Veterinary Science & Technology

A new strain of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) was isolated from suspected broiler flocks and characterized using RT-PCR and sequencing techniques which have shown new interesting mutations as compared to previously characterized Tunisian strains of major clinical importance. Reverse transcription-PCR, nucleotide sequencing, and GenBank BLAST database analyses of external and internal genes of the virus demonstrated that the new isolate, designated A/CK/TUN/145/12, has the 333PSRSSR*GLF341 motif at the cleavage site of its hemagglutinin (HA), different from that described in the older Tunisian strains, which possess the motif 333PARSSR*GLF34, and others reported strains in the world. The presence of Leu at position 234 in the amino acid sequence of HA indicated the virus binding preference to the human cellular receptor α-2,6 sialic acid. Besides, such HA amino acid sequence showed two new mutations D280N and Y144S. The hemadsorption (HB) site of its neuraminidase (NA) did show three new mutations H441N, N342D and S331N in comparison to older Tunisian strains. Such mutations were reported for the highly pathogenic H5N2 subtype in Nigeria. Phylogenetic data allowed classification of the new Tunisian isolate in a new genetic group including the old Tunisian isolates.

Uterine samples were collected from Addis Ababa abattoir with the objective of isolating aerobic bacteria and determine the antibiotic sensitivity profiles of the isolates. A total of 38 uteri of cows were collected and samples were processed for bacteriology and isolates identified by morphological, staining and biochemical tests. At least one species of bacteria was isolated from each uterine sample. The highest isolate found in this study was Escherichia coli (42.1%) followed by Bacillus species (17.1%), Staphylococcus spp. (15.7%), Arcanobacterium pyogens (7.9%) and Streptococcus spp. and Proteus spp. (3.9% each). Other isolates include Corynebacterium, Rhodococcusequi, Klebsiela and Citrobacter. Among all bacteria screened, sensitivities for selected drug were: chloramphenicol (98.6%), amikacin (90.8%), nitrofurantoin (82.9%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole (81.5%), tetracycline (71%) and polymixin-B (67.1%). Contrary to this, penicillin-G, methicillin and erythromycin showed highest resistance to the isolates identified respectively.

Two types of cytochrome P450 2D14 (CYP2D14) gene deletions (GD1 and GD2) in Japanese Black cattle has been reported by us. In this study, we determined the frequency of cytochrome P450 2D14 (CYP2D14) genetic polymorphisms in 48 Japanese Black (JB) and 48 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cattle using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-direct sequencing. Two types of CYP2D14 gene deletion variants, GD1 and GD2, were observed 58% in JB cattle, but only 8% of HF cattle. Genotype frequencies of CYP2D14 gene (105 C>A) also were assessed, but the AA substitution was not detected. The results of CYP2D14 gene variation study in cattle show that CYP2D14 GD allele may be an important mutation relevant to an enzyme defect in JB cattle because of high frequency of gene deletion variants.

Cytology is a science of cells that is used to differentiate between normal cells, neoplastic cells and inflamed cells. It has great acceptance than any other diagnostic methods due to its quickness, inexpensiveness and simplicity. It uses the techniques such as fine needle aspiration, impression, scraping, swabs, centesis and catheterization for sample collection. Also slide preparation uses a simple technique such as squash, blood smear; needle spread and line smear techniques. What makes cytology unique is that it can tell us the result of the diseases while the patient is with us. This science has also wide application on determining the external and internal diseases including neoplastic diseases. In case of neoplastic diseases it is important to differentiate between neoplastic nucleus, neoplastic cytoplasm and neoplastic structure of different cells with their normal cells. In addition to these, it also used in direct therapy, to form prognosis and to determinate next diagnostic procedures. Character of the lesion and tissue sampled play pivotal roles in the diagnostic value of cytology. Familiarity with preferred sampling methods and reported accuracy is critical for veterinary practitioners and sample of good quality is imperative. Different specimen sampling methods and specimen processing methods should be properly practiced.

