The analysis of FSH beta-subunit gene genotypes in East Anatolian Red, East Anatolian Red×Holstein, and Zavot bulls

This study aimed to investigate the genotypic distribution and population genetic parameters of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located on exon 3 at the FSHB gene in East Anatolian Red (EAR), East Anatolian Red×Holstein (EAR×H), and Zavot (Z) bulls. A total of 68 cattle including EAR (n=34), EAR×H (n=20), and Z (n=14) bulls were used. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples using the phenol/chloroform method. The genotyping of the SNP was carried out by the PCR-RFLP using the PstI restriction enzyme. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was calculated by using the chi-square goodness-of-fit test. Population genetics evaluation was performed for effective allele numbers, the polymorphism information content, theoretical heterozygosity, the fixation index, level of possible variability realization, and the Shannon-Weaver diversity index. In the present study, the AA and the AB genotypes were predominant in EAR and EAR×H bulls, respectively. Zavot breed was found to be monomorphic. There was a deviation from HWE, concerning the total cattle population. The population genetics evaluation showed that the marker was moderately informative for EAR and the crossbreeds, as well as the total population. Consequently, the polymorphism (rs207774587) within exon 3 of the bovine FSHB can be interpreted as a genetic marker with reliable variability for EAR and the crossbreeds, but not in Zavot cattle.

Common Barriers, Attitudes, and Practices of Veterinary Practitioners Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship in Chattogram, Bangladesh

The perceived risk of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens creates the necessity for understanding the role of the prescriber groups. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among veterinary practitioners to assess their understanding regarding antimicrobial prescribing and the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock. We collected responses from 100 veterinarians engaged in the large animal, poultry, and pet animal care practices. Proportions were calculated for categorical variables and the results were visualized. We revealed two key barriers: a lack of enough information and of training on the proper prescription of antimicrobials. Prescribing a wide variety of antimicrobials and doing incomplete courses of antimicrobial treatments were two very important causes pointed out by the respondents for the development of antimicrobial resistance. A number of highest-priority critically important antimicrobials (HP-CIAs) of human health were found to be used by veterinary practitioners. In addition to clinical features like types of organisms and severity of the disease, the availability of drugs in the local market and the economic conditions of farmers have the potential to influence the decisions of veterinarians in prescribing antimicrobials. The professional development of veterinarians and the maintenance of strong coordination are crucial to ensure the proper engagement of veterinarians as the front-line fighters for tackling the AMR issue.

Estimation of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in sheep in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria

Sheep are considered as an important reservoir of human Toxoplasma gondii infections, although more recent data on the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep in Algeria are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep to obtain a better insight into the importance of sheep as reservoirs of human infection. A commercial ELISA kit, which detects antibodies against T. gondii, was utilized to test 269 sera collected from yearling sheep in the municipal slaughterhouse of Sidi-Bel-Abbes city between October 2020 and February 2021. Simultaneously, we assessed the cut-off as recommended by the manufacturer (S/P>50%) and the bootstrap statistical model to estimate the optimal cut-off value (OD = 0.12). The overall seroprevalence was estimated at 34.2% (92/269) using the ELISA kit cut-off and 50.5% (136/269) using the bootstrapped cut-off, being significantly higher compared to sheep from other regions in Algeria. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep was elevated, constituting, therefore, a major public health concern, as sheep meat could be a significant source of T. gondii infection for human consumers. Further studies are required to estimate the impact of abortion among livestock animals caused by T. gondii infection such as sheep, where it could lead to considerable economic losses.

Trypanotolerance Sheko cattle: an option for sustainable control of bovine trypanosomiasis

