جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « sheep » در نشریات گروه « دامپزشکی »

Anaplasma sp. is a blood protozoon that causes economic damage to the livestock industry. Therefore, studying this disease’s epidemiology and distribution pattern in different regions is essential. 

This study aimed to investigate the variety of infections of the Anaplasma sp. in the sheep population of Khuzestan Province in Iran.

A total of 200 sheep blood samples were randomly collected and examined using specific nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based on the 16S rRNA gene. 

The prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was 17%, and infected sheep had no clinical signs. The effective risk factors in the spread of infection in Khuzestan Province include sheep aged 3-5 years, low sanitation, high-density farms, use of acaricides in the field, and hot season (P≤0.05). There was no significant association between the occurrence of A. phagocytophilum infection and variables of altitude, farm type, vectors, distance from other farms, and sex.

Since the infection often has no clinical symptoms, identifying the risk factors and epidemiology is essential to develop control and prevention planning.

It is desirable in estrus synchronization in sheep to avoid intravaginal devices and to shorten the program from 14 to 6 days. Moreover, replacement of eCG with safe, cheap, and efficient gonadotropin is in worldwide demand.

This study investigates the possibility of replacing eCG with human recombinant FSH (hrFSH) and CIDR with progesterone injections for estrous synchronization in ewes.

Assaf and Lacaune ewes (n=170) were divided into two groups and synchronized with either progesterone injections for 6 days or CIDR for 14 days. Ewes assigned in the injection group, received progesterone (37.5 mg; SC) and GnRH analogue (7.5 µg Alarelin acetate; IM) on day 0 of the experiment. On days 3 and 6, ewes received 25 and 12.5 mg progesterone (SC), respectively. On day 6, ewes in both groups received prostaglandin F2α (250 µg Cloprostenol; IM), and were divided into two subgroups to receive either hrFSH (75 IU Follitropin alfa; SC) or eCG (400 IU; IM). On day 7, fertile rams were introduced to ewes for 21 days. Data were analyzed using GLM and Glimmix.

There was no difference in the respective lambing rates, prolificacy, and fecundity between CIDR (71.1, 1.63, and 1.16%) and injections (66.7, 1.55, and 1.03%); between eCG (71.4, 1.60, and 1.14%), and hrFSH (66.3, 1.58, and 1.05%, P>0.05).

In conclusion, 6-day progesterone injection-based protocol produced similar results to 14-day CIDR program and hrFSH could be an effective alternative for eCG during estrus synchronization in ewes.

With the increase in human population, the consumption of livestock products such as sheep meat has also increased. Sheep are the reservoir and shedder of Escherichia coli that can be transmitted to humans.

Characterization of fecal E. coli isolated from sheep in slaughterhouse.

Stool specimens were collected from 30 apparently healthy sheep from different flocks in Shiraz industrial slaughterhouse. The resistance of E. coli isolates against 10 antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion method. The presence of three major extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes and five tetracycline resistance genes as well as seven virulence genes were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Using the microtiter plate method, the biofilm formation ability of E. coli isolates was investigated.

The highest frequency of resistance was to amoxicillin (100%) followed by tetracycline (25%). All E. coli isolates were susceptible to gentamicin and nitrofurantoin, and only one isolate was resistant to the tested third-generation cephalosporins. Multidrug resistance phenotype was observed in 16.7% of the isolates. blaTEM (25%) was the most prevalent ESBL gene and tetA (62.5%) was the most prevalent tetracycline resistance gene in the isolates. crl, csgA, fimH, and bcsA genes were present in all isolates, and the prevalence of papC and afa genes was 95.8% and 83.3%, respectively. In total, 62.5% of the isolates were biofilm producers.

According to the concept of One Health, the presence of virulent antibiotic-resistant biofilm producing strains of E. coli in sheep is a risk to public health.

Semen contamination is a detrimental factor in decreasing fertility. Seasonal changes may affect the contamination, too. 

This study was designed to detect semen contamination in ovine and caprine during different seasons. 

Six fully mature male sheep and goats were subjected to electro-ejaculator collection twice monthly from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023 (Spring, February 1, 2022-April 30, 2022; Summer, May 1, 2022, July 31, 2022; Autumn August 1, 2022, October 31, 2022; Winter November 1, 2022, January 31, 2023), for studying the seasonal effect. A total of 288 semen samples were collected from both species (36 samples from each per season). All samples were subjected to bacterial isolation and identification. 

