afshin raoofi

Menace response and pupillary light reflex are used as part of the ophthalmic and neurological examinations in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the menace response and pupillary light reflex in native calves that were not separated from their mothers after birth and had traditional rearing conditions. Thirty healthy native calves were included in the study. The menace response was assessed by applying a non-tactile visual threat to each eye. The direct pupillary light reflex was tested by shining a bright light into each eye and observing constriction of the pupil in the ipsilateral eye. Calves were observed after birth until the menace response and pupillary light reflex were well present. The pupillary light reflex was positive in all calves in the first test performed after birth. The menace response developed in the age range of 3 to 6 days in calves and this response developed earlier in male than female calves. According to the results of previous study, none of the calves developed a menace response during the time they were housed in individual stalls. The present study indicated that development of menace response in traditionally reared calves (housing with their mothers in a common pen) was observed on the 6th day after birth.

Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) occurs in several animal species, especially cattle. Bacterial infection is the main cause of otitis media in calves. Sporadic otitis media is mostly reported in calves. However, it can also occur as the outbreaks in calves. Age and milk feeding are two important risk factors for otitis media in calves. There are three routes of entry for bacteria: 1. Through the external ear canal 2. Through the eustachian tube 3. Through hematogenous way. Clinical signs include depression, fever, anorexia, ear discharge, ear drooping, and symptoms related to the involvement of the Ⅶ and Ⅷ (facial and vestibulocochlear) nerves. Clinical diagnosis of otitis media in calves is based on the presence of symptoms such as facial and vestibulocochlear nerve dysfunction, ear discharge, fever, and ocular discharge. However, other diagnostic methods such as radiography, computed tomography (CT scan) and tympanocentesis are needed to confirm the diagnosis. CT scan is the gold standard for diagnosing otitis media. Since most cases of otitis media in calves are caused by Mycoplasma species, tetracyclines, florfenicol, macrolides or fluoroquinolones are favored. For prevention of otitis media in calves, cows excreting mycoplasmas in milk should be culled or their milk should not be consumed by calves or should be pasteurized. In general, otitis media is one of the important diseases of calves that can occur as outbreaks. Treatment, control, and prevention of the otitis media could be difficult, as different factors are associated with the disease. The purpose of this study was to review the scientific articles related to otitis media in calves focusing on the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and control of the disease.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK or “pink eye”) is the most common infectious ocular disease in cattle worldwide. In addition to Moraxella bovis as the principal causative agent, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (BHV-1) and Mycoplasma species probably act as risk factors for IBK.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the detection of Mycoplasma sp., bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in the conjunctival sac of the eye and IBK.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Mycoplasma sp., BHV-1, and BVDV in samples collected from IBK-affected and healthy eyes.

Based on the PCR results, Mycoplasma sp. was detected in 63.6% and 47.2% of IBK-affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BHV-1 was detected in 59.1% and 36.1% of affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BVDV was detected in 65.9% and 58.3% of affected and healthy eyes, respectively. BHV-1 was the only agent significantly (P<0.05) associated with IBK lesions (isolated from 59.1% of affected vs 36.1% of healthy eyes). 

Based on the study results, BHV-1 may be a risk factor in the pathogenesis of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, and mechanisms other than immune depression might be involved in its pathogenicity.