Alterations in early pre-natal nutrition of Japanese Black calves influence the glucose and lipid metabolism after weaning. However, the effects of early nutritional status on the endocrine system in later life stages in Japanese Black cattle are unknown. This study examined how post-weaning plasma levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and blood insulin, which are hormones affecting growth and meat quality, and metabolites were affected by feeding 1800 g versus 500 g of milk replacer to Japanese Black cattle (5 per group) during nursing. Up to weaning (90 days post-birth), all calves received calf starter and hay ad libitum, and post-weaning, they received a concentrate feed and hay ad libitum. Plasma concentrations of GH and IGF-1 were greater at weaning in the high-milk-replacer group (P<0.1 and P<0.01, respectively), and elevated IGF-1 concentrations persisted until the study end (210 d) (P<0.05), suggesting that the levels were sustained independent of the influences of both GH and nutrient intake. Blood insulin and metabolites (plasma glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and non-esterified fatty acids) were not significantly different between the two groups. The results of this study suggest that feeding calves a high volume of milk replacer during nursing will increase IGF-1 secretion well beyond weaning.

The present study was designed to assess the External Quality Assessment of Table Eggs Produced in cage and deep litter poultry housing systems. The study was under taken during a period of six months (November to May), on Genesis commercial poultry farm, which is found in Bishoftu town. A total of 1200 eggs from both housing systems were studied for physical characteristics. The results showed that there were highly significant (p<0.05) difference regarding egg cleanness between age groups, but eggs shape and size defects were not significantly associated with age in both housing systems. Percentage results of 1200 egg sampled from cage and deep litter housing system revealed that 16.6% and 20.2% table eggs were lost due to deterioration from cage and deep litter housing systems respectively. In conclusion, both housing system under study revealed very small (negligible) abnormal size and shape. Therefore; awareness about the management and carefully handling practice of eggs should be organized to create well-informed poultry farms and consumers to maintain egg quality then offer safe and good quality eggs for consumption.

A cross- sectional study of prevalence of Gastro-intestinal helminthiasis of small holder dairy cows was carried out from December 2007 to April 2008 with an attempt to determine the prevalence in Harar town and its surrounding, Eastern Ethiopia. Amongst the 287 coprological analysis or quantitative faecal analysis on dairy cows were performed with an overall prevalence rate 139 (48.4%) by using coprological examination. Coprological examination (Direct, Floatation, sedimentation and Mc Master Techniques) were the methods followed to study the prevalence of GI - parasitic infestation. An overall GI-parasitic infestation of 48.4% was found in this study. The result also revealed that nematodes Strongyles (38.4%) and Trichuris (8.4%), paraphistomum (13.9%) and Coccidia (10.5%) in that order. The helminth eggs present were identified in general terms as strongyloid eggs, since relevant nematode genera produce eggs that are similar in appearance and cannot be discriminated easily, except for eggs of Nematodirus, Strongyloides and Trichuris. In view of the prevalence of hazardous parasitic gastro intestinal parasites with a potential of entailing serious direct and indirect losses, and accompanying in these small holder dairy cows deserve attention and pertinent action to see they are controlled because high economic importance deserving due attention in helminth control programs in the study area.

A cross sectional study on infectious coryza was conducted in Jimma, Ethiopia, from November 2011 to April 2012 with the objectives of determining the prevalence of infectious coryza, and associated factors. A total of 456 specimens from chicken were processed and the overall infection prevalence was 22.4%. From animal related risk factors considered, breed and age were found to be risk factors. Isolation of the agent, Avibacterium paragallinarum, in exotic and cross breeds were highly statistically significant compared to local breeds (odds ratio=3.890, P-value=0.000 and odds ratio=2.282, P-value=0.010, respectively). The highest incidence was observed January to April. Swab specimens revealed more infection (27.1%) than fecal samples (18.9%) suggesting the disease is more respiratory than it is digestive or systemic. Though clinically ill ones, there were numerous chickens with the infection without showing any sign of the disease. Based on these findings, keeping the genetic potential of the local breed poultry while upgrading their productive potential is recommended as a best method to control the infection.

