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Chlamydiosis is an important disease in sheep, camel, goats, cats, birds, and cattle, which is caused by different species of the genus Chlamydia. Chlamydiosis of ruminants is a zoonosis and is especially worrying for pregnant women in contact with animal shelters. Chlamydiosis in camels can cause abortion, cervical adhesion, ovarian hydrobursitis, and reproductive failure in male camels. Chlamydia in camels can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Infected camels may play an important role in the transmission of Chlamydia to other animal species. Chlamydiaceae family members are currently placed in one genus and seven species. Among these seven species, Chlamydia abortus is of special importance in camels. It is possible to detect and distinguish chlamydial species by PCR and specific primers. The present study is the first study of Chlamydia abortus in the Iranian dromedary camel, which is very important. A total of 100 blood samples with anti-coagulant were taken from apparently healthy male and female camels in the south of Kerman province. Next, DNA was extracted from each blood sample using a blood DNA extraction kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. PCR was performed using rOMP90_3 specific primer to evaluate the presence of Chlamydia abortus. None of the samples were positive for Chlamydia abortus. According to the results, it can be said that Chlamydia abortus is probably not common in camels in the south of Kerman province of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal mortality is a significant multifactorial problem that affects flock productivity. Different infectious and non-infectious factors have been attributed to lamb losses. The objective of the present study was to identify the major causes of neonatal mortality. Methods: In a 3-months period, 114 Lacaune breed lambs died of which 52 animals were lost with clinical signs of infection. Heart and lung samples were collected and transmitted to the laboratory. Microbiological cultures following biochemical tests were conducted to identify bacterial infection of the lambs. Results: A total of 52 out of 114 lambs (45.6%) were infected with bacteria. The bacteria including Escherichia coli (30.8%), Proteus mirabilis (19.2%), Pasteurella multocida (1.5%), Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (7.7%), Mannheimia haemolytica (3.9%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.9%) were isolated. The role of the identified pathogens was more significant in lamb death compared to noninfection causes. Diarrhea was the most euoitcefni disease followed by septicemia and pneumonia. Escherichia coli was isolated significantly more than other bacterial agents (30.8%). Conclusion: The present findings showed Escherichia coli as the most common pathogen leading to lamb losses in the first two weeks of life. ciieigyeiuet practice which encompasses both environment and milking equipment, periodical flaming, and providing dry and clean bedding can dramatically decrease the infection among uiobfeu animals. Reduction of the birth density and avoiding synchronization until the expert and labor capacity has reached the optimal level are necessary actions to reduce infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neospora caninum is a protozoan coccidian parasite that can act as a cause of abortion in sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of this parasitic agent and its role in causing abortion in sheep of Iran. Between June 2019 and February 2022, 100 samples [brain (n = 39), placenta (n = 8), embryonic membrane (n = 7), cotyledon (n = 7), umbilical cord (n = 2), homogenate mixture of tissues (heart, liver, spleen and digestive track) (n = 37)] that were collected following the necropsies of 39 aborted ovine fetuses from different parts of the Alborz and Qazvin provinces, the north of the central region of Iran were employed for DNA extraction. Nc-5 was selected as the target gene sequence for amplification of DNA by using four pairs of primers in two semi-nested PCR. Samples considered positive for the presence of the NC-5 gene were examined to further confirm the presence of the ITS1 gene. Sequence of NC-5 gene was detected from the 27 tissue samples of 23 aborted ovine fetuses. The ITS1 gene sequence was detected in all of the 27 tissue samples that were positive for the NC-5 gene analysis. Brain tissue was the most studied tissue, and the highest number of positive cases was observed in this tissue. The present study updated the situation of ovine neosporosis in the central region of Iran and confirmed the presence of the N. caninum among sheep flocks' abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arthropodborne Orbivirus that belongs to the Reoviridae family. Bluetongue is one of the most important diseases of sheep. A flock of 300 Lacon sheep just arrived from France, located in the countryside of Qazvin city, Iran, was examined, in August 2022. In history taking and clinical examination, submandibular oedema (216/300, 72%), fever (216/300, 72%), inappetence (216/300, 72%), stomatitis (216/300, 72%), nasal discharge (90/300, 30%) and lameness (30/300, 10%) were recorded. Foot‐and‐mouth disease, bluetongue (BT), contagious ecthyma and peste des petits ruminants were the most important differential diagnosis with reference to clinical signs. Tongue scraping samples from four clinically affected sheep were sent to the laboratory for PCR tests and, in all of them, BTV was detected. The affected flock had a history of vaccination with an attenuated live vaccine in the previous 4 months. The morbidity rate, mortality rate and case fatality rate were 72% (216/300), 7% (21/300) and 9.7% (21/216), respectively. This report is the first documented clinical form of BT in sheep from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease in western regions of Iran, especially in Hamedan province. Following the Famenin brucellosis cohort study, the main aim of the current study was the molecular detection of Brucella species (spp.) in sheep and goats from Famenin, Hamedan, Iran. A total of 23 Brucella-seropositive samples (sheep=21 and goats=2), which had been screened from 1,660 animals in the Famenin cohort study, were used to detect Brucella-DNA using the BCSP31 target gene and IS711 locus. In total, 20 of 23 samples were positive for Brucella infection by using specific primers. Additionally, Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) and Brucella abortus (B. abortus) were confirmed in 90% (n=18) and 10% (n=2) of positive samples, respectively. There was no sample with the co-infection of B. abortus and B. melitensis. In this study, B. abortus was isolated from one of the goat samples. This is the first report on Brucella spp. in animals in the region. It was found that B. melitensis is the dominant spp. responsible for brucellosis in animals from Famenin. Molecular techniques are reliable tools to detect Brucella infection, especially in cases without serology findings and conclusive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contagious Ecthyma is an infectious disease of sheep and goats that causes dermatitis primarily on the lips, mouth and muzzle. In this article, we describe a case report of Contagious Ecthyma in a wild sheep (Ovis orientalis) in Fars province of Iran. One wild lamb was found in the border of Bamou National Park near human communities. The lamb died during the transfer to the rehabilitation center. Gross lesions were characterized by multifocal scabs, proliferative and crusty wart-like multiple lesions on the muzzle, nose, between the eyes, ears, neck and coronary band. Skin samples were taken from lesions and sent to the collaborator laboratory of Veterinary Organization for DNA extraction and analysis by PCR tests. Laboratory results confirmed Contagious Ecthyma (Orf) virus in the wild sheep. This is the first documented report of Orf in wild sheep from Bamou National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trypanosomiasis in sheep is described for the first time in Iran after history taking, complete physical examination and blood samples collected for laboratory investigations. The client emphasised on animal weight loss dating back to one week ago. The clinical examination revealed enlargements of the pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes and pale mucous membranes. Laboratory investigation