Laboratory mice are widely used as a research model to provide insights into toxicological studies of various xenobiotic. Acetaminophen (APAP) is an antipyretic and analgesic drug that is commonly known as paracetamol, an ideal hepatotoxicant to exhibit centrilobular necrosis in laboratory mice to resemble humans. However, assessment of histopathological changes between mouse strains is important to decide the optimal mouse model used in APAP toxicity study. Therefore, we aim to assess the histomorphological features of APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) in BALB/C and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Twenty-five ICR mice and 20 BALB/C mice were used where five animals as control and the rest were randomly divided into four time points at 5, 10, 24 and 48 hours post-dosing (hpd). They were induced with 500 mg/kg APAP intraperitoneally. Liver sections were processed for hematoxylin-eosin staining and histopathological changes were scored based on grading methods. Intense centrilobular damage was observed as early as 5 hpd in BALB/C as compared to ICR mice, which was observed at 10 hpd. The difference of liver injury between ICR and BALB/C mice is due to dissimilarity in the genetic line-up that related to different elimination pathways of APAP toxicity. However, at 24 hpd, the damage was markedly subsided and liver regeneration had taken place for both ICR and BALB/C groups with evidence of mitotic figures. This study showed that normal liver architecture was restored after the clearance of toxic insult. AILI was exhibited earlier in BALB/C than ICR mice but both underwent liver recovery at later time points. Keywords: acetaminophen, BALB/C, histopathology, institute of cancer research, liver injury, liver regeneration.

The present study was to investigate the interaction between duck's breed and phytogenic compounds as feed additives in the diet on blood lipid and hematological profile, welfare, and growth performance. A total of 200 male day-old local breed ducks (Tegal and Muscovy ducks) were used in this experiment. The first factor was duck breed and the second factor was different phytogenic compounds supplementation in the diet: Garlic, turmeric, ginger, and kencur, at 3% each. The observed variables were the blood lipid profiles comprise high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol total, triglyceride, blood parameters, welfare (heterophil/ lymphocyte [H/L] ratio), and growth performances (feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass percentage). The interaction between breed of ducks and phytogenic compounds had a significant effect on blood triglyceride, but no significant effect on the blood lipid profile, hematological parameters, and growth performances. While, phytogenic compounds in the diet had significant effects on the blood lipid profile, heterophil (H), lymphocyte (L), and H/L ratio of ducks. The breed factors affected HDL and growth performances. Muscovy duck had a higher HDL and growth performance compare to Tegal duck. Among those, garlic most effectively reduced triglyceride level in Tegal duck. Phytogenic compounds 3% do not have a negative effect on the physiological parameters of ducks increase ducks welfare (H/L ratio), so it does not affect the growth performances of ducks. Muscovy duck had higher growth performances than Tegal ducks. Keywords: blood lipid, growth performances, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, Indonesian ducks, phytogenic compounds.

Attempts to use the plant products are to be an appropriate option due to substantial concerns about human health and environmental problems of using synthetic pesticides. Therefore, the cytotoxicity of Nepeta crispa essential oil was compared with propoxur against invertebrate (Sf9) and vertebrate (L929) cell lines. The cell lines of Sf9 and L929 which were derived from the ovary glands of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and mouse fibroblast cells, respectively, were obtained from the National Cell Bank of Pasteur Institute of Iran. About a number of 2 × 103 cells were placed into the wells of 96-well plate experiments. Then, appropriate concentrations of essential oil of N. crispa plant and propoxur added to the wells. The cells were allowed to grow for 3-5 days and estimated the numbers of cells. The cells of control experiment wells contained only cells with dimethyl sulfoxide. All control and treatment experiments repeated at least four replicates. Propoxur had negative effects on the viability of both invertebrate (Sf9) and vertebrate (L929) cell lines. The cytotoxicity of propoxur against invertebrate (Sf9) and vertebrate (L929) cell lines was gradually increased in accordance with propoxur concentrations. The cytotoxicity of N. crispa essential oil against vertebrate (L929) cell line was gradually decreased in accordance with plant concentrations, while the cytotoxicity of N. crispa essential oil against invertebrate (Sf9) cell line was strongly increased in accordance with plant concentrations. Plant essential oil not only had no negative effects but also had boosting effects on vertebrate cell viability. Essential oil of N. crispa plant had negative effects on invertebrate cell viability with the differences that the products derived from plants possessing of biodegradable and environmentally friendly derivatives, hydrolyzing rapidly in nature, and nearly having no destructive effects on environment, humans, or the mammals. Keywords: biodegradable derivative, invertebrate cell line, plant essential oil, plant natural products, vertebrate cell line.

