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Background: Porcine cysticercosis, caused by Cysticercus cellulosae a larval stage of adult Taenia solium, is a zoonotic parasitic disease where pigs harbour intermediate stage and human being acts as a definite host. The people of north eastern region of India are mostly non-vegetarian and consumption of pork is very much preferred by the people of this region. Hence,it is essential to detect C. cellulosae infections in pork. But traditional method of detection of C. cellulosae by post mortem examination of pork has disadvantages like need of expert and may be over lookedin case of light infections. Molecular diagnosis have been reported to be highly specific and sensitive for its diagnosis. Keeping in view of the above, the present study on molecular detection of larval cestode C. cellulosae of pigs was undertaken. A study on phylogenetic relation of C. cellulosae of pigs or human Taenae solium of this region was done to know its relation with other parts of the world, as not yet done so far. Methods: A total of 654 pig carcasses in 17 market places of three prime districts of state Arunachal Pradesh, India were examined to detect Cysticercus cellulosae of pigs. The cysticerci samples were obtained manually from the infected muscles and organs of the infected pigs that were preserved in phosphate buffer saline until DNA extraction. Stool samples of human patients who attended out-patient department (OPD) of Community Health Centers, Nursing homes and District etc. of study area of Aunachal Pradesh, India were collected randomly and examined by salt flotation technique for the presence of T. solium eggs. The segments of tapeworm voided by patientswere then identified for species identification and T. solium segments were collected in normal saline solutions (NSS) after clearing the debris and faecal materials. Genomic DNA extraction from 3-4 numbers of cysticerci and T. solium segments collected from affected human being were extractedusing a spin column kit (D Neasy tissue kit: QUIGEN).The technique polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with published primers were used for molecular detection of C. cellulosae and to get molecular (PCR) products of T. solium for further study. The mitochondrial gene cytochrome b oxidase subunit was amplified by PCR. The PCR products were purified, sequenced and phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method. Result: The present study recorded a PCR amplification of cytochrome b oxidase genes with a definite product size of 1068 bp from DNA extracted from C. cellulosae and T. solium. The product size obtained from C. cellulosae will be helpful for meat inspection by molecular detection of C. cellulosae infections in pork. The present finding signifies that the same genomic isolate of both the larval cestode and adult parasite of T. solium is prevailing in the study areas. The neighbors-joining phylogenic tree shows close similarity of the present isolates with that prevailing in other South East Asian countries and thus it can be assumed from the present finding that the same genotypic isolate of T. solium parasite is prevalent in the whole of South East Asian region.

Background: Trichomonas gallinae is a flagellated protozoa, infects the upper digestive system of pigeon and causing a condition called canker, characterized by development of granulomatous lesions in the buccal cavity, crop, proventriculus, gizzard and liver of affected birds causing mortality upto 90% in squabs. Systemic research on prevalence and pathology of T. gallinae in pigeons are scant in India. The present work was carried out to document the prevalence and pathology of T. gallinae in pigeons of Assam.Methods: During the one- year study period, throat swab samples were collected from households, market places and temple premises in 4 districts of Assam. A total of 324 birds were examined by wet mount and Giemsa staining methods for detection of T. gallinae. Naturally died carcasses were studied for gross and histopathological alteration in different organs.Result: In the present study prevalence of T. gallinae was found 26.85% and squabs were highly susceptible with 56.25 percent. Sex wise, comparatively higher prevalence was observed in females (33.54%) than in the males (20.48%). Seasonality study revealed highest prevalence during winter. Gross pathological alteration characterized by yellowish white caseo-necrotic haemorrhagic lesion in the upper digestive tract beginning with the oral cavity and lesions also found in liver and lungs. Histopathological alteration also recorded in different organs. In the liver sinusoidal congestion and kupffer cell hyperplasia were observed. Infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in the thickened inter alveolar space of lungs also recorded. Further study is required to identify the prevalent strains of T. gallinae on the basis of pathogenicity in this geographic region and immunology of T. gallinae in pigeons and other hosts remain to be explored.