This study was conducted in Dembecha Woreda of Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia. The study was carried out on 384 indigenous cattle kept in mixed crop-livestock production system to estimate the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and associated risk factors. The study employed parasitological survey (buffy coat examination) and hematological study (packed cell volume [PCV] and thin blood smear). In the present study, the overall prevalence of trypanosomosis was 8.6% (33/384). Trypanosoma congolense (54.54%) and Trypanosome vivax (45.45%) were the only two species of Trypanosomas encountered in the study area. Among the risk factors, sex and age were found to have no significant association with the prevalence of trypanosomosis (p>0.05), but body condition and coat color of animals were found to have a significant association (p<0.05) with prevalence of trypanosomosis in the studied animals. In this study infected animals were with mean PCV value of 22.94 ± 2.70% which is significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the non-infected animals (27.24 ± 5.02%). The study concluded that Trypanosomosis being an economically important disease in cattle the 8.6% prevalence entail that more attention should be given to be adapting on integrated disease control strategy including the vector as well as the parasites.

The study was undertaken to investigate the use of several economic indices including QTL assisted selection for the improvement of production and health trait of dairy cattle under Bangladesh conditions. Five traits (lactation milk, fat, protein yield, somatic cell score (SCS) and direct mastitis) were simulated over 14 generations, considering three selection objectives (selection for direct mastitis; milk SCS; and the combination of direct mastitis and SCS). In addition the selection objective for SCS was simulated incorporating marker/QTL information. Genetic gains per generation for different traits were calculated by plotting the average true breeding values (TBVs) and estimated breeding values (EBVs) over generation. Selection of replacement bulls and cows were based on total merit. The genetic gains based on TBVs and EBVs of cows for milk, fat and protein yield in three selection objectives with no QTL information were similar, but gains were higher with QTL- assisted selection implemented for SCS. Genetic gains of cows for different traits based on TBVs were higher than bulls, but reverse results were obtained for bulls. The genetic trends for all traits in cows were similar in all selection objectives. However, for bulls distinct differences were observed between the QTL and no QTL-assisted selection schemes and also between SCS and the combination of SCS and direct mastitis selection objectives. Higher correlations between TBVs and EBVs for lactation milk and fat yield for both cows and bulls were found under QTL-assisted selection compared to the no QTL-assisted selection schemes. The QTL-assisted selection scheme showed higher rates of genetic gain for lactation milk, fat and protein yields than no QTL-assisted selection. However, it does not affect SCS and index values from any of the selection objectives or selection schemes. The QTL-assisted selection scheme has a positive effect on milk production and mastitis control.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an important porcine pathogen globally. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for PRRSV detection is an important tool for disease management and control. Clinical sensitivity of RT-PCR for PRRSV detection is compromised to a certain degree by the high genetic diversity in the PRRSV genome. A duplex RT-insulated isothermal PCR (RT-iiPCR) for the North America lineage of PRRSV (PRRSV-NA) has been developed by targeting both ORF6 and ORF7 to increase test inclusivity. In this study, its limit of detection 95% was determined to be about 5 genome equivalents per reaction by testing a serial dilution of in-vitro transcribed RNA. The PRRSV-NA duplex RT-iiPCR was compared with an ORF7 real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) published previously for the evaluation of analytical and clinical performance. Both tests did not react with seven common swine pathogens. The two methods had similar detection endpoints for viral RNA of two PRRSV-NA isolates. Further tests with 187 swine samples showed that 14 of the 90 rRT-PCR-negative and 2 of the 97 rRT-PCR-positive samples were positive and negative by the duplex RT-iiPCR, respectively. The two methods had 91.44% agreement (95% confidential interval: 87.26 - 95.62%, ?=0.83). Repeat testing could not resolve 13 of the discrepant samples (all negative by rRT-PCR and positive by RT-iiPCR). Further RT-nested PCR analysis and DNA sequencing analysis of the ORF7 region supported that the target RNA was present in these samples. Therefore, the PRRSV-NA duplex RT-iiPCR appeared to have higher clinical sensitivity than the reference rRT-PCR. Working on a field-deployable device, the PRRSV-NA duplex RT-iiPCR has potential to serve as a fast and sensitive tool for PRRSV detection at points of need.

