Objective: Understanding intraspecific phenotypic plasticity is a prerequisite to fish stock identifi­cation and sustainable fisheries management. In this study, we assessed intraspecific phenotypic plasticity in terms of meristic and morphometric characters of wild populations of elongate glassy perchlet, Chanda nama from two different rivers, namely Madhumati River – Narail (MRN) and Tulshiganga River – Jaypurhat (TRJ), and an ox-bow lake, Jhapa Baor – Jashore (JBJ) in Bangladesh.  Materials and Methods: In this study, six meristics, 15 conventional morphometrics, and 23-truss-based morphometrics were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey-HSD test. The mean values of three meristic counts and nine conventional and 12 truss-based morphometrics demonstrated significant differences in the ANOVA test. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and discrimination function analysis (DFA) were performed separately using conventional and truss-based morphometric data.  Results: In PCA analysis, four principal components were extracted and cumulatively demon­strated 51.848%. On the contrary, two discriminant functions (DF1, 63.5%; DF2, 36.5%) resulted from DFA analysis. In the bi-plot alignment from the discriminant space, all individuals were exceedingly separated among the three inhabitants. A dendrogram developed using conventional and truss morphometric characters confirmed that two clusters were formed among three pop­ulations. The TRJ population formed a distinct cluster, and the JBJ population formed a different cluster with a subcluster of MRN. In the discriminant function analysis, precise classification out­comes displayed 82% of individuals into their unique populations, whereas 66.9% of individuals were categorized as a cross-validated assemblage.  Conclusion: The baseline information resulting from the current study would be useful for envi­ronmental studies and further conservation of glassy perchlet populations in Bangladesh. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 585-596, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g456

Objective: Understanding intraspecific phenotypic plasticity is a prerequisite to fish stock identifi¬cation and sustainable fisheries management. In this study, we assessed intraspecific phenotypic plasticity in terms of meristic and morphometric characters of wild populations of elongate glassy perchlet, Chanda nama from two different rivers, namely Madhumati River Narail (MRN) and Tulshiganga River Jaypurhat (TRJ), and an ox-bow lake, Jhapa Baor Jashore (JBJ) in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: In this study, six meristics, 15 conventional morphometrics, and 23-truss-based morphometrics were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey-HSD test. The mean values of three meristic counts and nine conventional and 12 truss-based morphometrics demonstrated significant differences in the ANOVA test. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and discrimination function analysis (DFA) were performed separately using conventional and truss-based morphometric data. Results: In PCA analysis, four principal components were extracted and cumulatively demon¬strated 51.848%. On the contrary, two discriminant functions (DF1, 63.5%; DF2, 36.5%) resulted from DFA analysis. In the bi-plot alignment from the discriminant space, all individuals were exceedingly separated among the three inhabitants. A dendrogram developed using conventional and truss morphometric characters confirmed that two clusters were formed among three pop¬ulations. The TRJ population formed a distinct cluster, and the JBJ population formed a different cluster with a subcluster of MRN. In the discriminant function analysis, precise classification out¬comes displayed 82% of individuals into their unique populations, whereas 66.9% of individuals were categorized as a cross-validated assemblage. Conclusion: The baseline information resulting from the current study would be useful for envi¬ronmental studies and further conservation of glassy perchlet populations in Bangladesh. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 585-596]

Objective: The study of an in vitro embryosis is crucial in genetics for breed improvement and reproduction in livestock, identifying the causes of infertility, and stem cell application. Meanwhile, the problem of nucleic acid denaturation observed during embryo development is yet to be resolved. This study was set out to analyze the nucleic acid denaturation during the development of in vitro embryos.  Materials and Methods: Using an in-vitro fertilization-embryo in porcine, the cell development and apoptosis were evaluated by adding rapamycin by concentration to the TCM-199 containing 10% FBS or 10% porcine follicle fluid (pFF). Real-time PCR, zymography, DNA fragment, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis were also carried out to determine the development rate of inner cell mass in the in-vitro fertilization-embryo.  Results: The findings indicated that the addition of rapamycin to the 10% pFF group during in vitro maturation led to an increase in the rates of cleavage and blastocyst development and the expres­sion of active matrix metallopeptidase (MMP-9), while nucleic acid denaturation was suppressed. In other words, the addition of rapamycin was found to increase the expression of MMP-2 in the inner cell mass and trophoblast, while it inhibited apoptosis.  Conclusion: The addition of rapamycin influences the regulation of apoptosis and MMPs, and based on this, it is presumed to have a positive effect on blastocyst development. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 614-620, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g459

