Factors affecting conception rate after the first artificial insemination in a private dairy cattle farm in North Algeria

Research (Published online: 09-12-2020)

4. Factors affecting conception rate after the first artificial insemination in a private dairy cattle farm in North Algeria

Samir Souames and Zahra Berrama

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2608-2611

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study analyzed risk factors influencing the conception rate at the first artificial insemination (CR1) in dairy cows reared in the plain of Mitidja, which is considered a major dairy region in North Algeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1054 lactations were used in the relational study of fertility conducted using the multivariable logistic regression model using the odds ratio (OR).

Results: The breeding season had a specific effect on fertility; the first service was often followed by pregnancy when performed during autumn (AUT) (OR=1.67, p<0.05) and spring (SPR) (OR=1.65, p<0.05). The chances of obtaining conception during the first service increased significantly for a waiting period (WP) (interval between calving and time to first service) of 50-100 days postpartum (DPP) (OR=1.67, p<0.05).

Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that no specific effect was observed relative to the breed and parity. Furthermore, CR1 significantly increased after summer calving when the first services were performed during SPR and AUT and a WP after 50 DPP.

Keywords: artificial insemination, calving to conception interval, conception rate, dairy cow, season, waiting period.

Epidemiology and antibiogram of common mastitis-causing bacteria in Beetal goats

Research (Published online: 08-12-2020)

3. Epidemiology and antibiogram of common mastitis-causing bacteria in Beetal goats

Abdul Jabbar, Muhammad Hassan Saleem, Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, Muhammad Qasim, Muhammad Ashraf, Mahmoud M. Tolba, Hebatallah Ahmed Nasser, Hira Sajjad, Ayesha Hassan, Muhammad Imran and Imtiaz Ahmad

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2596-2607

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mastitis has been identified as the most prevalent and economically imperative disease among dairy animals. Thus, understanding its common bacterial pathogens and risk factors is necessary to improve udder health at herd, region, or country level. However, scientific research on caprine mastitis, especially on Beetal breed, has remained to be insufficient in Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and antibiogram assay of common mastitis-causing bacterial agents, that is, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli, in dairy goats.

Materials and Methods: In total, 500 Beetal goats, irrespective of age and those that were not treated with any kind of antimicrobial agents during the past 120 h, were screened using California Mastitis Test in Pattoki, Kasur District, whereas epidemiological factors were recorded. The milk samples of mastitic goats were then collected and processed using standard methods. Each sample was primarily cultured on nutrient agar. Using a specific medium, each bacterial colony was separated using several streak methods. Six antibiotic disks belonging to different antibiotic groups were used for antibiogram profiling of bacterial isolates. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of baseline characteristics and mastitis occurrence. Meanwhile, multivariable logistic regression (p<0.001) was utilized to determine the risk factors associated with positive and negative dichotomous outcome of mastitis.

Results: The results revealed that the overall prevalence of goat mastitis was 309 (61.8%), in which 260 (52%) and 49 (9.8%) cases were positive for subclinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM), respectively. Streptococcus and E. coli were found to be the predominant isolates causing SCM and CM, respectively (p<0.001). It was observed that amoxicillin+clavulanic acid was highly sensitive to isolates of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and ceftiofur sodium to isolates of Streptococcus and E. coli, while enrofloxacin was found to be sensitive to isolates of Streptococcus and E. coli. Risk factors such as herd structure, deworming, vaccination, presence of ticks, use of teat dip and mineral supplements, feeding type, age, parity, housing, blood in the milk, milk leakage, milk taste, and milk yield were found to have the strongest association with mastitis occurrence, while ease of milking has moderate association.

Conclusion: In the area examined, cases of SCM were found to be higher compared with that of CM, and ceftiofur sodium has been identified as the preferred treatment in both clinical and subclinical forms of caprine mastitis in Beetal goats. Risk factors for mastitis that was identified in this study can form the basis for the creation of an udder health control program specific for dairy goats. We hope our findings could raise awareness of the risk factors and treatment approaches for common mastitis-causing bacterial agents.

Keywords: antibiotic disks, Beetal goats, common bacteria, epidemiology, isolates, mastitis, Pattoki.

