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Many studies have mentioned the advantages of adding wheat germ to chicken diets, but few were interested in studying the effect of the fermentation process on this addition. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adding fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) and immunostimulant (IS) to the broiler diet and water, respectively, on growth performance, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, immune status, and carcass characteristics. A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly and equally assigned into four treatment groups of 5 replicates (9 chicks/replicate) each. The first group (G1) served as a control group with a basal diet and normal drinking water, while the second (G2) and the third (G3) groups were treated with a basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% of FWGE, respectively. The fourth group (G4) was treated with one level of immunostimulant (ORGA IMMU®, 0.2% in drinking water) and served as a positive control. The experiment lasted 35 days. According to the results, adding 0.2% FWGE to the broiler diet (G3) improved (P≤0.05) feed conversion ratio and increased (P≤0.05) live body weight and body weight gain compared to the control group (G1). The G3 also showed improvements (P≤0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Blood biochemical parameters, such as total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were positively affected (P≤0.05) by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for Newcastle disease and avian influenza viruses, phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and lysozyme activity (LA) were significantly (P≤0.05) improved by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Furthermore, carcass traits, such as carcass weight and dressing percentage, were improved (P≤0.05) by adding FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. The inclusion of FWGE in the broiler chicken diet by 0.2% had a considerably positive impact on the birds' growth performance, health, and carcass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a potent immunosuppressive, persistent pathogen that can thrive in a range of environmental conditions and withstand even potent disinfectants. The common circulating pathotypes of IBDV in Egypt are classical virulent, attenuated, very virulent IBDV, and novel variant (nVarIBDV). The current study describes the incidence of nVarIBDV in 18 Egyptian chicken flocks although they were vaccinated against IBD. Partial sequence analysis of viral protein 2 (VP2) in two obtained isolates identified them as nVarIBDV (genotype A2d) exhibiting 100% identity to SD-2020 and 99.5–98.1% similarity to ZD-2018-1, QZ, GX and SG19 strains. Similarity to USA variant strains was 95.5–92.6%. Moreover, the similarities in the aa of the VP2 hypervariable region of both isolates to vaccine strains were 86–90.4%. Histopathological examination of both the bursa of Fabricius and spleen collected from diseased chickens in flock no. 18 revealed severe atrophy. In conclusion, this study identified the nVarIBDV genotype which is identical to the nVarIBDV circulating in China. Further studies are required to investigate the epidemiological situation of this novel genotype across the country, and to assess various vaccine protections against nVarIBDV. Additionally, it is crucial to incorporate nVarIBDV into the inactivated vaccines administered to breeder chickens prior to egg production to ensure complete protective and specific maternal immunity in their offspring during their first three weeks of life. After an extended period of detecting classical virulent, attenuated, and very virulent IBDV, a novel variant (nVarIBDV) was confirmed in Egypt in this study in 18, IBD vaccinated, chicken flocks aged 19–49 days. Partial sequence of viral protein 2 (VP2) [219 aa, 147–366, resembling 657 bp] of two obtained isolates (nos. 3 and 4) revealed nVarIBDV (genotype A2d) and OR682618 and OR682619 GenBank accession numbers were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both nVarIBDV isolates were closely related to nVarIBDV strains (A2d) circulating in China, exhibiting 100% identity to SD-2020 and 99.5–98.1% similarity to ZD-2018-1, QZ, GX and SG19 strains, respectively. Similarity to USA variant strains, belonging to genotypes A2b (9109), A2c (GLS) and A2a (variant E), respectively, was 95.5–92.6%. Also, the VP2 hypervariable region in those two, A2d, isolates revealed greater similarities to Faragher 52/70 (Vaxxitek®) at 90.4% and to an Indian strain (Ventri-Plus®) and V217 (Xtreme®) at 89.7% and 86–88.9% in other vaccines. Histopathological examination of both the bursa of Fabricius and spleen collected from diseased chickens in flock no. 18 revealed severe atrophy. In conclusion, further studies are required to investigate the epidemiological situation of this novel genotype across the country, and to assess various vaccine protections against nVarIBDV. Additionally, vaccination of breeders with inactivated IBD vaccines including this nVarIBDV is essential to obtain specific maternal antibodies in their broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Newcastle disease (ND) causes severe economic losses in poultry industry worldwide. Egyptian poultry industry suffered from severe economic losses since the isolation of Velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) genotype VIId in 2011 and up till now despite the use of different vaccination programs. So, this study aimed to isolate and characterize the vNDV from a total of 120 poultry flocks from ten provinces in the Egyptian Delta region with a history of respiratory manifestation, high mortalities or a decrease in egg production between 2015 and 2019. Seventy-three samples' allantoic fluid (73/120, 60.8%) were positive for hemagglutination with chicken RBCs. These samples were submitted to molecular examination using qRT-PCR specific primers for AOAV-1, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI-H5), low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI-H9) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Results: Fifty samples (50/120: 41.6%) were confirmed positive for AOAV-1, based on genetic analysis of matrix and fusion protein. The co-infection rate of other respiratory viral diseases examined was 1.6, 14.1, and 4.1%, for HPAI-H5, LPAI-H9, and IBV, respectively. Biologically, the intracerebral pathogenicity index of ten selected AOAV-1 isolates ranged from 1.70 to 1.98, which indicated the velogenic nature of these isolates. All the sixteen sequenced isolates were AOAV-1 genotype VII.1.1. The full F gene sequence of six examined AOAV-1 VII.1.1 isolates contained the seven neutralizing epitopes, and the glycosylation motif of six-potential sites for N linked glycosylation at residues 85, 191, 366, 447, 471, and 541. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the high prevalence of AOAV-1 genotype VII.1.1 in the Egyptian chicken flocks despite the intensive vaccination with live and killed ND vaccines, as all the 16 isolates tested were belonged to this genotype. Homologous vaccination is badly needed to control and reduce the spread of AOAV-1 genotype VII.1.1infection in Egyptian poultry flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli (E. coli) was isolated from broiler chickens from El-Behera governorate. This study was aimed to detect the incidence of five virulence genes and the antibiotic resistance pattern of isolated E.coli. A total of 66 E. coli isolates were isolated from the liver, heart, kidney, and oviduct from broilers suffered from perihepatitis, pericarditis, omphalitis, salpingitis. The isolates were tested for pathogenicity using 5% sheep blood agar and showed 80.3% of the isolates gave alpha hemolysis and 19.7% give beta hemolysis. The isolates were examined for their sensitivity to ten antibiotics. They showed high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin with a percentage of 53.03%, while Ampicillin and Amoxicillin show a higher resistance with a percentage of 59.09% and 56.06%, respectively. On the other hand, the isolates were moderately sensitive to Nitrofurantoin, Neomycin, Tetracycline, Gentamycin, Cephalexin, Kanamycin and Chloramphenicol with percentage 87.87%, 83.33%, 83.33%, 74.25%, 72.72%, 59.09%, and 57.57%, respectively. PCR was performed using PhoA gene for the detection of E. coli that was detected in 31.81% of isolates. PCR also used for detection of five virulence genes PapC, IutA, FimH, Iss, fyuA gene, which were detected in 42.85%, 9.53%, 47.6%, 57.14%, and 33.33%, respectively. It could be concluded that the most effective antibiotic was Ciprofloxacin and avoid using ampicillin and amoxicillin because of the high resistance of bacteria against those antibiotics. The most prevalent gene was Iss which responsible for serum resistance of bacteria followed by FimH, PapC gene which were responsible for adhesion of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, fowl adenovirus (FAdV) was detected and characterized from broiler chicken flocks with inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in Northern Egypt during the period from March 2017 till March 2018. Grossly, the examined flocks showed hydropericardium and enlarged friable livers with ecchymotic hemorrhages. Histopathologically, liver tissues revealed intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes and hepatitis. Molecular detection by PCR assay using primer specific for the L1 loop region of hexon gene was conducted, the PCR products were sequenced for typing of FAdV. Seventeen out of 37 flocks tested were positive. Sequence analysis revealed that the 17 FAdVs were identical, suggesting a common ancestor for the FAdVs circulating in northern Egypt during the period of study. Phylogenetically, they clustered with fowl adenoviruses D species (FAdV-2 and FAdV-11). Interestingly, mortalities observed in the 17 flocks infected with FAdVs varied from 0.4% to 20%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of FAdV-D from broiler chicken in Egypt. Further studies are needed to examine different poultry species and other geographic areas in Egypt. Moreover, studies on the pathogenicity and potential preventive measures against FAdV infection on poultry farms are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complicated