Behavioral responses to baited enclosure method that activates habituation in stray dogs

Research (Published online: 04-01-2023)

2. Behavioral responses to baited enclosure method that activates habituation in stray dogs

Sumpun Thammacharoen, Sapon Semsirmboon, Visara Chit-Opas, Phak-Anong Tangcharoensin, Kran Nilkachatarn, and Narongsak Chaiyabutr

Veterinary World, 16(1): 12-17

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The behavioral mechanism of stray dog occurrence is associated with domestication process. This study aimed to investigate the population and demographic relationship of stray dogs from our ecological habitat. We tested whether baited enclosure method could be used as an operant conditioning treatment to activate habituation behavior in stray dogs.

Materials and Methods: The first investigation determined the population and demographic characteristics of stray dogs in the metropolitan city of Bangkok using the mark and recapture procedure. In the second investigation, a large cage equipped with a digital camera was used as the feeding and habituation area. Food was provided at four corners for 2 h. The approach behaviors and eating patterns were recorded during this period for 7 days.

Results: The average number of stray dogs calculated within each cluster was 24 ± 6 dogs. For the natural small habitat, the density of stray dogs was 662 dogs per km2. This indicated that the number of dogs is underestimated using the mark and recapture procedure because of undetected puppies and shifts in the sex ratio in adult dogs. In the second investigation, we demonstrated that food was a potent positive reinforcer for stray dogs. The average onset of cage entry after offering the food was 17 min. The onset of cage entry and the reduction in the first meal duration suggested that the habituation process could be achieved within 1 week.

Conclusion: The results revealed the possibility of using a large cage as a novel enclosure for food offered as the positive reinforcer for TNR program trapping procedures. We suggest that this humane trapping procedure could be used to activate habituation behavior in stray dogs.

Keywords: food intake, operant conditioning, population, stray dog, trap, neuter, and release.

Distribution pattern of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from colibacillosis cases in broiler farms of Egypt

Research (Published online: 03-01-2023)

1. Distribution pattern of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from colibacillosis cases in broiler farms of Egypt

Mona A. A. Abdel-Rahman, Engy A. Hamed, May F. Abdelaty, Hend K. Sorour, Heba Badr, Wafaa M. Hassan, Azhar G. Shalaby, Ahmed Abd-Elhalem Mohamed, Mohamed A. Soliman, and Heba Roshdy

Veterinary World, 16(1): 1-11

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Multidrug resistance (MDR) of Escherichia coli has become an increasing concern in poultry farming worldwide. However, E. coli can accumulate resistance genes through gene transfer. The most problematic resistance mechanism in E. coli is the acquisition of genes encoding broad-spectrum β-lactamases, known as extended-spectrum β-lactamases, that confer resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (conferring resistance to quinolones) and mcr-1 genes (conferring resistance to colistin) also contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial susceptibility and to detect β-lactamase and colistin resistance genes of E. coli isolated from broiler farms in Egypt.

Materials and Methods: Samples from 938 broiler farms were bacteriologically examined for E. coli isolation. The antimicrobial resistance profile was evaluated using disk diffusion, and several resistance genes were investigated through polymerase chain reaction amplification.

Results: Escherichia coli was isolated and identified from 675/938 farms (72%) from the pooled internal organs (liver, heart, lung, spleen, and yolk) of broilers. Escherichia coli isolates from the most recent 3 years (2018–2020) were serotyped into 13 serotypes; the most prevalent serotype was O125 (n = 8). The highest phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles during this period were against ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid. Escherichia coli was sensitive to clinically relevant antibiotics. Twenty-eight selected isolates from the most recent 3 years (2018–2020) were found to have MDR, where the prevalence of the antibiotic resistance genes ctx, tem, and shv was 46% and that of mcr-1 was 64%. Integrons were found in 93% of the isolates.

Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of E. coli infection in broiler farms associated with MDR, which has a high public health significance because of its zoonotic relevance. These results strengthen the application of continuous surveillance programs.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, Egypt, Escherichia coli, integron, mcr-1, poultry.

Effect of feeding bioactive compounds identified from plant extracts (4-hexylresorcinol, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and gamma-octalactone) on the productivity and quality of broiler meat

Research (Published online: 30-12-2022)

30. Effect of feeding bioactive compounds identified from plant extracts (4-hexylresorcinol, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and gamma-octalactone) on the productivity and quality of broiler meat

Oleg Zavyalov, Duskaev Galimzhan, and Kurilkina Marina

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2986-2996

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Secondary bioactive compounds of medicinal plants exert anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolism-modulating effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding 4-hexylresorcinol, as well as its combinations with gamma-octalactone and 7-hydroxycoumarin, on the digestibility of dietary nutrients, weight gain, and quality characteristics of the meat and liver of Arbor Acres broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: The following feeding scheme was applied on the chickens: Control, basal diet (BD); I experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol at 0.5 mg/kg of live weight per day; II experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone at 0.4 mg/kg of live weight per day; III experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.1 and 0.15 mg/kg of live weight per day; and IV experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.05, 0.15, and 0.01 mg/kg of live weight per day.

