Veterinary World最新文献

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting millions worldwide. Experimental models play a crucial role in understanding the pathophysiology of seizures and in developing novel antiepileptic therapies. This review summarizes the major experimental models of epilepsy, including chemically induced, electrically induced, and genetic approaches. The strengths, limitations, and translational relevance of each model are discussed with particular emphasis on their applicability to human epilepsy subtypes, such as generalized tonic-clonic and temporal lobe epilepsy. Advances in neuroimaging, omics technologies, and artificial intelligence-based analytics are highlighted for their potential to enhance model accuracy and predictive validity. Ethical considerations, including the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement, are also emphasized. By integrating classical models with emerging technologies, this review provides a comprehensive framework to guide future research aimed at improving therapeutic strategies and bridging the gap between pre-clinical and clinical epilepsy research.

Background and aim: Beef cattle production in Thailand is vital for food security and rural livelihoods, yet differences in farming systems raise concerns about animal welfare and health. This study aimed to evaluate the interactive effects of animal welfare and farming systems on cattle health outcomes, providing insights for sustainable smallholder production.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 farms in Phayao Province, categorized as extensive, semi-intensive, or intensive. Animal welfare was assessed using an adapted Welfare Quality protocol with 41 indicators across five domains. Health outcomes were obtained from farm records and direct observations. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis tests, Dunn's post hoc tests, Spearman's rank correlation, and permutational multivariate analysis of variance with principal coordinate analysis.

Results: Welfare scores differed significantly across systems, with intensive farms achieving the highest scores and extensive farms the lowest (p < 0.001). High-welfare farms showed reduced mortality, diarrhea, respiratory distress, bloating, parasitic infestation, and injuries compared with low-welfare farms (p < 0.05). Body condition score was strongly associated with welfare level (ρ = 0.68, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed significant effects of welfare level (R² = 0.1787, p < 0.001), farming system (R² = 0.1382, p = 0.0003), and their interaction (R² = 0.2151, p = 0.0004) on cattle health. Semi-intensive farms with moderate welfare levels showed the most consistent and stable health outcomes.

Conclusion: Animal welfare and farming systems interact to shape cattle health outcomes in Northern Thailand. Moderate welfare levels in semi-intensive systems offered balanced and consistent improvements, highlighting a scalable model for smallholders. The findings emphasize the need for context-specific welfare interventions, policy integration, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance both cattle health and farm sustainability.

Background and aim: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an economically significant pathogen of cattle, causing reproductive disorders, immunosuppression, and production losses worldwide. In Indonesia, BVDV-1a is among the most prevalent subgenotypes; however, field diagnosis still relies heavily on imported kits developed using non-local strains, which can lead to potential gaps in sensitivity and specificity. Locally tailored immunological reagents could enhance diagnostic accuracy and support future control strategies. This study aimed to produce and characterize polyclonal antisera against a local BVDV-1a isolate from Indonesia.

Materials and methods: Four New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with inactivated BVDV-1a antigen propagated in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Booster immunizations were administered on days 14 and 28. Ten days after the final booster, sera were collected, pooled, and purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. Purified antisera were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Antibody titers were assessed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and specificity was validated by immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) in infected MDBK cells.

Results: The purification process yielded polyclonal antisera with a protein concentration of 40.33 mg/mL. SDS-PAGE revealed characteristic bands at approximately 53, 75, and 100 kDa, consistent with immunoglobulin components. Indirect ELISA showed strong antibody titers, with positive reactivity sustained up to 1:100. IPMA confirmed specific recognition of BVDV antigens, as infected MDBK cells exhibited distinct cytoplasmic staining, whereas uninfected controls remained negative.

Conclusion: This preliminary study successfully generated high-titer polyclonal antisera against a local Indonesian BVDV-1a strain. The antibodies demonstrated robust reactivity and specificity, highlighting their potential utility as foundational reagents for developing regionally relevant diagnostic assays. While limited by a small sample size and pooled sera, these findings represent an important first step toward establishing locally adapted immunodiagnostic resources for BVDV. The development of local diagnostic tools not only strengthens veterinary disease surveillance but also safeguards livestock-dependent livelihoods, enhances food security, and reduces reliance on imported kits. Improved BVDV control in cattle contributes to One Health by minimizing economic losses, ensuring the safety of animal-derived food products, and reducing the risk of viral persistence in mixed livestock populations.

