Veterinary Medicine and Science最新文献

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars are important foodborne zoonotic pathogens that threaten human health and contribute to the evolution and global dissemination of antibiotic resistance. This study investigated the virulence characteristics, antibiotic susceptibility, serovar distribution, and antimicrobial resistance determinants of 132 NTS isolates obtained from the poultry production chain in Khorasan Province, Iran, between 2018 and 2020. Salmonella Infantis was the predominant serovar, accounting for 53.8% of isolates, followed by S. Enteritidis (20.5%), S. Typhimurium (3.8%), and 22% of isolates could not be typed by multiplex PCR and were categorized as non-typed Salmonella. Based on antibiotic susceptibility tests, most Salmonella isolates exhibited high resistance to tiamulin (97%), flumequine (81.1%), ampicillin (96.2%), and streptomycin (78.8%). A total of 65 multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles were identified. Conversely, gentamicin (97%), ciprofloxacin (94%), enrofloxacin (90.9%), cefotaxime (89.4%), and colistin (88.6%) demonstrated the greatest effectiveness against these NTS isolates. The most frequently identified antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were bla_TEM (91.7%), sul1 (80.3%), and aadA (78.8%). In addition, PCR analysis of virulence genes showed that all isolates harbored the stn and iroN virulence genes. However, pefA and the Salmonella plasmid virulence genes (spvB, spvC, and spvR) were detected in 53% and 36.4% of the isolates, respectively. In conclusion, our findings highlight the increasing prevalence of MDR S. Infantis, which has replaced S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium as the dominant serovars in the poultry production chain. Effective control of NTS in poultry production chain requires regular monitoring and surveillance of NTS infections, serotype diversity, and antimicrobial resistance profiles.

This study evaluated the effects of mealworm meal premix supplementation on the reproductive performance of adult peafowl and the growth and survivability of their chicks. Mealworms were oven-dried, de-oiled, ground and mixed with fish waste powder (150 g/kg) to prepare a nutritional premix. A total of 120 adult peafowl were allocated into four groups: control (0 g/kg) and three treatment groups receiving 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg of mealworm premix, respectively. Birds were monitored for feed intake, egg production, fertility, hatchability and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hatched chicks were reared for 4 weeks under controlled brooding conditions, and their feed intake, weight gain and survivability were recorded. Results indicated a significant improvement (p  ≤  0.05) in FCR, chick weight, feed intake (for the first 2 weeks) and weekly weight gain in the supplemented groups, particularly at 60 mg/kg inclusion. Fertility and hatchability percentages were consistently higher in treated groups, though not always statistically significant. Chick livability improved markedly during early brooding, with Groups C and D achieving 100% survival by Week 1. The findings suggest that mealworm meal premix enhances reproductive efficiency in breeding peafowl and supports early chick development and survival, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and functional feed additive in avian species.

In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates of Campylobacter in Iran. A systematic search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data analysis was done with R software. A number of 58 articles in the current study evaluated AMR in Campylobacter species in human, animal and food isolates. Our findings demonstrated that most of the Campylobacter spp. isolates in Iran have high resistance proportions to beta-lactams (including cefixime (0.97), cephalothin (0.84), ceftriaxone (0.76), cephalexin (0.63), ceftazidime (0.53) and carbenicillin (0.38)), fluoroquinolones (including ofloxacin (0.79), nalidixic acid (0.51) and ciprofloxacin (0.52)), sulfonamides like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (0.68) (potentiated sulfonamides), florfenicol (0.62), tetracycline (0.57) and macrolides (including erythromycin (0.12) and azithromycin (0.17)). Conversely, Campylobacter spp. showed low resistance rates to aminoglycosides (including neomycin (0.08), amikacin (0.08), meropenem (0.06), spectinomycin (0.04), gentamicin (0.04) and imipenem (0.02)) and chloramphenicol (0.07). Regarding Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni isolates, resistance to erythromycin (0.18-0.09), and gentamycin (0.08-0.04) was higher in C. coli than C. jejuni isolates, respectively, whereas resistance to ciprofloxacin (0.56) and tetracycline (0.56) was higher in C. jejuni. The most prevalent antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in Campylobacter spp. were tetO (0.73) and cmeB (0.48) and bla_OXA61 (0.42). Therefore, the use of strict control systems and a restriction on the use of antibiotics in human, agricultural and animal farming are urgently required to reduce the development and spread of AMR.

Introduction: During the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana experienced outbreaks of high pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 among poultry.

Objectives: Here, we describe the distribution and genetic characterisation of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIV H5N1 isolated among poultry.

Methods: We conducted active surveillance for influenza viruses among animals (poultry and swine) and environmental samples across Ghana from 2021 to 2022. Tracheal/cloacal swabs were collected from poultry while nasal/anal swabs were collected from swine. Environmental samples (bird droppings, feathers, and water) were collected from Ramsar sites. We detected the presence of influenza viruses using specific primers and probes and reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions previously described by the US-CDC. We sequenced and detected viruses using Oxford Nanopore Technologies.