Respiratory bacterial agents represent one of the most harmful factors that ordinarily threaten the poultry industry and usually lead to great economic losses. Meanwhile, there is a global demand to avoid the highly emerging antibiotic resistance and antibiotic residues in edible meat. Whereas, the use of alternatives became of great priority, especially for those substances extracted from natural plant origin. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of cinnamon oil as a herbal extract on different respiratory bacterial agents. One hundred and fifty biological samples were collected through targeted surveillance for respiratory diseased poultry farms representing three governorates, from which bacterial isolation and identification, DNA sequencing of representative strains were performed. Furtherly, phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of the antibacterial effect of cinnamon oil was performed by minimum inhibitory concentration, agar disk diffusion, and virulence genes expression real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cinnamon oil gave rise to acceptable degrees of virulence genes downregulation of 0.15, 0.19, 0.37, 0.41, 0.77, and 0.85 for Staphylococcus aureus sed gene, Escherichia coli stx1 gene, Avibacterium paragallinarum HPG-2 gene, Pasteurella multocida ptfA gene, Mycoplasma gallisepticum Mgc2 gene, and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale adk gene, respectively. Phenotypically, using agar disk diffusion assay and broth microdilution susceptibility, cinnamon oil showed also tolerable results as it stopped the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, P. multocida, and A. paragallinarum with varying zones of inhibition. The encountered results declared the successful in vitro effect of cinnamon oil that recommends its application for living birds for future use as a safe antibacterial in the poultry industry. Keywords: bacteria, cinnamon, expression, gene sequence, poultry, respiratory.

The poultry farming development is held back by necessity to use the concentrates with the increased number of crude protein, mycotoxicoses, and subclinical infections concentration. They make a significant impact on the liver, therefore affecting its morphofunctional condition. Antioxidants use can prevent the negative influence of these factors. This study aimed to examine the impact of feed supplements containing natural antioxidants and synthetic antioxidants. The Muscovy ducks, Hungarian White geese, and quails were the study object. Birds after hatching from eggs were split into two groups: Control and two experimental. The control group (40 birds of each species) received a normal diet in accordance with the type and age. The young ducklings, goslings, and quails of the first experimental group (30 birds of each species) received water with diisopropylammonium dichloroacetate (Dironax). The young ducklings, goslings, and quails of the second experimental group (30 birds of each species) received liquid multivitamin preparation, containing organic selenium form (Solvimin Selen) from the 1st day of the postembryonic development to the age of 60 days. We performed the weighing of the young ducklings, goslings, and quails, determined the live weight, liver weight, using the electronic scales (measurement inaccuracy is 0.02 g). To conduct the morphometric, histological, and electron microscopic studies liver, we killed the birds at the age of 1 day, 15 days, a month and 2 months during the postembryonic ontogenesis. The performed overall studies allowed to determine the positive influence of the antioxidants on growth and development of the meat bird, whose body mass increased by 5-10% in comparison with the control parameters. The antioxidants use prevents the development of fatty, hydropic and parenchymal degeneration, hepatocyte and epithelial cells necrosis of the bile ducts, and connective tissue proliferation with its further fibrosis. This study proved that it is more effective to use well-digestible, fast-acting natural polyvitaminic antioxidant complex with selenium, starting from the 1st day of the postembryonic ontogeny. Keywords: antioxidants, diisopropylammonium dichloroacetate, Dironax, ducks, geese, hepatocytes, liver, morphology, quails, selenium, Solvimin Selen, ultrastructure.

Studies to determine abundance, distribution, species composition, and mosquito interactions are very important in understanding the risk of disease transmission to implement appropriate mosquito management in endemic areas. Lymphatic filarial worms are one of the parasites that are contracted and/or transmitted by mosquitoes when sucking the blood of infected humans or animals and then biting others. This research was conducted to study the abundance, species composition, mosquito biting cycles, density and periodicity of mosquitoes caught in Lubuk Pauh Village, Bulang Tengah Suku Ulu, Musi Rawas, South Sumatera, Indonesia, which is an endemic area of zoonotic Brugia malayi. The mosquito collection was done in July 2018 using the human landing collection method for 11 h from 18.00 pm to 5.00 am Western Indonesian Time. The catching of mosquitoes was done both indoors and outdoors, and mosquitoes were identified under a dissecting microscope using an identification key to confirm their species. Detection of B. malayi larvae in mosquitoes was confirmed by dissection and polymerase chain reaction methods. The caught mosquitoes consisted of four species: Armigeres subalbatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui, and Mansonia uniformis. Based on the Shannon–Wiener index, Lubuk Pauh Village has low mosquito species diversity (0.210). Ar. subalbatus was the dominant mosquito in Lubuk Pauh Village with dominance number 95.08, and it had the most frequent activity in each of periods of indoor and outdoor collection, with the highest density (man-hour density) at 18.00-19.00 (51.750). B. malayi infective stage larvae were not found in all mosquito species caught. Existence of Ar. subalbatus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Ma. uniformis in Lubuk Pauh Village which is an endemic area of B. malayi shows that the area is at risk of lymphatic filariasis transmission. Keywords: Armigeres subalbatus, Brugia malayi, lymphatic filariasis, Musi Rawas, South Sumatera.