Objective: The study of an in vitro embryosis is crucial in genetics for breed improvement and reproduction in livestock, identifying the causes of infertility, and stem cell application. Meanwhile, the problem of nucleic acid denaturation observed during embryo development is yet to be resolved. This study was set out to analyze the nucleic acid denaturation during the development of in vitro embryos. Materials and Methods: Using an in-vitro fertilization-embryo in porcine, the cell development and apoptosis were evaluated by adding rapamycin by concentration to the TCM-199 containing 10% FBS or 10% porcine follicle fluid (pFF). Real-time PCR, zymography, DNA fragment, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis were also carried out to determine the development rate of inner cell mass in the in-vitro fertilization-embryo. Results: The findings indicated that the addition of rapamycin to the 10% pFF group during in vitro maturation led to an increase in the rates of cleavage and blastocyst development and the expression of active matrix metallopeptidase (MMP-9), while nucleic acid denaturation was suppressed. In other words, the addition of rapamycin was found to increase the expression of MMP-2 in the inner cell mass and trophoblast, while it inhibited apoptosis. Conclusion: The addition of rapamycin influences the regulation of apoptosis and MMPs, and based on this, it is presumed to have a positive effect on blastocyst development. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 614-620]

Objective: This study aimed to inspect the occurrence of Haemoproteus tinnunculi (H. tinnunculi) in falcons from the central area of Saudi Arabia.  Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 100 falcons species, including 55 Falco cherrug, 22 Falco peregrinus, 13 Falco pelegrinoides, and 10 Falco rusticolus, were collected from November 2018 to April 2019 and examined for H. tinnunculi by microscopic examination and nested PCR, targeting a cytochrome b (cytb) gene.  Results: The prevalence was 1% by microscopic examination. The prevalence rate of H. tinnunculi was 1% by the microscopic method and 3% by PCR. Only F. cherrug was infected. In the sequence and phylogenetic analyses, the two cytb H. tinnunculi sequences were 100% identical and closely related to the Lithuanian isolate with 99.35% identity.  Conclusions: This study presents the first report of molecular detection and characterization of H. tinnunculai in F. cherrug from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 626-632, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g461

Objective: This study aimed to inspect the occurrence of Haemoproteus tinnunculi (H. tinnunculi) in falcons from the central area of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 100 falcons species, including 55 Falco cherrug, 22 Falco peregrinus, 13 Falco pelegrinoides, and 10 Falco rusticolus, were collected from November 2018 to April 2019 and examined for H. tinnunculi by microscopic examination and nested PCR, targeting a cytochrome b (cytb) gene. Results: The prevalence was 1% by microscopic examination. The prevalence rate of H. tinnunculi was 1% by the microscopic method and 3% by PCR. Only F. cherrug was infected. In the sequence and phylogenetic analyses, the two cytb H. tinnunculi sequences were 100% identical and closely related to the Lithuanian isolate with 99.35% identity. Conclusions: This study presents the first report of molecular detection and characterization of H. tinnunculai in F. cherrug from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 626-632]

Objective: Infertility caused by reproductive pathologies plays a significant role in animal breeding and could result in massive economic losses to livestock owners. Hence, this study was designed to allocate various pathological lesions in the female reproductive tract of she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered in Egypt and isolate the causative agents associated with those pathologies.  Materials and Methods: A total of 500 genitalia of adult nonpregnant she-camels aged between 6 and 15 years old were collected from three slaughterhouses at the Giza Governorate, Egypt, from August 2017 to August 2019. The uterus, cervix, and vagina were examined pathologically and microbiologically.  Results: The uteri of 152 cases (30.4%), cervices of 24 cases (4.8%), and vaginae of 20 cases (4.2%) showed pathological abnormalities. The uterine inflammatory lesions were detected in 119 cases (23.8%), and the non-inflammatory lesions were detected in 58 cases (11.6%). Pathological changes of the cervix comprised 4.8%, whereas vaginal abnormalities represented 4%. The total microbial recovery rate was 28.4%, and the isolated organisms included Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in addition to Candida albicans. Trials to isolate Brucella and Salmonella species were negative; however, virological examination revealed the isolation of bovine herpes­virus type-1 in two cases.  Conclusion: Inflammatory lesions were the most prevailing pathological lesions observed along the genital tract of she-camels, and E. coli was the most prevalent isolate. The microbiological burden from the genital discharge could be of zoonotic importance to the examiner and could be a contaminant to the environment and, consequently, human. In addition, attention should be paid toward the possibility of infected she-camels to transmit such infections to farm animals in contact. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 633-646, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g462