A cross sectional survey was conducted with the objective of determining the occurrence of Toxolasmosis in Wondo Genet, Ethiopia. The study animals were sheep, goats and chickens and a total of 96 animals were included in the study. Serum samples were collected from these animals and tested using Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) at 1:40 cut off point. A seroconversion rate of 48.75%, 75% and 12.5% was found in sheep, goats and chickens, respectively. The effect of some selected risk factors in sheep was studied and a higher occurrence was observed in older age, females and in ewes with history of abortion, neonatal mortality, or weak birth (ANW). However, this difference was found to be statistically not significant (p>0.05). This study showed that there was a high occurrence of toxoplasmosis in Wondo Genet in domestic animals. Therefore, further detail investigation is needed to further understand the importance of toxoplasmosis in animal productivity and public health.

This study was conducted between November 2014 to march 2015 in Tiyo district and the surrounding peasant associations to determine the prevalence of tick and tick- born haemo-parasites in local and exotic cattle. A total of 384 local, exotic and cross breed cattles of all age group and sex group were included in this study. Four genera of ticks namely Amblyoma, Boophilus, Rhepicephalus and Hyaloma were identified with prevalence rate of (72%, 15%, 3%, 6.5%) respectively. From these ticks Boophilus constituted a high percentage of prevalence (72%) followed by Amblyoma(15%), Rhepicephalus(6.5%) and Hyaloma (3%) respectively. Out of 371 animals which were infested with ticks thin blood smears were examined for tick-borne protozoan parasites. From this 8 out of 371 were positive and 6 animals were found to be positive for Babesiosis while 2 of them for Anaplasmosis with prevalence rate of 1.6% and 0.5% respectively. Although it is difficult to deduct conclusive ideas about the general incidence and prevalence of hemo-parasites due to the short interval of the survey period, especially which did not include the wet season, it is clear that tick and tick borne haemoparasites constitutes a very important place in the area.

Study was conducted from November 2008 to March 2009 to determine the major causes of organ and carcass condemnation and associated annual magnitude of financial loss at Addis Ababa abattoir enterprise. Out of 1052 examined sheep and goats 459 (43.6%) livers, 307 (29.18%) lungs, 130 (12.36%) Hearts, 108 (20.27%) kidney and 28 (2.66%) carcass were condemned. The major causes of condemnation were parasite 52.24%, cirrhosis (11.2%), hepatitis (9.2%) and mechanical damage (8.12%) for liver; pneumonia (32.2%), emphysema (19.5%) and hydatidosis (15.9%) for lung; pericarditis (43.07%), calcification (17.7), Abscess (5.4%), Cysticercus ovis (8.4%) and other (25.4%) for heart; nephritis (30.5%) for kidneys, abscess (50%), bruising (29%) and other causes for carcasses. Rate of condemnation due to hydatidosis was higher in the lungs (4.3% in sheep and 5.0% in goats) than in the liver (3.3% in sheep and 3.4% in goats) significant higher rate of liver, lung, heart, kidney and carcass condemnation were not observed between age groups (p>0.05), but significantly higher rate of organ and carcass condemnation were observed with in sex group of sheep (P<0.05). However significant difference in the rate of organ and carcasses condemned were not observed by species of the animals (p>0.05). Total annual loss due to organ and carcass condemnation was estimated one million Ethiopian Birr (90909.09 USD). Result of the present work warrant immediate need for the prevention of causes of organ and carcass condemnation and pathological abnormalities through development of and animal health delivery, enforcement of slaughter policy, education of sheep and goat traders, and training of slaughter house personnel on standard slaughter operations.