Colistin, also known as polymyxin E, is an antimicrobial agent that is effective against a variety of Gram-negative bacilli, especially the Enterobacteriaceae family. Recently, the wide dissemination of colistin-resistance has brought strong attention to the scientific society because of its importance as the last resort for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections and its possible horizontal transmission. The mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) gene was identified as the gene responsible for unique colistin resistance. Indeed, despite many studies that have revealed a pan variation in the existence of this gene, not only for the mcr genes main group but also for its many subgroups, the problem is growing and worsening day after day. In this regard, this review paper is set to review the updated data that has been published up to the end of 2019 third quarter, especially when related to colistin resistance by the mcr genes. It will include the present status of colistin resistance worldwide, the mcr gene dissemination in different sectors, the discovery of the mcr variants, and the global plan to deal with the threat of antimicrobial resistance. In line with global awareness, and to stop antibiotic misuse and overuse, especially in agricultural animals, the study will further discuss in detail the latest alternatives to colistin use in animals, which may contribute to the elimination of inappropriate antibiotic use and to the help in preventing infections. This review will advance our understanding of colistin resistance, while supporting the efforts toward better stewardship, for the proper usage of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals, and in the environment.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the therapeutic and safety performance of an intramuscular treatment protocol of multidose of allogeneic adipose stem cells (ASCs) isolated, characterized, and expanded ex vivo from a healthy canine donor. Twelve dogs diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) were intramuscularly treated with 0.5×106 of cryopreserved ASCs from a healthy immunized young canine Ehrlichia canis free donor weekly for 6 weeks. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by the pruritus index and the CAD Lesion Index (CADLI) test. Safety and adverse effects were determined by injection site reaction, weight, blood chemistry, liver function, and whole blood count. Canine ASCs obtained from a donor met the minimum qualities required for this type of cells and showed viability of 90% after thawing. The efficacy of the CADLI score and the pruritus index in 12 dogs with atopic dermatitis was statistically significant efficacy. No adverse reactions were observed at the intramuscular application site, or in relation to animal weight, blood cell populations, or liver and renal function. These results suggest that intramuscular administration of cryopreserved ASCs to dogs with atopic dermatitis is a promising cellular therapeutic product for the relief of the symptoms of this disease; however, the duration of the effects obtained with this dose and with other doses should be evaluated, as well as possible immune reactions. As far as we know, this is the first report of the use of multiple intramuscular doses cryopreserved ASCs to treat atopic dermatitis. Keywords: adipose stem cells, allogeneic stem cells, canine atopic dermatitis, cellular therapy.

Ticks (Ixodidae) not only cause blood loss in cattle but also serve as vectors for various diseases, thus causing direct and indirect losses. Moreover, tick infestation can cause significant economic losses. This study aimed to identify the diverse species of ticks infesting cattle in five different regions in Indonesia. Tick specimens were obtained from local cattle in five different areas in Indonesia. The morphology of the specimens was macroscopically and microscopically evaluated, and the resulting data were descriptively and qualitatively analyzed. In total, 1575 ticks were successfully collected from 26 animals. In total, two genera and three species, namely, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Rhipicephalus pilans, were identified. The cattle in Yogyakarta and Riau were infested by H. bispinosa, while the cattle in Sukabumi, Bali, and Lombok were infested by R. microplus and R. pilans. The level of infestation varied among regions, with R. microplus being the most commonly found species. The results of this study revealed that cattle in different regions of Indonesia were infested by variable numbers of tick species. In particular, the cattle in Yogyakarta and Riau were solely infested by H. bispinosa; this is a new finding in terms of the distribution of tick species in the country. Increased tick infestation in cattle decreases productivity and causes health problems; therefore, it deserves serious attention. Our findings can help in the formulation of an effective strategy for controlling and preventing cattle tick infestation in the country. Keywords: cattle, Haemaphysalis, Ixodidae, Rhipicephalus, ticks.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are among the emerging pathogens which have become a threat to both human and animal health. The present investigation intended to examine the occurrence and the molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) recovered from cattle, its handlers, and their environment. A total of 666 specimens were subjected to culture method and genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of Staphylococcus. Methicillin resistance was substantiated by PCR identification of mecA and mecC resistance determinants. Species-specific identification of mecA positive isolates was conducted by multiplex PCR. The unidentified species were deciphered by 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. The mecA positive isolates were further characterized by staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Duplex PCR identified 728 Staphylococcus isolates, of which 66 (9%) were positive for mecA gene. MRSA constituted 24% of the total mecA positive isolates. Among MRCoNS, Staphylococcus epidermidis (42%), and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (11%) were the most common species identified. Overall, 47% of the mecA positive isolates belonged to SCCmec type V. MLST analysis showed eight different sequence types (STs) among MRSA isolates of which five were novel STs. Among methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis, 19 different STs were found, of which nine novel STs were detected. The increase in the prevalence of mecA positive staphylococci, especially MRCoNS in cattle is a great concern in view of their transmission potential. Hence, continuous monitoring and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococci should be elucidated in human and animal sectors so as to prevent the spread of these resistant pathogens. Keywords: mecA/mecC gene, methicillin resistance, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Diagnosis of query fever (QF) is mostly done on the basis of serological/molecular tests, due to the stringent requirement of biosafety level-3 containment facilities for isolating Coxiella burnetii in culture. QF is an important zoonosis and is considered to be an occupational hazard to livestock handlers. This report describes our study on the serological as well as molecular evidence of QF in animal handlers from Puducherry and surrounding Tamil Nadu, from where, to the best of our knowledge, no such reports are available so far. Seventy-five animal handlers were recruited, comprising veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, butchers, and animal attendants of various government veterinary clinics from Puducherry and surrounding areas of Tamil Nadu state. QF serology was performed to identify Phase I and Phase II immunoglobulin G antibodies to C. burnetii. Nested polymerase chain reaction (N-PCR) was carried out to detect C. burnetii DNA in buffy coat samples by targeting IS1111 gene element. N-PCR-positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA software version 10.0. A total of 21 animal handlers (28.1%) were positive for either serology or PCR. PCR alone was positive in 10 (13.4%), only serology was positive in 8 (10.7%), and both serology and PCR were positive in three samples (4.0%). GenBank accession numbers were obtained for 13 N-PCR-positive samples (MG548608-MG548620). Six of our study sequences showed close similarity with the reference isolates from Bengaluru, Colombia, Brazil, France, and Iran. A significant percentage of QF positivity in animal handlers of this part of South India, Puducherry, warrants a prospective study with follow-up of a large number of this occupational group. Keywords: Coxiella burnetii, immunofluorescence assay immunoglobulin G, Q fever in Puducherry, query fever nested polymerase chain reaction, zoonosis.