Results: A total of 2847 samples were collected: 2640 from birds, 207 from swine, and 186 from the environment. Out of 2847, 2.2% (63/2847) were positive for HPAIV H5N1. All the H5N1 viruses were detected in poultry populations and none in swine. Again, environmental samples tested negative for influenza. Greater Accra (35), Central (10), and Upper East (7) regions recorded the highest number of H5N1 infections. Phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 showed that these viruses belonged to the clade 2.3.4.4b, which is currently circulating worldwide. Genetic analysis of the HA revealed some mammalian adaptive motifs.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of continuous genomic surveillance for these zoonotic pathogens in-country and further analyses to determine their zoonotic potential. Early detection and local containment are critical for mitigating the threat posed by zoonotic influenza.

The study aimed to determine the effects of Moringa oleifera powder (MOP) on the production performance and egg quality of Hyline hens. A total of 48 twenty-six-week-old Hyline commercial hens were randomly allocated to two treatments of 24 birds each, housed in six cages in a completely randomized design with cage as the experimental unit (n = 4). The treatments comprised of a control diet, T1 (16.02% CP, 12.61 MEMJ/kg, 0% MOP) and a basal diet plus 6% MOP in T2 (16.08% CP, 12.5 MEMJ/kg, 6% MOP). The birds on the MOP diet showed higher (p < 0.05) weight gain, laying rate (LR), average daily feed intake (ADFI), egg weight (EW), egg shape index (ESI) and shell weight (SW), with lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control diet. The MOP diet significantly influenced yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW) and cholesterol content (p < 0.05) of eggs. The EW, ESI and SW increased with age, while (p < 0.05) egg surface area (ESA), egg volume (EV) and shell thickness (ST) decreased. As the birds grew older, the YW and AW increased, while the yolk index (YI) decreased (p < 0.05). An interaction between diet and age was observed for the cholesterol content (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that MOP improves egg parameters in laying hens and reduces the cholesterol content of eggs.

Background: Strategic supplementation of unexploited, cheap, less competitive and easily accessible protein sources of nonconventional origin was considered as a feasible alternative way to mitigate protein deficiency in poor-quality feeds during periods of feed scarcity OBJECTIVE: To determine the comparative effects of supplementing Moringa stenopetala and cafeteria leftovers on nutrient uptake, weight gain and economic viability in local Gamo sheep.

Method: A total of 20 yearling lambs were used in four treatments with five replicates in randomized complete block design. The treatments included grass hay (GH) + 125 g concentrate mix (CM) for treatment 1 (T1), GH + 125 g CM + 300 g Moringa stenopetala leaves (MSL) (T2), GH + 125 g CM + 300 g cafeteria leftover (CLO) (T3) and GH + 125 g CM + 150 g MSL + 150 g CLO (T4). A 90-day feeding trial was followed by a 10-day digestibility investigation. The study used SAS 9.0 for data analysis, Duncan multiple range test for mean separation and partial budget analysis for financial feasibility testing.

Results: With better responses in T4 followed by T2, T3 and T1, supplementation significantly improved total DM, nutritional intakes and apparent digestibility (p < 0.001). The two nonconventional supplements resulted in an average daily gain of 44.00 g (T2) and 25.33 g (T3) when independently and 54.33 g (T4) concurrently. Blended supplementation of the nonconventional feeds had better marginal returns (2.21) than when MSL (1.96) and CLO (1.34) were supplemented solely.

Conclusion: For smallholders having plenty of cafeteria leftovers and M. stenopetala leaves, feeding blends of the ingredients is more profitable than feeding solely. Conversely, provided that they are comparably available, sole supplementation of M. stenopetala to growing animals is more advantageous to get improved animal performance and obtain better economic returns than sole supplementation of cafeteria leftovers.

Lymphoma is the most common malignant neoplasm in dogs. However, retrobulbar lymphoma, a type of orbital lymphoma, is rarely reported in dogs. An 8-year-old neutered male Shih Tzu dog presented with bilateral exophthalmos. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral retrobulbar masses and enlargement of the salivary glands and cranial mediastinum. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry of the retrobulbar tissue confirmed large B-cell lymphoma. On the cytologic analysis, intermediate-to-large malignant lymphocytes were predominant in the retrobulbar tissue (>80%); however, they accounted for 30%-50% of the cranial mediastinum, submandibular lymph nodes and salivary glands. Flow cytometry of the retrobulbar lesion showed a B-cell phenotype (cluster of differentiation [CD]3^-/CD4^-/CD5^-/CD8^-/CD21⁺/CD34^-/CD79a⁺/major histocompatibility complex II), whereas the cranial mediastinum, submandibular lymph node and salivary gland exhibited a heterogeneous cell population. Polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement demonstrated clonality with immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, indicating a B-cell origin. Chemotherapy with l-asparaginase, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone was initiated; however, neurological symptoms developed after the first cycle. Subsequent cerebrospinal fluid cytology and flow cytometry suggested central nervous system involvement in the lymphoma, and the dog was euthanized owing to disease progression despite the addition of lomustine. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral retrobulbar large B-cell lymphoma with multifocal involvement in a dog. A comprehensive assessment of diagnostic modalities is essential to diagnose extranodal lymphoma and assess extranodal involvement.

