Sheep play an important role in national economy and social economy in rural areas in Iran. The main goal of this study was to investigate the fauna and frequency of parasitic helminth infections prevalent in native sheep in Hamedan, western Iran. From April 2010 to March 2011, the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts of 100-sheep were examined using conventional parasitological methods. The overall infection rate was found as 69%. No infection was found in esophagus and rumens. Parabronema skerjabini (22%) and Ostertagia circumcincta (1%) were recorded as the maximum and minimum cases for the presence of nematode, respectively. On the other hand, the most dominant of trematode and cestode were Fasciola hepatica (13%) and Monezia expansa (13%), respectively. The highest infection rate was reported in summer (84%). The prevalence of helminth infection was varied among gender, seasons and age groups. In conclusion, this is the first report of parasitic helminth infections in sheep in Hamedan province in western Iran. Our results provide baseline information for the future studies.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two estrus synchronization treatments i.e., Ovsynch alone and Ovsynch plus Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR), on the occurrence of estrus and conception rate in Kundhi buffalo during breeding season in Pakistan. Forty Kundhi buffaloes were randomly selected and were divided into three groups; Group A (n=16; Ovsynch) received 2 mL GnRH intramuscularly (i/m) on day 0 and 9. On day 7, 5 mL prostaglandin F2 and #945; (PGF2 and #945; analogue) was administered through i/m route. The buffaloes of Group B (n=17; Ovsynch+CIDR) received 2 mL GnRH on day 0 along with implantation of CIDR. On day 7, the CIDR was removed, and 5 mL PGF2 and #945; analogue was injected through i/m route. A second dose of GnRH was administered through i/m route after 48 h of PGF2 and #945; inj. in both groups. Group C (n=7; control) received 2 mL normal saline through i/m route on day 0, 7 and 9. The buffaloes of all three groups were artificially inseminated twice (12 h and 24 h after the second GnRH inj.) using frozen-thawed semen. Estrus response differed significantly (P<0.05) among the groups. The animals of Group B (76.47%) showed superior estrus response as compared to others. Higher conception rate (52.94%) was observed in the animals of Group B; however, the difference was not significant. In conclusion, Ovsynch+CIDR causes to occur better estrus response and conception rate as compared to Ovsynch alone in Kundhi buffaloes during breeding season. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 362-365]

Dystocia or difficulty in parturition in a ewe may need veterinary assistance for the successful parturition. An adult ewe weighing 30 kg was presented to the Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia with the history of difficulty in giving birth. Physical examination of the ewe revealed that the animal was weak and in recumbent position. Head of a dead fetus was observed as protruding out from the vulva region. Through physical evaluation of the ewe by per vaginal examination, the condition was diagnosed as fetal dystocia. Treatment and management plans given to the ewe were episiotomy and manipulative delivery of the dead fetus via mutation and traction method. Post-operative treatment was given with Flunixin meglumine (dosed at 2.2 mg/kg bwt) for 3 days, and Norodine (dosed at 1 mL/16-kg bwt) once intramuscularly. The case was completely cured after 2 weeks. The risk of losing the lamb as well as the ewe increases with delay in treatment of dystocia.

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis is an acute, febrile disease of warm blooded animals including humans. Social norms and poverty in addition to climatic factors such as soil conditions, seasons of year, ambient temperature and rainfall influence the persistence of the B. anthracis and anthrax outbreaks. The present study was designed to reveal the factors influencing the repeated outbreak of anthrax in Bangladesh. Considering the previous outbreaks of anthrax, Sirajganj, Bogra, Kushtia, Tangail and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh were selected for this study. To elucidate the factors, qualitative data relating to the animal management, knowledge and behavior of the people; and quantitative data relating to soil conditions, ambient temperature and rainfall were acquired, and analyzed critically. Based on the outbreak histories, a year was divided into two seasons, anthrax prone season (May-November) and anthrax dry season (December-April). Anthrax spores could be isolated from 11.67% (n=14/120) of the soil samples collected from the study areas. The present study revealed that poor knowledge, lack of awareness, improper carcass disposal, inadequate vaccination, high Ca content and moisture in the soil along with high ambient temperature and rainfall during the anthrax prone season were the possible influencing factors of repeated outbreaks of anthrax in the study areas. Intensive propaganda to create public awareness of anthrax together with proper vaccination may reduce anthrax outbreaks in Bangladesh.

This study was designed to reveal out the prevalence of Sarcoptic mite infestation and the risk factors associated with occurrence of mange in one-humped camels (Camulus dromedarius) at smallholder farms in Upper Egypt, and to develop an applicable therapeutical protocol for the Sarcoptic mange infested camels. A total of 660 one-humped camels were randomly selected from different villages of Assiut, Upper Egypt. The animals were undergone clinical and parasitological examinations. Skin scrapings revealed that Sarcoptes scabiei var. cameli mite was present in 6.06% (n=40/660) camels of the area. Statistical analysis of some ecological parameters showed that there was significant relationship (P<0.05) between mite infestation in camels and season, housing management, and use of acaricides. On the other hand, age and sex did not significantly affect the prevalence of the disease. Topical application of moxidectin at 0.5 mg/kg bwt or subcutaneous administration of doramectin at 200 μg/kg bwt, along with treatment of animal environment was found to be the best protocol for the eradication and prevention of Sarcoptic mange in camel. The findings of this study indicate that Sarcoptes scabiei var cameli is the preeminent agent of mange infestation in one-humped camel in Upper Egypt. Use of acaricides for the treatment of affected camels, along with spraying the animal environment by insecticides is a effective protocol not only for controlling mange in camels but also for prevention of re-infestation from the animal environment.