A local microorganism-based probiotic has been developed as an alternative to using antibiotic growth promoter and its effect on broiler meat quality has been studied, when supplemented with poultry feed at different concentrations. This study aimed to understand the effect of local microorganism-based probiotic sourced from cattle rumen and chicken intestine and added as feed supplement at different concentrations on broiler meat quality. The local microorganism-based probiotic made from cattle rumen and chicken intestine contained Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. The experiments followed a completely randomized design. Treatments in the study were: P0, i.e., control (without probiotic), P1 (probiotic administered at 5 ml/kg feed), P2 (probiotic administered at 10 ml/kg feed), and P3 (probiotic administered at 15 ml/kg feed). Each treatment was repeated 5 times. Parameters examined in this study were pH, meat tenderness, fat content, and meat protein content. Based on a total of 200 chickens, the percentage of meat protein content in treatments P1, P2, and P3 showed an increase of 19.34%, 19.42%, and 19.64%, respectively, when compared with P0 that showed a protein content increase of 19.14%. The fat content of meat for P1, P2, and P3 was 21.54%, 21.46%, and 21.30%, respectively, which was less than the value for P0 (21.69%). The treatments did not significantly affect pH or meat tenderness when compared with the control. The usage of this novel probiotic as a feed supplement resulted in an increase in meat protein content and a decrease in fat content. This study indicates that using the local microorganism-based probiotic sourced from cattle rumen and chicken intestine to supplement poultry feed did not have a significantly different effect (p>0.05) on meat pH; however, it had a significantly different (p<0.05) on protein and fat content of broiler meat. Keywords: broiler, chicken, meat, microorganism, probiotic.

This study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rates in hair ewes using an Ovsynch synchronization protocol under a breeding system that combines fixed-time insemination plus a 10-day mating period as an alternative. Through an experimental study (n=27), ewes were randomly located into one of three treatments: (1) Pre-synch (n=9): Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)+Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)+PGF2α+GnRH; (2) Ovsynch (n=9): GnRH+PGF2α+GnRH; and (3) control: Ewes bred by natural mating (NM) (n=9). Ewes were fixed-time inseminated (fixed-time artificial insemination [FTAI]) with fresh semen, collected just before the insemination time through vaginoscopy at 16 h after the second GnRH (gonadorelin) injection. Each experimental group was placed separately during 15 days and, after this time, fertile rams were allowed back with ewes for a 10-day mating period. Control group ewes remained with the rest of the herd suitable for breeding and were bred under NM. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound at 28-, 56-, and 84-day post-breeding to differentiate between FTAI and NM pregnancies. Total (FTAI±NM) pregnancy rates at 56-day post-breeding were used to compared Pre-synch, Ovsynch, and control. For this purpose, two-tailed proportions comparison z-test was used with a 95% confidence level, for testing as the null hypothesis whether two proportions were equal. Pregnancy rates were higher in control ewes (66.4%) than FTAI (46.6%). When pregnancy rates after a 10-day mating period (40%) were added, the final rate (86.6%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Ovsynch-based protocols. The pregnancy rate was significantly lower in FTAI ewes compared to FTAI +10-day mating group (p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate was 88.0, 85.7, and 67.0 (p>0.05) for Pre-synch, Ovsynch, and control ewes, respectively. These results provide evidence on the benefits of combined FTAI protocols for improving the reproductive efficiency of sheep. Keywords: ewes, fixed-time artificial insemination, Ovsynch, pre-synch.

