Veterinary Science & Technology

The rumen modifier monensin is widely used in Australia cattle production systems. In addition to its anti-coccidial action monensin improves energy efficiency and nitrogen metabolism in rumen bacteria, and reduces the incidence of metabolic disorders such as acidosis and bloat. While monensin is considered safe for cattle, swine and poultry, it is extremely toxic to horses and incidents of toxicity have also been reported in camels. In this study, we are reporting for the first time monensin toxicosis in a camel herd in South-West Queensland, Australia (~267 km west of Brisbane). The camels were fed a cattle breeder supplements containing 250 mg/kg monensin, formulated to ensure effective concentrations if the supplement is consumed by breeder cattle at levels of 200-500 g/head/d. Blood samples were collected from 13 camels with clinical signs of monensin toxicosis and 12 healthy camels that had no exposure to monensin. Post-mortem examinations were carried out on two camels immediately after death, these animals had marked ascites. Monensin toxicoses resulted in marked decreases in albumin and increases in ALP, LDH and CPK when compared to physiologically normal healthy camels. Other parameters in the blood profile remain within normal limits. Minor to no histopathological changes were observed in the two necropsied camels however death due to rapidly developing congestive heart failure is suspected. Skeletal muscle was not examined histologically. However, the biochemical changes could be consistent with muscle necrosis.

This study evaluated the performance of the TaqManTM real- time PCR assay to detection of DNA from not allowed-animal derivatives in reference feeds samples. The results of qPCR were compared with the microscopy, only method validated to control the presence of animal proteins, according the European Communities. The qPCR tests targeting 12S rRNA from cows, sheep, porcine and chickens and cytochrome b region from caprine in feeds were able to detect half the amount (0.0125% w/w) of meat-and-bone meal (MBM) that could be detected by microscopy in samples spiked with MBM. Although cross-contamination in feeds and food processing plants is an unexceptional problem, the presence of traces of prohibited animal products in feedstuffs is an alert to potential impact on herd and human health, because it has been associated with the transmission of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). These results indicate that a combination of qPCR tests and microscopic analysis could be used to ensure the safety of feedstuffs, allowing the identification of the animal species of the derivative and even the kind of tissue added to the feed, providing useful information for sanitation inspection authorities in this country.

Background: The veterinarian is a complex and varied work: risks in veterinary activity show are more typical of manual work than medical profession. Many reviews analyzed occupational risks related to veterinarians, but compared to the past current risks are more different. This review analyzes veterinary profession considering main occupational risk factors, as defined by World Health Organization: physical, chemical, biological or other agents that may cause harm to an exposed person in the workplace and is potentially modifiable. Methods: Publications investigating physical, chemical, biological, cancer and stress risk as well as effects associated with these exposures through veterinary practice were searched in the PubMed and Web of Science database. Publications were judged to be covered in the review when the following inclusion criteria applied: Articles should be published in the English language; Articles published after 2000; Studies reporting some numerical data about exposures and subjects considered; Studies concerning health effects regarding only veterinarians associated with exposure to animals, not general population. Results: Compared to the past, when the main risk of occupational disease was represented by zoonosis (in particular mycotic infections, mange, swine erysipelas, anthrax and tuberculosis), current risks are also represented by new entities such as mental and physical stress. However injuries, radiations, chemicals, zoonosis and allergies continue to represent a considerable portion of professional risks. Conclusions: Zoonosis, injuries and trauma remain the main occupational risk for veterinarians today, but new emerging risks, such as psychological risks are becoming increasingly important for these workers.

The frequency of cytochrome P450 2D14 (CYP2D14) genetic polymorphisms and their effects on CYP2D14- mediated metabolism have not been reported in cattle. Genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2D14 gene in 57 Japanese Black (JB) cattle were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-direct sequencing. Two types of CYP2D14 gene deletion variants (GD), GD1 and GD2, were observed in this study. The CYP2D6 deletion reportedly results in delayed metabolism of metoclopramide in human. To investigate the effects of CYP2D14 gene deletion in JB cattle, the GD1, GD2 and wild-type (WT) cattle were administered metoclopramide by an intravenous or oral route. Plasma concentrations of metoclopramide in GD1 cattle were significantly higher 24 hour (h) after intravenous administration (P<0.01) and within 1 h after oral administration of metoclopramide compared to levels in GD2 and WT cattle (P<0.01). The half-life at γ-phase (γHL) of metoclopramide after intravenous administration was significantly higher in GD1 compared to WT cattle (P<0.05). Moreover, the elimination rate constant (K10) of GD1 after oral administration of metoclopramide was significantly higher in GD1 compared to WT animals (P<0.05). These results suggest that the higher plasma concentration of metoclopramide in GD1 cattle is caused by delayed metabolism of metoclopramide, owing to CYP2D14 enzyme deficiency.