Heads of sheep (n=180) and goats (n=120) slaughtered at four regions (Labraq, Shahat, Elbeida, and Masa) of Green Mountain areas in Libya were investigated for the presence of larvae of Oestrus ovis. The animals were divided into sex and age groups. The heads were cut along longitudinal and sagittal axes, and the larvae (L1, L2, and L3) were collected. The infestation rate was significantly higher in sheep (51.66%; n=93/180) as compared to goats (28.33%; n=34/120). In sheep, the rate was higher during May (100%), while in goat, it was higher during August (70%). The incidence of L1 peaked in April (90%) for sheep and October (100%) for goats, while L2 reached to maximum in May for sheep (26.95%) and goats (75%). L3 reached to peak in February (50%) for sheep, and June (25%) for goats. Mean intensity of larval burden was higher in sheep than goat, reaching to peak in June (9.1 larvae/head) for sheep and March (3.5 larvae/head) for goats. The infestation rate was significantly higher in males than females. The older animals were mostly affected as compared to younger animals. Highest infestation rate was recorded in Masa (45.83%), and the lowest rate was found in Labraq (40.27%). In conclusion, these findings may be used in designing the control strategies of myiasis in Libya.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is one of the most important diseases of cattle responsible for major economic losses in dairy industries of Iran. So far, no nationwide program has been taken in Iran to control and eradicate the disease. Moreover, until now, no vaccination program has been practiced against BVD in Iran, although the disease is prevailing in the country. For effective controlling of BVD, it is necessary to cull the affected animals, and new entry of BVD in the farm should be prevented. Focusing on biosecurity in systematic control programs of BVD can also reduce the risks of introduction and spread of other epizootic and zoonotic diseases, thereby improving both cattle health and welfare in general. In this review paper, an overview on BVD emphasizing on Iran perspective has been discussed focusing on clinical manifestations of BVD, routes of transmission of BVD virus (BVDV), its diagnostic methods and possible prevention strategies. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 240-251]

The research work was aimed at investigating physiological, biochemical, analgesic and anesthetic indices of dogs anesthetized with propofol-ketamine and maintained with repeat bolus and constant infusions of propofol. Eight dogs, assigned to two groups (n=4), were used in this study. All dogs were pre-medicated with atropine (at 0.03 mg/kg bwt) and xylazine (at 2 mg/kg bwt). Anesthesia was induced by a concurrent administration of propofol (at 4 mg/kg bwt) and ketamine (at 2.5 mg/kg bwt). Maintenance of anesthesia in Group 1 was done with a repeat bolus of propofol (at 2 mg/kg bwt), while in Group 2 it was done with a constant infusion of propofol (at 0.2 mg/kg bwt/min). Gastrotomy was performed in both groups, and anesthesia was maintained for 60 min. Physiological, analgesic, anesthetic parameters and plasma glucose concentration were measured. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference found in the analgesia and pedal reflex scores, durations of analgesia and recumbency, recovery time and standing time between the groups. The heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature reduced significantly (P<0.05) from the baseline values. The heart and respiratory rates were significantly (P<0.05) lowered in Group 1 than in Group 2. Blood glucose was significantly (P<0.05) elevated at recovery from anesthesia in both groups. However, the value did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, both maintenance protocols are suitable for dogs, although the repeat bolus technique produces marked cardiopulmonary depression.

Mastitis is associated with release of free radicals, increased total oxidant capacity and decreased total antioxidants capacity in milk. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals protect the body from free radicals either by directly scavenging free radicals or by inhibiting the activity of oxidizing enzymes. The supplementation of mastitic dairy cows with antioxidant vitamins as vitamin A (VA) and β-carotene (BC), vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE), and antioxidant minerals as selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) is very important to help the animal recover early. The aim of this review was to discuss the oxidative stress in dairy cows’ mastitis, and the roles of VA and BC, VC, VE, Se, Zn, and Cu in mastitis of dairy cows. Before deciding to supplement dairy cow rations with the levels of vitamins and minerals, dairy farmers should have their animal feeds tested and their rations evaluated by a competent dairy cow nutritionist and a trustworthy laboratory to be sure what levels of supplementation may be warranted. While inadequate intake and absorption of certain nutrients may result in a weakened immune system and perhaps more mastitis during the lactation period, unjustified supplementation can be expensive and lead to other animal health problems.

This article reports cases of nitrate poisoning in Indian indigenous cattle breeds comprising two Gir cows aging 4 years each, and one Barugur cow at 1.5 years of age. The cattle with case history of sudden death and oozing of partially clotted blood from the anal opening were brought to the Central University Laboratory (CUL), Center for Animal Health Studies (CAHS), Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) for diagnostic investigation with a suspicion of anthrax. According to anamnesis, all the animals were clinically normal and did not reveal any abnormality on the previous day. The animals were fed with recently harvested sorghum leaves and stalks. Smears examined for anthrax were found negative. Biological test (mice inoculation) for anthrax was also negative. Gross lesions on necropsy examination of the carcases were suggestive of nitrate intoxication. Finally, nitrate intoxication of these cattle was confirmed by chemical and toxicological analysis of fodder, rumen content, aqueous humor, liver, kidney and urine.