epidemiological situation of avian influenza viruses (AIV) caused by continuous emergence of new subtypes with failure of eradication, monitoring and vaccination strategies opens the door to alternative solutions to save the status quo and prevent new disasters for the poultry industry. Using of synthetic antiviral drugs such as neuraminidase and hemagglutinin inhibitors has been limited due to development of drug resistance and expensive commercial application. One of the most promising alternatives is herbal products and botanicals. This review presents a comprehensive and specialized view of in vivo studies of herbal plants in poultry species. Many herbal extracts as Nigella sativa oil, Astragalus, Cochinchina momordica and Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides proved very effective as adjuvants for AIV vaccines. Another beneficial role of herbs is enhancement of host response to vaccination with further better prevention of infection and easier control. For enumeration not inventory, this is best achieved with the use of virgin coconut oil, Echinacea purpurea, Ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins (GSLS), Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), Myrtus communis oil, Garlic powder, Turmeric, Thyme and Curcumin. This review aimed to evaluate most of the in vivo studies performed on poultry species as a step and a guide for scientists and field practitioners in establishment of new effective herbal-based drugs for prevention and control of AIV in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli infections are of significant concern to the poultry industry. It is one of the most important and frequently encountered bacterial avian pathogens causing a wide variety of disease syndromes in birds, inducing up to 30% mortality. In this study, samples from the liver, heart blood, lung, air sacs, yolk sac and joints from diseased and freshly dead chickens from broiler and layer flocks were collected for the isolation and serotyping of E. coli. Nine E. coli serotypes were isolated and identified from 8 broilers and 1 layer flocks and they were O8 (3 strains), O27 (2 strains) and the other 4 isolates were O29, O115, O148 and O169, respectively. The in-vitro antibiotic sensitivity testing for these E. coli isolates revealed that all isolates were highly sensitive to cefotaxime, mostly higher sensitivity to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and intermediate sensitivity to doxycycline, and spiramycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) are bacterial causes of respiratory diseases in chickens. The objective of this work was to investigate the possible interaction between ORT and MG in respiratory problem of broiler chickens. The experimental study confirmed that ORT infection alone could induced respiratory signs as (rales, nasal discharge), post mortem lesions (unilateral and bilateral pneumonia) and histopathological changes in tracheas, lungs and air sacs. Moreover, co-infection of ORT with MG induced severe respiratory signs like pneumonia, edema and severe inflammatory cell infilteration in lungs and air sacs than that observed in chickens infected with ORT or MG alone. ORT and MG were successfully re-isolated by PCR from tracheal swabs at 3, 7 and 14 days post infection. The results showed the synergistic effect of mixed infection of ORT and MG in broiler chickens regarding clinical signs, PM lesions, mortality rate, body weight, reisolation and histopathological examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: H9N2 avian influenza virus is endemic in Egyptian poultry flocks. The role of the live viral vaccines such as LaSota in exaggeration of the clinical picture of H9N2 infection under field conditions is significantly important leading to severe economic losses due to higher mortality and lower growth performance. This experiment was designed to identify the possible interaction between experimental infection with H9N2 virus and NDV live vaccine (LaSota strain) in broiler chickens. Six groups each of 20 broiler chicks were used. Three groups (G1–3) were infected with H9N2 and vaccinated with LaSota, 3 days before, at the same day or 3 days post vaccination (dpv), while the remaining groups (G4–6) were non-vaccinated infected, vaccinated non-infected and non-vaccinated non-infected. Results: The highest mortality rate (37.5%) was noticed in chickens of G1 (H9N2 infected 3 days prior LaSota vaccination). Also, this bird group had the most severe clinical signs, histopathological lesions and the longest viral shedding for 9 days post infection (dpi). In the 2nd and 3rd groups, the mortality rate was the similar (31.2%) with less pronounced clinical signs, histopathological lesions and H9N2 shedding was for only 6 dpi with the least shedding quantity in chickens of G3. The control non-vaccinated infected chickens (G4) had 18.7% mortality with the least degree of clinical signs, lesions and the highest viral shedding quantity but only for 6 dpi. At 35 days of age, there was a statistical significant decrease (P < 0.05) in chicken’s body weight of all H9N2 infected groups from G1 to G4 compared to non-infected control