محمدرحیم حاجی حاجیکلایی

The aim of this research was to examine the serum vitamin D status in Gray Shirazi ewes during different reproductive stages, including mating, pregnancy, and early lactation. A total of 60 healthy ewes were sampled at three stages. The first stage was during mating, the second stage was in the late pregnancy, and the third stage was after delivery. The blood samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. At delivery, multiple births, weight of lambs, and stillbirth rates were recorded. The results revealed that the mean serum vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the third stage of sampling (beginning of lactation) compared to the first stage (mating) and the second stage (pregnancy) (P=0.014 and P=0.017). However, there was no significant difference in vitamin D levels among the non-pregnant (the ewes that did not become pregnant after mating), singleton, and twin groups at any of the sampling stages. Vitamin D levels were highest at the beginning of lactation in gray shirazi ewes. Additionally, serum vitamin D was slightly decreased in pregnant ewes as the number of lambing increased. In total, the findings suggest that maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may play a role in reproductive health in sheep, as there appears to be a correlation between vitamin D levels and fertility.

Insect bite hypersensitivity is a recurrent and chronic dermatitis in horses, that is mainly caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of Culicoids species, and therefore in areas where these insects can grow, the risk of getting the disease also increases. The conditions in Khuzestan province (located in southwestern of Iran) are mostly hot and humid, causing many veterinarians to encounter horses with IBH symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of insect bite hypersensitivity among horses in this province. The study was performed on 255 Arabian horses kept in 21 horse breeding centers located in 6 cities of this province. The horses were examined for the presence or absence and location of skin lesions, along with the individual animal information, which was recorded in relevant forms. The prepared serum samples (32 healthy horses and 61 affected horses) were evaluated for total IgE using the ELISA test according to the instructions of the kit manufacturer. The results showed that 144 (56.5%) out of totally 255 horses had clinical signs of IBH. Statistical evaluations also revealed that among the hosting factors (including age, gender, bloodline, coat color, body condition score, and type of use), and management and environmental factors (including stud size, methods of control of insect, distance from the horse breeding centers to the water source, times of fecal collection in the horse breeding centers and the geographical location of the horse breeding centers), only stud size had a significant effect on the prevalence of IBH, In other cases, there was no significant relationship between the prevalence of the disease and the evaluated factor. The results also showed that the amount of IgE in affected horses was higher than in healthy horses. The results of this study showed that insect bite hypersensitivity exists with a significant frequency among horses kept in the horse breeding centers in Khuzestan province.

Ticks are parasitic and bloodthirsty arthropods. Different species of ticks are important carriers of animal and human pathogens. Accurate identification and diagnosis as well as their continuous monitoring can be effective in reducing animal diseases, especially in the transmission of some protozoa. As an efficient tool in morphological studies and accurate identification of ticks electron microscopy is very useful. In the present study, using this tool, accurate identification of ticks collected from Khuzestan and Mazandaran regions in 4 consecutive seasons has been done. From a total of 6954 ticks collected from the body surface of cattle, sheep and goats in the two mentioned provinces, 13 species were detected. They include: Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (boophilus) annulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa. Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum, Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma marginatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctate, Haemaphysalis inermis and ixodes ricinus. Based on the results, Factors such as temperature and sampling season are directly related to the isolated ticks. The results of the present study showed that the frequency ratio of Rhipicephalus ticks in different seasons in Khuzestan and Mazandaran provinces has followed a relatively similar pattern.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is the cause of a common disease in dairy herds. Early diagnosis of paratuberculosis infection can improve Johne’s disease control programs.

This study aimed to compare the sensitivity, and specificity to methods; blood serum ELISA and stool Nested-PCR for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in dairy cattle.

A commercial ELISA kit was used to perform the absorbed ELISA test, which was conducted after exposing serum samples to Mycobacterium phlei antigens to limit cross-reactions. Nested-PCR test was performed using nucleotide sequences related to specific MAP gene fragments, i.e. IS900.

As a result of the ELISA antibodies kit, out of the total 2203 serum samples, 112 samples were positive (5.08 %) and 2091 samples were negative (94.92 %). The results of Nested-PCR tests of rectal feces showed that out of 59 cows with the positive results in serum ELISA, 47 (79.66 %) samples were positive and 12 (20.34 %) samples were negative. Moreover, out of 31 cattle with a negative result on the ELISA test, 15 (48.38%) and 16 cattle (51.62 %) had positive and negative results, respectively, on the nested PCR tests of the feces samples.

