Acta veterinaria Hungarica最新文献

Mixed infections are a serious problem causing significant economic losses in the duck industry. Duck hepatitis A virus serotype 3 (DHAV-3), duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) and novel duck reovirus (NDRV), belonging to the family Picornaviridae, Flaviviridae and Spinareoviridae, respectively, are important pathogens with similar symptoms in infected ducks. To detect and differentiate these viruses, this study developed a triplex real-time PCR assay targeting the VP1, E and σC genes of DHAV-3, DTMUV and NDRV, respectively. Validation tests and clinical applications followed the optimization of the triplex real-time PCR assay. The novel triplex assay showed high specificity with no cross-reactivity with eight other common duck viruses. The detection limits were 1 × 101 copies/μL for DTMUV, DHAV-3 and NDRV, with intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients (CV) below 4%. A total of 135 clinical samples were tested to evaluate the method's feasibility. The positive rates for DHAV-3, DTMUV and NDRV were 13.33%, 10.37% and 8.15%, respectively. Using virus isolation as a reference, the triplex qPCR assay showed 100% detection sensitivity for all three viruses, with specificity and coincidence values above 97%. In conclusion, the established triplex TaqMan PCR is highly specific, sensitive and reproducible, providing a practical approach for detecting and monitoring DHAV-3, DTMUV and NDRV in ducks.

To compensate the lack of molecular-phylogenetic data on hindgut flagellates in Hungary, galliform birds were monitored in five regions for two years. Samples were collected from 11 turkeys (from 4 flocks) and 9 pheasants (from 3 farm-raised flocks) suspected to have histomonosis. These samples were molecularly and phylogenetically analysed. In nine turkeys, five 18S rRNA genes and two ITS sequence variants of Histomonas meleagridis were identified. These variants were identical between the caecum and liver of the same bird in most cases, but different 18S variants were identified between sampling sites. In one turkey, an unnamed species, here designated as "Dientamoebidae sp. HUN35", was identified. Its 18S rRNA gene sequence was near-identical (99.6-99.3%) to the sequence reported previously; and the ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2 region confirmed a close relationship with H. meleagridis and Dientamoeba fragilis. In one pheasant, Tetratrichomonas gallinarum was detected. Different 18S rRNA variants had either identical or different ITS sequences, thus optimally, both should be used for molecular epidemiological studies. Our results suggest the unnamed Dientamoebidae sp. has been present in Hungary since its first detection in 2010 and the host range of this species as well as that of T. gallinarum is broader than previously thought.

This research evaluated the effects of multiple La Sota vaccinations on atrophy of the lymphoid organs associated with the velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) infection in pullets. Two hundred pullets were randomly assigned into five groups designated as unvaccinated unchallenged {UU}, unvaccinated challenged {UC}, La Sota 1 {L1}, La Sota 2 {L2} and La Sota 3 {L3}. At three weeks old, pullets in groups L1, L2 and L3 were vaccinated with La Sota vaccine. At five weeks, L2 and L3 groups received a second dose of the vaccine. At 7 weeks, only L3 group received the third dose. At ten weeks, birds in vaccinated and UC groups were challenged with 0.1 ml of vNDV Kudu 113 intramuscularly. Clinical signs of ND and mortality were observed in UC on days 2 and 3 post challenged (PC) while no mortality was observed in vaccinated groups. Atrophy of the lymphoid organs observed in vaccinated groups was more severe in L3 on days 3 and 7 PC. On days 7, 14 and 21 PC, antibody titre was higher in L1 and L2 than in L3. This study showed that multiple La Sota vaccinations up to 3 successive times cause severe atrophy of the lymphoid organs.

We examined aspects of husbandry, health and welfare of pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus, GP) in Norway. An online questionnaire (with 100 questions) was completed by 284 GP owners. Crossbreeds were the most common (36.6%). Most GPs were between one and four years of age (67.2%). The sex ratio was about 50-50%. Animals were mainly housed indoors (64.1%) and only nine GPs had less space than 0.72 m2. The incidence of stereotypic or negative behaviours was low. Nearly all GPs (93.3%) had ad libitum access to hay. Complete extruded or pelleted feeds were most commonly fed (80.6%). Almost 60% of the participants reported that their GP is fed fresh vegetables daily which may explain why 63.7% of the respondents never fed vitamin C supplements. Ectoparasites (21.1%) were the most prevalent health problems, followed by coughing and/or sneezing (19.7%), abscesses (12.7%), and overgrown nails (11.6%). The only significant associations were that GPs over 3 years had more than two simultaneous health problems (P < 0.005). Ovarian cysts were also more frequent among these animals (P < 0.005). The most commonly utilized source of husbandry information was the internet (80.3%).