Results: Chickens in I, II, and IV experimental groups at the age of 35 days showed superior live weight than chickens in the control group. Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, significantly increased the digestibility coefficients of dietary nutrients. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin significantly increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles. However, the mass fraction of fat in the thigh muscles of broiler chickens decreased in II, III, and IV experimental groups. The pectoral muscles of broiler chickens in experimental Group IV contained small amounts of lysine, tyrosine, histidine, leucine–isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, serine, alanine, and glycine. Supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly reduced the levels of lysine, phenylalanine, histidine, leucine–isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, and alanine in the thigh muscles. However, supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly increased the concentrations of P, Fe, Se, Zn, and B and decreased the concentrations of I, Ni, V, Al, and Pb in the pectoral muscles. Supplementation with the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin resulted in the accumulation of Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, and Li and a decrease in the concentrations of K, Mg, and V.

Conclusion: Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, exerted a positive effect on the indicators of live weight gain and dietary nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles but decreased it in the thigh muscles. Supplementation with all the tested additives decreased the concentrations of I in the pectoral muscles and Zn in the thigh muscles in all the experimental groups compared with those in the control group.

Keywords: chickens, liver, medicinal plants, pectoral muscles.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in West Kordofan State, Sudan

Research (Published online: 29-12-2022)

29. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in West Kordofan State, Sudan

Mutaz A. I. Hussein, Nussieba A. Osman, Mohamed T. Ibrahim, Ayman M. Alhassan, and Naglaa A. Abass

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2979-2985

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND), a major constraint to poultry production worldwide, is a highly contagious disease of many species of domestic, exotic, and wild birds caused by ND virus (NDV). Epidemiological studies are lacking regarding ND in village chickens, including the traditional and intensive production systems used in Sudan. However, it is necessary to develop appropriate strategies to control the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the flock- and bird-level seroprevalence of NDV in backyard chickens in West Kordofan State, Sudan, and to identify the risk factors associated with ND in the study area.

Materials and Methods: The seroprevalence of the circulating NDV and bird-level risk factors associated with ND was determined in backyard chickens from March to October 2017, in six villages (Alnowara, Alleait, Geibaish, Baiad, Sougoh, and Alnuhoud) in the Geibaish and Elnuhoud localities of West Kordofan State.

Results: Using the hemagglutination-inhibition test, the bird- and flock-level seroprevalences of antibodies to NDV were estimated as 20.6% (78/378) and 45% (18/40), respectively. Bird-level NDV seropositivity in backyard chickens was significantly associated with the reason for raising chickens, type of housing, contact with neighboring poultry, contact with wild birds, and chicken mortality caused by infectious diseases (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: This study indicated that NDV is circulating in backyard chickens and may act as a potential source of infection for other birds and thus persistence of ND among local traditionally managed chickens in the areas of West Kordofan State. Risk factors contributing to ND occurrence are important for designing appropriate prevention and control strategies.

Keywords: backyard chickens, epidemiology, Newcastle disease virus, Newcastle disease, risk factors, seroprevalence, Sudan.

First study on molecular epidemiology of dermatophytosis in cats, dogs, and their companions in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Research (Published online: 29-12-2022)

28. First study on molecular epidemiology of dermatophytosis in cats, dogs, and their companions in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Karwan Idrees Jarjees and Nawzat Aboziad Issa

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2971-2978

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dermatophytosis is a zoonotic infection of the hair, skin, or nails in animals and humans caused by dermatophytes fungi. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dermatophytosis and its associated factors in cats, dogs, and humans in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Materials and Methods: Skin scraping samples were taken from cats, dogs, and humans with or without skin lesions. In total, 271 samples were collected; 133 from cats, 94 from dogs, and 44 from humans. The collected samples were cultured on dermatophyte test media for fungal isolation and molecular identification.

Results: The prevalence of the disease was 44.36%, 40.43%, and 65.91% in cats, dogs, and humans, respectively. Microsporum canis, the most frequently isolated dermatophyte, occurred in 94.92% of cats, 92.11% of dogs, and 100.0% of humans whereas, Trichophyton mentagrophytes was only isolated from 5.08% of cats to 7.89% of dogs. Animals and humans at younger ages were more susceptible to the infection. Males were more susceptible than females among animals, while the reverse was true in humans. Housed cats were at higher risk of dermatophytosis than outdoor-reared cats, whereas outdoor-reared dogs were at higher risk of dermatophytosis than indoor-reared dogs. The affected skin in animals and humans is significantly associated with higher prevalence rates of the disease. Contact with infected cats and dogs was associated with increased infection rates in humans. Patients with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were found to be at higher risk of dermatophytosis than those with no history of COVID-19.

Conclusion: Awareness should be raised among people about the zoonotic aspect of the disease, especially among those with COVID-19, to avoid contact with cats and dogs, who are at risk of the disease.

Keywords: cats, coronavirus disease 2019, dermatophytosis, dogs and human, Kurdistan region-Iraq, molecular identification.

