Objective: The present study was carried out to identify the associated Salmonella and Escherichia coli in betel leaves (Piper betle), and to develop an effective method to remove those microbes.Materials and methods: Betel leaves were collected from local and whole sale markets, and borouj (cultivation place). Salmonella and E. coli were isolated and identified by cultural, morphological, and biochemical tests followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the genus specific 16S rRNA genes. Antibiogram of the isolated bacteria was performed by disc diffusion method. Different concentrations of Salmosan-A Soln were used to remediate the contaminating bacteria keeping the quality of betel leaves for longer periods.Results: Total Salmonella counts in the betel leaves were 3.9×105, 4.9×106, 3.5×104, 1.1×103 and 1.5×103 CFU/mL, while E. coli counts were 5.5×107, 6.3×107, 4.4×105, 3.3×103 and 3.1×103 CFU/mL in the betel leaves collected from K.R. market, Kewatkhali Bazaar, whole sale market, borouj in Kushtia and borouj in Natore, respectively. Antibiogram study revealed that the isolated bacteria were sensitive to doxycyclline, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and cefotaxime. Application of 0.3% Salmosan-A Soln was found to be the most effective and suitable, where <1 CFU/mL in the betel leaves could be detected after treatment for 10 min.Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that treatment with 0.3% Salmosan-A Soln for 10 min is capable of removing Salmonella and E. coli from betel leaves keeping the treated leaves fresh up to 7 days of post-treatment. Method developed in this study can be adapted to reduce bacterial contamination of betel leaves more effectively in Bangladesh and other betel leaf exporting countries. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e250

Objective: The current study was undertaken to evaluate intensively reared indigenous slow-growing normally feathered (I-nana), commercial heterozygous naked neck (C-Nana), and commercial normally feathered (C-nana) chicken for their body weight and growth curve parameters.Material and methods: A total of 132 birds were used in this study. Specifically, chickens flock consisting of 21 I-nana (8 males and 13 females), 20 C-Nana (8 males and 12 females) and 91 C-nana chickens (32 males and 59 females) were marked individually and reared together in a single room under uniform feeding, care and management. Body weight of individual hen and rooster of each genotype was measured weekly up to 12 weeks of age and then at 30 weeks of age. Parameters of growth curve were determined using Gompertz’s equation.Results: Commercial heterozygous naked neck and commercial normally feathered chickens exhibited significantly (P<0.01) higher daily weight gain (DWG) than indigenous normally feathered counterparts at the first two phases of growth during 12 weeks of age (the DWG1-3wk for C-Nana, C-nana and I-nana were 04.46±0.93 gm, 05.01±1.10 gm and 02.38±0.78 gm, respectively, and DWG3-12 wk for C-Nana, C-nana and I-nana were 16.60±3.70 gm, 16.23±3.4 gm and 08.01±1.74 gm, respectively). However, at the third phase of growth 12 through 30 weeks of age, the normally feathered indigenous chickens (I-nana) had a significantly (P<0.01) higher DWG12-30 wk (02.91±0.81 gm) when compared with C-nana (02.53±1.25 gm). The growth curves of chickens showed out distinctive inflexion points at 46.91d, 50.68d and 51.22d (P<0.01) for three different C-nana, C-Nana and I-nana genotypes, respectively. The maturation rate per day was low for indigenous normally feathered birds (0.0282 gm), medium for commercial heterozygous naked neck and high for commercial normally feathered (0.0304 gm) chickens. The asymptotic weights were 823.7 gm, 1594.2 gm and 1506.9 gm for normally feathered indigenous, commercial naked neck and normally feathered chickens, respectively (P<0.01). Initial specific growth rate of commercial normally feathered (0.1676 gm) and naked neck (0.1479 gm) chickens were higher than that of normally feathered indigenous counterparts (0.1196 gm).Conclusion: The findings of the study reveal that the growth of normally feathered indigenous genotype was lower than those of commercial naked neck and commercial normally feathered chickens. However, the indigenous feathered chickens showed higher growth rate during the last phase of growth compared with the commercial feathered chickens. The estimate of the curve parameters seems to be an important tool for the selection of slow-growing traditional chickens for improvement.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e265

