Diarrhoea in growing-finishing pigs is a common problem of commercial pig farms. Among many causative factors, porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is one considered an important pathogen in modern pig production. The aim of the study was to verify if PCV2 was responsible for antibiotic non-responsive diarrhoea and wasting in pigs. A total of 13 dead pigs aged between 12 and 15 weeks from three Polish farms with persistent herd symptoms suggestive of PCV2 infection were provided for evaluation. Sections of lymph nodes and intestines were analysed by in situ hybridization (ISH) for PCV2 and histopathological examination. Faeces and intestinal scrapings were tested for Lawsonia intracellularis and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae by real-time PCR and for parasitic infection by flotation and decantation. ISH and histopathological examination showed that all pigs were PCV2 systemic disease negative. Swine dysentery was confirmed by real-time PCR on two farms, and proliferative enteropathy on one farm. In histological examinations, erosions of the caecal and colonic mucosa were found, together with cysts and trophozoites of Balantidium coli. The protozoa were present in the intestinal lumen and mucosa. B. coli cysts were identified in faeces from all examined pigs. These results suggest that monitoring of B. coli infections should be an additional measure of control and prevention of gastrointestinal tract disorders in modern swine husbandry.

Common parasites of the European bison include gastro-intestinal and pulmonary nematodes, liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica), tapeworms, and protozoa of the genus Coccidia. This study compared the extensiveness and intensities of European bison parasitic invasions in three north-eastern Polish forests in different seasons and queried the role of parasitological monitoring in sanitary and hygienic control of feeding places. Faecal samples were collected in the Białowieża, Knyszyńska, and Borecka Forests between 2014 and 2016, as were some from an area neighbouring the Białowieża Forest outside the Natura 2000 protected area. Parasites were detected in individual samples with the flotation, decanting and Baermann methods. The eggs of Trichostrongylidae, Aonchotheca sp., Nematodirus sp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris sp., Moniezia spp., and Fasciola hepatica; the larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus; and the oocytes of Eimeria spp. were identified. Significant variation in invasion intensity and diversity was seen by origin and season. The relationships were assessed first by univariable tests and next multivariately, when origin and season emerged as the major risk factors for exposure to most of the parasites. The differences in the level of parasitic infection between the forests did not have implications for its sufficiency to cause clinical symptoms. However, the associations and risk factors found enable the necessary preventive measures to be taken to protect the E. bison from exposure or decrease the risks. Additionally, parasitological monitoring is appropriate as the method of sanitary and hygienic control of European bison winter feeding places. Threats to public health through adventitious invasions by zoonotic factors such as F. hepatica have been identified.

A study was carried out to detect and identify the presence of coccidia oocysts in the faeces of village chicken from the district of Pasir Putih, Kelantan, West Malaysia. A total of 135 fecal samples were collected from 15 areas in the Pasir PutihDistrict. The faecal samples were examined by direct smear method (qualitative study). A pinch of the faeces was put onto the glassslide with 1-2 drops of normal saline and cover slip, which was then observed under the compound microscope to detect thecoccidia oocysts. The presence of coccidia oocyst was then identified by its size and shape. Results showed that ten out of 135 samples were positive for coccidia oocysts, and classified as Eimeria maxima and Eimeria mitis, both of which are from two locations at Kampung Chap Banir, Pasir Putih, Kelantan. The remaining 125 samples were observed to be negative. This may suggest that the chickens reared in the backyard (extensive)are less susceptible to the coccidia infection due to their environment with lower stocking density (mostly free ranging chicken), and no damp/wet litter as bedding which canfacilitate sporulation of the coccicia oocyst thereby spreading the infection. Further studies need to be done to elucididate other factors which may affect coccidial infections in free range chicken such as the availability of medications in feed or genetic hardiness and tolerance to field infections. The localvillage chicken industry is an up and coming facet of the poultry industry and needs concerted efforts to boost it.

