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Leukocyte Subpopulations in the Peripheral Blood of the Omani Camel Breed
Get PDFBreed-specific variations in immune responses have been studied across various species and breeds. The identification of camel breeds with high immune competence can enhance the breeding of camels with superior immune responsiveness. To date, no study has examined the immune cell composition in the blood of the Omani camel breed. The present study aimed to analyze the immunophenotype of blood leukocytes in the Omani camel breed and investigate the impact of age and gender on the tested immune parameters. To do so, blood samples were collected from 32 clinically healthy camels, randomly selected and comprising 17 camel calves (8 males and 9 females) and 15 adult camels (4 males and 11 females). The samples were tested using flow cytometry and membrane immune fluorescence. The results of the present study revealed a significantly lower count of white blood cells (WBC) in the Omani camel breed than the reference ranges reported for dromedary camels in the published literature. The leukogram was characterized by the dominance of neutrophils (54-60 %) in the blood, followed by lymphocytes (23-33 %). When compared to adult camels, the leukogram pattern in young Omani camels was characterized by elevated WBC and lymphocytes but low levels of eosinophilic granulocytes. The analysis of lymphocyte subsets revealed the dominance of gd T cells over helper T cells and B cells in the blood of young camel calves, confirming that camels belong to the gd T cell-rich species. In addition, lower numbers of B cells and helper T cells in young camels suggest lower cell-mediated and humoral immune functionality compared to adults. Although some differences were identified between male and female adult camels, these results are limited by the low numbers of male camels within the adult group. In conclusion, the distinct leukogram patterns observed in young and adult camels highlight the significant impact of age on the immune competence of Omani camels
The Effect of Adding Various Concentrations of Melatonin to Beltsville Thawing Solution Diluent on Berkshire Boar Semen Quality
Get PDFBoar spermatozoa contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, rendering them susceptible to damage from free radicals. Oxidative stress in liquid semen can be prevented by modifying the diluent by adding antioxidants. Melatonin is an indoleamine compound that can be used as an antioxidant with high potential in the reproductive system. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding various concentrations of melatonin to Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) diluent on the quality of Berkshire boar semen. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method was employed, with the experiment divided into four treatment groups, each replicated six times. A total of 24 samples were used in this study. P0 was used as the control group, while groups P1, P2, and P3 were given the addition of melatonin to BTS diluent with different doses, namely 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, and 1.5 mM. The samples were stored for 48 hours and then examined for boar semen quality. The variables examined included the percentage of motility, abnormality, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The results showed that the addition of a melatonin dose of 1.0 mM to the BTS diluent was the optimal concentration that could maintain motility, abnormalities, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and MDA levels in Berkshire boar semen compared to other treatment groups and the control group. This study indicated that melatonin functions as an effective antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and thereby inhibiting oxidative stress in Berkshire boar semen
Detection of Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Toxascaris leonina in Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris) and Asian Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus) Captured at Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Center, Vietnam
Get PDFThe Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) plays a crucial role in the rescue, care, and release of wild animals. The health of these animals was meticulously evaluated during their care and before their reintroduction into their natural habitat. An annual surveillance study of parasitic infections in wildlife at the Hanoi WRC was conducted to establish a scientific basis for developing preventive measures to manage the health of these animals. A total of 46 fresh fecal samples were opportunistically collected immediately following defecation using a shovel. These samples were obtained from 25 tigers (age: 10.8±3.6 years) and 21 bears (age: 11.2±4.6 years) captured at the Hanoi WRC in November 2024. Fecal samples were examined using sedimentation and centrifugal flotation methods to identify the presence of parasites. Subsequently, parasite