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Evaluation of different staining techniques for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in backyard chickens ((Gallus gallus domesticus)) Full text
2025
Nadia Mohammed | Abdullah Abdullah
In this study, the parasite Cryptosporidium spp. was investigated in backyard chicken and the effect of age and sex on the infection rate was studied. All samples taken from feces and intestinal contents were examined microscopically by staining methods including modified acid-fast stain, Malachite Green Stain at a concentration of 5%, 1%, Nigrosin Stain (1%), and Safranin methylene blue staining. The overall infection rate was 48.7%. The Oocyst appeared in an oval to spherical shape with a bright red color in modified acid-fast stain and without stain with a green background in malachite green stain 5% and light malachite green 1%. The oocyst appeared brighter, while in an orange color when using safranin methylene blue stain. The highest infection rate was found in the modified acid-fast stain (48.7%), Its efficiency reached 100%, Nigrosin stain (47%), malachite green stain (45.2%), and safranin blue stain (43.5%), while the lowest infection rate in the light malachite green stain (30.4%). The oocysts were divided into two types of cysts depending on the size of the cysts (large cysts and small cysts) and on the wall thickness (thick-walled cysts and thin-walled cysts). the highest infection rate was in young ages less than three months (60.8%), while in adults, the infection rate was 29.2%, no significant difference was recorded between the infection rate in females and males,
Show more [+] Less [-]Impact of Lactuca serriola L. on Neurobehavioral Changes in Sprague-Dawley Rat Full text
2025
Nawroz A. Kakarash, Mohammed T. Salih, Mohammed A. Salih, Snur M. A Hassan, Rahel F. Ali, Rebwar B. Ahmed, Hunar W. Aziz
Lactuca serriole. L. is commonly used traditionally as medicine for the therapeutical purposes of different conditions, including digestive, respiratory, and other conditions regardless of its neurotoxicity. Therefore, the study was undertaken to estimate the effect of the alcoholic extract Lactuca serriola. L. on brain and behavior. Thirty male rats were used. The rodents were divided into five groups: the first group without treatment; the second, third, fourth, and fifth group received dosages of 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg b. w. of Lactuca extract via oral administration, respectively for fourteen days. The record of behavioral data was started after allowing the rats to explore freely for 10 minutes. To collect the data, the scan sampling method was used at one-minute intervals for twenty-eight hours in fourteen consecutive days, morning one hour and evening one hour. The effect of time on the behaviors was also evaluated. Results revealed that the dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b. w. decreased running (walking) and climbing behaviors, on the other hand, improved rearing, paws licking, and grooming behaviors which indicates reduced stress in the rats. The dose of 800 mg/kg b. w. increased immobility and immobile sniffing, which affected the mood and central nervous system of the rats, especially the brain. Time also affected on behavioral components of all groups especially group 5. The study results suggest the range of phenolic dosages (100-400 mg per kg body weight) of Lactuca are harmless to use in animals experimentally without any toxicity and behavioral changes.
Show more [+] Less [-]Incidents of high tick load in injured cheetahs after reintroduction into a tropical ecosystem Full text
2025
Tamar A. Kendon | Carlos L. Pereira | Hugo Pereira | Kelsey Brown | David Gaynor | Willem D. Briers-Louw
Ectoparasites can severely impact wildlife species, both through their feeding behaviour and by facilitating secondary infestations or bacterial infections. Here, we report on two cases of periorbital damage caused by ixodid tick infestations in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), including a rare record of traumatic myiasis in wildlife. Both cheetahs were recently reintroduced to the Marromeu-Coutada Complex in Central Mozambique and had sustained relatively severe injuries. This ostensibly yielded them immunocompromised and thus more vulnerable to tick infestations, particularly when exposed to novel species. These incidents occurred during the peak hot-wet season in which adult tick abundance is likely highest. These cases provide novel insights into the risks of tick infestations for reintroduced cheetahs and the importance of intensive post-release monitoring to allow for timeous veterinary intervention. Contribution: This study falls within the scope of the journal. Ixodid ticks are of veterinary importance for wildlife and domestic animals across Africa because of the associated direct damage and potential spread of tick-borne pathogens. This study investigates two cases of tick infestations in cheetahs recently reintroduced into a tropical environment. The identified risk factors appear to be exposure to novel ectoparasites, injuries, and the hot-wet season. This highlights the need to consider ectoparasite risk when planning wildlife translocations.