Objective—To investigate plasma disposition, concentration in the hair, and anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin after topical administration in donkeys. Animals—12 donkeys naturally infected with strongyle nematodes. Procedures—The pour-on formulation of eprinomectin approved for use in cattle was administered topically to donkeys at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg. Heparinized blood samples and hair samples were collected at various times between 1 hour and 40 days after administration. Samples were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Fecal strongyle egg counts were performed by use of a modified McMaster technique before and at weekly intervals for 8 weeks after treatment. Results—Plasma concentration and systemic availability of eprinomectin were relatively higher in donkeys, compared with values reported for other animal species. Concerning the anthelmintic efficacy against strongyle nematodes, eprinomectin was completely effective (100%) on days 7 and 14 and highly effective (> 99%) until the end of the study at 56 days after treatment. No abnormal clinical signs or adverse reactions were observed for any donkeys after treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Eprinomectin had excellent safety. The relatively high plasma concentration after topical administration could result in use of eprinomectin for the control and treatment of parasitic diseases in donkeys.

Bovine haemoparasites are cosmopolitan in distribution and are known to cause substantial losses to the cattle industry. In spite of their economic importance, there remains a dearth of information on their molecular epidemiology in many parts of the world including Malaysia. To ascertain the molecular prevalence and species co-infection of bovine haemoparasites in the country, blood samples were collected from 1,045 heads of beef and dairy cattle on 43 farms from six geographical zones throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Samples subjected to PCR amplification of parasite species-specific genetic fragments revealed that Anaplasma marginale was the most prevalent haemoparasite (72.6%),followed by Theileria orientalis(49.8%),Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos ( 47. 0 % ),Babesia bovis(32. 5%), Babesia bigemina (30.5%) and Trypanosomaevansi(17.9%). A high percentage (92.1%) of cattle was infected with either one or more haemoparasites. Triple haemoparasite species co-infection was the most prevalent (25.6%), followed closely by double species co-infection (25.1%). The most common (8.8%) and significantly correlated(rs= 0.250; p<0.01) combination was A. marginale+ T.orientalis. The present study constitutes the first attempt in the country to document the molecular prevalence and species co-infection of bovine haemoparasites over a wide spatial distribution. The data obtained will facilitate treatment, control and prevention measures to improve the local cattle industry.

Nematodes resistant to anthelmintics are of increasing concern to sheep farms in Malaysia. Thus to ascertain the degree of anthelmintic resistance in the sheep population, faecal egg count reduction (FECR) trials were conducted on sheep in the Veterinary Institute, Kluang. A total of 60 weaned sheep were selected and divided into six (6) equivalent groups. Group A was treated with ivermectin, Group B with Closantel, Group C with Fenbendazole, Group D with Levamisole, Group E with Cydectin and the remaining 10 were untreated controls. Faecal samples were collected from each sheep before treatment and repeated on day 14, 30, 45 and 60 post treatment. The worm egg counts were estimated by using McMaster’s method. The population of worm was classified as resistant if the adjusted percentage reduction was less than 90%. It is concluded that only levamisole can be used for helminthiasis control. The results showed that worms at the Sheep Unit of the Veterinary Institute, Kluang was suspected to be resistant to Ivermectin, Closantel and Cydectin. The worm population showed total resistance to fenbendazole. The strongyle population is mainly made up of 80% Haemonchus contortus and 20% of species were Oesophagostomum and Bunostomum.

A Survey of gastrointestinal helminthes/ parasites in camel migrated from Tehsil Jalapur Pir Wala to Multan Tehsil, was carried out during May, 2012.A total number of 50 samples (20 males and 30 females) were collected from various places at Multan. The revealed parasites were mixed helminthic infection and identified as strongylidae spp, trichostrongyle spp, coccidian/eimeria spp and isospora spp.

Most studies on Simulum damnosum in Nigeria has focused mainly on the problem of onchocerciasis from the ecological standpoint. However, this study is aimed at viewing it from the human angle, with focus placed on the ignorance of the rural dwellers about the influences of their environment on the increasing incidences of onchocerciasis in their population. The premise is that, as the government and the scientists are working towards finding a lasting solution to the epidemic, the rural dwellers need to wake up to the realities of their own destiny. They need to come out and collaborate with other good efforts to form a strong united force that will rid their society of this menace. A study on the level of ignorance was carried out. It is assumed that their ignorance has kept the villagers relatively inactive and passive about freeing themselves. A descriptive method was used for this research and about 450 villagers were randomly selected and verbally interviewed. A questionnaire was designed and used as the instrument of the research. The research was carried out in two different villages of Asejire and Asepari. Findings were encouraging. Some of the villagers did not know about the existence of the disease even when some of their close relatives showed the symptoms. This high level of ignorance shows that it will be difficult to attain any cooperation from them in any attempt to make their environment unfavourable for the vector.