Bovine babesiosis in India: Estimation of prevalence by systematic review and meta analysis.

Bovine babesiosis is a serious threat to the livestock sector especially in tropical countries like India. Understanding the epidemiology of the disease in the country is essentially important in strategizing the available methods to effectively control the disease. Keeping this as the background, the present study was undertaken to estimate the pooled prevalence of bovine babesiosis in India. The relevant literature pertaining to bovine babesiosis was identified and a total of 49 studies published between 1983 and 2018 were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using meta-package of R software and prevalence estimates were calculated. Bovine babesiosis was reported from 21 states of India with pooled prevalence estimate of 6% (95% CI = 4%-9%) using random effect model. Zone wise analysis revealed highest pooled prevalence in the west zone and north zone (8%) followed by east zone (7%), central zone (6%), south zone (4%) and northeast zone (4%). The results of meta-analysis indicated high variability between studies. In addition, the pooled seroprevalence was high (29%) compared to prevalence of active infection (5%) of bovine babesiosis in India. Further, the pooled prevalence estimate of B. bigemina infection in India was more (7%) compared to B. bovis infection (1%). The estimation of prevalence of active infection and seroprevalence separately will helps to understand the actual disease prevalence in the country. The study indicated the wide prevalence of bovine babesiosis in India which urges for immediate mitigation strategies.

First report on serological evidence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in farmed and free ranging mithuns (Bos frontalis).

Despite reports of BVDV infection in several domestic and wild ruminants, no information exists for mithun (Bos frontalis) species. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine prevalence of BVDV infection in mithuns, which contribute significantly to local economy in the North Eastern region of India. Blood and serum samples were collected between 2013 and 2016 from mithuns (n = 466) belonging to the states of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Serum samples were tested for BVDV antibodies by a commercial ELISA and leukocytes were tested for BVDV by real-time RT-PCR. The overall true seroprevalence rate was 13.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 6.9-17.8%) with higher prevalence in mithuns reared under semi-intensive system (27.5%) than in free-ranging mithuns (7.6%). Among the three states, seroprevalence (16.2%) was highest in Nagaland, while prevalence rates varied markedly among geographical locations. Age-wise data showed highest seroprevalence rate in >6-year-old animals (20.6%) than 2-6 years old (16.9%), 6 months-2 years old (8.5%), and <6-month-old animals (11.3%). The seroprevalence was higher in males (20.9%) than in females (12.1%). Among the four mithun strains, higher prevalence was evident in Manipur (30.3%) than Arunachal (21.3%), Nagaland (11.7%), and Mizoram strain (10.2%). However, no BVDV genomic RNA could be detected. The results provide first serological evidence of BVDV infection in mithun species and extend the knowledge on BVDV host range. The baseline data will help further investigations on epidemiology of BVD in mithun and its impact on mithun production.

Molecular characterization of veterinary important trematode and cestode species in the mithun Bos frontalis from north-east India.

Helminth infections in the mithun Bos frontalis, including the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica, hepato-gastric amphistomes Explanatum explanatum, Paramphistomum epiclitum and Calicophoron calicophorum, and the cestodes Echinococcus granulosus and E. ortleppi were studied in north-east India over a 2-year period from 2012 to 2014. Cystic echinococcosis caused by E. granulosus and E. ortleppi was found to be highly prevalent in the mithun, with E. ortleppi being reported for the first time. Molecular markers, including the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2), 28S rDNA and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase sub-unit1 (nad1) were used to confirm the identification of the trematode and cestode species.

Temporal effect of flaxseed oil in boar's diet on semen quality, antioxidant status and in-vivo fertility under hot humid sub-tropical condition.

The present study investigates the temporal effects of flaxseed supplementation on boar semen quality, antioxidant status, and in-vivo fertility under high-temperature humidity index (THI) conditions in a sub-tropical climate. Twelve Hampshire crossbreed boars were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups, with the treatment group receiving flaxseed oil supplementation. Semen samples were collected and analyzed for semen quality parameters, sperm kinematics, and antioxidant status. Fertility outcomes were assessed through in-vivo mating trials. Flaxseed supplementation resulted in time dependent significant improvements in semen volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive sperm motility, sperm quality parameters, and antioxidant status. Fertility outcomes, including farrowing rates and litter sizes, were also enhanced in the flaxseed-supplemented group. These findings highlight the potential of flaxseed supplementation to improve boar fertility under high ambient stress conditions, with implications for optimizing reproductive performance in swine production systems.

In vitro assessment of Ethanolic extracts from specific herbs on controlling aquatic leech (Tyrannobdella rex) and land leech (Philobdella sp.) infestation in Mithun (Bos frontalis).

