BACKGROUND: Various flea species have already been reported from dogs, among which the most important ones include Ct. felis, Ct. canis, and P. irritans. Fleas can cause annoyance in dogs and human and transmit a variety of bacterial, fungal, and viral agents to the host. In addition, they could function as an intermediate host of Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis diminuta.  OBJECTIVES: Due to the lack of molecular species-associated identification data, we conducted the current study to differentiate Ct. felis and Ct. canis with molecular assay. METHODS: In the present study, 605 fleas were primarily collected from the dogs referred to Tehran Veterinary Faculty hospital. Subsequently, the flea species were identified under a microscope with morphological keys. Afterwards, COX1 genes of Ct. felis and Ct. canis were amplified via PCR and the locus was finally compared utilizing RFLP and sequencing. RESULTS: Totally, 605 fleas were isolated from 20 dogs. In morphological studies, three species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans. Pulex irritans had the highest frequency (61.8 %). In molecular study, 552 bp fragment of COX1 gene in two species was amplified and seen on agarose gel. After sequencing, it was seen that two species sequences in COX1 locus had a similarity of 99 % and all of them depended on Ct. canis. In PCR-RFLP, in which Taq1 enzyme was used for differentiation of two species, the same result was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Even though these two species of dog flea are distinct morphologically, their molecular differentiation using COX1 genes was not successful.

BACKGROUND: It is fundamental to find the safest food preservatives in order to acheive the maximum health and economic benefits. Salmonella enteritidis is the cause of Salmonellosis, one of the most important foodborn zoonoses in poultry. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial effects of Trachyspermum copticum, Thymus vulgaris, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils and Formaldehyde against Salmonella Enteritidis. METHODS: In this study minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Trachyspermum copticum, and Thymus vulgaris essential oils against Salmonella enteritidis were determined using broth macro-dilution. The effects of essential oils on growth curve of Salmonella Enteritidis were also evaluated. RESULTS: In this study, MIC for the minimum inhibitory concentration level of Trachyspermum copticum, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and formaldehyde for Salmonella Enteritidis was determined as 500, 700, 500, and 70 ppm while MBC was calculated as 700, 900, 1000, and 200ppm, respectively. This study revealed that all the treatments increased lag phase. Bacterial growth speed was slower for Trachyspermum copticum of all the concentrations, yet a significant difference was observed only in 1 and 2 MIC of other treatments (p < /em><0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Trachyspermum copticum (with less concentration), Thymus vulgaris, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (with higher concentration) could be employed as a substitution of a proporation of formaldehyde to prevent bacterial development in food.

BACKGROUND: Microbial growth and unfavorable taste and aroma are the leading reasons of meat spoilage under refrigerated temperatures. Today, plant essential oils are good alternatives to synthetic preservatives. In the meantime, nanotechnology has been instrumental in helping to apply the most effective plant compounds on the target cell. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify the compounds of essential oil of Cuminum cyminum and to investigate the microbial counts (total count, psychrotrophs, lactic acid bacteria, mold and yeast) after preparation of nanoemulsions of cumin essential oil via ultrasonic method and its nanoemulsions. Moreover, herein, we intended to evaluate organoleptic in chicken fillet samples under temperature of 4 °C. METHODS: The essential oil components were analyzed with GC / MS and the effects of Cuminum cyminum essential oil nanoemulsion were examined on microbial count and organoleptic properties in terms of color, odor, and overall acceptance (with 9-point hedonic scale) on Cuminum cyminum EO nanoemulsions in chicken fillets under 4 °C. RESULTS: The major identified components of Cuminum cyminum by extraction time were: beta- pinene (8.90 %), benzene- methyl (16.51 %), gamma- terpene (13.39 %), propanal (29.43 %), 1 -Isopropylidene-3-N-butyl2-cyclobutene (6.52 %), and benzene methanol (8.36 %). The results of microbial count at the last day of storage showed that the treatment containing 20 % and 25 % nanoemulsions significantly delayed microbial spoilage compared to other treatments (p < /em><0.05). The control treatment also indicated the highest level of microbial spoilage; as represented in Log 6, the maximum bacterial count in chicken fillets and the shelf life of BHT at 0.02 % concentration continued until day 3. Furthermore, in organoleptic evaluation, 20 % and 25 % nanoemulsion treatment scored higher than other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Nanoemulsions of Cuminum cyminum EO at concentrations of 20 % and 25 % were able to delay the microbial spoilage of chicken fillets and produced organoleptically favorable results.