Trypanosomiasis is an impediment to cattle production and other agricultural development in tsetse-infested areas. It is a severe parasitic disease that causes loss in the production and performance of cattle. Hence, the aim of this paper is to review trypanosomiasis control options with emphasis on the use of trypanotolerant Sheko cattle breed for sustainable management of bovine trypanosomiasis in tsetse infested areas. Several methods have been used to control trypanosomiasis through the use of trypanocidal drugs and the management of the vector, tsetse fly. Tsetse fly controls require expensive insecticides and have adverse environmental consequences. Trypanocidal drugs are commonly used and considered a practical trypanosomiasis control method. However, the rise in trypanocidal drug resistance has rendered this option ineffective. The possibility of developing and using a vaccine against trypanosomiasis currently remains out of reach as Trypanosoma periodically undergo antigenic variation. In the absence of a vaccine, presence of trypanocidal drug resistance, and the lack of sustainable tsetse fly control measures demand the need to use trypanotole-rant cattle breeds. The Sheko breed which is found only in southwestern Ethiopia displays considerable natural resistance to tsetse-transmitted trypanosomiasis. This genetic resource provides sustainable solution for challenges related to trypanosomiasis. These cattle have a low level of parasitemia and are able to maintain a good packed cell volume (PCV) compared to other indigenous breeds. As several trypanosomiasis control methods are ineffective, the use of trypanotolerance cattle like Sheko breed in tsetse-fly-challenged areas was suggested.

Comparative Pathological Changes Induced by Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Infection in Inoculated, Sentinel Pigeons and Chickens

In this study, the authors determined whether vvIBDV could be transmitted from chickens to pigeons and vice versa, and the relative severity of the lesions in the two species. Thirty 3-to 6-week-old pigeons and thirty 3-week-old chickens were grouped as follows: A (10 uninoculated pigeons), B (10 inoculated pigeons+10 sentinel chickens), C (10 inoculated chickens+10 sentinel pigeons) and D (10 uninoculated chickens). Inoculated birds were administered 0.20 mL of vvIBDV (titre of 109.76 CID/mL) followed by introduction of their respective sentinels post-inoculation. Post-inoculation/exposure (pi/ pe), dead birds were necropsied, organs grossly examined, weighed, and sections processed for histopathology. Results revealed mild, gross and histopathological lesions in pigeons at 7 and 14 dpi/dpe. In chickens, gross and histopathological lesions were severe at 3 and 4 dpi/dpe, moderate at 7 dpi/dpe and mild at 14 dpi/dpe. Carcass weight showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05) in all pigeons, but was statistically higher in uninoculated compared to inoculated and sentinel chickens. Relative weight (RW) of the liver was significantly lower at 14 dpi/ dpe in pigeons. In chickens, RW of the bursa of Fabricius (BF) was significantly higher in inoculated and sentinel at 3 and 4 dpi/dpe. In conclusion, there was transmission of vvIBDV from pigeons to chickens and pathological changes due to vvIBDV infection were less severe in pigeons than in chickens.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of veterinary-related occupational exposures to hazards

Understanding hazards within the veterinary profession is critical for developing strategies to ensure the health and safety of personnel in the work environment. This study was conducted to systematically review and synthesize data on reported risks within veterinary workplaces. A systematic review of published data on occupational hazards and associated risk factors were searched within three database platforms namely PubMed, Ebscohost, and Google scholar. To determine the proportion estimates of hazards and pooled odds ratio, two random-effects meta-analysis were performed. For the biological, chemical and physical hazards, the pooled proportion estimates were 17% (95% CI: 15.0-19.0, p < 0.001), 7.0% (95% CI: 6.0-9.0%, p < 0.001) and 65.0% (95% CI: 39.0-91.0%, p < 0.001) respectively. A pooled odds ratio indicated the risk of exposures to physical (OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.008-1.017, p < 0.001) and biological hazards (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.70-2.52, p <0.001) increased when working or in contact with animals. The review has provided a better understanding of occupational health and safety status of veterinarians and gaps within the developing countries. This evidence calls for policy formulation and implementation to reduce the risks of exposures to all forms of occupational-related hazards in veterinary workplaces.

