BACKGROUND: Mastitis is an important health disorder in dairy herds which affects milk production, animal reproduction and production. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the cumulative incidence of mastitis in dairy herds in Tehran province.  METHODS: From 679 dairy herds in Tehran province that have more than 50 animals, 32 dairy herds were selected randomly and animals that had calved from March 2007 to March 2008 were followed until the next calving or culling. In total 10506 animals were included in the study. The information on number, parity, occurrence of mastitis was gathered from registry forms. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of mastitis in this study was calculated 35.8% (95% Confidence interval (34.9-36.8), 3764 animals of 10506). Incidence of mastitis was increased by the increasing parity of animals, and animals in fifth parity have the most incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed the incidence of mastitis in this area is very high and it is necessary to control it.

BACKGROUND: Atrazine is one of the most important and effective pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. The widest sugar cane farms of the Middle East are located in Khouzestan province, Iran. Large amounts of Atrezine are being used in farming on these farms.                  Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate acute toxicity (LC50 96 h) of atrazine on Barbus grypus and the effects of chronic toxicity with sub-lethal concentration of atrazine on hematological parameters as well. Methods: 180 B grypus were divided into 4 equal groups (5, 10 and 20% of LC50 96 h and control). Blood samples were taken on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of experiment. Hematological parameters including hemoglobin level, hematocrit, and red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and globular indices were measured and compared among the groups. Results: LC50 96 h was measured 65 mg l-1. Hematological parameters were  significantly affected by chronic toxicity of atrazine. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC were decreased at all sampling periods in fish exposed to different levels of atrazine (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in globular indice values among the groups in sampling periods (p>0.05). For all samples, WBC value was decreased significantly on day 21 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that chronic atrazine toxicity adversely affects hematological parameters of B. grypus.

BACKGROUND: Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme of the oxidoreductase family. Lactoperoxidase is an important antimicrobial agent. Applications of lactoperoxidase are being found as a preservative in food and cosmetics. Immobilized LPO provides several significant benefits such as: easily separated from the reaction products, reducing production costs by efficient recycling and control of the process. Objectives: Purification and immobilization of lactoperoxidase extracted from camel milk using sodium alginate polymer. Methods: The lactoperoxidase was purified from camel milk by using sephadex G-100 gel filtration CM and sephadex C-50 ion-exchange chromatography. Encapsulation was carried out by using LPO, sodium alginate, glycerol and Tween 80. Afterward, the microcapsules were stablized by calcium ion (1%). Efficiency of encapsulation was calculated. The particle size and distribution were measured with particle size analyzer. Morphology and formation of the particles were studied  using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Stability of encapsulated and uncapsulated  LPO was studied at 4 °C during 70 days. Results: After purification and purity measurement by SD-SPAGE, concentration of 0/28 micrograms per liter for each of the fractions was obtained. Microencapsulation efficiency was 84% and microcapsules  less than 200 nm were formed. Observation by SEM confirmed the formation of microparticles. Microcapsules have a relatively smooth surface, spherical with low tenacity as well. Stability of encapsulated enzyme at 70 days was obtained 81%. Conclusions: Immobilization of Lactoperoxidase extracted from camel milk  using sodium alginate is a good method to increase performance of the enzyme.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) possess a variety of virulence genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of infections caused by this agent. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the genes encoding collagen binding (cna) and fibronectin binding (fnb) adhesion factors in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from food and clinical specimens. METHODS: During the time period 2010-2013, a total of 38 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from clinical specimens and 32 isolates from food samples were collected. All isolates were identified biochemically and subjected to DNA extraction. The accuracy of DNA extraction from each isolate was confirmed by PCR amplification of aroA gene and then the presence of cna and fnb genes in the extracted DNAs was assessed by PCR, using the specific primers. RESULTS: The results showed that among 38 isolates from clinical specimens, 15 (39.5%) &amp; 32 (84.2%) and among 32 isolates of food origin 10 (31/2%) and 16 (50%) isolates had cna and fnb genes respectively. Thirteen clinical (34.21%) and 6 food isolates (18.7%) were positive for both fnb and cna genes and 4 clinical (10.5%) and 12 food isolates (37.5%) were lacking both genes. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, it is concluded that, although these adhesion genes are not present in all Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates, but their prevalence is high and using the products of these genes in vaccines may be effective in protecting against infections caused by this bacterium.