showed that the sheep had anaemia with hyperproteinaemia. Thin blood smear examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma. Treatment included diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg, IM) for three consecutive days, flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, IM), and oxytetracycline (10 mg/kg, IM). The examination of the blood film after treatment showed no parasite. Trypanosomiasis may occur in our climatic condition in sheep. In two cases studied here, two consecutive doses of diminazene aceturate administration led to clinical cure. The control of trypanosomiasis in farms may be possible through methods for the control of vectors, such as prophylactic treatment and observing of hygiene in husbandry systems for animals at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anaplasma sp. is an obligatory intracellular Gram-negative tick-transmitted bacterial pathogen of humans and animals. Oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline are the drugs of choice for treating domestic animals with acute anaplasmosis. Lack of documented information about oxytetracycline resistance in Anaplasma species in the world was the scope of this study to screen by PCR for the detection of the oxytetracycline-resistance genes in Anaplasma species from infected cattle and sheep in the Northwest and Southwest of Iran. Materials and Methods: Total of 100 cattle and sheep blood samples collected from 2 provinces in the Northwest and 1 province in the Southwest of Iran were tested microscopically by the Giemsa staining examination and confirmed by PCR. Then the presence of two different oxytetracycline-resistance genes (otrA, and otrB) was detected by PCR in positive samples. Results: The results showed that 60% of Anaplasma-infected samples were identified to have an otrA-resistance gene, and 26.67% had an otrB-resistance gene. The coexistence of two oxytetracycline-resistance determinants was encountered in 13.33% of the isolates. The significant difference in the frequency of otr genes was found among three Anaplasma species (A. marginale, A. centrale and A. ovis), and among three studied regions in Iran (p < 0.05). The identified sequences were submitted to the GenBank and deposited under accession numbers MN880729 and MN895439 for otrB and otrA genes. Conclusion: This study, for the first time, indicated the oxytetracycline-resistance genes in the three most prevalent Anaplasma species in ruminants. This finding helps to select an appropriate treatment strategy for eradication of anaplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platyhelminth infections of livestock can result in considerable economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the spatial frequency of cystic echinococcosis (CE), dicrocoeliasis, and fascioliasis in livestock slaughtered in Iran during the years 2015–2019 and estimate direct costs associated with organ condemnation due to these parasites. Methods: Abattoir data from 413 abattoirs representing all 31 Iranian provinces were collected from the Iran Veterinary Organization. Infection prevalence was calculated per year at the province level. The Local Moran's I statistic was performed to evaluate spatial autocorrelation of animals positive at slaughter for the years 2015–2019. Direct costs associated with condemned livers were calculated for each parasitic condition, with costs associated with condemned lungs also included for CE. Results: Overall prevalence values for the study timeframe were as follows: sheep and goat fascioliasis 1.56% (95% CI: 1.56–1.56%), cattle fascioliasis 3.86% (95% CI: 3.85–3.88%), sheep and goat dicrocoeliasis 4.63% (95% CI: 4.62–4.63%), cattle dicrocoeliasis 3.08% (95% CI: 3.07–3.09%), sheep and goat CE 5.32% (95% CI: 5.32–5.33%), and cattle CE 7.26% (95% CI: 7.24–7.28%). Northwest Iran had the highest prevalence of CE and fascioliasis. High infection areas for Dicrocoelium spp. included the provinces of Zanjan, Gilan, Qazvin, and Tehran, which are located in northern Iran. Direct economic losses for sheep and goat fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$13,842,759, US$41,771,377, and US$22,801,054, respectively. Direct economic losses for cattle fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$1,989,200, US$1,668,986, and US$2,656,568, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable data for future monitoring of these important parasitic diseases in Iranian livestock. Disease control strategies are required to reduce the economic and public health impact of these platyhelminths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydatid cyst, the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, and Cysticercus tenuicollis, the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena, are prevalent in domestic, livestock, and wild ruminants. The main goal of this research was to identify the isolates of E. granulosus and C. tenuicollis by partial sequencing with PCR amplification of the cytochrome C oxidase 1 (COX1) gene. During a routine veterinary inspection at a Chabahar city slaughterhouse, two samples of hydatid cysts from sheep's liver and cattle's lung and two samples of C. tenuicollis from sheep's liver were collected. After DNA extraction, the fragment of the COX1 gene was amplified by the PCR method. Sample sequences were modified and synchronized by Chromas and CLC genomic workbench 11 software. Sequence analysis was carried out by BLAST algorithms and GenBank databases. Phylogenetic trees were performed using MEGA 7 software and the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood method for T. hydatigena and E. granulousus. The result indicated that the main genotype of parasites and the amplified fragment size were G1 and approximately 455 bp, respectively. The analysis of phylogenetic trees based on nucleic acid for four samples showed that there was a common ancestor. However, the shift in nucleotides in the two isolates in E. granulosus and the two isolates of T. hydatigena were non-synonymous type and synonymous type, respectively. The present study showed that the dominant genotype in all isolates was G1 and this report was similar to other studies in Iran and the world. Also, the partial COX1 gene sequence was matched with T. hydatigena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite that infects a wide range of warm-blooded species. This study aimed to obtain further information on the role of T. gondii infection in ruminant abortion (sheep, goats and cattle) using bioassay and PCR methods in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Methods: Overall, 104 aborted fetuses (52 bovine, 48 ovine, 4 caprine) were collected at different stages of gestation during the lambing seasons in various parts of Mazandaran Province from Mar 2016 to May 2017. Brains of 104 aborted fetuses were bioassayed in female BALB/c mice. DNA was extracted from all brain samples using phenol-chloroformisoamyl Alcohol instructions. RE gene was used for detection all of T. gondii DNA by conventional PCR assay. Results: The results of the bioassayed samples were negative because no tachyzoites or cyst were observed in the peritoneal and brain specimens of the mice. The detection of T. gondii DNA was confirmed by observation of a 529 bp band in 15 out of 104 fetuses (14.4%). The highest prevalence rate of T. gondii detected from sheep (16.6%) followed by cattle (13.4%) and goats (0%). The highest prevalence of the infection was observed in east area, while the lowest prevalence of the infection was observed in west area. Conclusion: T. gondii infection may partly be responsible for abortion and economic losses in livestock husbandry in this region. Therefore, further additional researches such as genotyping T. gondii and designing control strategies for improving management in livestock flocks are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: We aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in ovine aborted fetuses and evaluate its genetic variations in the southwest of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 aborted ovine fetuses collected from the different region of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran, in lambing season during 2017 and 2018. DNA was extracted from the brain samples of all of the aborted fetuses and PCR amplified, targeting a 529 bp repetitive element gene of T. gondii. Moreover, to find out the heterogeneity of the positive samples, PCR-DNA amplification of the two main genetic markers, B1 and GRA6, of T. gondii were performed. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed, using the BLAST program and MEGA-X software. Results: The 529 bp gene of T. gondii was detected in 2 out of 100 (2%) of the ovine aborted samples. The sequences analysis of GRA6 and B1 genes revealed that both isolates from the aborted fetuses of sheep belonged to type I of T. gondii. Intra divergence was more seen in GRA6 gene whereas less divergence was ob-served in B1 gene. Conclusion: Congenital infection with Type I of T. gondii during the neonatal period is associated with abortion in ovine. Evaluation of more aborted samples from broader geographical areas is needed to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and also the genotypes of T. gondii associated with abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis are the most important tick-borne diseases. This study was conducted in three cities of Kerman Province in Iran to investigate the circulation of the bacteria in ticks collected from sheep. Methods: Ticks were collected from animals using Srkj forceps and transferred to the Entomology lab in cold chain. After specimen's identification, they kept at -70C. Tick DNA was extracted using Bioneers DNA extraction kits followed by Nested PCR technique to amplify ribosomal 16S rRNA gene to detect Anaplasma infection in ticks. Results: 472 sheep were examined from which 349 ticks were collected and identified in laboratory using valid keys. Tick specimens belonged to two genera and four species; Hyalomma marginatum (62.47%) was the most frequent and Hylomma asiaticum (5.73%) showed the least abundance. The infestation rate to different tick species was different in three regions of Kerman Province. Observation revealed that 24 specimens (58.3%) were positive for Anaplasma. There is a significant difference between male and female infection rate. However, there is no significant difference between these variables in each of these cities. Conclusion: This study shows high infection rates to Anaplasma in hard ticks. It is essential for health and veterinary authorities and farmers to use appropriate strategies to control ticks to reduce the infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taenia ovis larvae can result in economic losses in small ruminants due to condemnation of infected tissues or whole carcasses. From 2017 to 2018, the T. ovis prevalence in 16,180 sheep and 7560 goats at the Najafabad slaughterhouse in Isfahan was determined. More sheep (477; 2.9%) than goats (90; 1.2%) were found to be infected, and the prevalence was higher in animals <1 y (p < 0.0001), and higher in spring in sheep (8.2%) and goats (2.2%). Female sheep were more frequently infected than males (p < 0.0001); this did not hold true for goats. Of the tissues examined, T. ovis was found more often in the heart muscle of sheep compared with other tissues; however, infections in the heart muscle, masseter muscle, diaphragm, and triceps were similar in goats. Granulomas and caseous necrosis in the heart muscles were associated with the accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells and the formation of fibrous tissue around the parasite. Based solely on infected tissues found in this study, the economic loss caused by the presence of T. ovis larvae was estimated to be 4167 United States dollars (USD). Control methods, such as proper disposal of infected tissues and anthelmintic treatment of infected dogs, are necessary to decrease infection and prevent economic loss in small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in animals and humans. In goats and sheep this infection has a high economic impact as it causes abortions and lamb losses. Although there are several studies reporting seroprevalence in small ruminants in Iran, molecular-based information is scarce. Purpose: This study aimed to screen caprine and ovine aborted fetuses for T. gondii infection by PCR and histopathology. Methods: Brains of 121 aborted fetuses (10 caprine and 111 ovine) were collected from different parts of the Kordestan province, bordering with Iraq. Gestational age and the general status of each fetus such as freshness, autolysis, mummification and presence of macroscopic lesions in the fetus and foetal membranes was recorded. Individual brain tissues of fetuses were subjected to nested-PCR targeting the B1 gene, and histopathological sections prepared from brains were examined microscopically. Results: PCR results revealed T. gondii-associated abortion in one caprine and nine ovine fetuses (8.3%). Microscopically, pathological lesions included non-purulent meningitis associated with gliosis, focal necrosis, and occasionally tissue cyst. Conclusion: This paper reports for the first time T. gondii-associated abortion in goats in Iran. As organs from aborted fetuses do not necessarily show lesions, molecular confirmation is the unique diagnostic method and should be used in situations of an abortion epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) is a zoonotic parasite, causing cystic echinococcosis in humans. In the present study, prevalence and genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. was assessed in stools collected from 244 dogs including 138 stray and 106 domestic animals using high resolution melting curve (HRM) method. Initially, to detect taeniid eggs in feces, all samples were examined using the formalin-ether techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted from the positive samples and E. granulosus s.l. was differentiated from other Taeniidae parasites using SSU-rDNA gene and E. granulosus s.l. was analyzed for genotyping using HRM based on the cox1 gene. In total, 12.7% (31/244) of the samples were positive for Taeniidae eggs. In addition, among the positive samples, 77.4% (24/31) were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. In details, 11.3% (12/106) of the domestic dogs and 8.7% (12/138) of the stray dogs were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. The results of HRM analysis showed that all E. granulosus s.l. isolates were G1 strain. Findings of the present study indicated a considerable prevalence of E. granulosus G1 among dogs in the northeast of Iran and imply a serious risk of transmitting to humans and livestock., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests related to this research., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) compounds is common in Teladorsagia circumcincta populations in sheep and goats worldwide. Given the importance of anthelmintic resistance and shortage of information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this prevalent nematode in Iran, this study was conducted. Methods: From June to September 2016, abomasa of 139 sheep of different sexes and ages in Amol City slaughterhouse, northern Iran were examined for isolation of nematodes. Totally 45 male T. circumcincta confirmed by both microscopical and nested-PCR-RFLP methods were included in this study. Susceptibility or resistance of each single T. circumcincta worm to benzimidazoles was assessed using allele-specific PCR. Results: Frequency of genotypes in the present study were 33.33% heterozygote BZ and 66.67% BZ homozygote sensitive. No homozygote resistant worm was found. Conclusion: Resistance against BZs in T. circumcincta of sheep has occurred at a low prevalence in the north of Iran. However, mutated genes might get dominant under drug selection in future. Hence, periodic investigations for early detection of mutated alleles in nematode populations using accurate and sensitive molecular methods such as PCR-RFLP is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fasciolosis is a re-emerging parasitic zoonosis in Iran since decades ago. • Totally, 10 human seroprevalence investigations and 49 studies on livestock were gathered from January 1999 to March 2019. • Highest seropositive human cases were detected in Guilan province, northern Iran (326/452; 50%), while the pooled prevalence of the infection in livestock hosts was calculated as 6.2% (95% CI = 5.8%–6.5%). • The prevalence ranges among three dominant livestock were 4.2% (95% CI = 3.8%–4.5%) in sheep, 9% (95% CI = 8.0%–9.9%) in cattle and 3.1% (95% CI = 2.4%–3.7%) in goat. • The highest animal infection was in the north with 11.8% (95% CI = 8.4%–15.1%), highlighting the favorable environment for snail-parasite interaction in this