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate rational drug use in livestock at Adama district veterinary clinic, central Ethiopia. 2,000 animal patients’ encounters were randomly selected for the study from prescription registration books retrospectively. A total of 2,489 drug products prescribed for a total of 2,000 patients were assessed. The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 1.25 with maximum of three. The percentages of encounters in which antimicrobials (AM) and anthelmintics (AH) were prescribed were 46.4% (1,156/2,489) and 46.7% (1,163/2,489), respectively. The percentages of drugs prescribed by generic name and from national veterinary drug list were 97.4% (2,424/2,489) and 100%, respectively. The most commonly prescribed AM and AH were oxytetracycline 73.9% (854), penicillin and streptomycin fixed combination 22.6% (261) and ivermectin 94.8% (1,102), respectively. Among the total of 2,000 animal patient encounters, all (100%) were treated empirically without getting correct laboratory supported diagnosis. Evaluation of drug prescription pattern based on clinical symptoms or disease diagnosed revealed that AM (22.6%) and AH (36.7%) were mostly prescribed for respiratory and musculoskeletal-integumentary systems, and gastrointestinal related clinical symptoms, respectively. The study result also showed AM (6.5%) were prescribed for parasitic diseases whereas AH were administered for bacterial (2.9%) and surgical (0.9%) cases respectively. Among 2489 drugs prescribed by professionals, 1762 (88.1%) and 238 (11.9%) were done by animal health assistants and veterinarians, respectively. On the basis of the finding of this study, the prescribing practice for antimicrobials shows deviation from the standard recommended by WHO. The findings had shown problems in generic prescribing, incorrect diagnosis and standardized patient case book with low prescribers’ educational status in the study area. Therefore, veterinary drugs should be judiciously used; and a wide scale study to safeguard the public from drug residual effects and antimicrobial resistance development is recommended.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food-borne diarrheal disease in human as well as animals. It is leading causes of acute gastroenteritis when ingested in contaminated foods, including meat and dairy products. Moreover, the emergence of multiple-resistant (MDR) isolates is increasing in human and veterinary medicines. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims at isolation, identification and antibiogram of Salmonella from selected dairy cattle farms, abattoir and in contact humans in both dairy farms and abattoir of Asella, Ethiopia. We collected 185 samples from abattoir (n=94) and dairy farms (n=91), which were isolated and identified according to ISO-6579, 2002. The overall proportion of Salmonella was 6.5% (12/185) (dairy farms n=4, 4.4% and abattoir n=8, 8.5%). Antibiogram of isolated Salmonella was also evaluated against ten commonly used antibiotics in both humans and veterinary medicines to treat salmonellosis by using the Kibry Bauer disk diffusion method. All isolates (100%, n=12) were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamycin followed by 91.7%, 75%, 66.7%, 58.3 and 50% of the isolates were susceptible to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, nalidixic acid and streptomycin, respectively. However, cefoxitin showed the highest resistance (66.7%) followed by ampicillin and amoxicillin (58.3% each). Moreover, 50% of the isolates were resistant to two or more of the tested antimicrobial agents. The highest MDR was seen on polled hand swabs from abattoir, resistance to eight antimicrobials (80%, n=8/10) with the combination of cefoxitin, ampicillin, amoxicillin and streptomycin being more frequent. High proportion of Salmonella was isolated from abattoir sample than dairy farms. These isolate developed MDR to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents in the study area. Hence, strict hygienic management in the farm and abattoir as well as rational use of antimicrobials should be practised to circumvent the further development of antimicrobial resistance.

