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Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is an emerging arthropod-borne pathogen of domestic and wild ruminants responsible for devasting economic losses in European countries with a potential for spreading across boundaries. Three hundred sixty-two (362) serum samples were randomly collected from 7 selected sheep and goat farms from January to October 2019 to investigate the seroprevalence of SBV among small ruminants in Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu states. Seroprevalence of SBV was determined using commercial ID vet® SBV multispecies cELISA test. The farmers completed a structured questionnaire to furnish farm management data to evaluate the risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of SBV among individual animals. A Chi-square test was performed to determine the association between seroprevalence of SBV and putative risk factors of individual animals. Based on the ELISA test, a total of 78 individual animals were seropositive with an overall prevalence of 21.5% and the true prevalence of 22.1% (95% CI:18.06-26.71). Multivariable logistic regression analysis further revealed that Negeri Sembilan state (p

The present study investigated the seroprevalence of Leptospira hardjo antibodies and their relationship to the burden of reproductive disorders associated with smallholder ruminant production systems in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria. We randomly collected 376 blood samples from 11 cattle (n=188) and 10 goats (n=188) farms in Maiduguri from April to September 2019. The farmers completed structured questionnaires to furnish information regarding herd characteristics and reproductive histories of farm animals. A serum IgG/IgM antibody-capture ELISA test kit with a sensitivity of 96.91%, specificity of 90.40%, positive and negative predictive values of 88.68% and 97.41%, respectively, was used for the detection of Leptospira hardjo antibodies from blood serum. The overall seroprevalence of Leptospira hardjo was 4.26% (95%CI: 2.17-8.17) in cattle and 2.13% (95%CI: 0.83-5.34) in goats, respectively. Leptospira hardjo antibodies were detected in 4 (50%) out of the 8 cattle herds and 3 out of the 7 goat flocks with a history of reproductive disorders. At the present rate of detection of Leptospira hardjo antibodies in ruminants with histories of reproductive disorders, the current burden of the disease and its consequences on the reproductive efficiencies could be highly underestimated in the smallholder ruminant production system in the northeastern part of Nigeria.

Pneumonic mannheimiosis is a widespread respiratory bacterial disease of small ruminants caused by Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2. The disease is known to affect the respiratory organs of infected animals, but its effect on other vital and reproductive organs has not been fully explored. Previous studies have demonstrated increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokine concentration post-challenge with M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS, indicating systemic inflammation in the host. This study determined the potential tissue changes and alterations of sperm parameters due to infection of M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS endotoxin. In this study, twelve experimental bucks were randomly assigned to three groups of four bucks each: group 1 (control group) were intranasally inoculated with 2 mL of PBS pH 7.0, group 2 received 2 mL of 1.2 × 10

Brachiaria decumbens is a highly productive tropical grass used for ruminant production. However, it can cause hepatogenous photosensitization, general ill-thrift, and deaths in ruminants due to the presence of steroidal saponins. This study determined the acute and chronic clinico-pathological responses of sheep to graded levels of B. decumbens diet. A total of 30 male crossbred Dorper sheep (six-month-old) used in the study were randomly divided into three treatment groups of 10 sheep each. Treatment 1 (T1), which served as the control group, was fed with Pennisetum purpureum and concentrates, whereas Treatments 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) were fed low (10%) and high (60%) levels of B. decumbens, respectively. The study period was divided into acute (7 days) and chronic (90 days) phases. The rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and mucous membrane color were monitored throughout the experiment. At the end of each stage, five animals were selected from each treatment group and euthanized by slaughter to collect organs for gross pathology, organ morphometric and histopathological evaluations. The treated animals did not show significant changes (p>0.05) in rectal temperature, pulse, and respiration rates throughout the study period. However, the mucous membranes were noticeably becoming pale starting from day 60 to 90 in T3 and during the chronic phase (day 90) in T2. There was no lesion or morphometric change in any organ at postmortem examination. At histopathology, both T2 and T3 exhibited mild to moderate necrosis, hemorrhage, congestion, hydropic degeneration and edema (p

