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Bluetongue virus (BTV, Sedoreoviridae: Orbivirus) causes an economically important disease, namely, bluetongue (BT), in domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. BTV is endemic to South India and has occurred with varying severity every year since the virus was first reported in 1963. BT can cause high morbidity and mortality to sheep flocks in this region, resulting in serious economic losses to subsistence farmers, with impacts on food security. The epidemiology of BTV in South India is complex, characterized by an unusually wide diversity of susceptible ruminant hosts, multiple vector species biting midges (Culicoides spp., Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), which have been implicated in the transmission of BTV and numerous co-circulating virus serotypes and strains. BT presence data (1997–2011) for South India were obtained from multiple sources to develop a presence/absence model for the disease. A non-linear discriminant analysis (NLDA) was carried out using temporal Fourier transformed variables that were remotely sensed as potential predictors of BT distribution. Predictive performance was then characterized using a range of different accuracy statistics (sensitivity, specificity, and Kappa). The top ten variables selected to explain BT distribution were primarily thermal metrics (land surface temperature, i.e., LST, and middle infrared, i.e., MIR) and a measure of plant photosynthetic activity (the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, i.e., NDVI). A model that used pseudo-absence points, with three presence and absence clusters each, outperformed the model that used only the recorded absence points and showed high correspondence with past BTV outbreaks. The resulting risk maps may be suitable for informing disease managers concerned with vaccination, prevention, and control of BT in high-risk areas and for planning future state-wide vector and virus surveillance activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infections with gastrointestinal parasites are widespread and a major health issue for captive birds. Despite the significance being well known, not much studies have been conducted on its prevalence especially in captive avians in a zoo setup. The present study aims at determining the prevalence of parasites in captive birds of different orders maintained at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Methods: In this investigation, a survey through fecal sample examination was conducted to assess the parasitic infection in captive birds belonging to 6 different biological orders e.g. Casuariiformes, Anseriformes, Galliformes, Pelecaniformes, Psittaciformes [Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), grey pelican, (Pelecanus philippensis), purple heron (Ardea purpurea), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), macaw (Ara ararauna), parakeet (Psittacula eupatsia)] and Ciconiiformes maintained at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka. A total of 106 fecal samples from apparently healthy birds including 7 samples from emu, 3 ducks, 12 peafowls, 8 red jungle fowls, 24 grey pelicans, 1 purple heron, 13 silver pheasants, 8 macaws, 26 parakeets and 4 Indian open-billed storks were collected during 2015-2016 and were screened for parasitic eggs/oocysts. Result: The screening result could detect ova of 2 (28.57%) Eimeria oocyst in emu, 3 (100%) Eimeria oocyst in duck, 7 (58.33%) Capillaria sp., 3 (25%) Eimeria oocyst, 2 (16.66%) Ascardia galli, 2 (16.66%) Raillietina echinobothrida, 1 (8.33%) Tetrameres sp. in peafowls, 3 (37.5%) Ascardia galli, 1 (12.5%) Eimeria oocyst in red jungle fowls, 5 (20.83%) Ascardia galli in grey pelican, 1 (100%) trematode ova in purple heron, 3 (23.07%) Raillietina sp., 2 (15.38%) Eimeria ocyst in silver pheasant, 2 (25%) Ascaris sp. in macaw, 12 (46.15%) Ascaris sp., 3 (11.53%) Eimeria oocyst in parakeet and 4 (100%) Tetrameres sp. in Indian open-billed storks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Eastern Karnataka, which consists of seven districts viz., Bidar, Kalaburgi (Earlier Gulbarga), Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Bellary and part of Bijapur (Sindagi and Indi talukas) with sizable sheep and goat population experiences the outbreaks of PPR inspite of regular vaccination but the attempts to isolate and characterize the prevailing PPR virus is limited. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to detect PPR virus isolates circulating in North Eastern Karnataka using microscopic (TEM) and molecular (RT-PCR and sequencing) approaches. Various clinical samples viz., occular, oral, nasal and rectal swabs including blood from ailing kids and adult goats were taken from a total of 15 suspected PPR outbreaks. The samples were first examined for the presence of the PPR virus by observing the infected Vero-cells for development of characteristic CPE. The isolates showing CPE were further confirmed for the virus by RT-PCR and sequencing using M (MF-Morb/ MRPPR3) gene of PPR virus.All the six isolates obtained by isolation yielded desired amplicon of 191 bp size which were specific to M region of PPR virus genome. The PCR confirmed isolates were further subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and sequencing. The TEM images showed pleomorphic virion particles with varying sizes indicative of Morbilli-virus. The sequenced data of all isolates confirmed them as PPR virus by NCBI blast. These findings provide the first scientific