Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume:10 Issue: 4, Autumn 2016

Avian infectious bronchitis (IB), with avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) as the causing agent, is a ubiquitous endemic disease of the chicken with devastating effects on its industry. A viral membrane surface protein called S not only induces neutralizing antibodies but also plays an important role in virus binding and entry to host cells. Technically, S1 protein gene sequencing also helps greatly in IBV genotyping.
The aim of this study was to characterize Iranian IBV based on S2 gene.
After RT-PCR amplification, the S2 gene of nine Iranian IBV isolates were sequenced and then compared with reference strains.
The isolates were classified into genotype I as Massachusetts like IB Vs, genotype VII which clustered into two branches, VIIa (IS-1494 like IB viruses), and VIIb, and was related to QX- like viruses and Genotype VIII as 793/B like IBVs.
As far as we know, this is the first S2-based classification study on Iranian IBV isolates providing a firm experimental basis to correlate with genotypic characterization

The H9N2 subtype of influenza A viruses is considered to be widespread in poultry industry. Adamantane is a group of antiviral agents which is effective both in prevention and treatment of influenza A virus infections. These drugs inhibit M2 protein ion channel which has role on viral replication.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate M gene of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) of H9N2 subtype in order to find adamantane drug resistance mutations.
Over 100 suspected samples were collected from different geographical regions of Iran during 2012-2013. Samples were injected via allantoic sac of 9-11 day-old chicken embryos. A total of 11 out of 100 were AIV. The H9N2 subtype was confirmed by specific RT-PCR. The RT-PCR was conducted for full length M gene. PCR amplified products were purified and then conducted for commercial direct sequencing. Finally, sequences were checked for possible sites of adamantane resistance mutations.
Overall, 8 out of 11 viruses harbored the adamantane resistance-associated mutations. Of which, four viruses were isolated in 2013 and four viruses in 2012. Two different resistance-associated mutations were observed during different years.
The present study provided clear evidence concerning resistance AIVs of H9N2 subtype that were circulating in Iranian poultry sector. This concern is always present as M segment might be introduced into human influenza viruses by reassortment phenomenon.

Calf diarrhea is an important disease that is caused by different pathogens including bacteria, virus and parasites and is associated with economic losses.
In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activities of Zatacin (Z. multiflora aerial part ethanol extract), colistin, co-Trimoxazole and enrofloxacin against clinical isolates of Salmonella sp, E. coli and Campylobacter sp isolated from diarrheic calves. Disc diffusion method and microbroth dilution assay were used for antimicrobial evaluation.
In disc diffusion method, the antibacterial activity of Zatacin increased dose dependently. The sensitivity of different isolates of E. coli, Salmonella sp and Campylobacter sp to Zatacin was almost the same. The antibacterial activity of Zatacin was lower than that of enrofloxacin but it was higher than co-Trimoxazole and colistin. The means of MIC values of Zatacin for E.coli were higher than that of Campylobacter sp and Salmonella sp but its means of MBC values for E. coli were lower than that of two other bacteria.
Zatacin can be used as an antimicrobial agent in treatment of infectious causes of calf scours instead of antibiotics with undesired adverse effects on animal and humans.

Milk fever in cattle, sheep and goats occurs around the time of parturition and is caused by hypocalcemia.
The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological effects of experimental hypocalcemia on electrocardiography, hematology and serum biochemical changes in Markhoz goat breed.
Ethylene diamine tetra- acetate solution 4.6% was intravenously infused to 5 healthy goats (experimental group) and 5 healthy goats received 0.9% saline solution (IV) as control group. In both groups, electrocardiogram was recorded in base apex lead and serum was collected before and after infusion. Electrocardiography, biochemical and hematologic parameters were measured. Clinical signs of hypocalcaemia were caused by EDTA infusion.
The results in experimental group showed a significant decrease in calcium, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, and increase in glucose concentration, (p0.05), heart rate change, presence of arrhythmias and its type were significant (p0.05). No significant change was seen in control group.
The results indicate that evaluating some biochemical, enzymatic, hematological and electrocardiography changes can be helpful in the diagnosis of hypocalcemia.

Information regarding the metabolic hormones in different metabolic states of high producing dairy cows can aid high producing herds to manage and resolve the metabolic and production problems. Furthermore, it can be considered as a tool to evaluate metabolic status of dairy cows. Herd managers can also evaluate the energy input-output relationships by assessing the metabolic profile to prevent and control negative energy balance, metabolic disorders and nutritional insufficiencies.
The present study was performed to clarify the metabolic hormone profile in each metabolic state of high producing Holstein dairy cows. The results of this research can reveal the normal metabolic state of these animals.
25 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided to 5 equal groups containing early, mid and late lactations, far-off and close-up dry periods. Blood samples were collected from all cows and sera were analyzed for concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), cortisol and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
Serum T3 concentration in early lactation group was significantly higher than other ones (p Metabolic hormones change in different metabolic states of high producing Holstein dairy cows. The presented metabolic hormone profile can be considered as criteria to monitor the metabolic status of dairy cows at different metabolic states.

