Objective: Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is responsible for causing infectious laryngo¬tracheitis (ILT), which is a rapidly spreading and extremely transmissible disease in chickens. The current research aims to isolate and characterize ILTV from layer chickens in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 345 samples (trachea, larynx, and lungs) were collected from ILT-suspected dead and sick layer chickens of 32 ILT-suspected farms in three different outbreak districts (Gazipur, Tangail, and Mymensingh) of Bangladesh during the outbreak year 2021-2022. Rapid detection kits examined the samples for avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). ILTV-specific primers were used to screen 72 NDV- and AIV-negative samples by poly¬merase chain reaction (PCR). Using chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), the study isolated the ILT virus from 9 to 10-day-old seronegative embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) using selected PCR-positive samples. The virus was confirmed using nucleotide sequencing, agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIDT), viral neutralization test (VNT), and pathogenicity evaluations using mortality index for chicken embryos (MICEs) and intra-tracheal pathogenicity index (ITPI). Results: The results indicated that among the PCR-positive 10 samples, only two (Alim_ILT_1001 and Alim_ILT_1,000) were found positive using ECEs. There were two field isolates of ILTVs, as shown by the amplicon size of the ICP4 gene-based PCR. A phylogenetic study of the ICP4 gene revealed that the recent isolates have a close similarity with the ILTV isolates of Turkey, Bangladesh, and Australia. AGIDT revealed strong precipitation lines due to ILTV-specific antibod¬ies reacting with field viruses, while VNT neutralized both isolates with conventional ILTV antibod¬ies. The pathogenicity testing indicated that Alim_ILT_1001 had MICE and ITPI values of 0.77 and 0.63, whereas Alim_ILT_1,000 had 0.71 and 0.57. Conclusion: Both the ILTV isolates have similarities with the isolates of Turkey, Bangladesh, and Australia, and they are highly virulent for chickens. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 398-407]

Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a zooanthroponotic, nosocomial, and communi¬ty-associated pathogen that threatens livestock management and even public health. The goal of this investigation was to clarify the role of S. aureus in zoonotic illnesses. Besides that, a novel trial was conducted in the current Egyptian study using oil extracts such as cactus oil, tea oil, geranium oil, and thyme oil to demonstrate the susceptibility of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) iso¬lates to these organic oils in response to the alarming global concern regarding the decreased sus¬ceptibility of S. aureus to known antibiotics, which exacerbates control and treatment protocols. Material and Methods: A total of 110 samples (45 raw cattle milk samples, 35 Karish cheese samples, and 30 human sputum samples) were collected. The bacterium was identified via traditional culturing methods, Gram staining, and the application of several biochemical tests. After that, various kinds of known commercial antibiotics were used to detect the antimicrobial susceptibility (AMS) of the obtained isolates. Furthermore, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed to identify S. aureus (nuc gene) and MRSA (mecA gene), with further application of multiplex PCR for screening of all the obtained isolates for vancomycin resistance via targeting vanA, vanB, and vanC genes. Finally, the agar gel diffusion method was performed to assess the antibacterial activity of four plant extracts (cactus oil, tea oil, geranium oil, and thyme oil) against the obtained MRSA. Results: The culturing method revealed S. aureus positivity in raw cattle milk (13.33%), in Karish cheese (28.57%), and in human samples (20%). The obtained isolates showed mainly resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic and ampicillin antibiotics, while the dairy samples showed further resis¬tance against ceptaxime and an intermediate reaction against erythromycin. On the molecular side, PCR positivity was present in human samples (10%), raw cow milk (13.33%), and Karish cheese (14.29%). Nine of the fourteen PCR isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. Comparing the four oil extracts against the acquired MRSA isolates, cactus oil extract proved to be the most effective. Conclusion: The study's results are highly promising as they support the notion that certain essential oils possess strong antimicrobial properties against zoonotic S. aureus, thereby reducing the excessive use of antibiotics in veterinary and medical settings. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 306-316]

