Polish journal of veterinary sciences最新文献

The aim of this study was to assess the presence and identity of nematodes in pet giant African land snails (Lissachatina fulica) in Poland using microscopic and molecular techniques. Lissachatina fulica, syn. Achatina fulica, a giant African land snail is not only considered a free-living invasive species and an intermediate host of some parasites, but is also gaining importance as a pet animal living in close contact with humans. In this research, pooled fecal samples and mucus swabs were obtained from 49 pet giant land snails (11 private collections) living in different regions of Poland. The samples were examined using microscopic techniques (Lugol staining, Baermann larvoscopy) and PCR to investigate the presence of nematodes. The microscopic examinations of fecal samples revealed the presence of nematodes in 63.6% (7/11) of the snail groups. Rhabditid nematodes were found in 27.3% (3/11) of the examined groups. Sequencing of PCR products revealed the presence of gastropod nematodes Phasmarhabditis sp. (KEN1), Poikilolaimus oxycercus and Caenorhabditis nigoni. The genetic material of mammalian parasites, including Crenosoma, was not detected. Given the increasing popularity of L. fulica as pets, understanding their parasitological status is essential for both animal and public health. It also helps meet the expectations of owners who wish to provide proper care for their pet snails.

For South American camelids (SAC) and, to a lesser extent, Old World camels (OWC), an increasing demand for veterinary services has developed in Central Europe in recent years, with specific knowledge of the reproductive endocrinology of this species being particularly in demand for the management of breeding farms. Compared to many other domestic animal species, relatively little reliable information is available on the endocrine control of pregnancy and parturition in camelids. However, some significant differences to other domestic ungulate species are evident. Knowledge of pregnancy-associated endocrine changes forms the basis for hormonal pregnancy diagnostics. Even though clinical pregnancy diagnostics using sonography is also of primary importance in camelids, hormonal methods, especially non-invasive methods, are potentially of considerable interest as they represent a less stressful or stress-free alternative. Non-invasive methods of pregnancy diagnostics are of particular interest in untrained OWC, where clinical diagnostics or blood sampling without sedation can be associated with unacceptable risks for the personnel involved. Experience with hormonal pregnancy diagnostics in camelids has so far only been published sporadically, with mostly progesterone, pregnancy-associated estrogens or relaxin being measured in the blood. Non-invasive measurement of progesterone or estrogen metabolites in feces and urine has also rarely been reported. The aim of this article is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the hormonal control of pregnancy and parturition in SAC and OWC and based on this, to show the possibilities for hormonal pregnancy diagnostics. Essential prerequisites for broader application, particularly of non-invasive methods in routine diagnostics, are the optimization of previously pursued methodological approaches, the commercial availability of the necessary reagents at reasonable cost, and the establishment of reliable reference values.

Blood samples from 385 red deer (Cervus elaphus) acquired during officially approved hunting in different hunting divisions throughout Poland were used to isolate the genomic DNA. All individuals were genotyped by Bovine BeadChip (Illumina) for 54,174 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers. SNPs of inappropriate clusters, with a marker call rate lower than 95% and with a Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) lower than 0.01, located on sex chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA, were removed. In total, 12,146 SNP markers were included for further analysis. Observed and expected heterozygosity amounted to 0.025 and 0.035, respectively. Among 12,146 markers, a panel of 142 SNPs were selected for relatedness analysis. The selected SNPs were unlinked and had a MAF higher than 0.2. This set of SNPs showed a probability of parentage exclusion of 1.42x10-6 and 9.91x10-19 for one and two known parents, respectively. The probability of identity was estimated at 6.84x10-53. The probabilities obtained in this study are sufficient for the monitoring and effective management of the genetic diversity of red deer in Poland and are a cost-effective complementary tool for forensic applications.