Objective: Salmonella is a widely-reported zoonotic bacterial pathogen and human infection is mostly attributed through direct or indirect contact with chickens. Salmonella Kentucky (S. Kentucky) is one of the motile serovars which has recently been identified from both poultry and human samples in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to assess its pathogenic potentials and shedding probability in backyard chicken.Materials and methods: We infected 22 backyard chickens orally, each with 106 cfu of Salmonella Kentuckey, which were then observed for 23 days to enlist clinical signs, gross and histo-pathological changes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Salmonella was applied on some representative samples to identify the presence of Salmonella.Results: Four chickens were sacrificed and the internal organs were examined to observe gross and microscopic tissue changes. Some reactive changes were seen in spleen during prolonged course of infection. The probability of S. Kentucky shedding was 77% (95%; CI 54-90%) on DPI 2, 41% (95%; CI 21-60%) on DPI 12 and 13% (95%; CI 3-31%) on DPI 21. The survival probability of the infected chickens was 50% (95%; CI 28-68%) on DPI 6, 32% (95%; CI 14-51%) on DPI 15 and 14% (95%; CI 3-31%) on DPI 23. Conclusion: Zoonotic S. Kentucky strain of human non-typhoidal clinical cases of gastroenteritis has potentials to produce clinical signs such as reduced feed uptake, watery or pasty fecal droppings and lesions, such as catarrhal enteritis and typhlitis.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e268

Objective: This study is conducted to assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors (e.g., age, sex, bio-security practices and management system) of Influenza A virus in swine population of Rangamati and Khagracchari DistrictsMaterials and methods: Prevalence study Influenza A in swine population was conducted over a period of six months Rangamati and Khagracchari Districts between July to December 2013. 180 blood samples were collected from pigs, and the samples were tested for the detection of Influenza antibody using Indirect ELISA method.Results: Total numbers of samples were 180 and numbers of positive cases were 22.Then the overall seroprevalence between the aforesaid districts was found to be 12.22%. Results of the investigation revealed that the seroprevalence of influenza A was 15% in Rangamati district, 10% in Khagraccharidistrict . The highest seroprevalence was found in Rangamati district (15%) and the lowest seroprevalence was (10%) found in Khagracchari district. On the basis of sex, seroprevalence rate of influenza A was found 14.29% in male pigs and 9·76% in female pigs.Conclusion: The study confirms that influenza virus is circulating in the pig populations of hill tracts area of Bangladesh. Our study had a number of limitations. Veterinarians, researchers and health officials will get new information from this research which will be helpful for developing prevention strategy for combating against this disease.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e269

Objective: Rhipicephalus microplus is a very invasive tick whose control is a current challenge. Its speed of propagation is favored by specific risk factors whose knowledge is an essential prerequisite for a good rather design of strategies to put in place for its control. This study consisted of evaluating the influence of transhumance on the spread of this tick in Benin.Materials and methods: To achieve this objective, two sets of tick sampling were carried out on five animals before and after transhumance in 80 autochthon herds from 8 municipalities in Benin.Results: The abundance of R. microplus varies significantly between breeding type, hosting type, period of ticks collection and between some of their interactions such as: breeding*period, hosting*period and breeding*hosting*period. In addition, the abundance of R. microplus according to each of these factors before transhumance differs significantly from the one observed after transhumance; the parasite load of R. microplus observed before transhumance is much higher than that observed after transhumance. Transhumance contributes to the spread of R. microplus in Benin.Conclusion: It represents a risk factor on which health risk managers could act in terms of surveillance and control of this cattle tick by carrying out the de-parasitage in the health campaign programs of transhumant animals.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e272

Objective: The main objective of this study was to study the effect of stocking density in two genetic groups of rabbits (purebred Californian (CAL × CAL) and Californian × Rex (CAL × RX) crossbred rabbits) on growth performance, some blood hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters and carcass traits.Materials and methods: A total of 120 weaned rabbits were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (two genetic groups; 60 of each CAL × CAL and CAL × RX and three stocking densities; 8, 12 and 20 rabbits/m2; the number of rabbits under each stocking density was 24, 36 and 60; respectively) and 6 replicates.Results: The effects of genetic group × stocking density interactions were significant (P<0.05) on most of growth performance traits, blood biochemical parameters and phagocytic activity, whereas the effects were non-significant on majority of blood hematological parameters and carcass traits. CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m2 had the lowest final body weights and total average daily gains, but had the highest feed to gain ratio. CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m2 had the lowest total protein and the highest glucose, corticosterone, liver function tests, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).Conclusion: CAL × CAL rabbits stocked at 20 rabbits/m2 recorded higher liver and kidney function tests, glucose, TAC, corticosterone levels and lower phagocytic activity which refers to the response of this genetic group to the stress of this higher stocking density and subsequently lower growth performance was observed in these rabbits.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e273

