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. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b72

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.

The present study was aimed to investigate the gynaeco-pathological disorders by post-mortem and histopathological examination, and to identify the associated bacteria. A total of 310 genital tracts of cows were collected from slaughter house of Dinajpur Sadar Upazilla during April 2009 to March 2010. Among the 310 samples, 31.29% (n=97/310) were affected with endrometritis. Similarly, 8.37% (n=26/310) cystic ovary, 6.77% (n=21/310) ovary hyperplasia, 4.84% (n=15/310) pyometra, 4.84% (n=15/310) parovarian cyst, 4.52% (n=14/310) hydrometra, 4.84% (n=15/310) ovary hypoplasia, 3.55%(n=11/310) ovaro-bursal adhesion, 1.29% (n=4/310) vaginal cyst and 0.66% (n=2/310)) hemorrhagic uterine horn were detected by post-mortem examination, the cases were reconfirmed by histopathological studies. Uterine fluid (n=50) samples were collected, and were subjected for conventional bacteriological culture and biochemical analysis. Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. could be identified from 30% (n=15/50) and 8% (n=4/50) samples, respectively. In conclusion, various pathological disorders in the female reproductive system of cows are prevalent, that may cause reduction of calf production.http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b76

The present study was aimed to investigate the gynaeco-pathological disorders by post-mortem and histopathological examination, and to identify the associated bacteria. A total of 310 genital tracts of cows were collected from slaughter house of Dinajpur Sadar Upazilla during April 2009 to March 2010. Among the 310 samples, 31.29% (n=97/310) were affected with endrometritis. Similarly, 8.37% (n=26/310) cystic ovary, 6.77% (n=21/310) ovary hyperplasia, 4.84% (n=15/310) pyometra, 4.84% (n=15/310) parovarian cyst, 4.52% (n=14/310) hydrometra, 4.84% (n=15/310) ovary hypoplasia, 3.55%(n=11/310) ovaro-bursal adhesion, 1.29% (n=4/310) vaginal cyst and 0.66% (n=2/310)) hemorrhagic uterine horn were detected by post-mortem examination, the cases were reconfirmed by histopathological studies. Uterine fluid (n=50) samples were collected, and were subjected for conventional bacteriological culture and biochemical analysis. Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. could be identified from 30% (n=15/50) and 8% (n=4/50) samples, respectively. In conclusion, various pathological disorders in the female reproductive system of cows are prevalent, that may cause reduction of calf production.

The present work aimed to observe the infection pattern of Bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) in dairy cattle with reproductive problems in Sudan. A total of 140 samples comprising of vaginal swab (n=97), placenta (n=15), whole blood (n=19), uterine fluid (n=1), and serum (n=8) were collected from 16 dairy herds showing particularly high rate of abortion and infertility in Khartoum State. The samples were used for virus isolation, and were tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No virus could be isolated from the samples inoculated for isolation in cell culture. Out of 80 specimens tested by ELISA, 7 (8.75%) were found to be positive, and one sample was doubtful. Using PCR, 11 (10.7%) out of 103 samples were found to be positive. When comparing between two methods for DNA extraction, the DNA extracted by commercial kit was found to be better in quality as compared to the DNA extracted using phenol/chloroform/isoamyl-alcohol method. The study confirmed the presence of BoHV-1 in cattle farms with reproductive problems in Sudan. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b81

The present work aimed to observe the infection pattern of Bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) in dairy cattle with reproductive problems in Sudan. A total of 140 samples comprising of vaginal swab (n=97), placenta (n=15), whole blood (n=19), uterine fluid (n=1), and serum (n=8) were collected from 16 dairy herds showing particularly high rate of abortion and infertility in Khartoum State. The samples were used for virus isolation, and were tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No virus could be isolated from the samples inoculated for isolation in cell culture. Out of 80 specimens tested by ELISA, 7 (8.75%) were found to be positive, and one sample was doubtful. Using PCR, 11 (10.7%) out of 103 samples were found to be positive. When comparing between two methods for DNA extraction, the DNA extracted by commercial kit was found to be better in quality as compared to the DNA extracted using phenol/chloroform/isoamyl-alcohol method. The study confirmed the presence of BoHV-1 in cattle farms with reproductive problems in Sudan.

Three different highly consumed fish species from Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia namely Spangled emporer (Lethriuns nebulosus), Red striped seabream (Pagrus major) and Black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) were evaluated for their muscle contents of heavy metals (e.g., Cd and Pb) and trace elements (e.g., Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn). The possible risks associated with their human consumption were also studied. A total of 60 fresh fish samples comprising of 20 samples from each above mentioned fish were collected, and were subjected for determination of heavy metal and trace element contents by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry after Microwave Wet Digestion. The results showed that, accumulation patterns of the heavy metals and trace elements followed the order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cd. There were variations among metal contents in the muscles of the three fish species; S. cantharus accumulated the highest levels of Cu, Zn and Mn, while the highest level of Fe could be detected in the muscles of P. major. The concentration of Cd and Pb remained comparable in the muscles of all three fish species. The calculated maximum daily intake (MDI) values were found as 0.0003, 0.0009, 0.0035, 0.0001, 0.0000, 0.0000 mg/day/person for Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd and Pb, respectively. Conclusively, the present study indicated that, fish muscles contain relatively less burden of heavy metals and trace elements, and no health problem can be raised from human consumption of the examined commercial fishes at Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b85

