Background: Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are categorized as attaching and effacing E. coli (AEEC) due to their eae gene. One of the essential causes of diarrhea in humans is AEEC, which affects birds, too, thereby being considered a zoonotic pathogen.Objectives: Our study aimed to determine AEEC and evaluate its antibiotic resistance and phylogroups. Methods: A total of 200 fecal samples were collected from pet birds referred to the Veterinary Medicine Hospital, University of Tehran. PCR methods were used to detect AEEC using uspA, eae, bfpA, stx1, and stx2 gene-specific primers. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the recovered isolates was determined by the agar disk diffusion and MIC methods. Their phylogroups were analyzed based on Clermont phylotyping methods.Results: Of 200 samples, we isolated 26 (13%) E. coli strains, 9 harbor eae genes. None of the ease-positive samples possessed the bfpA gene, but 4 had stx2, and 5 had stx1 and stx2 genes. Phylogenetic analysis identified the phylogenetic groups of all AEEC isolated strains but 2 (duck and cockatiel). Detected phylogroups include four B2 and three D. Based on our results, 7 out of 9 AEEC isolated strains showed multi-drug resistance.Conclusion: The discovery of common phylogroups of AEEC in pet birds (a common companion animal in Iran with intimate contact with their owners, especially children) and humans, as well as their resistance to a wide range of antibiotics used in human medicine, verifies AEEC as a serious public health threat.

Background: Sperm preservation at a cool temperature reduces sperm metabolism while preserving its viability and reproductive ability. Researchers have sought to extend semen preservation effectiveness for more than 24 hours. Due to the particular physiological characteristics of small ruminant spermatozoa, the cooling procedure decreases its reproductive ability. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of adding L-carnitine (LC) to the cooling extender on the quality of the ram’s sperm following cooling preservation at 4°C.Methods: The collected sperm samples were diluted and divided into 4 groups with varying doses of LC supplementation (0, 1, 5, and 10 mM). The samples were kept at 4°C for up to 48 hours. At 0, 24, and 48 hours of cooling, the sperms’ total motility, progressive motility, viability, lipid peroxidation, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity were assessed. Results: The results showed that different treatments did not affect the quality of semen samples at time 0 of cooling storage (P>0.05). Cooling medium supplemented with 5 mM LC demonstrated improved total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity compared to the other groups after 24 and 48 hours of cooling (P≤0.05). Furthermore, after 24 and 48 hours of storage, 5 mM LC produced less lipid peroxidation (P≤0.05) than the other treatments.Conclusion: In conclusion, reinforcing ram’s cooling storage medium with 5 mM LC protects ram semen samples against cold-induced structural and functional impairment throughout 24- and 48-h storage.

Background: Herbs possess a large amount of antioxidants; thus, using them in the poultry diet can improve the quality of final products.Objectives: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of artichoke, Silybum marianum, and their mixture on Japanese quail’s carcass characteristics, oxidative stability, and breast meat quality. Methods: A total of 120 one-day-old Japanese quail were studied in a completely randomized design with 4 experimental treatments (0%, 1.5% artichoke, 1.5% S. marianum, 1.5% mixture of artichoke and S. marianum). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates of 10 birds. At the end of the experiment (day 42), the carcass characteristics of the birds were recorded, and the physical characteristics, chemical composition, color, and oxidative stability of breast meat were evaluated. Results: The results showed no significant difference among the experimental groups regarding pH, dry matter, ash, drip loss, and cooking loss. Dietary enrichment with artichoke and S. marianum caused a decrease in the mean body weight in the experimental treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation with herbal powders increased the crude protein and fat content of breast meat, and group 4 (artichoke+S. marianum) had a higher mean than other groups (P<0.05). The hardness of breast meat in the treatment groups has decreased compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, the amount of lightness in the treatments has reduced, and redness and yellowness have increased. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index showed a significant decrease in the investigated treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of S. marianum and artichoke improved nutritional value and increased oxidative stability of breast meat in Japanese quail. However, they adversely affected birds’ weight gain and feed consumption.

Background: Aeromonas species is one of the most important causes of diseases in Clarias gariepinus, a public health threat with significant economic losses. Objectives: In this research, the prevalence and variety of Aeromonas species isolated from C. gariepinus cultured in an earthen pond were investigated, as well as the antibiogram and multiple antibiotic resistance indexMethods: Aeromonas species were isolated by culture and biochemical test and confirmed using a Microbact 24E kit. The antibiotic susceptibility to 10 antibiotics was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.Results: Aeromonas species were isolated with a prevalence of 43.1% with 4 different phenospecies with the highest prevalence of 46(24 %) for Aeromonas hydrophila followed by 15(7.8%) for Aeromonas caviae, then 10(5.2%) for Aeromonas veronii sobria, and the least was observed for Aeromonas veronii veronii 6(3.1%). The Aeromonas species showed high resistance to amoxicillin, ampicillin, colistin sulfate, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and penicillin, with varying resistant patterns, and the multiple antibiotic resistance index values ranged between 0.20 and 0.80. Conclusion: There was a diversity of Aeromonas species associated with multiple antibiotic-resistant leading to the wide spread of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, there is a need to control the use of antibiotics and ensure the effective use of biosecurity and preventive management measures in fish farms.