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a member of the genus lentivirus causing caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE), a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the lungs, joints, udder and central nervous system of small ruminants such as sheep and goats. CAE is distributed worldwide and is recognised as a significant cause of morbidity and decreased milk production in dairy goats. Earlier studies highlighted the clinicopathological features and supplied preliminary serological evidence for the existence of CAE among selected goat herds in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to provide further insights into the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAE among sheep and goat herds in two states of Peninsular Malaysia. The blood samples and biodata were randomly collected from a total of 262 individual sheep (40) and goat (222) in seven smallholder farms. Blood sera were tested for specific anti-CAEV antibodies using Qayee-Bio CAEV sandwich-ELISA test kits according to standard procedures. Our results of the study revealed 21.4% (95% CI: 15.8-28.6) apparent and 20.6% (95% CI: 14.5-27.8) true seroprevalence with significant differences (Virus Kaprin Artritis Ensefalitis (CAEV) merupakan ahli kumpulan dalam genus virus lentivirus dimana akan menyebabkan penyakit kaprin artritis ensefalitis (CAE) di mana penyakit ini akan menyebabkan keradangan kronik pada paru-paru, sendi, kelenjar mamari dan sistem saraf pusat bagi haiwan ruminan kecil seperti bebiri dan kambing. CAE telah merebak ke seluruh dunia dan penyakit ini akan menyebabkan penularan wabak pada kadar morbiditi yang tinggi dan mengurangkan kuantiti penghasilan susu bagi kambing tenusu. Kajian terdahulu memberi penekanan kepada dapatan klinikal patologi dan data bukti serologi kewujudan penyakit CAE dalam kalangan gerompok kambing di Malaysia. Maka, kajian kini bertujuan memberikan pendedahan awal berkaitan kadar kelaziman serologi dan faktor yang menyumbang penyakit CAE dalam kalangan bebiri dan kambing bagi dua negeri di Semanjung Malaysia. Sampel darah dan data biologi telah dikumpulkan secara rawak dengan jumlah sampel 262 ekor (40 ekor bebiri dan 222 ekor kambing) daripada tujuh buah ladang peternak kecil. Serum yang telah dikumpul diuji dengan antibodi spesifik anti-CAEV dengan menggunakan prosedur piawai kit elisa daripada Qayee-Bio CAEV. Keputusan kajian ini menunjukkan kadar kelaziman serologi 21.4% (95% CI: 15.8–28.6) jelas dan 20.6% (95% CI: 14.5–27.8) kadar kelaziman benar dengan perbezaan ketara (

Previous investigations have revealed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin from certain Gram-negative bacteria could adversely affect the reproductive system of female animals. However, it is unknown whether LPS endotoxin of Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2, the principal causative bacteria that cause pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants, may also induce similar insidious effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its LPS endotoxin on the responses of female gonadal hormones (progesterone and oestrogen), pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A) and cellular changes via histopathology study of female reproductive organs of the treatment does. Twelve clinically healthy, non-pregnant, crossbred does were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group 1 was administered intranasally with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and served as a negative control group. Group 2 was challenged intranasally with 2 ml of bacterial inoculum containing 10

Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) is an epierythrocytic parasitic bacterium of small ruminants known as haemotropic mycoplasma, which is transmitted mechanically by biting flies and contaminated instruments. Acute mycoplasmosis causes severe haemolytic anaemia and mortality in young animals. At the same time, chronic disease may produce mild anaemia and varying degrees of morbidity depending on several factors, including age, reproductive status, the plane of nutrition, immunological status and the presence of concurrent infection. Haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis is currently recognised as an emerging zoonotic pathogen which is widely distributed in the sheep and goat producing areas of tropics and subtropics, where the disease is nearly endemic. Human infection has been reported in pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and people exposed to animals and arthropods. The current diagnosis of haemoplasma relies on microscopic evaluation of Giemsa-stained blood smear and PCR. Although there are few published reports on the incidence of haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis infection of small ruminants in Malaysia, information on its prevalence, risk factors, severity and economic impacts is grossly inadequate. Therefore, a large-scale survey of small ruminant flocks is necessary to elucidate the current seroprevalence status and molecular characteristics of haemotropic M. ovis infection in Malaysia using ELISA and PCR sequencing technologies. In the future, surveillance programs, including vector forecast, quarantine, monitoring by periodic surveys and public enlightenment, will limit the internal and transboundary spread of M. ovis, enhance control efforts and mitigate production losses in Malaysia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11250-020-02357-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of nematode infection among slaughtered donkeys in Kaltungo, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 fecal samples were examined by salt flotation and the modified McMaster fecal egg count technique to morphologically identify nematodes eggs and determine their egg per gram (EPG) outputs. Results: Out of a total of 72 (100%) donkeys sampled, 36 (50%) tested positive, but the prevalence of nematodes was independent of the age, sex, and breed of donkeys (p>0.05). Among the four species of nematodes identified in single and mixed infections, Strongylus spp. (27.8%) and Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (13.9%) were the most prevalent followed by Strongyloides westeri (5.6%) and Trichonema spp. (5.6%). Infected donkeys had moderate overall mean EPG (801.39±611.3) with no statistical differences between age groups and sexes (p>0.05), but means of EPG were significantly higher (p