Due to the low sensitivity of PCR compared to ELISA, the positive and negative predictive values, and the accuracy of ELISA test, as well as the high cost and time-consuming nature of PCR and the need for more and more complex facilities than ELISA, the authors concluded that ELISA is a more suitable method for screening and epidemiological studies than PCR.

This study was aimed to investigate the status of energy balance during mating, pregnancy and after lambing and its relationship with reproductive outcomes in Gray Shirazi sheep. Thirty healthy Gray Shirazi ewes that were kept in industrial conditions were randomly selected. During lambing, the ewes were examined for the rate of multiplication as well as abortions and the weight of lambs at birth. Blood sampling was performed during mating, on the last two to four weeks of pregnancy, and on one to two weeks after delivery. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and progesterone were assessed. There was a significant rise in IGF-1 level in late pregnancy compared to that in early lactation. In addition, the concentration of BHBA was significantly increased during pregnancy and postpartum compared to the mating time. Maximum BHBA and NEFA concentrations at the end of pregnancy and postpartum were in twin and singleton pregnancies, respectively. In addition, the highest BHBA concentrations were accompanied by the lowest BCS of ewes. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between lamb weight and NEFA, BHBA, and progesterone. In conclusion, serum indicators of energy balance, particularly insulin and BHBA, are largely influenced by reproductive stages, especially pregnancy and the number of lambs in Gray Shirazi ewes. Accurate identification of these changes is essential in diagnosing abnormal conditions and metabolic and nutritional disorders in this breed.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and hematological features of Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) among horses in Khuzestan. The study was performed on 257 Arabian horses kept in 6 cities of this province (including Shushtar, Bavi, Ahvaz, Susangard, Abadan, and Ramhormoz). The horses were examined for the presence or absence and location of skin lesions, along with the individual animal information, which was recorded. Blood sampling was done in some animals (32 healthy horses and 61 affected horses), the blood samples were evaluated for hematologic appearance. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results showed that the main lesions visible in infected animals were hair loss (with a frequency of 93.1%) and the lowest was scarring (1.4%). The location of skin lesions was reported to be mainly in the head and neck area (85.6%). Also, in the majority of the infected horses (37.5%), there were skin lesions in all parts of the body (including head and neck, trunk, and limbs). The distribution of the skin lesions observed in different areas of the body of the studied animals was almost similar, and so all three sites of alopecia demonstrated the highest frequency and the lowest frequency of scars. The analysis of hematological findings indicated that only the difference between the number of basophils and MCV and MCH values of healthy and IBH affected animals was found to be significant(P <0.05). The results of this study showed that the affected animals were marked by skin lesions diversity, frequency and distribution

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of physiological arrhythmias in the apparently healthy preweaning Holstein calves. For this purpose, 35 calves were examined. In each case, a history of a calf and its mother was obtained, and clinical examinations and electrocardiography (base-apex lead) were done at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours and 7, 14 and 21 days after birth, and weaning. The results showed that out of a total of 350 electrocardiograms, 79 or 22.58% had no arrhythmias, and in relation to the rest of them (271 or 77.24%), at least one type of arrhythmia (electrical alternans, wandering pacemaker, sinus arrhythmia, sinoatrial block and second-degree atrioventricular block) was recorded. The frequencies of these arrhythmias were 187, 111, 37, 8 and 3, respectively, which occurred independently or simultaneously. The most prevalent times of the occurrence of four first pre mentioned arrhythmia were 2 hours, 12 hours and 48 hours after birth and weaning, respectively. The second-degree atrioventricular block was visible in the second and third weeks after the calf's birth and at the time of the weaning. Statistical analysis indicated that the effect of age on the presence of these arrhythmias for electrical alternans and wandering pacemaker was significant. The effect of sex on the frequency of arrhythmias was not detected. It seems that the special conditions in the neonatal calves, due to reasons such as adaptation to the external uterine environment, are responsible for the presence of a significant number of physiological arrhythmias in this age group.

