First study on genetic variability of bovine viral diarrhea virus isolated from Sapera dairy goats with reproductive disorders in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 22-04-2022)

27. First study on genetic variability of bovine viral diarrhea virus isolated from Sapera dairy goats with reproductive disorders in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

N. Retno, H. Wuryastuty, R. Wasito and S. H. Irianingsih

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1015-1021

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus (BVDV) is an important viral pathogen of cattle that can infect diverse artiodactyl species. The clinical manifestations caused by BVDV in heterologous hosts, as they do in cattle, vary, although respiratory and reproductive failures are commonly reported. BVDV infections commonly result in reproductive failure in goats, with abortion being the primary clinical sign. In central Java, Indonesia, BVDV infection has been reported in two clinically healthy local goat species, and the testing indicated infection by BVDV Type 1. However, the genetic diversity of viruses has not been described in healthy or ill goats. The objectives of the present study were as follows: (1) To investigate the genetic variation of BVDV isolated from Sapera dairy goats with naturally occurring reproductive disorders in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) and (2) to study the possible correlation between reproductive disorders and the presence of BVDV in the flock.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected in October 2021 from 39 goats that had been individually reported to have reproductive disorders. The serum samples were subjected to molecular detection and genetic characterization of BVDV based on the 5' UTR of the viral genome, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Viral isolation was performed on BVDV-positive samples to analyze the viral biotypes.

Results: BVDV infection was detected in five out of 39 female goats. The clinical status of the BVDV-infected goats was abortion (n=2), metritis (n=1), and repeated breeding (n=2). All antigen-positive samples were confirmed as BVDV type 1a (BVDV-1a) and noncytopathic (NCP)-BVDV biotype.

Conclusion: The BVDV-1a and NCP biotypes are the main subtypes and biotypes present in Sapera dairy goats exhibiting reproductive failure. This result is consistent with previous results in dairy cattle in Yogyakarta. The reported results can facilitate the design of methods for the prevention and control of BVD circulating in Indonesia.

Keywords: 5'untranslated region, bovine viral diarrhea virus, reproductive disorder, Sapera dairy goats.

Detection of zoonotic-borne parasites in Rattus spp. in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Research (Published online: 22-04-2022)

26. Detection of zoonotic-borne parasites in Rattus spp. in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Firdaus Mohd-Qawiem, Saulol Hamid Nur-Fazila, Raslan Ain-Fatin, Qian Hui Yong, Md Isa Nur-Mahiza and Abd Rahaman Yasmin

Veterinary World, 15(4): 1006-1014

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rattus spp. are the most common animals capable of adapting to their environment. They can be reservoirs or vectors of diseases that facilitate the transmission of zoonotic-borne parasites to humans. Hence, a study on the detection of parasites in rat populations in urban areas is crucial to prepare for emerging zoonosis. Therefore, this study aims to identify blood parasites, ectoparasites, and helminths in Rattus spp. from wet markets located in Klang Valley, an urban area with a high-density human population.

Materials and Methods: A total of 32 rats were trapped in several wet markets in Klang Valley, Malaysia. They were anesthetized for morphometric examination followed by exsanguination. Various parasitological techniques such as perianal tape test, simple flotation, direct examination of the intestine, and fecal smear were performed for intestinal parasite detection; hair plucking, skin scraping, and full body combing for ectoparasite identification; and blood smear, microhematocrit centrifugation, and buffy coat techniques for blood parasite detection.

Results: The rats were identified as Rattus rattus (71.9%) and Rattus norvegicus (28.1%). The only blood protozoan found was Trypanosoma lewisi. The ectoparasites identified belonged to two broad groups, mites (Laelaps spp. and Ornithonyssus spp.) and fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis), known to be parasitic zoonotic disease vectors. The zoonotic intestinal parasites were cestodes (Hymenolepis nana), nematodes (Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., and Syphacia spp.), and intestinal protozoa (coccidian oocysts and Giardia spp.). Microscopic images showing Giardia spp. are the first report of this organism in rats in Malaysia.

Conclusion: Rats caught in this urban area of the Klang Valley harbor parasites can pose a potential zoonotic threat to humans, raising public health concerns because of their proximity to densely populated urban areas.

Keywords: ectoparasites, endoparasites, Klang Valley, rats, zoonosis.