An overview of freshwater fish variety worldwide and the variables influencing trends in variation between and within river basins are given in this review. Continental freshwater ecosystems are highly diverse and species-rich, housing nearly 18,000 species of fish (>50% of all fish species) in [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 356-366]

Objective: The study was conducted to identify the sequence variation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from fifty (n = 50) South African Dorper sheep aged between 3 and 4 years. The Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for the TLR4 gene. DNA sequencing was used to identify the sequence variations of the TLR4 gene in South African Dorper sheep. Results: The results showed that one synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the TLR4 gene in exon 2 position T2249C was identified. Two genotypes (TT and TC) were discovered from the identified SNP. The dominant genotype was TT (0.60) over TC (0.40), with the domi¬nant allele T (0.80) over C (0.20). The results also indicated that the used population was in the Hady-Weinberg Equilibrium. Polymorphism genetic analysis findings suggest that the identified sequence variation of TLR4 in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep was moderate polymorphism. Conclusion: TLR4 gene at exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep had the SNP (T>C) at position 2249 bp with two genotypes (TT and TC). [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 302-305]

Objective: Chronic stress arises from stressful situations in day-to-day life that are ignored or managed incorrectly. Long-term stress can have negative effects, especially when it plays a role in the development of neurological illnesses. Severe stress can also negatively impact emotional well-being. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has numerous health advantages. The aim of this study was to assess how VCO affected the biochemical and behavioral characteristics of Wistar albino rats exposed to chronic, unpredictable stress. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar albino rats (150–200 gm) were split into two groups: experimental group and control group. Based on stress exposure and treatment with VCO and antidepressants, they were further divided into various subgroups. A chronic, unpredictable stress procedure was given for 21 days. After the experimental procedure, the rats were anesthe¬tized, and through a cardiac puncture, blood was collected. The liver and brain were dissected to estimate different biochemical markers. Results: VCO proved to be a protective agent against chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in the biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and cognition. Conclusion: VCO might be helpful as an effective natural treatment that can be utilized to effectively combat chronic, unpredictable stress-induced changes in brain and liver tissue. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 449-454]

Objective: Different sources and levels of starch in the total mixed ration might result in different rumen fermentation profiles, rumen microbial composition, and enteric methane production. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary starch intake on enteric methane production through a meta-analytical approach by integrating related published studies. Materials and Methods: Papers that provided study results on enteric methane production from cattle fed different sources and levels of starch were selected. A total of 52 publications were filtered based on some specified criteria, comprised of 73 studies focused on enteric methane production in cattle fed a basal diet supplemented with starch. The collected data were subjected to statistical meta-analysis through a mixed methodology model. The p-value and root mean square error (RMSE) were applied as the statistical models. Results: Results showed that increasing the level of dietary starch intake and its digestibility in the rumen as well as increasing propionate significantly decreased the acetate to propionate (A/P)ratio as well as enteric methane production (p < 0.01). Conclusions: It is concluded that the addition of starch to diets mitigates enteric methane production from cattle, primarily through two ways, i.e., manipulation of the protozoa population and alteration to a lower A/P ratio. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 212-230]

Objective: The experiment evaluated how Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract supplementation affected immune responses and physiological performances in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: 90-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared for 38 days without the addition of antibiotics, either through feed or water. At 10 days, chicks were allocated into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 30). Group A served as non-supplemented control. Groups B and C were administered aqueous extracts of AVG at 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively, with drinking water. Results: The supplementation of AVG potentiated the chicken immune response to Newcastle disease-vaccinated birds and sheep red blood cell-treated birds, which detected the highest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and sRBC. The cellular immune response evaluated through a cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity test using phytohemagglutinin-P demonstrated a significant increase in skin thickness in AVG-supplemented birds. The relative sizes of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) among the groups. Broilers given AVG-1 and AVG-2 exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.01) live body weight, dressing percentages, and serum protein and serum albumin levels. The supplemented groups experienced a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol values, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol remained unchanged. The dietary aqueous extracts of AVG are effective in enhancing innate and specific immunity. Conclusion: This work strengthens the perspective of the use of AVG as an immune stimulant to facilitate recovery from immune suppression states, enhance innate and specific immunity, and improve broiler growth performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 40-46]

