Epidemiological, Morphological, and Histopathological Study of Quail Coccidiosis in Thi-Qar Province, Iraq

Coccidiosis is the most common and important disease of poultry resulting in great economic losses world widely. This objective of this study was to determine the species of Eimeria, their prevalence, and gut histopathological lesions in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in Thi-Qar province, Iraq. Over the period of ten months (December 2019 to September 2020), a total of 330 fresh fecal samples (201 from males and 129 from females) were collected from different marketplaces and farms in Thi-Qar province. Direct smear and flotation techniques were used to examine the presence of Eimeria oocysts in the fecal samples. The sporulated oocyst shape indices were determined microscopically. Hematoxylin and eosin, as well as Periodic-Acid Schiff stains, were used to document potential pathological lesions and Eimeria developmental phases within the small (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and large (caeca) intestines. Four species, according to the criteria adopted, Eimeria bateri, Eimeria uzura, Eimeria tsunodai, and Eimeria fluminensis were uncovered in current study, with shape indices of 1.30, 1.36, 1.30, and 1.05, respectively. The total infection rate was 64.54%; and the morphological characteristics of the oocysts was identified. The highest infection rate was in E. bateri (41.78%), while the lowest infection rate was in E. fluminensis (7.98%). The highest prevalence rate was in March 84.84% with a significant effect at (P≤0.01). The sex of quail had no significant effect of the coccidiosis infection. The study revealed a destruction in the epithelium of the mucosa and submucosa of the intestine and development of the Eimeria stages, which led to malabsorption and consequently weight loss and economic losses in the quail industry.

Kaempferol improved growth performance in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria tenella

The study investigated the effects of kaempferol on growth performance in two weeks old broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella. Sixty, one-day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into six groups (I-VI) of ten broiler chicks each and brooded for two weeks with commercial broiler feed (vital feed®) and provided water ad libitum. At two weeks of age, broilers in group 1 were neither infected nor treated. Broilers in groups II- VI were infected 4 with Eimeria tenella sporulated oocyst (10 /mL) via oral inoculation. After infection was established, broilers in groups II-IVwere treated Per os with 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of kaempferol respectively. Broilers in group V were treated for five days with amprolium, 1.25 g/L in drinking water and those in group VI were administered normal saline, 5 mL/kg per os for five days. The experimental birds were examined daily for feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Data obtained were analyzed using pad prism version 5.0. There was a statistically significant (p<00.5) increase in the mean values of WG, FI and FCR in groups II, III and IV in a dose dependent fashion when compared to VI. There was also statistically significant (p<00.5) reduction in the mean values of WG in Group II and III than in Groups IV and V. Mean WG of Groups IV and V did not differ statistically, but there were statistically higher WG in Group V than in group IV. There were consequent high FCR values of 7.3, 5.71, 5.67, 6.19 and 7.08 for groups I, II, III, IV and V respectively compared to 4.9 for Group VI. Thus, the treatment with kaempferol in two weeks old broilers had ameliorated the effects of Eimeria tenella on WG, FI and FCR in this study.

Ectoparasites and Endoparasites of New Zealand White Rabbits from North West of Iran

Background: Rabbits contain several parasites that can be harmful to their health as well as human being’s health due to the probability of causing parasitic zoonosis. The present research was designed to study ectoparasites and endoparasites of New Zealand White rabbits in North West of Iran and potential risks of parasitic zoonosis for researchers and owners. Methods: Totally, 50 rabbits were purchased from rabbit sellers and breeders in suburbs of Urmia and Tabriz between Jul and Dec 2016. The rabbits were assessed for ectoparasites by hair brushing, skin scraping, acetate tape preparation and othic swabs. They were euthanized and inspected for helminths and protozoa infection. Faecal sampling was carried out directly from recti and the oocysts or cysts were isolated using sedimentation and floatation techniques and the sporulated oocyst were identified based on morphological. Results: The following parasites, with their respective prevalence; Nematoda: Passalurus ambigus 54%, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis 42%, Nematodirus leporis 32%, Cestoda: Cysticercus pisiformis 26%, Protozoa: Eimeria steidae 44%, E. magna 30%, E. media 12% and Arthropoda: Sarcoptes scabiei 18% and Cheyletiella parasitivorax 38%. No significant difference was recorded in infection rate between male and female rabbits. Conclusion: Both domestic and wild rabbits are a potential source of human parasitic zoonosis, and strict hygienic practices are recommended during and after handling rabbits or in case of exposure to their feces.