Objective:To determine the overdose (OD) of medetomidine (MT) in Wistar rats and to evaluate the potentiating effect of fentanyl (FT) when co-administered. The objective was to identify the dose inducing complete abolition of five standard reflexes and significant changes of: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), tissular oxygen saturation (SpO2), rectal temperature (RT). Methods:Eight groups of Wistar rats (2 males and 2 females each) were used; the group showing the strongest effect was supplemented with 2 additional males and females. In phase one, four groups received intramuscular MT at 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, or 0.1 mg/kg. In phase two, the effective MT dose (0.1 mg/kg) was combined with FT at 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, or 0.1 mg/kg to assess synergistic effects. Reflexes, antinociception (via cold ethanol tail-flick test), and vital signs were recorded at baseline, during OD induction, and up to 60 minutes post-administration. The animals were not euthanised and allowed to recover. Results:The 0.1 mg/kg MT dose produced the shortest time to OD, while for the combination of 0.1 mg/kg MT with 0.1 mg/kg FT, OD time was 48% faster. Fentanyl significantly attenuated the bradycardia induced by MT (p < 0.0001), while RR depression was less pronounced at OD, but became evident at Pt60. The males from MT combined with FT group showed a shorter induction time of OD compared to males from MT alone group. In females, the effect was statistically robust (p = 0.0064), showing a significantly shorter induction time. Conclusion:The MT (0.1 mg/kg) and FT (0.1 mg/kg) combination produced the most consistent and pronounced OD, characterized by rapid reflex loss, marked physiological suppression, and delayed recovery. This interaction carries significant translational relevance for both veterinary anesthesia and human medicine in the context of the opioid crisis.
The 2022 global monkeypox outbreak fuelled a surge in related research. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of 2,076 monkeypox-related articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (from January 2014 to June 2025) was performed, and VOSviewer was used to visualize keyword co-occurrence networks and collaboration patterns among countries and institutions. Unlike existing studies, the latest data for 2024-2025 are incorporated; postoutbreak research trends, collaborative patterns, and PHEIC-driven resource aggregation effects are systematically incorporated; and gaps in dynamic and multifaceted analyses of the field are addressed. The results revealed a three-stage global research output: low accumulation (2014-2021), a sharp surge after 2022, and sustained high levels after a peak in 2023. The core research clusters focused on viral transmission dynamics and clinical interventions. Country contributions showed a pyramidal hierarchy, with the US leading, followed by China, India, and Saudi Arabia; government health agencies and academic institutions codominated collaborations. The findings confirm the role of the PHEIC in concentrating scientific resources, emphasizing the importance of strengthening international collaboration to address future epidemic challenges.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs and cats worldwide, and effective early detection techniques and reliable therapies are still lacking. Given the high demand for early cancer detection and differentiation in veterinary diagnostics, we developed and validated a new diagnostic approach to assess onconeural antibodies, also known as high-risk antibodies, in dog and cat blood serum samples. We determined the presence of systemic onconeural/high-risk (ONHR) antibodies, their suitability for early cancer diagnostics, and the feasibility of differentiating various malignancies. Our results identified several ONHR antibodies in 0.1 mL of specimens by the immunoblot-based technique, which was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The diagnostic performance for detecting identified antibodies has demonstrated >95% sensitivity in dogs, >93% sensitivity in cats, as well as >97% specificity in dogs, and >95% specificity in cats. Thus, our data provide the first proof-of-principle that onconeural antibodies can be detected in dogs and cats, and their identification in serum might serve as a new tool for early cancer diagnosis.
Background and Purpose:The medical sector is facing therapeutic dead ends due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which leads to human death and economic losses for poultry farmers. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae on poultry farms. Methods:Illumina sequencing was used for the cultivation of 184 poultry fecal samples, identification using the API 10S Biomerieux gallery, antibiotic susceptibility testing by disk diffusion, and DNA extraction using the Biocentric Bruker automated system. Results:Among the 164 isolates, Escherichia coli was the most isolated species (84.78%, n = 156), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.26%, n = 06), and Salmonella spp. (0.01%, n = 02). Among 156 Escherichia coli strains, 10% (n = 18) were extended-spectrum bêta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Among the 13 sequenced ESBL-producing E. coli strains, 53 resistance genes were identified with moderate variability and some were strain-specific. Co-localization of plasmids with virulence genes was also observed. Several blaTEM variants that encode beta-lactam resistance have been frequently detected. The ompK37 and ompK36 mutants coding for carbapenemase production were identified in one strain. One strain carried mcr-1.1 gene. Conclusion:Antibiotics used in poultry farming contribute to the selection of resistant and highly virulent clones. Strengthening regulations on antibiotic use in poultry farming is necessary.