The Five years retrospective and a cross-sectional study were conducted from October 2009 to February, 2011 in Gondar town, North Gondar, Ethiopia to assess the prevalence of hernia problems and related risk factors. Both retrospective and cross-sectional study methods were employed to collect data on hernia problems in different group of livestock. A cross-sectional study on cases brought to veterinary clinics was undertaken using pre-structured data collection checklist for species, breed, age, herd size, activity engagement (management, stocking), presence or absence of hernia, distribution, intensity and type of hernia. A five year retrospective data about any of the hernia problems encountered was collected from two veterinary clinics, namely: Gondar University and Gondar office of agriculture veterinary clinics at Gondar town. Physical and surgical examination was also conducted to characterize the type of hernia, type of hernial content and its site. A total of 459 animals of which 193 cattle, 160 sheep, 2 goats, 57 equines (horse and donkey), 37 canines and 9 swine cases were observed and only 3.5% (16 out of 459) has revealed any of the clinically visible hernia problem. Out of the total observed hernial cases 95.75% and 6.25% were acquired and congenital respectively. Mechanical trauma contributes the highest percentage of the total causes of hernia. From hernia cases brought about 62.5%, 6.3% and 6.3% were related to abdominal, scrotal and umbilical type of hernia respectively. From retrospective data obtained from a total of 10,765 recorded cases the highest percentage was related to abdominal hernia followed by scrotal and umbilical hernia.

Salmonella have been found to be the major food borne disease in the world with a serious public health problem. The current study was carried out to detect and to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from fresh raw chicken eggs collected at Haramaya University Poultry Farm in Eastern Ethiopia. Among the total 384 chicken eggs, Salmonella spp. was detected from 2.9% (11/384) of egg samples using culture technique and was confirmed by biochemical test, nine Salmonella spp. (2.4%) were detected from egg shell and two (0.5%) from egg contents; predominantly occurred in floor house system. The prevalence of Salmonella in eggs on the bases of chicken breed sources was 2.9%, 3.8% and 2% for Bovans, Fayoumi and White leg horn, respectively. The prevalence difference did not show statistical significance (P>0.05) between the rate of detecting Salmonella spp. among the egg shell and egg contents, and similarly, non-significant analytical situation was observed in eggs sampled from different chicken breeds. Among the sample sources, egg samples examined from cage and floor house were found Salmonella positive with the prevalence of 2.3% and 3.3%, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the prevalence of Salmonella among the two house systems. All identified isolates were tested for susceptibility to a six commonly used antimicrobials by disk diffusion technique. Out of the 11 isolates tested 8(72.7%) were resistant to one or more of the tested antimicrobials. The most common resistance observed was to tetracycline (72.7%), ampicillin (72.7%) and amoxicillin (63.6%). However, spectinomycin, kanamycin and chloramphenicol were effective against most of the Salmonella isolates.

A study was conducted from December, 2014 to April 2015 to identify the major causes of liver condemnation and its economic significance in small ruminants slaughtered at Luna Export Abattoir, Ethiopia. By considering age, origin and species as a risk factors major abnormalities encountered were identified and considered accordingly. A simple random sampling was used where 384 each sheep and goats were sampled with a total of 768 animals and postmortem examinations was applied on liver. Out of 768 sheep and goats slaughtered 67.7% of liver revealed total condemnation. The major cause of these liver condemnations are due to Cysticercus tenuicullosis (11.5%), Calcification (20.31%), Cloudiness (20.57%), Cirrhosis (5.08%), Hepatitis (5.9%), Fatty degeneration (2.99%), Steilesia hepatica (3.65%), Adhesion (7.42%), and Hydatidosis (0.13%). Except in C. tenuicollis, calcification and cloudiness (p<0.05) which has a significance difference were observed between sheep and goats, insignificance difference (p>0.05) were recorded between sheep and goats in other lesions. Concerning the origin of the animal significance difference (p<0.05) in cloudy lesion were observed on sheep originated from Somali, GammuGoffa and Awash but insignificant difference observed in another lesion. Similarly, significance difference were observed in C tenuicollis, Calcification, and fatty degeneration (p<0.05), among goats originated from Borena, Afar and Wollo and insignificance difference was observed in other lesions. Regarding age and species in other lesions different rates of prevalence were recorded in the current study. Moreover, from total condemnation rate of liver, economic loss of 335,000.00 USD per annum was estimated. Due to such small ruminant health problems and these pathological lesions results in significance economic loss in small ruminants, continuous surveillance and strategically prevention and control of these abnormalities shall be implemented in these animals.

