This study investigated extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) in ready to-eat (RTE) chicken shawarma, chicken sandwiches and mayonnaise retailed in Thrissur and Ernakulam, Kerala, India. ESBL-producing E. coli in RTE foods represents an important food-safety and antimicrobial-resistance concern because these products are consumed without further cooking, enabling direct consumer exposure. A total of 150 samples (50 per product) from 50 outlets were examined using standard enrichment, culture on MacConkey agar (MCA) and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, and biochemical identification, with genus-level molecular characterisation by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. ESBL production was screened by the combined disc diffusion method and genotyped by PCR for blaTEM , blaSHV and blaCTX-M . Overall, 70 out of 150 samples (46.7 per cent) yielded Escherichia spp. isolates, biochemically consistent with E. coli, with a significantly higher occurrence in shawarma (68.0 per cent) than in mayonnaise (40.0 per cent) and chicken sandwiches (32.0 per cent), indicating a clear matrix effect for this complex, highly handled poultry based RTE product. Among the 70 confirmed isolates, 23 (32.9 per cent) were ESBL producers. ESBL-positive isolates predominantly carried blaTEM (52.17 per cent), followed by blaCTX-M (39.13 per cent) and blaSHV (17.39 per cent), and these genes were frequently detected in combination, supporting the likelihood of multideterminant resistance dissemination within the RTE food chain. Collectively, these findings identify the sampled poultry-based RTE foods as potential vehicles for ESBL-producing E. coli and underscore the need for strengthened hygiene and process control at retail, routine microbiological monitoring, and One Healthaligned antimicrobial stewardship.
Peripheral oedema is a common but diagnostically challenging clinical finding in dogs, reflecting underlying disturbances in vascular, oncotic, or lymphatic homeostasis. Infectious agents, particularly vector-borne pathogens and filarial parasites contribute to oedema formation through mechanisms such as vasculitis, hypoproteinaemia, and lymphatic obstruction. This study investigated the aetiopathology of peripheral oedema associated with selected infectious agents in dogs. Thirty dogs presented with non-traumatic peripheral oedema were evaluated using clinical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, oedema fluid analysis, ultrasonography, electrocardiography, echocardiography and molecular diagnostics. Conventional polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia gibsoni, Hepatozoon canis, Brugia malayi, and Borrelia burgdorferi. Positive amplicons were sequenced for confirmation. Wet film and blood smear examination detected sheathed microfilariae and Babesia gibsoni. Molecular analysis confirmed Brugia malayi and Babesia gibsoni as the predominant infectious agents associated with peripheral oedema in the study, while other pathogens were not detected. Oedema fluid was characterised as modified transudate. Significant haematological and biochemical alterations, including leucocytosis with neutrophilia, hyperglobulinaemia and increased AST levels, were observed. Although treatment resulted in clinical improvement and clearance of parasitaemia, recurrence of oedema occurred in several cases. This study demonstrates that Brugia malayi, Babesia gibsoni and cardiac diseases play a significant role in the aetiopathology of peripheral oedema in dogs. Aetiology-specific treatment alone often gave temporary improvement, emphasising the need for vasculitis-directed therapy
Escherichia coli has more than 150 strains that inhabit a wide range of environments. Among them, avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) strains are responsible for causing infections in birds of different ages, affecting multiple organs. These infections, collectively referred to as colibacillosis, result in high mortality rates in chicken and consequently impose severe economic losses on the global poultry industry. The pathogenicity of APEC strains is closely associated with specific virulence genes encoded within their genome. The objective of the study is to evaluate genes linked to APEC isolates from colibacillosis cases that have been reported from University Poultry and Duck farm, KVASU, Mannuthy. Here, 19 E. coli strains isolated from birds with colibacillosis were analysed for occurrence of six virulence associated genes. The virulence profiles showed that 100 of the isolates were possessing the gene fimC, 57.89 per cent of isolates possessed iucD gene, and none of them were possessing papC, stx1, stx2 and st1genes.The study revealed that APEC isolates carry plasmid-associated virulence genes, highlighting the importance of continuous surveillance to control the transmission of APEC within poultry farms.
