Modeling for Smart Vaccination against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious and economically important transboundary viral disease of small ruminants. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national animal health plan aimed to control and eradicate PPR from the country by following the global PPR control and eradication strategy which adopts small ruminants' mass vaccination to eradicate the disease from the globe by 2030. A smart vaccination approach, which is less expensive and has longer-term sustainable benefits, is needed to accelerate the eradication of PPR. In this study, a mathematical algorithm was developed based on animals' identification and registration data, belonging to the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), and other different parameters related to PPR risk occurrence. The latter included animal holding vaccination history, the number of animals per holding, forecasting of the number of animals and newborns per holding, the proximity of an animal holding to a PPR outbreak and the historical animal holding owner vaccination rejection attitude. The developed algorithm successfully prioritized animal holdings at risk of PPR infection within Abu Dhabi Emirate to be targeted by vaccination. This in turn facilitated the mobilization of field vaccination teams to target specific sheep and goat holdings to ensure the generation of immunity against the disease on a risk-based approach. The vaccination coverage of the targeted livestock population was increased to 86% and the vaccination rejection attitude was reduced by 35%. The duration of the vaccination campaign was reduced to 30 compared to 70 working days and hence can alleviate the depletion of human and logistic resources commonly used in classical mass vaccination campaigns. The results obtained from implementing the algorithm-based PPR vaccination campaign will reduce the negative impact of PPR on the UAE livestock sector and accelerate the achievement of the national PPR eradication plan requirements.

Evaluation of a novel liquid stabilised peste des petits ruminants vaccine: Safety and immunogenic efficacy in sheep and goats in the field in Jordan.

A novel liquid stabiliser was tested with the Nigeria 75/1 Peste des Petit Ruminants (PPR) vaccine over two field studies carried out in sheep and goats. PPR seronegative sheep and goats were selected from farms surrounding Amman, Jordan and were vaccinated with either a stabilised liquid PPR vaccine that had been formulated 3 months prior to use and stored at 2-8 °C or a reconstituted lyophilised PPRV vaccine reconstituted on the day of vaccination. Sera were taken immediately before vaccination and at approximately 1.5, 3 and 6 months following vaccination, then subsequently tested using IDVet ID Screen® PPR competition ELISA and Serum Neutralisation tests to determine the presence of PPRV anti-N antibodies and neutralising antibodies, respectively. It was observed that the liquid-stabilised vaccine was able to provide comparable antibody responses in both species to those induced by the lyophilized vaccine. The ability to store liquid stabilised PPRV vaccine for field use would positively impact PPRV eradication efforts.

Risk Factors for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection among Camel Populations, Southern Jordan, 2014-2018.

After the first detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in camels in Jordan in 2013, we conducted 2 consecutive surveys in 2014-2015 and 2017-2018 investigating risk factors for MERS-CoV infection among camel populations in southern Jordan. Multivariate analysis to control for confounding demonstrated that borrowing of camels, particularly males, for breeding purposes was associated with increased MERS-CoV seroprevalence among receiving herds, suggesting a potential route of viral transmission between herds. Increasing age, herd size, and use of water troughs within herds were also associated with increased seroprevalence. Closed herd management practices were found to be protective. Future vaccination strategies among camel populations in Jordan could potentially prioritize breeding males, which are likely to be shared between herds. In addition, targeted management interventions with the potential to reduce transmission between herds should be considered; voluntary closed herd schemes offer a possible route to achieving disease-free herds.

Limited Genetic Diversity Detected in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus Variants Circulating in Dromedary Camels in Jordan.

Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a persistent zoonotic pathogen with frequent spillover from dromedary camels to humans in the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in limited outbreaks of MERS with a high case-fatality rate. Full genome sequence data from camel-derived MERS-CoV variants show diverse lineages circulating in domestic camels with frequent recombination. More than 90% of the available full MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from camels are from just two countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we employ a novel method to amplify and sequence the partial MERS-CoV genome with high sensitivity from nasal swabs of infected camels. We recovered more than 99% of the MERS-CoV genome from field-collected samples with greater than 500 TCID50 equivalent per nasal swab from camel herds sampled in Jordan in May 2016. Our subsequent analyses of 14 camel-derived MERS-CoV genomes show a striking lack of genetic diversity circulating in Jordan camels relative to MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from large camel markets in KSA and UAE. The low genetic diversity detected in Jordan camels during our study is consistent with a lack of endemic circulation in these camel herds and reflective of data from MERS outbreaks in humans dominated by nosocomial transmission following a single introduction as reported during the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea. Our data suggest transmission of MERS-CoV among two camel herds in Jordan in 2016 following a single introduction event.