Armed conflict and the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance: The situation in war-ravaged Afghanistan

Review (Published online: 21-04-2022)

5. Armed conflict and the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance: The situation in war-ravaged Afghanistan

Mohammad Aman Ahmadzai, Qiamudin Shinwari, Agharid A. Al-Rasheed and Bashiru Garba

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 43-47

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a serious impediment to the attainment of the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to ensure and promote healthy living among humans and animals. Studies have identified the vulnerability of conflict-affected populations to exposure to antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Resource-limited countries like Afghanistan have suffered for long periods from armed conflicts, and this situation is exacerbated by the already poor or dilapidated healthcare delivery services. The country has suffered human and economic losses due to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections driven by the prolonged war, as well as a limited number of antimicrobials and frequent under dosage. Most reports point to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics as the main reason for building up resistant strains. There is a need for more efforts toward identifying the major contributors and enlightening the public on the importance of AMR. This review aimed to provide a critical appraisal regarding the current situation of AMR in Afghanistan.

Keywords: Afghanistan, antimicrobial resistance, armed conflict, hospital-acquired infection, public health.

Knowledge and perception of veterinary students on One Health: A first nationwide multi-institutional survey in Nepal

Research (Published online: 21-04-2022)

4. Knowledge and perception of veterinary students on One Health: A first nationwide multi-institutional survey in Nepal

Deepak Subedi, Anil Gautam, Deepak Sapkota, Sanju Subedi, Shreeya Sharma, Madinat Abdulkareem, Milan Kandel, Harischandra Ghimire and Ismail A. Odetokun

International Journal of One Health, 8(1): 34-42

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: One Health (OH) is a collaborative, multisectoral, and holistic approach for the prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases affecting animals and humans. In Nepal, the OH concept remains rudimentary. However, the recently formed "One Health Strategy" is a ray of hope. Veterinary students are the future of animal health, a major component of OH. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception of Nepalese veterinary students toward OH.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among veterinary students in all four veterinary colleges in Nepal to obtain knowledge on OH and zoonotic disease and understand the perception of the benefits of OH obtained using an online survey tool through a convenience sampling technique. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 333 participants, including recent graduates (mean age: 22.3±2.2 years) participated in this study. The mean knowledge score was 19.8±3.8 and about half of the respondents, 185 (55.6%) demonstrated satisfactory scores on OH. Most of the respondents have a positive perception of the benefits of OH as participants largely agreed that the OH approach needs to become a regular, routine, and institutionalized process at the project, program, and policy levels; is useful in addressing complex challenges that threaten human and animal health, food security, poverty, and the environments where diseases flourish; and it creates added value in terms of human and animal health, financial savings or social and environmental benefits from closer professional cooperation. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age, educational, and academic levels were significant factors influencing satisfactory knowledge on OH among respondents.

Conclusion: Nepalese veterinary students demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of OH and a good level of perception of the benefits of OH. An apprehensive understanding of the current status of the OH approach in Nepal through studies like this is crucial for the future improvement of public and animal health.

Keywords: knowledge, Nepal, One Health, veterinary students.

Effect of a probiotic containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria on the metabolic processes, litter microbiocenosis, and production indicators of broiler Pekin ducklings

Research (Published online: 20-04-2022)

25. Effect of a probiotic containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria on the metabolic processes, litter microbiocenosis, and production indicators of broiler Pekin ducklings

Ayrat Khabirov, Ruzil Avzalov, Gulnara Tsapalova, Alexandra Andreeva and Almaz Basharov

Veterinary World, 15(4): 998-1005

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The use of antibiotics is prohibited in poultry feeding in many countries worldwide, which has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, probiotic supplements are a good alternative in these circumstances. Probiotics, including Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can reduce the development of resistance and stimulate the growth of broiler ducklings. This study aimed to evaluate properties of the probiotic supplement containing these bacteria.

Materials and Methods: We studied the response of broiler ducklings to the addition of a dietary probiotic supplement containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria until they reached 7 weeks of age. All birds participating in the experiment received probiotic supplements on days 1-7, 15-21, 29-35. The state of the ducklings was assessed on day 21. At the age of 21 and 42 days, 4-5 ml of blood was drawn from the wing vein of 10 randomly selected birds (5 in each group). Blood samples were analyzed for total protein, concentration of glucose, hemoglobin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus, as well as the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Enzymatic calorimetric method, molybdate method, and haemocytometry according to Nutt method and haemoglobin cyanide method were used to analyze blood samples.

Results: The live weight of the experimental ducklings increased by 5.0%, showing a positive effect of probiotic supplementation, whereas their feed consumption per kilogram of weight gain decreased. Their hemoglobin content and red blood cell count increased. Although the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria increased, the number of Escherichia coli cells decreased 2.15-fold (p<0.05). The addition of the probiotic supplement contributed to improving the digestibility of protein and fat by 1.6%, fiber by 3.4%, and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 4.7%. The broiler ducklings had high meat quality indicators, including dressing percentage, which increased by 5.4%, whereas the fat content decreased by 1.3%.