A study was carried out on DNA barcoding and BOLD for the molecular identification of Haematobia exigua flies collected from cattle farms located in the southern part of Karnataka state. The flies collected using aerial trapping net from all the ten cattle farms were transported to the laboratory and were identified based on the morphological characters. The PCR was carried out for the molecular identification and confirmation of these flies using universal primers by targeting mitochondrial COX1 gene. The genomic DNA extracted from the ten fly pools (3 fliespoolfarm) were subjected to PCR analysis and all the fly pools were confirmed as H. exigua by amplifying 658 bp specific DNA fragment. The resulted PCR products were subjected to sequencing and the obtained sequences were submitted to GenBank data base and uploaded in the metadata analysis(BOLD) to generate the Barcodes. In the present study, only one sequence was submitted and obtained an accession number of PV495814 with BOLD Number (AAC7987). The study aimed at correct identification of flies up to the species level by DNA barcoding and also overcomes the morphological similarity among closely related biting muscid flies within the species.
The study was conducted in six clinical cases of fracture of metatarsal and metacarpal bones in goats free from neurologic, metabolic or infectious diseases, irrespective of age, breed, sex, and bodyweight. All the goats found fit for surgical procedure were treated with uniplanar bilateral external skeletal fixation using epoxy putty connecting bars under general anaesthesia. Clinical, physiological, haematological and biochemical evaluations were conducted preoperatively and during second, fourth, sixth and eighth postoperative weeks. Normal weight bearing with excellent functional outcome was noticed by eighth postoperative week. In the present study, physiological and haematological parameters varied within the normal range throughout the period of observation. The serum calcium and phosphorus levels showed a decline initially followed by increase in eighth postoperative week, but the values were within the normal physiological range. The preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase level was found elevated during the day of presentation which decreased at second postoperative week and increased during the later weeks. From the present study, it could be concluded that surgical management of long bone fractures using a uniplanar bilateral external skeletal fixation using epoxy putty connecting bars did not significantly affect the physiological and haemato-biochemical parameters in goats.
This study investigated the effects of varying dietary neutral detergent fibre (NDF) to starch ratios on body weight, body condition score and blood biochemical parameters in early lactating crossbred dairy cows. Eighteen healthy crossbred cows within 10 days post-calving were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups (n6) in a completely randomised design for 90 days. The experimental concentrate mixtures were isonitrogenous (22 crude protein) and isocaloric (70 total digestible nutrients), differing only in NDF to starch ratios: T1 (control, 1.58), T2 (2.08, 25 higher than control), and T3 (1.17, 25 lower than control). All groups were fed a 70:30 concentrate to roughage ratio using paddy straw as roughage. Body weight and body condition scores were recorded fortnightly and monthly, respectively. Blood samples were collected at the end of the trial to assess serum glucose, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus concentrations. Results showed no significant differences in body weight amongst treatment groups throughout the study period (P0.05), with final mean values of 415.3316.65, 387.6716.34 and 418.0019.10 kg for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Body condition scores remained within the optimal range (2.87-3.23) with no between-treatment differences (P0.05), although T3 showed significant improvement over time (3.08 to 3.20; P0.008). Blood biochemical parameters including glucose (59.48-67.84 mgdL), total protein (7.78-8.15 gdL), blood urea nitrogen (26.39-29.14 mgdL), calcium (8.78-8.94 mgdL) and phosphorus (6.09-7.16 mgdL) remained within normal physiological ranges with no significant differences amongst treatments. The study concluded that varying NDF to starch ratios within the tested range (1.17-2.08) did not adversely affect body weight maintenance or blood metabolite profiles, while the low NDF: starch ratio (1.17) improved body condition during early lactation in crossbred cows.
The present study was conducted in six clinical cases of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) presented to the University Veterinary Hospitals of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), during the period from November 2024 to September 2025. Dogs having clinical signs suggestive of KCS were selected irrespective of age, sex, or breed and were subjected to autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the lacrimal gland. Clinical, ophthalmic and haematological parameters were evaluated on day 0, days 30 and 60 post operatively. Autologous PRP was prepared using a double-centrifugation method with a modified syringe technique, ensuring a platelet concentration of approximately 110⁶μL. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia with strict aseptic precautions. Marked improvement in corneal clarity and ocular discharge was observed in all dogs, accompanied by a reduction in corneal neovascularisation. A significant increase in Schirmer tear test-I (STT-I) and Schirmer tear test-II (STT-II) values indicated enhanced total and basal tear production, while tear film break-up time (TBUT) showed a significant rise, reflecting improved tear film stability and ocular surface integrity. The treatment was well tolerated, with no major complications. These findings suggest that autologous PRP injection offers a minimally invasive, biologically regenerative approach for restoring lacrimal gland function in the management of canine KCS.