Leech infestation poses a significant threat to Mithun (Bos frontalis) in the north-eastern region of India, leading to various health issues and potential fatality. To address this pressing concern, we conducted a comprehensive research study aimed at assessing the efficacy of herbal plant extracts against aquatic leeches, particularly Tyrannobdella rex, and land leeches of the Philobdella sp. Our investigation involved the evaluation of six distinct plant extracts, with a focus on their ability to combat leech infestation. The results of our study revealed that among the various plant extracts tested, only the ethanolic extracts of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) exhibited notable effectiveness in combating aquatic leeches. At a concentration of 5%, these extracts displayed significant lethality, with soapnut extract achieving a remarkable kill time of 6.0 ± 0.40 min, while tobacco extract showed a kill time of 31.5 ± 1.32 min. In the case of land leeches, tobacco extract proved to be highly efficient, with an average kill time of 1.5 ± 0.28 min at a 5% concentration. Soapnut extract also exhibited effectiveness against land leeches, albeit with a slightly longer kill time of 14.25 ± 1.10 min at the same concentration. Additionally, Litsea grass oil (Litsea cubeba) demonstrated promising efficacy against both aquatic and land leeches, suggesting its potential as a versatile leech control agent. These compelling findings have significant implications for the management and control of leech infestation among Mithun populations. By identifying and harnessing the leech-repelling properties of soapnut, tobacco, and Litsea grass oil, this research offers practical and environmentally friendly solutions for mitigating the adverse effects of leech infestation. Furthermore, the insights gained from this study pave the way for the development of innovative strategies to safeguard the health and well-being of Mithun in the future.

Pathological studies on helminth parasitic infection in mithun (Bos frontalis).

A pathological study was carried out in different helminth parasite infection organs in 110 animals during the period from 2010 to 2016. Histopathological examination of hydatid cysts in the liver, showed extensive fibrous connective tissue proliferation with eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, in lung, parenchyma showed severe emphysema with infiltration of alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes infiltration. In Toxocara infection, polymorphonuclear infiltration in the sub-mucosa with hyper activity of goblet cells leading to occlusion of the gland was noted in the tissue sections. In amphistomiasis, intestinal mucosa showed diffuse hyperemia, thickening and ulceration. Petechiae were observed in the anterior part of the duodenum and jejunum. Presence of parasites in the abomasum revealed petechial haemorrhages on the mucousa. In Trichuris infection, the rectum showed hypertrophy, hyperplasia and hyperactivity of the goblet cells. In some places there is focal aggregation of mononuclear cells.

Report of Amblyomma testudinarium in mithuns (Bos frontalis) from eastern Mizoram (India).

Physical examination of semi-domesticated, free ranging mithuns (Bos frontalis) during an animal health check-up and treatment camp organized at Khuwangleng village in the Champhai district of Mizoram, India and adjacent to Myanmar Border revealed presence of unusually large blood engorged ticks attaching to the dewlap and inner aspects of thighs. On the basis of morphological study, the ticks were found indistinguishable from female Amblyomma testudinarium. Prevalence rate of the tick species in mithuns living in the forests was 9.09 % which was recorded as the highest of all reports made earlier from the North Eastern region of India. Medical and veterinary significance of the tick is discussed in the light of available literature.

Pimply gut condition in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves.

The present observation was recorded at National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani from May 2010 to September 2012. A total of 15 mithun calves, which died in and around Jharnapani, were attended and detailed post-mortem examination was carried out. Out of these, five calves (33.33 %) aging between 1 and 1.5 years exhibiting the condition of chronic wasting and diarrhoea were found positive for pimply gut condition based on gross and microscopic examination. Post-mortem examination revealed extensive nodule formation on the wall of the rectum; however, the entire lumen did not reveal any of adult parasites. In all the cases, there were congestion in the mucous layer and thickening of the intestinal wall. Histopathological examination revealed chronic enteritis with mononuclear cell infiltration comprising mostly of macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils. In the muscularis mucosae, encysted larvae were found along with fibrous tissue proliferation. These lesions gave the intestine a nodular appearance as they thickened the wall and projected from the serosal surface. These extensive numbers of nodules in the intestine might have interfered with peristalsis and intestinal absorption which led to chronic wasting and diarrhoea in the calves.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in mithun (Bos frontalis) from north eastern hilly region of India.

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is mostly utilized for meat purpose by the local tribal people of north eastern hilly region of India. Meat born diseases are very important issues for the people of these areas from the public health point of view. In order to realize the issues, the serological prevalence of Toxoplasmosis was carried out as per ELISA kit (CHEKIT* TOXOTEST, IDEXX Laboratory, USA) to find out Toxoplasma gondii antibody. As a whole, out of 195 animals examined, only 8 (4.10 %) animals were found to be suspected and one (0.51 %) animal was  found to be positive in this precious animal of the north eastern region.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free-ranging mithuns (Bos frontalis) from India.

Studies conducted on free-ranging mithuns of Nagaland, India revealed that the overall seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in mithun was 42% (95% CI = 33-51) when detected by modified direct agglutination test. Highest (prevalence = 57%, 95% CI = 43-71) seroprevalence was found in mithuns above 3 years of age and the lowest (prevalence = 18%, 95% CI =4-32) in mithuns of 1-2 years old. No statistically significant difference was observed between male (prevalence = 40%, 95% CI = 26-54) and female (prevalence = 44%, 95% CI = 31-57) seroprevalences. The study also revealed that the maximum number (57%) of animals with the highest titre (1 : 3200) were above 3 years of age. This is the first serological survey for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free-ranging mithuns from India.