Our paper presents a case study of a Welsh pony mare with grazing-induced severe urticaria. The main clinical signs were eye swelling, depression and extensive urticaria. Physical examination revealed no other abnormalities. Botanical sampling revealed horseweed (Conyza canadensis) as the most abundant species and a potential allergen plant due to sesquiterpene lactones (SQL). Differential diagnosis strongly suggested that the clinical signs were the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to this plant. Former studies brought controversial data about the toxic or allergic potential of horseweed especially for equids thus our paper is the first interpretation of horseweed induced urticaria.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of trematode parasites and identify the epidemiological risk factors to develop effective management and control strategies. Between August 2021 and May 2023, 1,200 faecal samples from locally reared sheep in North Kashmir were examined using the sedimentation technique to detect trematode eggs. Positive samples were further assessed using the McMaster technique to determine eggs per gram. The overall prevalence of trematodes was 5.33%, with amphistomes accounting for 2.33%, Fasciola spp. for 2.08%, and Dicrocoelium spp. for 1.33%. Season, age and breed showed no effect on significant effect on prevalence, while sex and body condition had a significant impact. Trematode prevalence also varied between districts. EPG values ranged from 0 to 300, with a mean of 151.563 ± 8.181. Amphistomes, Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium spp. had EPG ranges of 0-300, 0-300 and 0-250, with mean values of 186.957 ± 14.817, 150.000 ± 8.704 and 114.286 ± 17.719 respectively. Season, age, sex and breed significantly affected parasitic load. To prevent disease outbreaks and reduce environmental contamination with metacercariae, deworming should be carried out in late winter/early spring, early summer/mid-summer and mid-autumn/late autumn. Low EPG values may indicate lower infection levels. The study shall help in strategic treatment of animals, which will help in conserving the efficacy of drugs.

When treating bee colonies, it is necessary to ensure that bee products are not negatively affected. Honey is an irreplaceable natural product, the quality of which directly affects the health of the consumer. The aim of this work was to observe the qualitative properties of honey after the application of autochthonous bee probiotic lactic acid bacteria to honey bee colonies. A probiotic preparation containing the autochthonous bee strain Lactobacillus brevis B50 BiocenolTM in a pollen carrier was used. Mixed flower honeys, five samples from untreated bee colonies and five from probiotic-treated ones were examined. A significant difference between control and experimental samples was noted only in the case of electrical conductivity, which was lower in honeys from probiotic-treated colonies (P < 0.05). Based on the parametres monitored here, the application of probiotics did not have a negative effect on the quality of honey.

Paclitaxel (PTX), widely used in chemotherapy, can cause serious side effects such as hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) - a secondary bile acid, a byproduct of intestinal bacteria with potent antioxidant properties - against PTX-induced liver injury. PTX was administered intraperitoneally at 2 mg*kg-1 for 5 days to induce liver damage. Rats in the first treatment group received UDCA orally at 60 mg*kg-1 for fifteen days, while the second group received the same dose for ten days. Serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total protein, and albumin were analysed using an autoanalyzer. Liver tissue was assessed for total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted. UDCA administration ameliorated PTX-induced changes in bodyweight and liver enzymes. It reduced necrosis, hydropic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration in liver tissue. UDCA also significantly decreased TOS and OSI levels, alleviating oxidative stress, and increased TAS. Furthermore, UDCA reduced DNA damage, evidenced by lower 8-OHdG immunoreactivity, and regulated autophagy and apoptosis by reversing elevated LC3B and cleaved caspase-3 levels. These findings suggest that UDCA may offer therapeutic benefits against PTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Chromatophoromas are neoplasms arising from pigment cells (chromatophores) and commonly manifest as cutaneous lesions. While brown to black melanophoromas are most prevalent in reptiles, sporadic cases of non-pigmented chromatophoromas have been reported. This case study documents the clinical presentation, histopathological features and IHC (IHC) profile of an oral non-pigmented chromatophoroma in a 13-year-old male savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus). Histopathological examination revealed a poorly demarcated tumour located in the mucosa. Non-pigmented neoplastic cells with marked anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and numerous mitotic figures formed solid packets separated by collagenous septa. IHC analysis revealed that tumour cells were positive to melan-A, S100 protein, neuron-specific enolase and cytokeratins AE1/AE3. Based on the histopathological and IHC findings, the tumour was diagnosed as a non-pigmented chromatophoroma. Detailed histopathological and IHC profiling enhances our comprehension of the diversity within chromatophoromas and underscores the diagnostic complexities involved. Immunohistochemistry is a crucial tool for identifying non-pigmented chromatophoromas.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), such as Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia spp., are common in cattle worldwide. Although infected cattle are often asymptomatic, production is negatively affected. The present study investigated whether eggs per gram (EPG) of GINs in 32 lactating cows decreased during winter and increased as it became warmer. Larvae recovered by coprocultures mostly consisted of O. ostertagi in autumn, while three GINs, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus and Meistocirrus, were collected in spring. Daily milk and bulk tank milk samples from cows previously infected with O. ostertagi contained O. ostertagi antibodies based on ELISA developed using SVANOVIER® O. ostertagi-Ab in all survey periods. Even if the faecal diagnosis was negative for GINs, infection was still possible. Therefore, the administration of anthelmintic drugs is recommended.