A pair of the domesticated falcons Laggar falcons (Falco jugger ) from the District Jhang, Pakistan was presented with the history and the clinical conditions of the high rise in the body temperature, letharginess, signs of paralysis, off feed from 2 days and the pale colored conjunctiva was presented. Suspected case of the Babesia was confirmed and treated. The bird showed complete recovery. This is the relatively uncommon presentation of such case in avian family.

We utilized a comparative genomics approach to analyze a core set of tumorigenesis orthologs among human, mouse, dog and naked mole rat. The analysis identified cancer orthologs that are both conserved and divergent between dog and the cancer resistant species naked mole rat. These tumorigenesis orthologous are associated with phenotypes that modulate cancer susceptibility, cardiac development, craniofacial development, brain development, skeletal development, and immune function, to name a few. This bioinformatics approach employed a variety of literature mining tools to further uncover relationships between the tumorigenesis orthologs. Together, these results shed light on the relationship between breed formations, breed associated morphological traits and breed associated susceptibility to tumorigenesis. These findings support the use of a comparative genomic analysis between species with dramatically different disease phenotypes as a gene discovery tool. A total of 146 proteins coding SNPs were identified in these tumorigenesis orthologs representing missense variations, frame shift variations and nonsense variations. The genes identified in this study can serve as a list of candidates for subsequent laboratory and clinical study. Furthermore, the identification of SNPs impacting the primary structure of the tumorigenesis orthologs may provide clues about the basis of cancer susceptibility between dog breeds.

We reviewed different diagnostic methods of brucellosis in different livestock and humans. Bacteriological diagnosis, immunohistochemistry (an alternative technique for direct diagnosis) and different molecular methods for Brucella species genotyping are among the direct methods for diagnosis of brucellosis discussed in this review. The well-established indirect methods for diagnosis of brucellosis, serological and brucellin allergic skin tests were also critically conferred. Finally, for effective control and prevention of brucellosis around the world, the direct diagnostic methods are advised in order to develop vaccine against the circulating Brucella strain in the specific country.

Gallibacterium anatis though known since long as opportunistic pathogen of intensively reared poultry birds has emerged in last few years as multiple drug resistance pathogen causing heavy mortality outbreaks not only in poultry birds but also in other domiciled or domestic birds. Due to its fastidious nature, commensal status and with no pathgnomonic lesions in diseased birds G. anatis infection often remains obscure for diagnosis. Poor understanding of its epidemiology, virulence factors and pathogenesis work on development of effective vaccine obscured its importance; however, it is difficult to get rid of G. anatis infection on affected poultry farms. The present review summarises the current knowledge on G. anatis and its infections.

Definitive treatments for primary brain tumours are still sought. Slow-release local chemotherapy may provide a good effect and poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microcylinders could allow this. We evaluated the neurological and histopathological consequences, and MRI visibility, of PLGA microcylinders conjugated with temozolomide and gadolinium implanted in normal canine brains. Eight purpose-bred beagles had cerebral implantation of microcylinders combined with temozolomide and gadolinium. MRI was performed following implantation and 28d later prior to necropsy and brain histopathology. All adverse events were associated with implantation and resolved. Dogs with six microcylinders at 0 and 6.25% gadolinium had mild inflammation and all other dogs had greater brain inflammation, which increased with higher gadolinium concentrations and microcylinder number. Microcylinders with gadolinium were identifiable on MRI. Brain implantation of PLGA microcylinders conjugated with gadolinium and temozolomide is tolerated in healthy beagles. The lowest gadolinium percentage and microcylinder number should be used if this therapy is pursued.