The purpose of this study was to determine the benefits of L-arginine addition in skim milk extender to maintain the quality of goat spermatozoa in chilled storage. A total of 18 ejaculates from three healthy goats with weight and age of 45 kg and 4-5 years, respectively, were divided into three groups. The control group contained goat semen diluted in a skim milk extender without L-arginine; Treatment I and Treatment II contained goat semen diluted in a skim milk extender with added L-arginine 4 and 6 mM, respectively. These three groups were chilled at 5°C and evaluated daily for 5 days. Observed variables were viability, motility, intact plasma membrane (IPM), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, necrosis, and apoptosis of spermatozoa. The addition of L-arginine 4 mM was the best treatment in maintaining viability, motility, and IPM and a decreased MDA level, percentage of necrosis, and apoptosis of goat spermatozoa. An ejaculate in this extender can be divided into 37 doses for intracervical insemination in <1 ml volume with 125 million motile spermatozoa. Goat semen retained its quality when kept for 5 days in chilled storage by adding L-arginine in skim milk extender. Keywords: apoptosis, goat spermatozoa, L-arginine, malondialdehyde level, necrosis.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is an emerging disease of elephant. Therefore, a study was conducted to know the actual status of the disease in Assam State of India. A total of 289 Asian elephants of Assam were screened during 2 years of study from April 2017 to March 2019. The clinical symptoms of diseased as well as gross and histopathological changes of dead elephants were recorded for the diagnosis of the disease. Virus involved in the occurrence of the disease was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the present study, a total of three elephant calves out of 22 were found positive to EEHV1A. On the other hand, three adult asymptomatic elephants were also found positive for EEHV1 on screening 267 captive Asian elephants of Assam. The amplified PCR product showed band size of 520, 600, and 930 bp. The PCR amplified product with size 600 bp had shown the gene sequence for EEHV1U77/HEL. Gross lesions include congested blood vessels of the liver and intestinal mucosa, foci of petechiae in the spleen, and heart and focal ulceration in the dorsal surface of the tongue. Microscopically, the kidneys showed intertubular edema and focal areas of degeneration associated with coagulative necrosis of the tubular epithelium. The liver showed hydropic degeneration and fatty changes of the hepatocytes. There was a massive proliferation of fibroblasts in the interlobular spaces which penetrated the necrosed areas of the hepatic lobules. A total of three wild rescued elephant calves and three asymptomatic adults were found positive for EEHV1A during the 2 years of study. The PCR amplified product with size 600 bp had shown the gene sequence for EEHV1U77/HEL. Keywords: amplicons, amplification, elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, phylogenetic, polymerase chain reaction.

Avian coronavirus has a wide range of hosts, from chickens and turkeys to wild birds. This virus causes an economically and, possibly, environmentally, important loss in the poultry industry. Therefore, research into the avian coronavirus in various species of birds is required. The Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) is an endemic bird to Indonesia and Northern Australia and often kept as pets. At present, there has been limited information about avian coronavirus infection among birds. This study aimed to determine the presence of and to characterize avian coronavirus isolated from Eclectus parrots in Indonesia. Cloacal swab samples were taken from 10 healthy Eclectus parrots (E. roratus). Each isolate was propagated into specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs. The presence of avian coronavirus was determined using three sets of primers targeting the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of avian coronavirus (UTR41+/11–), the N gene of the infectious bronchitis virus (IBVN+/–), and the S1 gene of the IBV (XCE2+/XCE2–). The infectious bronchitis vaccine strain H120 was used as a positive control. Resulting positive bands were sequenced for the S1 gene. None of the isolates was positive for the 3'-UTR, four isolates were positive for the N gene of infectious bronchitis, and two isolates were positive for the S1 gene of the IBV. However, only one isolate (parrot/Indonesia/BX9/16) was sequenced for the partial S1 gene with primers XCE2+/XCE2–. The partial nucleotide sequence of this isolate showed 100% homology with the IBV GI-13 lineage, specifically with a field isolate of the 4/91 variant 1 Israel and the 4/91 vaccine on the hypervariable region 3 site of the S1 gene. An IB-like avian coronavirus was isolated from healthy Eclectus parrots. Our results indicate that IBV has a wide range of hosts, which prompt the need to understand the interspecies connection of this virus better. Keywords: Avian coronavirus, Eclectus parrot, Infectious bronchitis.

Fish diseases are often caused either by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or a combination of these pathogens. Of these, bacterial fish diseases are considered to be a major problem in the aquaculture industry. Hence, the prevention of such diseases by proper vaccination is one of the integral strategies in fish health management, aimed at reducing the fish mortality rate in the aquaculture farms. Vaccination offers an effective yet low-cost solution to combat the risk of disease in fish farming. An appropriate vaccination regime to prevent bacterial diseases offers a solution against the harmful effects of antibiotic applications. This review discusses the role of live-attenuated vaccine in controlling bacterial diseases and the development of such vaccines and their vaccination strategy. The current achievements and potential applications of live-attenuated and combined vaccines are also highlighted. Vaccine development is concluded to be a demanding process, as it must satisfy the requirements of the aquaculture industry.

This study aims to characterize practices related to consanguinity management in pigs reared in Ouémé and Plateau. Crossbreeding and consanguinity data were collected from 60 farms in these two departments. Frequencies and averages were calculated and compared between departments, genetic types, and origin of progenitors. The majority of the investigated pig farmers in both departments were married men of primary or secondary education level. Most of them cross animals without a specific crossbreeding scheme. These crossings were performed to a greater extent (p<0.05) in Ouémé (94.28%) than in Plateau (52%). In general, farmers cross improved animals of high breeding values with the crossbred ones. These crossings were mainly performed to improve zootechnical performances. Renewing animals were commonly chosen from the farm or were provided from nearby farms. The majority of pig breeders in Ouémé (100%) and Plateau (86.67%) obtained reproductive animals from nearby farms. Males and females were sometimes bought from the same farm or from farms that pig breeders have sold reproductive animals in the previous years. In the case of selection within their own farm, male and female progenitors are separated at puberty by the majority of the breeders of Plateau (42.11%) and Ouémé (50%). Inbred mating was reported by breeders. More than half of breeders mate animals having a parental link in both departments. The mating was performed between animals of the same mother in 37.93% of farms in Ouémé and in 45.46% in Plateau. The main consanguinity consequences mentioned by the breeders were the high mortality at birth and weaning, piglets' weakness at the birth, the slow growth, and the decrease in litter size. Sows with at least one parent from external farm had a litter size at birth and weaning and a live-born piglets' number significantly higher than sows with both parents from the same farm. Rigorous monitoring of crossing and the filial links are necessary for pig farms for ensuring the improvement of zootechnical performances. Keywords: consanguinity, crossbreeding, pig, zootechnical performances.

