Search

The intent of the present study was conducted (January, 2020 to December, 2020) to estimate the prevalence of wingless insects in dog population and to identify the potential risks factors in selected areas of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Results of the study revealed an overall prevalence of wingless insects 50.16% (1204/2400) in dogs of study area. Among various insects, fleas were found predominant (28.5%; 684/2400; P<0.05) as compared to lice (21.66%; 520/2400). Among the reported species 4 were wingless insects (Ctenocepahlides (Ct.) felis, Ct, canis, Linognathus setosus and Trichodectes canis). Breed, age and sex of host were not found to be related with risk factors (P>0.05) affecting incidence of wingless insects. These inscets effect different body parts differently as highest prvelance was noted at neck (15%) and back (11.5%) followed by abdomen (10%) and ear (7.4%). Prevelence of the ectoparasites was found to be 6.2% at forelegs and 4% in congenital area, 4% around the shoulder and 6% around the hind legs, however, tail area was minimally affected (1.2%). Prevelance of Ct. felis was noted to be 35.96, Ct. canis 68.43%, Linognathus setosus 21.1% and Trichodectes canis 78.8%. Town wise incidences were found to be highest in Shalimar Town (62.91%) followed by Wagha Town (59.58%), Aziz Bhatti(59.16%), Data Ganj Bakhsh (55.41%), Nishtar Town (46.66%), Samanabad (44.3%), Iqbal Town (43.6%), Ravi Town (42%), Lahore Cantonment (41.6%) and Gulberg (40.4%). Rate of ectoparasites infestation was observed higher (P<0.05) in stray dogs (80.36%) followed by guard dogs (63.7%), hunting dogs (37.5%) and pet dogs (35.66%). Amongst the different seasons, rainy season showed higher lice prevalence (26.1%; 157/600), fleas (37.8%; 227/600), as compared to summer season and spring. Though, summer season was found to be unfavourable for the increase of almost all these insects. Comparative results of blood profile revealed significant difference (P<0.05) between non-infested and infested dogs, in the sort of lower value of infested/infected animals. To control the prevelance and ultimate effect of wingless insects on dog population applicable a well planned and control startegies as well as extension facilities should be arranged. Pet owners should be provided awareness about the significance of controlling the wingless insects to keep the pets and owner healthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and their control in sheep and goats of the three villages of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Faecal samples (n=347 each) were analyzed through McMaster egg counting technique. The comparative efficacy of the oral formulations of ivermectin (KEPROMAC ORAL® Holland) and levamisole (Nilverm® Pakistan) was evaluated at the recommended doses. Faecal samples were obtained directly from the recta at 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day after treatment. The overall prevalence of the GI parasites was 81.27% in sheep and 54.47% in goats. Intrinsic determinants like age, sex and breed were found significantly (P=0.05) associated. Among various husbandry practices; grazing, hygienic conditions, housing systems, floor pattern and animal keeping system have shown significant effects (P=0.05). The post treatment Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) indicated reduction of eggs up to day 14 followed by increase at 21st day in both species. The efficacy of ivermectin was higher as compared to levamisole-treated group. However, the treated groups indicated significant reduction as compared to untreated control. The study provided the better choice of drug for preventive and/or therapeutic management of GI parasitism in sheep and goat populations of the selected villages of Faisalabad district, Punjab, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production is affected by different diseases and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is the most prevalent and devastating begomovirus. Tyresistant cultivars were developed by Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) Taiwan, using different combinations of Ty genes to observe pyramiding effects on resistance against various Begomoviruses. Cultivars containing Ty genes were grown in glass house at 65% relative humidity, 16 hours Dark and 8 hours Light, at 26 oC. At the age of 5 to 6 leaves, plants were exposed to viruliferous whitefly and were kept for ~40 days. Symptoms were observed every 10 days post exposure. Among nine Ty-resistant and one native (Nagina) cultivars, three were resistant i.e., R1, R6 and R9, two mild to moderately resistant i.e., R2 and R10, three i.e., R7, R8 and R14 very mild resistant while one Ty cultivar i.e., R15 along with susceptible (Nagina) variety showed no resistance. Nagina (susceptible) and R6 (resistant) cultivars were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Among Ty cultivars (Ty-2, Ty-3 and Ty-5) genes harbouring cultivars showed better resistance and GCMS analysis lead to identification of bioactive compounds associated with resistant (R6) cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 3456 faecal samples of equines brought to the mobile clinic of the department of clinical medicine and surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, screened for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasitism using standard protocols. Information regarding possible risk factors was also collected with clinical observations on a predesigned questionnaire. A total of 45.1% (1562/3456) equines were recorded positive for GIT parasites in the study population. Younger, thinner, females, draught purpose animals and donkeys were found more prone to GIT parasitic infection, with highest rate of infection during summer. The results of this study will contribute towards the climatographic and quantitative distribution of GIT parasitism in equine population of Metropolitan city, Faisalabad, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Trypanosomes are widely distributed extra erythrocytic protozoan of animals. We reported a Trypanosomes infection from the blood of a bulldog. An 18 months old male was presented in the Pet Hospital of RCVetS, Lahore, Pakistan with a history of anorexia, emaciation, and pyrexia. Clinical examination of the dog indicated pale mucosa due to an increased capillary refill time. Microscopic examination of blood films confirmed the Trypanosomes infection. Hematological analysis of the blood of the dog indicated a decrease in Total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and Pack cell volume except for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Differential leukocyte count revealed all parameters were unremarkable except Neutropenia, Eosinophilia, Lymphocytosis, and Thrombocytopenia. Serum analysis showed hyperproteinemia, elevated bilirubin, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Hypoglycaemia, and a decreased level of Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). This directed us to work on haemo parasites in companion animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]