Many countries of the world have been combating the new variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Black fungus is an opportunistic foe that may cause fatal infection in immunocompromised and steroid-treated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) is now a serious concern throughout the world, includ-ing many Asian countries. Therefore, along with early and accurate diagnostic facilities, special care, and prompt, but coordinated approach are recommended to combat the CAM in patients. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 367-369]

Objective: The TYR (Tyrosinase) and MC1R (Melanocortin 1 receptor) genes are recognized as important genes involved in plumage pigmentation in Korean native chickens. Specifically, most color patterns in chicken result from differential expression of the TYR gene. In this study, the co-segregation of the pigmentation and sequence of the TYR and MC1R genes was investigated through intercrosses between red (R1q1), red with black and black plumage color types of native Korean chickens. Materials and Methods: Using DNA, RNA, and tissue by plumage color of each Korean native chickens, the role of major genes in pigmentation of pheomelanin was evaluated. Reverse tran¬scription polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, western blot, and immunohistochemical were performed to determine the effect of TYR and MC1R genes on plumage pigmentation in Korean native chickens. Results: The KCO line (Korean chicken Ogol: Black-line) with an EEC _ genotype exhibited black feathers, whereas red and red mixed with black chicken with EeC genotype exhibited white feathers. There were notable differences between the base sequences of MC1R and TYR in three Korean chicken breeds, with the highest variation in TYR. Perhaps this is the key characteristics of Korean chicken. Further, we analyzed the expression patterns of MC1R and TYR genes in each type of Korea native chicken and observed that TYR expression was high in feather follicle (R1q2) of KCO tissue. However, native red (Korean chicken red) and native red with black (Korean chicken red dark) chickens have increased TYR expression in the tissue. However, the expression of MC1R was much different from that of TYR. Conclusion: In this study, our results suggest that the differences in position and TYR expres¬sion levels exert more influence on plumage pigmentation in native Korean chicken breeds than changes in MC1R expression levels. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(2.000): 266-273]

Objectives: Demodicosis is a vital skin problem in dogs. The present study has determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of demodicosis in dogs and the response to treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 skin scrapings were collected from dogs having dermatolog¬ical lesions brought to the Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Center of Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for treatment purpose. The collected scrapings were dissolved in 10% potassium hydroxide to detect mites through microscopic examination. Various risk factors like breed, age, sex, hair type, health status, and management system (indoor and outdoor) were analyzed using the logistic regression model. Positive cases were treated with oral ivermectin (Scabo®; at 0.6 mg/kg/day) along with amitraz 12.5% (Ridd®) diluted to 0.05% for rub¬bing on the body after bathing with chlorhexidine shampoo (PetHex®). Clavulanate amoxicillin (Moxaclav®) and omega-3 fatty acids (OMG-3®) were also suggested to prevent secondary bacte¬rial infection and to maintain skin and hair coat integrity. The recovery rate was observed every 24 weeks of treatment upto 1113 weeks. Results: The overall prevalence of demodicosis was recorded as 27%. Hair type, health status, and management system were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of demodicosis in dogs. Following treatment, the first negative skin scraping for mite was noticed at 810 weeks of treatment, and in all cases, clinical signs completely disappeared at 8090 days of treatment. Conclusion: A good percentage of the dogs having dermatological lesions was determined as demodicosis. Long-term oral ivermectin and topical amitraz, an oral antibiotic, and nutritional therapy are effective against canine demodicosis. Keeping long-haired dogs with good body con¬dition and indoor management is highly suggestive of preventing and controlling the disease. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 116-122]