This study aimed to confirm the clinically diagnosed cattle with lumpy skin disease (LSD) at Baghdad Province/Iraq from October 2018 to March 2019. Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathology were applied for the detection of LSD among 71 infected cattle issued for slaughter. Pre-slaughter clinical examination showed significant increases (p<0.05) in values of temperature (39.7±0.74°C), pulse (96.42±3.51), and respiratory (33.54±0.63) rates. Enlargement of lymph nodes (prescapular, supramammary, and prefemoral), lacrimation, mucopurulent nasal discharge, salivation, edema in limbs and head among severe infected cases, and marked fall in milk production was seen. An association of LSD to risk factors (age, gender, and areas) showed that there is significant elevation in prevalence of disease in >2-5 years (54.93%) rather than other age groups (>5 and <2 years) in females (73.24%) than males (26.76%); and in sub-rural (42.25%) and rural (39.44%) compared to urban (18.31%) areas. Postmortem examination appeared nodular lesions in upper parts of the digestive system (9.86%), rumen (2.82%), upper respiratory tracts (7.04%), and lung (4.23%). The PCR examination of P32 and thymidine kinase antigenic genes showed 90.14% and 60.56% positive samples, respectively. Histopathological analysis of nodular skin biopsies showed edema, hyperemia, acanthosis, severe hydropic degeneration, and hyperkeratosis in epidermis; whereas, mononuclear cell infiltration, inclusion bodies, and vasculitis seen in the dermis. PCR and histopathology assay could be a potential method to confirm the LSD infection concomitant with clinical examination. Keywords: cattle, histopathology, Iraq, lumpy skin disease, polymerase chain reaction.

Mixed infections of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are considered the most distressing problem of the poultry industry. The problem arises due to the influence of a hidden virus on the replication of another suspected virus. Consequently, misdiagnosis of the real cause of disease may become a source of infection for other healthy stock by transmission and dissemination of the hidden virus. This study aimed to determine the impact of HPAIV and NDV on each other in a specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken egg (SPF-ECE) model. HPAIVs (H5N1 and H5N8) and NDVs [avirulent NDV [avNDV] and velogenic NDV [vNDV]) were inoculated into the allantois cavity of SPF-ECE with graded titers (2, 3, and 4 log10 EID50) at 24 and 48 h of incubation, followed by the collection of allantoic fluid. A quantitative reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the viral RNA copies of both viruses. Obvious interference was reported on the growth of NDVs when co-inoculated with AIVs. NDV RNA titers reduction ranged from <3 to 5 log10 to complete suppression, but slight interference with the growth of AIVs occurred. H5N1 RNA titers showed <1-2 log10 reduction when co-inoculated with vNDV compared with the H5N1 control. The interference impact of H5N8 was more powerful than that of H5N1, while vNDV showed more resistance for interference than the avNDV strain. On the other hand, interference of AIVs was not observed except when vNDV was inoculated before H5N1. The interfering impact was increased after 48 h of inoculation, whereas no titer of avNDV was detectable. AIV strains had a powerful effect on NDV growth, regardless of which infection occurred first. Keywords: avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, real-time polymerase chain reaction, viral interference.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli cause extensive mortality in poultry flocks, leading to extensive economic losses. To date, in Algeria, little information has been available on virulence potential and antibiotics resistance of avian E. coli isolates. Therefore, the aim of this study was the characterization of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance profile of Algerian E. coli strains isolated from diseased broilers. In this study, 43 avian E. coli strains isolated from chicken colibacillosis lesions at different years were analyzed to determine their contents in 10 virulence factors by polymerase chain reaction, antimicrobial susceptibility to 22 antibiotics belonging to six different chemical classes and genomic diversity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Mainly E. coli isolates (58.1%) carried two at six virulence genes and the most frequent virulence gene association detected were ompT (protectin), hlyF (hemolysin) with 55.8% (p<0.001), and iroN, sitA (iron acquisition/uptake systems), and iss (protectin) with 41.8% (p<0.001). Some strains were diagnosed as virulent according to their virulence gene profile. Indeed, 23.25% of the isolates harbored iroN, ompT, hlyF, iss, and sitA combination, 14% ompT, hlyF, and frzorf4 (sugar metabolism), and 11,6% iroN, hlyF, ompT, iss, iutA (iron acquisition/uptake systems), and frzorf4. The chicken embryo lethality assay performed on five isolates confirmed the potential virulence of these strains. All isolates submitted to PFGE analysis yielded different genetic profiles, which revealed their diversity. Overall, 97.2% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 53.5% demonstrated multi-antimicrobial resistance to three different antimicrobial classes. The highest resistance levels were against nalidixic acid (83.4%), amoxicillin and ampicillin (83.3%), ticarcillin (80.5%), pipemidic acid (75%), and triméthoprim-sulfamethoxazole (66.6%). For beta-lactam class, the main phenotype observed belonged to broad-spectrum beta-lactamases. However, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase associated with three at six virulence factors was also detected in 13 isolates. Two of them were attested virulent as demonstrated in the embryo lethality test which constitutes a real public threat. It would be imperative in avian production to discourage misuse while maintaining constant vigilance guidelines and regulations, to limit and rationalize antimicrobial use. Keywords: antibiotic resistance, avian Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, virulence.