Foot and mouth disease virus is found in the Picornaviridae family and a genus of aphthovirus, which causes highly contagious disease among cattle.Prevention of FMD has always been a major challenge in dairy herds.Therefore, vaccination has been a first step in preventive measures of the disease.Sixty heifers (30 BLV-infected and 30 BLV-free) that were negative for BVDV were considered for this project.In both groups, 5 ml of FMD vaccine was injected twice.10 ml Blood samples were taken at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days after the first vaccination and 10, 7, 14 and 21 days after the second vaccination.The serum neutralization test (SNT) was used to determine the presence of antibody against FMD virus. In both groups, vaccination induced increase of antibody against vaccinal virus and there was no statistically difference between two groups.

Despite extensive studies on the relationship between diet type and its effect on horse biochemical factors, little is known about horse serum and plasma proteins following changes in diet from forage to concentrate. Acute stage proteins are a group of serum proteins whose concentration increases in response to infections, inflammation, trauma, and neoplasia. Material &

in this study, we evaluated the serum levels of serum biomarkers, fibrinogen as well as total protein concentration along with evaluating the nutritional behavior of horses when changing diets. Two different diets (forage (first treatment), mixed forage with concentrate (second treatment) were performed for each horse for fifteen consecutive days.Complete blood count analysis as well as serum levels of fibrinogen, haptoglobin and type A amyloid were measured before and after dietary changes.

Serum fibrinogen, haptoglobin and amyloid A levels increased significantly (p <0.05) in the second treatment group compared to forage and a significant change was observed in the complete blood count results in changing the diet from the first to the second treatment (p <0.05). This can be due to the type of nutrition or acute inflammation caused by a change in the normal flora of the horse's digestive tract in the diet.

These changes can protect horses' bodies from acute inflammatory and traumatic injuries.

Bovine enzootic leukosis is an important viral disease of cattle with a worldwide distribution. The disease is caused by a virus (Bovine lukemia virus;BLV) of the genus deltaretrovirus within the family Retroviridae.BLV can cause persistent lymphocytosis, malignant lymphoma and leukemia by impairing the proliferation of lymphoid cells. Due to lack of a proper vaccine or treatment, BLV infections cause huge economic losses and costs for the control and eradication programs. Programs to control the BLV infections are based on the screening of animals by serological methods and removing the infected animals.Blood samples were collected from 527 cattle in some sities of Khozestan province and 529 slaughtered buffaloes. The sera were assayed by ELISA to detect antibodies against BLV. Based on the results, 6.6% of examined cattle and only one buffalo (0.18%), were found to be positive for BLV specific antibodies. Statistical analysis showed there was significant difference between cattle and buffalo and cattle are more sensitive to BLV infection.

Hypocalcemia is a metabolic disorder in cows that is associated with the incidence of several diseases in early lactation. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation before calving and postpartum calcium chloride bolus compared with bolus calcium chloride alone in cows receiving acidogenic diet in late pregnancy. Two hundred and forty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were assigned to one of three groups of 80 cows. Group 1 received daily 3 mg of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 capsule starting a maximum of 5 days before the anticipated parturition date and administered 50 g Ca as a CaCl2 bolus at calving and 12 h later. Group 2 received 50 g Ca as a CaCl2 bolus at calving and 12 h later. Group 3 was fed the acidogenic diet. Serum concentrations of Ca, P and Mg were measured by conventional methods and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels by HPLC. The results showed that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the first group significantly increased after the vitamin D3 capsule administration. Pre-partum calcium level in group I was significantly higher than group II and group III and the postpartum level was higher in group I and group II than group III. Phosphorus values were significant at different times but were not affected by the interaction between group and time. Serum magnesium changes showed significant effect at different times but were not affected by different groups. This study showed that the administration of 3 mg of vitamin D supplementation for up to 5 days before parturition is effective in improved calcium homeostasis.

