BACKGROUND: Mongooses are small carnivores residing in different regions from Africa to southeast Asia. The Indian gray mongoose (Herpestes Edwardsii) is one of the mongoose species that is mostly found in southern Asia particularly India and the south of Iran. Anatomical studies on the animal's brain have always been of interest to the scientist due to its high importance in various branches of biology, such as zoology, veterinary medicine and ethology. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to enrich the current data pool by providing a histological description of the mongoose’s brain. The present study was conducted to investigate the histomorphologic and histomorphomet- ric aspects of cerebrum and cerebellum of the Indian grey mongoose. METHODS: For this purpose, eight adult mongooses were considered, which were in an end-stage disease or the status of approaching death. In the following, after removing the skull, the brain structure was accurately dissected and placed in 10% buffered formalin. The samples were embedded in paraffin, cut into serial sections and stained using standard Hematoxylin and Eosin protocol. RESULTS: In this study, the thickness of the white matter and cortex layers in the cerebrum and cerebellum, the number of neurons and neuroglia cells per unit area, and morphological features of tissue of the organs were measured and recorded. The results of cell count showed that the cell density of neurons in female and neuroglia in male were higher, significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Also in the cerebellum, the Purkinje cells were oval to round and were very close to the granular layer. CONCLUSIONS: Despite minor differences, it could be concluded that the general morphologic and mor- phometric characteristics of cerebrum and cerebellum for mongoose are similar to the other animals. Although the study of these features has not been done in a wild carnivore so far, these features can be considered as an intermediate between rodents and human.

BACKGROUND: Equine salmonellosis is an important infection with a wide variety of consequences including develop-ment of acute salmonellosis in the cases of predisposing factors, nosocomial infections, public health risk, and environmental contaminations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fecal shedders of Salmonella spp. in the horses of Kurdistan province of Iran using phenotypic and molecular approach. METHODS: A total of 130 fresh feces were randomly collected from horses in four age groups and both sexes in four seasons from all over Kurdistan province. The samples were analyzed for the isolation of Salmonella spp. with culture and biochemical method. An invA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was also carried out for detection of Salmo-nella spp. in pooled fecal samples, simultaneously. The isolates were further serotyped and the antimicrobial profile of the isolates was determined using Kirby-Bauer method. RESULTS: The results showed 1.53% (n=2) and 7.69% (n=10) by bacteriological methods and PCR method, respec-tively. There was no significant relation between the frequencies of Salmonella shedders and age, sex and season (p ≥0.05). The two isolates were recognized as Salmonella Typhimurium, showing 100% resistance against ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, sulphamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol, and 50% resistance against gentamycin. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidity and accuracy of PCR versus phenotypic method makes it an appropriate procedure for the surveillance programs regarding Salmonella detection in feces. Approximately high prevalence of subclinical form in equine salmonellosis or Salmonella fecal carriers in the studied region is instigated to seriously apply strategies to manage and control the distribution of infection to susceptible hosts.

BACKGROUND: Ascites syndrome is one of the most important metabolic disorders in growing broiler chickens world-wide. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of broccoli in comparison to ascorbic acid on controlling pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broiler chickens. METHODS: A total of 144 one-day old chicks were randomly divided into four groups. Each group included 36 chicks with three replicates of 12 birds. Experimental treatments were control, ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg dietary), and two levels of broc-coli (0.5% and 1% dietary broccoli powder). Growth performance, hematocrit or packed cell volume (PCV), heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, right ventricle to total ventricle weight ratio (RV:TV), serum biochemical factors, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, as well as humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated. RESULTS: Growth performance parameters improved in experimental treatments compared to control, even though it was not statistically significant. The RV:TV ratio in treatment groups was lower than control, and it was significant in ascorbic acid and broccoli 1% (p ≤0.05). H:L ratio decreased in treatment groups than control (p ≤0.05). Nitric oxide and HDL-C levels increased at both broccoli levels than control (p ≤0.05), but LDL-C and triglyceride levels decreased (p ≤0.05). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity were lower and higher in treatment groups than control, respectively (p ≤0.05). There were no significant changes in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This research showed that addition of broccoli to the diet of broiler chickens, through improving anti-oxidant parameters, increasing serum nitric oxide levels, and decreasing blood pressure, blood lipids, RV:TV ratio, and mortality, could be effective to prevent PHS.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of livestock. Their inappropriate usage leads to various disorders in humans as a result of consuming animal products. Milk is among the foods that are significantly affected by consuming antibiotics. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare Yoghurt Culture Test (YCT), Four- Plate Test (FPT), and the Copan test for detecting antibiotic residues in raw and pasteurized milk produced in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 146 raw milk samples and 54 pasteurized milk samples were selected randomly from dairy farms and dairy products suppliers. The presence of antibiotics was evaluated by YCT, FPT, and Copan test. In addition, the sensi-tivity of the three tests for tetracycline and penicillin, as the two common antibiotics in the treatment of animals, was compared. RESULTS: Our findings showed that 8.9% of raw milk and 11% of pasteurized milk samples contained antibiotics. However, the levels of antibiotic residues were higher in 2% of the positive samples than maximum residue levels (MRL). Moreover, significant differences were observed between FPT, YCT, and the Copan test (p <0.05). On the other hand, the positive results of YCT and Copan tests were not significantly different (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that a low percentage of milk samples contained antibiotic residues higher than the permissible limit. Furthermore, YCT could be used as an inexpensive, easy, and sensitive method for identifying the residues of penicillin and tetracycline in milk.