Three different highly consumed fish species from Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia namely Spangled emporer (Lethriuns nebulosus), Red striped seabream (Pagrus major) and Black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) were evaluated for their muscle contents of heavy metals (e.g., Cd and Pb) and trace elements (e.g., Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn). The possible risks associated with their human consumption were also studied. A total of 60 fresh fish samples comprising of 20 samples from each above mentioned fish were collected, and were subjected for determination of heavy metal and trace element contents by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry after Microwave Wet Digestion. The results showed that, accumulation patterns of the heavy metals and trace elements followed the order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cd. There were variations among metal contents in the muscles of the three fish species; S. cantharus accumulated the highest levels of Cu, Zn and Mn, while the highest level of Fe could be detected in the muscles of P. major. The concentration of Cd and Pb remained comparable in the muscles of all three fish species. The calculated maximum daily intake (MDI) values were found as 0.0003, 0.0009, 0.0035, 0.0001, 0.0000, 0.0000 mg/day/person for Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd and Pb, respectively. Conclusively, the present study indicated that, fish muscles contain relatively less burden of heavy metals and trace elements, and no health problem can be raised from human consumption of the examined commercial fishes at Al-Ahsa market, Saudi Arabia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 271-278]

The study aimed for the detection and serotyping of Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) circulating in Kapasia Upazila, Gazipur district of Bangladesh during 2013. Twelve samples comprising of tongue epithelium (n=8) and inter digital tissue (n=4) were collected from suspected cattle, and inocula were prepared. The inocula were inoculated into confluent BHK-21 cell line for virus propagation. After 3 subsequent passages; progressive cytopathic effects (CPE) specific for FMDV i.e., rounding and flattening of cells, breaking down of the intercellular bridge and finally cell death (almost 100%) were observed; these were indicative of successful virus propagation in the cells. Viral RNA was extracted, and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using three sets of primers corresponding to the serotype ‘O’, ‘Asia-1’ and ‘A’, respectively. Out of the 12 samples, 10 (83.33%) were found to be positive for FMDV, and all of those were of serotype ‘O’. It is concluded that FMDV serotype ‘O’ is circulating among the cattle of Gazipur district, Bangladesh. http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b88

The study aimed for the detection and serotyping of Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) circulating in Kapasia Upazila, Gazipur district of Bangladesh during 2013. Twelve samples comprising of tongue epithelium (n=8) and inter digital tissue (n=4) were collected from suspected cattle, and inocula were prepared. The inocula were inoculated into confluent BHK-21 cell line for virus propagation. After 3 subsequent passages; progressive cytopathic effects (CPE) specific for FMDV i.e., rounding and flattening of cells, breaking down of the intercellular bridge and finally cell death (almost 100%) were observed; these were indicative of successful virus propagation in the cells. Viral RNA was extracted, and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using three sets of primers corresponding to the serotype and lsquo;O', and lsquo;Asia-1' and and lsquo;A', respectively. Out of the 12 samples, 10 (83.33%) were found to be positive for FMDV, and all of those were of serotype and lsquo;O'. It is concluded that FMDV serotype and lsquo;O' is circulating among the cattle of Gazipur district, Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 291-295]

The influence of two extraction solvents (ethanol and acetone) and two extraction techniques i.e., hot extraction at 400C and cold extraction at 260C were investigated on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts from Tamarindus indica seed. The antioxidant activity of T. indica was determined by evaluating 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing power assay (FRAP) and ascorbic acid equivalent content (AAC). The tested sample showed appreciable amounts of total phenolic contents (51.45-71.68 mg GAE/gm of dry extract), DPPH scavenging capacity (61.18-71.17%), IC50 values (98.30-248.60), reducing power (0.6377-0.7702) and total antioxidant capacity (22.75-43.80 AAE/gm) at different solvents and techniques. Current study data shown higher extract yields, phenolic contents, scavenging activity, reducing power and antioxidant activity using ethanol solvent compared to the respective acetone solvent. In addition, higher extract yields and other properties were obtained by hot extraction at 400C compared to the cold extraction at 260C. Present study suggests that ethanol as a solvent and hot extraction technique could be better to preserve the antioxidant properties of tamarind seed.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/javar.2015.b103

The influence of two extraction solvents (ethanol and acetone) and two extraction techniques i.e., hot extraction at 400C and cold extraction at 260C were investigated on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts from Tamarindus indica seed. The antioxidant activity of T. indica was determined by evaluating 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing power assay (FRAP) and ascorbic acid equivalent content (AAC). The tested sample showed appreciable amounts of total phenolic contents (51.45-71.68 mg GAE/gm of dry extract), DPPH scavenging capacity (61.18-71.17%), IC50 values (98.30-248.60), reducing power (0.6377-0.7702) and total antioxidant capacity (22.75-43.80 AAE/gm) at different solvents and techniques. Current study data shown higher extract yields, phenolic contents, scavenging activity, reducing power and antioxidant activity using ethanol solvent compared to the respective acetone solvent. In addition, higher extract yields and other properties were obtained by hot extraction at 400C compared to the cold extraction at 260C. Present study suggests that ethanol as a solvent and hot extraction technique could be better to preserve the antioxidant properties of tamarind seed. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 332-337]