Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) or otherwise called equine piroplasmosis (EP) are the foremost economic limitations to equids production. Thus, reducing the breeding capability and athletic performance of equids globally. Identification of these haemoparasites is crucial in understanding their distribution in the population and it is imperative to discern between species and subspecies that are responsible for the occurrence of the disease conditions. Conventional procedures such as microscopic and serological evaluations do not usually meet these prerequisites. Diagnostic contrivances, such as the complement fixation test (CFT), the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been efficaciously used for many years. Furthermore, DNA-based investigations for identification, differentiation and classification of different haemoparasites have also been established. Molecular diagnostic procedures, such as DNA hybridization, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics and metabolomics, permit the uncovering of parasites in blood, tissues or ticks with optimal sensitivity, specificity and consistency. In addition, these procedures can be exploited to detect definite species and subspecies. The prerequisite of these investigations must include proper premeditation and validation, these investigations provide an effective device for molecular studies, with greater benefits of flexibility to standardization. The application of these procedures for studying TBDs or EP globally will be irreplaceable for a long period from now. Therefore, the aim of this review is to draw up the specifics of the procedures in more convenient form for practitioners and researchers. KEY WORDS: Diagnosis, equids, molecular, transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics, metabolomics, haemoparasites, tick-borne diseases [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(2.000): 84-91]

The objectives of the present study were to determine the infection rate of equine piroplasmosis (EP) in horses and ponies in Kelantan,Malaysia and compare the microscopic examination with competitive enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) test as methods for diagnosis of EP. 306 blood samples were randomly collected from equids including 148 horses and 158 ponies in various districts of Kelantan, from September 2013 to March 2014. Based on microscopic examination of the staining blood smears, the infection rates ofTheileria equi, Babesia caballi and of both infections in horses were 19.59%, 25% and 8.78% respectively, whereas in ponies theinfection rates were 14.55%, 19.62%, and 5.69% respectively. Based on cELISA test, the infection rates of T. equi, B. caballi and of both infections in horses were 50.67%, 62.16% and 33.10% respectively,whereas in ponies, the infection rates were 51.89%, 63.92% and 35.44% respectively. No significant difference were observed between equids species associated with a seroprevalence of T. equi, B. caballi andof both infections (P≤ 0.05). According to the Kappa value there was no compatibility between microscopic examination and cELISA on the diagnosis of T. equi, B. caballi and of both infections which were 0.235, 0.013 and 0.080 respectively. In conclusion, the current results for this research work indicate that equine piroplasmosis is widespread in Kelantan, Malaysia and cELISA test is more efficientthan microscopic examination for diagnosis of EP.

A total of thirty-eight Mafriwal cattle were selected from a localcattle herd of a government cattle farm; of which 36 animals were sub-fertile Mafriwal female dams and two bulls which were considered as control animals (one male Mafriwal and one male Jersey). Two markers were used in the detection of Y chromosome in the sub-fertile female animal which are testis specific proteins Y-encoded (TSPY) and amelogenin (AMLX/AMLY) genes. The genes were amplified using PCR. The DNA bands from a normal male for TSPY gene size was approximately 260 bp while AMLX/ AMLY gene were approximately 341 and 467 bp. The examination of all samples showed that the sub-fertile cow revealedonly 467 bp while three fragments were detected in the control group; 260 bp (testis specific protein, Y-encoded gene), 341 and 467 bp (Amelogenin gene). The results showed that the sex chromosomeanomalies associated with Y chromosome did not occur in this group. These two sex markers can be used for the diagnosis of Y chromosome abnormality in a sub-fertile cow through polymerase chain reactionwhich is a rapid and reliable method for use in breeding herds.

This is a case report ofa captive female green peafowl (Pavomuticus) that was presented with severescaly legs with raised encrusted scaleson both legs. Diagnosis of scaly leg mitewas made based on history, clinical signs,and results of parasitological examinationfrom deep skin scrapping from the areaof lesions and response to treatment.Treatment consisted of Ivermectinsolution, administered orally at a doserate of 0.2 mg/kg. The gross lesionswere completely resolved 28 days posttreatment. It was concluded that based onthe treatment given, knemidocoptiasis orscaly leg can be successfully controlledwith good prognosis in captive birds. Careshould be taken as the mite is transmittedfrom bird to bird through prolonged closeor direct contact.