BACKGROUND:  Among infectious diseases, Newcastle disease, due to being highly contagious and its rapid spread among poultry and other bird species, is a deadly viral disease and is considered a global threat to the poultry industry. Objectives: To determine the occurrence of Newcastle disease in poultry broiler farms reported to the Iranian veterinary organization during the study period. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from September 2013 to March 2015. During this study, from 185 farms and a total of 3700 bird sera, cloacal and tracheal swabs were sampled and tested using a haemagglutination inhibition test and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction respectively. Results: In this study, of a total of 185 farms reported to the Iranian Veterinary Organization, 115 farms (62.16%, 95%CI: 55.17-69.14) were positive for Newcastle disease viruses and then using specific primers, 69 farms (37.3%, 95%CI: 30.33-44.26) had vaccinal pathotype (non-acute) and 46 farms (25%, 95%CI: 18.76-31.23) had acute pathotype (field virus). The mean±SD age of infected poultry was 24.63±5.38 days and antibodies titer against Newcastle disease virus was 5.97±1.21. The highest mortality rates were observed in the spring (32.34%) and winter (26.9%), respectively. Mazandaran (37%) and Isfahan (22%) province had the highest percentage of farms with Newcastle disease. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested virulent Newcastle virus strains are circulating in the Iranian commercial broiler farms in the mentioned time and with high occurrence. Therefore, the relevant authorities need to make correct decisions to reduce the risk of Newcastle disease in the Iranian poultry industry and its control.

BACKGROUND: Dicrocoeliasis is one of the commonest parasitic diseases of the bile ducts and gallbladder in a wide range of mammals including ruminants and sometimes human being. The disease is really important in medicine, economy, and veterinary medicine. Annually, slaughter house loses a huge amount because of losing a great deal of valuable proteins in people daily diets. In order to bring the disease under control, morphological and molecular analysis of parasite in endemic districts is essential. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine the morphological as well as molecular characterization of cattle, sheep and goats isolated from Dicrocoelium by applying ND1 genetic marker in the Markazi province, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 480 fresh adult worms were collected from livers of 120 cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in abattoirs in Markazi province. To diagnose the species of parasite, morphometric indices of mature worms were calculated based on standard parameters. Then DNA of 60 isolates with different morphometric characteristics was extracted and PCR reaction was performed for a part of ND1 (mtDNA). PCR was purified and its sequence was defined, the percentage of genetic similarity was compared to cases registered by GenBank and the exact species of parasite was recognized. RESULTS: The morphometric analysis in all isolates was as follows: testicles were sequential, the length and the width of the worm for all cattle, sheep and goat isolates were 7994±967µm, 6844±100µm, 6570±110µm (P<0.0001) and 1649±339µm, 1490±221µm and 1430±252µm (P<0.0001) respectively. The proportion of the length to the width was 4.87±0.641, 4.58±0.625, and 4.64±0.622 respectively. All the results mentioned above confirmed Dicrocoelium dendriticum in the hosts of the district under investigation. The analysis of the gel electrophoresis in all isolates showed the existence of band 200pb.The percentage of genetic similarity to the registered items, cases were determined by the Gen bank between 97 and 99 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular identification and morphometric assays clearly showed that D. dendriticum is the only agent of Dicrocoeliasis among cattle, sheep and goats in the Marakazi province, Iran. Molecular diagnosis of parasite by applying genetic marker of the nucleus is recommended.

BACKGROUND: Enzymes are organic catalysts that trigger and/or accelerate chemical reactions. OBJECTIVES: This research was done to compare the separate and combined levels of commercial multienzymes on feeding efficiency and carcass chemical composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). METHODS: Total number of 96 common carp fingerlings weighing 13.06±2.56g were distributed in six treatments including control (without multienzyme), 1 g/kg Combo, 1.5 g/kg Combo, 1 g/kg Natuzyme Plus, 1.5 g/kg Natuzyme Plus and mixture of 1g/kg Combo+1 g/kg Natuzyme Plus in two replicates for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Growth indices such as the final weight, percentage of body weight increase, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio and average daily growth in treatment 1g/kg Natuzyme Plus showed significant differences compared to other experimental treatments (P<0.05). Also, all experimental treatments had better condition in comparison with the control. The highest condition factor was seen in fish fed 1.5 g/kg Natuzyme Plus which showed significant difference with 1.5 g/kg Combo (P<0.05). Common carp fingerlings fed mixture of Combo+Natuzyme Plus recorded a slight increase in protein content of carcass compared to other dietary treatments. Fish fed multienzymes had less (P>0.05) lipid content of carcass in comparison with the control. There was no significant difference in ash and moisture contents of carcass (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to results, it can be stated that Natuzyme Plus at the level of 1.5 g/kg can be effective in improvement of growth performance and feed efficiency in farmed common carp fingerlings.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar pattern of the lung field is usually caused by several lung involvements such as edema, hemorrhage and pneumonia, but differentiation using radiography is usually impossible. Objectives: Evaluation of HU and lung pattern of pneumonia in dogs using CT-scan technique and confirmation by CT assisted FNA as a safe diagnostic procedure. Methods: In this study, 10 dogs with respiratory distress suspected for pneumonia were selected and radiography and CBC were used for evaluation of lung pattern and cytology. Before and after contrast medium injection, CT-scans of the lung field were achieved. Finally, in transverse CT sections, FNA of involved lung lobes was taken for cytologic evaluation. After the confirmation of pneumonia, CT scans were reevaluated with more attention and pulmonary pattern was described and HU of involved regions was measured. Results: In all of the patients, ventral region of the lungs, especially cranial and middle lung lobes were involved and the involvement of the left lungs was prominent. The mean HU of the unhealthy lung parenchyma before contrast medium study was between 31 and 39, and after contrast study was between 46 and 70. It means the HU has been significantly increased. Also, the contrast of the involved lung regions was increased which helped to differentiate the unhealthy lung tissue from the adjacent soft tissues. Hematology tests in all of the patients were representative of infection. Conclusions: Both CT-scan and CT assisted FNA from the lung are beneficial and practical methods for the diagnosis of pulmonary disorders such as pneumonia

