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IntroductionHaemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite’s blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples.MethodsWe employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored.ResultsThe study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis.DiscussionThe study concluded that there was a relatively high occurrence of H. contortus among sheep from Upper Egypt. We recommend the implementation of stringent and effective control measures to combat the infection and safeguard livestock health.

Toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, and Q fever are among the most important abortifacient diseases in ruminants worldwide. These diseases result in huge economic losses in livestock besides the fact that some of are of public health concern. The present study aimed to update the data about the current seroepidemiological situation of these diseases in Upper Egypt. A total of 411 blood samples were collected from small and large ruminants and serologically tested against the presence of T. gondii, N. caninum, and C. burnetii. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to assess the potential risk factors associated with the exposure to these pathogens. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 47.9% (197/411) with an individual seropositivity of 59.4% (63/106), 58.6% (17/29), 38.8% (54/139) and 46% (63/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Meanwhile, 9.7% (38/411) of the examined animals were tested positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies, with an individual seropositivity of 13.2% (12/106), 34.5% (10/29), 8.6% (12/139) and 2.9% (4/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Furthermore, the overall prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii was 17.3% (63/411), and exposure to this pathogen was detected in 4.7% (5/106) of cattle, 19.3% (20/129) of sheep, 29.2% (38/130) of goats but none of the examined buffalo were found to be seropositive. A total of 12.1% (50/411) of the examined animals showed co-exposure to at least two of the tested pathogens. Regarding the potential risk factors, there were statistically significant differences among species in the frequency of exposure to the three tested pathogens. Age (> 6 months) was also shown to be a significant risk factor associated with T. gondii exposure. The results obtained provided updated information about the occurrence of three of the main reproductive pathogens in Upper Egypt. The high seropositivity values found for the tested zoonotic pathogens in most of the analyzed ruminant species suggest the necessity of performing additional in-depth studies to evaluate the epidemiology of these pathogens in the study area.

Eimeria infection is one of the most common protozoal disease affecting sheep worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Eimeria species (spp.) infection in native sheep breed at Sohag governorate. Total number of investigated sheep was 101. All sheep were examined clinically; blood and fecal samples were collected from each animal. Coprological examination was performed using the standard flotation technique. Eimeria oocysts were counted microscopically using the high power. Oocysts numbers were used to classify the degree of infection into mild and severe. Complete blood picture was performed using automatic blood cell counter. Levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin were determined in sera of infected sheep. In addition to the activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and serum calcium level were measured using the spectrophotometer. Results of hematology and blood biochemistry were analyzed statistically to compare between mild and heavy infections. The total number of sheep infected with Eimeria spp. was 67/101 (66.4%). Infected sheep manifested variable clinical signs such as bloody and/or mucoid diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, emaciation, fever and loss of wool. In this study, total erythrocytic count and hemoglobin concentration were significantly decreased in heavy Eimeria spp. infection. Total leucocytes count and granulocytes percentage were significantly elevated in mildly infected sheep. While, lymphocyte percentage was increased in case of heavy infection. Total proteins were significantly decreased in case of heavy infection. Albumin/ globulin ratio was considerably altered. The liver enzymes, ALT and ALP were elevated in heavily infected sheep. AST was significantly higher when compared with mild cases. This study highlighted the risk of heavy Eimeriosis that can result in severe anemia and altered liver functions. Therefore, Eimeriosis is a clinical disease of economic importance in productive animals such as sheep.

Eimeriosis is an important enteric disease caused by a protozoon named Eimeria that affects a wide range of animal species. Specifically in small ruminants, this parasite has global economic importance in young animals, particularly those reared in high densities. This study aimed to investigate Eimeria infection in goats. One hundred (100) goats of the local breed have been surveyed. Fecal and blood samples were collected from each animal. Fecal samples were examined microscopically after applying the standard fecal flotation technique. Herein, we detected about 63% Eimeria spp. infection among goats in Sohag governorate at Southern Egypt. In addition, the clinical manifestation of Eimeriosis in infected goats was recorded. Liver enzymes, blood proteins including total protein and albumin, and calcium levels were measured by spectrophotometer in sera of infected goats. Results indicated an elevation of ALT and AST enzymes in sera of infected male kids and pregnant goats. This study highlights the importance of the altered biochemical profile as an indicator of the possible liver dysfunction resulting from Eimeria infection in goats. The overall findings reflect significant environmental contamination that continues to pose hazards on animal health and represent a major challenge for small ruminant production under the current raising conditions in Sohag villages.

The Atlantic puffin is a medium-sized seabird with black and white plumage and orange feet. It is distributed mainly along the northern Atlantic Ocean, and due, among other reasons, to human activities, it is in a threatened situation and classified as a vulnerable species according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In this study, we used a total of 20 carcasses of juvenile Atlantic puffins to perform MRI, as well as anatomical cross-sections. Thus, an adequate description of the head was made, providing valuable information that could be helpful as a diagnostic tool for veterinary clinicians, who increasingly treat these birds in zoos, rehabilitation centers, and even in the wild.