BACKGROUND: Abomasal ulcer is a disease of digestive system in ruminants. The clinical signs vary widely depending on the type of abomasal ulcer. The economic losses of this disease include decreased milk yield and mortality. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the frequency, type of ulcer, pathological, hematological, and electrocardiographic indices in the slaughtered cattle in Sanandaj abattoir. METHODS: A total of 400 cattle were randomly selected with both sexes and 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and ≥4 years of age. They were grouped during three seasons and the abomasal ulcer was evaluated. Blood sample was collected and electrocardiogram was recorded before they were slaughtered. Abomasal lesions were assessed macroscopically and histopathologically in the slaughtered cattle. RESULTS: Out of the 400 abomasom examined, 51 (12.75 %) were affected by abomasal ulcers, all of which were type-1 ulcer. Subtypes 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. 35 cattle (68.7 %) had the types of arrhythmia. The most frequent of them was sinus arrhythmia and sinus tachycardia. Neutrophilia and reduction in MCHC were significantly more than the other hematological indices (p < /em>˂0.05). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of abomasal ulcers and arrhythmia, gender, age, and season (p < /em>˂0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between electrocardiographic and hematological indices in the affected cattle (p < /em>˂0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of abomasal ulcer in the studied area. They also indicated that the electrocardiographic and hematological changes could be helpful in the diagnosis of abomasal ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium perfringens is an important animal pathogen that causes severe loses to the livestock and poultry industries. Therefore, bacterial detection is believed to be of particular importance. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify Iranian isolates using conventional and molecular methods and to evaluate their toxicity. METHODS: In this work, 23 Clostridium perfringens type B isolates were examined via microbiological and biochemical tests. Subsequently, they were subjected to PCR technique for the final confirmation. After culturing of the isolates in specific medium, the minimum lethal dose test was performed. The most toxigenic isolate and reference strain was prepared the enterotoxaemia anaculture vaccine. Serum neutralization test was performed on the experimental inactive vaccines. RESULTS: The results revealed that etx and cpb gene could be found in all of the isolates, yet cpb2 gene was found in 65.2 % of the isolates. The minimum lethal dose ranges for these bacteria was less than 1/10 to more than 1/900. The results of serum neutralization in Iranian isolate and reference strains were 5 and 10 IU / ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings herein implied that strain 1795 with high toxicity could be used in vaccine production. Of course, for use in production, further research on target animals is needed.

HISTORY: Suspensory ligament injury associated with avulsion or crescent fracture of third metacarpal or metatarsal bone is a common injury in racehorses. Lameness is known to be the most common clinical sign of these horses. CLINICAL FINDING: The present article investigated two avulsion fractures in the third metacarpal bone in 2.5-year-old mare and stallion, which had chronic lameness with a vague origin and disability of weight bearing in left forelimbs. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS: Following radiography and ultrasonography examinations, suspensory ligament injury and subsequently avulsion fracture in the proximal third of metacarpal bones in left forelimb were approved. FINAL EVALUATION: In radiography, radiolucent lines associated with fragmented segments (about 2×6×8 mm) in mare and (about 2×4×6 mm) in stallion  in the proximal part of  the third metacarpal bone were indicative of an avulsion or crescent fracture at the origin of the suspensory ligament. Furthermore, in ultrasonography compatible with radiographic findings, an echogenic-fragmented fracture in the proximal part of the third metacarpal bone and a local area of decreased echogenicity was diagnosed as desmopathy of suspensory ligament.

BACKGROUND: Today, the fight against the bacteria causing foodborne diseases is of particular importance in the packaging of seafood. It is therefore vital to find new compounds with antibacterial properties.OBJECTIVES: In the present study, antibacterial properties of synthetic nanocomposite zinc chromite-zinc aluminate (ZnCr2O4-ZnAl2O4) on E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied.METHODS: After synthesis of nanocomposite, antibacterial activity of nanocomposite zinc chromite-zinc aluminate was evaluated via disk diffusion method, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) using the microdilution method.RESULTS: The results of this study revealed a higher sensitivity reaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.6±1.2 mm) compared to E. coli (12.7 ± 1.4 mm). No significant differences were observed between Gentamicin antibiotic and synthetic nanocomposite against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P<0.05). The minimum MIC and MBC concentrations were seen in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.66 mg/ml) and the maximum concentration of MIC belonged to E. coli (5 mg/ml).CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the effects of nanoparticles on these gram-negative bacteria could be attributed to the small diameter of the ions, and hence the greater penetrability of these nanoparticles despite the wall's resistance. Based on the results, zinc chromite-zinc aluminate nanocomposite showed a better performance compared with gram-negative bacteria, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant bacteria, and could be used for further studies in fisheries product packaging.