Background:Newcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious and fatal poultry disease caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and has a global distribution. To control this disease, a rapid method for diagnosing it is needed. PCR-based molecular diagnostics such as real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RRT-PCR) for detecting NDV genes have been conducted worldwide. However, because PCR methods are time-consuming and require a well-equipped laboratory, they are not well-suited for use in field and resource limited areas. Methods:In this study, we established a field-friendly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for NDV diagnosis using primers targeting the highly conserved L gene, which bypasses the need for RNA extraction and makes it more suitable for field application than previously reported LAMP methods. Results:Our LAMP method is capable of detecting a broad range of NDV genotypes and showed no cross-reactivity with other avian viral diseases or the host genome. The reaction is completed within 35 minutes of incubation at 65°C. NDV was successfully detected directly from swab and tissue samples without the need for conventional RNA extraction. Conclusion:The LAMP method developed in this study offers a rapid, affordable, and field-friendly diagnostic tool for NDV detection.
Background:The mandatory procedures to be followed after official confirmation of an outbreak of category A animal infectious diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is laid down in European and national legislation. Typically, an outbreak of HPAI results in the destruction of the entire poultry population on the affected holding. Case Presentation:The presented case reports a deviation from this approach, demonstrating the practicality of partial culling in a highly biosecure, epidemiologically segmented holding. These on-site circumstances together with the specific risk assessment led to the elimination of only the affected unit, thereby inhibiting the further spread of the disease. After the destruction of the respective unit (farm), the other farms were closely monitored and tested continuously negative for HPAI virus (HPAIV) despite intensive systematic sampling. In the end, this procedure saved approximately 138,000 animals, ie 75% of the poultry population of the holding from destruction. Conclusion:This case demonstrates the effectiveness of proper management and high-level biosecurity to avoid excessive destruction of animals in case of an infectious disease outbreak. It might be suitable as a best-practice example in similar situations.
Purpose:To assess if severity of creatine kinase (CK) elevation in veterinary trauma patients is associated with overall patient morbidity (need for blood products or surgery, prolonged hospitalization) and mortality. Patients and Methods:Five hundred and eight-three dogs and cats experiencing trauma with an admission CK > 1000 U/L over a 15-year period were included in this study. The population was further stratified based on severity of CK elevation to include 161 dogs and 133 cats with admission CK > 5000 U/L, and 211 dogs and 78 cats with admission CK between 1000 and 5000 U/L. These groups were then compared for likelihood of trauma-associated morbidity, including increased need for blood products, surgical intervention, and/or hospitalization time. The likelihood of mortality was also compared between groups. Results:The need for packed red blood cell transfusion and length of hospitalization were significantly increased in traumatized dogs and cats with CK > 5000 U/L. Higher CK was not associated with increased surgical needs. Dogs with CK > 5000 U/L had significantly higher mortality rate compared to <5000 U/L. Conclusion:A higher degree of CK elevation is associated with need for blood products and prolonged hospitalization in dogs and cats and higher mortality in dogs. Evaluation of the severity of CK levels on presentation, and serial evaluation of the same, may aid in the assessment of trauma severity and prognosis in veterinary trauma patients.
This case report describes a peripheral eosinophilia in a dog diagnosed with canine acute eosinophilic dermatitis with edema (CAEDE). A 1-year-old female spayed Terrier Mix canine presented as a referral from their primary care veterinarian for gastrointestinal signs that were recently treated, but ongoing, and a new dermatopathy. Her leukogram revealed an eosinophilia, not previously present at the onset of her gastrointestinal signs, and skin biopsies were consistent with diagnosis of CAEDE. Although the definitive cause of the development of CAEDE in this patient is ultimately unknown, the patient made a full recovery following treatment with corticosteroids over a three-week treatment course. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a confirmed diagnosis of CAEDE to present with peripheral eosinophilia on complete blood count (IDEXX Procyte Dx).