BACKGROUND: Agama agama lizards are the most populous species of lizard in developing countries of African including Nigeria. These lizards are insectivores; they feed on insects and other arthropods, which may predispose them to different gastrointestinal parasitic infections, some of which are of zoonotic importance. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal parasites in Agama agama lizards trapped in and around commercial poultry houses in Gombe State, Nigeria. METHODS: The study was carried out between the months of February and December, 2017. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 200 humanly euthanized Agama agama lizards from six Local Government Areas of Gombe State. Samples were examined microscopically for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites eggs or adult worms. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 154 (77.0%) Agama agama lizards examined, comprising of 58% gastrointestinal helminthes ova and 19% coccidian oocytes. Six species of helminthes were encountered viz: Strongyluris species (25.5%), Trichuris species (13.5%), Oxyuris species (8.0%), Ascaris species (5.5%), Heterakis species (4.0%) and Capillaria species (1.5%) all belonging to the class Nematoda. Two coccidian species comprised of Eimeria (1.5%) and Isospora species (1.5%) were also encountered. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in male (68.5%) compared to the female (45.7%) infected lizards. Coccidiosis was also higher (p> 0.05) in the male (19.4%) compared to the female (18.5%) infected lizards. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was found to be significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in the rainy season compared to the dry season of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This study discovered helminthosis and coccidiosis in Agama agama lizards roaming in and around poultry pens in Gombe State. The occurrence of six helminthes and two coccidian species were recovered from infected Agama agama lizards, and prevalence rates of both parasites were significantly higher during the rainy season. Similar genus of gastrointestinal parasites detected in this study have been previously documented in man and domesticated birds. This suggests the association of Agama agama lizards in gastrointestinal parasites transmissions between susceptible hosts. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies involving molecular characterization and comparative studies of these gastrointestinal parasites in Agama agama lizards and domesticated birds should be carried out. It is also recommended that strict biosecurity should be maintained in and around commercial poultry houses to curb disease transmission by lizards or wild reptiles to birds.

BACKGROUND: Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an oncogenic deltaretrovirus causing a persistent lifelong infection of B lymphocytes. In addition to the domestic cattle, the virus can also infect water buffaloes. OBJECTIVES: Recent investigations have demonstrated the increasing prevalence of BLV infection among cattle population in Iran. Large populations of water buffaloes are also kept in different parts of Iran for milk and meat purposes. Considering economic losses induced by BLV infection in buffalo and more importantly the role of this species in virus epidemiology, the present study has investigated the BLV infection in Iranian water buffalo population. METHODS: Seroprevalence and occurrence of BLV was investigated in water buffalo population (n=100) in Khuzestan province, Southwest Iran by ELISA and nested PCR, targeting gp51 region in the envgene. RESULTS: In total, 52 samples were seropositive and represented the antibodies against BLV gp51 protein in ELISA test. Forty-seven out of 52 seropositive samples were confirmed by nested PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Such a high rate of BLV infection in water buffaloes is an alarming issue for both its eco- nomic impact due to the production losses and more importantly the epidemiological aspects in which the virus circulation among different host species will complicate the control and prevention strategies.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infection in poultry is one of the most important concerns in poultry. Virulence and pathogenicity of the SE isolates from Iran have not been well studied so far. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, three Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) isolates were compared with a standard SE strain (PT21) for virulence in one-day-old layer chicks. All of the isolates were supposed to be virulent because of carrying a large-sized virulence plasmid. METHODS: Fifty day-old layer chicks (LSL strain) were divided into five groups of 10 chicks and raised in separate cages until 14 days of age. All three SE isolates were cultured in brain-heart infusion (BHI) broth to reach a concentration of approximately 1010 CFU/ml. The challenged groups included three groups inoculated with three SE isolates (A20, S32, S34) and one group inoculated with SE PT21 as positive control. One group was raised as negative control without receiving any bacteria. Any mortality or morbidity observed in any group was recorded. Samples were taken from liver, jejunum and cecum at days 2, 4, 6, 9 and 14 days of age, cultured for SE isolation, colony counting and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: All challenged groups showed mild to severe diarrhea in all birds and some birds were listless especially in the first week. No signs were seen in the control group. Two mortalities occurred in challenged groups. Salmonella Enteritidis was detected in all samples until the end of experiment. The colony count showed less (100 to 1000 times less) SE in liver compared to that of cecal samples. Histopathological findings also were compatible with symptoms and bacteriological results. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that all three SE isolates were able to colonize in the digestive system of layer chicks leading to mortality or at least lower performance compared to healthy chicks

