Objective: The present research work was undertaken with the objectives to investigate the prevalence and molecular detection of the causal agents of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) in cows at milk shed areas in Sirajganj and Pabna districts, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 300 milk samples were randomly collected from Baghabari milk shed areas of Sirajganj and Pabna districts. The milk samples were subjected for California Mastitis Test (CMT) for identifying SCM. Total 81 positive samples were then used for the isolation and identification of associated bacteria and fungi using conventional microbiological examination and biochemical tests, followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Besides, universal primers were used for amplification and sequencing of PCR products where specific primers were not used. Results: The overall prevalence of SCM was 51% (n=153/300). Based on bacteriological examination and biochemical tests, several bacteria were identified in this study; the orgnaisms included Staphylococcus sp. (45.68%), Streptococcus uberis (14.81%), Escherichia coli (9.88%), Proteus sp. (19.75%), Salmonella sp. (1.23%), Acinetobacter sp. (7.41%), and fungus (1.23%). PCR technique confirmed the bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus (279-bp), Streptococcus uberis (884-bp), E. coli (16SrRNA 585-bp, stx1 606-bp, rfbO157 497-bp) and Salmonella sp. (Inv-A gene796-bp). Conclusion: This study reveals that SCM in dairy cattle is persisting in Sirajganj and Pabna districts of Bangladesh. Hygienic practices should be improved, and providing technical intereventions may reduce the rate of SCM in the study areas. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 378-384]

Objective: Environmental pollution and the resultant genotoxicity, has become a major livestock, public and environmental health concern with direct impact on the ecosystem. Here, application of micronucleus test and frequency score as a potential biomarker of genotoxic effect and bio-monitoring have been discussed aiming at exploring environmental polution. Materials and methods: A total of 100 domestic goats slaughtered at the Bodija Municipal Abattoir were used in this study. Blood sample was analyzed for the quantification of the hematological parameters. The bone marrow smear was viewed microscopically for the detection of micronucleus and other nuclear abnormalities. The frequency of micronucleus was quantified to group the sampled goats into MN-positive and MN-negative groups for further analysis. Results: MN was positive in 21% of the sampled goats with varying frequency ranging from (6-15% count per 2000 cells examined). Bi-nucleation, multi-nucleation and high mitotic index were also observed and quantified. The packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and neutrophil count were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the MN-positive groups while anemia was reported in 33.3% of the MN-positive goats. Conclusion: The finding indicates the prevalence and frequency of micronucleus as a biomarker of genotoxicity and an indicator of exposure to environmental genotoxic subtances. Hence, this highlights the relevance of these goats as important sentinel animal model. These findings, therefore, serve as a preliminary data for further studies on the latent genotoxic environmental contaminants and their potential deleterious impact. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(3.000): 281-287]

Objective: The objective of this study was to isolate and identify Pasteurella spp. associated with pneumonic lungs showing respiratory signs of goats in Ethiopia. Materials and methods: A total of 2400 goats that were slaughtered at the Hashim&#146;s Ethiopian Livestock and Meat Export abattoir, Ethiopia were randomly selected for this cross-sectional study during the period of October 2013 to July 2014. Detail ante-mortem, and post-mortem (PM) lesions were inspected, and the suspected samples were collected aseptically from the lungs. Among 2400 goats, 31(1.29%) goats were not slaughtered because these goats showed severe clinical signs. Thus, 2369 goats were slaughtered finally. The collected samples were subjected for isolation and identification of bacterial species following conventional methods such as culture and biochemical examinations. Results: Out of 2400 goats examined, 960(40%) animals showed different abnormal respiratory signs. Based on PM findings, 16.21% (n=384/2369) lungs were found as pneumonic, of which 78.38% (n=301/384) were found to be associated with Pasteurella organism. The overall prevalence of Pasteurella organism (Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida) was 12.71% (n=301/2369). In this study, youngers and goats with medium body condition score (BCS) had greater probability (P<0.05) to be infected by the bacteria though there was no difference in exposure to the organism among goats from Arsi, Bale and Hararghe. On the other hand, out of 301 positive cases, 274(91.03%) were caused by M. haemolytica, and 27(8.97%) were caused by P. multocida isolates. Conclusion: Pasteurella organism especially M. hemolytica is one of the most common causes of pneumonic pasteurellosis in caprine at the study area. So, chemoprophylaxis needs to be given to small ruminants prior to transportation or other stress conditions. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 147-154]