Introduction:Canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a locally invasive tumor with a variable prognosis. Materials and Methods:This study evaluated clinical stage and histopathological grade as prognostic factors. Eleven dogs with inguinal SCC underwent surgery. All dogs presented varying degrees of atopic skin owing to prolonged outdoor ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Tumors are located primarily in the ventro inguinal area, affecting the prepuce and scrotum in males. Clinical staging (TNM system) was performed through abdominal ultrasound and palpation of regional lymph nodes, and histopathologically, Broder grading was applied. Discussion:The survival time (ST) and disease-free interval (DFI) were analyzed, and the median ST was 738 days for Grade 1 tumors compared with 135 days for Grade 4 tumors. Staging correlated with metastatic risk (1/11 patients). Conclusion:This study highlights the importance of histological grade as a prognostic factor for canine cutaneous SCC and surgery as a treatment of choice and emphasizes the need for further studies on disease progression and treatment outcomes in veterinary medicine.
Purpose: To demonstrate the efficacy of DIVENCE (R), a vaccine against BVDV types 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2) transplacental infection, following a booster regimen in heifers. Materials and Methods: Calves of two-to-three months of age were given two intramuscular doses three weeks apart and a booster vaccine six months later. Efficacy was evaluated by means of a challenge with virulent BVDV-1 or BVDV-2 administered via the intranasal route at 85 days of gestation. Clinical signs, serology, viral shedding, WBC count and viremia were monitored after the challenge. Sixty-six days post-challenge, the fetuses were assessed for BVDV to detect transplacental infection. Results: Vaccinated animals showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in hyperthermia after both challenges. The WBC counts in vaccinated animals were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in control animals on Days 5 and 6 after both challenges. Vaccinated animals exhibited no shedding after BVDV-1 challenge and the percentage of shedding animals was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among control animals compared to vaccinated animals after BVDV-2 challenge. Viremia were detected in pregnant heifers from all control animals, while only 3/14 and 3/17 pregnant vaccinated heifers showed viremia after BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 challenges, respectively. All the fetuses (n=8) from the control animals were positive for BVDV-1 via virus titration after BVDV-1 challenge. Only one out of fourteen fetuses from the vaccinated animals was positive for BVDV-1. After BVDV-2 challenge, all the control animals had BVDV-2 in all fetal tissues assessed and only one of the seventeen vaccinated animals had BVDV-2 in its fetal samples. Conclusion: DIVENCE (R) administered prior to breeding protected 94% of the fetuses against BVDV transplacental infection overall across both challenge trials (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). A reduction in the hyperthermia, leukopenia, viral shedding, and viremia in vaccinated animals post-challenge with BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 was achieved. The efficacy of DIVENCE (R) against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 transplacental infection has been demonstrated in this study.
Purpose: Free-roaming cats represent a potential reservoir of infectious diseases. The most common co-infections of free-roaming cats include mixed viral, bacterial, fungal, yeast and parasitic infections. This study focuses on the occurrence of Chlamydia spp. feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and their co-infections. The diseases accompanied by immune suppression, such as FIV, create favourable conditions for the onset of other diseases and co-infections. The result of co-infection may be a higher susceptibility for other pathogens, as well as the occurrence of more severe clinical symptoms. Patients and Methods: The study involved 168 (113 female and 55 male) free-roaming adult cats during the years 2021-2022. All cats belonged to Slovak citizens with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic. Blood samples and swabs (Invasive EUROTUBO (R) (R) Collection sterile swab, Deltalab O8191 Rub & iacute;, Spain) from the conjunctival sac were taken from 168 cats to be later tested by PCR and ELISA methods. Statistical analysis was also performed. Results: The overall prevalence of Chlamydia spp. was 17.26%, of FIV 15.48%, and 5.95% of FeLV. The most significant finding in our study was 3.57% co-infection of FIV and Chlamydia spp. in tested cats. Conclusion: The observed prevalence of Chlamydia spp. FIV and FeLV indicates that the presence of these pathogens in populations of free-roaming cats is endemic.