eggs were collected using a micropipette for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing techniques were used to determine the parasite species. It was found that 20.0% of tigers (5 out of 25) and 23.8% of bears (5 out of 21) were infected with parasitic worms. The identification of these infections was achieved through the examination of the morphological characteristics of the eggs. This analysis identified the presence of trematode eggs, nematode eggs, including Strongyle type, and Toxascaris leonina. Molecular analysis further identified Strongyle eggs as belonging to Ancylostoma ceylanicum, which accounted for 12.0% of infections in tigers and 23.8% in bears. Additionally, Toxascaris leonina was detected exclusively in tigers, representing 12.0% of infections. Trematode eggs were found solely in tiger feces; however, molecular amplification was unsuccessful due to the insufficient number of eggs detected. The discovery of two zoonotic nematodes, A. ceylanicum and To. leonina in tigers and bears at the Hanoi (WRC) underscores the potential risk of nematode transmission from wildlife to humans and domestic animals in this area and its surrounding areas. The findings of this study will aid in the development of a prevention program aimed at controling gastrointestinal helminths in wild animals within the study region
Antimicrobial Efficacy and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Moroccan Medicinal Plants against Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Strains
Get PDFThe rising occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria underscores the critical need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the yield, chemical composition, and antimicrobial properties of essential oils extracted from Thymus satureioides, Origanum majorana, and Rosmarinus officinalis, sourced from the Benslimane region in Morocco. Essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, their chemical composition was analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their antimicrobial potential was assessed against 27 multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains. The essential oil of Thymus satureioides was primarily composed of thymol (28.7%) and borneol (21.2%). Origanum majorana contained high levels of terpinen-4-ol (34.2%), while Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil was rich in 1,8-cineole (50.3%). Thymus satureioides demonstrated the highest efficacy, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC: 0.15 mg/mL) and the most pronounced inhibition zones (30.3 ± 0.02 mm). Origanum majorana indicated moderate antibacterial activity. Rosmarinus officinalis, on the other hand, showed variable but generally lower efficacy, with inhibition zones reaching up to 16.6 ± 0.1 mm and MIC values ranging from 2.35 to 9.4 mg/mL. These results highlighted the promising potential of Moroccan essential oils, particularly Thymus satureioides, as natural antimicrobials to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens in food safety and clinical applications
Effects of Gallic Acid on Testicular Dysfunction Induced by Topiramate in Rats
Get PDFTopiramate (TPM), a widely used anticonvulsant, has been documented to induce testicular dysfunction through its pro-oxidant properties, leading to cellular damage and hormonal abnormalities in the testes. This damage is characterized by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which are essential for reducing oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TPM and Gallic Acid (GA) on reproductive health in male rats. Forty mature Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 16 to 18 weeks and weighing between 180 and 200 g, were divided into four experimental groups (10 rats each): a control group, a TPM-treated group, a TPM + GA-treated group, and a GA-only group. The rats received TPM (18 mg/kg) orally for 60 days, with or without GA (50 mg/kg) administered orally for the same period. Testicular tissues were examined for oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT), sperm motility, hormonal concentrations (Testosterone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH], and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 [17β-HSD3]), and histological changes. The results showed that TPM significantly increased MDA levels while decreasing CAT and SOD activity, indicating oxidative stress compared to the control group. Sperm motility was also impaired in the TPM-treated group. However, GA treatment led to a notable reduction in MDA levels and restored antioxidant enzyme activity toward normal levels. Hormonal analysis revealed that TPM affected testosterone and GnRH levels, although GA partially mitigated these changes. Immunohistochemical and histological assessments demonstrated considerable testicular damage in the TPM group, whereas the GA-treated group showed slight improvements in testicular histopathology and reduced cellular death. In conclusion, GA (50 mg/kg) exhibited a protective effect against TPM-induced testicular dysfunction