Johne’s Disease (paratuberculosis) is granulomatous, progressive enteritis, which is untreatable, especially in domestic and wild ruminants caused by mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. There is no accurate statistical information on the prevalence of Johne’s disease in buffaloes of different regions of the country. This study was performed to detect mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis with different diagnostic ELISA, PCR, Histopathology and their comparison. For this purpose, from December 2016 to October 2017, Among 97 slaughtered buffaloes, above two years of age with poor physical conditions were collected from blood samples, associated ileocecal lymph nodes, ileocecal valve and liver tissue were transferred to the laboratory. The serum level of infection (ELISA) was 4.1%, The molecular (PCR) test showed an infection rate of 32% in the intestin , 31% in the associated lymph node and 24.7% in the liver, Histopathology examination by Ziehl-Neelsen's specific staining, The prevalence of infections in the intestines are 7.2%, associated lymph nodes are 8.2% and 3.1% in the liver. The granulomatous lesions of the intestine were stained by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) method in 11 buffaloes, only in 9 buffaloes their molecular test results were positive. Other histopathology findings of eosinophilic enteritis, Lymphocytic enteritis, granulomatous enteritis, mucu purulent enteritis were 37.9%, 29.3%, 19%, 13.8%, respectively. In the associated mesenteric lymph nodes, granulomatous lymphadenitis was 68.6%, purulent lymphadenitis were 25.7%, and in liver chronic hepatitis were 32.6%, chronic parasitic hepatitis 11.66%, perihepatitis 23.9%, cirrhosis 6.5%, and leiomyoma 25% have been observed. Due to the lack of observation of acid-fast bacilli in the present study, acid-fast granular debris (Paucibacillary) form of suspected Johneʼs disease can be found. At the same time, the increase of Ahvaz buffaloes contamination requires more serious attention to scientific and administrative references than the previous study.

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a viral disease of goats, which caused by a Lentivirus and characterized by symptoms such as arthritis, pneumonia, mastitis and encephalitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of caprine arthritis encephalitis infection and association of this infection with host and environmental determinants in goat in Khuzestan Province. Serum samples were randomly collected from 368 goats in Shoushtar, Izeh, Dezfool, Susangerd, Hendijan and Ahvaz cities and were examined by ELISA assay. Seroprevalence rate caprine arthritis encephalitis was 14.67% (95% CI. 11.06-18.28%). Logistic regression showed that the odds of infection between age based on year and infection is 1.11 (95% CL: 0.93-1.31) (P>0.05). The odds of infection in male goats 1.42 (95% CI: 0.51- 3.95) compared to that in females (P>0.05) and 0.2% of fluctuation in infection was justified by sexuality. In comparison to goats with history of abortion, the odds of infection in goats without a history of abortion was 1.48 (95% CI: 0.6-3.66) and 0.4% fluctuation in infection was justified by this factor. Relative frequency of infection in Shoushtar, Izeh, Dezfool, Susangerd, Hendijan and Ahvaz, were 31.67%, 21.31%, 15%, 12%, 8.75%, 3.9% respectively (P<0.01) and 11.8% of fluctuation in infection was justified by geographical location. This study confirms the presence of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus in the goat herds in Khuzestan Province, so, prevention and control programs should be considered by health authorities and livestock owners.

The main aims of the present study were to determine correlations between length, width, height and volume of the kidney by ultrasonography and real measurements and ultrasonographic findings of the urinary system in the Lori Bakhtiari Rams. This study was conducted on 20 healthy Lori Bakhtiari Rams. The transducer was placed over the right flank to exam the kidney. The urinary bladder was scanned from the right flank and transrectal method. After slaughtering of the rams, kidney's dimensions were measured directly. All of the measurements were compared with real measurements with linear regression analysis. The result of present study showed that the right kidney scanned in 12th intercostal space and behind the last rib high on the right flank and the left kidney was found in the middle of right flank. The kidney had similar echogenicity to the kidneys of other animals. The two kidneys were of nearly equal size. The right kidney length, width and depth were 62.3, 30.2 and 36.7 mm, the diameter of the cortex and medulla were 7.5 and 7.7 mm, length and width of the sinus were 30.4 and 9.8 mm and parenchymal diameter was 13.6 mm and volume was 32.1 cm3 respectively. There were positive and significant correlations between the ultrasonographic and real measurement of renal length, width, height and volume. The urinary bladder could be scanned only from a transrectal method. The contents of the bladder were anechoic and bladder wall was uniformly thick and smooth. The ureters could not be visualized in any rams.