Listeriosis is an important foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals in Ethiopia.This review aims to synthesize the epidemiology, prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria species in the country.The literature reveals a widespread occurrence of Listeria infection in humans, animals, and food products, with an average prevalence of 21.6% for Listeria species and 6.9% for L. monocytogenes.Three sequence types (STs) of L. monocytogenes (2, 145, and 18) and twelve STs of L. innocua (1489, 1619, 603, 537, 1010, 3186, 492, 3007, 1087, 474, 1008, and 637) were reported from milk and dairy products.Contamination rates ranged from 4.1% to 42.9% across livestock, dairy, slaughterhouses, and processing facilities, indicating faults in production practices.Sporadic human listeriosis outbreaks have occurred since 1967, causing meningitis, perinatal infections, and deaths, with recent studies showing L. monocytogenes isolation in up to 10.4% of febrile patients, confirming foodborne transmission.Non-pathogenic Listeria species were also common on farms and in facilities.Ovine listeriosis poses a threat to Ethiopia's sheep and goat industries, with over 40% seroprevalence in some herds.Comprehensive control measures across the food chain are needed to curb contamination and protect public health.Isolates from various foods show antibiotic resistance to first-line agents but susceptibility to others like gentamicin and cephalosporins.In conclusion, this review synthesizes evidence on Listeria distribution in Ethiopia's food system and disease burden, highlighting the need for improved food safety policies and awareness.
Purpose: To assess the agreement between pulse co-oximeter and blood co-oximeter in measuring methemoglobin (MetHb) and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in healthy, awake dogs. Patients and Methods: Forty-five healthy dogs were enrolled in the study. Pulse co-oximetry was performed using the Masimo Radical 7 Pulse Co-Oximeter with a Rainbow (R) (R) adhesive sensor. Simultaneously, venous blood samples were collected, and MetHb and COHb were immediately measured using a Stat Profile Prime Plus VET Critical Care Analyzer. Paired measurements of MetHb and COHb were evaluated via Spearman correlation, intra-class correlation (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots to evaluate the degree of agreement between the pulse co-oximeter and the blood co-oximeter. Results: A total of 45 paired MetHb and COHb measurements were collected. There was a weak correlation between the pulse cooximeter and the blood co-oximeter readings. The correlation coefficients for MetHb and COHb were 0.0 (95% CI, -0.3 to 0.3) and 0.03 (95% CI, -0.27 to 0.32), respectively. The ICC indicated poor agreement between the pulse and blood co-oximeter for MetHb (ICC = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.15) and COHb (ICC = 0.03, 95% CI: -0.27 to 0.33). Bland-Altman plots revealed low mean bias but wide limits of agreement, indicating that the pulse co-oximeter overestimated MetHb by on average of 0.7% (P < 0.0001) (95% LoA: -0.5 to 2.0) and COHb by on average 0.2% (P = 0.59) (95% LoA: -4.6 to 5.0). Conclusion: Obtaining MetHb and COHb measurements with the Masimo Radical 7 Pulse Co-Oximeter is straightforward in healthy, awake dogs. However, the device does not provide accurate measurements compared to the blood co-oximeter, specifically in the range of MetHb and COHb in healthy dogs, based on the wide LoA.
Introduction:Schistosomiasis is caused by the Schistosoma genus and is transmitted through intermediate hosts, such as snails.Methods:A cross-sectional investigation was conducted within and surrounding Haramaya town between December 2022 and May 2023 to estimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in cattle and associated risk factors. The degree of prevalence was estimated using surveys carried out in slaughterhouses and coprological laboratories. For statistical estimation, chi-square tests and logistic regression were utilized. A total of 390 samples were obtained through simple random sampling. In the survey that was undertaken on abattoirs, a total of 384 samples were chosen through the utilization of a systematic random sampling approach. The recovery of Schistosoma eggs from fecal specimens was achieved by sedimentation.Results:The overall rates of schistosomiasis in cattle were estimated to be 21.28% and 18.23% through coprological and postmortem examinations, respectively. The analysis conducted through multivariable logistic regression indicated that management system, body condition, and age were significant risk factors. Cattle under extensive management (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 2-17) and those in the young age category (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.0-7.00) were more susceptible to acquiring schistosomiasis than cattle under intensive management and those in the adult age category, respectively. According to the odds ratio, there was a positive association between the incidence rate of schistosomiasis in cattle and poor body condition (OR: 3.048, 95% CI = 1.07-8.68; P = 0.00). Schistosomiasis infection was 3.048 times more likely to manifest in animals in poor physical condition. This affliction has had a profound impact on the livestock industry, as substantiated by the elevated prevalence of schistosomiasis in cattle within the studied region.Conclusion:Consequently, an integrated approach to prevention and control that targets the parasite is needed.