groups, G5 and G6 respectively. Conclusion: It was clear that laSota vaccination significantly affect H9N2 infection in broiler chickens regarding clinical signs, mortality rate, lesions, performance and viral shedding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protection of the commercially available vaccines was evaluated against two Egyptian variant IBV isolates that was found to be related to IS/885 variant II strain by 86% and 84% respectively in commercial broiler chickens. The protection assessment was detected by clinical signs, gross lesions, detection of viral shedding in tracheal and cloacal swabs, estimation of kidney function tests (Creatinine and Uric acid), detection of specific IBV antibody titer and histopathological examination. No significant protection could be provided against both challenging viruses using the classical live H120, Ma5 vaccines at day 1 and 14 of age respectively. Also no significant protection could be provided using 2 different inactivated vaccines at day 5 of age. The results indicated that the used vaccine strains and the challenging IBV field isolates are not the same protecteotype, therefore, change in the program of field vaccination is required to obtain a relative improvement of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallibacterium anatis and Mycoplasma gallisepticum are bacterial pathogens affecting the respiratory tract of broiler chickens. Tracking the mixed experimental infection effect with G. anatis and M. gallisepticum in broiler chickens regarding clinical signs, performance, PM and histopathological lesions was the aim of this work. Birds inoculated with G. anatis (G2) or M. gallisepticum (G4) alone showed less severe clinical signs and gross pathological lesions in the respiratory tract. While, co-infection with G. anatis and M. gallisepticum (G3) exaggerated the clinical signs like rales, sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, lacrimation and open mouth breathing and also gross and microscopical lesions which appeared as severe conjunctivitis with hemorrhagic congestive tracheitis, pneumonia and hyperplasia of the epithelium lining of trachea as compared to other groups which were infected with single pathogen or control negative group (G1). In conclusion, G. anatis produce less severe clinical signs and lesions regarding respiratory system than coinfection with M. gallisepticum which may be a most important factor enhancing the pathogenicity of G. anatis under field conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marek’s disease is a lymphoproliferative disease causing a serious threat in poultry production. Field strains of Marek’s disease virus (MDVs) are continuously re-emerging, causing great economical losses to the poultry industry worldwide in spite of the intensive vaccination and restrictive management policy used. Histopathological and molecular characterizations of MDVs are essential for monitoring the changes of viruses and evaluating the effectiveness of existing vaccines. During 2016, 190 visceral tumour tissues representing 30 vaccinated chicken flocks from the Gifu prefecture, Japan, were analysed. A pathological examination revealed the presence of lymphoproliferative lesions in the visceral organs. Polymerase chain reaction screening of tissue specimens using specific primers for avian leucosis virus, reticuloendotheliosis virus, and MDV was positive only for MDV. The polymerase chain reaction products of meq, pp38, virus-induced IL-8 homology, and glycoprotein MDV genes were sequenced and used for homology, phylogenetic, and similarity level analysis with the published reference of MDVs in the database. The results revealed high similarity between the field isolates, vv and vv+ strains of MDV from the USA and China. Several point mutations in the nucleotide sequence of the field isolates and their deduced amino acid sequences were detected in those genes. The present molecular analyses indicated that nucleotide and amino acid changes could be valuable criteria for differentiation and determination of the pathogenicity and oncogenicity of MDVs according to the Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory pathotyping in vivo studies. Furthermore, the results suggest that development of a new vaccine must be considered to overcome this devastating avian oncogenic viral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Avian influenza virus H9N2 is a panzootic pathogen that affects poultry causing mild to moderate respiratory distress but has been associated with high morbidity and considerable mortality. In this study, one hundred and twenty cloacal and tracheal swabs and organs (trachea, lung and spleen) were collected from broiler chicken flocks in 8 Egyptian governorates from summer 2014 to spring 2015. Results of RT-PCR revealed that 36 flocks were positive out of 120 flocks for H9N2 (30%) of which 24 infected with H9 only (66.7%) and 12 co-infected with H5N1 (19.4), NDV (11.1%) or IBV (8.3%). Seasonal distribution of positive flocks was as follow: 0.8% in summer of 2014, 5.8% in autumn of 2014, 19.2% in winter of 2014 and 4.1% in spring of 2015. Sequencing of HA gene and phylogenetic analysis