Little is known about latent infection and molecular characterisation of Neospora caninum in sheep (Ovis aries). In this study, 330 sheep samples (180 hearts and 150 brains) were analysed for N. caninum DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Nc-5 gene. Neospora caninum DNA was detected in 3.9% (13/330) of sheep samples. The parasite’s DNA was detected in 6.7% of heart samples (12/180) and 0.7% (1/150) of brain samples. No clinical signs were recorded from infected or uninfected animals. Sequencing of the genomic DNA revealed 96% – 99% similarity with each other and 95.15% – 100% similarity with N. caninum sequences deposited in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of PCR to identify latent neosporosis in sheep in Iran. The results of this study have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the role of N. caninum-infected sheep in the epidemiology of neosporosis.

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of different tsetse traps in 28 sites across Tanzania. The traps used were biconical, H, NGU, NZI, pyramidal, S3, mobile, and sticky panels. Stationary traps were deployed at a distance of 200 m apart and examined 72 h after deployment. The results showed that 117 (52.2%) out of the 224 traps deployed captured at least one Glossina species. A total of five Glossina species were captured, namely Glossina brevipalpis, Glossina pallidipes, Glossina swynnertoni, Glossina morsitans, and Glossina fuscipes martinii. Biconical traps caught tsetse flies in 27 sites, pyramidal in 26, sticky panel in 20, mobile in 19, S3 in 15, NGU in 7, H in 2 and NZI in 1. A total of 21 107 tsetse flies were trapped, with the most abundant species being G. swynnertoni (55.9%), followed by G. pallidipes (31.1%), G. fuscipes martinii (6.9%) and G. morsitans (6.0%). The least caught was G. brevipalpis (0.2%). The highest number of flies were caught by NGU traps (32.5%), followed by sticky panel (16%), mobile (15.4%), pyramidal (13.0%), biconical (11.3%) and S3 (10.2%). NZI traps managed to catch 0.9% of the total flies and H traps 0.7%. From this study, it can be concluded that the most efficient trap was NGU, followed by sticky panel and mobile, in that order. Therefore, for tsetse fly control programmes, NGU traps could be the better choice. Conversely, of the stationary traps, pyramidal and biconical traps captured tsetse flies in the majority of sites, covering all three ecosystems better than any other traps; therefore, they would be suitable for scouting for tsetse infestation in any given area, thus sparing the costs of making traps for each specific Glossina species.Keywords: tseste; traps; densties; Glossina; mobile; stationary; Tanzania

Secreted proteins are reported to induce cell-mediated immunity characterised by the production of interferon-gamma (IFN)-γ. In this study three open reading frames (ORFs) (Erum8060, Erum7760, Erum5000) encoding secreted proteins were selected from the Ehrlichia ruminantium (Welgevonden) genome sequence using bioinformatics tools to determine whether they induce a cellular immune response in vitro with mononuclear cells from needle and tick infected animals. The whole recombinant protein of the three ORFs as well as four adjacent fragments of the Erum5000 protein (Erum5000A, Erum5000B, Erum5000C, Erum5000D) were successfully expressed in a bacterial expression system which was confirmed by immunoblots using anti-His antibodies and sheep sera. These recombinant proteins were assayed with immune sheep and cattle peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), spleen and lymph node (LN) cells to determine whether they induce recall cellular immune responses in vitro. Significant proliferative responses and IFN-γ production were evident for all recombinant proteins, especially Erum5000A, in both ruminant species tested. Thus overlapping peptides spanning Erum5000A were synthesised and peptides that induce proliferation of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and production of IFN-γ were identified. These results illustrate that a Th1 type immune response was elicited and these recombinant proteins and peptides may therefore be promising candidates for development of a heartwater vaccine.

Peste des petits ruminants, caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), is a highly contagious and economically important transboundary viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants and a major hindrance to small-ruminant production in Nigeria. The seroprevalence and distribution of PPRV antibodies in small ruminants in rural households, farms, live animal markets and slaughter slabs across the six different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria were determined. A total of 4548 serum samples from 3489 goats and 1059 sheep were collected in 12 states. A PPRV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the samples and the data analysed with R statistical software version 3.0.1. The study animals included all ages and both sexes. The overall prevalence estimate of sera positive for PPRV antibodies was 23.16% (n = 1018 positive samples per 4548 total samples, 95% confidence interval: 21.79% – 24.57%). There were significant differences in the seroprevalence between the states (p = 0.001). Taraba State had the highest seroprevalence of 29.51%, whilst the lowest seroprevalence of 14.52% was observed in Cross River State. There were no significant differences in the PPRV seroprevalence between male and female animals (p = 0.571), age (p = 0.323) and between species (p = 0.639). These data indicate the current seroprevalence to PPRV in the small-ruminant population in Nigeria.