Introduction:Gastrointestinal helminth parasitism is an important problem of livestock in many places of the globe. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep in Ethiopia. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023 in urban and peri-urban areas of the Ada'a District with the objective of estimating the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIHPs) in sheep and cattle and to assess the commercial anthelmintic utilization practices and associated risk factors in sheep and cattle. A total of 351 randomly selected fecal samples (192 cattle and 159 sheep) were collected from the rectum and examined using flotation and sedimentation. One hundred respondents were interviewed for questionnaire surveys on anthelmintic utilization practices. Results and Discussion:The overall prevalence of GIHPs (61.25%) was recorded during the study. Among the animals, 55.21% and 68.55% prevalence of the infection was observed in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection between the study animal species, breeds, body condition of the animals, and production systems. However, there were no significant differences in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection (P > 0.05) according to sex and age of the animals. A higher prevalence of strongyle (55.34%), fasciola (13.48%), and moniezia eggs (10.69%) was recorded. According to a questionnaire survey, ivermectin was found to be the most used anthelmintic drug. This study addresses the challenge of anthelmintic resistance (AR) against currently available anthelmintics; highly prevalent parasitic infections are causing tremendous economic losses to the animal industry.
Introduction: Bacterial foodborne infections are a major public health concern globally, and the emergence of antimicrobial -resistant bacteria in food worsens the associated problems which are alarming issues. The current study aimed to isolate E. coli , determine antimicrobial resistance patterns, estimate the prevalence of extended -spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli , and determinants of raw cow milk contamination at selling points in and around Chencha, Southern Ethiopia from January 2021 to April, 2022. Methods: A total of 384 milk samples were collected randomly using a cross-sectional study and processed in the laboratory for evaluation of microbial load, bacterial isolation, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. The determinants were assessed through a prepared questionnaire, and descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 21. Results: Out of 384 milk samples analyzed for microbial loads, 5.3 +/- 1.68 log and 2.17 +/- 1.51 log CFU/mL respectively were the mean values of total viable count and total coliform count. A total of 118 (30.7%) samples were contaminated with E. coli of about 11.8% extended -spectrum beta-lactamase producers. Notably, 91 (77.1%) of isolates were multiple drug -resistant isolates. The multivariable logistic regression showed that variables of educational status of milk handlers, hand washing activities, nose picking habit of milk handlers, milk container cleaning activity, milk container type, physical abnormal milk checking status, and attended training on hygienic food handling practices type were significantly associated with the milk contamination in the study area. Conclusion: The results implied that the raw milk samples served in the study area contained bacterial pathogens and a higher microbial load than recommended standards. Our data also confirmed the presence of multiple drug resistant and extended -spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli . Therefore, a close follow-up and training of milk handlers is needed. Besides, consumers should be made aware of the risks of consuming raw milk.
This case report describes the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) administered via enema in a 4-year-old spayed, champagne Domestic Ferret ( Mustela putorius furo ) with chronic diarrhea, maldigestion and weight loss. We aimed to establish a protocol for FMT as a novel therapeutic treatment for chronic diarrhea in domestic ferrets. We mapped the fecal microbiome by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to track the patient’s fecal microbiota throughout the treatment and observation period. Initial oral FMTs were associated with a temporary weight improvement but subsequent treatments, via enema and oral delivery, showed varied outcomes. Molecular analysis highlighted distinct gut microbiota composition profiles between the healthy donor and the diseased ferret. The diseased ferret initially exhibited high abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia , and Enterobacter , which ultimately normalized to level like those found in the donor ferret. Overall, the gut microbiota of the recipient became more similar to the donor microbiota using a Yue-Clayton theta coefficients analysis. After a restoration of the gut microbiota and clinical improvement, the recipient’s symptoms returned. Future studies are warranted to map the microbiome of a larger population of domestic ferrets to investigate a potential correlation between fecal microbiota profiles and chronic/acute gastrointestinal disorders.