Conclusion: The introduction of the probiotic supplement in the diet of broiler ducklings improved their growth indicators and increased the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria while decreasing the number of E. coli cells in the intestine. It not only improved the meat quality but also increased the profit from $0.392 per bird in the control group to $0.472 per bird in the experimental group. Therefore, this probiotic supplement is a good alternative for raising ducklings in large enterprises and farms. The study limitations may be that the results are only applicable to broiler ducklings. The use of lactobacilli may yield different results in other bird breeds or broiler ducklings in different age groups.

Keywords: metabolism, microbiocenosis, Pekin ducks, probiotic supplementation, production.

The first study on the effect of crocodile oil from Crocodylus siamensis on hepatic mitochondrial function for energy homeostasis in rats

Research (Published online: 19-04-2022)

24. The first study on the effect of crocodile oil from Crocodylus siamensis on hepatic mitochondrial function for energy homeostasis in rats

Kongphop Parunyakul, Krittika Srisuksai, Pitchaya Santativongchai, Urai Pongchairerk, Sumate Ampawong, Phitsanu Tulayakul and Wirasak Fungfuang

Veterinary World, 15(4): 986-997

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Consumption of fatty acids (FA) can alter hepatic energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in the liver. Crocodile oil (CO) is rich in mono-and polyunsaturated FAs, which have natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In rat livers, we investigated the effect of CO on mitochondrial function for energy homeostasis.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups at random. Group 1 rats were given sterile water (RO), Group 2 rats were given CO (3% v/w), and Group 3 rats were given palm oil (PO) (3% v/w). For 7 weeks, rats were given sterile water, CO, and PO orally. The researchers looked at body weight, food intake, liver weight, energy intake, blood lipid profiles, and mitochondria-targeted metabolites in the liver. The liver's histopathology, mitochondrial architecture, and hydrolase domain containing 3 (HDHD3) protein expression in liver mitochondria were studied.

Results: Body weight, liver weight, liver index, dietary energy intake, and serum lipid profiles were all unaffected by CO treatment. The CO group consumed significantly less food than the RO group. The CO group also had significantly higher levels of oxaloacetate and malate than the PO group. CO treatment significantly ameliorated hepatic steatosis, as evidenced by a greater decrease in the total surface area of lipid particles than PO treatment. CO administration preserved mitochondrial morphology in the liver by upregulating the energetic maintenance protein HDHD3. Furthermore, chemical-protein interactions revealed that HDHD3 was linked to the energy homeostatic pathway.

Conclusion: CO may benefit liver function by preserving hepatic mitochondrial architecture and increasing energy metabolic activity.

Keywords: crocodile oil, energy metabolism, liver, mitochondria, rat.

Effect of a single meloxicam administration on newborn Holstein–Friesian dystocia calves: Field results from the first 10 days of life

Research (Published online: 19-04-2022)

23. Effect of a single meloxicam administration on newborn Holstein–Friesian dystocia calves: Field results from the first 10 days of life

Fabian Kunz, Sait Sendag, Mehmet Yildiz, Klaus Failing and Axel Wehrend

Veterinary World, 15(4): 981-985

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Calves have increased morbidity and mortality rates after dystocia. One cause is pain during birth, which reduces their colostrum intake. The administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may break this causality. This study aimed to determine the consequences of a single administration of the NSAID meloxicam to dystocia calves after birth.

Materials and Methods: Fifty Holstein–Friesian calves born with dystocia from four dairy cattle farms were included in this study. The animals were randomized into two groups. The animals in Group I (n=25, treatment group) received subcutaneous 0.5 mg meloxicam/kg body weight 2-8 h after birth. The animals in Group II (n=25, control group) received a control substance (Amynin®, bovine infusion solution, Merial) with the same volume. The newborn calves were clinically examined on the 1st and 10th days of life. The information regarding the days in between was gathered by questioning the farmer.

Results: There was a significant difference (p=0.04) only in calves with thin, mushy fecal consistency on the 10th day in the treatment group compared with the control group. Moreover, meloxicam had no effect on dystocia calves.

Conclusion: Since NSAID administration did not produce a significant clinical effect, its necessity is questionable. Further studies should examine how modifying its application time would have an effect. The primary indicators of well-being, such as pain indicators in the blood, were not measured; however, these should be considered in subsequent studies.

Keywords: calf, dystocia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.