Objective: A phylogenetic study was carried out on the avian influenza virus (AIV) isolated from a disease outbreak in Sidenreng Rappang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in 2018.  Material and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs and organ samples were obtained from ducks that showed clinical symptoms: torticollis, fascial edema, neurological disorders, the corneas appear cloudy, and death occurs less than 1 day after symptoms appear. In this study, isolate A/duck/ Sidenreng Rappang/07180110-11/2018 from duck was sequenced and characterized.  Results: It was found that each gene segment of the virus has the highest nucleotide homology to the Indonesian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c. Multiple alignments of the sample Hemagglutinin (HA) gene with the avian influenza references virus showed that the pattern of amino acid arrangement in the cleavage site PQRERRRK-RGLF is the characteristic of the HPAI virus. In addition, the HA gene contained Q222 (glutamine) and G224 (glycine), signify­ing a high affinity to avian receptor binding specificity (SA α2,3 Gal). Furthermore, there was no genetic reassortment of this virus based on the phylogenetic analysis of HA, NA, PB1, PB2, PA, NP, M, and NS genes.  Conclusion: The HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c virus was identified in duck farms in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(2): 346-354, June 2021

Objective: The research was conducted to study the effect of a complex antimicrobial drug with an anti-inflammatory effect and an antimicrobial drug with an immunostimulating effect on the parameters of nonspecific resistance in calves.  Materials and Methods: Two groups (n = 5 each) of sick calves with respiratory pathology were selected for this study. For the treatment of the first experimental group, a complex antimicro­bial drug Sulfetrisan® was used. The second experimental group of the calves was intramuscu­larly injected with the experimental drug gentaaminoseleferon (GIA). To assess the cellular com­ponent of immunity in the blood before and after treatment, the number of white blood cells, T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, phagocytic activity of leukocytes, phagocytic number, and phago­cytic index (PhI) were determined. In addition, for assessing the humoral component, serum complement activity (SCA), serum lysozyme activity, serum bactericidal activity (SBA), circulating immune complexes (CIC), and total immunoglobulins (total Ig) were measured. The results were compared with the baseline parameters of healthy calves of the control group.  Results: When studying the parameters of the humoral and cellular components of nonspecific resistance, it was found that in sick animals, compared with healthy ones, respiratory pathology was accompanied by an imbalance in the immune system. In the process of recovery in animals of the experimental groups under the effect of the drugs, positive changes occurred. However, many of the studied parameters did not reach the values of healthy animals. In the group of calves that received GIA, compared with the calves given Sulfetrisan®, a significant increase in PhI (p < 0.05), SBA (p < 0.006), SCA (p < 0.05), total Ig (p < 0.0005), and CIC (p < 0.05) was observed, which indi­cated an increase in natural resistance due to the immunostimulating action.  Conclusion: The use of GIA in sick animals added to an increase in the general nonspecific cellular and humoral resistance of calves, which made it possible to increase therapeutic efficacy and shorten their recovery time. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 355-360, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h522

Objective: Phuchka is one of the most common street foods in Bangladesh. It is served with salad, sweet and sour tamarind dispersed water, and minced eggs as topping at places where people usually gather. This makes these foods susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore, assess­ing the bacterial load and antimicrobial profile of organisms isolated from phuchka and other foodstuffs served with it was the focus of this study.  Materials and Methods: Bacterial isolates were isolated and identified from the samples after the bacterial loads were assessed as total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), and total staphylococcal count (TSC). The antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates was obtained using the disk diffusion method. Molecular detection of Escherichia coli isolates and the presence of gene responsible for tetracycline resistance was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.  Results: According to the recommendations, the TVC value of 70% phuchka and egg samples was safe, whereas TSC value illustrated that 80% of both phuchka and egg samples were at safety level. For the TCC value, 80% egg and 70% phuchka samples were found to be safe for consump­tion. Among all the samples, the microbial loads of the vendors’ hand wash were least in the safety level. Antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that both Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli isolates were sensitive to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin but showed resistance to ampicillin.  Conclusion: The data of this study indicate that phuchka can pose a public health problem as foodborne bacterial isolates which are antibiotic-resistant are found in it. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 361-366, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h523

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) in rabbits, rabbit handlers, and rabbitry envi­ronments in Terengganu.  Materials and Methods: Swab samples from 183 rabbits (183 oral and 183 ear swabs), 45 rab­bit handlers (45 oral and 45 nasal), and environmental (n = 180) samples from rabbitries were collected from 10 rabbit farms in Terengganu. The associated S. aureus isolates from the swabs were isolated using phenotypic microbiology tests. The bacteria were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction targeting nuc (S. aureus) and mecA (MRSA) genes. The antibiogram of all S. aureus isolates was determined using the Kirby–Bauer test.  Results: Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 19% of rabbits, 26.7% of rabbit handlers, and 8.8% of swabs from the rabbitry environment. However, MRSA (0%) could not be detected. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that S. aureus from rabbits showed low resistance (<20%) against 15 different antibiotics while fully susceptible to 4 antibiotics. Meanwhile, S. aureus from rabbit han­dlers showed high resistance against penicillin (86%), oxacillin (64%), and amoxicillin (50%).  Conclusions: This study suggests the emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus in rabbit farms settings. Therefore, careful selection of antimicrobial agents will be essential to preserve the effectiveness of treatments toward S. aureus infections. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 388-395, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h527

