Epidemiological Study of Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreaks in North-western Iran.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious transboundary disease of cattle with major economic losses. This study was undertaken to address the emergence and epidemiological features of LSD in four north-western provinces of Iran. These provinces have extensive borders with others country including Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia. A population of 683 cattle from 91 farms were examined during LSD outbreak in Iran during 2014-2016. The information of the farms including the population size, gender, age, vaccination status, clinical signs and the number of death because of LSD were recorded in the designed questionnaires. A number of 234 blood samples were collected randomly from animals with and without clinical signs of LSD. DNA was extracted from blood samples, and they were used for amplifying a fragment of 434 bp in size coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for molecular detection of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). The estimated prevalence, cumulative mortality and case fatality were 17.9%, 3.5% and 19.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in occurrence of the disease between male and female cattle. LSD occurrence in age groups above 5 years old and below 6 months old showed highest and lowest relative frequencies, respectively. Vaccination was significantly decreased the occurrence of clinical disease. The developed PCR-RFLP technique was able to differentiate between LSDV, sheep pox virus (ShPV) and goat pox virus (GPV). It was concluded that LSD was entered into Iran probably from Iraq via uncontrolled animal movements along common land borders between two countries. Developed PCR-RFLP could be used as a rapid and inexpensive method for differentiating Capripoxviruses (CaPVs).

Experimental hyperlipidemia induces insulin resistance in sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous infusion of a soybean-based lipid emulsion on some blood energy-related metabolites and insulin sensitivity indexes in sheep. Four clinically healthy ewes were assigned into a 2-treatment, 2-period cross-over design. Either normal saline (NS) or lipid emulsion (LE) was intravenously introduced at a rate of 0.025 mL·kg(-1) min(-1) for 6 h. The concentrations of blood nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate, triglyceride, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, cortisol, glucose, and insulin were measured at different time points. After 6 h, intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed. Lipid infusion elicited an increase (P < 0.05) in the NEFA, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and triglyceride concentrations compared with the baseline value and NS infusion. Infusion of NS did not influence blood glucose concentration; however, LE infusion increased plasma glucose concentration (P < 0.05). At time point 12 h, serum insulin concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) in NS treatment; however, such an increase was not observed in the LE treatment. Insulin sensitivity index for the LE infusion was lower (P < 0.05) than that for the NS treatment. The glucose effectiveness was not (P > 0.05) different among treatments. In the LE treatment, acute-phase insulin responses increased (P < 0.05) and disposition index decreased (P < 0.001) compared with NS treatment. The results showed that experimentally induced NEFA in blood could cause insulin resistance in sheep. The current model could be used to evaluate the pathogenesis of conditions associated with increased lipid mobilization and insulin resistance.

Coincidence of congenital infiltrative facial lipoma and lingual myxoma in a newborn Holstein calf.

A one-day-old male Holstein calf was presented with a palpable subcutaneous mass, extending from the parotid to the orbital region, involving the entire right side of the face and a large flabby mass without any evidence of inflammation or edema on the tongue. Macroscopically, the cut surface of the lingual mass appeared slightly lobulated, pink, with a mucoid appearance and gelatinous consistency. Histopathological examination confirmed the infiltrative subcutaneous lipoma and lingual myxoma evidenced by low cellularity and abundant basophilic, mucinous stroma. In this report, clinical and detailed histhopathological findings of congenital infiltrative myxoma and its coincidence with infiltrative facial lipoma is reported in a newborn calf.

Changes in blood profile in sheep receiving raw garlic, garlic oil or monensin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing a basal diet (CTR) with raw garlic (GAR) or garlic oil (GAO) on blood profile in sheep. Monensin (MON, 33 mg/kg DM) was used as positive control. Four ruminally fistulated rams were used in three experiments each arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-day periods. Experiments 1 and 2 differed in the dose of GAR (75 vs. 100 g/kg DM) and GAO (500 vs. 750 mg/kg DM), while experiment 3 was designed to compare the two doses of each additive (GAR and GAO). The animals were fed a basal diet as TMR consisting of 77.83% forage (alfalfa hay and corn silage) and 22.17% concentrate, providing 10.50 MJ/kg DM (metabolizable energy) and 16.5% crude protein to cover maintenance energy and protein requirements. Supplementation of monensin decreased (P < 0.05) ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in the blood compared with other treatments. There was no significant effect of additives on serum concentration of glucose, total triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Although the serum insulin concentration was elevated in sheep receiving MON and GAO (P < 0.01), no change was observed in blood glucose concentration. No significant effect of GAO and GAR was observed in key energy and protein-related blood metabolites. However, administration of monensin had a positive influence on energy indices. In conclusion, whereas parameters characterizing the energy balance did not show a significant effect of GAR supplementation, a higher insulin concentration in GAO-treated animals was observed.

