Ovine PAPPA2 gene coding variants are linked to decreased fecal egg shedding in native Turkish sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

In this study, the association between PAPPA2 coding variants and gastrointestinal (GI) nematode fecal egg count (FEC) score in adult Turkish sheep was investigated. For this purpose, the FEC score was determined in adult sheep from six breeds: Karacabey Merino (n = 137), Kivircik (n = 116), Cine capari (n = 109), Karakacan (n = 102), Imroz (n = 73), and Chios (n = 50). Sheep were classified as shedders or non-shedders within breeds and flocks. The first group was the fecal egg shedders (> 50 per gram of feces), and the second group was the no fecal egg shedders (≤ 50 per gram of feces). The exon 1, exon 2, exon 5, exon 7, and a part of 5'UTR of the ovine PAPPA2 gene were genotyped by Sanger sequencing of these two groups. Fourteen synonymous and three non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found. The non-synonymous SNPs, D109N, D391H, and L409R variants, are reported for the first time. Two haplotype blocks were constructed on exon 2 and exon 7. The specific haplotype, C391G424G449T473C515A542 on the exon 2 that carries the 391H variant, was tested against four other common haplotypes. Our results indicate that C391G424G449T473C515A542 haplotype was significantly associated with fecal egg shedding status in adult Turkish sheep (p-value, 0.044).

Prevalence of Liver Hydatidosis and Its Economic Significance in Sheep Slaughtered in a Private Abattoir in Konya

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of liver hydatidosis in sheep slaughtered in a private slaughterhouse in Konya and to estimate the economic loss incurred because of the disease. Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 12 months between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2019. Given that the aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of liver hydatidosis, only the livers of 41,002 sheep were examined for hydatid cysts. Results: The liver of 810 (1.97%) sheep was found to be infected with hydatid cysts during the study period. The infection rate was determined as 5.34% in animals older than one year of age and 1.68% in animals less than one year of age. Regardless of the age group, the highest infection rate was found in autumn (3.34%), while the lowest infection rate was seen in spring (0.84%). In the sheep, the highest infection rate was in December (17.2%), and in lambs, it was in June (2.9%). On the other hand, the lowest infection rate in sheep was observed in November (1.8%), while the lowest infection rate in lambs was found in April (0.7%). The total economic loss incurred due to the annihilated livers was estimated as 36,450 TL (6.417$). Regardless of the number of cysts and degree of infection, the infected livers were completely discarded. The economic loss incurred due to the discarded livers was estimated by considering the 2019 offal prices. Conclusion: Based on the data obtained from this study, it could be concluded that hydatidosis still exists in Konya as well as throughout Turkey and that it causes serious economic loss.

Detecting fecal egg count (FEC) for gastrointestinal nematodes of adult Turkish sheep with different scrapie related PRNP haplotypes.

Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy caused by prions and leads to neurodegeneration in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of sheep and goats. Genetic resistance/susceptibility to scrapie is well studied and it is known that the variations of 136th, 154th and 171st codons at the ovine PRNP gene have a major effect on the development of the disease. Many studies demonstrated that selection for PRNP genotypes has not influenced other performance traits, nevertheless, there is a knowledge gap about the possible link between the PRNP gene and the status of the other important diseases that affect the sheep population worldwide. In the present study, we tested whether there is an association between scrapie-related PRNP genotypes and fecal egg count (FEC) of gastrointestinal nematodes in seven adult Turkish sheep breeds. For this purpose, FEC scores of studied sheep (n = 253) were determined and the same animals were genotyped for the PRNP gene. Finally, an association analysis was performed for scrapie resistant (ARR), susceptible (VRQ), and wild-type (ARQ) haplotypes. Based on our statistical analysis, it is concluded that PRNP genotypes have no positive or negative effect on the FEC scores of adult sheep.

Association between ovine Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene coding variants and presence of Eimeria spp. in naturally infected adult Turkish native sheep.

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a protozoan disease prevalent in farm animals, and it is responsible for serious economic losses especially in young animals. It has been popular to breed disease-resistant animals due to the concern about food safety, animal welfare, and public health. Toll-like receptor (TLR) gene family plays a key role in the innate immune system participating in host-antigen interaction, therefore, they are candidate genes for breeding disease-resistant animals. In the present study, possible genetic associations between TLR4 gene coding variants and the presence of Eimeria spp. in adult Turkish sheep were investigated. For this purpose, the presence of Eimeria spp. in fecal samples from six native Turkish sheep were determined, and approximately 1450 bp region in the 3rd exon of the ovine TLR4 gene was sequenced. Ten nonsynonymous and four synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in the targeted region. Statistical analyses revealed that the SNP at the codon at 356th position encoding Leucine instead of Phenylalanine (F356L) was significantly associated with the presence of Eimeria spp. It was found that the individuals carrying at least one Leucine amino acid sequence at this position have 2.3-fold more risk for the presence of Eimeria spp.