Background and Aim: Intestinal disorders represented a large proportion of abdominal emergencies in bovine practice, and their definite diagnosis was a big challenge. The study described different intestinal disorders in cattle either in the small intestine (SI) or large intestine with their sequelae and peritonitis between SI loops. Materials and Methods: This study involved healthy (n=20) and diseased (n=40) cattle with intestinal disorders. All animals were undergoing clinical examination, laboratory analyses, and ultrasonographic examination. Results: Diseased cattle had monocytic leukocytosis as well as hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. The SI ileus of either proximal (n=12) or distal (n=15), intussusception (n=3), cecal, and/or colonal dilatation (n=10) were diagnosed by ultrasound and other diagnostic tools. Duodenum intussusception was imaged in cross-section as bull's eyes lesions. Animals with SI obstructions showed complete cessation (ileus with complete obstruction) or partial reduction of the peristaltic SI movement (ileus with partial obstruction), dilated duodenum (6.5-9.9 cm), and dilated jejunum and/or ileum (4.4-6.8 cm). Ultrasonography diagnosed SI ileus, due to either intestinal obstruction or peritonitis, and detected the ileus site, either proximal or distal. Cecal/colonal dilatation was detected using ultrasonography in which SI was not imaged and the peristaltic movements were completely reduced. The recorded intestinal disorders were associated with other disorders (e.g., liver cirrhosis or peritonitis). Conclusion: Ultrasonography played an important role in the differential diagnosis of intestinal disorders in cattle. Peritonitis between SI loops and cecal and/or colonal dilatation was also diagnosed.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of continuous treatment with the anti-thyroid drug, propylthiouracil (PTU), on renal and hepatic functions in rabbits as an experimental animal model. Animals were randomly divided into four different isolated groups (n = 10); Group I received normal saline. Group II, III, and IV were daily administrated with PTU in oral dosing of 50, 75, and 150 mg/kg, BWT, respectively, for three successive weeks. Serum T3 and T4 levels were measured in all groups. Increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels (P

Rabbit as homeothermic species is able to keep its core body temperature within ± 1°C regulatory range. In Upper Egypt where high ambient temperature particularly at summer months, rabbit breeding ceases, by virtue of its fur, there is certain inability to dissipate excess body heat. Under uncontrolled ambient environment, most of the observed mortality at summer is due to heat stasis. In this study, we compared white (California) to black (Chinchilla) mature breeds of rabbits. Blood picture and serum hormonal profiles were assessed. The results showed many similarities between the two breeds in terms of blood picture, the serum concentration of tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), but T3/T4 ratio was higher and corticosterone was lower in California than Chinchilla rabbits (P

In this study, we have investigated the impact of vitamin C on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 β (IL-1 β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12p40 (IL-12p40), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) in lambs naturally infected by pneumonic pasteurellosis. Of 37 lambs, 18 lambs were identified to have pneumonic pasteurellosis and randomly allocated into two equal groups. Single subcutaneous dose of tulathromycine alone (2.5 mg kg−1) or tulathromycine combined with vitamin C (3 gm kg−1) were administrated to the diseased lambs. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were returned to the normal levels in pneumonic lambs treated with the combination therapy. The obtained results indicate the selective influences of vitamin C on pro-inflammatory cytokines production in sera of lambs with pneumonic pasteurellosis and highlights the value of vitamin C as a potential anti-inflammatory drug and ideal immunomodulatory agent.

Traumatic pericarditis (TP) remains a serious problem facing bovine producers; particularly in the developing countries; causing severe economic losses. This study was carried out on 47 buffaloes including; control buffaloes (n = 20) and buffaloes with TP (n = 27) at Assiut governorate, Egypt. All animals were subjected to thorough clinical examination, whole blood profiling, blood serum biochemical assays, and radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The recorded ultrasonographic findings included; the contractility, contour and shape of the reticulum, shape and size of the heart and spleen involvement. All data were statistically analysed. Buffaloes with TP showed lymphocytic leucocytosis, increase in serum activities of AST, hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. Radio-opaque metal foreign bodies, cardiomegaly and loss of the normal cardiac shape and contour were the most common radiographic findings in the diseased buffaloes. Ultrasonographically, the diseased buffaloes showed either acute pericarditis (n = 10) or chronic suppurative pericarditis (n = 17). Complete cessation of reticular contractions (0/3 min) and displacement of the reticulum from the diaphragm by a distance about 2.6–4.5 cm were the most common ultrasonographic findings of both types of pericarditis. In addition, the reticulum had uneven contour and the heart showed characteristic changes in its size, shape and contractility that was either accelerated or reduced. Reticular abscesses and peritoneal effusions were also imaged in all diseased buffaloes. In acute TP; the affected heart was enlarged with strong and clear cardiac contractions. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids interspersed with echogenic deposits of fibrin within heart tissue and pericardium was observed. In chronic suppurative pericarditis, cardiomegaly, thickening of the cardiac wall and loss of the characteristic recognisable heart shape were the common ultrasonographic findings. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids (usually pus) interspersing with echogenic deposits of fibrin within the pericardium, ventricles, atria and valves was also observed. In conclusion, ultrasonography with the aids of other diagnostic tools such as clinical findings, laboratory analysis and radiography has a high efficacy in evaluation of diseased buffaloes with TP. Keywords: Cardiomegaly, Peritoneal effusions, Reticular abscess, Splenic abscess, Suppurative pericarditis, Traumatic reticuloperitonitis