The quality of day-old chicks is a cornerstone to successful poultry production. Chicks with a poor quality start slowly in the field and may have high feed intake, poor growth rate, and poor feed conversion ratio. The current study aimed to assess chick quality challenges encountered from day-old chicks hatched in most commercial hatcheries in Ghana. A total of 300 day-old chicks each were obtained from commercial hatcheries in Ghana and Europe. The chicks were labeled as locally hatched broiler day-old chicks (LBDOC) and foreign hatched broiler day-old chicks (FBDOC), respectively. Chicks were reared and monitored from day old to 21 days post-hatch. Sample of chicks (n=25) from each hatchery was euthanized weekly at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days and blood samples collected for analysis. The parameters measured included physical, hematological, immunological, histological, and bacteriological characteristics. All data were analyzed by SAS Proc GLM at p<0.05. The live weight of chicks was higher in FBDOC compared to LBDOC on the 1st day. The chick length and shank length of FBDOC were longer than the LBDOC. The 7-day chick mortality was 6% in LBDOC as compared to 1.5% in FBDOC. The LBDOC also had a higher wet and dry residual yolk sac percentages as well as higher residual yolk sac fluid volume than the FBDOC. The rate of yolk sac disappearance of the FBDOC was higher than the LBDOC. More than half of the LBDOC had developed navel strings and leaky navel compared to FBDOC. The LBDOC recorded Escherichia coli, Proteus, Streptococcus spp., and Gram-negative bacteria in the residual yolk sac isolated through the 21 days while FBDOC recorded E. coli, Proteus, and Gram-negative bacteria. The intestinal villi count, lengths, width, and surface area were all not significantly different. The blood monocyte levels appeared higher in FBDOC than LBDOC, which give evidence of higher immunity in FBDOC than LBDOC. The results indicate a challenging situation in maintaining the quality of locally hatched broiler day-old-chicks compared to foreign hatched broiler-day-old-chicks. The study demonstrates that chick quality impact goes beyond the physical characteristics of chick weight and chick length, and the higher performance of FBDOC may be influenced by compliance with international hatchery standards and vaccination protocols. Keywords: chick quality, day-old chicks, foreign chicks, local chicks, residual yolk sac.

This study was conducted to evaluate the possible association between values of certain serum biochemical parameters and seropositivity against Anaplasma marginale in dairy cows. Serum samples from 60 seropositive and 40 seronegative cows were used to determine the values of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) using commercially available kits and reagents. The serostatus of cows against A. marginale was determined using a commercially available cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Significant differences in serum biochemical values between seropositive and seronegative groups were evaluated using independent Student's t-test. Possible associations between the serostatus of the cows and different biochemical parameters were evaluated using univariate followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses. There was a statistically significant increase (p≤0.05) in values of total protein, BHB, LDH, and AST in seropositive cows compared to seronegative cows while a non-significant increase in values of ALP, ALT, and GGT was detected in seropositive cows. A strong correlation (R=0.69) between serum levels of BHB, LDH, and AST and seropositivity against A. marginale was detected. There is evidence of a possible association between A. marginale infection and liver damage/hepatic fatty degeneration in dairy cows. Further studies, however, are required to elucidate the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of this relationship. Keywords: blood parasites, dairy cows, hemolysis, metabolic diseases.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the main causes of severe pneumonia, interstitial edema, and emphysema in cattle. The current study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of BRSV in cattle in the Nineveh Province, Iraq. Between September 2017 and September 2018, 450 serum samples were collected from non-vaccinated cattle of different ages and breeds for BRSV testing. The epidemiological information of the animals was recorded. The prevalence of the disease was determined using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The prevalence of BRSV was 83.11%, and it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in cattle aged greater than 7 months-1.5 years than in older animals; in imported cattle than in Native animals; and in animals originating from large herds (100 animals) than in those from smaller herds (40 animals). There was no significant difference between BRSV prevalence in male and female animals. When samples from different regions of the Nineveh Governorate were compared, the northern region was associated with the highest prevalence of the disease. Samples harvested in the winter displayed the highest BRSV titer, compared to those collected during the other seasons. BRSV is prevalent in cattle from the Nineveh Governorate. Risk factors such as animal age, origin, herd size, and the herd's geographical location are associated with an increased prevalence of the disease in this region. Routine vaccination programs should be adopted to reduce the prevalence of BRSV. Keywords: bovine, pneumonia, prevalence, respiratory syncytial virus.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) worms in Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep from the slope of Mount Sumbing. Fecal samples (n=305) were collected directly from the rectum of Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep during the dry and rainy seasons in Wonosobo Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The presence of GI helminth eggs in the fecal samples was assessed using the modified McMaster egg counting technique. The identification of the eggs or oocysts was done on the basis of their morphology and size. The highest prevalence of GI worms was observed in male thin-tailed sheep (76.47%) during the rainy season, whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in female Wonosobo sheep (47.36%) during the dry season. The types of GI nematodes observed in these two types of sheep were Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Bunostomum spp., Trichuris spp., and Moniezia spp. The GI worms with the highest prevalence were of Haemonchus spp. and were observed in male thin-tailed sheep. The prevalences of the two types of sheep assessed at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level were higher than those observed at the altitude of 1586 m. The prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical parasites infestation in Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep in Kwadungan village was significantly different (p<0.05). This study showed that two types of local sheep on the slope of Mount Sumbing are infected with various GI worms during the dry and rainy seasons. The highest prevalence of GI worms was found in thin-tailed sheep at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level during the rainy season, with H. contortus being the most prevalent GI parasites. Keywords: gastrointestinal, nematodes, prevalence, sheep, Wonosobo sheep.

