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Background: Hepatic lesions in non-domestic felids are poorly characterized. The present study reports multiple hepatic peribiliary cysts in 9 out of 32 lions (Panthera leo) at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru. Methods: The animals were presented for necropsy after the history of clinical signs of lethargy, anorexia, weakness, debilitated body conditions and all animals are in old age (between 15 to 25 years old). Systematic necropsy with gross and histopathological examination was carried out. Result: Post-mortem examination grossly revealed multiple cysts in liver (varying in each case) with the cystic masses filled with clear fluid, sometimes mixed with bile. A diagnosis for the presence of spontaneous peribiliary cysts was made on the basis of gross and microscopic lesions. Histologically, the cysts were surrounded and composed of compact collagenous tissue. The inner cystic single layer resembled biliary mucosa and composed of columnar epithelial lining, while the submucosa was composed of connective tissue with loss of hepatic cord structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infections with gastrointestinal parasites are widespread and a major health issue for captive birds. Despite the significance being well known, not much studies have been conducted on its prevalence especially in captive avians in a zoo setup. The present study aims at determining the prevalence of parasites in captive birds of different orders maintained at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Methods: In this investigation, a survey through fecal sample examination was conducted to assess the parasitic infection in captive birds belonging to 6 different biological orders e.g. Casuariiformes, Anseriformes, Galliformes, Pelecaniformes, Psittaciformes [Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), grey pelican, (Pelecanus philippensis), purple heron (Ardea purpurea), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), macaw (Ara ararauna), parakeet (Psittacula eupatsia)] and Ciconiiformes maintained at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka. A total of 106 fecal samples from apparently healthy birds including 7 samples from emu, 3 ducks, 12 peafowls, 8 red jungle fowls, 24 grey pelicans, 1 purple heron, 13 silver pheasants, 8 macaws, 26 parakeets and 4 Indian open-billed storks were collected during 2015-2016 and were screened for parasitic eggs/oocysts. Result: The screening result could detect ova of 2 (28.57%) Eimeria oocyst in emu, 3 (100%) Eimeria oocyst in duck, 7 (58.33%) Capillaria sp., 3 (25%) Eimeria oocyst, 2 (16.66%) Ascardia galli, 2 (16.66%) Raillietina echinobothrida, 1 (8.33%) Tetrameres sp. in peafowls, 3 (37.5%) Ascardia galli, 1 (12.5%) Eimeria oocyst in red jungle fowls, 5 (20.83%) Ascardia galli in grey pelican, 1 (100%) trematode ova in purple heron, 3 (23.07%) Raillietina sp., 2 (15.38%) Eimeria ocyst in silver pheasant, 2 (25%) Ascaris sp. in macaw, 12 (46.15%) Ascaris sp., 3 (11.53%) Eimeria oocyst in parakeet and 4 (100%) Tetrameres sp. in Indian open-billed storks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as recycled aggregates is a relatively new construction process of rigid pavements due to the scarcity and degradation of natural aggregates. This study aims at the sequential characterization of RAP aggregate to obtain optimized proportions for strength. For this purpose, RAP aggregates were used for the replacement of natural aggregates (NA) in the concrete mix which was achieved by varying from 0–100%. Furthermore, zirconia silica fume (ZSF) was used as a partial replacement of the cement in the concrete mix, replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Experimental studies have shown that the incorporation of washed RAP (WRAP) slightly reduces the compressive strength of concrete by 2.7–37.35% as compared to the reference control concrete mix. Although the 7-days, 28-days and 56-day compressive strength of WRAP recycled aggregate-based concrete is slightly better than the 7-days, 28-days and 56-day compressive strength of dirty RAP (DRAP) recycled aggregate-based concrete. A similar trend was observed in the flexural strength and split tensile strength of WRAP recycled aggregate-based. Overall, the results show that 40% WRAP recycled aggregates with 10% ZSF as a replacement for cement outperform DRAP aggregates in concrete mixes. According to the ANOVA results, the combination of ZSF and WRAP aggregates met the cement concrete pavement strength standard, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Reclaimed Asphalt Concrete Pavements (RACP) are now seen as a potential and long-term answer to the present environmental and economic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports pathological conditions associated with liver fluke infestation in a Purple heron (Ardea purpurea) at Wild Animals Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Bengaluru. Purple herons are commonly seen in the lakes around Bengaluru and feed on the fish, snails and other fauna. One Purple heron was rescued and housed at Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Bannerghatta Biological Park. After death, the Purple heron was submitted to Wild Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy and systematically examined. Faecal samples were collected and examined; where golden yellow colored eggs of Fasciola