Intestinal helminths of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia Linnaeus 1758) from an inter-route site in Turkey.

In Turkey, a study was conducted during the years 2009-2015 to detect the gastrointestinal helminth species of 18 white storks (Ciconia ciconia Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Ciconiiformes) sampled from aquatic or swamp areas of Bursa Province, one of the inter-route sites where storks intensely stay. The results of postmortem examination revealed that 17 (94.44%) white storks harboured one or more helminth species. Eight species of helminths were detected at the following prevalence rates: Dictymetra discoidea (38.88%), Chaunocephalus ferox (37.50%), Schistocephalus solidus (27.77%), Stephanoprora (Monilifer) spinulosa (18.75%), Echinoparyphium sp. (12.50%), Tylodelphys excavata (6.25%), T. clavata (6.25%), and Syncuaria ciconiae (6.25%). This study is the first report on the presence of all the above species except T. excavata from white storks in Turkey. Stephanoprora (M.) spinulosa was found in Ciconiiform birds for the first time in this study.

Ectoparasites of hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) from Turkey.

Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal, spiny-coated animals that have been growing in popularity as exotic pets. However, these animals are host to a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, some of which are of zoonotic character. Thus, because hedgehogs have a potential role to transmit zoonoses including arthropod-borne diseases, we examined them for their ectoparasites. The study was carried out on hedgehogs found dead mainly due to road casualties in the Bursa province of Turkey. The ectoparasites were collected by both insecticide spraying of the body and inspection on a white paper carefully. Totally three species of ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Hyalomma aegyptium, Haemophysalis parvo) and one flea species (Archeopsylla erinacei) were detected. The prevalence of mixed infestation with both ticks and fleas was 45.5%. Haemaphysalis parva was reported for the first time from hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) in Turkey. The occurrence of ectoparasites and their potential role as vectors of certain zoonotic diseases are briefly discussed.

Major causes of organ/carcass condemnation and financial loss estimation in animals slaughtered at two abattoirs in Bursa Province, Turkey.

An abattoir survey was conducted from July 2012 to December 2012 to determine the major causes of organ and carcass condemnation and to estimate the associated direct financial loss at two abattoirs in Bursa Province in Turkey. A total of 22,872 sheeps and 5363 cattle were examined by postmortem inspection using standard inspection procedures. The total economic loss in two abattoirs was estimated from the summation of organ and carcass condemnation in six-month period. The retail prices of offal (lung, liver, kidney, heart, and spleen) and kg price of cattle and sheep carcasses were obtained from local markets. The results of postmortem examination indicated that a total of 658 (2.33%) offals and 93 (0.32%) carcasses were condemned. While the main causes of organ condemnation were hydatidosis and fasciolosis, carcasses were condemned mainly due to tuberculosis and jaundice. The total revenue in 2012 for all animals (164,080 sheeps and 56,035 cattle) slaughtered in 15 abattoirs in Bursa Province was 144,401,765 USD. This study showed that financial loss due to organ and carcass condemnations at two abattoirs in six-month period was 245,483 USD (0.17% of the total annual revenue of all slaughtered animals at 15 abattoirs). In sheep, six-month financial loss was estimated at 3281 USD and 4015 USD from organ condemnation due to fasciolosis and hydatidosis, respectively. In cattle, total loss was calculated as 4042 USD and 12,321 USD due to fasciolosis and hydatidosis, respectively. A common cause of carcass condemnation in cattle was tuberculosis, totalling 214,995 USD in losses, whereas condemnation due to tuberculosis was not determined in sheep. The current study also showed that six-month monetary losses from carcass condemnation of sheep and cattle due to jaundice were 8099 USD and 6026 USD, respectively. From the data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that bacterial and parasitic diseases remain common and cause considerable economic loss in Bursa Province, Turkey. The result of this abattoir study provided regional information on major causes of organ and carcass condemnation in sheep and cattle slaughtered at two abattoirs as well as giving an estimation of the direct financial losses.

Helminth parasites found in hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) from Turkey.