Pityriasis or dandruff is the presence of too many bran-like scales on the skin. According to the available information and based on previous studies, this complication exists in horse care and breeding centers in Tehran, Alborz and Golestan provinces with different frequencies. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of Pityriasis and its effective factors in horses of the mentioned provinces. The present study was performed on the population of horses in equestrian complexes of Tehran, Alborz and Golestan provinces. Based on history and clinical findings, horses with Pityriasis were identified and then the necessary samples were taken and sent to the relevant laboratories. In this study, 74 horses with Pityriasis were identified that mange (56.76%), insect bites hypersensitivity (24.32%) and ringworm (18.92%) were the most important causes of Pityriasis. Among possible affecting factors, breed, sex, age, insect control and density had no significant association but significant relationship (p<0.05) was recorded among season, sanitary conditions, type of accompanying lesion and animal bedding with Pityriasis. According to this study, mange is the most common cause of Pityriasis in horses in Tehran, Alborz and Golestan provinces. Pityriasis predominantly occurs in summer and the most common type of accompanying lesion is alopecia.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, fatal, and severe viral disease of small ruminants. The causative agent is a morbillivirus, Peste des petitsruminants virus (PPRV). This study was performed to detect and identify recently circulating PPR virus in small ruminants in the Khorasan Razavi region in Iran. A total of 100 samples(blood, spleen and lymph node) were collected from affected and dead animals. All of the samples were positive with Reverse Transcriptase PCR for viral genome. 7 positive samples by RT-PCR were selected randomly for sequencing of the nucleoprotein (N) gene and fusion gene (F), and genetically characterized phylogenetic analysis of PPR virus strains. Four lineages of PPR virus have been identified based on sequence analysis of the nucleoprotein (N) and fusion (F) gene all around the world. In this study Phylogenetic trees were drawn up based on sequence of the N gene and gene. Both trees have two distinct clusters, and all the detected strains are in the 4th lineage and are located in the first cluster of each tree.

reducing production and death. The disease in endemic areas would be mild or subclinical in indigenous cattle and clinically acute in exotics.

This study was conducted to evaluate the resistance of indigenous cattle in comparison with Holstein and crossbred cattle against Theileria annulata through assessment of clinical signs and response to treatment.

For this purpose, the data history and clinical examination were observed on 51 naturally affected cattle with T. annulata (17 Holstein, 17 crossbred and 17 indigenous cows). Examination of blood smears was used for diagnosis. Detection of schizonts in lymph node punctured smears confirmed validity of the suspect samples. All three groups of cows were treated with buparvaquone along with oxytetracycline. Their clinical signs and the results of blood smear examinations were recorded before and 48 hours after treatment. The severity of clinical signs, parasitemia rates and response to treatment were compared among the groups.

The results showed significant difference (p <0.05) in severity of fever, intense and abnormal lung sounds, mucosal changes (pallor, jaundice, petechiae) and ruminal hypomotility among the groups. There was no significant difference in parasitemia rate and response to treatment among the groups.

This study indicated that Iranian indigenous cattle in comparison with Holsteins and crossbreeds had milder clinical manifestations and no significant difference in response to treatment for tropical theileriosis.

In the lexicographic texts as well as in veterinary resources and specialized books on horses, the Islamic civilization period has focused on the types of sounds heard from horses; the concept of sounds has been explained as well. Exposure of horses to some infectious diseases affects their larynx in such a way that this consequently changes the animals’ sound. Laryngeal problems in horses have been identified in ancient veterinary medicine by examining or hearing how the horse whines. The methods of identifying laryngeal problems and changes in the sound of the infected horses have been mentioned in ancient veterinary and specialized horse books in detail (FARASNAMEH- BEITAREHNAMEH, etc.). The purpose of this study was to conceptually obtain and classify the sounds of an infected horse followed by identifying its laryngeal problems that altered its natural sound.This is a qualitative research article used to describe and document the analysis methods. Using the designed vocabulary keyword, references were searched in the veterinary, and some other medical literature resources, followed by employing various stages of content analysis method. Horses produce various sounds that include: Hamhameh, Sahil, Wahvaheh, Rahraheh, Shakhir, Nakhir, Karir, Dhabh, etc. For example, Sahil is divided in two: Salsaleh and Jaljaleh. For each of these voices, the meaning has been mentioned in the respective books. While infected, the animal’s voice is altered due to damage to the larynx, a vital member of the horse’s sound production. This impairs the horse’s communication with the rider or trainer.The findings showed that during the period of Islamic civilization, special attention was paid to horses. A variety of sounds produced by the animals were named, and their meanings were explained. Other unrelated Larynx problems also causing altered sounds due to laryngeal injuries were considered as independent illnesses, which they can be documented and read afterward.In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive description of the identification and interpretation of sounds produced by horses in the history of the Islamic era. Also, further research in this field can determine the capability of veterinary knowledge in the Islamic regions more than before.