Development of recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for sero-survey of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome

Research (Published online: 05-12-2020)

2. Development of recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for sero-survey of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome

S. Phani Kashyap, Jagadish Hiremath, S. Vinutha, Sharanagouda S. Patil, Kuralayanapalya P. Suresh, Parimal Roy and Divakar Hemadri

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2587-2595

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a disease endemic in many countries and is of economic importance. India was free from PRRS until the first outbreak was reported from a North-East Indian state in 2013. Since then, disease outbreaks have been reported from North-East India and the pilot study conducted earlier showed that it is gradually spreading to the rest of India. Considering there are no locally developed population screening tests available for PRRS and imported diagnostic/screening tests are expensive, the present study was aimed at developing recombinant nucleocapsid (rN) protein-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA).

Materials and Methods: The rN protein of PRRS virus (PRRSV) was produced following standard cloning, expression, and purification procedures. Using this antigen, iELISA was optimized for the detection of serum antibodies to PRRSV. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were assessed by comparing it with a commercial PRRSV antibody detection kit.

Results: A total of 745 serum samples from ten different states of India were screened using the developed iELISA. The iELISA had a relative specificity of 76.18% and sensitivity of 82.61% compared to the commercial ELISA (Priocheck PRRSV ELISA kit, Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA).

Conclusion: The iELISA, which deployed rN protein from Indian PRRSV, was found to be suitable in the serological survey and may be a useful tool in future disease surveillance programs.

Keywords: indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nucleocapsid protein, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, sensitivity, specificity.

High prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in humans and livestock in Assiut, Egypt: A serological and molecular survey

Research (Published online: 05-12-2020)

1. High prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in humans and livestock in Assiut, Egypt: A serological and molecular survey

Hypy Abbass, Salah Abdel Kareem Selim, Mona M. Sobhy, Mohamed A. El-Mokhtar, Mahmoud Elhariri and Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2578-2586

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Q fever is considered a neglected zoonotic disease and is caused by Coxiella burnetii. Very little information is available on C. burnetii infections in cattle, sheep, and goat populations in Egypt. The aim of this study was to identify the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in humans and livestock and to test for the presence of C. burnetii DNA in sera from seropositive animals and humans.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 160 apparently healthy farm animals and 120 patients from three hospitals of the Assiut Governorate throughout 2017/2018. These populations were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii phase II antigen by immunofluorescence assay [IFA]) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seropositive samples were subjected to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: The results of the IFA revealed C. burnetii seroprevalence rates of 45.3%, 56.0%, 45.7%, and 53.3% in cattle, sheep, goats, and humans, respectively. In humans, the seroprevalence rates were 52.1%, 30.4%, 37.5%, 74.1%, and 62.5% in patients with fever of unknown origin, influenza, kidney dialysis, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, respectively. Likewise, by ELISA, the seroprevalence in bovine was 50.7%; sheep, 60.0%; goats, 51.4%; and humans, 55.0% (54.3%, 30.4%, 37.5%, 77.8%, and 62.5% in patients with fever of unknown origin, influenza, kidney dialysis, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, respectively). RT-qPCR targeting the repetitive element IS1111 confirmed the presence of C. burnetii DNA.

Conclusion: These results proved that apparently healthy cattle, sheep, and goats may be very important reservoirs of C. burnetii infection. In light of these data, the effect of Q fever on the replication of hepatitis virus remains unclear. Although hepatitis is one of the main aspects of acute Q fever, the influence of hepatitis on Q fever remains to be investigated. Q fever is not a reportable disease in Egypt, and clinical cases may rarely be recognized by the health-care system. Additional information on the epidemiology of C. burnetii in Egypt is warranted, including other associated problems such as the distribution of infections, pathologic hallmarks, and molecular typing.

Keywords: apparently healthy farm animals and humans, Coxiella burnetii, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hepatitis C and B, immunofluorescence assay, Q fever, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

India to envision One Health movement for confronting emerging health threats: From concept to approach toward institutionalization

Review (Published online: 02-12-2020)

12. India to envision One Health movement for confronting emerging health threats: From concept to approach toward institutionalization