Objective: The objective of this research was to study the histological structures of proventriculus by light and scanning electron microscope and to investigate the localization of glucagon immunoreactive cells within the turkey proventriculus.Materials and methods: Ten adult healthy turkeys were used in this study. The specimens were fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin. The tissue samples were studied through routine histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Other samples were used for scanning microscope.Results: This study confirmed that the turkey proventriculus was formed from four tunics; tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The lamina epithelialis was simple columnar and gave positive reaction in Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain. The lamina propria contained simple tubular glands lined with columnar cells with lymphocyte infiltration. The submucosa contained proventricular glands formed with many round lobules. Each lobule was consisted of secretory tubules radiating from the central lumen of the lobule. The lining epithelium of the central lumen was columnar epithelium. The epithelium of the secretory tubules was cuboidal. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed the mucous membrane was consisted of many macroscopic papillae that formed from many folds which separated by furrows. Immunohistochemical observations revealed that glucagon immunoreactive cells were mainly determined inside the proventricular glands than within the surface epithelium mainly in the basal portion of the lobules and in the epithelium of central lumen of gland lobules.Conclusion: The structure of proventriculus structure in turkey has some variations as compared to other species of birds, and this may be attributed to the diet and its nutritious behavior.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e279

Objective: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2017 to assess the knowledge, perception and practices on brucellosis by pastoralists of Kagera ecosystem in Tanzania, using qualitative methods.Materials and methods: Five focus group discussions of six participants each were conducted with livestock farmers, administration leaders, religious representatives and youth. In addition, discussions with three key informants were conducted, involving officials of livestock, wildlife and public health departments in each district. Data were analyzed using content analysis with inductive and deductive methods.Results: The study revealed low knowledge regarding brucellosis among respondents. Although participants recognized brucellosis as a zoonotic disease, they consider it of less importance. In addition, participants had low knowledge on causes, symptoms and mode of transmission of this disease. However, they perceived the interactions between humans, livestock and wildlife together with movements between borders to be potential risks for introduction of brucellosis in their communities. Moreover, their habit of drinking unpasteurized milk, the lack of protective gears during assisting animals giving birth and poor vaccination program need to be improved by community health education.Conclusion: A coordinated One Health approach is needed and further studies are suggested to reveal the status of brucellosis in Kagera ecosystem to guide its control and prevention. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e285

Objective: Abrus precatorius is a universal panacea in herbal medicine. In view of this, phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, median lethal dose (LD50), hematological and biochemical effects of extracts of A. precatorius seed was studied in Mus musculus.Materials and methods: Nineteen (19) mice were used for the study. Four (4) mice were used for determination of median lethal dose of the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts respectively. The LD50 of aquous and ethyl acetate extracts was estimated at 187.5±62.5 mg/Kg and 175±75 mg/Kg respectively. The remaining fifteen (15) mice divided into 3 groups of 5 each were used for hematological and biochemical studies. Group 1 was administered 1 mL of distilled water while groups 2 and 3 were administered 1/10th (18.75 mg/Kg) of LD50 (187.5 mg/Kg) of methanolic and ethanolic seed extracts, for a period of 4 weeks.Results: Proximate analysis showed the presence of moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fiber. Carbohydrate and organic matter were calculated. Phytochemical screening showed alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, saponins, and reducing sugars in both ethanolic and aqueous extracts. Cardiac glycosides were present in aqueous extract. Hematology revealed increased packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) whereas red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Biochemistry revealed significantly decreased (P<0.05) total protein, albumin, cholesterol, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio whereas creatinine and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased.Conclusion: A. precatorius seed extracts are very toxic and can be used as blood tonic, immunosupressant, hypocholesterolemic and renotoxic.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e286

Objective: Regarding the displaying of the main differences between the pelvic limb of rabbit and cat. Materials and methods: Our work was performed on 10 New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and domestic cats (Felis domestica) with variable ages and of both sexes. After weighing of the animals, sedation, and anesthesia, the animals were examined radiographically. The bones of the pelvic limb were prepared, measured for its length/cm then described and compared. Results: The iliac tuberosity and the conversion of the acetabular notch into foramen were characteristics of Os coxae of the rabbit. The intertrochanteric crest was detected on the femur of the cat. In the rabbit, the leg interosseous space was located in the proximal third of this region while in the cat, it was extended along its length. The first metatarsal was undeveloped in the cat but was absent in the rabbit so metatarsal were four in the rabbit and five in the cat. The digits of the pelvic limbs in both animals were four in number. The distal sesamoid was single, transversely situated, and shuttle-shaped in rabbit but it was absent in cat. Conclusion: So, the chief points of variation between the pelvic limb bones of rabbit and cat enabled us to keep away the commercial fraud and facilitated their use as an animal model for education purposes. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e292