First report on detection of Babesia spp. in confiscated Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) in Thailand

Research (Published online: 13-09-2021)

12. First report on detection of Babesia spp. in confiscated Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) in Thailand

Rungrueang Yodsheewan, Manakorn Sukmak, Bencharong Sangkharak, Nongnid Kaolim, Raveewan Ploypan and Wallaya Phongphaew

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2380-2385

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (critically endangered) due to high levels of illegal trafficking for its products. Thailand is one of the habitats of this species, and it has become the main hub for its illegal trafficking. Rehabilitating these captive pangolins and reintroducing them back to the wild are challenging due to the limited knowledge on their diet, management, and diseases. Hemoparasites, including Babesia spp., can cause important protozoal infections in both domestic and wild animals, resulting in the failure of rehabilitation and conservation programs. However, Babesia spp. has not been reported in pangolins. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Babesia spp. in the Sunda pangolin of Thailand.

Materials and Methods: A total of 128 confiscated Sunda pangolins from across different regions in Thailand were investigated. These pangolins had been admitted to a regional Wildlife Quarantine Center for rehabilitation before release in the forest. Routine physical examinations were conducted on the animals. We collected blood samples from each pangolin for hematological analysis and to detect Babesia spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial 18s rRNA gene.

Results: Babesia-specific PCR detected 53 animals (41.4%) that were positive for Babesia spp. Blood smears were obtained from the positive samples and investigated under a light microscope to observe for trophozoites of Babesia spp. Examination of 40 PCR-positive and -negative samples found no significant differences between the hematological parameters of Babesia-positive and Babesia-negative samples. Eight PCR-positive samples were randomly selected and their DNA was sequenced. Seven and one of sequences match uncharacterized Babesia spp. with 100% and 99.2% similarity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that our samples form a unique monophyletic clade along with other Babesia spp. detected in the wild. This clade is clearly separated from other Babesia spp. from small carnivores, ruminants, and rats.

Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of infection of Sunda pangolins in Thailand by Babesia spp. These pangolins originated from different regions and had not lived together before blood collection. Thus, we suggest that the uncharacterized Babesia spp. found in this study constitute a new group of pangolin-specific Babesia spp. The prevalence of the uncharacterized Babesia spp. was not correlated to pangolin health. Further studies are required to characterize the genomes and phenotypes, including the morphology and pathogenicity of these protozoa. Such information will be helpful for the conservation and health management of the Sunda pangolin.

Keywords: Babesia spp., Manis javanica, sunda pangolin, Thailand.

Abandonment of dogs in Latin America: Strategies and ideas

Review (Published online: 13-09-2021)

11. Abandonment of dogs in Latin America: Strategies and ideas

Daniel Mota-Rojas, Néstor Calderón-Maldonado, Karina Lezama-García, Leonardo Sepiurka and Rita de Cassia Maria Garcia

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2371-2379

ABSTRACT

In this article, we gathered information from postgraduate theses and scientific articles published in several databases using inclusion criteria that had been made in Latin America, in countries with similar economic conditions, and also in the USA to present a point of comparison. The objective of this review is to broaden the readers' understanding of the causes of the increasing numbers of stray dogs and the reasons why people abandon pets in the streets, specifically in Latin America. It also discusses adoption and responsible ownership, identifies what failed in promoting positive human-dog interaction, and suggests strategies to address this problem. It concludes that adoption alone is not an effective solution but that it is necessary to offer education and awareness programs for owners, organize sterilization campaigns, and develop and apply – with the corresponding authorities – measures to ensure animal welfare that will provide benefits for society and improve animal quality of life. The role of veterinarians is fundamental in education and in disseminating the necessary information to orient people before they acquire a pet and prevent animal abandonment to resolve this problem.

Keywords: canine overpopulation, dog population management, free-roaming dogs, public health, stray dogs, zoonosis.

Tuberculosis prevalence in animals and humans in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Research (Published online: 11-09-2021)

10. Tuberculosis prevalence in animals and humans in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kairat Altynbekovich Turgenbayev, Assiya Madenovna Borsynbayeva, Aleksandr A. Plazun and Rauan K. Turgenbayev

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2362-2370

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects humans and animals. This study aimed to review the influence of economic and organizational, veterinary, and sanitary measures on the epizootic situation of animal tuberculosis and the epidemiological situation of human tuberculosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods: The epizootic situation of cattle tuberculosis in Kazakhstan was studied based on the annual statistics of allergy testing of animals with tuberculosis by the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to the results of allergic, clinical, and pathological studies, including laboratory studies of biomaterials from animals that reacted to tuberculin. Tuberculinization of cattle in the country is performed twice in the spring and autumn using tuberculin purified protein derivative for mammals. In addition, mass diagnosis of human tuberculosis is conducted by radiology.