BACKGROUND: Fresh sausages are classified as one of the most perishable meat products due to the lack of using chemical preservatives.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to increase the refrigeration time of fresh sausages using Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil.METHODS: In this study, samples of fresh sausages, containing different concentrations of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 %), were prepared and stored under the refrigerated condition for 17 days. Subsequently, they were evaluated for microbial, chemical, and sensory properties at six time intervals (days 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 17).RESULTS: Based on the results of the study, by adding Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil to fresh sausages, the microbial count in the treatments containing high concentrations of essential oil (0.1 and 0.2 %) was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). The amount of volatile nitrogen bases at the beginning of the study was 14 mg/ 100 g and after six days, in the control group, it reached 32.1 mg/ 100 g. Meanwhile, in the treated samples, it was less than 25 mg/ 100 g up to day 10. Moreover, at the end of the study, the level of TBARS in the control group reached 1.48 mg malondialdehyde /kg while this level was less than 0.78 mg malondialdehyde / kg for the groups treated with Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil. The results of this study also showed that the addition of essential oil has a non-significant effect (P>0.05) on sensory properties.CONCLUSIONS: Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil was found to have the potential to increase the shelf life of fresh sausages without adverse sensory effects.

BACKGROUND: Sex determination is an essential issue in certain fish species, like sturgeons. During the rearing management, distinguishing between male and female fish is an important process for producing meat or caviar.OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to find the feasibility of electric organ discharge (EOD) frequency ‎generating to introduce a novel method of sex determination in three freshwater species, namely the ‎black ghost knife fish (Aptronotus albifrons), goldfish (Carassius auratus), and the Sterlet ‎sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus), as non-electric fishes.METHODS: In this regard, following sex detection, EOD frequency ‎of fishes were recorded via an oscilloscope. In addition, knife fish was used as a reference sample on which a lot of work has been done to evaluate the accuracy of the method and the use of the oscilloscope. Furthermore, the EOD frequency of male and female ‎Sterlet sturgeons was recorded and reported for the first time in this study.RESULTS: The frequency ‎magnitude was significantly different in genders of Sterlet (P<0.05) with higher EOD frequency in males ‎than in females. There was no recorded frequency in goldfish ‎male and female. EOD frequencies, which were recorded in male and female of black ghost fish, ‎represented significant differences compared with the other studies (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results achieved ‎in this study revealed that sex differences are one of the effective parameters in terms of EOD ‎frequency inequality; this non-invasive method can be utilized for sex identification of valuable ‎species, like sturgeon. However, it is required to gather advanced equipment and conduct further ‎research in physiology and biology of reproduction for accurate recording of electrical frequencies ‎and detection of their origins.

BACKGROUND: Neosporosis is a disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, which is characterized by abortion in cattle and neuromuscular paralysis of various organs, particularly the hind limbs of dogs. The diagnosis of neosporosis is often made by serological molecular tests.OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the presence of N. caninum oocysts in the feces of dogs. METHODS: A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from indoor and outdoor dogs during 2018-2019 around Tabriz. Information about age, location, and history of antiparasitic treatment of the dogs were recorded in a questionnaire. Primarily, fecal samples were examined microscopically for Neospora ocysts. After breaking the collected oocysts through freeze-thaw and sonication, DNA contents of the oocysts were extracted and analyzed via PCR.RESULTS: In a light microscopic study, oocysts were observed in 45 (45 %) of the fecal samples. In the PCR study, 21 of the 45 cases tested positive for Neospora infection (21 %). All the positive cases of infection were observed in molecular examination in dogs older than one year. The positive cases were observed in 2 % of the domestic dogs, 8 % of the stray dogs, 6 % of the kennel dogs, and 5 % of the rural dogs. Furthermore, 19 % of the infected dogs had no history of antiparasitic treatment; only 2% had a history of antiparasitic treatment. The results of statistical analysis showed that the rate of infection in dogs around Tabriz with Neospora caninum was significantly (P<0.05) related to the animal's living environment and history of antiparasitic treatment. However, this rate was found to have no significant relationships with the age of the animals.CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high rate of infection with Neospora caninum in dogs in Tabriz, it is necessary to apply preventive methods in traditional and industrial farms around this city and use rapid diagnosis methods in them.