Hedgehog diseases are becoming important issues for veterinary surgeons due to growing interest in this animal species among pet owners and an increase in cases of rescued hedgehogs requiring veterinary care. A parasitological study was carried out on hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) in the Bursa province of Turkey, found dead mainly due to road casualties, to determine their helminth parasite burden. The detected helminths and their prevalences were as follows: Physaloptera clausa (72.2%), Crenosoma striatum (55.5%), Aonchotheca erinacei (55.5%), Hymenolepis erinacei (55.5%), Nephridiorhynchus major (50%) and Eucoleus aerophilus (22.2%). The number of parasites in infected animals varied from 1 to 203. The highest mean intensity of infection was observed with C. striatum, and the lowest was observed with N. major. The mean abundance of different species varied from 0.7 to 41.8, where E. aerophilus and C. striatum had the lowest and highest abundance, respectively. This study represents the first time N. major and E. aerophilus have been reported in hedgehogs in Turkey. The presence of E. aerophilus and its potential role as a zoonotic agent are discussed.

Comparative plasma disposition, bioavailability and efficacy of ivermectin following oral and pour-on administrations in horses.

Pour-on formulations of endectocides decrease the risk of injury for both user and animal, and are particularly convenient for animal owners who can apply the product. This study was designed to investigate the plasma disposition and efficacy of ivermectin (IVM) following pour-on, per os and intravenous administrations. Eighteen female horses weighing 510-610 kg were used in this study. The animals were allocated into three groups (per os, pour-on and intravenous groups). The equine paste, bovine pour-on and bovine injectable formulations of IVM were administered orally, topically and intravenously at the dose rates of 0.2, 0.5 and 0.2mg/kg bodyweight, respectively. Heparinized blood samples and hair samples were collected at various times between 1h and 40 days. The samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. Faecal strongyle egg counts (EPG) were performed by a modified McMaster's technique before and at weekly intervals during 10 weeks after treatment. The results indicated that the plasma concentration and systemic availability of IVM was lower but the plasma persistence was prolonged after pour-on administration compared with per os route. IVM (paste) reduced the EPG by >95% for 10 weeks, whereas the reduction in pour-on group varied from 82 to 97%. EPG reduction in pour-on group was lower than that of per os group. Degradation on the application site, cutaneous biotransformation, binding of IVM to the haircoat and/or sebum are probably responsible for the relatively lower bioavailability of IVM in horses after pour-on administration. In conclusion, the poor plasma availability observed after pour-on administration could result in subtherapeutic plasma concentrations, which may promote the development of drug resistance in parasites.

Viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices at different conditions.

The aim of this study was to examine the longest survival time of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices stored at different humidities and constant temperatures from -10 to +40 degrees C. Sheep livers containing hydatid cysts obtained from slaughterhouses were taken to the laboratory within 3h and transferred into incubation cabinet previously set at -10, 0, +10, +20, +30 and +40 degrees C with different relative humidity (RH). Viability of protoscolices was assessed by 0.1% eosin staining. The longest survival times were 3 days at -10 degrees C (50% RH), 36 days at 0 degrees C (60% RH), 28 days at 10 degrees C (65% RH), 12 days at 20 degrees C (70% RH), 4 days at 30 degrees C (75% RH) and 3 days at 40 degrees C (80% RH).

[Ectoparas ites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Bursa province.]. / Bursa yöresindeki evcil güvercinlerin (Columba livia domestica) ektoparazitleri.

A total of 100 domestic pigeons from 10 different districts of Bursa were examined for ectoparasites; 72% of them were found to be infested and 3 species were determined. Goniocotes bidentatus was found in 47% of the pigeons examined, Columbicola columbae in 44% and Menopon gallinae in 1%. Although a higher infestation rate was found in adult pigeons (75.3%) compared to younger pigeons (64.5%), there was no significant difference between the age groups. Also, no statistical differences in the rate of infestation could be found between males (73.3%) and females (70.9%). While the highest infestation rate was observed during the summer months (84%), the lowest infestation rate was observed in spring months (48%).

[Helminths detected in some laboratory animals by fecal examinations.]. / Bazi laboratuvar hayvanlarinda diski muayenesi ile saptanan helmintler.

Fecal specimens obtained from 505 rats, 317 mice, 128 rabbits and 52 guinea pigs were examined for helminth infections. In general, 38.02% of rats and 83.59% of mice were infected with one or more helminth species. The percentage of Syphacia muris and Syphacia obvelata were 32.48% and 12.67%, respectively, in rats, and the percentage of Aspiculuris tetraptera, S. obvelata and Hymenolepis nana were 79.18%, 10.72% and 15.45%, respectively, in mice. Passalurus ambiguus was found only in one rabbit (0.78 %). No helminth infections were detected in guinea pigs.