Results: The authors assessed the epizootic situation of tuberculosis in cattle in Kazakhstan from 1991 to 2019. The analysis results showed that at the beginning, the epizootic situation in cattle tuberculosis was challenging. However, since 2001, there has been a noticeable decrease in tuberculosis in animals in Kazakhstan, which has had a favorable effect on the epidemic situation of human tuberculosis.

Conclusion: According to the analysis results, the measures used in the Republic of Kazakhstan to prevent tuberculosis improved the well-being of livestock farms. The proper conduct by qualified veterinary specialists on allergy testing of animals and differential diagnosis of nonspecific tuberculin reactions allows establishing an accurate epizootic picture of tuberculosis. Furthermore, strict adherence to instructions on the diagnosis and prevention of tuberculosis, implementation of developed veterinary, sanitary, and organization, and economic measures can improve the epizootic picture of tuberculosis, reducing the risk of human tuberculosis.

Keywords: diagnostics, epizootiology, tuberculin, tuberculosis.

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Fertility restoration of racing mare with persistent corpus luteum

Research (Published online: 08-09-2021)

9. Fertility restoration of racing mare with persistent corpus luteum

Tjok Gde Oka Pemayun, Imam Mustofa, Laba Mahaputra, Herry Agoes Hermadi, Ngakan Made Rai Wijaya, Sri Mulyati, Suzanita Utama, Tjuk Imam Restiadi and Rimayanti Rimayanti

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2356-2361

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Persistent corpus luteum (PCL) causes anestrus in mares. This study aimed to determine the effect of intrauterine prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatment on PCL of racing mares to restore fertility.

Materials and Methods: Twelve racing mares suspected with PCL were diagnosed using transrectal palpation and confirmed by serum progesterone (P4) concentration measurement. PGF2α was infused intrauterine, followed by serum collection at 24, 48, and 72 h after. Estrous symptoms were monitored, and mating was conducted on day 3 of estrus with an earlier injection of 8.4 μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone twice a day. Transrectal palpation was performed on days 21-30 to observe the corpus luteum. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed rectally on 40-45 days post-mating and confirmed using Doppler ultrasound scanning.

Results: Eleven of the 12 mares had PCL. There was a dramatic reduction in the P4 concentration following PGF2α treatment of mares with PCL. All mares exhibited estrus 2.6±0.55 days post-treatment with a P4 concentration of 0.12±0.12 ng/mL. Rectal palpation and P4 concentration on 21-30 days after estrous onset showed that all mares were ovulating. The evaluation of P4 concentration on days 40-45 post-mating showed that all mares were still in the luteal phase. However, the pregnancy rate was only 54.5% based on rectal palpation and Doppler ultrasound scanning.

Conclusion: Treatment of PCL in racing mares with an intrauterine infusion of PGF2α restored the estrous cycle and induced ovulation and pregnancy.

Keywords: estrus, fertility, good health and well-being, ovulation, progesterone, racing mare.

The first isolation and detection of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from swollen head syndrome-infected broiler flocks in Iraq

Research (Published online: 07-09-2021)

8. The first isolation and detection of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from swollen head syndrome-infected broiler flocks in Iraq

Baraa Akeel Al-Hasan, Abdullah O. Alhatami, Husam Muhsen Abdulwahab, Ghadeer Sabah Bustani and Eman Abdul Wahab Alkuwaity

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2346-2355

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The swollen head syndrome (SHS) makes up complex diseases that infect the upper respiratory tract in poultry and causes several economic losses. Furthermore, this syndrome is considered one of the multifactorial etiological agents. Therefore, this study isolated and molecularly detected Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) in poultry.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at 67 broiler farms that had birds observed to be infected with the SHS from September 2018 until August 2019. Subsequently, swabs were collected from their trachea, infraorbital sinuses, and lungs, after which obtained samples were treated through two methods: (a) The direct method, by uploading samples on FTA cards, and the indirect method using a transport media. Afterward, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the directly treated samples; howeverAQ1, the culture method, followed by PCR, was used to analyze the indirectly treated samples. Next, a partial 16S RNA gene was isolated using four positive PCR products, after which the effect of 16 antibiotics was studied on the seven local ORT strains isolated.

Results: The quantity of ORT isolated using the direct method was 28 (41.7%) samples, which were all positive for the strain. Identification was by direct molecular identification (RT-PCR) from samples loaded on FTA cards. Alternatively, 7 (10.4%) ORTs were detected from the indirect method, as obtained using the culture method and biochemical tests. Then, PCR was subsequently used to confirm the results. As observed, 784 bp bands were shown for all seven ORT isolates. Furthermore, results revealed a significant difference in the detection of ORT strains between direct and indirect methods, with p-value (<0.05) and standard deviation of the error ±0.038 for the direct, then ±0.061 for the indirect method. For further analysis on the strain types, four 784 bp PCR products were taken, then partial 16S ribosomal sequence typing was conducted. All these four strains were found to be recorded in NCBI for the 1st time as a local Iraqi strain, with accession numbers (MN931657, MN931656, MN931655, and MN931654). Notably, results also showed that all isolated strains were multidrug-resistant.