region. Fasciolosis is a re-emerging disease of livestock and rarely human, being endemic in Iran. Herein, we aimed to quantitatively assess the human seropositivity and prevalence of animal fasciolosis in our country. English and Persian databases were searched for online literature. In total, 10 human seroprevalence studies and 49 animal investigations were obtained from January 1999 to March 2019. Only animal studies were included in meta-analysis. The highest human seroprevalence was detected in Guilan province (326/452; 50%). The pooled prevalence of the animal infections was calculated as 6.2% (95% CI = 5.8%–6.5%). In detail, the prevalence ranges in three hosts included as 4.2% (95% CI = 3.8%–4.5%) in sheep, 9% (95% CI = 8.0%–9.9%) in cattle and 3.1% (95% CI = 2.4%–3.7%) in goat. The highest prevalence rate was observed in the north, 11.8% (95% CI = 8.4%–15.1%), while the lowest prevalence was detected in the central Iran with 1.8% (95% CI = 1.3%–2.3%). Egger's regression test revealed no significant publication bias (P = 0.307). Also, there was no remarkable correlation between weighted prevalence and sample size (P = 0.249) as well as year of study (P = 0.172). These findings would be necessary for better preventive strategies in case of human and animal Fasciola infections as well as snail intermediate hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PPR is a highly contagious disease of small ruminants, the natural host. • Evaluation of camel susceptibility by an experimental infection. • PPRV virulent strain belonging to lineage IV was used for infection. • Our study showed that dromedary camels are not sensitive to PPR after infection by a highly virulent isolate (Morocco 2015). • Serology results confirm replication of the virus and antibody response without shedding (negative PCR results on swabs). Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV) causes a severe contagious disease of sheep and goats and has spread extensively in last years through Asia and Africa. PPRV, known to infect exclusively small ruminants, has been recently reported in camels in Iran and Sudan. Reported clinical symptoms are similar to those observed in small ruminants, fatality rate still unknown. However most of the authors reported seropositive camels without clinical signs. Camel sensitivity to PPRV is still controversial and more investigation need to be performed. In this study, we tested camel susceptibility by an experimental infection using a virulent PPRV strain belonging to lineage IV. Young dromedary camels were infected intravenously and observed one month for clinical symptoms. Viraemia and virus secretion charge in swabs were evaluated by PCR. Seroconversion was assessed by ELISA and virus neutralisation test. Infected animals did not manifest any clinical symptoms of the disease and no virus was detected in secretions. Seroconversion was observed from day 14 post infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five non-linear mathematical models were fitted on body weight-age data of Kordi sheep and were compared applying Akaike's information criterion (AIC), mean square error (MSE) and adjusted coefficient of determination (R2 adj). • The Brody model showed the lowest AIC and MSE and the highest R2 adj among the tested models in all, male and female Kordi lambs. • The estimates of posterior means for heritability of the studied growth curve parameters were low in magnitude. • Estimated mature weight of Kordi male lambs was greater than that of female ones. • Female Kordi lambs had higher maturation rate than male Kordi lambs. In the present study, 43,441 body weight-age records (21,361 records on male lambs and 22,060 records on female lambs) on 6899 lambs descended from 235 sires and 2842 dams that collected from 1991 to 2015 in Kordi sheep breeding station, located in Shirvan city, North Khorasan province, North-eastern area of Iran, were used. Five non-linear models including Brody, Negative exponential, von Bertalanffy, Logistic and Gompertz were fitted on body weight-age data and compared applying Akaike's information criterion (AIC), mean square error (MSE) and adjusted coefficient of determination (R2 adg) for determining the most appropriate model describing the growth curve for all, male and female Kordi lambs. The Brody model showed the lowest AIC and MSE and the highest R2 adg among the tested models for all, male and female Kordi lambs. Therefore, Brody model was selected as the best one for describing growth curve in Kordi sheep. The estimated values for parameters of growth curve under Brody model including parameters A (estimated mature weight), B (an integration constant related to initial animal weight) and K (maturation rate) were 43.372, 0.905 and 0.007, respectively. Parameters of A , B and K were estimated as 48.630, 0.911 and 0.006, respectively for male lambs and 38.444, 0.898 and 0.008 for female lambs, respectively. A nultivariate animal model was considered for genetic analysis of the growth curve parameters via Gibbs sampling under a Bayesian approach with 100,000 iterations, considering the first 20,000 samples as the burn-in period and a thinning interval of 10 samples. Posterior means for heritability estimates of the studied growth curve parameters of Kordi sheep were 0.08, 0.14 and 0.04 for parameters A , B and K , respectively; showed low level of genetic variation for the parameters of growth curve in Kordi sheep. Posterior means for the estimates of genetic correlations among the studied growth curve traits were 0.48 (A - B), -0.22 (A - K) and -0.28 (B - K). The Brody model can be considered for predicting live weight of Kordi lambs at later ages from early body weight data and can help planning farm management practices such as feeding and drug administration (since these practices are commonly focused on live body weight) and also decision making regarding the selecting of highly productive animals by monitoring their growth curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the severe complications of toxoplasmosis is the induction of abortion in sheep, goats, and human beings. The rate of abortions related to toxoplasmosis in sheep varies between 10% and 23% in the United States and European countries. In Iran, Toxoplasma infection were diagnosed in aborted ovine fetuses between 13.5% and 69% in the brain samples based on PCR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abortions related to T. gondii among the aborted fetuses of sheep in Ardabil area, North-West of Iran. Methods: The brains of 75 aborted sheep fetuses in Ardebil area were investigated with nested PCR method using fragments of the GRA6 gene during lambing seasons in 2014–2015. Meanwhile, thoracic and abdominal fluids of aborted fetuses and 200 serum samples collected from the herds affected by abortion were examined for the existence of anti-T. gondii IgG. Results: For 48 out of the 75 fetal brain samples (64%), the results of nested PCR test were found to be positive. Furthermore, antibodies against Toxoplasma was observed in 136 (68%) collected samples of sheep and 21 samples (28%) of fetal fluids. Conclusion: There is the significant role of T. gondii in the abortions of sheep in Ardabil area. Meanwhile, this condition can also be dangerous for human beings because of their consumption of sheep meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Q fever is a zoonotic disease and farm animals serve as the main reservoir of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of Q fever in sheep, in Lorestan province in western Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 330 blood samples were collected from sheep, from each county in Lorestan province. The samples were tested by ELISA for the presence of immunoglobulin (IgG) against Coxiella burnetii. Results: Among the samples tested, 45 samples (13.64%) were seropositive. Of 35 studied herds, 21 (60%) had a history of infection. In terms of number of positive samples, there was no significant difference between the three geographical regions (central, west and east) (p=0.687). There was no statistically significant difference between age groups (p =0.604). Gender also had no effect on infection rates, in female and male sheep (p =0.814). No significant difference was observed between the number of lactation and positive serology (p =0.376). The rate of infection with Q fever and abortion also had no statistically significant difference (p =0.152). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that sheep in Lorestan were infected by Q fever and the cycle of disease transmission had been established between animals and ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale ( A. marginale ) and Anaplasma ovis from sheep and goat in different highland pasture in west of Iran. Methods From July 2015 to October 2015, 370 blood samples of sheep and goat were collected from different regions in Hamedan province, Iran. The DNA extracted from blood and subsequently, 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes were analyzed by nested-PCR, semi nested-PCR and RFLP methods. Results In the PCR assessment, overall 27.5% (102/370) of sheep and goat were positive for Anaplasma ovis and A. marginale infection, which was lower than reports from tropical and subtropical regions of Iran. Statistical analysis (the Chi -square test) did not show any significant relation between infection and variables such as location, tick infestation age and sex ( P > 0.05). No significant correlation between the altitude and the Anaplasma species infection was found (Mann–Whitney test: P > 0.05). However, Anaplasma infection in goat significantly is more than the sheep ( P = 0.008). Conclusions The ecological changes affect the frequency and distribution of Anaplasma species. Furthermore, our results indicate that sheep as potential reservoirs of A. marginale . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is cosmopolitan protozoa infecting many warm-blooded animals including sheep. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii from sheep using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody method (IFA) in Golestan Province, north of Iran. Sera samples of 764 sheep (650 female and 114 male) were obtained from Golestan Province, north of Iran in 2013. The sera were examined for T. gondii antibody (IgG) by IFA, an antibody titer of 1:100 or higher considered as positive. The statistical analysis was performed by chi-square test and logistic regressions were used to analyze the influence of all examined factor (age and sex) on seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis. The antibody titers in positive animals ranged from 1:100-1:1600.The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in examined sera of sheep was 28.2%. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in female sheep (29.5%) was higher than male (21%) sheep. With increase in years of age, prevalence of toxoplasmosis raised. No statistically significant difference was observed between male & female sheep and there was relationship between seropositivity and age. High level of Toxoplasma infection in examined sheep showed a widespread exposure to T. gondii in Golestan Province and revealed high risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis by consumption of raw and undercooked meat of sheep in human population of this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of Sheep and goat pox (SGP) viral infections have increasingly been reported despite vaccinating the majority of sheep populations in Iran. The objective of this study was to predict the impacts of the SGP P32/envelope variations on the binding with host receptors as a candidate tool to assess this outbreak. The targeted gene was amplified in a total of 101 viral samples, and the PCR products were subjected to Sanger sequencing. The polymorphism and phylogenetic interactions of the identified variants were assessed. Molecular docking was performed between the identified P32 variants and the host receptor and the effects of these variants were evaluated. Eighteen variations were identified in the investigated P32 gene with variable silent and missense effects on the envelope protein. Five groups (G1-G5) of amino acid variations were identified. While there were no amino acid variations in the G1 (wild-type) viral protein, G2, G3, G4, and G5 proteins had seven, nine, twelve, and fourteen SNPs, respectively. Based on the observed amino acid substitutions, multiple distinct phylogenetic places were occupied from the identified viral groups. Dramatic alterations were identified between G2, G4, and G5 variants with their proteoglycan receptor, while the highest binding was revealed between goatpox G5 variant with the same receptor. It was suggested that the higher severity of goatpox viral infection originated from its higher affinity to bind with its cognate receptor. This firm binding may be explained by the observed higher severity of the SGP cases from which G5 samples were isolated., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The aim of this study was to estimate amount of inbreeding coefficient in Shal sheep and its impact on growth performance. Pedigree information and body weight at different ages (birth weight, 3 month weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 12 month weight) were used from 6692 lambs from 90 rams and 1007 ewes. Data were collected on Ghazvin sheep breeding station during 1997-2013. Estimation of inbreeding coefficient was done by CFC program and quantifying the individual inbreeding regression of traits was run by wombat software. Number of inbred animals at pedigree was 1616 lambs, equal to 24.15% of total population. The average of inbreeding coefficient on whole population and inbred population were 1.51% and 6.28%, respectively. Regression coefficients per 1% inbreeding for birth weight, 3 month weight, 6 month weight, 9 month weight and 12 months weight were estimated as -0.001, -0.017, -0.005, -0.019 and -0.019 kg, respectively. The highest inbreeding coefficient was 31.25% and most of inbred animals had inbreeding coefficients lower than 5%. These results confirmed the low level of inbreeding in the population. Annual trend of inbreeding coefficient on population average was 0.07 and non significant statistically. Applying a designed mating system like crossbreeding could be a suitable method to avoid inbreeding depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Toxoplasma gondii has a clinical and veterinary importance as it is known to cause congenital disease and abortion both in humans and livestock. Since the contaminated lamb is one of the sources of human infection, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep in south of Iran. Materials and Methods: Sera and tissue samples (diaphragm and heart) were collected from 370 sheep from slaughterhouse of Jahrom. The samples were taken from both sexes and from 6 to 60 months age. Specific immunoglobulin G antibodies to T. gondii were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and B1 gene nested-polymerase chain reaction detection was done to survey the tissue samples. Results: The total prevalence of Toxoplasma infection among sheep was found to be 35.94% and 34.32% based on serological and molecular method, respectively. According to serologic and molecular findings, the females were more positive than males for Toxoplasma; maximum frequency of positive samples was observed in 24-36 months and the positive samples had been collected more in spring than in summer, but no statistical correlation was observed between prevalence rate and the age and sex of animals or season of sampling. Conclusion: T. gondii is widely distributed in sheep in Jahrom with a rate comparable with other parts of Iran and the world. It suggested a widespread exposure of sheep in this region to T. gondii. Thus, consumption of undercooked or raw meat presents the transmission risk of the parasite and this might be considered as an important public health problem, mainly for high-risk groups such as the pregnant and the immunodeficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cystic echinococcosis (CE) has been a human public health problem in the Northeast of Iran, molecular data regarding the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in goats and sheep in these regions are still scarce. In the present study, we determined the genotypes of E. granulosus infecting sheep and goats in northeast of Iran. During April 2013–June 2014, 50 and 30 hydatid cysts were recovered from liver tissue of sheep and goats, respectively,. Protoscoleces or germinal layers were collected from individual cysts, DNA was extracted, and the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene was amplified by PCR. The results of PCR-RFLP and the sequence analysis showed that all the samples isolated from sheep ( n = 50) and most of samples