BACKGROUND: Poultry production in houses and high stocking density, results in                increase in mortality because of different diseases. Objectives: Investigating the effective managerial and environmental factors on mortality in industrialized poultry farms, proportion of each factor and ranking farms based on mortality risk to solve some problems of Iran’s poultry farm insurance. Methods: Samples were taken from 47 broiler, 20 layer and 30 broiler breeder farms of 16 Iranian provinces which were selected based on geographical location, climate and outbreaks of diseases. House characteristics were evaluated by precision measurement. Parameters such as heat exchange, light intensity, atmospheric conditions (inside oxygen and ammonia concentration, acidity and moisture of litter) and quality of equipment (ventilator capacity, heating &amp; cooling systems) were measured. Based on collected data,  managerial index was defined and calculated. Parameters related to sanitary condition, birds’ health and immunization were measured by blood anti body titer. A total of 97 poultry farms were included in the investigation and 27231 measurement data were recorded. Results: Average mortality in broiler, layer and breeder farms was 15.4, 11.2 per period and 1.9% per month, respectively. According to stepwise minimum Wilk’s Lambda discriminant regression, the highest standardized coefficient belonged to vaccine accomplishment (VA) followed by house ventilator capacity (VM), immunization against avian influenza (AIG), farm biosecurity (SHOW), drinker type (DRIN), precipitation rate (RAIN) and temperature management index (TMI): Mortality Risk(0,1)=-2.622+1.533 VA-1.135 SHOW+0.739 AIG+0.551 DRIN-0.016 VM+0.003 RAIN+0.002TMI. Main variables of models which were fitted to layer and broiler breeder flocks were health and ventilation. Conclusions: 6 managerial and environmental factors, immunization of flock against diseases, farm biosecurity and house ventilation had the greatest impact on ranking the mortality risk.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasmosis is an infectious disease of poultry and a major cause of economic losses due to decline in growth, egg production, reduction in egg hatching and exacerbation of viral and bacterial respiratory diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study was detection of serological prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in broiler breeders of Mazandaran province and to suggest control strategies against mycoplasmosis. Methods: All breeder farms that were in production period in Mazandaran province were sampled (74 farms in 14 cities); blood samples were collected from 45 birds in each farm. Sera samples were examined by RSPA and ELISA tests based on the instructions of OIE. Results: In this study, by the RSPA test, 3 out of 74 farms (4%), 15 out of 553 houses (2/7%) were positive. From 5626 collected sera samples, 139 samples (2.5%) were positive in RSPA and 124 samples (2.2%) in ELISA. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of MG infection was 4% during the selected period and zone of study.  Statistical analysis showed that biosecurity situations were significantly better in negative farms (p=0.04). There are some deficiencies in quality of biosecurity situations despite  implementing biosecurity principles in farms. Establishing of farms near villages or the development  of villages, keeping backyard birds close to the farms and employees living in villages are some of the  biosecurity principles that were not followed in infected farms.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence and side effects of current treatments for urolithiasis confine their application, so other options using traditional herbal therapy are being sought. OBJECTIVES: In this experimental study we have tried to evaluate the antilithiatic effects of herbal extraxt of Tribulus terrestris which is often used to treat different kinds of urinary diseases such as urolithiasis in human on cats. METHODS: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of plant, the hydro alcoholic extract of T.terrestris was assessed for activity against induced urolithiasis in cats. The extract of such herb was administered at daily oral doses of 200 mg/kg for 30 days. RESULTS: Microscopic analysis of urine sediments and ultrasonographic study of kidneys and urinary bladder confirmed inhibition of crystal formation in tested cats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate this herbal extract could be a potential candidate for prevention of urolithiasis in cats. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise anti-crystallization mechanism of T.terrestris in cats.