Prevalence of Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) (“detected” test results) among all bovine samples tested at the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2008 - 2013 was calculated, and results were compared by age, sex, or breed of the cattle and BVDV diagnostic test methods. Necropsies were tested for BVDV when lesions suggestive of infection were identified. Adults, juveniles and most calves were tested by antigen (Ag) capture ELISA, while fetuses and some calves were tested by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Cattle originated from Utah and surrounding states. Chi-square analyses were used to test for significant differences in BVDV prevalence between age, sex, breed and test methods. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was detected in 105/8,975 samples (1.2%), including 22/180 necropsies (12.2%). Detection of BVDV by each test method was: Ag Capture ELISA-skin 79/7,692 (1.0%); Ag Capture ELISA-serum 19/1,195 (1.6%); PCR 7/88 (8.0%). Detection of BVDV by age, sex, breed was: male 5/215 (2.3%); female 9/382 (2.4%); fetus 3/36 (8.3%); calf (1-200 days old) 29/579 (5.0%); juvenile (201-729 days old) 4/183 (2.2%); adult (≥ 730 days old) 4/75 (5.3%); dairy 25/750 (3.3%); beef 26/1,600 (1.6%). There were no significant differences in BVDV detection by age or sex. Necropsied animals (P<0.0001), those tested with PCR (P<0.0001) and dairy breeds (P=0.07), were more likely to be detected with BVDV. When prevalence of BVDV has been reported over the last 20 years, it has focused on the 0.1% prevalence of persistently infected (PI) cattle, but PI cattle are a source of infection for large numbers of herdmates. The 8% prevalence in aborted fetuses and overall prevalence of >1% demonstrates that despite the low reported prevalence of persistently infected cattle, BVDV remains an important bovine disease.

Parasitic diseases are one of the most common problems that confront the health and productivity of animals worldwide. Parasites are responsible for organ condemnation, zoonoses and huge economic losses in animal production. Various control methods have been implemented to minimize or curb losses caused by parasitic diseases. Chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis are the most widely used control approaches all over the world. However, development of drug resistance, high price of the drugs, unavailability and growing concern about drug residues hinder the success of this approach. Vaccination is regarded as one of the best alternative method for the control of parasites in the future. In an attempt of to develop commercial vaccines against economically important parasites researchers have so far focused on identifying target antigens. Some of these include ticks salivary gland antigens, secretory and excretory antigens of helminthes and hidden antigens of Heamonchus contortus. As a result of this effort several candidate antigens have been identified, vaccines prepared from them and tested for their suitability and efficacy. However, most of these vaccines have not been widely utilized. Information about the regulations and standard operating procedures that apply to licensing of production and marketing of parasite vaccines is scanty. Therefore, the objective of this article is to review the current status of vaccines against parasitic diseases of animals.

Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) is threatening industry and backyard Muscovy duck poultry throughout the world. Here, we confirmed its presence in Indonesia for the first time. The outbreak described in this study occurred in a small fatty liver (French: foie gras) industry in Tabanan, Bali, and affected ducklings aged 2–3 weeks. Although older Muscovy ducks were present at the facility, they did not present signs of illness. Among the ducklings, the morbidity and mortality rates were 100% and 90%, respectively. The initial incidence began on 15 June 2014 and ended a month later. It reoccurred in January 2015. Clinical signs were lethargy, anorexia, watery diarrhoea, and dyspnea. The most frequent pathological lesions were cardiac enlargement with pale pericardia, haemorrhage, and enlargement of the liver. Dominant histopathology features were severe enteritis, epicarditis, and hepatitis. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and published primer pairs NS1/REP and VP1, MDPV infection was confirmed with whole DNA isolated from the heart and liver homogenates. Sequencing of the PCR products resulted in 900 bp NS1/REP and 1200 bp VP1 fragments specific to MDPV. The virus sequences from the two separated incidences were completely homologous with one another. Now that MDPV has been detected in Indonesia, it should be included in the differential diagnosis when evaluating ducklings with MDPV-associated symptoms.

We tested the new bone-forming activity of injectable native bovine BMP extracted from cadaveric bones obtained from the abattoir after SDS PAGE electrophoresis was used to determine the molecular weights and extract was bio-assayed in the goat thigh muscle pouch model. The bovine BMP extract was further used as an implant in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) and hydroxyapatite to heal segmental bone defects in a large animal tibia fracture model. Open tibia fractures were created in 20 adult goats with loss of 1.5 cm segment of the bone. 10 goats were treated with an implant of the study device (0.2 mg of extracted bovine BMP, ACS and hydroxyapatite) while 10 goats were treated with an implant of Buffer, ACS and hydroxyapatite. The devices were implanted as a mould in the segmental defects. The animals were monitored for callus formation which was measured on lateral radiographs and mean callus indexes determined. Radiographs indicated increased callus at 3 weeks in the extracted bovine BMP/ACS/hydroxyapatite treated tibiae. At 6 weeks, the extracted bovine BMP/ACS/ hydroxyapatite treated tibiae had superior radiographic healing scores compared with the control group. The extracted bovine BMP/ACS/hydroxyapatite treated tibiae produced significantly larger volume of callus (p<0.02) compared to the buffer/ACS/hydroxyapatite treated tibiae. Total callus and new bone volume was significantly increased (p<0.02) in the extracted bovine BMP/ACS/hydroxyapatite treated tibiae compared with buffer/ACS/ hydroxyapatite groups. Extracted bovine BMP/ACS/hydroxyapatite altered the timing of onset of periosteal/ endosteal callus formation in the treated groups compared to untreated controls.