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors of avian pathogenic E. coli is still ill-defined. The ostrich industry is expanding, resulting in the interaction between poultry and ostrich. It is reported that the investigation of iss and bor virulence genes together, due to their structural and functional similarities, is valuable. Objectives: The investigation and comparison of presence of two genes involved in serum resistance, iss and bor, in E. coli isolated from apparently healthy ostriches and poultry with colibacillosis. Methods: As a cross-sectional study, E. coli was recovered from fecal samples of apparently healthy ostriches and poultry with colibacillosis, and iss and bor genes were screened and compared via PCR in E. coli isolates. Results: iss frequencies, with no statistical difference, were 50% and 64.4% in E. coli isolated from apparently healthy ostriches and poultry with colibacillosis, respectively (P>0.05). 31.8% and 15.6% of E. coli isolated from apparently healthy ostriches and poultry with colibacillosis were positive for bor, respectively, with no statistical difference (P>0.05). 11.1% of isolates from colibacillosis and 18.2% of isolates from apparently healthy ostriches feces, with no statistical difference, were positive for both genes (P>0.05). Conclusions: Equal statistical distribution of both genes, bor and iss, between apparently healthy ostriches and poultry with colibacillosis and the health level of studied ostriches indicated that E. coli isolated from ostrich, probably employs other virulence factors instead of bor and iss to establish a disease. This hypothesis needs to examine more virulence genes in ostrich-origin E. coli. In addition, the ostrich feces could be introduced as a source of iss and bor genes.

BACKGROUND: Increasing population and food provision is one of the most important problems in the world, thus aquaculture plays an important role in the production of food and human needs. OBJECTIVES: This study was to investigate the effect of Celmanax prebiotic on growth performance, hematological and biochemical factors of juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss. METHODS: For this study, 780 juvenile rainbow trout with an average weight of 18 ± 2 g were randomly divided into four groups with three replications. 0, 2, 4 and 6 percent of Celmanax were added into diets and the fishes were fed with 5% of body weight for 8 weeks 3 times. At the end of experiment, investigation of the growth indices, blood sampling and serum preparation for hematological and biochemical tests were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that fishes fed with diets containing 4% Celmanax prebiotic had better growth indices (final length, final weight, weight gain, percentage of weight gain and specific growth rate) compared to control (P≤0.05). Comparison between experimental treatments demonstrated that immune indices significantly increased with increase of prebiotic levels in the diet (P≤0.05). So that, the highest level of hemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell and neutrophil were related to fishes fed with 6% of Celmanax prebiotic diet. Also, the highest levels of immunoglobulin, albumin, glucose and lsozyme and the lowest levels of cholesterol and triglyceride and cholesterol were observed in fishes fed with 6% of Celmanax prebiotic diet, which showed a significant difference with control (P≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing levels of Celmanax prebiotic in the diet caused an improvement in the growth and immunity system of rainbow trout.

BACKGROUND: Oxidation of lipids results in changes that may affect the nutritional quality, wholesomeness, colour, flavour and texture of food. Canola oil is prone to oxidation because of high unsaturated fatty acids. Using synthetic antioxidant due to the possibility of toxic and carcinogenic effects is limited. Thus, it is important to research on replacing synthetic antioxidants by natural antioxidant. Objectives: The aim of this research was identification of the chemical compounds of Carum copticum essential oils (CEOs) and investigation of antioxidant and antiradical properties by using Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and β-carotene/linoleic acid system and assaying its antioxidant capacity in canola oil. Methods: Carum copticum essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS. Anti-radical activity of (CEOs) was investigated by using various methods and then antioxidant  was tested by measuring the peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid of canola oil samples containing different concentrations of C. copticum essential oil and synthetic antioxidant(BHT). Results: Results showed that thymol (36.4%), γ-terpinene (21.73%) and ρ-cymene (31.3%) were the major compositions of essential oil. IC50 value of (CEOs) was 21± 0.2  µg/ml. In both systems, the sequence of the power of antioxidant activity was BHT then C. copticum essential oil. In addition, by increasing the concentrations, their antioxidant activities were increased. Statistical results revealed C. Copticum essential oil at concentration of 400 ppm (P>0.05). Conclusions: Carum copticum essential oil is a potent antioxidant for stabilization of canola oil and can be used as a natural antioxidant. It seems that after complementary test it can be used as natural antioxidant in foodstuff, especially in edible oils.