Mannheimia haemolytica causative agent of pneumonic mannheimiosis, a common respiratory disease of goat and sheep, which cause huge economic losses to farmers worldwide. Pneumonic mannheimiosis caused by M. haemolytica serotype A2 has been reported among small ruminants in Malaysia. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane protein (OMP) are major virulence determinants for M. haemolytica serotype A2. Although pneumonic mannheimiosis is known to cause poor reproductive performance in small ruminants under field conditions, there is a dearth of published information on the specific effects of M. haemolytica serotype A2 infection on the female reproductive physiology. In this experiment, we explored the impact of M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its OMP immunogen on selected pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins, female reproductive hormones, and cellular changes in visceral and female reproductive organs of non-pregnant does.Twelve healthy, non-pregnant, Boer crossbreds does were divided equally into three groups (n = 4); Group 1 served as the negative control and was challenged with 2 ml of sterile PBS intranasally. Group 2 served as the positive control and was challenged with 2 ml of 10Compared to the control group, the challenged/treated groups showed significant (p 0.05) increase in the rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and rumen motility. Serum analyses revealed that the concentrations of progesterone and estrogen hormones were significantly (p 0.05) decreased in groups 23. In contrast, the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and acute phase proteins (Hp and SAA) were significantly increased (p 0.05) in the challenged/treated groups compared to the control group. Histopathological lesion scoring revealed mild to moderate cellular changes characterised by congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration, leucocytic cellular infiltration, and cellular necrosis in the tissues of does from the OMP treatment and bacterial challenge groups compared to the control group.The findings from this study suggests that M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its OMP immunogen induced mild to moderate inflammatory and degenerative changes which may potentially interfere with fertilization through hormonal imbalances and cause temporary loss of fertility in infected does.

Previous studies have shown that Mannheimia haemolytica A2 is the principal microorganism causing pneumonic mannheimiosis, a major bacterial respiratory disease among sheep and goats. The effect of this bacteria on the respiratory system is well-established. However, its effect on the reproductive physiology remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the alterations in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone post-inoculation with M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin which were hypothesized to affect the reproductive functions of bucks. Twelve clinically healthy adult male goats were divided equally into three groups. Goats in group 1 were treated with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.0 intranasally (negative control), group 2 with 2 ml of 109 colony-forming unit (CFU) of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intranasally (positive control), and group 3 were treated with 2 ml of lipopolysaccharide extracted from 109 CFU of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intravenously. Following inoculation, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into plain tubes at pre-determined intervals for serum collection to determine the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and testosterone hormone by using commercial ELISA test kits. Results from this study demonstrated that the inoculation of M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS increases the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines but decreases the concentration of testosterone hormone in challenged animals at most time points throughout the 56 days experimental period (p < 0.05). This study suggests that the M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS could alter the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone, which in turn, may negatively affect the reproductive functions of bucks.

Previous studies have shown that Mannheimia haemolytica A2 is the principal microorganism causing pneumonic mannheimiosis, a major bacterial respiratory disease among sheep and goats. The effect of this bacteria on the respiratory system is well-established. However, its effect on the reproductive physiology remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the alterations in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone post-inoculation with M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin which were hypothesized to affect the reproductive functions of bucks. Twelve clinically healthy adult male goats were divided equally into three groups. Goats in group 1 were treated with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.0 intranasally (negative control), group 2 with 2 ml of 10

A preliminary survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of some tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases (TBHDs) and their effects on the haematological parameters of sheep and goats in Maiduguri abattoir. A total of 200 blood samples were collected from sheep (n = 100) and goats (n = 100) from November 2015 to May 2016. Giemsa stained blood smears were prepared and examined under light microscope, to screen for haemoparasites. Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhaematocrit centrifugation technique while haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was determined by Sahli’s method. The total white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were estimated with Neubauer hemocytometer while erythrocyte indices were calculated. The results showed 13.5% overall prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases in sheep 13 (6.5%) and goats 14 (7.0%). There was no significant (p>0.05) differences in prevalence of haemoparasites between sexes and age groups of sheep and goats. Anaplasma ovis and Babesia ovis were identified in the study of which A. ovis [23 (11.5%)] was higher (p