Background: Ivabradine, a specific funny channel blocker, has shown cardiovascular benefits in humans and animals. However, its effects on haemodynamics, cardiac function, ventricular remodelling and cardiac apoptosis in asymptomatic dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) stage B2 remain unclear.

Objective: To investigate the effect of long-term oral ivabradine on heart rate (HR), haemodynamics, cardiac function and apoptosis in dogs with MMVD stage B2.

Methods: Four dogs with MMVD stage B2 received ivabradine (1 mg/kg orally, q12h) for 3 months. Under general anaesthesia (propofol and isoflurane), electrocardiograms and invasive measurements of left ventricular, aortic, pulmonic, right atrial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures were obtained at baseline and 3 months. Endomyocardial biopsies were collected at both timepoints for histopathology and immunohistochemical evaluation of Bcl-2 and Bax expression to assess apoptosis.

Results: Ivabradine decreased HR by 30.4% (p < 0.05) without significantly affecting systemic or pulmonary pressures, vascular resistance or systolic/diastolic function. Histopathological analysis showed significant reductions in myocyte vacuolization (68.5%), glycogen accumulation (47.6%), interstitial fibrosis (57.3%) and fibrofatty infiltration (77.8%) (p < 0.05). The apoptosis index was reduced by 17.0% (p < 0.05), and Bcl-2 expression tended to increase (p = 0.06).

Conclusion: Chronic ivabradine treatment lowered HR and reduced cardiac structural remodelling and apoptosis without impairing cardiac function in dogs with MMVD stage B2. These findings support the potential of ivabradine as a therapeutic option for asymptomatic canine heart disease.

Background: Rising feed costs and concerns about poultry supplements have sparked interest in natural, complementary and alternative methods to enhance poultry productivity.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to compare the growth and quality of meat and eggs from blessing/biofield energy-treated Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens with those from untreated control hens.

Methods: Fifty 18-week-old RIR laying hens were divided into two groups: control (CONHG; n = 25) and treated (BETHG; n = 25). We assessed egg-laying performance, quality, nutritional content, carcass characteristics, sensory attributes and microbial analysis.

Results: The BETHG group showed significant improvements in both external and internal egg quality parameters (specifically, egg weight, height, diameter, albumen weight, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height and yolk index) compared to the CONHG group. The egg-laying rate and edible meat weight increased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) by 28.38% and 40.95%, respectively, in BETHG. Cholecalciferol (D₃) levels in BETHG increased by 140.36% (meat) and 160.27% (eggs), while iron levels rose by 73.92% (meat) and 95.17% (eggs). Zinc levels were significantly higher in BETHG by 122.39% (meat; p = 0.002) and 70.81% (eggs; p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, linoleic acid (C18:2) increased by 383.33% (meat; p ≤ 0.001) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) by 166.67% (eggs; p = 0.024). In the BETHG eggs, lutein improved by 100% (p = 0.002) and cis-zeaxanthin enhanced by 87.5% (p = 0.035) relative to the CONHG group. Sensory characteristics in both meat and eggs improved significantly (p ≤ 0.001) in the BETHG group compared to the CONHG group.

Conclusion: Blessing/biofield energy treatment significantly enhanced the quality and nutritional value of both meat and eggs compared to control group.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern, closely linked to the excessive and unregulated use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems, particularly in poultry farming. In Bangladesh, where poultry serves as a key source of animal protein, the misuse of antimicrobials contributes to the rapid emergence and spread of AMR, endangering animal, environmental and human health. Poultry farmers play a vital role in mitigating AMR through responsible antimicrobial usage (AMU), underscoring the urgent need for targeted educational interventions and strengthened regulatory frameworks to promote prudent AMU practices.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of poultry farmers regarding AMU across three districts in Bangladesh: Bogura, Rajshahi and Munshiganj. Data were collected from 294 poultry farmers through face-to-face interviews using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire. KAP was classified using descriptive statistics and the chi-square tests (p < 0.05).

Results: A majority of farmers (98.64%) reported us antimicrobials; however, only 50.34% obtained veterinary prescriptions. In addition, 73.13% were unaware of authorized prescribers, and 91.16% had no prior knowledge of AMR. Antimicrobials were frequently used during the brooding phase (61.90%) and as growth promoters (39.46%). A significant proportion of farmers (65.31%) believed antimicrobials could be used without veterinary advice, and 80.61% held misconceptions about their efficacy against viral infections. Furthermore, about 48.98% purchased these antimicrobials from local pharmacies without prior consultation with a veterinarian. The most commonly used antimicrobials were ciprofloxacin (58.84%), levofloxacin (43.20%), colistin (39.12%), amoxicillin (36.39%), doxycycline (36.39%) and tylosin (30.95%).

Conclusions: The widespread lack of knowledge and inappropriate attitudes toward AMU among poultry farmers is a significant driver of AMR. Addressing this issue necessitates comprehensive educational programs to enhance awareness, stricter enforcement of veterinary regulations to ensure responsible antimicrobial use and the establishment of robust AMU surveillance systems for continuous monitoring and assessment.