Salmonella have been found to be the major food borne disease in the world with a serious public health problem. The current study was carried out to detect and to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from fresh raw chicken eggs collected at Haramaya University Poultry Farm in Eastern Ethiopia. Among the total 384 chicken eggs, Salmonella spp. was detected from 2.9% (11/384) of egg samples using culture technique and was confirmed by biochemical test, nine Salmonella spp. (2.4%) were detected from egg shell and two (0.5%) from egg contents; predominantly occurred in floor house system. The prevalence of Salmonella in eggs on the bases of chicken breed sources was 2.9%, 3.8% and 2% for Bovans, Fayoumi and White leg horn, respectively. The prevalence difference did not show statistical significance (P>0.05) between the rate of detecting Salmonella spp. among the egg shell and egg contents, and similarly, non-significant analytical situation was observed in eggs sampled from different chicken breeds. Among the sample sources, egg samples examined from cage and floor house were found Salmonella positive with the prevalence of 2.3% and 3.3%, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the prevalence of Salmonella among the two house systems. All identified isolates were tested for susceptibility to a six commonly used antimicrobials by disk diffusion technique. Out of the 11 isolates tested 8(72.7%) were resistant to one or more of the tested antimicrobials. The most common resistance observed was to tetracycline (72.7%), ampicillin (72.7%) and amoxicillin (63.6%). However, spectinomycin, kanamycin and chloramphenicol were effective against most of the Salmonella isolates.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ovine Fasciolosis in Jimma and nine selected rural kebeles near Jimma from November 2011 to April 2012 by coprological examination. A total of 384 samples were collected from different kebeles near Jimma. Out of the total sampled 164 (42.71%) were positive for Fasciolosis. According to coprological examination, variation in prevalence among the localities was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The result also revealed no statistically significant difference between sexes and ages (p>0.05). Infection rate in poor body condition animals (74.80%) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than good body condition animals (12.20%) and this indicates that the importance of Fasciolosis in causing weight loss and weakness, a characteristic of sign of chronic Fasciolosis. Results obtained in this area were discussed in comparisons with the finding of other research works. Appropriate strategies for the control of ovine Fasciolosis are recommended by considering the limiting local factors of the study area.

This study was done from November 2011 to March 2012. A total of 384 sheep from Tiyo District of Arsi Zone, around High land area of Asella were selected for the study. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of lice in sheep and to identify major species of lice in the study area. The densities of lice were determined through counting after parting of the fleece/wool at five (5) points on a length of 10 cm in different regions of the body (neck, shoulder, back, rump and flank) on both sides. The overall prevalence of lice infestation was found 53.9% (n=384). From this Damalina ovis takes the highest prevalence in each variable (sex, age, body condition and month) whereas Linognathus ovillus had lower prevalence in each variable. The prevalence of lice for female and male was 53.26% and 56.4%, respectively. Adult and young infestation rate of lice was 51.52% and 57.5%, respectively. Prevalence of lice infestation in good, medium and poor body condition was 36.8% (64), 62.7% (94) and 81.7% (49), respectively. The prevalence of lice in November was 74.44% (94), in January 32.8% (42) and in February 55.5% (71). There is statistically significant difference in the occurrence of lice infestation between body condition scores and months (p<0.05) but there is no statistically significant difference between age and sex (p>0.05). These result shows that lice infestation has a great effect on the skin quality and on the production of meat and milk. From this result it can be concluded that occurrence of lice depends on body condition and climatic factor. Therefore, owners should practice good management system by keeping the hygiene of animal and by avoid mixing of healthy animals from diseased once with the use effective acarcide control.