of 7 selected H9N2 isolates representative of different governorates indicated that all isolates belong to G1-like lineage and are closely related to other Middle East H9N2 isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three commercial products of herbal extracts (Amphiflu-Ex®, Fyto-immune Plus® and Viu-Vet®) were tested for antiviral activity against two Egyptian highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 isolates (isolated form backyard poultry) and upon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, they belonged to clade 2.2.1.2., The antiviral assay for the products was done by using chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell culture through cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay in two different layouts to elucidate post-exposure and pre-exposure antiviral activity of the products. Amphiflu- Ex® at conc. 50 μl/ml showed significant virucidal activity (100% inhibition) in post-exposure assay for both viral isolates which was further confirmed by quantitative real time RT-PCR method that showed 100% reduction in virus titers for both isolates and further investigation was done on conc. 10 and 20 μl/ml, where the virus titers were decreased by 1-1.27 and 2.72-2.8 logs (Log 10 virus titers) respectively. The maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTC) for the three products which estimated by cytotoxicity assay was 50 μl/ml and TCID50 used for both isolates was 106 copy/100 μl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the adverse effects of an interaction between low dietary aflatoxins and H9N2 infection in broiler chickens. They were infected with H9N2 AI virus at the 23 days of age at dose of 106 EID50/100 ul/bird and /or fed on diet containing 200ppb aflatoxin with a group kept as a non-treated noninfected negative control. Aflatoxins treated groups exhibit significant lower body weight gain (average530g) than the control group (average 1850g). The clinical signs of H9N2 were more pronounced in the group which received aflatoxin and infected with H9N2 than the group infected with H9N2 alone. Also there was significant increase in serum (AST and ALT) liver enzymes in chickens in this group. Histopathological examination regarding aflatoxins treated groups there was hepatomegaly, hydropic degeneration, hepatocytic vacuolation and necrosis in liver with nephrosis and ureates deposition in kidney. The lesions in trachea and lung in the H9N2 infected groups were more sever in the group receive aflatoxins and infected with H9N2 virus than group infected with H9N2 alone. Thus the aflatoxins severely affect the performance traits in broiler and when combined with H9N2 virus increase the mortalities from 0 in nonaflatoxicated groups to 20% in aflatoxicated groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian nephritis virus is a new circulating virus in Europe, Australia, and Japan, this virus lead to growth retardation of young chickens by causing interstitial nephritis. Investigation was done in 5 Egyptian governorates (North Sinai, El-Minoufiya, El- Gharbia and El-Behera and Kafr-Elsheikh) on 28 broiler chicken flocks and all the flocks were negative for Avian nephritis virus. In addition, we continued the detection of IBV in the same 28 broiler chicken flocks, resulting that 11 flocks out of 28 flocks, were positive for IBV. Regarding spike glycoprotein (S1) gene, sequencing was done to 5 isolates, which showed that they belonged to Eg/12120s/2012 spike glycoprotein (SP1) gene variant 2. Protectotyping was done using 2 isolates, and 3 types of IB live attenuated vaccines (H120, Ma5, IB primer). In conclusion, this study recorded the extensive circulation of variant 2 IBV in Egyptian broiler chickens. Regarding the pathogenicity of the tested variant and cross protection with available live IB vaccines, it was clear that there no complete cross protection against IBV isolates although of using live attenuated IB vaccines so there a need for further studies to define a more effective program for IB control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1 has been isolated from many diverse species in Egypt. Here, we characterized the pathogenesis of a HPAI H5N1 isolated from naturally infected pigeons in Japanese quails. Our results showed that the pigeon virus was very pathogenic to quails; killing them within two days of intranasal inoculation. Further, phylogenetic analysis showed that the pigeon derived virus and the quail-derived viruses were close to viruses circulating in china and they segregated far from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of G. anatis infection in commercial broiler and layer chickens in El-behira and Alexandria governorates, Egypt. A total of 64 chicken flocks (53 broiler, 6 layer and 5 breeder flocks) suffering from rales, sneezing and decreased egg production (in layer and breeder flocks) were examined by collecting swabs from trachea, oviduct and ovarian tissues. The molecular identification for the suspected samples, using PCR primers targeted the 16S rRNA (1133fgal) and 23S rRNA (114r) genes revealed 23.43% (15/64) positive isolates of G. anatis. The invitro antibiotic