Objective: Indonesia is one of the Newcastle disease (ND) endemic countries in the world. An outbreak of the ND virus(NDV) was first reported in Indonesia in 1926. This study aimed to detect, isolate, and classify the NDV by molecular approaches from poultry farms in South Sulawesi Province of Indonesia in 2019. Materials and Methods: As many as 36 pooling samples from the cloacal swab, trachea swab, proventriculus, and spleen tissues obtained from ND-suspected chickens were isolated in 11-day old embryonated chicken eggs type-specific antibody-negative. The viruses were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), followed by sequencing. Results: The results showed that 18 out of 36 pooling samples were NDV-positive based on the isolation result and RT-PCR test. The sequencing results showed that 10 NDV isolates had a motif 112R-R-Q-K-R-F117 in the fusion protein cleavage site region, which suggested that the NDV isolates were of virulent pathotype. The phylogenetic studies based on the F genes partial nucleotide sequence classified the study isolates into NDV virus genotype/subgenotype VII.2. Conclusion: These findings are expected to help provide the latest characteristic information of NDV in South Sulawesi Province to determine the seed vaccine for control strategies of ND. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 129-137]

Objective: Rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD) is a transmittable and lethal viral illness of rabbits. In this study, genetic identification and genetic analysis of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) was made in three governorates in Egypt from 2014 to 2019. Materials and Methods: Livers from 18 freshly dead rabbits, which was guessed to be VHD epidemics in Egypt (Giza, Menofia, and Fayoum governorates) from 2014 to 2019, were examined for RHDV. The examination was based on the hemagglutination assay (HA) test against different mammalian (human O-type and sheep) and avian (chicken and pigeon) erythrocytes, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and sequencing of the segment of VP60. Results: 33% of the examined samples virus titers were 5 log2 to 8 log2 hemagglutination of human O-type erythrocytes when compared to 28%, 11%, and 28% of sheep, chicken, and pigeon erythrocytes, respectively. Four RHDV isolates out of eight RT-PCR positives were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Sequenced isolates were designed and submitted to GenBank with accession numbers MN904506, MN904507, MN904508, and MN904509. These four RHDV isolates were related to classic G3 (GI.1d/RHDV). Twelve amino acid differences were detected between the vaccine strain sequence (Giza-2006) and RHDV isolates. Amino acid differences at 416, 423, and 476 positions seem interesting as they changed polarity that could change the protein structure and affect host interaction. Conclusions: There is antigenic variation between circulating RHVD strains and the vaccinal strain. This may be the leading cause of vaccination failure and may increase the need to check out the vaccination program against RHVD. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 396-403]

Objective: Coccidiosis is a protozoan infection that can result in hemorrhagic diarrhea, depres¬sion, weakness, weight loss, and even mortality in young animals. β-defensin-1 is an antimicro¬bial peptide produced largely by epithelial cells in the skin and mucosa. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate how β-defensin-1 levels changed in coccidiosis-infected calves. Materials and Methods: The sample included 10 coccidiosis-positive calves and 7 healthy calves, for a total of 17 calves of diverse breeds and older than 15 days. To assess the level of β-defen¬sin-1, blood samples were obtained from the vena jugularis of the animals. The concentrations of β-defensin-1 in the serum were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Although the serum β-defensin-1 level decreased in infected animals, the drop was not statistically significant when compared to the control group. Conclusion: According to the studys findings, there was no significant change in the serum β-de¬fensin-1 level in coccidiosis-infected calves. We believe that it will be advantageous to conduct additional studies with a larger sample size in order to acquire more precise results. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 494-500]

Objective: The avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 circulating in Indonesia has raised increasing concern about its impact on poultry and its public health risks. In this study, the H9N2 virus from chicken poultry farms in Java was isolated and characterized molecularly. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three pooled samples of chicken brain, cloacal swab, trachea, and oviduct were taken from multiple chickens infected with AIV in five regions of Java, Indonesia. The samples were isolated from specific pathogenic-free embryonated eggs that were 9 days old. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to identify H9N2 viruses. Results: This study was successful in detecting and characterizing 13 H9N2 isolates. The sequencing analysis of hemagglutinin genes revealed a 96.9%98.8% similarity to the H9N2 AIV isolated from Vietnam in 2014 (A/muscovy duck/Vietnam/LBM719/2014). According to the phylogenetic analysis, all recent H9N2 viruses were members of the lineage Y280 and clade h9.4.2.5. Nine of the H9N2 isolates studied showed PSKSSR↓GLF motifs at the cleavage site, while four had PSKSSR↓GLF. Notably, all contemporary viruses have leucine (L) at position 216 in the receptor-binding region, indicating that the virus can interact with a human-like receptor. Conclusion: This study described the features of recent H9N2 viruses spreading in Javas poultry industry. Additionally, H9N2 infection prevention and management must be implemented to avoid the occurrence of virus mutations in the Indonesian poultry industry. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(3.000): 423-434]