Artemisinin is commonly used for the treatment of malaria, but recently has been considered as a potential substance to control poultry coccidiosis.
The aim of the present study was to determine the tissue distribution of artemisinin following single or multiple oral administration of different doses in broiler chickens.
A total number of 390 one day old Ross broiler chicks were divided randomly into two main groups, in the first group 0, 1, 5, 25, 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg artemisinin as a single oral dose was administered on day 44, but the second group were treated with 0, 17, 34, 68 or 136 ppm artemisinin from day 8 to day 44. The HPLC system was used to determine the level of artemisinin in different tissue samples. Data were assessed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey’s test (p Maximum concentrations of artemisinin were found in the liver of chickens in both groups in a dose dependent manner. While, the minimum level was determined in the brain and the kidney of chickens received multiple artemisinin administration; in the spleen of those chickens a single oral dose was administered. The concentration of artemisinin in the brain reached a plateau at 68 ppm in multiple administration and 125mg/kg at single dose, no shift was found with dose increment.
It can be concluded that tissue accumulation of artemisinin is time and dose dependent. Moreover, redistribution, saturation effect and tissue selectivity were also observed.

Sustained release delivery system can reduce the dosage frequency and maintain the therapeutic level of drugs for a longer time. Biodegradable, biocompatible and thermosensitive chitosan-beta-glycerophosphate (C-GP) solutions can solidify at body temperature and maintain their physical integrity for a longer duration.
To develop a novel delivery system based on the integration of liposomes in hydrogel using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for sustained release of danofloxacin in farm animals.
The MSNs were prepared using N-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and tetraethylortho silica. The liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method. C-GP solution containing danofloxacin-loaded MSN liposomes underwent different in-vitro tests, including evaluation of the entrapment efficiency, gelation time, morphology, drug release pattern as well as antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and E. coli.
The mean pore size of MSNs was 2.8 nm and the mean MSN entrapment efficiency was 45%. Kinetics of danofloxacin release from liposomal hydrogel followed the Higuchi’s model. This formulation was capable of sustaining the danofloxacin release for more than 96 h. The FTIR studies showed that there were no interactions between danofloxacin and hydrogel excipients. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the formed gel had a continuous texture, while the swelled gel in the phosphate buffer had a porous structure. Microbiological tests revealed a high antibacterial activity for lipomosal hydrogel of danofloxacin-loaded MSN comparable with danofloxacin solution.
The liposomal hydrogel solidified at body temperature, effectively sustained the release of danofloxacin and showed in vitro antibacterial effects.

Since the prohibition of antibiotic growth promoter in poultry ration by the European Union, poultry producers have been trying to replace them by other growth promoters like medicinal herbs. Lipia citridora is a medicinal herb enriched by several powerful phenolic compounds and with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which lead to enhancing appetite and growth performance of broiler.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lipia citridora leaves powder (LCLP) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, and meat quality of broilers.
The experiment was carried out with 160 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design. The chicks were allocated to four diets including basal diet and treatment diets which were supplemented with 3 levels of LCLP (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% of diet) in 16-floor pens with 10 chickens each. At the end of the experiment, 2 chicks/pen were selected and the assigned parameters were evaluated.
All levels of LCLP improved (p Our finding showed that the highest level of LCLP in this study (1%) performed the best as improved growth performance, ameliorated serum lipids, increased white blood cells and enhanced the meat quality.

Evaluation of herbicide pollution in aquatic environments needs the great concern and the most important echo-pollutant effects of herbicides are related to their effects on non target aquatic organisms. Native fish can serve as a proper bio-indicator for evaluation of pollution on aquatic ecosystems. To find environmentally friendly herbicides, in this study the acute toxicity of five widely used herbicides in Iran as aquatic ecosystems pollutants on Luciobarbus esocinus were investigated. Acute toxicity (96 h LC50) of five herbicides (Paraquat, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, Trifluralin, Glyphosite and Atrazine) were determined via OECD standard method. L.esocinus exposed to Serial concentrations (more than 6 in triplicates) of each herbicide. Mortalities at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after exposure were recorded and the LC50 were calculated using Probit software. Results showed that acute toxicity of these herbicides are significantly different in L. esocinus. The 96 h LC50 of Paraquat, 2,4-D, Trifluralin, Glyphosite and Atarzine in L.esocinus were 54.66, 138.8, 1.09, 716.83 and 44.30 mg/l respectively. Glyphosite showed lowest toxicity in Luciobarbus esocinus among the five herbicids. The highest toxicity of herbicides in L. esocinus belongs to Trifluralin. The mortality rate of exposed fish to herbicides enhanced either by increasing herbicides concentration or duration of exposure. Mortality patterns during 96 hours of toxicity evaluation were similar in all five herbicides. Regarding the high application and similar efficacy of herbicides in most of the cane farms of Khouzestan province, and based on different toxicities of these five herbicides for fish as a non targeting organism, Glyphosite is highly recommendable as a proper alternative to Trifluralin, Atrazine, Paraquat and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid.

An adult native cock (Gallus gallus domesticus) referred to the aviary clinic with multiple different sizes of round dermal nodules. The bird died few days later, and was then submitted for further evaluation. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations as well as a PCR test were done to identify type and cause of the tumor. In histopathological assessment of biopsy specimen, it consisted of interlacing bundles of fibroblasts that orientated in different directions with plump or elongated spindle shaped nuclei and fairly abundant cytoplasm. At necropsy several large white nodules were implanted in lung and liver. Microscopically the proliferated fibroblastic cells were invaded to both organs, and were similar to those described for skin lesion. The tumor cells had immunoreaction for alpha smooth muscle actin, vimentin and S100 protein, whereas they were negative for desmin and pancytokeratin, suggesting a diagnosis of metastatic neuro-myofibroblastic sarcoma. A PCR test specific for avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) confirmed the presence of that virus in tumor specimens. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed a relatively low similarity in the LTR segment (90%) of the studied virus with other ALV-J strains. It might be the first report of cutaneous neuro-myofibroblastic sarcoma, potentiated to metastasis to other organs induced by ALV-J.