Periodontitis is the most prevalent inflammatory dental disease caused by a lack of oral hygiene measures in domestic animals. The periodontal disease complex arises as a result of bacterial biofilm deposition termed as plaque on the tooth surface. Lack of cleaning measures either mechanical or chemical credit for the condition. The present study was conducted to screen the animals for the presence of plaque deposition, gingivitis, along with various control measures for the same. Thirty-two dogs of different age groups were evaluated for the presence of plaque and gingivitis by scoring method to estimate the extent of severity. Scaling of the tooth surface was done by ultrasonic scaling machine to remove the plaques, and the animals were divided into four treatment groups to study the effects of dental hygiene chew and chlorhexidine for control of plaque. Present study revealed 71.87% and 34.37% of the screened animals were having plaque deposition and varied degrees of gingivitis respectively. A positive coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.89 (p<0.05) between advancing age and plaque deposition and 0.85 (p<0.05) between age and level of gingivitis was obtained. Two groups receiving dental chew and 0.2% w/v chlorhexidine showed lower plaque deposits, and the fourth treatment group receiving both dental chew and chlorhexidine showed 100% animals remained free from fresh plaque deposits. The present study showed a strong positive relationship between age and plaque deposition and gingivitis. The study also showed that oral hygiene measures such as use of dental hygiene chew and chlorhexidine application can reduce plaque deposition and periodontitis in domesticated canines. Keywords: chlorhexidine, dental chew, dental plaque, dog, scaling.

Post-harvest fungal infection of fruits and vegetables is mainly caused by fungal pathogens that can be harmful to both human and animals as they produce mycotoxins, post-harvest diseases in fruits and vegetables are a serious problem that results in the loss of a large percentage of crops reaching 50% in some fruits. This study aims at screening the post-purchasing shelf-life of four highly consumed fruits and vegetables and at identifying the fungal strains behind their spoilage in Qatar. Fruits and vegetables were collected from the market to study their post-purchasing shelf-life and to identify the fungal types involved in samples rotting. Factors that affect samples' shelf-life were also analyzed. A total of 73 fungal isolates were isolated and identified, with the highest percentage of Penicillium (21.9%) followed by Rhizopus (17.8%). Interestingly, many mycotoxins producing and diseases inducing fungi were identified in this study; this includes Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Botrytis, Geotrichum, and Colletotrichum. Statistical analysis shows that different fruits have significantly different shelf-life and different predispositions for spoilage. In many cases, a strong relationship was shown between the fungal types isolated and the country of origin of the fruit. Finally, the price of the commodity did not have a significant effect on its contamination level nor did the market from which the sample was purchased. This indicates that the fruit displaying methods in Qatar do not affect their contamination level. The study is among the first reports about fungal types involved in fruits and vegetables rotting in Qatar and it highlights the strong link between spoiling fungi and their country of origin. Keywords: country of origin, fungi, post-harvest, shelf-life, spoilage.

This study aimed to determine the proportion of exposure to leptospirosis and evaluate the degree of serovar antibody reaction in feral boars. A total of 58 sera obtained from feral boars in Khao Prathab Chang Wildlife Breeding Center, Ratchaburi, Thailand, were screened for leptospirosis exposure by microscopic agglutination test, conducted with a reference panel of 23 pathogenic serovars and a non-pathogenic serovar. Overall exposure rate of 62.07% was found in the studied population. An antibody reaction presented in 18 of 24 leptospiral serovars. Among the seropositive, Ballum serovar showed predominant exposure in the feral boar population. The results show a relatively high exposure to leptospirosis and the predominant serovar was Ballum followed by Canicola, the first finding in feral boars in Thailand. It has been revealed that feral boars act as a natural reservoir host of leptospirosis. There should be more concern about public health problems in leptospirosis arising where feral boars appear. Keywords: Ballum serovar, Canicola serovar, feral boar, microscopic agglutination test, Thailand.