sensitivity testing was done and revealed that almost all isolates were sensitive to cefotaxime, norfloxacin, doxycycline and florfenicol. According to the clinical signs, PM lesions and histopathological lesions in commercial broiler chickens infected experimentally there was a significant differences in the pathogenicity in commercial broiler chickens among the 10 isolates used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis in broiler chickens is one of economic problems causing losses in poultry industry. Hundred samples (60 samples for Mycoplasma synoviae isolation and 40 samples for isolation other bacteria) from chicken with arthritis symptoms, were collected from different broiler chickens farms. The samples were cultivated on PPIO media for isolation of Mycoplasma synoviae and different media( MaCconky , EMB, X.L.D and salt Mannitol media) for isolation of other bacteria and biochemically identified. The results revealed that out of 40 samples 28(70%) were positive for E. coli isolation,10 (25%) were positive for Staphylococcus aureus isolation,2(5%) were positive for Salmonella Enterica isolation. Out of 6osamples 6(10%) were positive for Mycoplasma synoviae isolation. Amplification of vlhA gene of Mycoplasma synoviae showed that out of 6 isolate 3 (50%) were positive for the gene . Six seogroups of E. coli isolates examined serologically and put into six group, one each group (O128, O125, O146,O27,O114 and O158).The result of multiplex PCR for E.coli virulence genes( ibeA and iss ) showed that iss were detected in all serogroups .While ibeA virulence gene was detected in serotypes O125 and O146 only .The result of PCR for amplification of virulance genes of S.aureus(CNA,clfA)reveled that out of 8 isolate of S.aureus,3(37.5%) were positive for clfA. Out of 3 positive S.aureus for clfA,3(100%) were positive for CNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the effect of acetic acid on growing and laying performance of Japanese quail (JQ), 180 15-day-old JQ were divided into 4 groups. During the growing (15- 42 days of age) and laying (43-84 days of age) periods, the groups fed the same basal diets supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3 and 6% of acetic acid. Each diet was fed to five replicates of 9 JQ (3 males:6 females) during the growing period. During the laying period, 128 birds were housed in 32 cages (4 birds per cage, 1 male and 3 females, 8 replicates per treatment). Birds were housed in wire cages (46L×43W× 20H cm) in an open room. Acetic acid supplementation at 3% in the diets significantly increased the growth and laying rate and the Haugh unit score. The liver percentage significantly decreased with acetic acid at 6%. Acetic acid at 3% significantly increased hemoglobin concentrations at 6 weeks of age and increased weight of day old chicks hatched. Acetic acid affected the immune system as manifested by an excess of cellular reactions in the intestine as well as lymphoid hyperplasia in the spleen tissue. Degenerative changes in the covering epithelium of the intestinal villi were noted at the 6% concentration of acetic acid. Hepatocyte vacuolation and fatty changes were also observed at this concentration of treatment. In conclusion, 3% acetic acid may be used as a feed supplement for JQ during the growing and laying period to improve the productive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H5N1 is currently widespread in Asia, Europe, and Africa, with 60% mortality in humans. In particular, since 2009 Egypt has unexpectedly had the highest number of human cases of H5N1 virus infection, with more than 50% of the cases worldwide, but the basis for this high incidence has not been elucidated. A change in receptor binding affinity of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) from α2,3- to α2,6-linked sialic acid (SA) is thought to be necessary for H5N1 virus to become pandemic. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 viruses isolated between 2006 and 2009 in Egypt. The phylogenetic results showed that recent human isolates clustered disproportionally into several new H5 sublineages suggesting that their HAs have changed their receptor specificity. Using reverse genetics, we found that these H5 sublineages have acquired an enhanced binding affinity for α2,6 SA in combination with residual affinity for α2,3 SA, and identified the amino acid mutations that produced this new receptor specificity. Recombinant H5N1 viruses with a single mutation at HA residue 192 or a double mutation at HA residues 129 and 151 had increased attachment to and infectivity in the human lower respiratory tract but not in the larynx. These findings correlated with enhanced virulence of the mutant viruses in mice. Interestingly, these H5 viruses, with increased affinity to α2,6 SA, emerged during viral diversification in bird populations and subsequently spread to humans. Our findings suggested that emergence of new H5 sublineages with α2,6 SA specificity caused a subsequent increase in human H5N1 influenza virus infections in Egypt, and provided data for understanding the virus's pandemic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the adverse effects of an