Objective: The study was conducted to determine the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in chickens and farm personnel in Sokoto, North-western Nigeria.Materials and method: A total of 160 samples (136 from chickens and 14 from personnel) were collected and screened for the presence of MRSA using cultural characteristics, biochemical tests and latex slide agglutination test for the presence of Penicillin binding protein 2? (PBP2?).Results: MRSA were detected in 8.82% (n=12/136) of chickens, while 14.29% (n=2/14) in farm personnel. All the isolates were positive for PBP2?.Conclusion: This study established for the first time the occurrence of MRSA in both chickens and farm personnel from poultry farms in Sokoto, Nigeria. Thus, the study provided baseline information for further studies on the epidemiology of MRSA.  http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d220

Objective: The present study was done to monitor the progress of abdominal wound healing after experimental laparotomy in ewes using Doppler ultrasonography.Materials and methods: Laparotomy was performed in seven apparently healthy indigenous ewes for collection and transfer of embryos. Wound morphology was studied in terms of width of sutured area of internal wound (ventral raphae) and swelling of suture areas, width and contraction rate of external wound. Internal wound healing process was monitor at two days interval by real time B-mode ultrasonography using transabdominal (13 MHz frequency) transducer. The echoes focus or zone of best resolution was adjusted to the point of interest on the screen.Results: The average widths of raphae wounds declined from 7.7±0.18 mm on day 0 to 0.9±0.34 mm on day 20 and were completely healed on day 22 in all ewes. The average widths of skin wound decreased to 0.36±0.14 mm on day 26 from 8.6±0.33 mm on day 0.Conclusion: It was observed that internal wound healed rapidly than external wound. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d221

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is a prime cause of failures in sheep production. This study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GIT) helminths of sheep in Sherpur district, Bangladesh. Besides, prevalence of helminthiasis in sheep also assessed considering age, sex, nutritional condition and rearing system.Materials and methods: In total, 106 rectal fecal samples of sheep were randomly collected and were examined for the presence of ova by using direct smear and Stoll’s ova counting techniques during July to October, 2016. Eggs were identified on the basis of its size, morphology and other landmark features.Results: Out of 106 samples, 67.9% (n=72/106) revealed the presence of ova of different helminths. The prevalence of helminth infection was associated with Fasciola gigantica (11.3%; n=12/106), Paramphistomes (13.2%; n=14/106), Schistosoma indicum (3.8%; n=4/106), Moniezia sp. (3.8%; n=4/106), Strongyle-type (24.5%; n=26/106), hook worm (6.6%; n=7/106), Strongyloides sp. (12.3%; n=13/106) and Trichuris sp. (1.9%; n=2/106). Egg count per gram (EPG) was calculated which was ranged between 100 and 600. Parasitic counts in lambs, young and adult showed no significant variations (P=0.511) from one other. Infection was significantly (P=0.04) higher in poor body conditioned sheep (76.3 %) as contrasted to normal body conditioned sheep (57.4%). No significant variation (P=0.601) was noticed in infection rates between sexes. Females displayed a higher infection (70.0%) as compared to males (65.2%). In rearing system, the result was found statistically insignificant (P=0.247).Conclusion: Utterly, GI helminths are endemic at great levels among sheep in the study area. Also, their infestation differs within various age groups, sexes, nutritional condition and rearing system of sheep.  http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d224

Objective: The present work was conducted on Cobb-500 broilers fed with either probiotics (Yogurt, Promax®) or antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox®, Renamycin®) to assess the effects on body weight and biochemical parameters.Materials and methods: A total of 30 day-old broiler chicks were purchased and acclimatized for 7 days in the experimental shed. After initial acclimatization, the broilers were allotted into five equal groups (n=6). Group A was considered as control and was fed commercial ration and fresh drinking water. Groups B and C were fed commercial ration and probiotics (Yogurt, Promax®) respectively mixed in water. Groups D and E received commercial ration and antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox®, Renamycin®) respectively with water. Body weight of each bird was recorded on day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. At the end of trial period, the birds were sacrificed to collect blood in order to prepare serum samples for biochemical analyses considering total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipids (HDL), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).Results: Body weight in all treatment groups (B, C, D and E) was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to control (A) group. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly (P<0.05) decreased in probiotics treated groups as compared to control and antibiotic growth promoters treated groups. AST and ALT values increased significantly (P<0.05) in antibiotic growth promoters treated groups as compared to control whereas, these values decreased in probiotics treated groups. Creatinine levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in antibiotic growth promoters treated groups as compared to all others groups.Conclusion: Significantly increased body weight is observed in probiotics and antibiotic growth promoters supplemented broilers. Probiotics also improve the lipid profile and other biochemical parameters as compared to growth promoter. Probiotics (like Yogurt and Promax®) seem to be better choice than antibiotic growth promoters as feed supplements.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d226