Conclusion: From the results, ORT is proposed to be implicated as one of the etiological factors that cause SHSs in poultry. Phylogenetic analysis of the current ORT bacterial strains also showed that they are closely related to the Egyptian isolates.

Keywords: broilers flocks, culture method for isolation and detection Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, Iraq, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, polymerase chain reaction, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Swollen head syndrome.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

Research (Published online: 06-09-2021)

7. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

Fitrine Ekawasti, Raden Wisnu Nurcahyo, Lintang Winantya Firdausy, April Hari Wardhana, Dyah Haryuningtyas Sawitri, Joko Prastowo and Dwi Priyowidodo

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2339-2345

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Eimeria spp. are gastrointestinal protozoans that affect animal productivity, thereby causing symptoms that range from bloody diarrhea to death. These symptoms cause economic losses to farmers. The distribution of Eimeria spp. in cattle has, therefore, been reported to have spread widely, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Indonesia is a tropical country at high risk of Eimeria infections. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors related to the levels of eimeriosis in beef cattle originating from different geographic areas in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Here, 817 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle in Indonesia, including 282 calves, 535 adults, 530 males, and 287 females. In addition, 156 semi-intensively and 661 intensively managed cattle were randomly collected. Then, fecal samples were analyzed by parasitology examinations.

Results: Screening examination using the sugar flotation modification method showed that Eimeria spp. were prevalent in Indonesia, as 65.4% of the bacterial strain was detected. The prevalence of identified Eimeria spp. in Indonesia was highest in North Maluku (Maluku Island) (94.1%), whereas the lowest levels were observed in West Java (24.0%) (Java Island). The prevalence was also found to be higher in males (79.3%) than females (51.9%). Similarly, levels in semi-intensively managed cattle (66.7%) were higher than those subjected to intensive management (65.9%). However, its prevalence in calf and adult cattle was similar.

Conclusion: Bovine eimeriosis spp. were detected at high prevalence in Indonesia, and high-level risks were observed in infected males, including those under the semi-intensive management. In addition, although the results from oocyst examinations were based on qualitative analysis, the endemicity levels of Eimeria spp. among farms in Indonesia should be considered because Eimeria spp. were distributed in most parts of Indonesia. Based on the results of this study, we provide the first information about the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis from different geographical locations in Indonesia, which have differing climates associated with the level of the existing risk factors. Hence, farmers are advised to pay more attention to strict biosecurity techniques on their farms, thereby favoring the early control of bovine eimeriosis.

Keywords: cattle, Eimeria, floatation, gastrointestinal, risk factor.

Body weight prediction using different data mining algorithms in Thalli sheep: A comparative study

Research (Published online: 06-09-2021)

6. Body weight prediction using different data mining algorithms in Thalli sheep: A comparative study

Ansar Abbas, Muhammad Aman Ullah and Abdul Waheed

Veterinary World, 14(9): 2332-2338

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Thalli sheep are the main breed of sheep in Pakistan, and an effective method to predict their body weight (BW) using linear body measurements has not yet been determined. Therefore, this study aims to establish an algorithm with the best predictive capability, among the Chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID), exhaustive CHAID, artificial neural network, and classification and regression tree (CART) algorithms, in live BW prediction using selected body measurements in female Pakistani Thalli sheep.

Materials and Methods: A total of 152 BW records, including nine continuous predictors (wither height, body length [BL], head length, rump length, tail length, head width, rump width, heart girth [HG], and barrel depth), were utilized. The coefficient of determination (R2), standard deviation ratio, root-mean-square error (RMSE), etc., were calculated for each algorithm.

Results: The R2 (%) values ranged from 49.28 (CART) to 64.48 (CHAID). The lowest RMSE was found for CHAID (2.61), and the highest one for CART (3.12). The most significant predictors were the HG of live BW for all algorithms. The heaviest average BW (41.12 kg) was observed in the subgroup of those having a BL of >73.91 cm (Adjusted p=0.045).

Conclusion: Among the algorithms, CHAID provided the most appropriate predictive capability in the prediction of live BW for female Thalli sheep. In general, the applied algorithms accurately predicted the BW of Thalli sheep, which can be very helpful in deciding on the standards, available drug doses, and required feed amount for animals.

Keywords: artificial neural network, body weight, classification and regression tree, Chi-square automatic interaction detector, exhaustive Chi-square automatic interaction detector, Thalli sheep.