The prevalence, antimicrobial sensitivity, and factors associated with camel mastitis in Isiolo County, Kenya

Research (Published online: 28-12-2022)

27. The prevalence, antimicrobial sensitivity, and factors associated with camel mastitis in Isiolo County, Kenya

Willy Edwin Mwangi, George Karuoya Gitau, Davis Ikiror, Peter Kimeli, Moses Irungu Gakuru, Douglas Machuchu, and Wallace Kingori

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2962-2970

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) adapt very well to arid and semi-arid (ASALs) environments and continue to thrive and produce milk even during severe droughts when cattle, sheep, and goats experience high mortalities. These attributes make the dromedaries very vital for the survival of pastoralists, especially in the ASALs of Africa. Mastitis is among the most important diseases of camels and can cause significant economic losses, thereby endangering the livelihoods of pastoralists. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial sensitivity of mastitis-causing pathogens in lactating camels in Isiolo County, Kenya.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in July and August 2021. A questionnaire was administered to the camel keepers to capture data on herd-level factors. Lactating camels were then examined for any visible signs of clinical mastitis and as well as to capture data on other animal-level factors such as age, weight, and body condition score. A composite milk sample was collected aseptically from randomly selected camels in a herd. The samples were initially tested for somatic cell counts (SCC) using Somatos mini® automatic cell counter. Culture and sensitivity testing was then carried out on any milk sample that had SCC ≥ 200,000 cells/mL. The descriptive analysis was initially used to summarize the continuous and categorical farm and camel factors, while mixed regression models were used to explore the association between/across mastitis and the farm as well as camel-level factors.

Results: A total of 210 lactating camels from 23 herds were selected and sampled in this study. The average age of camel keepers was 48.3 ± 16.3 years and they were involved in rearing camels for a mean of about 14.3 ± 8.6 years. The total number of camels in a herd ranged from 10 to 287, with the mean total herd milk production being 34.5 ± 24.9 L/day. The mean daily milk production per camel was 2.8 ± 1.7 L while the range for days in milk was between 21 and 787 days. The average age of camel first calving and the inter-calving interval was 56.3 ± 9.9 and 27.7 ± 9.9 months, respectively. The median parity of the dam was three and the body condition score was two. About 39.7% (83/210) of the sampled camels had clinical mastitis during the current lactation. The overall prevalence of mastitis (SCC ≥ 200,000 cells/mL) in camels was 17.6%. The main pathogens isolated were Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. Streptococcus isolates were mainly sensitive to ampicillin and resistant to cefaclor. All 18 Staphylococcus isolates were sensitive to tetracycline, while 12/18 isolates were resistant to ampicillin. The factors that were significantly associated with mastitis were the age of the respondent (p = 0.038), the number of years involved in camel rearing (p = 0.024), presence of clinical mastitis since calving (p = 0.039), body condition score (p = 0.040), and age of the dam at the time of examination (p = 0.072).

Conclusion: Results from this study revealed that mastitis is an important condition among camels in the pastoral communities of Isiolo County, Kenya. Thus, pastoralists should continue to be aware of and trained on mastitis occurrence and its control in the pastoral ecosystem to reduce potential economic losses.

Keywords: camel, drug sensitivity, mastitis, risk factors.

Nationally and locally-initiated One Health approach in controlling rabies in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 28-12-2022)

26. Nationally and locally-initiated One Health approach in controlling rabies in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Cut Desna Aptriana, Etih Sudarnika, and Chaerul Basri

Veterinary World, 15(12): 2953-2961

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Rabies is one of the prioritized zoonoses in Indonesia and West Kalimantan is one of the rabies-endemic provinces in the country. This study aimed to evaluate a locally-initiated One Health approach to implement rabies prevention and control programs in Pontianak City and Sanggau District (through a bottom-up approach), and the central government initiated a program in Ketapang District (through a top-down approach).

Materials and Methods: Data were collected using three focused group discussions involving public health and animal health/veterinary sectors from each district or city. This study collected data from the rabies control program in West Kalimantan from 2014 to 2020.

Results: The evaluation results of the rabies prevention and control program in Pontianak City and Sanggau District that used the local initiative approach were considered effective in reducing the number of rabies cases in these areas, and they overcame the challenges, for example, limited resources, in this area. Pontianak City and Sanggau District initiatives' approach was a bottom-up policy. Thus, this program had better sustainability than the One Health approach in the Ketapang District, which used a top-down implementation. The approach in Ketapang District was also considered adequate to reduce the number of rabies cases in the area. However, the reshuffle of animal health officers and health workers in 2020, which was not followed by training on One Health for the new officers, became a challenge in implementing One Health in Ketapang District.

Conclusion: National and local initiatives' One Health approach implemented by Ketapang District, Sanggau District, and Pontianak City involved multiple sectors and was considered effective in preventing and controlling rabies in these areas. However, the sustainability of this program in the Ketapang District requires commitment and support from the local government.

Keywords: infectious disease, One Health, rabies, zoonoses.