This study investigated the clinical and immunological efficacy of combining Malva sylvestris L. extract with levamisole in calves naturally affected by bovine trichophytosis. Forty clinically diagnosed calves (8-11 months old) were randomly allocated into four groups: Control, Malva, Levamisole, and Combination. All animals received subcutaneous ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) ten days before treatment and were maintained under uniform housing, feeding, and management conditions throughout the study. Treatments were applied for 21 days: Control (distilled water + saline), Malva (M. sylvestris extract + saline), Levamisole (distilled water + levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg), and Combination (both treatments). Lesion diameters were recorded on days 0 and 21. Blood samples collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 were analysed for leukocyte profiles and serum IgG, IL-6, and IFN-γ concentrations. The Combination group exhibited the most pronounced reduction in lesion size (p≤0.05) and marked elevations in leukocyte counts and IgG levels (p≤0.01). IL-6 concentrations significantly decreased in the Malva group by day 21 (p≤0.001), whereas IFN-γ levels showed notable increases in the Levamisole and Combination groups (p≤0.001). Overall, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of integrating topical M. sylvestris with systemic levamisole as an effective complementary strategy for managing bovine dermatophytosis.

Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1), the causative agent of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), a fatal disease affecting domestic and wild canids, yet its prevalence and molecular characteristics remain underexplored in India's north eastern region (NER). This study presents the first comprehensive genomic and immunoinformatic analysis of CAdV-1 in dogs in the region. Out of 208 canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) positive fecal samples, 36 (17.30%) tested positive for CAdV-1 by PCR. Of the 36 positive samples, 25 samples were sequenced. Deduced amino acid analysis revealed notable amino acid mutations, including Asn127Asp, His129Arg, Trp148Ser, Leu201Pro, Thr206Met and Gly215Glu. Sequence analysis of the 25 field samples revealed distinct regional clustering consistent with regional viral evolution. In terms of relatedness to global strains, the NER isolates showed highest similarity to Asian and European canid and wildlife-origin isolates with 96% to 100% amino acid homology. Selection pressure analysis revealed predominantly purifying selection. aBSREL and Contrast-FEL identified a few codons potentially experiencing weak or episodic positive selection, likely reflecting host immune adaptation. GARD analysis ruled out evidence of recombination. Immunoinformatic prediction identified B-cell epitope, "NKTTTEATIITY ISMTFLLVSLTLFLNLVTLTL," in most CAdV-1 sequences making it a suitable candidate for future vaccine development. The MHC-I binding peptide "LTFPNVLITLNNKY" (positions 83-96) demonstrated a strong affinity for the canine allele, suggesting its potential for triggering cytotoxic T-cell responses. These findings shed new light on the molecular epidemiology of CAdV-1 in the NER and highlight the critical need for multi-pathogen screening, molecular surveillance at wildlife - livestock interfaces, and future whole-genome studies to explicate viral evolution, host interactions, immune evasion, and regional strain diversity.

Following testicular ischemia, the return of blood circulation promotes reactive oxygen species formation. By damaging cellular components such as proteins, DNA and lipids, reactive oxygen species negatively affect testicular spermatogenic function. Numerous plant species, particularly those within the Oleaceae family, contain oleanolic acid as a principal active ingredient. Extensive research has confirmed oleanolic acid's efficacy in exerting antioxidant action. We examined the therapeutic potential of oleanolic acid in mitigating testicular damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats. The study included three groups, each comprising twenty male rats: a sham group, an ischemia-reperfusion group, and an ischemia-reperfusion group treated with oleanolic acid (30 mg/kg). Left testicular torsion of 720 degrees counterclockwise, maintained for 2 hours, induced testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury. After surgical detorsion of the left testis, the ischemia-reperfusion + oleanolic acid group was treated immediately with a single 30 mg/kg dose of oleanolic acid via intraperitoneal injection. Multiple analytical procedures were performed on testicular tissues collected from the three rat groups. Biochemical measurements encompassed both nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity (critical for reactive oxygen species production) and malondialdehyde concentration (a reactive oxygen species indicator). We used hematoxylin-eosin staining for the evaluation of spermatogenic function in testicular tissue. Relative to the sham group, the ischemia-reperfusion group exhibited significantly elevated NADPH oxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels in ipsilateral testes, accompanied by impaired spermatogenic function (p<0.05). Oleanolic acid intervention effectively suppressed oxidative stress markers (NADPH oxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels) in ipsilateral testes, relatively enhancing spermatogenic capacity (p<0.05). Overall, oleanolic acid enhances testicular spermatogenic function by lowering NADPH oxidase activity and curbing reactive oxygen species formation.