Objective: Infertility caused by reproductive pathologies plays a significant role in animal breeding and could result in massive economic losses to livestock owners. Hence, this study was designed to allocate various pathological lesions in the female reproductive tract of she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered in Egypt and isolate the causative agents associated with those pathologies. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 genitalia of adult nonpregnant she-camels aged between 6 and 15 years old were collected from three slaughterhouses at the Giza Governorate, Egypt, from August 2017 to August 2019. The uterus, cervix, and vagina were examined pathologically and microbiologically. Results: The uteri of 152 cases (30.4%), cervices of 24 cases (4.8%), and vaginae of 20 cases (4.2%) showed pathological abnormalities. The uterine inflammatory lesions were detected in 119 cases (23.8%), and the non-inflammatory lesions were detected in 58 cases (11.6%). Pathological changes of the cervix comprised 4.8%, whereas vaginal abnormalities represented 4%. The total microbial recovery rate was 28.4%, and the isolated organisms included Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in addition to Candida albicans. Trials to isolate Brucella and Salmonella species were negative; however, virological examination revealed the isolation of bovine herpes¬virus type-1 in two cases. Conclusion: Inflammatory lesions were the most prevailing pathological lesions observed along the genital tract of she-camels, and E. coli was the most prevalent isolate. The microbiological burden from the genital discharge could be of zoonotic importance to the examiner and could be a contaminant to the environment and, consequently, human. In addition, attention should be paid toward the possibility of infected she-camels to transmit such infections to farm animals in contact. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 633-646]

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the supporting and non-supporting loop colostomy techniques in dogs. Materials and Methods: In this study, 12 adult healthy mongrel dogs were used to carry out a short-term (21 days) temporary flank loop colostomy. The dogs were divided into two groups (n = 6). In the first group (Con group), conventional stoma fixation was operated without loop support. In the second group [subcutaneous silicone drain (SSD) group], an SSD was used as a supporting bridge. The stoma was fixed by a modified, interrupted seromuscular vertical mattress suture pattern. Both peristomal and stomal complications were recorded.  Results: Results showed that a total of seven dogs (58%) suffered complications. There was a sig­nificant tendency toward less peristomal (p = 0.012) and stomal complications (p = 0.001) in the SSD group. The intensity of pain was significantly (p < 0.05) different between the two groups in the first week post surgery. Comfort with stoma care was significantly (p = 0.015) better in the SSD group, experiencing the best results.  Conclusion: It is concluded that an appropriate stoma location, using a soft supporting bridge, stoma fixation using modified interrupted neuromuscular vertical mattress sutures, and proper appliance fixation by adhesive tapes and a tight T-shirt may overcome the complications of short-term loop colostomy in dogs and introduce a satisfaction for stoma care. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 685-691, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g468

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the supporting and non-supporting loop colostomy techniques in dogs. Materials and Methods: In this study, 12 adult healthy mongrel dogs were used to carry out a short-term (21 days) temporary flank loop colostomy. The dogs were divided into two groups (n = 6). In the first group (Con group), conventional stoma fixation was operated without loop support. In the second group [subcutaneous silicone drain (SSD) group], an SSD was used as a supporting bridge. The stoma was fixed by a modified, interrupted seromuscular vertical mattress suture pattern. Both peristomal and stomal complications were recorded. Results: Results showed that a total of seven dogs (58%) suffered complications. There was a sig¬nificant tendency toward less peristomal (p = 0.012) and stomal complications (p = 0.001) in the SSD group. The intensity of pain was significantly (p < 0.05) different between the two groups in the first week post surgery. Comfort with stoma care was significantly (p = 0.015) better in the SSD group, experiencing the best results. Conclusion: It is concluded that an appropriate stoma location, using a soft supporting bridge, stoma fixation using modified interrupted neuromuscular vertical mattress sutures, and proper appliance fixation by adhesive tapes and a tight T-shirt may overcome the complications of short-term loop colostomy in dogs and introduce a satisfaction for stoma care. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 685-691]