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., 8(3): 396-403, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h528

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 Java’s 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., 8(2): 423-434, June 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h530

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability (h2), repeatability (r), and correlations ( rˆyi yi) in some traits of zootechnical interest in a population of New Zealand white rabbits of a tropical dry forest area.  Materials and Methods: Three mating groups were formed, each one of 1 male and 70 females. The traits evaluated were litter size at birth (LB), born alive (BA), born dead (BD), litter weight born alive (LW), litter weight at weaning (LWW), weaning weight (WW), slaughter weight (SW), and carcass weight (CW). Weaning took place at 42 days, and the fattening phase lasted 60 ± 3 days. A descriptive statistical study was carried out on the study variables. Paternal heritability was esti­mated (h2f ) and maternal ( h2m), repeatability, rabbit index IC, and Pearson’s correlations ( rˆyi yi) between traits. The descriptive statistics showed high variation for the BD traits.  Results: The values of the productivity found were similar to those presented in studies around the world. h2 presented magnitudes between low and medium. h2f ranged between 0.09 and 0.42 and between 0.11 and 0.45 for  h2m. In general, the values of  h2m were higher than the values of h2f . The r values for the traits LB, BA, LW, LWW, and SW presented low magnitude, while it was medium for WW and CW. From the values of r, IC was calculated for each of the rabbits, allowing their categorization, which will be used in future selection plans.  rˆyi yi among the variables ranged from −0.01 to 0.860. They were generally positive and mostly not significant (p > 0.05); they took a magnitude from low to moderate, except for the correlation between LB and BA.  Conclusion: The production of rabbits under tropical conditions is similar to other reports. The genetic parameters evaluated were medium-to-low, indicating a robust non-additive gene and/ or environmental effect. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 471-478, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h536

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the ethanolic extract of avo­cado seed flour on the estrous cycle characteristics, the concentrations of reproductive hormones [luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol], and the activities of some tissues (ovarian and uterine) that are markers of oxidative stress in female guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).  Materials and Methods: Twenty-four female cavies with normal estrous cycles and equivalent body weights (464.25 and 71.88 gm) were randomly assigned to four groups, each with six females. The control group received 1 ml of distilled water orally, whereas the EE100, EE200, and EE400 groups received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Persea americana seed, respectively. Following that, three consecutive estrous cycles were observed using vaginal smears. After the trial, the females were slaughtered, and blood and organs were gathered for study.  Results: The mean duration of the estrus phase is considerably (p < 0.05) longer in group EE100 animals than in control animals. LH concentrations were substantially (p < 0.05) higher in females in group EE200 than in controls. Total cholesterol levels typically dropped in females in the extract groups, but only significantly (p < 0.05) in those in group EE100 compared to the control group. Serum estradiol levels increased considerably (p < 0.05) in treated females compared to controls. Catalase activity rose considerably (p < 0.05) in the ovaries of group EE400 when compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase activity rose considerably (p < 0.05) in the uterus of female cavies given the extract compared to the control.  Conclusion: Avocado seed ethanolic extract prolongs the estrus phase, increases estradiol and LH levels, and protects the uterus from oxidative stress in female cavies. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 501-510, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h540

Objective: This study investigated and compared the chemical composition, cholesterol content, fatty acid (FA), and amino acid (AA) profiles of doi and rasomalai made from buffalo milk.  Materials and Methods: Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh was the source of raw buffalo milk. Then, doi and rasomalai were produced and ana­lyzed. Prior to the production of doi and rasomalai, the gross composition and AAs of milk were evaluated. Milk and dairy products were evaluated for gross composition using an automated milk analyzer and the Association of Agricultural Chemists techniques, respectively. At the Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh, the cholesterol, FA, and AA lev­els of doi and rasomalai were determined. Additionally, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were determined using established equations.  Results: The results indicated that the majority of the proximate components were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in rasomalai than in doi. Rasomalai had 3.64 mg more cholesterol (p > 0.05) than doi. The FA profile was identical across doi and rasomalai with the exception of oleic acid (C18:1cis-9), which was 1.50% greater (p < 0.05) in rasomalai. The atherogenicity index was found to be statistically higher in doi than in rasomalai (p > 0.05). Similarly, the thrombogenic index was found to be significantly higher (p > 0.05) in doi (1.98) when compared to the rasomalai (1.92). The concentrations of all AAs were found to be quantitatively higher in doi than in rasomalai (p > 0.05).  Conclusion: The conclusion is that buffalo milk rasomalai appears to have a higher nutritional density than buffalo milk doi. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 8(3): 511-520, September 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h541

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., 8(4): 563-575, December 2021 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h546