Background: Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen, leading to abdominal enlargement and complications of the peritoneal cavity.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography in identifying the causes of ascites in hybrid dog breeds.Methods: The current retrospective cross-sectional study involved 21 dogs of hybrid breeds (12 males and 9 females) with an Mean±SD age of 6.70±0.49 years and a Mean±SD weight of 24.37±3.65 kg. In a radiology ward, a radiologist examined the dogs by conducting an abdominal cavity ultrasound to diagnose and report the cause of ascites. Notably, the radiologist knew nothing about the history, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings regarding the dogs. After the definitive cause of ascites was determined, the result was compared with the ultrasonographic diagnosis, calculating its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.Results: Liver diseases, renal conditions, and malignancies were identified as the most common causes of ascites. Based on the results, ultrasonographic diagnosis revealed the following specifications: 97.8% specificity, 91.1% sensitivity, 94.4% accuracy, 97.8% positive predictive value, and 91.1% negative predictive value.Conclusion: In general, the research results indicate that ultrasonography can serve as a primary tool for diagnosing the early stages of ascites. In a few cases where diagnosis of the underlying cause proves challenging, this method helps reach a subsequent diagnosis, except in cases involving liver and renal complications. Also, ultrasonographic diagnosis gets around invasive techniques such as sampling and laparoscopy, reducing the hospitalization period, hospital costs, and patient stress and also facilitating the medical process.

Background: Respiratory viral diseases, including the bovine parainfluenza 3 virus, cause significant economic losses in ruminants. There is no available data regarding the epidemiological situation of this virus in Algeria. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the seroprevalence and the associated risk factors of bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V) in sheep in two different climatic regions of Algeria. Methods: A total of 108 serum samples were collected from sheep at different ages and tested for antibodies against BPI3V using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also performed on nasal swabs to detect the viral genome. Results: At the animal level, out of 108 sera tested, 82 (75.93%, 95% CI, 66.75%, 83.63%) showed antibodies against BPI3V. At the herd level, all 23 herds tested (100%) had at least one animal with BPI3V antibodies. Our results showed no association between the presence of BPI3V antibodies and the region (P=0.72). However, at the herd level, risk factors such as flock size and predisposing factors like climate change, feed deficit, postpartum stress, and dust were identified. At the animal level, a highly significant association was found between BPI3V seroprevalence and the age of the animals (P<0.0001). Notably, the sheep group over 3 years was more susceptible than other age groups. Furthermore, a significant difference in BPI3V seroprevalence based on sex was observed (P<0.003). All collected nasal swabs were negative for BPI3V genome detection using real-time PCR. Conclusion: This study is the first serological survey on BPI3V in Algeria, confirming its presence in sheep from two regions. The high serum prevalence of BPI3V observed in the study population highlights addressing this viral disease to mitigate economic losses in ruminants.

Background: The dromedary spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system and maintaining homeostasis. However, there is limited research on the developmental changes in the spleen during the first few years of a dromedary’s life.Objectives: The objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the developmental changes in the dromedary spleen during the crucial first three years of life. This aim was achieved through a multi-faceted approach involving macroscopic examination, which entailed measuring the absolute and relative mass of the spleen and morphometric analysis. Additionally, histological and histomorphometric analyses were employed to study the cellular composition of the spleen at different ages. Methods: Five groups of dromedaries were examined in Southeastern Algeria. Their spleens were analyzed using both gross anatomy and histological examination. The cellular composition of their spleens was studied on histological slides of different ages, stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Results: The results showed that the spleen’s size, weight, and volume significantly increased as the animals grew. The splenic mass of the animal of the first group showed an average absolute mass of 251±14.19 g, whereas in the fourth group, they showed an average mass of 318±23.91 g. Also, the length, width, and thickness showed average values of 43.78±1.95 cm, 19.44±1.52 cm, and 1.88±0.16 cm, respectively, at 8 months. However, they showed average values of 49.6±1.86 cm, 24.32±1.69 cm, and 3.18±0.34 cm, respectively, at the age of 3 years. The cellular composition of the spleen changed over time, with a higher percentage of lymphoid tissue at 8 months, more red pulp at 1 year, and a higher percentage of white pulp at 2 years. Finally, the spleen had a mature mixture of red and white pulp and fully developed immune function by 3 years.Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the development and maturation of the dromedary spleen. The findings have important implications for understanding the health and well-being of these animals. The results could potentially contribute to the development of better strategies for the management and care of dromedaries.