Aim: The present investigation was undertaken to elaborate hematobiochemical alterations of acute chlorpyriphos (CPF) toxicity in indigenous chicken. Since there is no available literature on the detailed hematobiochemical changes of CPF in indigenous chicken, hence, the present study was designed to establish toxicological effect of CPF on blood biochemical parameters of indigenous chicken which are at a great risk of exposure to pesticides. These will help physiologist, pathologist, and poultry scientists for effective production strategy as well as disease control regime. Materials and Methods: The birds were divided into two major Groups I and II. Group I served as control and Group II was treated with CPF (36 mg/kg). Blood samples were assayed for hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, and biochemical constituents such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholinesterase (CHE), total protein, and uric acid. Results: Hb, TEC, and TLC levels increased significantly (p

Objective: The present study investigates the effect of oral administration of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in indigenous chicken. Materials and Methods: The birds were divided into two groups I and II. Group I served as control and group II was treated with CPF (0.36 mg/kg) orally daily up to 12 weeks. Blood samples were assayed for hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, and biochemical constituents like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholinesterase (CHE), total protein and uric acid. Representative pieces of tissues from liver and kidney were collected weekly for histopathological examination. Results: A significant (P < 0.01) increase of Hb, TEC, TLC, and heterophil percent and decrease of lymphocyte percent was observed. Serum ALP, AST, ALT, and uric acid increased significantly and CHE values decreased significantly in CPF treated birds. The protein level remained similar. Uric acid level was found to be increased significantly in the treated group. The results indicate that chronic CPF intoxication produces hematological, biochemical, and pathological changes in treated birds.

The present study was conducted in 3 month old kuroiler birds divided into 2 groups with 25 birds in each group. Group I comprised of control birds and group II had chronic experimental birds consisting of Group II birds were given glyphosate formulation @ 27.8 mg/kg body weight orally for 90 days. Group I birds were given plain water. Blood was collected on 0 day, 7th day, 14th day and every fortnight afterwards till 90 days. Blood samples were analyzed for haematological and biochemical parameters. The birds were sacrificed at weekly interval after 60 day post glyphosate feeding till the end of the experiment. Liver and kidney tissue samples were collected for histopathological and ultrastructural analysis. Haematological study revealed decreased mean Hb, TEC, PCV in group II in comparison to group I birds. Increased serum GGT, LDH, creatinine levels were observed in glypho- sate treated birds. Histopathological changes in liver showed mild to moderate congestion, haemorrhage, focal mononuclear cell aggregation, hepatocellular necrosis, dilation of sinusoids, fatty changes and disruption of hepatic cords. Congestion and focal to diffuse haemorrhage in renal parenchyma, hydropic degeneration in renal tubule and dilation of Bowman's space in glomerulous were observed in histopathological examination of Kidneys. Various ultrastructural changes were observed in mitochondria, nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes and renal tubular cell. It can be concluded that chronic oral exposure to glyphosate is hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic in kuroiler birds.

A study was conducted to determine the host specificity of field isolates of fowl pox virus (FPV), pigeon pox virus (PPV) and duck pox virus (DPV) by giving cross infection. During inoculation of fowl pox virus (FPV) in embryonated chicken eggs, and duck pox virus (DPV) in embryonated duck eggs showed PCR positive during the first passage itself. Inoculation of pigeonpox and duckpox viruses in embryonated chicken eggs required 2–3 initial passages to get the positive results. In the experimental study, all the chicks inoculated with FPV developed pox lesions within 7–9 days post infection. Similarly, all the pigeons inoculated with PPV developed pox lesions within 5–9 days. Likewise, all the ducklings inoculated with DPV developed pox lesions within 5–6 days. In cross infection study when FPV, PPV and DPV were inoculated in heterologous hosts no lesions were developed. Histopathological examination of the scab samples of infected birds revealed intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. Among the visceral organs the lungs showed congestion and haemorrhages with proliferation of lymphoid cells around the bronchioles, the heart showed capillary congestion between the myofibrils, hydropic degeneration and fatty changes in the liver and renal tubular epithelium. The scab samples of infected birds showed positive results for APV by PCR; but the biopsy samples collected from the inoculated site of the heterologous hosts showed PCR negative. It was concluded that field isolates of fowl pox virus (FPV), pigeon pox virus (PPV) and duck pox virus (DPV) exhibited host specificity and did not produce cross infection in heterologous hosts.