Clostridium perfringens is an important pathogen which causes numerous different ýdiseases in animals. This bacterium is classified into five different types; A, B, C, ýD and E. Clostridium perfringens type D cause entrotoxemia in animals.ý
The aim of this study was to identify different types of Clostridium perfringens in ýsheep in Ahvaz. For this purpose 369 fecal samples were randomly collected from ýthe sheep from different area. After processing and culturing samples in blood ýagar containing neomycin, Clostridium perfringens suspected isolates were ýidentified morphologically and biochemically. According to biochemical tests, ýfrom 369 feces samples, 56 isolates obtained and identified as Clostridium ýperfringens. For molecular confirmation of the isolate, the DNA of the isolates ýwas extracted and the isolates were verified as Clostridium perfringens by PCR ýusing specific primers for alfa toxin. The results showed that 54 isolated from 56 ýisolated confirmed as Clostridium perfringens. Typing of these isolates was done ýby PCR using specific primers for 5 different exotoxins of this bacterium. The ýresults showed that 10 isolates (18/51%) were type A and 4 (7/4%), 24 (44/44%) ýand 16 isolates (29/62%) were type B, type C and type D respectively. Thus the ýmost prevalent types of Clostridium perfringens were type C and D. In the present ýstudy, all isolates were negative for iota toxin and enterotoxin gene. ý

Electrocardiography is an important diagnostic technique in conjunction to cardiac problems, therefore its standardization is necessary among various livestock and also different breeds of a species because species differences can influence ECG parameters. Determination of normal Intervals and segments of the electrocardiogram can help identify heart abnormalities especially arrhythmias. The present study was performed to determine normal duration of intervals and segments of the electrocardiogram on 100 apparently healthy river buffaloes. For this purpose the buffaloes were divided into male and female and according to dental formula to two age groups (less than 2.5 and more than 2.5 years of age). After taking the anamnesis and performing a clinical examination, the electrocardiogram was obtained based on base- apex lead system with lead II of the electrocardiograph, paper speed of 25mm/sec and sensitivity of 10 mv/min. Results showed that regardless of age and sex, the median and interquartile range of P-R, Q-T and R-R intervals and PR, ST and TP segments were 0.22±0.03, 0.36±0.04, 0.89± 0.16, 0.12± 0.02, 0.21± 0.05 and 0.30± 0.12 second respectively. Statistical tests showed that there is a significant difference in relation to the P-R interval and PR segment between the two sexes and also P-R, Q-T interval and PR segment in the two age groups (p

In order to analyze the cecum-colon ecosystem and the treatment of the cecal impaction and hindgut acidosis, cecal cannulation is needed. It is essential to select a simple, fast and inexpensive cecal cannulation method. Because of different complications in general anesthesia, the standing surgery is known as a better option for the horse emergency surgery.
The objective of the present study was to design a simple, fast and inexpensive cecal cannulation method in standing horses.For the standing surgery, a new approach was designed and experimented on four horses.
For this purpose, at first a cannula with approximately 7cm, 2cm and 2.6cm in length, internal and external diameters, respectively was designed. Immediately before the standing surgery, the horses were sedated with xylazine (1mg/kg) and morphine (0.3 mg/kg). After incising the subcutaneous tissue, the external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles were opened by grid incision. The peritoneum was bluntly perforated and the abdomen was exposed. The muscles were separated only enough to permit one hand to enter the abdomen. The cecum was readily identified by palpation of the cecal base and the dorsoventrally oriented tenia. At this stage, a purse string was secured on the serosal surface of the cecum by nylon and a stab incision was made. Then the cannula was inserted into the cecum and the suture was tightened.
The surgery was successfully performed for all horses, however, some complications such as increasing body temperature, transient signs of colic, ileus, pneumoperitoneum, subcutaneous emphysema and necrosis of the borders of the skin in the sutural places were detected. All complications were alleviated by proper nursing management.
The surgical method was successfully terminated. Therefore, the method is recommended as a simple and inexpensive emergency surgical method for cecum in order to conduct different investigation, diagnosis and treatment techniques.

Clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia are two factors of economic losses in herds, and occurs when dairy cows are unable to replace the calcium lost through colostrum and milk secretion. This study was performed to evaluate occurrence of milk fever, subclinical hypocalcemia and calcium related diseases in high yielding dairy cows. In this study, blood samples of 18 primiparous and 18 multiparous cows in transition period in two farms with the same management status were taken. Dairy cows received limited calcium and phosphorus diet, from 21 days prepartum until parturition and lactation diet according to nutritional requirements after parturition. Serum level of calcium, phosphorous and magnesium were measured with routine laboratory methods. Base on cut point of calcium (8.5 mg/kg), subclinical hypocalcemia in primiparous and multiparous cows before parturition was 16.7 and after parturition was 11.1 and 16.7 %. The frequency of milk fever, retained fetal membranes, metritis and displaced abomasum of all parturition in 1 year were 1.3, 12.6, 5.9 and 0 percent, respectively. Results show that parity dosn’t have significant effect on subclinical hypocalcemia occurrence in cows that consumed limited calcium and phosphorus diet in close up period. Also regardless of parity limited calcium and phosphorus diet in close up period have a positive effect on prevention of milk fever.

