×0.15-0.19 mm. The interlabial length was 0.08-0.10 mm, esophagus was 3.04-4.67 mm, and tail was 0.22-0.31 mm. The distance of the vulva from the anterior edge was 56-88 mm with an average of 67.35 mm. The eggs have conspicuously pitted with length 0.08-0.09 mm and width 0.07-0.08 mm.

Conclusion: Based on the characteristics of morphology and morphometry, the ascaroid worms found on X. piscator snake from Sidoarjo, Indonesia, were O. piscatori.

Keywords: carmine, Ophidascaris piscatori, scanning electron microscopy, Sidoarjo Indonesia, Xenochrophis piscator snake.

Sporadic cases of lumpy skin disease among cattle in Sharkia province, Egypt: Genetic characterization of lumpy skin disease virus isolates and pathological findings

Research (Published online: 23-08-2018)

20. Sporadic cases of lumpy skin disease among cattle in Sharkia province, Egypt: Genetic characterization of lumpy skin disease virus isolates and pathological findings

Fatma M. Abdallah, Hend M. El Damaty and Gamilat F. Kotb

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1150-1158

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious viral disease upsetting cattle, caused by LSD virus (LSDV) within the family Poxviridae. Sporadic cases of LSD have been observed in cattle previously vaccinated with the Romanian sheep poxvirus (SPPV) vaccine during the summer of 2016 in Sharkia province, Egypt. The present study was undertaken to perform molecular characterization of LSDV strains which circulated in this period as well as investigate their phylogenetic relatedness with published reference capripoxvirus genome sequences.

Materials and Methods: A total of 82 skin nodules, as well as 5 lymph nodes, were collected from suspect LSD cases, and the virus was isolated in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs). LSD was confirmed by polymerase chain reactions amplification of the partial and full-length sequences of the attachment and G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) genes, respectively, as well as a histopathological examination of the lesions. Molecular characterization of the LSDV isolates was conducted by sequencing the GPCR gene.

Results: Characteristic skin nodules that covered the whole intact skin, as well as lymphadenopathy, were significant clinical signs in all suspected cases. LSDV isolation in ECEs revealed the characteristic focal white pock lesions dispersed on the chorioallantoic membranes. Histopathologic examination showed characteristic eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within inflammatory cell infiltration. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the LSDV isolates were clustered together with other African and European LSDV strains. In addition, the LSDV isolates have a unique signature of LSDVs (A11, T12, T34, S99, and P199).

Conclusion: LSDV infections have been detected in cattle previously vaccinated with Romanian SPPV vaccine during the summer of 2016 and making the evaluation of vaccine efficacy under field conditions necessary.

Keywords: cattle, Egypt, lumpy skin disease, Poxviridae, Sharkia province.

Isolation and identification of bacteria from fresh guava (Psidium guajava) sold at local markets in Mymensingh and their antibiogram profile

Research (Published online: 23-08-2018)

19. Isolation and identification of bacteria from fresh guava (Psidium guajava) sold at local markets in Mymensingh and their antibiogram profile

Md. Atiqur Rahman Sarker, Md. Mazedul Haque, Rafia Afroze Rifa, Fateha Akther Ema, Md. Ariful Islam and Mst. Minara Khatun

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1145-1149

ABSTRACT

Aim: The study was conducted for the isolation, identification, and antibiogram of bacteria obtained from fresh guava (Psidium guajava).

Materials and Methods: A total of 25 fresh guavas were collected from five markets located in Mymensingh city. Guava samples were cultured onto various selective media such as eosin methylene blue, xylose lysine deoxycholate, thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose, blood agar, and mannitol salt agar for the isolation of bacteria. Biochemical tests (dextrose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, mannitol, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, and indole) were performed to identify the bacteria.

Results: Total viable counts of guava were ranged between log 6.56 colony-forming unit (cfu)/ml and 6.62 cfu/ml. A total of 106 bacterial isolates belonged to five genera (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Bacillus spp., and Staphylococcus spp.) were identified. Salmonella spp. (23.6%) was the most prevalent, followed by E. coli (22.64%), Bacillus spp. (19.81%), Staphylococcus spp. (17.92%), and Vibrio spp. (16.03%). The results of antibiotic sensitivity test showed that Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., and E. coli were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin and resistant to ampicillin and cephalexin. Vibrio spp. was sensitive to chloramphenicol and gentamicin, intermediately sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ampicillin and resistant to cephalexin.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that fresh guava contains multidrug-resistant bacteria which might pose a public health risk.

Keywords: antibiogram profile, bacteria, guava, identification, isolation, Mymensingh.

Slaughter of pregnant goats for meat at Nsukka slaughterhouse and its economic implications: A public health concern

Research (Published online: 17-08-2018)

18. Slaughter of pregnant goats for meat at Nsukka slaughterhouse and its economic implications: A public health concern

Onyinye Josephine Okorie-Kanu, Ekene Vivienne Ezenduka, Christian Onwuchokwe Okorie-Kanu, Chidiebere Ohazurike Anyaoha, Chukwuebuka Anselm Attah, Toochukwu Eleazar Ejiofor and S. Onyinye Onwumere-Idolor

Veterinary World, 11(8): 1139-1144

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the incidence rate of the slaughter of pregnant goats in Nsukka slaughterhouse, which has become a major cruel occurrence in Nigeria, as well as it's economic and public health implications.

Materials and Methods: All the goats slaughtered at Nsukka slaughterhouse over a period of 3 months (February-April, 2017) were screened. The data collected were: total number of goats slaughtered, age, breed and sex of goats slaughtered, pregnancy status of the goats, and sex of the fetuses observed, and gestational age of the fetuses estimated by crown-rump length.

Results: In the 3-month study, a total of 684 goats were slaughtered, of which 617 (90.2%) were females. 364 (59%) of the females slaughtered were pregnant, and more than 80% of the gestations were in the second and third trimesters. Of 661 fetuses recorded, 320 (48.3%) were males, and 341 (51.7%) were females with 438 (66.3%) predominantly twins. At the cost of ₦ 6,000 ($16) and ₦ 8,000 ($20) for male and female kids, respectively, a total of ₦ 4,648,000 ($11,620) was lost in just one slaughterhouse in 3 months.

Conclusion: This study shows that there is a high rate of slaughter of pregnant goats in Nsukka slaughterhouse with a tremendous economic loss, and most chevon sold in Nsukka are unwholesome and of low meat quality.

Keywords: economic implications, fetuses, low meat quality, pregnant goats, public health, unwholesome.