This study aimed to determine species-specific echocardiographic parameters in rehabilitated and clinically healthy white storks (Ciconia ciconia) using transcoelomic echocardiography, providing essential reference values for avian cardiovascular assessment. Thirty-seven white storks admitted to the Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Veterinary Faculty Rehabilitation Center were evaluated after a 3-month observation period. Only clinically healthy individuals were included. Echocardiographic measurements were performed using a transcoelomic approach without anesthesia. Cardiac parameters, including interventricular septal thickness (IVSd, IVSs), left ventricular dimensions (LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs), functional indices (fractional shortening, ejection fraction), and Doppler-derived hemodynamic values, were recorded and analyzed statistically. All individuals exhibited normal cardiac morphology and hemodynamics. No significant differences were observed between male and female storks (p>0.05). The ejection fraction ranged from 23% to 97%, and interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd) was between 0.27 and 0.86 cm. Fractional shortening varied from 14% to 75%. Hemodynamic measurements, including mitral valve inflow velocities and aortic flow parameters, were comparable to values reported in other large avian species. No pathological jet flow or valvular regurgitation was detected via color Doppler imaging. This study establishes the first echocardiographic reference ranges for white storks, offering valuable insights into avian cardiac physiology. The findings contribute to wildlife rehabilitation, providing a diagnostic baseline for assessing cardiovascular health in migratory birds. Future studies incorporating larger sample sizes and age-based comparisons will enhance our understanding of species-specific cardiac adaptations.

Working dogs are professionally trained canines that assist humans in various tasks, with a long-standing history. Their traditional roles primarily include military dogs, police dogs, herding dogs, and guide dogs. With societal progress and the diversification of human needs, working dogs have emerged in roles and applications far beyond the traditional fields they have historically been associated with. This review describes and analyzes these developing roles and explores the scientific basis, outcomes, and trends behind them. Common non-traditional areas of working dog applications include animal-assisted therapy (AAT), biological disease detection, and animal-assisted education (AAE). Additionally, working dogs may be used in interventions such as prison and drug rehabilitation centers, wildlife protection, and special odor search and location. These roles not only broaden the scope of working dog use and increase their economic value, but also show potential for significant societal benefits.

The aim of this study was to develop a PCR-RFLP diagnostic test to detect the causal mutation for Bovine Lymphocyte Intestinal Retention Deficiency (BLIRD). A total of 217 bulls were tested, including 112 bulls being sons of a known BLIRD-carrier sire and 105 bulls used in insemination from 2020 - 2024 with no indication of BLIRD in their pedigree data. Genomic DNA was isolated from the commercial semen straw. The method developed for identifying the causative BLIRD mutation involved PCR amplification of a 412 base pair fragment of the ITGB7 gene and its digestion with the restriction enzyme Ssi I, which allowed for the clear and cost-effective genotyping of BLIRD. In the first group of 112 bulls, 60 BLIRD carriers and 2 BLIRD-affected bulls were identified. They were sons of internationally known top sires, Manfred (US2183007), Convincer (US2249055) and Justice (US22358313). In the second group of 105 bulls, 7 BLIRD carriers were found, giving a frequency of 6.67% among bulls born within the last five years. Further research should be conducted on a larger number of bulls, particularly those for which there is a risk of carrier status based on the bull's pedigree.

Semen extenders are pivotal in maintaining the integrity and quality of avian sperm throughout the storage period. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of three commonly used extenders, Lake (LAKE), Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE), and EK extender, in the storage of Aseel rooster semen at 5°C for 48 hours. The control group was provided with Lactated Ringer's solution. Spermatological analyses were conducted at 0, 24, and 48 hours to evaluate the time-dependent effects of these extenders on sperm motility, viability, morphological changes, mitochondrial function, membrane functionality, and both acrosome and plasma membrane integrity in sperm cells. The results indicated that the BPSE and EK extenders exhibited higher total and progressive motility rates compared to the control and LAKE extenders at 24 and 48 hours. Additionally, morphological damage rates were lower in the EK and BPSE extenders than in the LAKE extender at these time points. Mitochondrial activity was higher in the EK extender than in the LAKE extender at 24 hours. Acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity rates declined over time; however, they remained similar among all groups at corresponding time points. In conclusion, BPSE and EK extenders, characterized by higher fructose content and greater osmolality, were found to be more effective in preserving the sperm quality of Aseel rooster semen during cold storage compared to the LAKE extender.