documentation of PPR outbreak confirmation in the region by microscopic and molecular characterization using M gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to assess the microbial quality of water in forest waterholes in different seasons and its possible impact on wild animals, at Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve forests in the state of Karnataka, India, during the year 2012 which evidenced drought, and the year 2014 which witnessed normal rainfall in these forests. The forests recorded the death of 39 wild elephants during April and May of 2012. One ailing elephant was confirmed to have high fever, diarrhoea, leucocytosis, and symptoms of colic. Water samples collected from major waterholes during the peak drought showed higher numbers of coliforms and several species of opportunistic bacteria including species of Vibrio and Campylobacter. In the year 2014-15, with normal rainfall, the death of less than 10 wild elephants was documented during April to May, 2015. We collected water samples from 20 major waterholes every month from June 2014 to May 2015 and assessed the water quality. We found that the microbial water quality improved in rainy season (June-September), started deterioration in winter (October-January) and became poor in summer (February-May). Though, the water during the summer of 2014-15 was equally of poor microbial quality as seen during peaks of droughts, the elephant deaths were relatively lower, signifying the role of normal rainfall in forests which provides the availability of fodder and water, which determines the general body condition and ability to resist opportunistic infections. We discuss the measures suggested and implemented from this study and their utilities at ground level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) remains a serious threat to the Indian livestock sector due to significant economic loss associated with it. Systematic vaccination of large ruminants over the years has lead to a gradual reduction in the number of disease outbreaks in India. However exposure to FMDV infection in small ruminants has been recorded during the past few years (Rout et al. 2013). Sheep and goat population have not been vaccinated so far against FMD under the FMD-Control program (FMD-CP). The present study highlighted the outbreak of FMD in small ruminants in Karnataka, India. Methods: During the period 2018-19, seven suspected FMD outbreaks among sheep population in Bellary and Tumakuru districts of Karnataka state were investigated. Tongue epithelium (oral swabs) and foot lesions (n=23) from clinically affected sheep and tissues such as heart, lung, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and kidneys from lambs during post mortem (n=67) were collected. All the samples were processed in the laboratory for the detection of FMD virus antigen by employing Serotype differentiating antigen detection ELISA and by multiplex PCR. Heart tissue samples were also collected in buffered formalin for histopathology study and processed by routine paraffin embedding technique and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E). Serum samples from the recovered animals were collected and screened by NSP-ELISA and LPB-ELISA to check the antibody status in the affected herd. Result: A total of seven suspected outbreaks of FMD involving 688 small ruminants was investigated. The outbreak of FMD due to FMDV serotype O was confirmed by ELISA and multiplex PCR assays. Clinically, the affected adult sheep showed typical signs of FMD, while mortality in young lambs was observed without apparent signs of disease. Histologically, heart tissues from FMD affected lambs showed myocardial necrosis with marked aggregations of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the myocardium and perivascular spaces. History of FMD outbreaks in cattle and common grazing land for the livestock, as well as sheep within the reach of these villages, may be the major contributing factors for the outbreaks in sheep populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) belongs to a member of the Cuculiforme order of birds, the Cuculiformes and like other birds they are prone to many infectious and non-infectious conditions. In the present study, various pathological conditions observed during necropsy of Asian koels were summarized. A total of 15 Asian koels of different age groups were received from the Wild Animals Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Bannerghatta for necropsy during the year 2014 to 2016. Gross and microscopic findings observed were suggestive of various pathological conditions affecting various systems towards the probable cause of death. Most of the avian diseases were also prevalent in Asian koels and hence warrants proper attention towards their prevention and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the gastrointestinal parasitic infestations in captive bears maintained in Wildlife SOS, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru. A total of 85 fecal samples were collected over a period of 12 months from apparently normal/healthy captive bears and examined. The fecal samples were analysed using sedimentation and floatation techniques followed by microscopic identification of parasitic eggs. It revealed the prevalence of 51 (60%) Hymenolepis diminuta, 20 (23.52%) Toxocara sp ova, 3 (3.52%) Capillaria sp, 2 (2.35%) Trichuris sp ova, 2 (2.35%) Eimeria sp oocysts and 8 (9.41%) Ancylostomatid eggs. The study suggested that among different parasitic infections, the prevalence of cestodes