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and prognosis of inflammatory conditions based on acute phase proteins (APPs) level in blood has been exploited for a long time in human medicine and their changes in SARA condition is considered in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the variations of serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) as main acute phase proteins in cow with normal pH or cows that experienced rumen pH ≤5.8 during first days after parturition. METHODS: A total of 106 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly selected after parturition in two different seasons of winter and summer 2017. Cows were divided into 2 groups as normal cows with pH >5.8 or rumen pH ≤5.8. Ruminal fluid samples were collected through stomach tube for rumen pH and blood samples were taken from the coccygeal vein of cows concurrently once per day at days 4, 11 and 18 post-partum. SAA and Hp were determined in blood samples. The PROC MIXED of SAS (2003) was used for all determined variables with repeated measures. BCS, parity and milk yield were included as fixed and cows as random effect. The significant level was declared at P≤0.05, and tendency toward significance was considered at 0.05<P≤0.10 by the Tukey test. Correlation between rumen pH and APPs were surveyed using PROC CORRELATION of SAS (2003). RESULTS: The results of experiment showed that rumen pH was lower (P<0.05) in summer samples than winter (6.33 vs. 6.46). Rumen pH was lower (P<0.0001) in cows composed by subjects with rumen pH ≤5.8 than pH >5.8. For all examined cows, SAA concentration was greater in winter than summer (P<0.001), as well as at day 4 than days 11 and 18 after calving (P<0.05).Also, Hp concentration was greater for winter samples than summer (P<0.05), and at day 18 than days 4 and 11 after calving (333.33 vs. 299.3 and 300.1 respectively) (P<0.05). SAA and Hp concentrations were not affected by rumen pH. There was no significant correlation between rumen pH and APPs concentrations in both groups of pH ≤5.8 and pH >5.8. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that rumen pH ≤5.8 seems not to stimulate the APPs production

BACKGROUND: Hip Dysplasia is a frequent orthopedic disease that is characterized by early joint sublux- ation. The DARthroplasty technique is a two-part process that involves applying bone graft to increase the femoral head coverage with a low morbidity rate and the long term is known results. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to investigate the radiographic and clinical changes after transplanting the rib allograft impregnated with PRP and MSCs in the treatment of hip dysplasia in a dog. The current study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of modified DARthroplasty. METHODS:12 dogs were selected, all of them operated by the modified induced hip dysplasia. Afterward, an approximately 25 mm segment rib was harvested and transplanted at slot approximately 7 mm broad and 12.5 mm high, close craniodorsally to the joint capsule origin, and secured with a 2 mm cortical bone screw in each recipient dog. PRP and MSCs were injected into the gap around allograft. Subsequently, they were divided into 3 subgroups of 4 dogs in each group, control, PRP, and MSCs. 6 months after the surgery, all dogs were subjected to clinical and radiographic evaluations. RESULTS:Clinically, all dogs showed no sign of orthopedic disorder which was determined by Ortolani sign, and no muscle atrophy and pain were elicited in the hip joint. One dog showed a slight lameness degree about two weeks and one case had seroma but was immediately treated by aspiration and pressure bandage. Upon ra- diographic examination, no dislocation of the rib allograft could be detected. Bone proliferation was observed. Dogs in all groups showed NA and PC increase with MSCs (5.25 ± 0.3 and 22.5 ± 0.81), PRP group (6.5 ± 0.43 and 20.5 ± 0.12) and control group (6.5 ± 0.35 and 19 ± 1.23) at six months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that rib bone allograft with PRP and MSCs can be quite effective on joint congruency and stability in symptomatic dogs due to hip dysplasia.

BACKGROUND:Raw and roasted nuts are one of the most popular snacks consumed in Iran but mishandling and poor storage conditions and practices may lead to promote the growth of microorganisms and foodborne intoxications and infections. OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this study was to investigate the microbial quality of raw and roasted (salted and unsalt- ed) nuts, distributed in commercial markets in Mazandaran province, Iran. METHODS:The moisture content, total colony counts, total coliform, fecal coliform, Staphylococcusaureus, and fungal contamination were evaluated according to procedures of Iran national standards. RESULTS: The moisture content of raw and roasted hazelnut, pistachio, almond, and cashew nut samples were above the standard limits. The moisture content of the raw peanuts was within the standard approved limit (maximum 9%). But the moisture content of the roasted peanut was higher than the permissible limit of 5%. For yeasts and moulds, except for all almond samples and 56% of cashew nut samples, all products tended to be loaded with unsatisfactory limits. The total viable count was within the standard limits in hazelnut, almond, and cashew nut samples (less than 4log cfu/gr). Satisfactory limits of coliforms (lower than 1log cfu/gr) were observed in all almond samples, 91.6% of hazelnut, and 16.7% of pistachio samples. No fecal coliforms were detected in samples. S.aureus contamination was observed in 6.5% of hazelnut, 8% of almond, 25% of cashew nut, and 33% of peanut samples. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, almond and hazelnut showed the least, and pistachio and peanut samples showed the highest microbial contamination.