sp. were found. On gross examination, liver was found to be enlarged with whitish necrotic spots on the surface. Kidneys were pale with enlarged ureters. Histopathologically, kidney revealed diffuse degeneration of tubular structures and accumulation of uric acid crystals in the tubules. Liver showed proliferation of bile ducts along with degenerating flukes, areas of ossification, desquamation of epithelium and periductular fibrous tissue proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports pathological conditions associated with Physaloptera sp. stomach worm infestation in Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis). Four adult Bengal monitor lizards were rescued from the poachers and kept at Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru. Faecal samples from all were collected and examined. Physaloptera sp. ova were found in all faecal samples examined by sedimentation technique. One Bengal monitor lizard died during the period and systematically examined at necropsy for gross pathological lesions. Adult Physaloptera sp. nematodes were found to be firmly attached to the gastric mucosa causing erosive inflammatory foci. Histopathological examination of stomach revealed the presence of many immature and mature worms encapsulated within fibrous connective tissue. The intestinal villi were stunted and many cross sections of the worms could be demonstrated in the lumen. The worms also migrated to liver parenchyma and got encapsulated with fibrous connective tissue with infiltration of eosinophils in the sinusoids and the vascular tissue spaces. This seems to be the first report of Physaloptera sp. nematodiasis in Bengal monitor lizard kept under captivity for a period of 1.5 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) belongs to a member of the Cuculiforme order of birds, the Cuculiformes and like other birds they are prone to many infectious and non-infectious conditions. In the present study, various pathological conditions observed during necropsy of Asian koels were summarized. A total of 15 Asian koels of different age groups were received from the Wild Animals Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Bannerghatta for necropsy during the year 2014 to 2016. Gross and microscopic findings observed were suggestive of various pathological conditions affecting various systems towards the probable cause of death. Most of the avian diseases were also prevalent in Asian koels and hence warrants proper attention towards their prevention and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the gastrointestinal parasitic infestations in captive bears maintained in Wildlife SOS, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru. A total of 85 fecal samples were collected over a period of 12 months from apparently normal/healthy captive bears and examined. The fecal samples were analysed using sedimentation and floatation techniques followed by microscopic identification of parasitic eggs. It revealed the prevalence of 51 (60%) Hymenolepis diminuta, 20 (23.52%) Toxocara sp ova, 3 (3.52%) Capillaria sp, 2 (2.35%) Trichuris sp ova, 2 (2.35%) Eimeria sp oocysts and 8 (9.41%) Ancylostomatid eggs. The study suggested that among different parasitic infections, the prevalence of cestodes was extremely higher, since insects were the intermediate hosts for the Hymenolepis sp. The study is suggestive of periodic anthelmintic therapy in the said species under captivity so as to maintain a sound health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the clinico-pathologic changes observed in spontaneous hepatic coccidiosis caused by Eimeria stiedae in rabbits at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Karnataka state of India. The clinical signs observed in the affected rabbits included sudden death, stunted growth, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Increased liver enzymes and bilirubin was noticed upon biochemical examination. At necropsy, lesions included grossly enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) with presence of discrete yellowish-white nodules ranging from 1mm to 5mm size throughout the parenchyma containing a thick creamy white fluid. Faecal sample examination demonstrated the presence of Eimeria oocyts. The impression smears from the liver and intestinal mucosa also showed Eimeria oocysts, degenerative changes, necrotic cells and mononuclear cell aggregation to form oocyst granuloma. Histological observation revealed distension of bile duct, hyperplasia of epithelium along with numerous coccidian oocysts at the centre. Granulomatous tissues were observed to have encircled the bile duct with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Microscopic examination of exudates from liver also revealed numerous oocysts of E. stiedae. Multiple areas of coagulative necrosis of hepatic cells surrounded with inflammatory cells were also found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper describes the investigation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in a private pig farm at Kotty in Kollam district of Kerala during October 2013. During the clinical phase, severe vesicular lesions on snout and skin around the coronary bands were observed in pigs. A total of 48 serum samples and 12 clinical samples (ruptured snout epithelia) were collected. All serum samples were subjected to indirect 3AB nonstructural protein (NSP) ELISA and liquid phase blocking (LPB) ELISA. In 3AB NSP ELISA, all serum samples were found positive for NSP antibodies indicating infection. In LPB ELISA, 42 of 48 (87.5%) pigs were found to have protective log10 antibody titre of ≥1.8 against FMD virus serotypes O, A and Asia 1. All the clinical materials were found positive for serotype O in antigen detection ELISA as well as in multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR). In VP1 region-based phylogenetic analysis, the serotype O isolates causing the outbreak were found to conglomerate within Ind2001 lineage. Pigs infected with FMD may pose rigorous threat to other susceptible domestic livestock as they exhale enormous quantity of virus. As a consequence, they should be included under prophylactic vaccination and surveillance programmes ongoing in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and globally significant viral disease principally of cloven-hoofed livestock species. The present study describes the results of molecular epidemiologic investigation of FMD in pigs across various states of India between 2008 and 2014. During this period, a total of 37 clinical epithelial samples (vesicle/foot/snout epithelium) of FMD-suspected pigs were tested in a serotype differentiating antigen detection ELISA and samples found negative were further subjected to multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR). A total of 29 (78.37%) samples were found positive for serotype O in antigen detection ELISA and 8 ELISA-negative samples were subsequently found positive for serotype O in mRT-PCR. The VP1 region-based phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the involvement of O/ME-SA/Ind2001 lineage in the outbreaks. The pig isolates clustered with the contemporary virus isolates collected from bovine indicating a close genetic relationship and therefore signifying inter-species transmission during the outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yak and mithun husbandry in India is confronted with several challenges including the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The present study was initiated to investigate FMD outbreaks in semi-domesticated mithun and yak population in various parts of India. A total of 64 clinical samples (vesicle/tongue/foot epithelium/fluid) from mithun and 6 from yak were collected from suspected FMD outbreaks during 2008-2013. Supernatants of the homogenized clinical samples were tested in a serotype discriminating antigen detection ELISA and ELISA-negative samples were further subjected to multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR). A total of 45 mithun samples and only 1 yak sample were found positive for serotype O in antigen detection ELISA. A total of 12 ELISA-negative samples from mithun and 4 from yak were later on found positive for serotype O in mRT-PCR. The phylogenetic analysis based on VP1 genome indicated the involvement of both O/ME-SA/PanAsia and O/ME-SA/Ind2001 lineages of serotype O in those outbreaks. These viruses were genetically similar to those contemporary virus isolates responsible for FMD in domestic livestock indicating a situation of virus sharing among different species of domestic and semi-domestic animals. Thus, mithuns and yaks should be synchronously considered and targeted along with cattle for the effective control of the disease in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opencast mining accounts for about 86% of the produced coal in India. Most of the opencast mines in the country use bulk emulsion explosives. The total consumption of explosives in India is around 550,000 tonnes annually. It has been shown that detonation velocities vary with the density of the emulsion explosive. Here we describe experiments that have been conducted to understand the influence of velocity of detonation of emulsion explosives on fragmentation of blasted muckpile over a range of densities. The density of explosives was varied from 0.6 to 1.1 g/cc which resulted in the variation of detonation velocity from 3262 to 4624 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical swine fever (CSF) is an economically devastating disease of pigs. Instrumental to the control of CSF is a wellcharacterized sensitive assay that can deliver a rapid and accurate diagnosis before the onset of clinical signs. With this objective, a real-time fluorogenic-probe hydrolysis (TaqMan) reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed for rapid and specific detection of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and applied on samples derived from infected slaughtered pigs. A pair of PCR primers targeting 5'-non-coding region (CSFL1 and CSFR1) in conjunction with a CSFV-specific fluorogenic probe (CSFP1) was designed and assessed in real-time PCR. During PCR, when the target of interest was present, the CSFV specific FAM-labeled TaqMan probe annealed to the amplicon between the forward and reverse primers and was subsequently cleaved via the 5'-3' exonuclease activity of the DNA polymerase resulting in the release of the fluorescent reporter dye. This assay was found to be rapid and strain-specific for CSFV detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ruminants (sheep and goats) are susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), while studies with due emphasis on their role in the disease epidemiology have been meagre. The present study summarizes the results of clinico-molecular investigation of FMD in sheep