Objective: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by members of the genus Brucella. It causes economic loss and ill health among animals and humans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in cattle particularly in White Fulani breed of cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of 120 blood samples were collected randomly from the cattle in Kwara State of Nigeria. Sera were separated from the blood samples. The serum was used for the identification of antibodies against Brucella present in it. Three screening tests namely Bovine Brucella Antibody Test (BBAT; ImmunoCombR), Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) were used for the identification purpose. Results: Based on BBAT, 13.3% (n=16/120) cattle were positive for brucellosis. Similary, 14.2% (n=17/120) and 3.3% (n=4/120 cattle were found to be positive for RBPT and SAT, respectively. The affected cattle were mainly of White Fulani breed with few cross-bred. Conclusion: Results of this study indicates that brucella antibody is circulating in cattle examined in the study area. This calls for urgent public health intervention and routine screening of other domestic animals as well. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 222-226]

Chikungunya fever, a serious global public health problem, is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Chikungunya virus belonging to the family Togaviridae. The virus was first detected in Tanzania in1953. At present, the virus has been detected over 60 countries across the globe. The virus is transmitted mainly through Aedes mosquitoes. Although not fatal, the affected persons suffer a lot from high fever, severe pain and other complications. Currently there is no effective treatment or vaccine for the Chikungunya virus. The situation is severe in developing countries that lack sufficient diagnostic facilities and control measures. Adequate coordinated efforts comprising active surveillance, early detection, vector control and public awareness at local, national and international level need to be adopted in endemic areas for the effective control of Chikungunya virus infection. This mini review highlights some of the advances recently have made in our understanding of Chikungunya virus. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 125-131]

Objective: The current study was conducted to explore the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in relation to species, age, sex, season, and body condition in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional coprological survey was carried out at Mymensingh Sadar in Mymensingh from July 2015 to June 2016. In total, 433 fecal samples were screened for eggs/oocysts/cysts of parasite and counted by using standard qualitative and quantitative techniques. Eggs/oocysts/cysts were identified according to their characteristic features. Results: The study found 74.8% (n=324/433) prevalence of GI parasites in small ruminants. Species-wise prevalence indicated that 77.0% (n=268/348) goats and 65.9% (n=56/85) sheep harbored parasitic infection. Nine species of GI parasites were identified in the study area namely Strongyloides sp., Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Trichuris sp., Paraphistomum spp., Fasciola spp., Eimeria spp. and Balantidium spp. The level of egg/oocyst/cyst per gram of feces (EPG/OPG/CPG) was ranged between 100 and 1200. Young small ruminants (78.4%) showed significantly (P=0.026) higher prevalence as compared to adult (68.8%). Between sexes, significantly (P=0.000) higher prevalence was found in female (83.6%) than male (64.7%). Infection was significantly (P=0.000) highest in poor body conditioned small ruminants (82.1%) as compared to moderate (72.2%) and good body conditioned (53.8%) small ruminants. In case of season, highest prevalence was found in rainy season (83.6%) followed by summer (78.6%) and winter (59.4%) with significant seasonal variations (P=0.000). Conclusion: Finally, GI parasites are endemic among small ruminants in the study area. Knowledge on these parasites and related epidemiological parameters is important for outlining fruitful control strategies against GI parasites. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 356-362]

Objective: This clinical case reports the occurrence of stage I pinkeye with concurrent pneumonic pasteurellosis in a goat. Materials and methods: A 2-year-old Jamnapari goat weighing 25 Kg was presented to the Universiti Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia with primary complain of eye problem and inappetence. Results: Upon clinical examination, the most prominent abnormality observed was corneal opacity of the right eye with presence of ulceration on the corneal surface and chemosis of the right conjunctiva with excessive lacrimation. On auscultation, there was the presence of crackle lung sounds with bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharges. Samples from the ocular swab yielded a positive growth for Mycoplasma spp., while the nasal swab yielded a positive growth for Mannheimia haemolytica. The goat was diagnosed with stage I pinkeye with concurrent pneumonic pasteurellosis infection. Treatment was instituted with 400 mL of 0.9% NaCl administered intravenously once for rehydration. Flunixin meglumine 2.2 mg/kg bwt was given intramuscularly twice daily for three days as anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Oxytetracycline 20 mg/kg bwt was injected once intramuscularly as long acting broad spectrum antibiotic for treatment of pinkeye and pasteurellosis infections. Furthermore, terramycin eye ointment containing oxytetracycline HCl was also administered intraocularly twice daily for seven days as treatment for the Mycoplasma spp. Conclusion: The prognosis for this case was good as the goat were treated promptly and effectively. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 390-393]

Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2015 to estimate the prevalence of anti-toxopalsma antibodies in sheep and goats in El-Gadarif state. Material and methods: A total of 400 serum samples comprising of 200 sheep and 200 goats were collected and tested by Toxo-latex agglutination test and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Results: The overall sero-prevalence was 52.0% (n=208/400) using Toxo-latex agglutination test and 45.7%(n=42/92) and 27.2%(n=25/92) using iELISA in sheep and goats, respectively. Furthermore, the sero-prevalences among the two investigated species and the two age groups were statistically similar but were different between localities, breeds and sexes. In the univariate analysis, species (P=0.028) and locality (P=0.001) were associated with Toxo-latex agglutination test positive status. Additionally, species (sheep) and locality (Al-Fao, Al-Hawatah, and West El-Gadarif) had increased odds of being Toxo-latex agglutination test positive in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the prevalence of anti-toxopalsma antibodies is relatively high and there was no between-species variation in sero-positivity. These findings warrant further investigations to estimate the burden of the disease and the likelihood of zoonotic transmission. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 207-213]

Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of mastitis on post-partum conception in crossed cows (Local x Friesian or Sahiwal x Friesian) in Chittagong area of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 100 lactating cows were randomly selected from thirteen small and medium size commercial dairy farms. The cows were reared under traditional feeding and management systems. Age and number of parity of the cows were 2.5 to 6 years and 1-5, respectively. On-farm California Mastitis Test (CMT) and Whit Slide Test (WST) were performed with the milk samples to diagnose mastitis. Besides, productive and reproductive data were recorded by examining the animals and interviewing the farmers. Results: The incidence of mastitis was significantly (P=0.037) higher (76% for CMT and 62% for WST) in 3.5-4.5 years old cows and lower (P=0.037) (47% for CMT) in 2.5-3.5 years old cows. The highest percentage of CMT (72%) and WST (59%) positive cases were found in cows having parity number 2. The CMT (71%) and WST (53%) test results were similar in third parity cows. The first parity cows were less prone to mastitis (47%). Mastitis had significantly (P=0.002) negative effect on days required to first heat after parturition. Mastitis was also negatively correlated with calving interval (CI) (P=0.030). More the incidence of mastitis prolongs the calving interval and the highest percentage (85% for CMT and 71% for WST) of mastitis was found in cows having 380-400 days calving interval. Lowest mastitis (54% for CMT and 48% for WST) incidence detected cows&#146; lowest calving interval. Significantly, more number of Service per Conception (SPC) was also required in cows having more incidence of mastitis (P=0.03). SPC was 4 for subclinical to clinical cases and 3 for clinical cases. Conclusion: Significant correlation between mastitis and post-partum conception is recorded in this study that may hamper reproductive performances. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 155-160]

Objective: This research was designed to establish the system of isolation and culture of Anas platyrhynchos (duck) amniotic fluid stem cells (DAFSCs), and to explore its biological characteristics and differentiation ability in vitro. Material and methods: Main experimental reagents contained L-DMEM, fetal bovine serum, chicken serum, EGF, bFGF, L-glutamine, trypsin, rabbit anti-chicken CD44, CD73, CD105, nanog and SSEA-4 (Abcam, USA), FITC conjugated goat anti-rabbit secondary antibody IgG, DAPI, Trizol, inverse transcription kit, Propidium iodide, IBMX, INS, dexamethasone and indometacin. Cultivation system included L-DMEM with 10% FBS, 5% chicken serum, EGF 10 ng/mL, bFGF 10 ng/mL and 1% L-glutamine, and was cultured under 37&deg;C, 5% CO2 and saturated humidity. Immunofluorescent detection is used to detect cell surface markers, while RT-PCR was used to detect related gene expression. Cell cycle was detected with Flow Cytometer and was analyzed by ModFitLT 2.0, induced differentiation, and Oil Red O staining. Results: More DAFSCs were gained via super-centrifugation and thermoelectric methods cost effectively. DAFSCs could go down to the future generation at passage 23(P23). CD44, CD73, CD105 and SSEA-4 were detected as positive with immunofluorescence histochemistry. GAPDH, GDNF, rex1 and JAG1 were detected as positive with RT-PCR. Cell cycle was detected on flow cytometer. Tentative exploration of differentiation ability that DAFSCs could be induced into adipocyte in vitro. Conclusion: DAFSCs can be isolated from matrix that have strong self-renewal capacity in vitro. DAFSCs can be induced into adipocyte in vitro. These testify that DAFSCs can be an ideal seeded cells having potentials for preservation and utilization of rare genetic resources. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(2.000): 140-146]