Background and aim: Protozoan infections such as Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti are significant causes of infertility, abortion, and productivity losses in livestock. Despite their economic impact, epidemiological data from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum and B. besnoiti in cattle and sheep across Asir, Jeddah, and Al-Qassim regions of KSA and to assess the influence of potential risk factors, including species, sex, age, breed, season, and management system.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2024 and March 2025 using 920 serum samples (460 cattle, 460 sheep). Samples were analyzed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using commercial kits (ID N. caninum Indirect Screening Kit; ID Screen Besnoitia Indirect 2.0). Associations between seroprevalence and risk factors were evaluated by Chi-square tests at α < 0.05 using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v23.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum was 23.91% in cattle and 5.43% in sheep, while B. besnoiti antibodies were detected in 5.43% and 3.26%, respectively. Higher seroprevalence was observed in the Asir region, among female animals, and in those aged >1-5 years. The Baladi (cattle) and Daen (sheep) breeds were the most affected. Infections were more frequent during summer and under small-scale or open grazing management. Significant correlations were found between N. caninum seroprevalence and both species and sex (p < 0.05), and between B. besnoiti seroprevalence and sheep sex (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive evidence of N. caninum and B. besnoiti infections in cattle and sheep in KSA, underscoring their potential economic and reproductive implications. These findings highlight the need for improved biosecurity, control of vector exposure, and regulation of animal movement to mitigate transmission. Future studies should include molecular confirmation and broader geographical coverage to clarify transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of these parasites.

Background and aim: Canine pancreatitis is often complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and systemic comorbidities, both of which may worsen clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate survival rates in dogs with pancreatitis, stratified by the presence of AKI and other concurrent diseases, and to identify prognostic indicators for mortality.

Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Prasu Arthorn Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, from February 2021 to February 2023. Medical records of 146 dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis (serum canine pancreatic lipase ≥400 μg/L and clinical signs) were reviewed. Dogs were categorized into four groups: Pancreatitis alone (n = 24), pancreatitis with AKI (n = 28), pancreatitis with concurrent diseases (n = 57), and pancreatitis with both AKI and concurrent diseases (n = 34). Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests, while prognostic factors were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results: The overall mortality rate was 39.72% (58/146), with the highest mortality in dogs with AKI (Groups 2 and 4). Median survival was 4 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-11.7) in Group 2 and 7 days (95% CI: 2.7-11.2) in Group 4, while median survival was not reached in Groups 1 and 3 due to high survival. Hematocrit (HCT) and blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio (BCR) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. Lower HCT (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.967, 95% CI: 0.941-0.994, p = 0.019) and higher BCR (HR = 1.024, 95% CI: 1.007-1.041, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with increased risk of death.

Conclusion: AKI is a major negative prognostic factor in canine pancreatitis, markedly reducing survival irrespective of concurrent systemic diseases. Readily available markers, such as HCT and BCR, provide practical tools for early triage and prognostic stratification. Incorporating these parameters into clinical decision-making may enhance outcomes by guiding intensive monitoring and targeted interventions.

Background and aim: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli in poultry poses a critical threat to food safety and public health. While studies have assessed resistance at the farm level, limited attention has been given to informal market environments that connect animals, humans, and surfaces. This study applied a One Health triangulation sampling approach to investigate the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of E. coli isolated from broiler chickens and associated environments in traditional markets in Aceh Besar District and Banda Aceh City, Indonesia.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three traditional markets (Lambaro, Al-Mahirah, and Seutui). A total of 174 samples were collected, comprising fecal swabs (n = 54), chicken meat swabs (n = 54), poultry sellers' hand swabs (n = 48), and chicken display table swabs (n = 18). Isolation of E. coli was performed using culture and biochemical confirmation. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against 11 antibiotics commonly used in veterinary and human medicine.

Results: Overall, E. coli was isolated from 31.03% (54/174) of samples. Contamination was highest in fecal samples (13.79%), followed by chicken meat (8.62%), sellers' hands (4.60%), and display tables (4.02%). Market-level prevalence was highest at Al-Mahirah (13.2%), followed by Lambaro (11.49%) and Seutui (6.32%). All isolates exhibited MDR phenotypes. Distinct variation in resistance profiles was observed between sample types in a range of 12.5%-100%. Percentage of resistance of isolates from all sample types were uniformly high to ampicillin (100%). Isolates from fecal and display table were 100% resistant to erythromycin and kanamycin, as well as to streptomycin. The variation of resistance profiles from each sample types were also observed between markets.