and goats across several states of India during 2008–2014, where a total of 51 clinical epithelial tissue samples (vesicle/tongue/gum/foot epithelium) from sheep and 78 from goats were found positive for FMD virus (FMDV) serotype O in serotyping ELISA and multiplex reverse transcription-PCR. The VP1 region-based phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the involvement of O/ME-SA/Ind2001 lineage of serotype O virus in the outbreaks. The field viruses recovered from both small and large ruminant population during the same time period showed a close genetic relationship suggesting frequent inter-species transmission of virus. Since the disease often remains clinically camouflaged in small ruminants, the animals silently infected with FMD may pose potential threats to the in-contact livestock. Regular vaccination combined with surveillance and monitoring of protective antibody status in these species is therefore crucial to the effective control of FMD in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 41 clinical samples (vesicle/tongue/foot/nasal epithelium) from Indian gaur, deer, spotted deer, nilgai, chowsinga, bison, black buck, elephant, sambar deer were collected in 50% phosphate buffered saline/glycerol medium (pH-7.5) during suspected FMD outbreaks. Supernatants of homogenized clinical samples were used in a serotype differentiating antigen detection ELISA and samples found negative were further subjected to multiplex PCR (mPCR). A total of 3/11 (27.2%) samples from Indian gaur, 2/7 (28.5%) chital deer, 5/5 (100%) nilgai, 2/2 (100%) black buck were found positive for serotype O in antigen detection ELISA. A total of 3 ELISA-negative samples from spotted deer, 2 from bison and 2 from sambar deer were found positive for serotype O in mPCR. The VP1 region-based phylogenetic analysis indicated the involvement of both O/ME-SA/Ind2001 and PanAsia lineage of serotype O in the outbreaks. The wildlife species infected with FMD may pose further threat to the surrounding domestic livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Classical swine fever (CSF) is an endemic disease in India, but the real magnitude of the problem is not known as only outbreaks of acute CSF are reported and many cases of chronic and clinically inapparent forms of the disease, which manifest a confusing clinical picture, remain undiagnosed. The real status of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) infection can only be known by testing pigs with highly specific and sensitive diagnostic assays. To obtain the baseline prevalence of CSFV infection among pigs in an endemic region where no vaccination was being performed, a real-time PCR assay was used to detect viral genetic material in tissue samples collected from a slaughterhouse in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India. In total, 1120 slaughtered pigs were examined for the presence of CSF suggestive pathological lesions and tissues from suspected cases were tested for the presence of CSFV antigen and nucleic acids by indirect immuno-peroxidase test and real-time PCR, respectively. Based on the detection of viral genetic material in the tonsils, the prevalence of CSFV infection among slaughtered pigs was found to be 7.67%. Pigs detected positive for viral genome by quantitative real-time PCR assay when categorized into different forms of CSF, depending upon the pathological lesions observed, the viral load in the tonsils of some of the pigs with chronic or clinically inapparent form of the disease was similar to that detected in pigs with acute CSF. The results of the study suggested that the risk posed by pigs with chronic disease or those infected but showing no clinical disease may be relatively higher as they can transmit the virus to new susceptible hosts over a longer period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research done on the effectiveness of nuclear pore complex (NPC) in determining the mechanism of nucleocytoplasmic transport. The researchers explained the mediation by NPC of all transport between cytoplasm and nucleus. The article also offers information on the organelles contained in eukaryotic cells.

The present work was carried out to study the diagnostic potential of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) in detection of classical swine fever vims (CSFV) infection in slaughtered pigs of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh during 2005. A total of 1120 pigs were examined for CSF suggestive pathological lesions and tissue samples were tested for CSFV genome by RT-PCR. Out of 1120 cases examined, 110 (9.82%) showed lesions suggestive for CSF. Based on pathological findings, 58.18% (64/110) were categorized as acute, 16.36% (18/110) as chronic and 25.45% (28/110) as inapparent form of CSF. Based on RT-PCR targeting 5'NTR and E2/NS2 region, the prevalence of CSF was found to be 4.82% (54/1120) and 3.83% (43/1120), respectively. RT-PCR thus ensures a sensitive and specific detection of CSFV and hence can be considered as a screening method of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was made to find out the etiological agent involved in piglet diarrhoea during 2007- 2009 in and around Bareilly. Group A rotavirus (GARV) was found as the main agent using various methods applied to intestinal and fecal samples. Out of 199 necropsied intestinal samples, none was positive in agarose gel electrophoresis, 5 (2.51%) were positive