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of garlic extract on Nerium oleander-induced arrhythmia: a new approach to antiarrhythmic therapy in an ovine model.

CONTEXT: Oleander is a potent cardiotoxic plant and is a common cause of poisoning in human and animals. There is no affordable and cost-effective treatment for oleander poisoning. Objective. To evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of garlic extract (Allium sativum) on Nerium oleander (a potent cardiotoxic plant) intoxication in sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight sheep were intravenously infused with an unsterilized hydro-ethanol extract of garlic (50 mg/kg) before or after receiving a lethal dose of dried leaves (as a powder) of oleander (100 mg/kg, orally). The cardiac rhythm was continuously monitored using biopotential wireless transmitters and telemetry system. For evaluation of therapeutic effects, six sheep received the lethal dose of oleander and were administered with garlic extract after development of cardiac arrhythmias. Subsequently, the survived animals from the therapeutic study (four sheep) were administered with oleander without receiving any medication. Some blood constituents, including total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and troponin I, were compared between treated and untreated animals. RESULTS: Pretreatment with garlic extract reversed the arrhythmia caused by oleander to its previous normal rhythm in seven sheep, but, one sheep died of ventricular fibrillation. On therapeutic treatment, four sheep survived while two died of ventricular fibrillation. Dosing with oleander without receiving garlic extract resulted in death of all sheep due to ventricular fibrillation. Blood constituents did not show any significant changes between treated and untreated sheep, and before and after intoxication. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic extract reduced the case fatality from 100% to 12.5% and 33.3% as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent, respectively. Additionally, garlic extract delayed the time of onset of arrhythmias and prolonged the interval between intoxication and death of the animals. Garlic extract could be considered to be a potential and affordable antidote in oleander poisoning. However additional studies with a larger sample size and in other species need to be performed to confirm the results in this study.

The effects of farming system and season on the prevalence of lameness in sheep in northwest Iran.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of lameness in sheep in Urmia, northwest Iran, and compare the effects of production system and season on prevalence. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, using cluster sampling, was conducted. The selected flocks included 18 with 2,315 sheep from farmed production and 28 with 7,619 sheep from semi-migratory systems, and were visited once in summer (grazing season) and once in winter (housing season). Sheep showing signs of lameness were examined to detect the causes of lameness. Bacteriology and histopathology were also performed if required. RESULTS: The probability of overall lameness was not affected by farming system (p = 0.40), but in the grazing season was less (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.56-0.69) than in the housing season. Footrot was most the common cause of lameness, occurring in 1,047/1,880 (56%) cases. Among flocks, 40/46 (87%) had ≥ 1 case of footrot. Farming system had no effect on occurrence of footrot (p = 0.85), but the probability of footrot in the grazing season was less (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.18-0.25) than in the housing season. Semi-migratory flocks had less hoof overgrowth (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.16-0.56) than farmed flocks, and the probability of hoof overgrowth in the grazing season was less (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.12-0.29) than in the housing season. The probability of digital abscess was less in semi-migratory flocks (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.46-0.88) than farmed flocks, and in the grazing season was more (OR = 2.14; 95 CI = 1.61-2.85) than in the housing season. The probability of interdigital gland infection was higher (OR = 7.15; 95% CI = 5.36-9.55) in the grazing season than in the housing season. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 9/11 (82%) sheep affected with interdigital gland infection. CONCLUSIONS: Footrot was the main cause of lameness in sheep in both farmed and semi-migratory farming systems in this study, especially in the housing season. In the grazing season, digital abscess and interdigital gland infection should be considered as common causes of sporadic lameness in sheep. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In practice, lameness in sheep can be a major concern both in farmed and semi-migratory farming systems, with a high occurrence in the housing season. Footrot was a main cause of lameness in sheep in northwest Iran.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in working horses.

Fecal samples for detection of gastrointestinal parasites were collected from 221 working horses from September 2002 to May 2003 from 14 villages in Urmia, North West of Iran. Fecal samples of 46 horses (20.8%) were negative for parasite eggs or oocysts. One hundred and seventy five positive horses (48.9%) were infected with a single parasite type and 49 (22.2%) and 18 (8.1%) of horses had multiple infections with two and three parasites, respectively. The highest prevalence and intensity rate belonged to small strongyles. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites eggs and oocyst in the positive horses were: strongyles 72.9%, Oxyuris equi 22.6%, Parascaris equorum 12.2%, Anoplocephalidae 6.3%, Fasciola spp. 3.2% and Eimeria leuckarti 0.5%. Larval identification showed that small strongyle larvae were most frequent (97.6%) followed by Strongylus edentatus (22.6%), S. equinus (18.5%) and S. vulgaris (6.5%). This study suggests that the high rate of infection with gastrointestinal parasites could contribute to low performance and life expectancy of working horses in the region.