Objective: This study aimed to identify the effect of complete pellet feed on animal performances in both on-station and on-farm trials conducted on growing goats.  Materials and Methods: A complete pellet feed was developed with 40% roughage (rice straw) and 60% concentrate [rice polish (50%), maize crush (16%), soybean meal (20%), molasses (10%), salt (2%), Dicalcium Phosphate (1%), vitamin–mineral premix (0.5%), and pellet binder (0.5%)] for commercial goat production and the research trial was carried out on the research station and on the farmers’ validation level.  Results: The results of the experiment on the effect of the developed complete pellet feed on goat production under stall feeding condition demonstrated that feeding complete pellet feeds helped in increasing the daily body weight gain of goats (36.96 and 52.46 gm, respectively) compared to traditional semi-intensive feeding (17.76 gm) with significantly (p < 0.05) better body condition score of goats. Feed Conversion Ratio was considerably lower (5.7) in the pellet feeding group than in the other groups where no pellet feed was used (8.32 and 8.03). Significantly (p < 0.05) lower feed price per kg weight gain was also observed in the pellet feeding group (BDT 124.22) compared to other groups (BDT 203.85 and BDT 214.74, respectively).  Conclusion: The results suggest that complete pellet feed can be more economical for commer­cial goat production under the stall feeding condition, and farmers can be benefited by about 40% more compared to conventional grass, urea molasses straw, and concentrate-based feeding system. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 704-709, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g471

Objective: This study aimed to identify the effect of complete pellet feed on animal performances in both on-station and on-farm trials conducted on growing goats. Materials and Methods: A complete pellet feed was developed with 40% roughage (rice straw) and 60% concentrate [rice polish (50%), maize crush (16%), soybean meal (20%), molasses (10%), salt (2%), Dicalcium Phosphate (1%), vitaminmineral premix (0.5%), and pellet binder (0.5%)] for commercial goat production and the research trial was carried out on the research station and on the farmers validation level. Results: The results of the experiment on the effect of the developed complete pellet feed on goat production under stall feeding condition demonstrated that feeding complete pellet feeds helped in increasing the daily body weight gain of goats (36.96 and 52.46 gm, respectively) compared to traditional semi-intensive feeding (17.76 gm) with significantly (p < 0.05) better body condition score of goats. Feed Conversion Ratio was considerably lower (5.7) in the pellet feeding group than in the other groups where no pellet feed was used (8.32 and 8.03). Significantly (p < 0.05) lower feed price per kg weight gain was also observed in the pellet feeding group (BDT 124.22) compared to other groups (BDT 203.85 and BDT 214.74, respectively). Conclusion: The results suggest that complete pellet feed can be more economical for commer¬cial goat production under the stall feeding condition, and farmers can be benefited by about 40% more compared to conventional grass, urea molasses straw, and concentrate-based feeding system. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 704-709]

Objective: A clinico-epidemiological study was conducted at two veterinary hospitals in Dhaka to evaluate the prevalence of parvoviral enteritis (PVE) in dogs and feline panleukopenia (FPL) in cats, to detect factors associated with them, and to identify their common clinical signs.  Materials and Methods: Clinico-epidemiological data were collected for a total of 88 dogs and 129 cats which were presented to the hospitals, entered into MS excel 2010, and then transferred to STATA-14 software for conducting descriptive and univariable statistical analyses (Fisher’s exact test). The maps showing the spatial distribution of PVE and FPL were produced by using QGIS software version 2.18.13.  Results: PVE in dogs and FPL in cats had the highest prevalence compared to other diseases (34.1%; 95% confidence interval: 24.3–44.9; N = 88 and 20.2%; 95% confidence interval: 13.6– 28.1; N = 129, respectively). Young age (43.8%), poor body condition (58.4%), and exotic breeds (44.2%) were significantly associated with the occurrence of PVE (p ≤ 0.05). Poor body condition (27.8%) and non-vaccination status (26.7%) were associated with FPL (p ≤ 0.05). Both PVE and FPL showed clinical signs of being off-feed, frequent vomiting, weakness, and moderate dehydration.  Conclusion: The high prevalence of PVE and FPL indicates that they are common in dogs and cats in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The factors related to PVE are young age, exotic breed, and poor body condition score (BCS), and FPL are poor BCS and non-vaccination. Specific measures such as care during younger age, good nutrition, and routine vaccination are needed to prevent and control PVE and FPL in Dhaka’s dog and cat population.  J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 726-733, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g474