was extremely higher, since insects were the intermediate hosts for the Hymenolepis sp. The study is suggestive of periodic anthelmintic therapy in the said species under captivity so as to maintain a sound health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the clinico-pathologic changes observed in spontaneous hepatic coccidiosis caused by Eimeria stiedae in rabbits at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Karnataka state of India. The clinical signs observed in the affected rabbits included sudden death, stunted growth, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Increased liver enzymes and bilirubin was noticed upon biochemical examination. At necropsy, lesions included grossly enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) with presence of discrete yellowish-white nodules ranging from 1mm to 5mm size throughout the parenchyma containing a thick creamy white fluid. Faecal sample examination demonstrated the presence of Eimeria oocyts. The impression smears from the liver and intestinal mucosa also showed Eimeria oocysts, degenerative changes, necrotic cells and mononuclear cell aggregation to form oocyst granuloma. Histological observation revealed distension of bile duct, hyperplasia of epithelium along with numerous coccidian oocysts at the centre. Granulomatous tissues were observed to have encircled the bile duct with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Microscopic examination of exudates from liver also revealed numerous oocysts of E. stiedae. Multiple areas of coagulative necrosis of hepatic cells surrounded with inflammatory cells were also found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Enrofloxacin sensitivity of free/planktonic and biofilm forms of Salmonella Pullorum was assessed for a period of 20 days. The parameters like Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Biofilm Elimination Concentration (BEC) were evaluated. The investigation revealed that the MIC and MBC values for biofilm form were found to be slightly higher than planktonic form. The values of MIC and MBC of enarofloxacin against planktonic as well as biofilm forms of S. Pullorum were found non significant (P>0.05) during the study period. The BEC values obtained were found higher than the MBC values. Hence, the findings suggested that the fluroquinolone antibacterial drug, enrofloxacin was found effective against the planktonic and biofilm forms of S. Pullorum and can be used for its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study a total 107 apparently healthy Malnadgidda animals belonging to individual farmers across eleven talukas of Uttara Kannada district were included. Animals were grouped into male and female, 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 years of age and based on the geographic regions into upper Ghat and lower Ghat/Coastal region of Uttara Kannada district. Blood samples with anticoagulants were collected from these animals and haematological parameters TEC, TLC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC and PLT were determined. The average value of 7.55±0.18x106, 12.72±0.41x103, 8.05±0.17, 31.91±0.69, 45.97±3.00, 10.66±1.17, 26.79±1.91and 221.8±10.12x103 were observed for TEC, TLC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC and PLT respectively. Significantly higher TLC values was observed in the Malnadgidda as compared to Deoni and but did not differ significantly with Khillar and Krishnavalley breed. The established haematological values in present study could be used as reference values in Malandgidda breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was envisaged with the objective of isolation of Mycoplasma species from suspected sheep and goat, molecular characterization of immuno-dominant protein of such isolated Mycoplasma species for diagnostic and immunoprophylactic purpose. The pneumonic lungs at postmortem and nasal swabs from suspected sheep were collected in PPLO broth and were kept in CO2 (5-10%) incubator at 370C for 24 hours. Thereafter, incubation of PPLO agar plate that were inoculated with clear turbid in incubator at 370C for 4-7days showed a typical "fried egg appearance". PCR analysis revealed amplicon size of 715 and 885 bp mycoplasma (group specific primer) and Mycoplasma arginini (species specific primer), respectively. Upon gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-100, membrane protein was resolved into two peaks. Each elutes of individual peaks were subjecting for SDS-PAGE and western blotting and found the presence of antigenic protein molecular mass of 120 and 85 kDa along with 67 kDa in Peak-I, whilst peak-II elutes revealed molecular mass of 50 and 67 kDa. Similarly, the result of the present study indicated the presence of 50 and 67 kDa protein in aqueous phase membrane protein and cytoplasmic protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the protective antigen gene based molecular epidemiology of a massive anthrax outbreak in sheep that killed over 100 sheep. The outbreak was unique since the use of higher antibiotics immediately after the live anthrax vaccine had facilitated wide spread of the disease and unscientific disposal of carcasses had precipitated the disease magnitude. B. anthracis was isolated from ear blood samples collected from dead sheep. The isolates were non-motile, non-hemolytic and were pathogenic to mice. Gene coding for the toxic factor ‘protective antigen’ was targeted for PCR amplification as per WHO and OIE protocols. Sequencing of nucleotides on the conserved pag gene showed that