BACKGROUND: Strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The bacteria typically infect the upper respiratory system and lymph nodes of the head and neck in equidae. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of strangles and association of this infection with host age and geographical determinants in horses in Khuzestan province. METHODS: Serum samples from 184 horses were randomly collected in Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool cities and were examined by ELISA assay. Also, 85 swab samples were randomly taken from nasal swab of horse and evaluated for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi by bacterial culture. RESULTS: Seroprevalence rate of strangle was 37.5% (95% CI: 30.5-44.5%). Logistic regression showed that the odds of infection between the age based on year and disease was 1.1 (95% CI: 1.04-1.17) (p<0.001), and with increase of 1 year-old, odds of infection increase 10%. Relative frequency of infection in male and female horses was 32.73 and 39.53%, respectively (p>0.05) and odds of infection in female compared with male horses was 1.34 (95% CI: 0.69-2.61). Prevalence rate in horses with and without history of respiratory disease was 94.1% and 31.74%, respectively (p<0.001). The odds of infection in horses with history of respiratory disease compared with  healthy horses was 34.42 (95%CI: 4.45-266.37). Prevalence rate in  Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool  was 33.3%, 34.62%, 5.26%, 69.23%, 13.04, 22.22% and 75%,  respectively (p<0.001). Geographical location explained 29.6% of infection’s fluctuations. No isolate of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi was obtained in culture of nasal swab samples. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that seroprevalence of strangles should be deleted in khuzestan province is high and Prevention and control measurements should be considered by health authorities.

BACKGROUND: Hydatidosis is one of the zoonotic diseases which affect animals and human beings at the larval stage of Echinococcusgranulosus, thereby playing a role in exacerbating the economic and health problems in Iran. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the strains of Echinococcusgranulosus isolated from cattle hydatid cysts, in Khorramabad, in the Lorestan Province, west of Iran. METHODS: Twenty six isolates of hydatid cyst of cattle from lung (24 samples) and liver (2 sample) organs were collected from Golshan Slaughterhouse, in Khorramabad. All of the samples were transferred to the laboratory for morphometric characterization and molecular study. In morphological characterization, blade length of large (LBL) and small (SBL) hook and the ratio of blade length to total length in large (LBL/LTL) and small (SBL/STL) hooks and total length of large (LTL) and small (STL) hooks were measured. In molecular study, a partial sequence of cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1) with 440 bp in length was amplified applying primers J3 and J4.5. Genomic DNA sequencing was performed by Sanger’s method. RESULTS: The morphological results showed that there is no significant difference between isolated from cattle hydatid cyst and sensu stricto strain (P<0.05). The results of molecular studies support the findings of morphological characterization. All sequences showed 100% identity with sensu stricto strain. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study showed that sensu stricto strain (G1) is a causative agent of cattle hydatid cyst in Khorramabad. On the other hand, the cattle play a role in enabling the parasite to complete its cycle. Hence in order to execute a control program for minimizing the effects of this disease, the cattle shall be considered as a source of infection for dogs. The results of this study could be helpful in designing such control program in the region.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations  have identified anthelminitic effects of many medicinal plants particularly from condensed tannin sources. In addition, gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants have a negative effect on the farming industry worldwide. Objectives: The aim of the present study was  to determine the potential anthelmintic effects of Quercus robur extract on alimentary canal nematodes in naturally infected sheep by faecal egg count reduction test (EPGRT). Methods: The crude aqueous extract was prepared from Quercus robur as tannin extract. The nature and intensity of helminth infection was determined by coprological examination. The faecal samples of 600 sheep were collected from different regions of Kurdistan province. The samples were examined by flotation method (Clyton-Lane technique). Fifteen sheep with the most count in egg per gram (include Marshallagia, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylids) were divided into three groups of five animals: First group (test group) were drenched with Quercus robur extract at 3.75g/kg, second group (positive control group) received Albendazole 2.5%, orally at 5mg/kg and third group (negative control) without treatment. Results: The results of faecal examination  3 days after administration indicated significant reduction of EPG in both group’s treatment and positive control groups, 90.76% and 90.83% respectively, whereas there was no effect in the third group. Results were evaluated by Chi-square analysis and showed significant differences between treatment and negative control groups (p≤0.05). Nosignificant differences were observed between treatment group and positive control group (p≥0.05). Conclusions: Results reveal that aquatic extract of Quercus robur has anthelminitic activity and further large scale studies are suggested to confirm pharmacologic effects of this herbal extract.