Show more [+] Less [-]Are there benefits of culture-based detection of Mycobacterium avium spp paratuberculosis over histopathology? Full text
2025
Motlatso T. Hlokwe | Nomawethu S. Masina | Boitumelo Letsoko | Sewellyn C. Davey | Anita L. Michel
Paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) has devastating outcomes on ruminant health and impacts on national and international trade. The current work assessed the diagnostic value of the VersaTREK automated liquid culture system in isolating Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) from faecal and intestinal tissue samples from ovine under South African conditions and compared it with the current method of choice, histopathological examination. Intestinal tissue and faecal samples from 111 sheep (including complete set from 104 slaughter sheep from flocks with a history of MAP infection as well as incomplete sample sets from 7 sheep) were analysed using the liquid culture method. One set of tissues was subjected to histopathological examination. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from culture isolates was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using primers that target the IS900 regions of the MAP for species verification. Overall, the VersaTREK automated liquid culture in combination with IS900 PCR showed a comparable level of detection in tissues (12.6%) as histopathology (13.5%), but the detection rate for faecal samples was lower than for tissues (10.8%). A combination of histopathology and faecal culture increased the detection rate from 13.5% (n = 14/104) and 9.6% (n = 10/104), respectively, to 15.4% (n = 16/104). Contribution: Our findings highlight the diagnostic utility of the VersaTREK automated liquid culture system in detecting MAP in ovine samples collected both ante and postmortem. However, an inhibitory effect on the MAP isolation rate observed when the antibiotic cocktail was added to the culture medium warrants further investigation. The outcome of the study is beneficial in guiding the strategic planning of the nationwide control programme.
Show more [+] Less [-]Pharmacological Challenge of Xylazine and Ketamine Following Repeated Doses of Arsenic in Duck Chicks Full text
2025
Mahmood Mahmood | Qubad Mahmood
Arsenic trichloride (AsCl₃) is a highly toxic inorganic compound that adversely affects multiple organ systems, including the liver, kidneys, and brain. As a widespread environmental pollutant, arsenic poses significant health risks to both humans and animals, particularly poultry. Young birds, such as duck chicks, are especially vulnerable due to their developing physiological systems. Chronic arsenic exposure in poultry can lead to metabolic disturbances, organ damage, and impaired immune function, ultimately affecting growth, survival, and response to veterinary interventions.This study determined the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of arsenic trichloride in duck chicks, which was established at 6.53 mg/kg. Additionally, the research evaluated the impact of arsenic exposure on anesthesia induced by xylazine (5 mg/kg) and ketamine (20 mg/kg). Arsenic exposure at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg significantly prolonged the duration of anesthesia compared to lower doses (0 and 2 mg/kg), while the onset of anesthesia became significantly more rapid at 8 mg/kg. The percentage of birds exhibiting anesthesia also increased in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that arsenic exposure alters drug metabolism and neurophysiological responses, which could complicate bird anesthetic management.Understanding the effects of arsenic toxicity on anesthetic response is crucial for veterinary professionals working with poultry. This study emphasizes the need to consider environmental toxicant exposure when administering bird anesthetic agents to ensure safe and effective anesthesia. Additionally, monitoring arsenic contamination in poultry farming is essential to prevent long-term health consequences, optimize veterinary anesthesia protocols, and safeguard food safety.
Show more [+] Less [-]Some Aspects of Infestation of Chewing Lice Parasitizing Chickens and Pigeons in Basrah Province, Iraq. Full text
2025
Alaa Hatem
Poultry is infected with many external parasites, chewing lice is the most important of those parasites. It attacks poultry, especially in rural and local free farms. The infection leads to many pathological effects, including stunted growth, decreased egg production, feather loss, and others. This study aimed to survey and diagnose the chewing lice parasitizing domestic chickens and pigeons during the period from November 2023 to October 2024 in Basra Governorate. A total of 240 chickens and 240 pigeons were examined. The results showed a recording of six species of chewing lice, three were parasitic on chickens: Macanthus stramineuse, Menacanthus cornutus, Menapon gallinae. There were also three species of parasites on pigeons: Campanulotes bidentatus, Hohorstiella lata. Columbicola columbae. The total prevalence in chickens was 45.42% and in pigeons 42.92%. Monthly infection percentages and its impact on environmental factors (temperature and humidity) were recorded. Samples of chewing lice species were calculated. Triple infection was the highest rate, was 57.79% in chickens and 60.19% in pigeons. The sites of infections in birds’ bodies were observed.