This paper reports threshold values of leucocyte count, lactose and chloride contents in relation to California mastitis test (CMT) of milk samples of mastitic and non-mastitic goats. CMT, leucocyte count, lactose and chloride contents of milk were analysed in 204 caprine milk samples collected 4–8 weeks post-parturition. A milk sample was considered mastitic when it had a CMT score of ≥ 1 + in association with threshold values of two of three parameters: leucocyte count (≥ 0.63 millions/ml), lactose ( ⩽ 4.33%) and chloride contents (≥ 0.109%). Leucocyte counts with nil, trace and 1 + CMT reaction, respectively, varied from 0.07–0.81 (mean 0.279 ± 0.013), 0.09–0.81 (mean 0.417 ± 0.039) and 0.31–2.13 (mean 0.812±0.054) million/ml. Lactose contents with nil and trace CMT reaction, respectively, varied from 4.18–5.59% (mean 4.73±0.35) and 4.06–4.78% (mean 4.52±0.089). Chloride contents with nil and trace CMT reaction, respectively, varied from 0.065–0.130% (mean 0.103±0.001) and 0.035–0.115% (mean 0.103±0.003). From 67 milk samples with nil and trace CMT reaction, 26.9% had Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter and Escherichia coli which showed that mere isolation of bacteria was not sufficient to incriminate with mastitis unless the milk also had inflammatory parameters. Validity of different tests in relation to CMT showed that false % was lowest for leucocyte count (7.l), followed by lactose contents (11.8 ), suggesting that these tests had better predictive values than chloride contents. The best correlation was between CMT and leucocyte count, followed by CMT and lactose content. The results indicated that lactose test could be a useful, quick and readily available tool for routine checking of udder health under Indian rural conditions.

Paratanaisia bragai is a kidney dwelling trematode of galliformes, columbiformes and anseriformes birds. The parasite has been reported from the American continent, the Phillipines, Brazil and India. The present study was aimed to investigate the pathology of the parasite in the kidney of domestic pigeon. Detailed necropsy of the dead birds was conducted and gross lesions recorded. Grossly, presence of Paratanaisia spp. was seen in the medullary area of kidneys, ureter and cloaca. In some cases, kidney lobes affected with parasites showed atrophy. In most of the cases, the ureters were found distended with uric acid crystals Microscopically, kidneys infected with Paratanaisia bragai showed nodule formation, congestion and hemorrhages, degeneration of tubular epithelia and coagulative necrosis of the renal tubules. The results indicated that Paratanaisia bragai infection produces histopathological and histochemical changes of infected birds.

Chlorpyriphos (CPF; diethyl 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothionate) is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus (OP) insecticide used extensively in agriculture throughout the world because of its high efficacy against pests. In veterinary practice CPF is widely used for the control of pests, mites, flies and lice affecting livestock and poultry. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of oral (p.o.) administration of CPF induced pathological alterations in indigenous chicken. The birds were divided into two major groups -Group I and Group II which served as control and treated with CPF (32 mg/kg) respectively. Detailed post mortem examinations of the dead birds were conducted and representative tissues were collected for histopathological examination. Microscopically, liver tissue of CPF intoxicated chickens showed degeneration, necrosis, congestion, hemorrhages, dilatation of sinusoids and mild fatty changes. The kidneys showed hemorrhages, vacuolar degeneration of tubular epithelia and focal coagulative necrosis. Brain showed satellitosis, neuronophagia and degeneration of Purkinje cells. The results indicated that acute CPF intoxication produces histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the treated birds.

Development of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) was studied in clinically healthy and diseased Assam local goats. Animals were sacrificed before term as well as at different postnatal periods to screen lung sections for the presence of BALT. In a retrospective study sections prepared from pneumonic lungs were examined for any alteration of BALT. No BALT-like structure was found in neonatal goats. Bronchial lymphoid structures appeared in half of the animals from 1 month of age onward. The frequency of the BALT/4.5 cm2 of lung section ranged from one to two in 1-month-old and three to six in 1-year-old goats. In pneumonic lungs BALT became hyperplastic, and the size was also increased. The incidence of BALT was increased in lungs with fibrotic pneumonia. The number of BALT/section was high (five to eight/4.5-cm2 area) in mesenchymal cell proliferation. The present study shows that BALT did not develop in prenatal periods. But in the presence of potent antigens lymphoid aggregates appeared in the bronchial lamina propria of normal and diseased lungs.