in goats ( n = 24) were G1 strain, the most prevalent straint in livestock ruminants of Iran. Furthermore, six parasites isolated from goats were found to correspond to E. intermedius (G7 genotype), here reported for the first time from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep play an important role in national economy and social economy in rural areas in Iran. The main goal of this study was to investigate the fauna and frequency of parasitic helminth infections prevalent in native sheep in Hamedan, western Iran. From April 2010 to March 2011, the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts of 100-sheep were examined using conventional parasitological methods. The overall infection rate was found as 69%. No infection was found in esophagus and rumens. Parabronema skerjabini (22%) and Ostertagia circumcincta (1%) were recorded as the maximum and minimum cases for the presence of nematode, respectively. On the other hand, the most dominant of trematode and cestode were Fasciola hepatica (13%) and Monezia expansa (13%), respectively. The highest infection rate was reported in summer (84%). The prevalence of helminth infection was varied among gender, seasons and age groups. In conclusion, this is the first report of parasitic helminth infections in sheep in Hamedan province in western Iran. Our results provide baseline information for the future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-day old female Pashandi lamb was presented to veterinary faculty's clinic in Karaj, Alborz province, situated in the north-center of Iran, for treatment of anorexia, weakness, and lameness. Lambs with the absence of hair coat on carpus and tarsus of the distal parts of the limbs and around the eyes were found with lesions with crust in oral cavity mostly on gum, hard plate, and tongue in the first examinations. Hematological and biochemical analysis revealed leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and increased fibrinogen. Lamb was under investigation and treatment in the clinic but died after 3 days. Necropsy was done, and samples from missing patchy area were performed for histopathological examinations by hematoxyline and eosin staining. Macroscopic and microscopic findings explained a congenital epitheliogenesis imperfecta in the neonatal lamb. Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a rare hereditary disease that has been recorded in white Alp ewes and Awassi sheep from Germany and Iraq, respectively in 1991 and 1995. According to our knowledge, there is a report in calves from Iran but not in lambs and this is the first observation from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum samples from 586 sheep were collected from eight flocks within Aleshtar-Kahman region, in the west area of Iran. The samples were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibody against Neospora caninum. The observed prevalence of N. caninum infection was 1.13 % for aborted sheep and 1.70 % for healthy sheep, and the titers ranged from 1/160 to 1/2,560. There was no significant difference between aborted and healthy sheep for N. caninum infection (overall χ = 1.04, p value = 0.516, d.f. = 1). The present study is the first report on the seroprevalence of N. caninum in sheep from west of Iran and shows that infection by N. caninum parasites is not responsible for ovine abortion from Zagros mountain area of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral coenurosis is the intermediary larval stage of Taenia multiceps, which affects intermediate hosts, particularly sheep and goats. In this report, gross and microscopic features of three scarce natural coenurosis cases, a oneyear- old ram and two lambs of 7 month old from a flock are explained. At necropsy, numerous small cysts measuring 5 to 10 mm in diameter were observed on both cerebrum and cerebellum surfaces, likewise multiple deep parts of which. In histopathological examination of the neural tissue, severe tissue destruction, a distinct layer of Gitter cells formation around the cysts, neuronophagia, gliosis and perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes were observed. In this early stage of parasite life cycle, larval migration and destruction of tissue, also aggregation of glial cells around the cysts cause a loose connection between cysts and neural tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of the present study was to survey the presence of Sarcocystis in sheep's brain in North Khorasan Province. Methods: In general, 80 samples of sheep's brain were collected from slaughtered sheep in slaughterhouses of North Khorasan Province. Tissue digestion method was used for observing bradyzoites in tissues. Histopathological processing tracing Sarcocystis and ensuing structural change in the brain tissue were conducted. PCR analysis was conducted on all the brain samples. Sequencing was done for one PCR product. Genotype was identified by Blast search and homology analysis. Result: Sarcocystis spp. was found in one of the brain samples (1.25%) using tissue digestion method. The presence of bradyzoite was also confirmed in the prepared histopathological sections. PCR analysis was positive in one of samples. Genotyping of one sample proved that Sarcocystis species was Sarcocystis ovicanis and the nucleotide sequence of this parasite was deposited in the GenBank database under accession number No.KF489431. Conclusion: Sarcocystis ovicanis can involve brain tissue of sheep and consequently causes clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, which infects both humans and certain animals, and is considered a public health problem. There is a lack of information on its status in most parts of Iran, including the northwestern area, which is one of the main centers of animal husbandry in Iran. This study was carried out to evaluate the seroprevalence of Q fever among sheep in the province of Ardabil in northwestern Iran. In all, 253 sheep samples were collected from different regions (north, central, and south) of Ardabil Province. Sera were tested by a CHEKIT Q fever enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for detection of C. burnetii immunoglobulin G (IgG). A total of 33.6% of sheep sera and 87.50% of herds were positive for C. burnetii IgG. There was a significant difference between the regions studied ( p<0.001) and the highest and the lowest rate of seroprevalence were seen in the south (58.6%) and central (23.3%) regions, respectively. Most of the seropositive cases were observed in 3- to 4-year-old the sheep (46.1%). There was no relationship between gender and the seroprevalence rate. Although this study was the first survey of Q fever in northwestern Iran, the high seroprevalence rate indicates that further attention should be paid to this disease in this region of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospira is an emerging global public health problem which involves both animals and human. The aim of this study was to appraise the presence of Leptospira DNA in blood samples from cattle and sheep via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method in Chaharmahal VaBakhtiari and Isfahan provinces of Iran. One hundred and ninety five samples (92 blood samples of cattle and 103 blood samples of sheep) were collected randomly from clinical healthy animals. DNA was extracted from the blood samples and stored at -20°C before examination. PCR reaction was performed for detection of Leptospira DNA using specific primers for 16s rRNA gene and PCR products were visualized in a 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Results showed that 18.63% of the blood samples were positive. Leptospiral DNA was found in 20 of 92 (21.73%) and 16 of 103 (15.53%) of cattle and sheep blood samples, respectively. Nine (9.78%) out of the 92 cattle sampled and 5 (4.85%) out of the 103 sheep sampled were positive for Leptospira spp. serovar Hardjo. This indicated that these cows and sheep's are reservoirs and dangerous for human health. Moreover, the PCR method is sensitive and specific for diagnosis of Leptospira in suspected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theilerioses and babesioses are important diseases in Iranian sheep. The present study was undertaken to identify and classify/specify Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. in sheep and vector ticks. Investigation was carried out from 2009 to 2011 in the Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. In