Objective: A clinico-epidemiological study was conducted at two veterinary hospitals in Dhaka to evaluate the prevalence of parvoviral enteritis (PVE) in dogs and feline panleukopenia (FPL) in cats, to detect factors associated with them, and to identify their common clinical signs. Materials and Methods: Clinico-epidemiological data were collected for a total of 88 dogs and 129 cats which were presented to the hospitals, entered into MS excel 2010, and then transferred to STATA-14 software for conducting descriptive and univariable statistical analyses (Fishers exact test). The maps showing the spatial distribution of PVE and FPL were produced by using QGIS software version 2.18.13. Results: PVE in dogs and FPL in cats had the highest prevalence compared to other diseases (34.1%; 95% confidence interval: 24.344.9; N = 88 and 20.2%; 95% confidence interval: 13.6 28.1; N = 129, respectively). Young age (43.8%), poor body condition (58.4%), and exotic breeds (44.2%) were significantly associated with the occurrence of PVE (p ≤ 0.05). Poor body condition (27.8%) and non-vaccination status (26.7%) were associated with FPL (p ≤ 0.05). Both PVE and FPL showed clinical signs of being off-feed, frequent vomiting, weakness, and moderate dehydration. Conclusion: The high prevalence of PVE and FPL indicates that they are common in dogs and cats in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The factors related to PVE are young age, exotic breed, and poor body condition score (BCS), and FPL are poor BCS and non-vaccination. Specific measures such as care during younger age, good nutrition, and routine vaccination are needed to prevent and control PVE and FPL in Dhakas dog and cat population. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 726-733]

Objective: This case report aims to discuss the veterinary approach taken to control a case of aspergillosis outbreak on a duck farm.  Materials and Methods: A broiler duck farm with a population of 900 Muscovy ducks was having a complaint of a 5% mortality rate in their 3-week-old ducklings. Upon presentation, 10% of the ducks appeared to be listless, dyspneic, ruffled feathers, and cyanotic. Postmortem examination of the dead birds was conducted. The collected samples were subjected to isolation and iden­tification of the associated Aspergillus fumigatus under the microscope using the scotch tape method.  Results: Postmortem examination revealed whitish to creamy caseous nodules in the lungs, tho­racic air sacs, gizzard, proventriculus, and intestines. Granuloma lesions and infiltration of inflam­matory cells were observed in the lung and liver tissues. As for therapeutic management, all ducks were treated with copper sulfate, erythromycin, and multivitamins as the fungicide, antibiotic, and supplement, respectively, via drinking water.  Conclusion: There is no effective treatment for Aspergillosis as the spores are difficult to destroy completely. Nonetheless, the disease can be controlled and prevented effectively with proper farm sanitation and providing a suitable feed storage environment to inhibit the growth of this opportunistic fungus. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 7(4): 692-697, Dec 2020 http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2020.g469

Objective: This case report aims to discuss the veterinary approach taken to control a case of aspergillosis outbreak on a duck farm. Materials and Methods: A broiler duck farm with a population of 900 Muscovy ducks was having a complaint of a 5% mortality rate in their 3-week-old ducklings. Upon presentation, 10% of the ducks appeared to be listless, dyspneic, ruffled feathers, and cyanotic. Postmortem examination of the dead birds was conducted. The collected samples were subjected to isolation and iden¬tification of the associated Aspergillus fumigatus under the microscope using the scotch tape method. Results: Postmortem examination revealed whitish to creamy caseous nodules in the lungs, tho¬racic air sacs, gizzard, proventriculus, and intestines. Granuloma lesions and infiltration of inflam¬matory cells were observed in the lung and liver tissues. As for therapeutic management, all ducks were treated with copper sulfate, erythromycin, and multivitamins as the fungicide, antibiotic, and supplement, respectively, via drinking water. Conclusion: There is no effective treatment for Aspergillosis as the spores are difficult to destroy completely. Nonetheless, the disease can be controlled and prevented effectively with proper farm sanitation and providing a suitable feed storage environment to inhibit the growth of this opportunistic fungus. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 692-697]