Conclusion: Traditional poultry markets represent critical hotspots for AMR dissemination at the human-animal-environment interface. Findings highlight the combined influence of unregulated antibiotic use in poultry production and inadequate hygiene practices on sustaining MDR E. coli. The triangulated One Health design demonstrates the added value of integrating animal, human, and environmental sampling for AMR surveillance. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, upgrading market hygiene infrastructure, and expanding integrated surveillance into national AMR monitoring frameworks are essential steps to mitigate public health risks.

Background and aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains a significant zoonotic threat to livestock and public health, resulting in major economic losses. The diagnostic accuracy of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin, the cornerstone of in vivo screening, is influenced by the allergen's composition and stabilizer. Conventional phenol-stabilized tuberculin raises toxicity and safety concerns, prompting calls for safer alternatives. This study aimed to enhance the diagnostic value of tuberculin by replacing phenol with formaldehyde as a preservative and stabilizer.

Materials and methods: Tuberculin was prepared from M. bovis cultures according to the Kazakhstan national standard (Standard Republic of Kazakhstan 1130) and Government standard (16739). Experimental formulations containing 0.1%-10% formaldehyde were produced, and their physicochemical, biological, and allergenic properties were assessed. Diagnostic performance was evaluated in guinea pigs sensitized with M. bovis and atypical mycobacteria (Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium phlei), in calves experimentally infected with M. bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, and in naturally infected cattle herds. Results were compared with commercial PPD tuberculin (KazBioPharm, Kazakhstan; Kursk Biofactory, Russia). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and analysis of variance (p < 0.05).

Results: Formaldehyde at 3% yielded the highest biological activity and stability without local irritation. In M. bovis-sensitized guinea pigs, 3% formaldehyde-stabilized tuberculin exceeded commercial PPD by 19.9% in reaction intensity. In calves, mean skin-fold thickness increased by 13.1% compared to control PPD. No cross-reactions were observed in animals sensitized to atypical mycobacteria. In a tuberculosis (TB)-affected cattle herd (n = 87), the new formulation induced a mean skin-fold thickness of 5.23 mm, approximately 10% higher than the commercial controls, and identified 21% more infected animals. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed superior diagnostic accuracy (area under the ROC curve = 0.928, Youden Index = 0.80).

Conclusion: Replacing phenol with 3% formaldehyde significantly enhanced the sensitivity, stability, and biosafety of tuberculin without compromising specificity. The new formulation eliminates phenol toxicity while improving diagnostic yield in animal TB screening. These findings support the integration of formaldehyde-stabilized tuberculin into national and international diagnostic standards as a reliable and safer alternative for large-scale veterinary applications.

Background and aim: Manchurian quails are valued in commercial poultry farming for their early meat maturity, rapid generational turnover, and high egg-laying potential. However, concerns over antibiotic use in feed have heightened interest in sustainable alternatives such as phytobiotics. Despite evidence supporting phytogenic feed additives, limited studies have examined their effects in Manchurian quails under multiphase feeding regimens. This study evaluated the effects of phytobiotic-enriched, extruded feeds (BioFeed-P) across three feeding phases ("Starter," "Grower," and "Layer") on growth performance, egg productivity, and product quality in Manchurian quails.

Materials and methods: A total of 1600 1-day-old quails were randomly allocated into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) at two commercial farms (JEBE; Zhailybayev Experimental Breeding Enterprise and ECO-KO; Ecological Cooperative Kazakhstan Organization)in Kazakhstan. EG received phytobiotic-enriched multiphase feeds, whereas CG was provided standard commercial diets. Growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survivability, and egg production were measured over a 90-day period. Product quality was assessed by analyzing egg morphology, chemical composition, and mineral profiles. Statistical analyses included the Student's t-test, correlation analysis, and determination of effect size.

Results: Quails in EG showed significantly higher body weight gain (186.3 g vs. 135.3 g; relative gain 415.5% vs. 297.5%; p = 0.003, Cohen's d = 1.12) and improved FCR (2.05 vs. 2.45; p = 0.001). Egg-laying intensity was greater in EG at both ECO-KO (64.4% vs. 41.3%; p = 0.004) and JEBE (69.0% vs. 40.0%; p = 0.003). Egg morphology showed modest changes: Heavier albumen, reduced shell weight, and lighter yolk pigmentation. Chemical analyses revealed slight decreases in protein and fat fractions accompanied by minor increases in carbohydrate and ash content, while the mineral composition remained stable. Mortality was lower in EG (3.8% vs. 7.7%), with no adverse health effects.