Pasteurella multocida est une bactérie gram-négative, opportuniste pathogène et flore normale des voies respiratoires supérieures des espèces animales domestiques et sauvages. Cette bactérie cause des maladies économiquement importantes partout dans le monde telles que bronchopneumonie enzootique chez les ruminants et la septicémie hémorragique chez les vaches et les buffles. Lobjectif de cette étude est la détermination de la prévalence des porteurs de Pasteurella multocida chez les vaches et les buffles à Ahvaz, la détermination des sérogroupes capsulaires de bactéries et aussi l'évaluation de la sensibilité aux antibiotiques des isolats. Pour ce faire, les prélèvements nasal et rhinopharyngé ont été collectés de 227 vaches et 174 buffles. Les écouvillons ont été mises en culture dans environnement Mac et Cancan et gélose au sang de mouton et mises à incuber pendant 24-48 heures à 37 C. Colonies soupçonnées à Pasteurella multocida ont été identifiées sur la base des tests biochimiques standards et confirmées par PCR. Les multiples réactions de PCR ont été utilisées pour déterminer les cinq sérogroupes capsulaires bactérien (A, B, D, E et F). L'évaluation de la sensibilité aux antibiotiques des isolats de Pasteurella multocida a été également mise en place en utilisant la méthode de diffusion sur disque (Kirby-Bauer) sur un milieu de gélose de Mueller Hinton additionné de 5% sang de mouton. Parmi 401 échantillons, Pasteurella multocida était trouvé respectivement de 10.227 (4.4%) et 12.174 (6.89%) des vaches et des buffles. 15 isolats (68.19%) appartenait au sérogroupe A, 5 isolats (22.72%) appartenait au sérogroupe D et 2 isolats (9.09%) étaient inclassable. Aucun isolats n’appartenait au sérogroupes B, E et F. Tous les isolats de Pasteurella multocida étaient sensibles à nitrofurantoïne, Florfenicol, ciprofloxacine, enrofloxacine,Triméthoprime sulfaméthoxazole , oxytétracycline, ceftriaxone. La plus grande résistance était à la tylosine (90.9%), ensuite à oxacilline (54.54%), streptomycine (45.45%), ampicilline (27.27%) , Erythromycin (13.63%) et enfin pénicilline (9.1%).

One of the major issue in the interpretation of electrocardiograms is consideration to variation in the shape of ECG waves that can be different at different times not only among members of a species, different ages or sexes, but also in one animal. In this study, variable forms of QRS complexes of Khuzestan buffaloes, was determined. One hundred buffaloes were divided into two age and two sex groups. In this study a base apex lead was used to record ECG for studying prevalence of different forms of QRS complexes and data analyzed using chi- square method. Complete QRS complex was seen only in one case and in all other cases this complex were identified as QS or RS that maximum frequency was belong to QS form (73%). Differences of various forms of QRS complexes with or without concomitant presence in sex group were not significant. The only difference between the frequency of RS among the younger age groups and more than 2.5 years was significant. Simultaneous presence of these figures show that the frequency difference of QS and QS with RS was significant in the two age groups (P

Coxiellosis or Q fever of domestic animals which is caused by Coxiella burnetii is usually asymptomatic and subclinical; although it has also been associated with abortion and infertility. Domestic ruminants are the primary and important reservoirs of Coxiella burnetii, which is spread by the milk, urine, feces and vaginal mucous of infected animals. Inhalation of bacteria present in the environment is the main route of animal and human infection. The aim of this study was to survey seroprevalence of Q-fever in goats and buffaloes in Ahvaz Region. In this study, blood samples were collected randomly from 137 goats and 135 buffaloes in Ahvaz. The collected sera were tested for Coxiella burnetii by ELISA. Seroprevalence of Q fever was 34.31 in goats (95% Cl: 26.41–42.21) and 0% in buffaloes. Chi square test showed that prevalence in buffalo and goat is statistically different (p<0.001). Infection in goat had a significant association with age. Logistic regression showed that the odds ratio between the age based on year and infection is 1.57 (95% CI: 1.19-2.08) (p<0.001), with each single increase in age the odds of infection will increase by 57%. Also, 10.8% of fluctuations of infection were justified by age. The odds of infection in female goats was 1.58 times males (95% CI: 1.03–6.47) (p<0.05) and 4.5% of fluctuations of infection were justified by sex. The present study showed that the prevalence of Q-fever in goat population is considerable. Therefore Coxiella burnetii must be considered by veterinarians and health authorities as one of the most important zoonotic agents for prevention and control measures.