Background: Fertility in male animals is an important issue in veterinary medicine. Exposure to severe crowding and fattening may affect the fertility of these animals. Objectives: This study compares the effect of oxidative stress caused by overcrowding or obesity on testicular tissue in male albino mice. Methods: A total of 30 male mice were divided into 3 groups. The first was a control group. The second group was subjected to crowding by cramming 20 mice in a small cage. The third group was fattened by eating a high-fat diet. Morphometric cells and histological measurements of the seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelium thickness, and Sertoli and Leydig cell counts were taken. Results: The crowding group testes showed the presence of necrosis and degeneration of spermatocytes, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. The obese group’s spermatocytes, Sertoli, and Leydig cells had shown severe necrosis, degeneration, and giant cell invasion. Histomorphometric measurements of seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelium-thickness, and Sertoli and Leydig cell counts revealed a considerable reduction in the obese group compared to the other groups. Furthermore, in the crowding and fattening groups, measurements of oxidative stress indicators revealed a decrease in glutathione value in the obese group compared to the control, whereas malondialdehyde rose in the overcrowded and obese groups compared to the control. The results of the immunohistochemical expressions for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the testes of mice revealed weak TNF-α positive expression in the control group, moderate expression in the crowding group, and strong expression in the obesity group. Conclusion: The study suggests that both obesity and crowding can impair testicular function, with obesity having the most significant impact. More research into the mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as potential interventions to improve testicular function in obese or overcrowded animals, is required.

Background: Farmers raise rabbits in abundance in Iraq. Scabies infestation is one of the most prevalent diseases in rabbits. The current study investigates the rabbits’ infestation with scabies that cause severe complications such as itchy alopecia, hyperkeratosis, anorexia, self-trauma, and weight loss. In short, the disease has high morbidity and mortality and creates heavy economic losses for farmers.Objectives: This study was designed to detect mange infestation in rabbits using microscopic examination of skin scraping. This study is the first to investigate mange infestation in rabbits in Mosul City, Iraq.Methods: A total of 130 rabbits were examined, and their skin lesions were scraped. Results: Of 130 rabbits, 56(43.1%) were infested with mange, including Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi (n=50, 38.5%), Psoroptes cuniculi (n=32, 25%), Notoedres cati var. cuniculi (n=26, 20%), Demodex cuniculi (n=12, 9%), and Cheyletiella spp. (n=4, 3%), with the high infestation rate for S. scabiei var. cuniculi and the lowest rate for Cheyletiella spp. The significant lesions were hyperkeratosis followed by alopecia, then pruritus on many body areas (head, ears, abdomen, back, legs, tail, and perineal area). The highest infestation rate was found on the abdomen and back, while the lowest was on the tail and perineal area. There are significant differences according to age, while no significant differences between the males and females and among three types of infestation (single, double, and mixed).Conclusion: The rabbits were infested with several species with different percentages. There was no significant difference in infestation rates between males and females, although there was a difference between younger and older animals. Lastly, a significant difference was clear among the three types of infestation, and the double one was the dominant infestation rate with 50%.

Background: Canine distemper (CD) is the dogs’ most contagious and lethal viral disease. Despite the widespread use of vaccines to control CD, the prevalence of the CD virus (CDV) has increased at an alarming rate in recent years. Objectives: To identify the genotypes responsible for the neurological and non-neurological clinical forms of CD and to investigate the presence of the virus in the neurological and non-neurological forms of the disease. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the samples were collected from 70 CD suspected unvaccinated dogs with clinical signs of distemper. All cases were tested with rapid tests and separated into 3 groups based on clinical signs and symptoms. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), respiratory secretion, and fecal samples of allall 70 cases were examined for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After sequencing the hemagglutinin gene (H gene), phylogenetic analysis of the gene isolated from CDVs was carried out using MEGA software, version 7. Results: The RT-PCR results showed that the respiratory secretion sample in the non-neurological CDV group (85%) and the neurological CDV group (80%) had the highest level of virus contamination. However, in the non-neurological CDV group, the CSF sample (40%) had a high level of infection. In neurotic groups, cases older than 12 months showed the highest percentage of distemper contamination, and in the non-neurologic CDV group, those between 3 and 6 months were more involved. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the H gene revealed the CDV as a member of the endemic Arctic-like genetic lineage. Conclusion: The genotypic examination of the hemagglutinin gene of the distemper virus reveals that the recent isolates of neurologic and non-neurologic clinical forms of CDV in Iran are similar. In positive rapid test cases, the PCR test of respiratory secretions for virus detection ranks with the highest sensitivity. In neurologic cases with negative rapid test results, PCR of CSF had the highest sensitivity, so it may serve as a diagnostic criterion.