total, 302 sheep originating from 60 different flocks were clinically examined and their blood collected. In addition, from the same flocks, ixodid ticks were sampled. Stained blood smears were microscopically examined for the presence of Theileria and Babesia organisms, and a semi-nested PCR was used for subsequent molecular specification. From the ticks, salivary glands and uterus were isolated and subsequently analyzed by semi-nested PCR. Piroplasm organisms were observed in 29% of the blood smears with low parasitemia, whereas 65% of the blood samples yielded positive PCR findings. The presence of Theileria ovis (55.6%), Theileria lestoquardi, and mixed infection with Theileria spp. and Bahesia ovis were detected by semi-nested PCR in 0.3%, 5.6%, and 0.99%, respectively. In total, 429 ixodid ticks were collected from different areas of the province. The most prevalent ticks were Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 376; 87.6% of the total), followed by Hyalomma marginatum turanicum (n -- 30; 7.0%), Dermacentor raskemensis (n - 12; 2.8%), Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (n = 7; 1.6%), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 2; 0.5%), Rhipicephalus bursa (11 = l; 0.2%), and Haemaphysalis sp. (11 = l ; 0.2%). Of the positive R. turanicus samples, 5 (5.7%) were infected with T. ovis and 2 (2.9%) with T. lestoquardi. Neither Babesia ovis nor Babesia motasi infection was detected in salivary glands or uterine samples of the ticks. The results also suggest that R. turanicus could be the vector responsible for transmission of the 2 Theileria species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dicrocoelium dendriticum is a broadly distributed zoonotic helminth, which is mainly reported from domesticated and wild ruminants. There is little data covering the molecular features of this trematode; therefore, current study aimed to molecularly analyze D. dendriticum in livestock., Methods: Totally, 23 samples of D. dendriticum were collected from cattle, sheep, and goat from Ilam, Lorestan, and Khuzestan, three west and south-west provinces of Iran from February to August 2018. After genomic DNA extraction, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 2 fragment was amplified and sequenced in samples. To investigate genetic variations through the ITS 2 fragment of obtained D. dendriticum, phylogenetic tree and network analysis were employed., Results: All 23 samples were successfully amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic tree showed that our samples were clearly grouped in a clade together with reference sequences. There was no grouping based on either geographical regions or hosts. Network analysis confirmed the phylogenetic findings and showed the presence of nine distinct haplotypes, while our samples together most of sequences, which were previously submitted to the GenBank, were grouped in the Hap1., Conclusions: Our findings indicated that although ITS 2 fragment discriminate D. dendriticum, this fragment is not suitable to study intra-species genetic variations. Therefore, exploring and describing new genetic markers could be more appropriate to provide new data about the genetic distribution of this trematode., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

An outbreak of mycoplasmal pneumonia occurred in a flock of 180 head of sheep. The prominent clinical signs included pyrexia, coughing, respiratory distress, nasal discharge, ocular opacity in some cases, hot and swollen joints, lameness, and depression. Routine post-mortem examinations were performed on 11 dead sheep. The gross lesions included reddening, consolidation, and localized necrosis in different areas of the lung, the presence of a fibrinopurulent membrane on the pleural surface, and serofibrinous fluid in the thoracic cavity. Culture of the pneumonic lungs, liver, thoracic lymph nodes and nasal swabs in liquid and solid media yielded mycoplasma which was microscopically visible on solid media after 24 h at 37°C. Microscopically, pulmonary lesions consisted of proliferation of collagen connective tissue, in the midst of hyperemia, vasculitis with thrombus formation, and necrotizing fibrinopurulent pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From January to February 2008, 468 sheep carcasses (335 male and 133 female) in a Khosroshahr (suburb of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province, Iran) abattoir were randomly selected for inspection. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in sheep and to compare the results of bacterial cultures and histopathology of suspected cases. The mean age of the population was 2.5 years. One hundred ninety-seven cases containing 153 (77.7%) males and 44 (22.3%) females had prominent enlargement of one of the lymph nodes (i.e., prescapular, prefemoral, inguinal, supramammary, or midiastinal); these were removed with the surrounding tissue for further evaluation. For confirmed diagnosis of CLA, samples were sent for microbiology and pathology analysis. Standard bacteriological culture methods for isolation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and tissue preparations for histopathological sections were performed. To evaluate the effect of age on the frequency of CLA, animals were categorized in four groups: under 1, 1-2, 2-3, and over 3 years of age. Based on the results, in 59 (12.60%) carcasses C. pseudotuberculosis was isolated, and in 94 (20.08%) of the cases histopathological studies revealed pathognomonic signs (lamellated exudates or onion ring) of CLA. The frequency of CLA based on bacteriological culture was 12.60% and on histopathological study 20.08%. In 37 (18.8%) of the carcasses, both bacteriological and histopathological studies confirmed CLA. The frequency of CLA following microscopic examination (20.08%) presented a more precise diagnosis compared to bacteriological culture (12.60%) and macroscopic evaluation of the lymph nodes ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation rate between the bacteriological culture and histopathological study ( r = 0.196, P = 0.006). The prescapular lymph node had the highest infection rate with 54 (1.70 ± 0.97) and supramammary lymph node had the lowest with two (0.07 ± 0.41) ( P < 0.05). There was an increase in CLA detection with increasing age ( P < 0.05), the mean age of animals with a positive CLA test were 2.92 years and in the oldest age group 31 (47%) cases had the highest infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis is a haemoparasitic disease with high economical losses in livestock industry worldwide. The early diagnosis and successful therapy of babesiosis belong to the key steps of control and health management of livestock. Ethanol-fixed blood samples of 400 sheep were analyzed for Babesia infection. Reverse line blot (RLB) was established specifically for Theileria lestoquardi, Theileria (China 1), Theileria (China 2), Theileria ovis, Theileria separata, Babesia ovis, Babesia motasi, Babesia crassa, and Babesia (Lintan). The DNA was extracted from the ethanol-fixed blood samples and amplified with a common primer pair derived from 18S rRNA gene, amplifying both Theileria spp. as well as Babesia spp. Regarding the differences in the length of nucleotide sequences of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products obtained from Theileria spp. and Babesia spp., the PCR products derived from Babesia spp. were out screened and analyzed by RLB. The RLB analysis showed that 28 samples within the 400 blood samples were B. ovis positive. No B. motasi, B. crassa, or Babesia (Lintan) could be detected. The sequence analysis of one PCR product as a representative for other B. ovis-positive PCR products confirmed the results of RLB. Our results and the results of other investigators showed that B. ovis could be considered as a main causative agent of sheep babesiosis in Iran. Furthermore, our results also showed that RLB can be used as a reliable method for a simultaneous differentiation of Theileria and Babesia species from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the most prevalent biovar responsible for brucellosis in sheep and goat populations of Iran, a cross-sectional study was carried out over 2 years in six provinces selected based on geography and disease prevalence. Specimens obtained from referred aborted sheep and goat fetuses were cultured on Brucella selective media for microbiological isolation. Brucellae were isolated from 265 fetuses and examined for biovar identification using standard microbiological methods. Results showed that 246 isolates (92.8%) were B. melitensis biovar 1, 18 isolates (6.8%) were B. melitensis biovar 2, and, interestingly, one isolate (0.4%) obtained from Mazandaran province was B. abortus biovar 3. In this study, B. melitensis biovar 3 was isolated in none of the selected provinces, and all isolates from 3 provinces (i.e., Chehar-mahal Bakhtiari, Markazi, and Ilam) were identified only as B. melitensis biovar 1. In conclusion, we found that B. melitensis biovar 1 remains the most prevalent cause of small ruminant brucellosis in various provinces of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite found worldwide and responsible for major economic losses in most classes of livestock. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep, cattle and horses in Urmia, north-west of Iran, using MAT. Methods: Blood samples of 276 livestock and 26 horses were collected from July 2009 till April 2010. The data were analyzed by the Chi-square, Fisher's Exact and Cochran's and Mantel-Haenszel Tests. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Thirty-three (21.1%) sheep, 2 (1.6%) cattle and 3 (11.5%) horses were seropositive to T. gondii. Analysis showed that sheep were 15 times more likely to be seropositive comparing to cattle also 2 times more likely to be seropositive than horses. Conclusion: This study showed seroprevalence of equine T. gondii infection with a considerable rate in sheep in Urmia, northwest of Iran. More comprehensive studies on livestock toxoplasmosis are required for further analysis of the parasite reservoir for human infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which compared the effects of production system and season on the prevalence of lameness in sheep in Urmia, northwest Iran. A cross-sectional study using cluster sampling was conducted, and bacteriology and histopathology were performed. The study concluded that footrot was the main reason for lameness in sheep in farmed and semi-migratory farming systems.

Ovine theileriosis is an important hemoprotozoal disease of sheep and goats in tropical and subtropical regions that leads to economic losses in these animals. A nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was carried out to identification Theileria species in sheep in some area in western half of Iran (Sari, Rasht, Urmia, Ilam, and Ahvaz). Two hundred and fifty blood samples were taken from sheep during tick activating season (summer of 2008). Microscopic examination revealed that 9.2% (23/250) sheep were infected by Theileria spp. piroplasms. Parasitemia ranged from 0.011% to 0.015%. In nested PCR assessment of DNA samples, 32.8% (82/250) sheep were positive. The negative samples were confirmed by amplifying of ovine beta-actin gene as an internal control. The differentiation of Theileria species was based on RFLP patterns using three restriction enzymes: HpaII, Rsa1, and Bsh 1285I. Out of 82 positive samples, 54.8% (45/82) and 40.2% (33/82) were positive for Theileria lestoquardi and Theileria ovis respectively. Mixed infection was detected in 4.8% (4/82) cases. Based on their PCR product digestion pattern with HpaII (1178, 900, 278, and 106 bp), it seemed to be mixture of Theileria annulata and T. lestoquardi. The presence of T. annulata was supported by sequence analysis. This is the first report of naturally infected sheep with T. annulata in Iran. Geographical distribution of Theileria species in sheep is shown according to the result of microscopy and nested PCR and RFLP data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To identify the fasciolid species by morphometric and molecular methods in Zanjan, northwest of Iran. Methods: Adult Fasciola worms (n=584) were obtained from cattle and sheep in Zanjan slaughterhouse in 2007. Living flukes were washed, then worms' images were taken by 3CCD camera and finally apical zone of each worm was obtained. Morphometric values such as body length, body width, body area, body perimeter and the distance between ventral sucker and posterior end of body were obtained using Auto- CAD image analysis software. Total gDNA was extracted from individual flukes by modified phenolchloroform method. PCR amplification of ITS2 fragment was performed the isolated DNA samples and the amplicons were consequently subjected to RFLP assay and nucleotide sequencing to distinguish between fasciolid species. Results: Mean of morphometric values in flukes from sheep was greater than those of cattle. Accordingly, the identified species included 31% F. hepatica-like, 7% F. gigantica-like and 62% intermediate forms. However, ITS2 fragment of 535 amplified specimens, showed no variation at the species-specific nucleotide sites 230, 340 and 341. The amplified fragment composed of partial 5.8S sequence (62bp), the complete ITS2 sequence (361bp) and partial 28S sequence (34bp). The nucleotide contents of ITS2 region were 69 A, 116 T, 81 C and 95 G and the average G+C content was approximately 49%. Comparing of ITS2 sequences with the BLAST GenBank database, also confirmed that all specimens were F. hepatica. Conclusion: A simple and rapid PCR-RFLP assay can be used for distinguishing between these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Selenium and vitamin E deficiency has major and synergistic role on pathogenesis of stiff lamb disease. In severe cases, muscle degeneration may extend to myocardium and causes death. Due to this situation and for determining the type of arrhythmias that may result from myocardial degeneration in lambs, this study was carried out on 20 affected stiff lambs and 20 non-affected ones in Shahrekord district (Iran). The hearts of lambs were carefully heard and electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed to determine the type of arrhythmia. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein for measuring the serum concentration of selenium and vitamin E by atomic absorption spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC), respectively. Results showed that selenium and vitamin E concentrations of affected lambs were significantly lower than those of non-affected ones. In affected lambs seven numerous arrhythmias such as tachycardia, wandering pace maker, sinus arrhythmia, advanced second degree atrio-ventricular block, atrial fibrillation, atrial premature contraction and ventricular premature contraction were diagnosed. These types of arrhythmias showed that the myocardial degeneration in vitamin E and selenium deficiency was not limited to a specific region of heart and may influence the atrium, atrio-ventricular junction and ventricles as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Blastocystis is the most common intestinal parasite found in epidemiological studies in Iran. The genus Blastocystis comprises multiple subtypes (ST), evincing the existence of extensive intrageneric diversity. Meanwhile, information on Blastocystis STs in domestic animals in Iran is limited. This study was designed to identify the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in domestic animals and to evaluate the extent of zoonotic origin of human Blastocystis carriage. A total of 395 faecal samples from farm animals (220 from poultry, 100 from sheep and 75 from cattle) and 23 Blastocystis positive samples from humans (available from the previous report of this study and included for reference) from the Khuzestan province, southwestern Iran, were analysed. Standard parasitological methods and PCR-based analysis of the SSU-rRNA gene were used. Overall, 115 (29.1%; 95% CI, 26.5%-31.6%) of the animals were positive for Blastocystis sp. by parasitological methods. The highest colonization rate was found in cattle (50.6%, 38/75), followed by sheep (32.0%, 32/100) and poultry (20.4%, 45/220). Eight Blastocystis STs were identified among 55 sequenced isolates from animals (n = 32) and humans (n = 23): ST3 (27.3%), ST14 (25.4%), ST1 (12.7%), ST7 (12.7%), ST2 (9.1%), ST6 (7.3%), ST5 (3.6%) and ST10 (1.8%). Blastocystis ST1 and ST3 were found in both human and non-human hosts, and examples of shared alleles (strains) were observed. Meanwhile, ST2 was observed only in humans, ST5 only in sheep, ST6 only in poultry and ST10 in only cattle. This is the most comprehensive report of Blastocystis STs in farm animals in Iran., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)