Conclusion: Phytobiotic-enriched multiphase feeds significantly enhance growth efficiency and reproductive output in Manchurian quails without compromising mineral egg quality. These findings support phytobiotics as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in commercial quail farming. Future research should include long-term reproductive assessments, economic cost-benefit analyses, and molecular studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Background and aim: Donggala cattle (Bos indicus), indigenous to Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, are recognized for their productive and reproductive performance. However, molecular information on their genetic diversity is scarce. Understanding genetic variability is essential for sustainable conservation and targeted breeding strategies. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and relationships of Donggala cattle using microsatellite markers and advanced multivariate analyses.

Materials and methods: Seventy-five blood samples were collected from unrelated Donggala cattle in Central Sulawesi. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified across ten Food and Agriculture Organization-recommended microsatellite loci. Allele frequency, observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity, and polymorphism information content (PIC) were calculated. Genetic distances and clustering were assessed using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Two- and three-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to visualize genetic differentiation, with comparative datasets from other Indonesian cattle breeds.

Results: High allelic diversity was detected, with SPS113 (12 alleles), ETH225 (11 alleles), and TGLA122 (9 alleles) being the most informative markers (PIC: 0.80-0.84). Ho was highest at ETH225 (0.95), reflecting substantial genetic variation. UPGMA and admixture analyses placed Donggala cattle closest to Pesisir cattle, though phenotypically more similar to larger B. indicus breeds such as Ongole Grade. The 3D PCA provided enhanced discriminatory power, distinctly separating Donggala from exotic and crossbred cattle and differentiating Bali cattle from Banteng. AMOVA indicated that 22% of genetic variation existed among populations, while 21% was among individuals.

Conclusion: Donggala cattle exhibit considerable genetic diversity, underscoring their value as a reservoir for breeding and conservation programs. Microsatellite markers, particularly SPS113, ETH225, and TGLA122, proved highly informative for genetic assessment. The application of 3D PCA enhanced resolution in distinguishing closely related breeds, supporting its use in molecular characterization. These findings provide essential baseline data for sustainable management, conservation, and genetic improvement of Donggala cattle.

Background and aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by the LSD virus (LSDV), results in severe economic losses, reduced productivity, and restricted livestock trade. Although live attenuated vaccines are available, they pose risks such as viral shedding, recombination, and reversion to virulence. Inactivated vaccines, being safer alternatives, are particularly suitable for disease-free regions. This study aimed to develop an inactivated oil-adjuvanted vaccine using a local LSDV isolate and evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in rabbits.

Materials and methods: Scab samples were collected from clinically suspected LSD cases, and LSDV was isolated through the chorioallantoic membrane route in embryonated chicken eggs. The virus was adapted to Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, inactivated with binary ethyleneimine, and formulated with Montanide Immune System Activator 50 V2 adjuvant. Sterility and safety were evaluated in laboratory animals. Twenty-four rabbits were divided into three groups: Group A received the experimental inactivated vaccine intramuscularly, Group B received a commercial live attenuated vaccine subcutaneously, and Group C served as controls. Antibody responses were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and virus neutralization tests. A challenge study with a virulent local LSDV strain was conducted to evaluate protective efficacy.

Results: The inactivated vaccine elicited robust antibody responses, with ELISA sample-to-positive ratios increasing from 4.3% at baseline to 166.6% on day 42, compared with 210.1% in the live vaccine group and 6% in controls. Neutralizing antibody titers ranged from 1:32 to 1:128 (mean 1:80) in the inactivated group, compared with 1:32-1:256 (mean 1:148) in the live vaccine group, both surpassing the protective threshold (≥1:16). Post-challenge, the inactivated vaccine conferred 86% vaccine efficacy, with only mild clinical signs observed in one rabbit, while the control group developed typical LSD symptoms. No adverse reactions were recorded in vaccinated animals.

Conclusion: The experimental inactivated oil-adjuvanted vaccine induced strong protective immunity in rabbits, comparable to the live attenuated vaccine but with an improved safety profile. Its inability to revert to virulence or transmit between animals makes it a promising candidate for large-scale use, especially in regions aiming to maintain disease-free status. Further evaluation in cattle under field conditions is warranted to confirm its long-term protective efficacy and potential for inclusion in control strategies.