Spatial Analysis of Rabies Cases in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia during 2021-2024
Get PDFThe West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, has been an endemic rabies region since its initial rabies incident in 1953. This study aimed to analyze spatial patterns for rabies cases in animals in 19 districts/cities in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Secondary data on rabies-positive cases in animals were identified in 198 samples through the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) obtained from the Bukittinggi Veterinary Center’s database from 2021 to 2024. Statistical and spatial analyses were conducted in R Software v.4.4.2. The Moran’s Index revealed a cluster distribution of rabies cases throughout the study period. The highest prevalence occurs in Lima Puluh Kota District (28.79%). The index indicated four regions as high-high quadrants, three regions as low-high quadrants, 11 regions as low-low quadrants, and one region as a high-low quadrant. However, Lima Puluh Kota District was consistently found as a region with substantial local spatial autocorrelation. In conclusion, the prevalence of rabies cases in animals in West Sumatra Province fluctuated during 2021-2024. Spatial analysis with Moran’s Index and Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) indicated a cluster distribution of the disease. The current study underscored the need for targeted, location-specific control measures in these high-risk clusters to effectively mitigate the spread of the disease
Veterinarians' Perceptions of Competence and Communication Skills in Bali, Indonesia
Get PDFEffective communication is a crucial aspect of veterinary medicine. Despite its importance, this subject has not been sufficiently studied in the specific context of Bali, Indonesia, resulting in a notable gap in the existing research literature. The present study addressed a significant gap in the literature by systematically examining how communication challenges, specifically client dissatisfaction, inadequate treatment compliance, and recurrent misunderstandings between veterinarians and pet owners, affect the quality of veterinary care. The current study explored how veterinary practitioners in Bali, Indonesia, perceive their professional skills and communication abilities. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, open-ended questionnaires, and surveys, involving 218 practitioners in the study area. The participants included small animal practitioners (65%), livestock veterinarians (25%), and mixed-practice clinicians (10%), with experience ranging from recent graduates to senior professionals with over 20 years in the field. The current findings revealed that 86.2% of respondents considered communication skills as equally important as clinical knowledge in facilitating critical professional outcomes, including client trust, treatment compliance, and clinical effectiveness. Effective communication was recognized as crucial for fostering confidence, increasing job satisfaction, strengthening client relationships, and supporting important activities such as anamnesis and treatment discussions. However, practitioners encountered difficulties in discussing sensitive topics, including life-threatening diagnoses, euthanasia, and costly treatment options. Notably, 86.7% of participants indicated the necessity for post-employment communication training to maintain and advance their skills, highlighting the significance of ongoing professional development in Indonesia. The present study emphasized the critical role of communication in veterinary practice and highlighted the demand for targeted training programs to address existing gaps
Tick Fauna (Acari: Ixodidae) of Domestic Ruminants in the Hauts-Bassins Region, Burkina Faso: A Prevalence and Seasonal Survey
Get PDFAs in other West African countries, ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting domestic ruminants are a major constraint for livestock breeders in Burkina Faso. The present epidemiological survey study was conducted from October 2022 to September 2023 in two pastoral areas of the Hauts-Bassins region of Burkina Faso to inventory the tick genera and species present, and determine the prevalence and associated risk factors in infested ruminants, including host sex, age, and season. A total of 8,274 live ticks were collected from 800 ruminants randomly selected (300 cattle, 300 sheep, and 200 goats) across two pastoral zones (Sidéradougou and Saho pastoral zones) and three seasons (cold dry season, hot dry season, and rainy season) from the herds of 140 livestock farmers surveyed. Morphological identification identified six species within the genera Amblyomma (67.32%), Hyalomma (26.35%), and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus, 6.33%), with Amblyomma variegatum as the dominant species. The overall prevalence of tick infestation was 74.90%, including 37.25% in cattle, 23.50% in sheep, and 14.15% in goats, with an average infestation level of 10.34 ± 20.30 ticks per animal. Male ruminants (52.62%) were more infested than females (47.38%), and juveniles (41.37%) were more infested than adults (58.63%). Seasonal patterns revealed peak infestation during the rainy and cold dry seasons in both Pastoral zones, and ticks showed a predilection for the inguinal and pastern regions. These findings highlight the extensive tick burden in Hauts-Bassins region, Burkina Faso’s pastoral systems, and underscore the need for targeted, season- and host-specific control strategies to mitigate tick-borne disease risks and improve livestock productivity