interaction between low levels of dietary aflatoxins (AF) and Eimeria tenella infection on broiler chicks. A set of 1-day-old chicks were raised for 35 days in the following groups: a control group, a group fed AF, a group fed AF and inoculated with E. tenella (AF + E.ten), and a group inoculated with E. tenella alone. AF in the contaminated diet were given at 200 ppb starting from the seventh day after hatching while E. tenella was inoculated at a dose of 5 × 10 sporulated oocysts per chick at the 14th day after hatching. Worsened performance traits and high mortality were all observed in the treated birds, particularly the AF + E.ten group. Lesion scores and oocyst outputs were not different within groups. Chickens fed with AF had significantly increased serum ALT and ALP activities as well as decreased albumin content. They also showed hepatomegaly, hepatocytic vacuolation and necrosis, an atrophied bursa of Fabricius, and a thymus with tissue depletion. E. tenella-infected broilers displayed a significant reduction in packed cell volume, hemoglobin content and lymphocyte percentage, and showed hemorrhagic typhlitis. The deficits in hepatic function and hematologic parameters as well as the gross pathological, and histopathological changes, were more common and more severe in the group that was exposed to both aflatoxicosis and coccidiosis than in the groups exposed to either treatment alone. Thus, the combination of aflatoxicosis and E. tenella infection may influence the course of coccidial infection due to additive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Newcastle disease is an acute fatal disease of poultry. All broiler chickens and 8/15 pigeons were killed when infected intramuscularly (IM), while 7/10 chickens and only 1/15 pigeons were killed when infected intranasally (IN) with the virus in an experimental setting. Chickens in contact with infected pigeons developed severe respiratory, digestive and nervous signs. The mortality rates in chickens in contact with IM and IN infected pigeons were 2/5 and 3/5, respectively. Chickens in contact with IM infected pigeons had higher viral shedding titres than those in contact with IN infected pigeons. Free-range pigeons are considered an efficient carrier and transmitter of NDV-VIId to commercial broiler chickens raised in open houses. Newcastle disease is an acute fatal disease of poultry. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of the transmission of avian avulavirus (velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease-genotype VIId) from either intramuscularly (IM)- or intranasally (IN) infected 8-week-old Egyptian Baladi pigeons in contact with commercial Arbor Acres broiler chickens (4 weeks of age). The mortality of IM infected chickens and pigeons was 10/10 for chickens and 8/15 for pigeons, while the mortality of IN infected chickens and pigeons was 7/10 for chickens and only 1/15 for pigeons. The concentration of viral shedding in the oropharynx was higher than that in the cloaca for both IN and IM infected pigeons. Pigeons infected IN continued shedding the virus from the oropharynx from the 4th day post-infection (dpi) up to the 16th dpi, while IM infected pigeons stopped oropharyngeal shedding at the 11th dpi. Chickens in contact with infected pigeons developed severe respiratory, digestive and nervous signs. The mortality rates in chickens in contact with IM and IN infected pigeons were 2/5 and 3/5, respectively. Chickens in contact with IM infected pigeons showed higher viral shedding titres in both the oropharynx and cloaca than chickens in contact with pigeons infected IN. In conclusion, free-range pigeons are considered an efficient carrier and transmitter of NDV-VIId compared to commercial broiler chickens raised in open houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Avian Influenza A (H5N1) virus is endemic in poultry in Egypt. The winter of 2014/2015 was particularly worrying as new clusters of HPAI A (H5N1) virus emerged, leading to an important number of AI A (H5N1) outbreaks in poultry farms and sporadic human cases. To date, few studies have investigated the distribution of HPAI A (H5N1) outbreaks in Egypt in relation to protective / risk factors at the farm level, a gap we intend to fill. The aim of the study was to analyse passive surveillance data that were based on observation of sudden and high mortality of poultry or drop in duck or chicken egg production, as a basis to better understand and discuss the risk of HPAI A (H5N1) presence at the farm level in large parts of the Nile Delta. Results: The probability of HPAI A (H5N1) presence was associated with several characteristics of the farms. Vaccination status, absence of windows/openings in the farm and the number of birds per cycle of production were found to be protective factors, whereas the presence of a duck farm with significant mortality or drop in egg production in the village was found to be a risk factor. Conclusions: Results demonstrate the key role of several prevention and biosecurity measures to reduce HPAI A (H5N1) virus circulation, which could promote better poultry farm biosecurity in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]