Equine arteritis virus (EAV) causes respiratory disease, abortion and sometimes, neurological signs. Stallions which are permanently infected with the virus, are the constant carriers of the virus in their semen and transmit the virus to other horses through sexual contact.

The aim of this study was to evaluate EAV infection in horses in four provinces of Iran and its relationship with age, sex, and race.

Blood samples were taken from 149 horses with different sex, age and race with history or clinical signs associated with equine viral arteritis, including the manifestation of respiratory disease (fever, nasal secretion, coughing), nervous signs (ataxia, dysmetria, recumbency) and abortion. The commercial ELISA kit was used for viral antibody detection.

From 149 sampled horses, 11 cases (7.4%) were found to be positive for EAV. Seropositive cases were recorded in Tehran (2.7%), Golestan (4.3%), Khuzestan (6.7%) and West Azerbaijan (23.8%) provinces.

This survey confirmed the presence of EVAV in horses from four provinces of Iran with the sensitive (98.3%) and special (98.9%) test. Therefore, consideration should be given to the control and prevention programs for the spread of this virus.

Equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of economic loss in horse industry and is well recognized as a cause of abortion, respiratory disease, neurologic disorders and death of neonatal foals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of EHV-1 in horses with clinical signs and/or history associated with this virus from four provinces of Iran (Golestan, Tehran, Khuzestan, West Azer- baijan) that have considerable horse population, followed by phylogenetic study of positive cases and compare them with herpes viruses in other parts of the world.

Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken from 150 horses from four aforementioned provinc- es. DNA of samples was extracted and used for detection in real-time PCR TaqMan assay. Finally, phyloge- netic trees were designed based on neighbor joining method.

Out of 150 sampled horses, a total of 14 (9.33%) were found to be positive for EHV-1. The results indicated that positive cases of EHV-1 from this study were clustered to herpes virus cases in other parts of the world with a noticeable similarity.

This study confirmed the presence of EHV-1 in these provinces of Iran, thus consideration should be given to preventive and control programs to prevent dissemination and outbreak of this virus.

Herpes virus infections are ubiquitous in equine populations worldwide, among them equine herpes virus 4 (EHV-4) is one of the major cause of economic losses in equine industry. Infection with equine herpes virus 4 (EHV4) is well recognized as a cause of respiratory disease. Evaluation of prevalence of the EHV4 in horses with clinical signs or history associated with these viruses from four provinces of Iran using the most sensitive method, Real Time PCR Taqman assay. METHODES: Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken from 150 horses with clinical signs or history associated with these viruses from four provinces (Tehran, Golestan, West Azarbaijan and Khuzestan) of Iran. DNA of samples extracted then were used for detection by Real Time PCR. From 150 sampled horses, a total of 18 (12%) were found to be positive for EHV-4. A total of 7 (4.6%) blood samples and 11 (7.3%) nasal swab samples were found to be positive for EHV-4. Out of 47 sampled horses from Golestan province, 45 sampled horses from Khuzestan province, 37 sampled horses from Tehran province and 21 sampled horses from West Azarbaijan, 6 (12.76%), 3 (6.6%), 5 (13.5%) and 4 (19.04%) were positive for EHV-4, respectively. This survey confirm the presence of EHV-4 in these provinces of Iran thus consideration should be given to preventive and control programs to dissemination of these viruses.