Prevalence and risk factors of some arthropod-transmitted diseases in cattle and sheep in Jordan.

AIMS: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of bluetongue virus (BTV) in sheep and bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) in dairy cattle in Jordan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple randomized study was designed to collect 600 serum samples from sheep and 300 serum samples from dairy cattle located in the Northwestern parts of Jordan. In addition, data regarding farm management were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire through personal interview to determine potential risk factors. The seroprevalences of BEF and BTVs were determined using serum neutralization test and BTV group-specific competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies against BEFV in dairy cattle was 45.37%. The overall seroprevalence of BTV group-specific antibodies in sheep was 47.8% (54% true seroprevalence). Logistic regression analysis identified geographic location (Irbid) (odds ratio [OR]=1.0; confidence interval [CI]=0.5-2.1), no use of disinfectants on the farm (OR=1.0; CI=0.05-0.1), and lack of veterinary services (OR=10; CI=3.5-13.2) as risk factors associated with high seropositivity against BTV in sheep. Geographic location (Jarash) (OR=3; CI=1.0-5.5), age of the animal (1-2 years of age (OR=1; CI=0.3-1.9), and lack of veterinary services (OR=9; CI=4-11) were identified as risk factors associated with high seroprevalence against BEFV in dairy cattle. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that BEFV in dairy cattle and BTV in sheep are endemic in Northwestern regions of Jordan. Implementation of appropriate control measures is, therefore, required to reduce the adverse effects of these diseases on animal health and productivity.

Renal efficiency underlies adaptive heterothermy of heat-stressed hypohydrated goats.

We investigated the thermotolerance of the F1 progeny (Black Bedouin × Damascus crossbreed) to summer conditions alongside that of two pure breeds. Male goats (n = 7 per breed) were used to conduct a summertime 28-day trial along with hypohydration. The animals were fitted with miniscule thermologgers, intraperitoneally and subcutaneously, to measure core (Tc) and peripheral (Tp) body temperatures (BT), respectively. All goats were kept under shaded housing for a 7-day basal period before being switched to unshaded pens for the next 21 days. During the first 14 days, animals had free access to water. However, during the third 7-day period, access to water was time-restricted (4 h/day). Finally, it was restricted to 40% of the third week's average daily intake over the last 7 days. Exposure to the unshaded conditions resulted in pronounced heat stress in all animals, as reflected by 0.42 and 1.44 °C rises for Tc and Tp, respectively. The F1 goats displayed a clear heterothermic adaptive response, especially after the water restriction bouts' initiation. Interestingly, the F1 goats displayed higher ratios of renal relative medullary thickness (77.7, 73.3, and 72.6 ± 1.1%) along with higher circulating concentrations of antidiuretic hormone (44.6, 31.6, and 11.6 ± 3.7 ng/mL), respectively, which suggested an improved water metabolism.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Leptospira serovar Pomona and Leptospira serovar Hardjo infection in dairy cows in Jordan.

INTRODUCTION: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Leptospira serovars Pomona and Hardjo infection in dairy cows. METHODOLOGY: Seroprevalence was determined using ELISA using 160 healthy and 80 recently aborted cows. Risk factor assessment was carried out using a pre-validated questionnaire. RESULTS: The true farm seroprevalence of Leptospira serovars Pomona and Hardjo was 92.3% (95% CI: 66%-98%). In healthy cows, the true and apparent cow seroprevalence of Leptospira serovars Pomona and Hardjo were 26.9 (95% CI: 20-34%), 26.25% (95% CI: 20-33%) and 28.75% (95% CI: 22-36%) and 27.5% (95% CI: 21-35%), respectively. Semi-intensive management system (OR = 11.43; P < 0.01), surface water as a source of drinking water (OR = 1.21; P < 0.03), lack of special wear for visitors (OR = 1.39; P < 0.05), and previous history of abortion (OR = 1.02; P < 0.05) were associated with high rate of seropositivity against Leptospira serovars Pomona and Hardjo. In recently aborted cows, the true and apparent seroprevalence rates of Leptospira serovars Pomona and Hardjo were 53.25% (95% CI: 47.5-62%), 53.75% (95% CI: 48.5-63.2%) and 56% (95% CI: 49-61%), 56.25% (95% CI: 49.8-61.2%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Leptospirosis is an endemic disease in Jordan and further studies are required to effectively control the disease in dairy cows.