Background: The intentional and illegal misrepresentation of fake medications involves falsely indicating their source. These fraudulent medications can include products that contain either accurate or incorrect ingredients, lack proper labeling, have insufficient quantities of ingredients, and are packaged with counterfeit packaging. This unlawful activity has led to treatment failures, the development of antibiotic resistance, adverse effects, and even deaths. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and regulatory status of veterinary drug experts in the central Gondar zone of Ethiopia regarding counterfeit veterinary medications. Methods: From January 2023 to July 2023, a self-administered structured questionnaire was utilized to conduct a cross-sectional study in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The analysis of the data involved the application of descriptive and chi-square tests. Results: The study revealed that the majority of professionals possessed a work experience ranging from 5 to 9 years (23; 56.1%). Additionally, a total of 25 individuals (61.0%) who participated in the research had not undergone any kind of training. It was observed that a significant proportion of participants (82.9%) possessed knowledge about counterfeit veterinary drugs. Only about 63% and 36% of respondents had high knowledge and good practice concerning veterinary counterfeit drugs, respectively. Only 29.3% of participants have reported practices. Furthermore, a poor regulatory level of coordination was detected (85.4%). The study revealed a significant (chi(2) =7.6165; p = 0.022) disparity between the respondents' practice levels and training. Respondents' regulatory levels were also significantly associated (p < 0.05) with their sex (chi 2 = 13.34; p = 0.001) and work experience (chi(2) = 13.64; p = 0.033). The research findings also revealed a noteworthy correlation between practice and regulatory activity (chi(2) = 15.0463; p = 0.005). Conclusion: The study outlines the necessity of awareness initiatives, with a focus on the significance of veterinary experts' knowledge, practice, and regulatory efforts in addressing the issue of counterfeit veterinary medications.
Background:Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly infectious poultry disease that causes major economic losses worldwide. The disease is caused by Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and early detection and identification of the viral strain is essential. Having knowledge of the NDV strain genotype that circulates in some regions would help in designing an effective vaccine to control the disease. In this regard, there is little information on NDV strain in chickens in mid Rift Valley and the central part of Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to detect and characterize NDV strain genotype from chickens in mid-Rift Valley and the central part of Ethiopia and test whether this NDV strain genotype matches the vaccine strain currently used in the study area.Methods:A total of 98 samples: 78 (tracheal and cloacal) swabs from chicken pools of five and 20 tissue samples were collected. To detect NDV strain, conserved region of the virus Matrix (M) gene was amplified by qRT-PCR. To characterize NDV strain genotypes, M-gene positive samples were specifically re-amplified by conventional PCR targeting the Fusion (F) gene region and sequenced by Sanger method.Results:13.26% of tested samples were positive for NDV strain in the study area with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) among the study sites. Further characterization of the F genes from NDV strain isolates by phylogenetic analysis indicated that one field isolate clustered with genotype VII whereas three of the isolates clustered to genotype I, II, and III. The isolate of the current NDV strain vaccine in use in the study area clustered with genotype II.Conclusion:The current study indicates the existence of different NDV strain genotype from that of the vaccine strain currently used. Even though large-scale characterization of several isolates is required at national level, the current study laid baseline information for the existence of variations between field NDV strain genotype and vaccine strain currently used against ND in the country.
Purpose:The purpose of this research is to detect Newcastle disease virus and to assess the seropositivity among backyard, semi-intensive, and intensive farms located in central and southwestern areas of Ethiopia.Material and Methods:A total of 239 oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected from symptomatic birds found in Holeta, Burayu, Jimma towns as well as Seka Chekorsa and Nadhigibe woredas of Jimma Zone. In addition, ninety blood samples were collected from wing veins of unvaccinated birds found in the study areas of Jimma zone. Side-by-side information related to risk factors estimated to contribute to the susceptibility of the disease was collected by interviewing owners of sampled birds. Reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to detect NDV. Likewise, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the seropositivity of ND.Results:The proportion of samples where NDV was detected was 24.6%. Similarly, 68.9% of the sampled birds were seropositive. It was observed that adult birds were more likely to encounter the disease than youngs (OR = 11.6; 95% CI: 4.0-33.3; P = 0.000). Birds owned by respondents who leave diseased birds in the flock were more likely infected (OR = 6.2; 95% CI: 1.8-21.2; P=0.004) as compared to those isolated and mode of disposal of dead chicken significantly affect exposure (OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.10-4.88; P = 0.044). Likewise, access to veterinary services highly likely reduces susceptibility to the disease (OR = 12.4; 95% CI: 3.2-46.9; P = 0.000). It was also found that birds farmed intensively were the most at risk (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 0.58-13.71; P = 0.199).Conclusion:Detection of ND from a significant proportion of sampled birds and their high seropositivity percentage revealed the circulation of the virus in the study areas.
