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Coxiellosis caused by Coxiella burnetii is a cosmopolitan zoonosis, which causes significant losses through abortions and stillbirths in small ruminants. A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted in two major sheep and goat farming districts of Punjab (Layyah and Muzaffargarh), Pakistan. In total, 542 small ruminants (271 sheep and goats each) of both sexes (60 males and 482 females) of different age groups from 104 flocks (52 flocks of either species) were randomly selected for the collection of sera and related epidemiological information. The sampling plan was devised at the expected prevalence of 50%, confidence interval (CI) of 95%, and error margin of 5%. A commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA; ID Vet) was used to test the samples for the presence of both phase I and II antibodies. A high herd level prevalence (73.1%, 95% CI 63.5-81.3) was recorded in the studied districts. Individual level seroprevalence was recorded as 30.8% (95% CI 26.9-34.9). Higher value was recorded in females (32%) when compared with males (21.7%). Higher prevalence (34.8%, 95% CI 21.4-50.2) was observed in animals of 1 year (nulliparous) than to primiparous (24.8%, 95% CI 17.4-33.5) and multiparous (32.3%, 95% CI 27.6-37.3) animals. Univariable analysis indicated that caprine species (odds ratio [OR] 1.96, p = 0.22), females (OR = 1.70, p = 0.104), infestation with ticks (OR = 234.39, p < 0.001), abortion history (OR 1.96, p = 0.14), retention of fetal membranes (OR 1.50, p = 0.35), keeping a single breed in a herd (OR 1.50, p = 0.56), and mixed feeding management (OR 1.37, p = 0.33) were the variables found associated with high prevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii. The study indicates that seroprevalence of coxiellosis was high in the studied small ruminant population and further studies are required to discern its epidemiology more precisely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) and mastitis are important diseases of South Asian dairy animals. Seventy S. aureus/Str. agalactiae-free lactating buffaloes (n = 45) and cows (n = 25) and fifty S. aureus/Str. agalactiae-positive lactating (early stage of lactation) buffaloes (n = 25) and cows (n = 25) were subjected to two doses of Montanide® adjuvant combined HS–mastitis vaccine with 21 days of interval. Vaccinated groups showed mean somatic cell counts and mastitis severity scores that were significantly lower (p < 0.05), whereas the milk yield was significantly higher (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this vaccine can be used as a potential preventive measure against HS and mastitis in dairy animals. Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) and mastitis caused by Pasteurella (P.) multocida, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and Streptococcus (Str.) agalactiae are important ailments of the dairy industry especially in South Asia. The present study evaluates the efficacy of a locally prepared hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) and mastitis combined vaccine. To this end, a total of 70 HS, S. aureus and Str. agalactiae-free lactating (early stage of lactation) buffaloes (n = 45) and cows (n = 25), and 50 lactating (early stage of lactation) cows (n = 25) and buffaloes (n = 25) positive for S. aureus/Str. agalactiae were subjected to two doses of HS–mastitis combined vaccine with an interval of 21 days. Antibody response was monitored by ELISA up to six months (180 days). Antibody titers against HS and mastitis were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher in vaccinated groups as compared to the non-vaccinated groups. Cumulative mean somatic cell counts and mastitis severity scores in vaccinated groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05), and milk yield was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the respective non-vaccinated controls. In conclusion, Montanide®-adjuvanted HS–mastitis combined vaccine showed significant immunogenic effects in dairy cows and buffaloes. However, challenge studies remain overdue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a cosmopolitan fatal recurring retroviral disease of equine family. Keeping in view the importance of the disease, this study was planned and executed to investigate the presence of EIA in 5 draught equine populated metropolises (Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur) of Punjab, Pakistan. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted and 430 blood and serum samples were randomly collected from 332 donkeys, 65 horses, and 33 mules along with epidemiological information. Samples were then transported to the laboratory for analysis. Blood samples were tested to determine erythrocyte indices for establishing the type of anemia. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against EIA virus through a commercial ELISA. Although, erythrocyte indices indicated towards presence of anemia in equines, no serum sample was found positive on ELISA. This is a first ever study in Pakistan where presence of EIA was investigated over a wide geographic region and indicated towards the possible disease free status of the selected equine population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]