High Prevalence of Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus in Young Dromedary Camels in Jordan.

Prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was determined in 45 dromedary camels from two geographically separated herds in Jordan. Virus shedding was only detected in swabs obtained from the respiratory tract and primarily observed in camels younger than 3 years. MERS-CoV seroprevalence increased with age of camels. Bovine and sheep sera were seronegative. Phylogenetic analysis of partial S2 clustered the Jordanian MERS-CoV strains with contemporary MERS-CoV strains associated with nosocomial outbreaks.

Complete Genome Sequence of Capripoxvirus Strain KSGP 0240 from a Commercial Live Attenuated Vaccine.

Capripoxviruses cause economically important diseases in domestic ruminants in regions endemic for these viruses. We report here the complete genome sequence of the KSGP 0240 vaccine strain from the live attenuated vaccine Kenyavac (JOVAC).

Complete Genome Sequence of the Goatpox Virus Strain Gorgan Obtained Directly from a Commercial Live Attenuated Vaccine.

This is a report of the complete genome sequence of the goatpox virus strain Gorgan, which was obtained directly from a commercial live attenuated vaccine (Caprivac, Jordan Bio-Industries Centre).

Epidemiologic study on Besnoitia besnoiti infection in dairy herds in Jordan.

Besnoitia besnoiti is an apicomplexan parasite and the causative agent of bovine besnoitiosis which is considered as a re-emergent disease in Europe. A cross-sectional serological study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and to identify risk factors associated with B. besnoiti infection in 68 dairy herds (n = 806 cows) in Jordan during the period from January to June 2007 and the spring of 2014. Data regarding herd's management was obtained by filling questionnaires through personal interviews with farmers. An indirect ELISA test was used to detect antibodies against B. besnoiti. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors associated with seropositivity to B. besnoiti. At the individual cow and herd level, the true prevalence of seropositive animals was 6 and 28.7 %, respectively. Cows between 2 and 6 years of age had significantly higher seroprevalence of B. besnoiti than other age groups. The highest seroprevalence of B. besnoiti was found in Zarqa and Irbid governorates. Multivariable logistic regression model identified that exchanging visits by farm workers to neighboring farms as a risk factor for seropositivity to B. besnoiti, while smaller herd size and twice a day farm cleaning using sweeping and water hosing were identified as protective factors. This is the first study that investigated the seroprevalence of B. besnoiti infection in dairy herds in Jordan. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical manifestation of B. besnoiti infection as well as to identify the possible presence of other Besnoitia species and definitive hosts for the parasite.

Effect of intravaginal fluorogestone acetate sponges on prolactin levels of Damascus-local cross breed goats.

The effect of intravaginal fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponges on prolactin levels (PRL) and correlations between PRL and milk somatic cell count (SCC) and steroid hormones levels of Damascus-local cross goats during transitional period to anestrous were investigated in this study. Fifty-six goats were assigned to three groups. Group 1 (FGA, n = 19) was treated with 40 mg FGA and equine chorionic gonadotropin (600 IU, i.m.) at time of sponge withdrawal (day 0). Group 2 (FGA-PGF; n = 19) was treated similar to group 1 but was also injected with dinoprost tromethamine (naturally occurring PGF2α) (10 mg, i.m.) on day 0. Control goats (n = 18) were left untreated. On day 0, five fertile bucks were turned in with all goats. Milk and blood samples were collected on days -13 (day of sponge insertion), -6, 0, 1, 2, 7, 13, and 20. Prolactin levels were at lowest values on day -13 of the study and increased (p < 0.05) from day -6 to day 20 in all groups. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between PRL and progesterone and between PRL and estradiol levels was found in this study. No significant correlation was found between PRL and SCC of all groups during the study except on days 2 and 20 where PRL levels were correlated (p < 0.05) with SCC of left udder halves of FGA group. In conclusion, estrus induction with FGA resulted in significant increase in PRL. A positive correlation was found between PRL and steroid hormones, but there was no correlation between PRL and goat milk SCC.