The results indicated that sheep semen had 4 different types of bacterial contamination with a higher number in contaminated samples than goat, which showed 5 different bacterial isolations. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in bacterial contamination with regard to different seasons. 

Different seasons appear not to affect bacterial contamination of semen in sheep and goats. Meanwhile, isolating all bacteria types was considered normal flora in both small ruminant species.

Dictyocaulus filaria is a threadlike worm that lives in the airways of the lungs in sheep and goats and can lead to pneumonia. In November 2022, a report of emaciation, anorexia and, weakness with frequent coughs in a flock of 145 sheep (including 30 males and 115 females) located in the city of Miyaneh (East Azarbaijan province) was reported to the private sector veterinary clinic.

During the necropsy of two dead sheep, and by cutting the air ducts and lung tissue, a large number of milky white worms were observed in the bloody secretions of the pulmonary ducts, and the smaller ducts became inflamed due to cellular infiltration and the ducts were filled with bloody exudate. The isolated worms were placed in 70% alcohol and were examined morphologically in the laboratory using an optical microscope.

Dictyocaulus filaria worms were diagnosed. Male worms were 5.4-6.8 cm and females were 7.5-8.4 cm long. The uterus of the female worm was full of eggs containing larvae, approximately 95-110 ×52-65 μ. Infected sheep were treated orally with levamisole at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg.

The present article is the first report of contamination and loss of sheep due to Dictyocaulus filaria in the field in East Azarbaijan province, Iran. Regular and strategic antiparasitic therapy should be performed using broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs in small ruminants.

The zoonotic disease brucellosis is a serious public health and livestock industry concern. In the present study, we used bacteriological culture, RBT, and qPCR to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in the serum and milk samples of sheep with a history of abortion. Serum and milk samples were obtained from 100 sheep aged 3-5 years. In order to determine the prevalence of brucellosis, a modified RBT was performed on serum samples, Brucella was isolated from milk by bacteriological culture, and qPCR was applied to detect bacterial DNA in milk. The prevalence of brucellosis using modified RBT, bacteriological culture, and qPCR was 32%, 42%, and 44%, respectively. By considering qPCR as the standard, modified RBT showed a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 100%, an accuracy of 98%, a PV+ of 100%, and a PV- of 97%. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PV+, and PV- for bacteriological culture were 77%, 100%, 90%, 100%, and 85%, respectively. The agreement between qPCR and modified RBT was 0.959 (95% CI: 0.896-1), between qPCR and bacteriological culture was 0.792 (95% CI: 0.667-0.897), and between modified RBT and bacteriological culture was 0.831 (95% CI: 0.709-0.38). Based on the results, bacterial isolation from sheep milk is not recommended except in specific cases due to its low sensitivity, as well as its time-consuming and hazardous nature. However, the modified RBT can be used as a routine method because of its cost-effectiveness, higher sensitivity, and higher accuracy compared to bacterial isolation. Moreover, qPCR is recommended as the gold standard test for detecting brucellosis in sheep milk, especially in those with a history of abortion.

Akabane disease is an arthropod-borne viral disease that affects ruminants. This teratogenic pathogen causes severe economic losses in ruminants worldwide and in Iran; however, it has not received enough attention in Fars province, Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of age, gender, climate, farming system, and history of abortions on the seroprevalence of the Akabane disease in sheep and goats in Fars province. In the present study, Fars province was divided into three climates, and three cities were randomly selected from each climatic region. In each city, two epidemiologic units were selected, and all sheep and goats in each unit were sampled. Overall, 540 serum samples (391 sheep and 149 goats) were collected and examined with the commercial ELISA kit. The results showed that 83 out of 540 (15.4%) samples were seropositive and had antibodies against the Akabane virus (AKAV). The effect of gender and age on the rate of the AKAV was not significant. Animals in warm climates were 4.218 times more likely to have antibodies against the AKAV than animals in cold climates. Females were 1.32 times more likely to exhibit seropositivity. The odds of AKAV infection were higher in animals with an abortion history than in healthy animals. The findings of the present study indicated that the prevalence of the AKAV was high in small ruminants in Fars province. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more studies to control the risk factors involved in the spread of this virus.