The preliminary survey made about congenital goiter in goats in Garmsar township indicated that the disease occurs much more in Beetal-cross than native goats raised in the same area.
The aim of the present study was to compare of serum triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations in pregnant and lactating Beetal-cross and native goats in Garmsar township.
One hundred Beetal-cross (n=50) and native (n=50) does in 4 groups (25 pregnant Beetal-cross, 25 lactating Beetal-cross, 25 pregnant native and 25 lactating native) were used in this study. Blood samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture and analyzed for serum T3, T4 and TSH concentrations.
Breed had a significant (P The results of the present study highlight the relationships between thyroid activity and breed in the goat species that may play a role in more occurrence of congenital goiter in Beetal-cross in Garmsar township.

The Lori-Bakhtiari sheep breed is one of the most common native breed in the south-western parts of Iran. The peri-parturition period (2 weeks before to, 2 weeks after parturition), is generally of critical importance regarding the health, production and profitability of the ewes. This study was carried out to compare the serum concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and calcium (Ca) during peri-parturition period in 30 single and 30 twin-bearing Lori-Bakhtiari ewes. All blood profiles were determined in healthy ewes on days 14, 7 prepartum, and days 7 and 14 postpartum. Serum glucose levels were lower in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes on prepartum and day 7 after lambing. Serum NEFA, BHBA and cholesterol levels were higher in twin-bearing ewes compared to single-bearing ewes during the peri-parturition period. Lower serum Ca levels were recorded 7 days before and after parturition in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes. The results showed that NEFA and BHBA recorded significant (p<0.05) changes during the peri-parturition period in twin-bearing ewes. These significant differences could be related to increased metabolic demands of the fetuses in twin-bearing ewes.

The current definition of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is based on the pH of the ruminal fluid in dairy cattle and ration physically effective fiber could be used as a non-invasive method for prediction of ruminal pH. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ration physically effective fiber, measured using old and modified Penn-state particle separator and ruminal pH. METHODES: The physically effective fiber measured in the ration of 17 rational group (7 fresh and 10 mid lactation cow groups). Ruminal fluid obtiained by rumenocentesis and SARA affected cows were detected. The physically effective fiber measured by modifed Penn-state particle separator had a correlation with mean ruminal pH of cows (r= 0.595, p= 0.012) and the ratio of subacute ruminal acidosis affected cows in rational groups (r= -0.533, p= 0.027). The ration of SARA affected mid lactation groups had less physically effective fiber than non affected groups (p= 0.041). According to our results, the physically effective fiber measured by modifed Penn-state particle separator had more correlation with ruminal pH in dairy cattle and can be used as a predictive index for ruminal pH.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) are two of the most important diseases responsible for major economic losses in the Iranian dairy industry. Since there are not in-house vaccines، the evaluations of the effectiveness of imported commercial vaccines are imperative. The purpose of the present study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of commercial inactivated Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Bovine herpes virus type 1 (BHV-1) vaccines to reduce the occurrence of culling and diseases، as well as their impact on milk production and prevention of birth of calves persistently infected (PI) with BVDV. A blind randomized controlled trial was performed. Animals were assigned to treatment (n=342) and control (n=351) groups by systematic randomization. Animals in the treatment group were inoculated with inactivated BVDV and BHV-1 vaccines (Intervet-Schering Plough). One and seven months later، vaccination was repeated. Over a one-year period، the incidence of disease، death and culling، birth of PI calves and milk production were recorded and compared. All statistical analyses were done with IBM SPSS statistics 20 software. At the start of the study، the two groups showed no significant differences in the means of age (day)، parities، days in milk، milk production and preexisting antibodies of BVDV and BHV-1. In addition، significant difference was not observed between treatment and control groups during the period of study. Unlike previous years، there were no reports of BHV-1 respiratory disease and birth of PI calves in the herd as a whole. Although the efficacies of the mentioned vaccines were approved previously، effectiveness was not augmented in our study. Evidence-based Vaccinology in the developing countries should be performed by implementation of effectiveness studies.