The productivity of smallholder sheep and goat flocks is constrained by high morbidity and mortality of young stock due to helminthosis and coccidiosis. We hypothesized that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent and may cause severe infections amongst small ruminants in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and December 2019 to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and levels of infection with gastrointestinal strongyle and coccidia in selected smallholder goat flocks in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. A total of 257 blood and fecal samples and management data were collected from four farms in Negeri Sembilan. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected by routine sodium chloride floatation, and the McMaster technique was used to quantify the fecal eggs/oocysts per gram outputs (EPG/OPG). The severity of infection was classified as mild (50&ndash, 799), moderate (800&ndash, 1200), or severe (&gt, 1200). The packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhematocrit centrifugation and classified as anemic or non-anemic. Coprological examination revealed an overall prevalence of 78.6% (CI = 72.74&ndash, 83.44) and 100% flock level prevalence of strongyle and coccidia infection among goats from Negeri Sembilan with a higher infection in flock A-Lenggeng (95.6%) than B-Senawang (87.3%), D-Mendom (80.6%), or C-Seremban (60.0%). The co-infections of strongyle + Eimeria (50.6, CI = 44.50 to 56.64) were more common than single infections of either strongyle (16.7%, CI = 12.66 to 21.78) or Eimeria (4.3%, CI = 2.41 to 7.50). Quantitative analysis has revealed different (p &lt, 0.05) patterns of EPG/OPG in various categories of goats. In total, there were 49.8% mild, 8.6% moderate, and 13.6% severe infections of strongyle and 40.1% mild, 6.6% moderate, and 19.8% severe infections of coccidia among goats. The mean PCV of goats with severe strongyle infection (24.60 &plusmn, 0.85) was significantly (p &lt, 0.05) lower than the moderate (26.90 &plusmn, 1.15), or mild (28.23 &plusmn, 0.50) infections and the uninfected (30.4 &plusmn, 0.71). There were increased odds of infection with strongyle and coccidia among female (OR = 3.2) and adult (OR = 11.0) goats from smallholder flocks in Negeri Sembilan. In conclusion, gastrointestinal strongyles and coccidia occur at high frequency among smallholder goats, and there is a higher risk of infection amongst the adult and female stock.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of haemoparasites and some haematological parameters of slaughtered trade cattle in Maiduguri abattoir. A total of 120 blood samples were randomly collected from cattle between January and July, 2014. The samples were screened for haemoparasites by examining Giemsa stained thin blood films. Microhaematocrit centrifugation technique was used for determination of packed cell volume (PCV) while total red blood cell (RBC) counts and total white blood cell (WBC) counts were determined by cyanmethaemoglobin and hemocytometer methods. An overall prevalence of 10.8% (CI=0.064, 0.017) was recorded for Anaplasma (5.8%), Babesia (4.2%) and Trypanosoma species (0.8%). Young cattle had significantly (p

Gastrointestinal parasitism is one of the major health problems affecting productivity of small ruminants worldwide. A dry season study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Strongyle ova in goats and their faecal egg counts, as well as to compare different faecal culture methods for larval counts and identification. Out of 200 faecal samples examined, 114 were from male and 86 from female goats. An overall prevalence of 42(21%) for Strongyle ova was observed with a mean EPG of 91.67 + 6.12. The prevalence was higher in the male 26(22.8%) than in female 16(18.6%) with mean EPG of 90.38 ± 7.35 and 93.75 ± 11.06 respectively (p > 0.05). It was also higher in adults 38(22.22%) compared with the young 4(13.79%). All positive goats were of the Sahelian breed. No significant difference (p > 0.05%) was observed between sexes and age but a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between breeds. The infection was higher from samples collected in the abattoir 36 (25.35%) compared with 6(18.75%) in Mairi Village and none was positive from the University of Maiduguri Farm. A significant difference (p

This study was conducted to report the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and to estimate the direct economic losses (DEL) from condemnation of liver as a result of detection of lesions of fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered in Makurdi abattoirs. Retrospective data were collected from the abattoir records obtained from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR) Makurdi, from 2008 to 2012. Direct economic losses were calculated based on a pilot study to determine the average price of liver per kilogram (AvP/kg) and using the formula: DEL = 𝑛w × AvP/kg, where 𝑛 is the number of livers condemned and 𝑊 is the average liver weight in kg. Between 2008 and 2012, 64,978 cattle were slaughtered at Makurdi abattoirs, out of which 9,478 cattle were infected with Fasciola species. This represents an overall prevalence of 14.56% (95%, C.I.: 12.99 – 16.85%). Annual prevalence of bovine fasciolosis was significantly (P