the B. anthracis isolated during this study shared a sequence identity of more than 99.9% with B. anthracis isolates from different species, including human beings. The phylogeny demonstrated the genetic stability of the immunologically protective pag gene across species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis among buffaloes in Belgaum, Dharwad and Bagalkote districts of North Karnataka, for a period of eight years (2002 to 2009). A total of 2184 buffaloes belonging to 30 organized farms were screened by single intradermal tuberculin test using bovine tuberculin Purified protein derivative. Overall prevalence of tuberculosis among buffaloes was found to be 0.96 per cent. Prevalence was higher in females (0.97%) than males (0.84%) and in Murrah (1.02 %) than Surthi (0.85 %). Analysis of the temporal pattern revealed a gradual declining trend over a period of eight years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of caecal coccidiosis was recorded in commercial broiler poultry farm with mortality of 25-30 birds per day since last 3-4 days. Two live birds and four poultry carcasses were presented for clinical and post-mortem examination respectively. Live birds showed symptoms of high fever, anorexia, bloody droppings, emaciation, dehydration, anemia and droopyness. Post-mortem examination revealed caeca were enlarged/ distended and balooning up of caecal pouches with hemorrhagic contents and reddish brown caecal cores. Caecal wall showed patchy hemorrhages and birds were anemic. Caecal contents were subjected for direct microscopy and were positive for presence of numerous Eimeria oocysts. Thereafter affected birds were successfully controlled by advocating Amprolium along with Liver tonic, Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin K supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin receptors are transmembrane proteins involved in insulin regulated glucose uptake signaling pathway, highly expressed in target tissues like liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and also in several other types of mammalian cells. Several studies have documented a reduced expression of insulin receptors in insulin resistance and diabetes. In the present study, clinical diabetes was induced experimentally with streptozotocin in a rodent model, and maintained for 45 days along with non diabetic rats. Tissues like liver, heart, skeletal muscle and adipose tissues analyzed by immunohistochemicalmethod using anti-insulin receptor a antibody, showed expression of insulin receptors indicated by an intense brown coloration. It was noted that immunopositivity was observed in two locations viz., the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane of the target tissue cells. In the present study, a reduced expression of insulin receptors among the diabetic rats, when compared to non diabetic rats has been demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in liver, heart, skeletal muscles and adipose tissue, potentiating the fact that there is indeed a reduction in expression of insulin receptors in diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of Eugenia jambolana (EJ) extract and glibenclamide on streptozotocin (STZ) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control (UC), untreated diabetic (UD), EJ (200 mg/kg) treated diabetic (ED) and glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) treated diabetic (GD) orally for 45 days. There was various evidence of hepatotoxicity, including significant increase (P<0.001) in serum transaminases activity and histopathological findings in UD rats. In ED group, cellular injury was minimal and the hepatocytes maintained a better morphology when compared to UD rats. The substantially elevated serum transaminases were restored towards normal by the extracts. Findings indicate that EJ extract may have a preventive effect on STZ induced hepatotoxicity and also has potential hepatoprotective activity when compared to GD rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of classifying mammary gland tumors on canines based on cytolgy and histopathology. Seventy eight dogs with mammary gland tumors were utilized for the study from which cytological smears were prepared to detect morphological details of the neoplasia. The study reveals that malignancies were difficult to classify cytologically. A definitive diagnosis required histological examination and reveals tumors like solid carcinoma, malignant myoepithelioma and carcinosarcoma.

A series of novel substituted 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-3-cyclopropyl-1 H-pyrazol-5-amine benzamides 9(a–h) were synthesized to determine their antibacterial and antifungal activities as well as possible structure–activity relationships (SARs) to improve therapeutic efficacy. The pyrazol-5-amine benzamides were screened for their antibacterial activity against standard strains of Gram-positive ( Streptococcus pyogenes NCIM 2608, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29737, Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2010) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 20852, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 618) bacteria by using streptomycin as positive control. They were also tested for their antifungal activities against mycotoxic strains of Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata, and Penicillium chrysogenum using nystatin as positive control. Among the synthesized compounds, 9d, 9g, and 9h showed potent antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]