Evaluation of 'Section-Ligation-Release (SLR)' technique devised for castration in the stallion.

A novel technique [Section-Ligation-Release (SLR)] was evaluated for castration in the horse. Clinical traits, serum testosterone concentrations after challenge with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and histopathological changes of the testicular tissue were assessed. Five stallions, aged 24-48 months, were castrated using SLR technique under general anaesthesia. Both spermatic cords in each stallion were exposed at the scrotal neck by two 5-cm long incisions, followed by sharp dissection through the parietal vaginal tunic. Both vascular and non-vascular structures in the cords were triple clamped, transected and ligated. Both testes were left in situ. Serum testosterone concentrations were measured pre-operatively and at 2 months after castration following IV administration of 1 x 10(4) IU of hCG. Both testes from each castrate were collected at 2 months for histopathologic examination. SLR castration was successfully achieved. Moderated scrotal and preputial swelling was the only experienced short-term complication. Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower than basal pre-operative levels at 2 months after castration, and did not respond to hCG. On histopathology, hyalinization of the seminiferous tubules and loss of testicular interstitial tissue were indicative of complete avascular necrosis. This novel primary closure castration technique of stallion is a simple practical method, with minimal post-operative complications; and could be safely advocated as an alternative to the traditional castration techniques allowing for second intention healing of scrotal wounds.

Metabolic changes in cows with or without retained fetal membranes in transition period.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of retained fetal membranes (RFM) on serum minerals and energy- and protein-related metabolites in dairy cows at a herd with a recent history of fatty liver syndrome. Forty-seven multiparous Holstein cows were selected during transition period. Nine cows had RFM longer than 24 h after calving. Blood samples were obtained on prepartum days 21 and 7 and postpartum days 7 and 21. We used repeated measure procedure of anova to evaluate the effect of RFM on serum metabolites. Cows with RFM had significantly higher concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides after calving, but had lower concentrations of cholesterol during transition period. The concentrations of serum albumin and blood urea nitrogen were also significantly lower in RFM-affected cows than non-affected ones after parturition. Our results suggested that negative energy balance (NEB) postpartum was associated with RFM in dairy cattle. However, our findings did not reveal a cause and effect relationship with respect to the role of NEB as a possible risk factor for RFM.

Evaluation of antioxidant status and oxidative stress in cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata.

To assess the antioxidant status and oxidative stress in bovine theileriosis due to Theileria annulata blood samples were collected from 35 clinically affected cattle referred to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Complete blood count, piroplasm parasitemia percentage, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, malondialdehyde concentration, osmotic fragility test and median corpuscular fragility were determined and the results were compared with those of 50 healthy controls. Of 35 affected cattle, 12 (34.28%) had severe anemia and 23 had mild to moderate anemia and parasitemia varied from 5 to 40%. The activities of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly lower (P<0.0001) and the activity of catalase was significantly higher in the affected cattle than in healthy ones (P<0.001). Malondialdehyde concentration in erythrocytes of affected cattle was significantly more than those of healthy cattle (P<0.001). The affected cattle showed increased fragility of erythrocytes, so that median corpuscular fragility (MCF) in affected group was significantly lower than those of healthy group (P<0.0001). Median corpuscular fragility showed a positive correlation with the severity of parasitemia (r=0.81, P<0.0005) and a negative correlation with the activities of GSH-Px (r=-0.78, P<0.0001), SOD (r=-0.71, P<0.0005), catalase (r=-0.53, P<0.018) and G6PD (r=-0.58, P<0.0005). The results of this study suggest that oxidative damage to RBCs may contribute to the pathogenesis of anemia in bovine theileriosis.

Congenital bovine epitheliogenesis imperfecta: a report of three cases from Iran.

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a recessive hereditary condition characterized by the congenital missing of epithelium on the skin and oral mucosa. These lesions vary in size and location but usually consist of irregular patches of discontinuity of hair and squamous epithelium of skin usually on the distal extremities. Affected calves may also have patchy missing epithelium in the oral mucosa and tongue. The defect is usually incompatible with life. In this report, clinical, gross and histopathogical findings of epitheliogenesis imperfecta were described in two neonatal calves and one stillborn calf. Absence of epithelium over extensive areas of limbs, muzzle, nostrils, tongue, hard palate, cheeks and esophagus were among the remarkable findings.