The use of medicinal plants plays a major role in the primary health care of animals in South Africa. A survey was conducted to document medicinal plants used to control parasites in goats in Kwezi and Ntambethemba villages in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Information from 50 farmers and 3 herbalists was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire, and a snowball sampling technique was used to identify key informants. The obtained data were analysed using PROC FREQ of SAS (2003), and fidelity level values were determined to estimate the healing potential of the mentioned plants. The survey revealed nine plant species belonging to eight families that were used to control parasites in goats. Asphodelaceae (22.22%) was the most frequently used plant family. Leaves were the most used plant parts, constituting 60.38%. They were prepared either as infusions or decoctions of single plants or in mixtures. Aloe ferox, Acokanthera oppositifolia and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the plants having the highest fidelity level for their use to control parasites, each scoring 100%, followed by Albuca setosa (83.33%). The study revealed low knowledge about ethnoveterinary medicine in the study area. It also revealed that information on ethno-veterinary medicine in this area is mostly confined to older people and there is danger that this knowledge can be lost before being passed on to other generations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to document information on these plant species so that the future generation can benefit. Further investigation should be carried out to validate the efficacy and safety of the above-mentioned plants so as to provide cheap alternative ways of controlling parasites.Keywords: ailments; ethno-veterinary practices; small ruminant; traditional medicine

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of age, sex, location and management on cattle mortality rate in Rajshahi division of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 8 districts of Rajshahi division during July 2011 to June 2012. A total of 17,982 cattle heads were investigated based on age, sex, area. Data were collected from the cattle owners using a closed structured questionnaire. Tentative cause of cattle mortality was identified based on clinical signs, laboratory tests, history, ante-mortem and postmortem reports. Management practices of the cattle were also investigated.  Results: Out of 17,982 cattle heads, 549 were found to be dead by various diseases, and an average mortality rate was 3.05%. Age-wise mortality rate of cattle revealed that the maximum mortality rate was found in the age group of <2 years (3.90%) and minimum was found in age group 2 to <8 years (2.36%). Sexwise splitting data showed that the higher mortality rate was observed in the female (3.15%) than the male (2.90%). Area-wise cattle mortality rate revealed that Rajshahi (3.29%), Natore (2.84%), Chapai Noawabganj (3.77%), Naogaon (3.48%), Bogra (2.57%), Joypurhat (2.84%), Pabna (1.84%) and Sirajganj (3.06%). The significantly highest (P<0.05) cattle mortality rate was found in Chapai Noawabgonj district (3.77%) and lowest was in Pabna district (1.84%). There is no significant difference (P>0.05) between the cattle mortality rate in Natore district (2.84%) and Joypurhat districts (2.84%). Conclusion: The overall mortality rate of cattle in Rajshahi division was found comparatively low. This might be due to improved management practices, better veterinary services, and awareness among farmers. However, cattle mortality rate in the age group <2-year is alarming due to bad management practices and disease.http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c125

Objectives: This study was designed to reveal out the present transportation scenario of Black Bengal goats to and from some selected markets in Bangladesh.  Materials and methods: A questionnaire survey to know the behavioral parameters and  management  provisions  provided  by  the  farmers  was  designed  to  collect necessary information from Sirajganj and Gabtoli markets. The survey was conducted by  direct  interview  with  the  stakeholders  who  were  directly  involved  with  the transportation of Black Bengal goats from Sirajganj to Dhaka city.   Results: The present study showed that 58% adult respondents were involved in goat transportation  program,  among  them  95%  were  male.  Most  of  the  farmers  in  the markets  lacked  institutional  education  (24%)  or  just  completed  primary  education (41%). Only 27% of the respondents had earlier experience in transporting animals. Transport durations were <6 h (51%), 6 h (39%), and >6 h (10%). The goats were usually  transported  on  foot  or  by  using  vehicles.  All  the  respondents  were  known about  planning  of  animal  transportation.  About  2,  5,  7  and  5%  of  animals  were suffering from head swinging, stretching, stamping of feet and paralyzed condition during transportation,  respectively.  During  transportation,  the  animals  exhibited idleness  (25%),  panting  (17%),  foaming  (14%),  vocalization  (13%)  and  moving forward  (12%).  Most  of  the  farmers  provided  feed  (41%),  rest  (33%)  and  shelter (24%) during the transportation of the goats. Only 5% farmers hired trained drivers for transportation purpose. About 27% animals were untied and 7% animals ramped during  transportation.  Besides,  there  were  high  percentage  of  pressure  to  animals (23%),  hitting  or  kicking  animals  (19%)  and  abuse  to  animals  (15%)  during transportation. Conclusion:  From  this  study  it  is  concluded  that  Black  Bengal  goats  became physically unfit during long time transportation although majority of the farmers took proper management practices. Therefore, changes in behavioral responses might be alleviated through creating awareness to animal raiser as well transporter.http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c129