External and Internal Quality Characteristics of Eggs Sourced in Supermarkets, General Dealers, and Vendors in Gaborone, Botswana
Get PDFEgg quality characteristics influence consumer acceptance and preference of one egg over another. Several factors that impact egg quality include storage before and after dispatch, rearing conditions, temperature, handling, diseases, and the age of the eggs. The present study evaluated internal and external quality traits of eggs sourced from supermarkets, general dealers, and vendors in Gaborone, Botswana. One hundred and twenty eggs (24 eggs per location) were sourced from four supermarkets, seven general dealers, and 10 vendors in Gaborone. Parameters measured were egg weight (g), length (mm), width (mm), average shell thickness (mm), shell weight (g), surface area (cm2), volume (cm3), shape index, Haugh unit (HU), and shell weight per unit surface area (SWUSA, mg/cm2) of the eggs. The current results indicated that egg weight and surface area were the highest for eggs sourced from supermarkets. Heavier eggs correlated with better HU scores, indicating richer and denser yolk, while surface area plays a role in moisture loss and potential shell strength. Eggs purchased from supermarkets and general dealers had noticeably greater egg weights, egg volumes, shell percentages, and SWUSA. Eggs from supermarkets had the greatest egg content weight, whereas those purchased from vendors had the lowest. The HU was highest for supermarket eggs compared to other egg sources. It was observed that eggs bought from supermarkets had superior internal and external quality traits compared to those from general dealers and vendors. It was concluded that eggs from vendors had lower quality due to inadequate storage and cooling facilities compared to supermarkets and general dealers
Pathogenicity of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) in Different Duck Breeds
Get PDFAvian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose a global threat, with wild waterfowl serving as key reservoirs for transmission to poultry. The present study investigated the pathogenicity, viral shedding patterns, tissue distribution, and pathological effects of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in two duck breeds, including Muscovy and Sudani ducks. An Egyptian H5N1 strain (A/ibis/Egypt/RLQP-229S/2022), originally isolated from a wild ibis, was used. Forty ducks (20 Muscovy and 20 Sudani) were divided into infected and control groups (10 per group per breed). At four weeks of age (Average weight of 1.2 ± 0.1 kg), each infected duck received a single intranasal dose of 10⁶ EID₅₀. Cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected at 3, 5, 7, and 10 days post-infection (DPI) to monitor viral shedding, while clinical signs were recorded daily. Mortality was higher in Muscovy ducks, which exhibited higher mortality (70%) than Sudani ducks (50%), with both breeds showing neurological signs and lethargy. Viral load analysis of cloacal swabs via RT-PCR (Targeting the AIV M gene), exceeded oropharyngeal shedding, peaking by five DPI and persisting longer in Muscovy ducks (Seven DPI compared to five DPI in Sudani ducks), suggesting that fecal-oral transmission is the primary route of spread and that viral replication is more active in the intestinal tract. Tissue distribution analysis revealed broader viral dissemination in Muscovy ducks, particularly in the brain, lung, kidney, and spleen. These findings demonstrated differential susceptibility between breeds, with Muscovy ducks posing a higher transmission risk due to prolonged viral shedding and tissue tropism. The virus used in the present study carried pathogenicity markers across several proteins, including hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), polymerase basic 1 (PB1), polymerase basic 2 (PB2), nucleoprotein (NP), non-structural protein 1 (NS1), and polymerase acidic (PA) protein. Overall, while both duck breeds are vulnerable to the circulating H5N1 HPAI strain, their susceptibility and clinical outcomes differ. These findings demonstrated that both Muscovy and Sudani ducks are susceptible to H5N1 HPAIV infection, Muscovy ducks showing higher mortality and more extensive viral shedding and histopathological alterations. However, both duck breeds are variable in their susceptibility to H5N1 infection