Objective: The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows at Baghabari milk shed area of Sirajganj and Pabna districts in Bangladesh.Materials and methods: A total of 300 milk samples were collected from crossbred dairy cows, and the milk samples were subjected for using California Mastitis Test (CMT). Besides, data related to farm management were taken from 60 farmers through direct interviews. The CMT was compared with White Slide Test (WST) and Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT).  The samples showing strong positive reaction to mastitis by CMT were used for the isolation of associated bacteria using conventional bacteriological examinations and biochemical properties. The isolated bacteria were subjected for antibiogram studies by disc diffusion method.  Results: Out of 300 samples, 153 (51%) revealed positive reactions denoting that the cows were suffering from subclinical mastitis. Of the 153 samples, 39(13%) were trace-positive, 56(18.56%) were weak-positive, 33(11%) were distinct-positive, and the rest 25(8.3%) samples were strongly positive. In comparison economically among CMT, WST and SFMT, SFMT was found to be the cheapest and easiest. In this study, the cows were mostly infected with mixed infection with Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and some cows had single bacterial infection. It was observed that most of the microorganisms were sensitive to Gentamycin, Amoxicillin and Ceftriaxone, and were resistant to Penicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Colistin sulphate.Conclusion: Overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the crossbred dairy cows at Sirajganj and Pabna district is 51%. It indicates that subclinical mastitis is a major threat for dairy industry in the studied areas. Early detection and appropriate preventive measures are suggestive to successful control of the disease.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d227

Objective: The current study was conducted to explore the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in relation to species, age, sex, season, and body condition in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional coprological survey was carried out at Mymensingh Sadar in Mymensingh from July 2015 to June 2016. In total, 433 fecal samples were screened for eggs/oocysts/cysts of parasite and counted by using standard qualitative and quantitative techniques. Eggs/oocysts/cysts were identified according to their characteristic features.Results:The study found 74.8% (n=324/433) prevalence of GI parasites in small ruminants. Species-wise prevalence indicated that 77.0% (n=268/348) goats and 65.9% (n=56/85) sheep harbored parasitic infection. Nine species of GI parasites were identified in the study area namely Strongyloides sp., Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Trichuris sp., Paraphistomum spp., Fasciola spp., Eimeria spp. and Balantidium spp. The level of egg/oocyst/cyst per gram of feces (EPG/OPG/CPG) was ranged between 100 and 1200. Young small ruminants (78.4%) showed significantly (P=0.026) higher prevalence as compared to adult (68.8%). Between sexes, significantly (P=0.000) higher prevalence was found in female (83.6%) than male (64.7%). Infection was significantly (P=0.000) highest in poor body conditioned small ruminants (82.1%) as compared to moderate (72.2%) and good body conditioned (53.8%) small ruminants. In case of season, highest prevalence was found in rainy season (83.6%) followed by summer (78.6%) and winter (59.4%) with significant seasonal variations (P=0.000).Conclusion: Finally, GI parasites are endemic among small ruminants in the study area. Knowledge on these parasites and related epidemiological parameters is important for outlining fruitful control strategies against GI parasites.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d234

Objective: The present research work was undertaken with the objectives to investigate the prevalence and molecular detection of the causal agents of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) in cows at milk shed areas in Sirajganj and Pabna districts, Bangladesh.Materials and methods: A total of 300 milk samples were randomly collected from Baghabari milk shed areas of Sirajganj and Pabna districts. The milk samples were subjected for California Mastitis Test (CMT) for identifying SCM. Total 81 positive samples were then used for the isolation and identification of associated bacteria and fungi using conventional microbiological examination and biochemical tests, followed by confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Besides, universal primers were used for amplification and sequencing of PCR products where specific primers were not used.  Results: The overall prevalence of SCM was 51% (n=153/300). Based on bacteriological examination and biochemical tests, several bacteria were identified in this study; the orgnaisms included Staphylococcus sp. (45.68%), Streptococcus uberis (14.81%), Escherichia coli (9.88%), Proteus sp. (19.75%), Salmonella sp. (1.23%), Acinetobacter sp. (7.41%), and fungus (1.23%). PCR technique confirmed the bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus (279-bp), Streptococcus uberis (884-bp), E. coli (16SrRNA 585-bp, stx1 606-bp, rfbO157 497-bp) and Salmonella sp. (Inv-A gene796-bp).Conclusion: This study reveals that SCM in dairy cattle is persisting in Sirajganj and Pabna districts of Bangladesh. Hygienic practices should be improved, and providing technical intereventions may reduce the rate of SCM in the study areas. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d238