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Schistosoma infection in cattle in Maiduguri Metropolis (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=200) were collected from cattle consisting of one hundred (100) each from five (5) ward levels each of MMC and Jere LGAs. DNA samples were extracted from the serum samples, analysed and quantified using a Nano-drop machine. The extracted DNA were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results:  The overall prevalence of Schistosoma  infection was 2% (n=200).  Jere LGA had 3% (n=100) while MMC had 1% (n=100). There was no statistical significant association in prevalence rate in the two LGAs studied (P=0.621) (P>0.05). At the ward levels, Custom Area in Jere LGA had 15%, Jiddari ward in MMC had 5%, and the remaining ward levels had no cases. Of the 103 female and 97 male cattle screened, the prevalence in female was 1(0.97%) and 3(3.09%) in the male. Of the 177 serum samples from above 1year (adult) examined, 4 (2.26%) were positive and none in the young. There was no statistical significant association in prevalence rate among ward levels, sex groups and age groups in the study areas (P=0.621) (P>0.05), (P=0.356) (P>0.05) and (P=1.000) (P>0.05) respectively. Of the eight (8) breeds screened, Kuri had 2.7%, Sokoto Gudali (1.82%), Abore (2%), Red Bororo (2.63%), White Fulani, Porland, Mbala and Wafara recorded no cases. The difference in prevalence rates among the breeds based on the trend of occurrence of Schistosoma  infection were not significantly associated statistically (P=1.000) (P>0.05).Conclusion: There is a prevalence of Schistosoma  infection in cattle in the two LGAs of Borno state. It is recommended that a system be established to maintain preventive and control programs.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c135

Objective: Coenurosis is a parasitic disease that particularly affects sheep and goats. The disease is caused by Coenurus cerebralis which is the larval stage of Taenia multiceps. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and the pathological lesions caused by C. cerebralis in a ewe.Materials and methods: Two-and-a-half year-old female ewe showing neurological signs was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt. Postmortem and histopathological examinations were done to investigate the pathological lessions caused by C. cerebralis.Results: Postmortem examination of the brain revealed Coenurus cyst measuring 5×3 cm associated with dilated lateral ventricle. Histopathological examination revealed extensive areas of liquefactive necrosis in the cerebrum. The necrotic area was infiltrated with lymphocytes, microglia cells and eosinophils. Internal hydrocephalus and atrophy of the ependymal cells of both lateral ventricle and choroid plexus were also seen. Conclusion: It was concluded that coenurosis might be associated with internal hydrocephalus along with some clinical and pathological findings.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c138

Objective: The present study was an attempt to delineate the roles played by the neutrophil surface adhesion molecules and toll like receptors (TLRs) in crossbred cows suffering from Staphylococcus aureus subclinical and clinical mastitis.Materials and methods:  Thirty six Karan Fries (KF) cows were categorized into three groups namely healthy (n=12), subclinical mastitis (SCM; n=12) and clinical mastitis (CM; n=12) after screening 146 cows. The grouping was done based on evaluation of collected milk samples by routine procedures like Californian Mastitis Test (CMT) scoring, microscopic counting of milk cells (SCC), bacterial culture of milk samples and observing gross changes in milk. Culture of milk and blood was done for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus subclinical and clinical mastitis. Results: Healthy cows expressed significantly (P<0.05) higher L-selectin (CD62L) in both milk and blood neutrophils as compared to the animals suffering from SCM and CM; however, no significant difference was noticed between milk and blood neutrophils. Significant (P<0.05) increase in the expression of beta integrin (CD11b) was observed in the CM group of cows as compared to SCM and healthy cows. Similar trend in the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in both blood and milk neutrophils was observed in the CM cows as compared to the healthy and SCM cows. Milk neutrophils revealed a higher expression of TLR as compared to blood neutrophils.Conclusion: Host elicits stage specific expression of surface adhesion molecules and TLR2 and TLR4 as dynamic host innate immune response against Staphylococcal mastitis.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c136