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the most common ectoparasites of dog in the world. The study of ticks infestation and tick-borne diseases on the dog is necessary, because this information still limited in Indonesia. Ticks and dog blood test sampling were done at Animal Police Directorate Security Agency (Baharkam) and Atang Sendjaja Air Force (ATS). In addition, ticks and cases on ticks infestation data were obtained from 21 veterinary clinics in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung. All ticks samples were preserved in bottles containing 70% alcohol for identification, and dog blood tests performed for Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis diagnosis. This research was done in March to December 2013. The results showed that all ticks samples collected from Baharkam dogs, ATS dogs and Veterinary Clinics in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung were identified as one species, i.e., Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The prevalence of dogs infested by ticks were 67.90% in Baharkam 100% in ATS, and the prevalence in 21 Veterinary Clinic in Jakarta, Bogor, and Bandung from 2008-2013 tend to be increased every year. The tick predilections in Baharkam dogs distributed on the back regio (35.0%), the head, ears and neck (29.0%), the legs and the interdigital spaces (14.5%), the abdomen (10.9%) and the tail (10.9%). The tick larvae were found not only in the kennel but also on the grass field of Baharkam which often use for the training of police dogs. These places can be a source of transmission of tick infestation among dogs. The purebred and male dogs in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung were more infested than the crossbred, local and female dogs. The prevalence of Ehrlichiosis on Baharkam dog was 12%, and 40% from ATS dogs. The results of blood smear examination on Baharkam dogs showed positive Babesia (8%) and Anaplasma (16%). There was no relationship between the degree of tick infestations to E. canis, Babesia and Anaplasma infections (p>0.05).

The different mammalian species show a wide diversity in methods of breeding. Some of them limit their reproductive activity to certain period of the year while some breed throughout the year. This is to avoid the unfavorable environmental conditions including the non-availability of feed, water, housing etc. However, the difference in breeding strategies lies in the central regulatory system the supra chiasmatic nucleus. It controls the circadian rhythm and the nocturnal drive of melatonin. There by the GnRH/LH are under the negative feedback influence of the oestrogen. Change in daylight period is the primary factors those onsets the breeding season. In addition to it, change in oestrogen concentration, neuropeptides, Kisspeptin, GnIH, Thyroid glands and many other environmental factors like availability of food, water, housing, space and climate also influence the onset of breeding.

It is true most proportions of Africans livestock owners do not realize as animals are sensitive to beatings and mistreatment. As any African countries, Ethiopia has not formulated regular ways of awareness creation to the public and is not endorsed to the community what the minimal animal welfare standards to be esteemed. The issues of animal welfare in Ethiopia go to King Minilk II, yet the country lack practicing and enforcing the laws until present time. Despite the fact huge number of livestock present in the country, welfare not well kept, hence poor productivity and production is a common feature of the sector. Respecting the five freedoms of animals at least can help to secure the minimum standards of respecting animals’ right. Freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, disease, fear, distress and freedom to express normal behavior are the known five rights. The marketing places, during transporting, farming places, slaughtering houses, feeding areas, sheltering areas and watering places are the commonest areas where welfare deprived. Except equines and homeless dogs, no document was found on organizations working in most ruminants, camels, and poultry at all. Most of the present works indicated, as there are wide violations of the animal right developing world including Ethiopia. Developing nations like Ethiopia need to develop systems to inspect animal facilities and review research practices to ensure that animal welfare issues well addressed in all institutions and facilities dealing with animals remain basic concern. Frequent updating the current public thoughts, believes about the importance of practicing good animal welfare management and applying legislative actions will be important in animal production systems especially in developing countries like that of Ethiopia, where the poor animal welfare is enormous.