Objectives: Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that begins immediately following tissue injury and continues until the wound is completely healed and remodeled. Applying the most effective burn repair techniques is a constant challenge in medicine. Antiulcerogenic and wound healing properties of Areca palm leaves have been validated through various investigations and animal studies. This study aimed to determine the potential for A. palm hydroalcoholic extract to heal burn wounds in rats. Materials and Methods: For 14 days, we examined 40 male Wistar albino rats in 5 groups: those receiving 1% silver sulfadiazine cream (reference standard), those receiving eucerin (positive control), and those receiving 5% and 10% ointments of Areca catechu hydroalcoholic extract (treatment groups). No treatment was given to the negative control group. On the dorsal part of the animals necks, burn wounds were made. After the rats were sacrificed, the wound contraction rate (WCR) was determined, and the wound sites were histopathologically examined. Results: On the 14th day, the WCR was significantly higher in rats treated with A. palm 10% extract ointment than in rats treated with 5% extract, positive or negative control groups (p < 0.001), or rats treated with silver sulphfadiazine (p = 0.01). After applying a 10% extract ointment to burn wound sites, complete healing occurred with only mild tissue inflammation and edema. Conclusion: The studys findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of A. palm L. has the abil¬ity to expedite the wound healing process. Additional research is necessary to identify the compounds responsible for their wound healing properties and comprehend their action mechanism. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 619-628]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pretreatment with medetomidine (Me), midazolam (Mi), and ketamine (Ke) on stress-related neurohormonal and metabolic responses in isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy and castration. Materials and Methods: We prospectively recruited 112 client-owned healthy mixed-breed cats. In both surgeries, we divided the cats into seven groups (eight cats per group): non-treatment (control), Me (50 μg/kg), Mi (0.5 mg/kg), Ke (5 mg/kg), Me + Mi, Me + Ke and Me + Mi + Ke administered intramuscularly. After pretreatments, we maintained anesthesia with isoflurane and oxygen. Venous blood was taken before pretreatment, pre- and post-operatively during anesthesia, and at early- and complete-recovery. Results: Both plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline were reduced during anesthesia in all groups. Plasma cortisol increased during anesthesia and at early recovery in non-Me-treated groups, whereas it decreased in Me-treated groups in both surgeries. Plasma insulin and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) decreased, and glucose increased during anesthesia in all groups, but hyperglycemia and decrease in NEFA were greater in Me-treated groups. Conclusions: In isoflurane-anesthetized cats undergoing surgeries, premedication with Me alone and in combination is useful for reducing the perioperative stress-related increase in cortisol and catecholamines except for hyperglycemia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 563-575]

Objective: To identify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites that affect the backyard poul¬try system in the Savanna region, Department of Sucre, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 860 native birds, both hens (Gallus domesticus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), regardless of age and sex. Samples were processed using direct techniques with ZnSO4 and indirect methods such as modified Sloss. Data were presented as frequencies, and the nonparametric odds ratio test was used for two independent samples. Results: A total of 77.3% (665/860) of the birds were infected with one or more species of gas¬trointestinal parasites. Among the nematodes, Capillaria spp. (45.6%), Ascaridia galli (18.4%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.4%), Syngamus trachea (38.9%), Tetrameres spp. (25.2%), and Strongylus spp. (12.2%) were recorded. The cestodes were Choanotaenia infundibulum (22.6%), Davainea proglottina (42.3%), Raillietina spp. (58.3%), and Hymenolepis spp. (54.7%), while only Eimeria spp. (90%) was recorded as protozoa. Conclusions: The study showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal parasite infestations, the most common species being Hymenolepis spp., Eimeria spp., Raillietina spp., and Heterakis gallinarum. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 606-611]