in double antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA), 5 (2.51%) in RT-PCR and 18 (9.04%) in real-time RT PCR. Out of 96 fecal samples, 8 (8.33%) were positive in agarose gel electrophoresis, 11 (11.45%) in DAS-ELISA, 16 (16.66%) in RTPCR and 23 (23.95%) were found positive in real-time RT PCR. Thus, it was found that real-time RT PCR, RT-PCR, ELISA and agarose gel electrophoresis have a descending order of sensitivity for detection of rotavirus as has already been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is an important transboundary disease with substantial economic impacts. Although between‐herd transmission of the disease has been well studied, studies focusing on within‐herd transmission using farm‐level outbreak data are rare. The aim of this study was to estimate parameters associated with within‐herd transmission, host physiological factors and FMD virus (FMDV) persistence using data collected from an outbreak that occurred at a large, organized dairy farm in India. Of 1,836 regularly vaccinated, adult dairy cattle, 222 had clinical signs of FMD over a 39‐day period. Assuming homogenous mixing, a frequency‐dependent compartmental model of disease transmission was built. The transmission coefficient and basic reproductive number were estimated to be between 16.2–18.4 and 67–88, respectively. Non‐pregnant animals were more likely to manifest clinical signs of FMD as compared to pregnant cattle. Based on oropharyngeal fluid (probang) sampling and FMDV‐specific RT‐PCR, four of 36 longitudinally sampled animals (14%) were persistently infected carriers 10.5 months post‐outbreak. There was no statistical difference between subclinical and clinically infected animals in the duration of the carrier state. However, prevalence of NSP‐ELISA antibodies differed significantly between subclinical and clinically infected animals 12 months after the outbreak with 83% seroprevalence amongst clinically infected cattle compared to 69% of subclinical animals. This study further elucidates within‐herd FMD transmission dynamics during the acute‐phase and characterizes duration of FMDV persistence and seroprevalence of FMD under natural conditions in an endemic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The goal of this study was to characterize the properties and duration of the foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) carrier state and associated serological responses subsequent to vaccination and naturally occurring infection at two farms in northern India. Despite previous vaccination of cattle in these herds, clinical signs of FMD occurred in October 2013 within a subset of animals at the farms containing juvenile‐yearling heifers and steers (Farm A) and adult dairy cattle (Farm B). Subsequent to the outbreak, FMD virus (FMDV) asymptomatic carriers were identified in both herds by seroreactivity to FMDV non‐structural proteins and detection of FMDV genomic RNA in oropharyngeal fluid. Carriers’ seroreactivity and FMDV genome detection status were subsequently monitored monthly for 23 months. The mean extinction time of the carrier state was 13.1 ± 0.2 months, with extinction having occurred significantly faster amongst adult dairy cattle at Farm B compared to younger animals at Farm A. The rate of decrease in the proportion of carrier animals was calculated to be 0.07 per month. Seroprevalence against FMDV non‐structural proteins decreased over the course of the study period, but was found to increase transiently following repeated vaccinations. These data provide novel insights into viral and host factors associated with the FMDV carrier state under natural conditions. The findings reported herein may be relevant to field veterinarians and governmental regulatory entities engaged in FMD response and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is endemic for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and goats constitute the second largest susceptible population of domestic livestock. FMD surveillance and control strategies in the country largely ignore small ruminants, known to be critical in the epidemiology of the disease. Here, serological investigations were carried out to generate estimates of antibody prevalence in goats of Orissa state to both non-structural (NSP-Ab) and structural proteins (SP-Ab) of FMD. The apparent overall NSP-Ab and SP-Ab seroprevalences were 38% and 20.7%, respectively, which signifies a very high level of FMD virus circulation in the goat population despite the lack of clinical signs in this species. The apparent prevalence of NSP-Ab and SP-Ab was positively correlated in the sampling areas. Interestingly, the values found for NSP-Ab prevalence were almost consistently higher than those found for SP-Ab prevalence. This could have been attributable to either issues related to sensitivity and specificity of the test systems employed or differences in the post-infection kinetics of NSP- and SP-Ab. The pattern that emerged from SP-Ab analysis indicated goats being infected with all three prevalent serotypes (O, A and Asia 1) and reinforces the concept that non-vaccinated goats can be exploited as tracer animals for detecting serotypes involved in outbreaks. The results underscore the requirement to bring caprine species under comprehensive surveillance and vaccination campaigns to check silent amplification, excretion and transmission of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]