Prejit Nambiar

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 165-176

ABSTRACT

The author's key role in advocating and leading One Health (OH) initiatives in India (especially in Kerala), review the need for and progress of OH from concept to approach and proposes its institutionalization as the way forward. India is currently facing many health threats such as antimicrobial resistance, environmental health hazards, and food safety risks and most importantly, zoonotic diseases such as Nipah, Avian Influenza, Scrub typhus, Congo fever, Kyasanur forest disease, COVID-19, and leptospirosis that grossly impact country's economy. The recent pandemics had exposed the gaps in public health policy and government is prepared to commit on the OH approach and to invest more on public health infrastructure. Further, as challenges have increased in recent years, OH approach was clearly advocated by the experts not only to cope up the pandemic but also to manage the infodemic by promoting the timely dissemination of accurate information. Right from the endorsement of OH in 2007 by India's Prime minister to the present fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the actions to control and manage the disease was ideally oriented toward a collaborative approach. Last year (2019), the representatives from relevant ministries and department had a ground-breaking dialog to develop charter and constitute a National policy on OH. Recently, Health Ministers of the Member States of the World Health Organization South-East Asia signed "Delhi declaration" where the key essence was to implement intersectoral coordination mechanisms following the "OH" approach. India's future policy intervention will emphasize on strengthening of integrated public health labs and contributing to building a national institutional platform for OH to boost research initiatives. Taking stock of OH happenings, resources, challenges, and priorities, the implementation strategy has been proposed across human, animal and environmental health. The article further highlights the key areas that need OH intervention in India, the country's progress in OH and the success stories of OH for a sustainable action to confront emerging health threats.

Keywords: collaboration, emerging zoonoses, health threats, India, One Health (OH) – Approach, OH-Concept, OH- Initiative, OH- Institutionalization.

Megalocytiviruses in ornamental fish: A review

Review (Published online: 30-11-2020)

37. Megalocytiviruses in ornamental fish: A review

Che Azarulzaman Che Johan and Sandra Catherine Zainathan

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2565-2577

ABSTRACT

Iridoviruses, especially megalocytiviruses, are related to severe disease resulting in high economic losses in the aquaculture industry worldwide. The ornamental fish industry has been affected severely due to Megalocytivirus infections. Megalocytivirus is a DNA virus that has three genera; including red sea bream iridovirus, infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus, and turbot reddish body iridovirus. Megalocytivirus causes non-specific clinical signs in ornamental fish. Cell culture, histology, immunofluorescence test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay have been used to diagnose megalocytiviruses. Risk factors such as temperature, transportation (export and import), and life stages of ornamental fish have been reported for the previous cases due to Megalocytivirus infections. In addition, other prevention and control methods also have been practiced in farms to prevent Megalocytivirus outbreaks. This is the first review of megalocytiviruses in ornamental fish since its first detection in 1989. This review discusses the occurrences of Megalocytivirus in ornamental fish, including the history, clinical signs, detection method, risk factors, and prevention measures.

Keywords: clinical signs, detection, Megalocytivirus, ornamental fish, risk factors.

Risk factors and prevalence of work-related injuries and accidents among veterinarians in India

Research (Published online: 30-11-2020)

36. Risk factors and prevalence of work-related injuries and accidents among veterinarians in India

SukhDev Mishra and Rajendra Palkhade

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2555-2564

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Veterinary medicine is a high-risk occupation and imparts a risk of physical injuries due to the unpredictable nature of the animals and workplace conditions. This study aimed to identify the associated risk factors and prevalence of work-related injuries, and automobile accidents among veterinarians in India.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among veterinarians (n=565). The responses were recorded using a self-administered questionnaire on work-related injuries, automobile accidents, and physical hazards.

Results: Work-related injuries due to animals in the past 2 years were reported by more than half of veterinarians (prevalence=54.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]=50.58-58.79), while two-thirds experienced workplace injuries due to animals during any time of their career. The risk for injury was 1.1 times higher (odds ratio=1.1, 95% CI=0.611, 1.981) for veterinarians with a long job duration (>10 years). Large animal practicing veterinarians faced a higher (2.03 times) risk of injury. Workplace absenteeism due to animal-related injury (up to 15 or more days) was reported by 25.9% (95% CI=22.44-29.68) of respondents, including hospitalizations for 7.8% of veterinarians. More than half of veterinarians suffered from automobile injuries (prevalence=60.9%, 95% CI=6.8-64.8) due to work-related travel in the past 2 years, resulting in workplace absenteeism for 56.2% (95% CI=51.46-60.97) of subjects. The prevalence of needlestick injury among veterinarians was very high and reported as 80.9% (95% CI=77.49-83.99). Recapping of needles significantly increased the risk of needlestick injury by 1.67 times.

Conclusion: Veterinarians are at risk of work-related injuries, including automobile accidents. Kicking by animals and needlestick injuries were the most frequent physical hazards. Recapping of needles and responding to emergency calls at night were significant risk factors for needlestick injury and automobile accidents, respectively.

Keywords: accidents, needlestick, occupational hazards, physical hazards, veterinarians, workplace absenteeism, work-related injuries.