Effect of probiotic and fisetin supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics and small intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

We studied the dietary effects of probiotic and fisetin supplementation on performance parameters, carcass characteristics and small intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. Sixty (one-day-old) Arbo Acre breed of broiler chickens were allotted into 4 groups of 15 each randomly: Group I, Control was administered only distilled water; Group II, fisetin (5 mg/kg); Group III, probiotic (4.125×106 cfu/100 mL); and Group IV, probiotic and fisetin (4.125×106 cfu/100 mL and 5 mg/kg, respectively) for the first one week of life. All administrations were performed orally through gavage. Broiler chickens supplemented with probiotic and probiotic+fisetin had greater feed intake significantly (P<0.05) at weeks 5 and 6, when compared respectively with those of the control and fisetin groups which had lesser feed intake values. Body weight gain was of great significance (P<0.05) in the probiotic-supplemented broiler chickens, while that of the control was less. Carcass quality of the probiotic-supplemented group was higher in significance (P<0.05) than any other treatment group which had lower qualities. The pH changes in the breast muscle was lesser significantly (P<0.05) in the probiotic+fisetin group, when compared with those of the control group which had greater changes. The villus height/crypt height ratio was higher in significance (P<0.05) in the treatment groups, while that of the control group was lower. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of probiotic may enhance broiler chickens’ productivity, by improving performance, carcass weight, pH, and small intestinal morphology as compared to fisetin supplementation.

The in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of Albizia gummifera leaf extracts

For the control and treatment of trypanosomiasis, a limited number of chemotherapeutic drugs with mild side effects are available. As a result, a quest for a less toxic herbal treatment for trypanosomiasis is needed. Ethanolic extract of A. gummifera leaf (EEAL) and aqueous extract of Albizia. gummifera leaf (AEAL) were tested for antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei in vitro. We first compared the phytochemical concentrations of EEAL and AEAL and discovered that EEAL had higher phytochemical concentrations on average than AEAL: flavonoids (4.26 mg/g vs 2.50 mg/g); alkaloids (38.40 mg/g vs 19.80 mg/g); tannins (230.7 mg/g vs 45.74 mg/g) and saponins (128.66 vs 44.33g/g). From the result of phytochemical concentrations of the two compounds, the higher values observed in flavonoids and alkaloid of EEAL led us to hypothesize that EEAL would have greater trypanocidal activity. Following that, EEAL and AEAL were tested for antitrypanosomal activity in vitro. Forty µl of blood holding in about 25±8 parasites/field was mixed with 20 µl of the EEAL and AEAL solutions of 100, 80, 60 mg/ml to produce an efficacious test concentration of 25, 20 and 15 mg/ml, sequentially. The extracts inhibited parasite motility and eliminated the organisms at the concentrations used in vitro, except for 15 mg/ml AEAL and 20 mg/ml AEAL. Following the screening, the Albizia gummifera ethanolic extract found to have positive in vitro trypanocidal activity. More research is needed to determine the concentrations of the extract for the in vivo test.

Hurdle in taxonomy: A case of malaria parasites and other Haemosporidia

A crucial progress in taxonomy matches with the growth of various branches of biological sciences. This validates the taxonomic positions of many organisms. Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium, the members of the Haemosporidia, are the well recognized parasitic genera. Revisiting the progress in animal taxonomy appears to be important to evaluate our studies. Haemosporidia being microscopic, their taxonomy specially the morphotaxonomy has sometimes created confusion. Therefore, analysis of progression of the taxonomy of the avian Haemosporidia demands special attention. Modern phylogenetic analyses revealed a wealth of information, which is undoubtedly useful for protozoology and other related sciences. Techniques of molecular taxonomy are applied to draw the phylogeny covering members of Haemosporidia. The study of the life cycles of both hosts and parasites are absorbing. Besides, analysis of their evolution through molecular phylogenetics appears to be vital in studying haemosporidians and to gain insight for basic and applied sciences. This article examines the potential of molecular phylogenetics in refining systematics of avian Haemosporidia and to explain a holistic view of the group.

Stingray envenomation and injury in a dog

The stingray, a seemingly harmless cartilaginous fish, is capable of causing painful injuries and envenomation in humans. There is no known peer reviewed case report involving dogs in a veterinary journal at the time of writing this case report. Poor management of the condition or overzealous attempts to remove embedded barbs has resulted in complications in humans. This case report presents an effective approach to the treatment of stingray envenomation in dogs which is likely to be reproducible in other domestic animals. Clearly elucidated are the principles behind antibiotic therapy in the treatment of stingray injuries and the benefit of lignocaine injection in cases of embedded stingers. There is a need for case reports to enhance clinical knowledge of stingray management in domestic animals. This case report, thus, serves as an impetus for future research in this area of veterinary medicine.