Objectives: This research aimed to determine the optimum type of solvent and extraction time to produce secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidants) from mangosteen leaves (Garcinia mangostana L.) as feed additive candidates for poultry. Materials and Methods: This research used a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial design with three replications. Factor A used two types of distilled water as a solvent (ordinary distilled water and distilled water heated at 100°C), while Factor B encompassed various extraction times (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min). The parameters assessed included total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), and overall antioxidant activity. Results: The TPC, TFC, TTC, and total antioxidant activity all showed a highly significant interaction (p < 0.01) with the type of solvent and extraction duration. Conclusion: The best solvent and time for mangosteen leaf extract to produce secondary metabolites, which can be candidates for feed additives in poultry, is ordinary distilled water for 45 min. In this research, the phenol content was 81.03%, flavonoids 11.07%, tannins 1.01%, and antioxidants 77.61%. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 139-145]

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the richness, abundance, and diversity of bacteria in stray dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) infested by ticks in Comarca Lagunera, northern Mexico, and to establish their pathogenic and or/zoonotic potential. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 12 dogs were collected, and their deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted. The V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal ribunocleic acid gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on a MiSeq Illumina platform, and the data were analyzed using quantitative insights into microbial ecology. Results: The operational taxonomic units resulted in 23 phyla, 54 classes, 89 orders, 189 families, 586 genera, and 620 bacterial species; among them, 64 species and/or bacterial genera with pathogenic or zoonotic potential were identified, some of which have been reported in the literature as relevant to public health (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Brucella spp., Clostridium spp., Corynebacterium affermentants, Cutibacterium spp., Dietzia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Leptotrichia spp., Mycobacterium spp., Paracoccus spp., and Roseomonas gilardii). Conclusion: This research offers relevant information on the prevalence of tick-borne diseases as well as other potential zoonotic diseases in the blood of stray dogs parasitized by ticks in northern Mexico. New molecular biology and massive NGS techniques may play an important role in the study and documentation of bacterial profiles from animals in close proximity to humans. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 132-138]

Objectives: Keeping in view the economic and veterinary public health importance of brucellosis, this research was conducted to determine its seroprevalence and associated risk determinants in small ruminants in district Khanewal, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: Two-stage cluster sampling technique was used for sampling, and the sample size was calculated using C-survey 2.0. Accordingly, sera samples (n = 392) were collected from small ruminants in the study area from October 2022 to July 2023. All the samples were tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), followed by confirmation of all the samples using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (ID.vet®, France; sensitivity and specificity=100%, each). Results: The seropositivity rate of brucellosis was 7.14% [n = 28/392; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.87%–10.12%] by RBPT, whereas the results of ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 7.40% (n = 29/392; 95% CI = 5.11%–10.37%) in the study population. Univariate analysis of risk factors revealed that abortion history (AH), retained fetal membranes (RFMs), repeat breeding, flock size (FS), educational status of farmers (ESFs), awareness about brucellosis (AB), and farm hygiene had a significant association with the seroprevalence of brucellosis (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis using a binary logistic regression model revealed that variables including tehsil, FS, AH, RFM, ESF, AB, and farming system were significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with brucellosis in the target population. Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent in small ruminants in Khanewal, Pakistan. The disease burden can be reduced by improving the reproductive health of animals, farm hygiene, and farmers' awareness about the diseases. Further studies are needed on a larger scale to devise stringent disease control strategies to avoid losses associated with brucellosis at regional, national, and global levels. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 9-18]