Q fever is a widespread zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Domestic animals are the most important reservoirs of C. burnetii, which is exerted in the milk, urine, feces and reproductive discharge of infected animals. Inhalation of bacteria is the main route of animal and human infection. The aim of this study was to survey prevalence of C. burnetii in serum and milk of referred cows to veterinary hospital of Shahid Chamran university and correlation of this organism with host and management determinants. Milk and serum samples from 86 cows were collected and were examined by PCR and ELISA assay, respectively. Prevalence of Q fever in milk and serum samples was 4.65% and 3.49%, respectively. Logistic regression showed that the odds of infection was increased with increase of age (OR: 1.17 and 95% CI: 0.89-1.52, P>0.05) and 3.4% of fluctuation of infection was justified by age. Odds of infection in industrial husbandry than traditional was 2.81(95% CI: 0.53-15.02, P>0.05) and 4.1% of fluctuation of infection was justified by husbandry. 3.8% of fluctuation of infection was justified by fertility status and odds of infection in cows with infertility than healthy was 3.16 (95% CI: 0.35-28.37, P>0.05). The result showed excretion of C. burnetii in milk and the fact that bacteria is in correlation with infertility in cows. Thus efforts must be taken to control and prevent Q- fever.

Paratuberculosis or Johne's disease is chronic infectious granulomatous enteritis of ruminants, which has a worldwide occurrence. It is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and the most common symptoms of disease in goats are cachexia, anorexia and severe disability. The aim of this study was to survey seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in goats of Khuzestan province and its correlation with host and environmental determinants. In this study sera samples were collected randomly from 368 goats in Ahvaz, Hendijan, Izeh, Shushtar, Dezful and Susangerd cities and were tested by ELISA. Apparent and real seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis were 7.07% (95% CI: 4.47-9.67 percent) and 13.8% (95% CI: 10.3-17.3 percent), respectively. This study showed that infection increased with age and odds of infection between the age, based on year and disease is 1.08 (95% CI: 0.86-1.35) (p>0.05). Relative frequency of positive samples in females was more than males and the odds of infection in female goats was 1.19 (95% CI: 0.4-3.59) times the males (p>0.05). The odds of infection in goats with history of diarrhea was 4.38 (95% CI: 1.92-9.96) times more than goats without this history (p<0.001). The seroprevalence in Ahvaz, Dezful, Izeh, Shushtar, Hendijan and Susangerd was 8.06% 5%, 4.92%, 13.33%, 2.67% and 5% respectively (p>0.05). This study confirms that Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis exists in goats of Khuzestan province and preventive and control measures should be considered by health authorities.
Conflict of interest: None declared.

This study was carried on 224 slaughtered buffaloes at Ahvaz abattoir to compare a commercial ELISA kit (IDDEX) and virus neutralization (VN) test for detection of antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in buffalo. Blood samples were taken after slaughter and sex and age parameters were documented. Sera were tested by ELISA and virus neutralization (VN) test for detection of antibodies. The result of ELISA showed none of these buffaloes had antibodies to BVDV, but 48 (21.43%) of buffaloes had antibodies to BVDV by VN test. The prevalence of infection in females and males were 28.2% and 15.7%, respectively and statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference between them (P=0.024). Although the seroprevalence of BVDV in these buffaloes is noticeable, but the commercial ELISA kit is not suitable for detection of antibodies to BVDV in this animal. It is recommended to develop a competitive ELISA for detection of antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in buffalo.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and type of urinary bladder and renal lesions in slaughtered water buffaloes at Ahvaz abattoir. A total of 353 buffaloes were randomly selected. After inspectation of bladder and kidney and document tafion of gross lesion, whole urinary bladder and a piece of each kidneys were taken for gross histopathological studies. The buffaloes were divided into two groups according to sex, and both sex groups were divided according to dental formula into two age groups, ≥2.5 and