Evaluation of the use of atropine sulfate, a combination of butylscopolammonium bromide and metamizole sodium, and flunixin meglumine to ameliorate clinical adverse effects of imidocarb dipropionate in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of atropine sulfate, butylscopolammonium bromide combined with metamizole sodium, and flunixin meglumine to ameliorate the clinical adverse effects of imidocarb dipropionate in horses. ANIMALS: 28 horses with piroplasmosis. PROCEDURES: 28 horses were randomly assigned to 4 equal groups according to the pretreatment administered. Fifteen minutes before administration of 2.4 mg of imidocarb dipropionate/kg IM, horses in the first group were pretreated with 0.02 mg of atropine sulfate/kg IV, the second group with a combination of 0.2 mg of butylscopolammonium bromide/kg IV and 25 mg of metamizole sodium/kg IV, the third group with 1.1 mg of flunixin meglumine/kg IV, and the fourth (control) group with 1 mL of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution/50 kg IV. Physical examination, including evaluation of rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates, capillary refill time, mucous membrane color, hydration status, abdominal sounds, signs of abdominal pain, salivation, diarrhea, and number of defecations, was performed. RESULTS: Imidocarb dipropionate use in the control group was associated with serious adverse effects including signs of abdominal pain (4/7 horses) and diarrhea (2/7). Horses pretreated with atropine had no diarrhea, but 6 had signs of abdominal pain. Only 1 horse that received butylscopolammonium-metamizole pretreatment had signs of abdominal pain and 3 had diarrhea, which was numerically but not significantly different than the control group. Of horses pretreated with flunixin, 3 had signs of abdominal pain and 3 had diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A combination of butylscopolammonium bromide and metamizole sodium may be useful to ameliorate the adverse effects of imidocarb dipropionate in horses, although group size was small and significant differences from the control group were not found.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Neospora caninum infection in dairy herds in Jordan.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and to identify risk factors associated with Neospora caninum infection in 62 dairy herds (n = 671 cows) in Jordan between January and June 2007. Information regarding herd management was recorded through personal interviews with farmers. Antibodies against N. caninum were detected using an indirect ELISA test. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors associated with N. caninum seropositivity. The true prevalence of antibodies against N. caninum in individual cows and cattle herds was 35 and 66.5 %, respectively. There was no significant difference in the percentage of seropositive animals between different age groups. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed workers frequently visiting nearby farms as a risk factor for seropositivity to N. caninum, while presence of a calving pen was suggested as a protective factor. Amman, Balqa, and Mafrak governorates had significantly lower seroprevalence to N. caninum compared to other Jordanian governorates. Results of this study indicated that N. caninum infection may be widespread in Jordan.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydophila abortus infection in dairy herds in Jordan.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine seroprevalence and to identify risk factors associated with Chlamydophila abortus infection in 62 nonvaccinated dairy herds (671 cows) in Jordan between January and June 2007. Information regarding herd management was recorded through a personal interview with farmers. Antibodies against C. abortus were detected using an ELISA test kit. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors associated with C. abortus seropositivity. The true prevalence of antibodies against C. abortus in individual cows and cattle herds were 19.9 % and 66.3 %, respectively. Univariable Chi-square analysis revealed three variables with P ≤ 0.25 that were further offered to multivariable logistic regression analysis. Small-sized herds were identified as a risk factor for seropositivity to C. abortus, while sweeping followed by water hosing and using disinfectants were identified as protective factors. Cows in the age groups of >8 and ≤ 10 years old and >2 and ≤ 6 years old had the highest and lowest significant seroprevalence to C. abortus, respectively. Results of this study indicated that C. abortus is highly prevalent in Jordan's dairy herds and Chlamydophila infection could be controlled by applying strict biosecurity measures in the dairy farms.

Molecular typing and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium perfringens from broiler chickens.