Detection of sperm in the peritoneal fluid of animals is unusual and has not been reported in the literature. In this report, we describe the presence of sperm cells in the peritoneal fluid of a two-year-old ram. The ram was presented with dyspnea, reduced rumen contractions, a mild degree of dehydration, cyanotic mucosa, difficulty in standing, and anuria. Ancillary diagnostics, including ultrasonography, radiography, complete blood cell count, and abdominocentesis were performed. In the peripheral blood sample, no blood parasites were observed, although thrombocytosis with toxic neutrophilia, and atypical lymphocytes were seen in the blood smear. In radiographs, urolithiasis was confirmed just on the sigmoid flexure position. Ultrasound examination revealed a distended bladder and large amounts of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity. The electrocardiogram analysis showed the absence of P waves, bradycardia, wide QRS complexes, ST-segment elevation, and tented T waves. In the peritoneal fluid smears, a large number of spermatozoa, and increased inflammatory cells were observed. It was concluded that the trauma or rupture in colliculus seminalis, ductus deferens, or the urethra with urinary stones resulted in leakage of spermatozoa to the peritoneal cavity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of spermatozoa in the peritoneal fluid of large animals.

 In many areas of the world, copper deficiency may occur in livestock. This is not only dependent on the total concentration of copper in the diet but also on the effective factors in the absorption and acquisition of copper. This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin in sheep in Kazerun City, Iran.

 This study measured serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin of sheep in Kazerun city in four regions of Konartakhteh, Kuhchenar, Baladeh, and Central. Sixty sheep were randomly selected (15 sheep in each region), and their blood was sampled. After separating the serum, an atomic absorption device was used to check the serum concentration of copper and ceruloplasmin. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and Pearson and Chi-square correlation tests.

 The results showed that the highest and lowest average copper serum level was 65.25±0.3 µg/dl in the Konartakhteh and 40.38±0.5 µg/dl in the Central area. The highest and lowest average serum levels of ceruloplasmin were 9±0.01 mg/dL in the Baladeh and 8.5±0.03 mg/dL in the Central region. Also, the overall average results showed that the average copper serum level was 55.97±19.57 µg/dl and the average ceruloplasmin was 8.875±0.5 mg/dL, that the copper serum level was in a subclinical deficiency status. The ceruloplasmin level was in a favorable state. The statistical analysis of the correlation between the serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin in sheep showed a correlation of r=0.892 and a significance level of P=0.05. A statistical correlation was observed between the serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin and respectively, the highest and lowest serum levels of copper were 94 and 30.55 μg/dL, and the highest and lowest serum levels of ceruloplasmin were 30.55 and 7.8 mg/dL.

 In sheep from different regions of Kazerun city, the serum level of copper was subclinical deficient, and the serum level of ceruloplasmin was in a favorable condition. It seems that adding copper supplements to the ration of sheep in these areas is necessary.

Understanding anatomical structures from the past to the present has been one of the guidelines for advancing medical and veterinary science worldwide. The lack of comprehensive information on the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and the Shal sheep nasal cavity (Ovis aries) encouraged us to write this article. Computed tomography (CT) scan is a method that shows different parts of the body without superimposition of adjacent structures. Radiographic imaging also gives very high-resolution images of bones to examine bone structures. Paranasal sinuses of Shal sheep were composed of frontal, maxillary, lacrimal, and palatine sinuses, and the nasal sinuses were composed of dorsal, and middle nasal sinuses, which were identified and labeled in keeping with cheek teeth as landmarks. The width of the frontal bone and length of the nasal cavity at the level of the 6th cheek tooth were 7 ± 0.3 and 13 ± 0.8 cm, respectively. The volumes of both the right and left sinuses were measured automatically, and the accurate location of sinuses, canals, nasal folds, conchae, and meatuses, and connections between different parts of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were described. The volume of the frontal, maxillary, and palatine sinuses were 279.3 ± 16.4, 80.6 ± 2.6, and 13.5 ± 0.2 cm3, respectively. Frontal, maxillary, and lacrimal sinuses were observed like other ruminants. But the palatine sinus in this breed was not present in the Egyptian sheep, Saanen, and Markhz goats. Also, unlike Sanan and Markhz goats and like Egyptian sheep, ventral nasal sinus was not observed in this breed.