Show more [+] Less [-]Gut Microbiota's Role in Optimizing the Chicken Digestive System Full text
2025
Aymen Al-Alhially | Ahmed N. Flayyih
Chickens' general well-being and productivity depend heavily on their gut health. It describes how well the gastrointestinal system functions and the complex interactions it has with microbial communities. In order to optimize the chicken's digestive tract, this paper examines the importance of gut microbiota, highlighting the ways in which these microbes support performance, health, and resistance to disease. The intricate microbiome found in the gut is important for immunological response, digestion, and nutrient absorption. It is crucial to comprehend gut health since, even in the absence of obvious symptoms of illness, it can have a direct impact on hen performance. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including by offering a well-balanced diet high in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics. These elements encourage the development of advantageous bacteria, which enhances the hens' general health and performance. The chicken's digestive system depends on its gut flora. Poultry farmers can improve the well-being and output of their flocks by comprehending its function and putting prevention measures in place to keep the microbiota steady.
Show more [+] Less [-]Detection of Clostridium perfringens in Uncooked Meat and Butchers' Tools in Basra: A Public Health Concern Full text
2025
Alaa Al-haideri
This study was conducted to examine uncooked meat samples collected from slaughtered animals from butchers' markets in Basra Governorate. During the period from June to August 2024, 75 samples were studied, including 50 samples of sheep meat and 25 samples of butchers' tools. Using sterile swaps, equivalent areas (2.5 CM) of meat surface or butchers' tools were rubbed evenly, and then the swaps were inoculated into a thioglycolate medium containing tubes. The cultures were transported to the lab and cultivated under anaerobic conditions for 48 hrs. at 37C using an anaerobic jar and gas bags. The presence of Clostridium perfringens bacteria was detected by microbial culture on CHROMagar and microscopic examination in addition to species-specific polymerase chain reaction using the 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that C. perfringens was present in 15 total samples among the 75 samples studied (10 isolates from meat and 5 isolates from butchers' tools). Furthermore, PCR detected the cpa gene in all C. perfringens-positive samples, confirming that these isolates belong to type A of Clostridium perfringens. The results of this study indicate that the source of such contamination originates from poor sanitation of slaughterhouses and/or due to the disease of slaughtered animals. These findings necessitate imposing strict sanitation measures and public health awareness to limit C. perfringens meat contamination.
Show more [+] Less [-]Histomorphological and Histochemical Study of the Skin of the Local Dog . Full text
2025
Rabab Naser
The present study aimed to identify the skin features of the local dog. After anesthesia, five adult dogs took the skin samples, and the wounds were sutured that form after collecting the sample and the samples were fixated with 10% formalin and Bouin's solution.(special stain )in the present study, the skin consists of two layers epidermis and dermis, the epidermis is composed of epithelial cell layers comprised of four different types of cells of various studied regions. while the dermis was composed of two layers that embedded the hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and a few numbers of sweet and sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles. In conclusion, The skin is a large organ covering all body joints, underlying the muscles and bones. It is characterized by a few sebaceous and sweat glands.
Show more [+] Less [-]EFFECT OF DIPPING EGGS IN DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF ACETIC ACID ON THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL QUALITATIVE TRAITS OF EGGS Full text
2025
Chro Aziz | Shoxan Ali | Jaza Mohammed | Questan Ameen | Ahmed Shaker
This study evaluated the effects of treating eggs with varying concentrations of acetic acid (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) on internal and external egg quality traits. A total of 40 fresh chicken eggs were divided equally among the four treatment groups. Eggs were immersed in their respective acetic acid solutions for 10 minutes, followed by rinsing and air-drying. Quality parameters, including weight, external dimensions, shell thickness, and internal traits, were measured before and after treatment. External traits such as egg breadth showed significant differences (P<0.05), with higher values observed at 5% and 10% concentrations, while egg length and shell thickness remained unaffected. Internal traits such as yolk and albumin weights were significantly influenced (P<0.05), with optimal values noted at 10% concentration. Egg volume and surface area also increased significantly with acetic acid treatments, particularly at higher concentrations (10% and 15%), while the shape index remained stable. Density-related traits such as egg and yolk density peaked at 10% and 5%, respectively, reflecting enhanced structural integrity and nutrient retention. The shell weight per surface area was highest at 5% concentration, suggesting improved calcium deposition. Overall, acetic acid concentrations of 5%-10% demonstrated the most favorable effects on egg traits, indicating the potential for moderate acid treatments to enhance certain quality parameters without compromising structural integrity. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing acetic acid use in egg preservation and hatchery practices, warranting further research into extended exposure durations and alternative acids.
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