BACKGROUND: Lactococcusis disease due to Lactococcus garvieae, one of the most important zoonotic bacterial diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cinnamon essential oil and Nisin on the growth of Lactococcus garvieae. Methods: The effect of cinnamon essential oil with concentrations of 0, 0.25 and 0.75%, and Nisin 0, 0.4 and 0.8 μg/mL on growth of this bacteria at 4 and 8 °C during 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 days of storage was investigated. Results: The results of this study showed that on samples kept at 4 °C, bacterial growth was delayed until the fifteenth day using cinnamon essential oil or Nisin, and in the case of cinnamon, the growth rate of bacteria in the ninth and fifteenth days was below 2 log cfu/g. While the combination of 0.8 μg/ml Nicin and 0.75% essential oil of cinnamon postponed growth on the third day. At 8 °C, Nisin, the cinnamon essential oil alone and in combination (similar to 4 ºC) until the sixth day prevented bacterial growth. Compared to the control treatment, the concentration of Nisin and cinnamon essential oil had a significant difference in inhibitory bacterial growth (P<0.05). The results also showed that the combination of Nisin and cinnamon essential oil, had a significantly higher effect than their single state. Conclusions: Results indicate that Nisin and cinnamon essential oil effectively inhibit the growth of Lactococcus garvieae in the rainbow trout fillet.

BACKGROUND: Ichthyophthiriasis induced by a freshwater teleost pathogen “Ichthyophthirius multifiliis” is one of the most important parasitic diseases with substantial economic losses to the aquaculture industry. Although malachite green, copper sulphate, formalin, and chloramine-T have been used to treat ichthyophthiriasis, there are  no chemicals that can be used safely and effectively to control this parasitic disease. As a result, application of natural, safe and strong components to prevent ichthyophthiriasis is of great importance. Objective: The aim of the present research is to determine the short-term effectiveness of tannic acid (TA) on the parasite theronts of I. multifiliis. Methods: In this study, TA as a main phenolic acid at different concentrations (0.0-7.0 mg/L) was applied to determine its acute toxicity against I. multifiliis theronts in various exposure times (1-3 h). The results were also statistically compared to the findings obtained from the control treatment and the positive control sample (15mg/L  formalin). Results: There was a significant and direct correlation between TA concentration and exposure time in order to enhance the mortality rate of I. multifiliis theronts. An increase in levels of TA and exposure time in the studied ranges can significantly intensify the mortality number (P<0.05). The used natural phenolic constituent similar to 15 mg/L formalin led to a significant reduction in number of these theronts (> 80%) at 60 min. Conclusions: Use of a standard phenolic agent such as TA at higher concentration and longer exposure time can potentially decrease the number of I. multifiliis theronts and control ichthyophthiriasis.

BACKGROUND: Free cyanide is a potent toxic agent in the aquatic environment.  Freshwater fish are the most cyanide-sensitive group with high mortality at free cyanide concentrations above 20 μg/L. Exposure to cyanide ions can cause stress, increased mortality and place an appreciable metabolic load on fishes. Rhodanese is a ubiquitous mitochondrial enzyme in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes that detoxifies cyanide (CN-) by converting it to thiocyanate (SCN). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation was to determine and compare the pattern of tissue distribution of Rhodanese in different tissues of four native Barbus fish including Mesopotamichthys sharpey, Tor grypus, Luciobarbus xanthopterus and Luciobarbus barbulus. METHODS: Fishes (10 from each species) with length of 32.5 ± 6.5 and weight of 440 ± 110   were collected from five major fishing reservoirs of Karoun River including Gotvand, Shushtar, Molasani, Darkhoine and Ahvaz. Rhodanese activity was assayed by the method of Sorbo in the liver, kidney, gill and intestine. The unit of enzyme activity was defined as micromoles thiocyanate formed per minute at 37 °C and pH 9.2 and enzyme activity was expressed as U/mg protein. RESULTS: Rhodanese activity was detected in all tissues studied, albeit in different amounts. Specific activities of Rhodanese (U/mg protein) in different tissues ranged from 0.135 to 0.337 in the liver, 0.113 to 0.262 in the kidney, 0.121 to 0.157 in the gill, and 0.094 to 0.162 in the intestine, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The highest activity of Rhodanese in all four species was observed in the liver and kidney, followed by the gill and intestine. Our results suggest that Rhodanese may be functional in many physiological activities in these species which needs to be clarified in detailed.