Heartwater is a tick-borne disease caused by the intracellular rickettsial parasite Ehrlichia ruminantium and transmitted by Amblyomma hebraeum ticks. Heartwater is problematic in endemic areas because it causes high mortality in ruminants and leads to economic losses that threaten productivity and food security. This may indicate that there is augmented genetic diversity in the field, which may result in isolates that are more virulent than the Ball3 and Welgevonden isolates. The genetic diversity of E. ruminantium was investigated in this study, focussing on the pCS20 gene region and four polymorphic open reading frames (ORFs) identified by subtractive hybridisation. The 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene confirmed E. ruminantium in brain, blood and tick genomic deoxyribonucleic acid samples (n = 3792) collected from 122 farms that were randomly selected from seven provinces of South Africa where heartwater is endemic. The conserved E. ruminantium pCS20 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to scan all collected field samples. A total of 433 samples tested positive with the qPCR using the pCS20 gene region, of which 167 were sequenced. The known stocks and field samples were analysed, and phylogenetic trees were generated from consensus sequences. A total of 25 new clades were identified; of these, nine isolates from infected blood could be propagated in cell cultures. These clades were not geographically confined to a certain area but were distributed amongst heartwater-endemic areas in South Africa. Thus, the knowledge of strain diversity of E. ruminantium is essential for control of heartwater and provides a basis for further vaccine development.

Heartwater is a tick-borne disease caused by the intracellular rickettsial parasite Ehrlichia ruminantium and transmitted by Amblyomma hebraeum ticks. Heartwater is problematic in endemic areas because it causes high mortality in ruminants and leads to economic losses that threaten productivity and food security. This may indicate that there is augmented genetic diversity in the field, which may result in isolates that are more virulent than the Ball3 and Welgevonden isolates. The genetic diversity of E. ruminantium was investigated in this study, focussing on the pCS20 gene region and four polymorphic open reading frames (ORFs) identified by subtractive hybridisation. The 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene confirmed E. ruminantium in brain, blood and tick genomic deoxyribonucleic acid samples (n = 3792) collected from 122 farms that were randomly selected from seven provinces of South Africa where heartwater is endemic. The conserved E. ruminantium pCS20 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to scan all collected field samples. A total of 433 samples tested positive with the qPCR using the pCS20 gene region, of which 167 were sequenced. The known stocks and field samples were analysed, and phylogenetic trees were generated from consensus sequences. A total of 25 new clades were identified; of these, nine isolates from infected blood could be propagated in cell cultures. These clades were not geographically confined to a certain area but were distributed amongst heartwater-endemic areas in South Africa. Thus, the knowledge of strain diversity of E. ruminantium is essential for control of heartwater and provides a basis for further vaccine development.

Diplodiosis is an important neuromycotoxicosis of ruminants in South Africa when grazing on harvested maize fields in winter. It is believed to be caused by mycotoxin(s) synthesised by Stenocarpella (Diplodia) maydis. Although several metabolites have been isolated from S. maydis culture material, none of these have been administered to ruminants to reproduce the disease. The objectives of this study were to isolate diplodiatoxin and to administer it to juvenile goats. Diplodiatoxin, considered as a major metabolite, was purified from S. maydis-infected maize cultures (Coligny 2007 isolate). Following intravenous administration of 2 mg and 4 mg diplodiatoxin/kg body weight for five consecutive days to two juvenile goats, no clinical signs reminiscent of diplodiosis were observed. Based on previous experimental results and if diplodiatoxin was the causative compound, the dosage regimen employed was seemingly appropriate to induce diplodiosis. In addition, intraruminal administration of 2 mg/kg diplodiatoxin to one goat for three consecutive days also did not induce clinical signs. It appears as if diplodiatoxin alone is not the causative compound. Other metabolites and/or mixtures of diplodiatoxin and other mycotoxins, when available in sufficient quantities, should also be evaluated.

Diplodiosis is an important neuromycotoxicosis of ruminants in South Africa when grazing on harvested maize fields in winter. It is believed to be caused by mycotoxin(s) synthesised by Stenocarpella (Diplodia) maydis. Although several metabolites have been isolated from S. maydis culture material, none of these have been administered to ruminants to reproduce the disease. The objectives of this study were to isolate diplodiatoxin and to administer it to juvenile goats. Diplodiatoxin, considered as a major metabolite, was purified from S. maydis-infected maize cultures (Coligny 2007 isolate). Following intravenous administration of 2 mg and 4 mg diplodiatoxin/kg body weight for five consecutive days to two juvenile goats, no clinical signs reminiscent of diplodiosis were observed. Based on previous experimental results and if diplodiatoxin was the causative compound, the dosage regimen employed was seemingly appropriate to induce diplodiosis. In addition, intraruminal administration of 2 mg/kg diplodiatoxin to one goat for three consecutive days also did not induce clinical signs. It appears as if diplodiatoxin alone is not the causative compound. Other metabolites and/or mixtures of diplodiatoxin and other mycotoxins, when available in sufficient quantities, should also be evaluated.