Clostridium perfringens (Cp) causes necrotic enteritis disease in commercial poultry. Antimicrobials are used to control and treat this disease and sometimes clinical outbreaks do not respond well to certain treatments. This study was designed to isolate Cp from clinical cases, type these isolates by multiplex PCR, and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility by micro-dilution method. A total of 67 Cp isolates were obtained from 155 broiler chicken flocks. All isolates were classified as type A and non-enterotoxin producers. Lincomycin, erythromycins, and tilmicosin showed very high minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 50 of ≥256 µg/ml. However, tylosin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin, florfenicol, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, chlortetracycline, doxycycline, and oxytetracycline had variable MIC50 of 64, 0.5, 1, 1, 8, 4, 8, 4, 8, 0.5 µg/ml, respectively. It is recommended that Cp infections in Jordan be treated with either penicillins or tetracyclines especially amoxicillin and oxytetracycline.

Distribution and characterization of the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) receptor throughout the intestinal tract of newborn camels (Camelus dromedaries).

Heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) secretion from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is crucial for the pathogenesis of diarrhea in both animal and human. The goal of this study was to investigate the distribution of the STa-specific receptors in the newborn camel's enterocytes and brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). Flow cytometric analysis was used to investigate the density of STa-receptors on enterocytes and BBMVs prepared from anterior jejunum, posterior jejunum, ileum, and colon. Strong density and affinity of STa-receptors was present on enterocytes and BBMVs of the ileum compared to that in the other intestinal segments. It was concluded that the ileum is the major target for STa action in newborn camels.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for bovine brucellosis in Jordan.

We investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors for Brucella seropositivity in cattle in Jordan. The sera from 671 cows were randomly collected from 62 herds. The antibodies against Brucella were detected using a Rose Bengal plate test and indirect ELISA. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the cattle herds' health and management. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to identify the risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. The true prevalence of antibodies against Brucella in individual cows and cattle herds was 6.5% and 23%, respectively. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows older than 4 years of age was significantly higher than that in the younger cows. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows located in the Mafraq, Zarqa and Ma'an governorates was significantly higher than that of the other studied governorates. The multiple logistic regression model revealed that a larger herd size (odd ratio OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6) and mixed farming (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.7) were risk factors for cattle seropositivity to Brucella antigens. On the other hand, the use of disinfectants (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1) and the presence of adequate veterinary services (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.2) were identified as protective factors.

Childhood brucellosis in Jordan: prevalence and analysis of risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the seroprevalence of childhood brucellosis in Jordan and to elucidate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella. METHODS: Between January 2001 and October 2006, a cross-sectional study of children aged < or = 15 years was conducted; a total of 1282 serum samples were collected. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to Brucella antigens using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens were identified by constructing a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 1282 serum samples tested, 119 (9.3%) were positive by both RBPT and ELISA tests. When adjusted for the sensitivities and specificities of the two tests, the true seroprevalence was 11.6%. The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Ma'an and Mafraq governorates was significantly higher than in the other governorates. The logistic regression model identified male gender (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.1), age older than 10 years (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 3.9), living in a village (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 2.9), and assisting in raising small ruminants (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.6) as risk factors for childhood Brucella seropositivity in Jordan. CONCLUSION: This study documents the importance of brucellosis in children and further emphasizes the role of small ruminants as an important source for human infection.

Risk factors associated with camel brucellosis in Jordan.

During the period between February, 2004 and December, 2006, a cross-sectional study was performed to investigate some epidemiological aspects related to camel brucellosis in Jordan. Four hundred twelve camel sera from 37 herds were randomly collected and analyzed using Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect information on camel herd health and management. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to investigate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens. Moreover, the incidence of Brucella-specific abortion was investigated in 7 camel herds located in different locations in Southern Jordan. The true prevalence of Brucella-seropositive in camels was 12.1%. Thirteen (35.1%) herds had at least one positive camel. The seroprevalence ofbrucellosis in camels was significantly higher in the southern part of Jordan than that in central or northern Jordan. The multivariable logistic regression model on both individual and herd levels revealed large herds and contact with small ruminants as risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. On the other hand, using disinfectants was identified as a protective factor (OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9) only on the camel herd level. The incidence of Brucella-caused abortion was 1.9%. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 was isolated from 4 aborted camel fetuses.