Canine mammary tumours associated with pulmonary metastasis assume significant treatment challenges in dogs due to limited protocols and reduced surgical suitability. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of a neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocol using a dose-dense protocol involving paclitaxel, prednisolone and maropitant in eight dogs. Treatment response was evaluated by monitoring changes in tumour volume and by assessing changes in metastatic lesions through thoracic radiography. Assessment of the protocol based on tumour volume revealed only partial response. Various pulmonary metastatic lesions including fine miliary nodules, pulmonary micronodules, nodules and masses were identified. These lesions showed diverse radiographic outcomes following therapy, such as complete disappearance of select nodules, reduction in size or stabilisation without further progression. Findings in this study suggest potential benefit in selected cases and support longer-duration protocols for improved outcomes.
Leptospirosis is one of the leading zoonotic tropical disease and has been endemic in India since the 20th century. The present study was undertaken to assess the occurrence of Leptospira spp. among cattle and their role in disease transmission in Pandalam municipality of Pathanamthitta district, which has been recognised as hotspot for human leptospirosis by the State Surveillance Unit, Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Kerala in the year 2023. A total of 101 apparently healthy dairy cattle were randomly selected, and blood and urine samples were collected from the same animal. Blood samples were analysed by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) using a panel of 25 reference serovars, while urinary shedding was assessed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). An overall seropositivity of 63.36 per cent was observed in Pandalam municipality, with antibody titres ranging from 1:50 to 1:3200. Among the seropositive samples, 21.87 per cent samples showed titres of 1:400 and above. None of the cattle exhibited any overt clinical signs, however farmers reported history of various reproductive disorders among the cattle. Molecular detection of urine samples revealed 7.92 per cent positivity for the genus-specific 16S rRNA gene, while 0.99 per cent samples were positive for the lipL21 gene, indicating shedding of leptospires in urine. The study highlights the importance of identifying circulating serovars in carrier animals such as cattle, in which infection is usually asymptomatic and their role in the maintenance and transmission of the disease. These findings will aid in adopting proper interventions for effective prevention and control of leptospirosis in endemic regions such as Kerala.
A study was conducted in the University Goat and Sheep Farm, Mannuthy for a period of three months in twenty four selected kids. They were divided randomly into four groups consisting of a control group (C) and three treatment groups (T1, T2, T3). The milk feeding regimens varied in quantity and frequency: Group C received milk at the rate of 16th, 18th and 110th of body weight during 5-30, 31-60 and 61-90 days respectively, fed four times daily. Group T1 received the same quantity as C but was fed thrice daily. Groups T2 and T3 received lower quantities (18th, 110th and 112th of body weight across the same periods) with frequencies of four and three times a day, respectively. All the kids received solid food from day 15. Kids were observed for various parameters such as feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight gain and average daily gain. All the observed parameters were significantly higher (P
This study investigates the phytochemical composition of the methanolic leaf extract of Erythrina variegata (MLEV) using qualitative phytochemical screening, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MSMS). The extract exhibited a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds including alkaloids, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, diterpenes, triterpenes, fatty acids and phenolic constituents. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed various chemical bonds or functional groups present in phytochemicals. The GC-MSMS analysis identified 62 phytochemicals belonging to diverse classes such as terpenoids, fatty acid esters, alkaloids and phenolics, supporting the plants traditional therapeutic value.
The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is an important ectoparasite of dogs and has considerable veterinary and public health significance. Pyrethroid acaricides, particularly deltamethrin, are widely used for their control; however, the development of resistance has increasingly compromised their effectiveness. Deltamethrin resistance in R. sanguineus isolates has already been reported in Kerala. The present study assessed the role of synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a well-known cytochrome P450 inhibitor, in enhancing deltamethrin toxicity against resistant R. sanguineus populations collected from different regions of Kerala. Ten field isolates were evaluated using a modified larval packet test. All isolates tested with deltamethrin exhibited less than 90 per cent mortality at the discriminating dose of 600 ppm and were considered resistant. Piperonyl butoxide, when tested alone, produced dose-dependent larval mortality, achieving complete mortality at concentrations 400 ppm. When deltamethrin was combined with a non lethal dose of PBO (200 ppm), a pronounced reduction in LC50 values was observed across all isolates (p
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most commonly recognised form of kidney disease in dogs and cats. Dogs with the clinical signs suggestive of renal failure were screened and eight dogs each with stage 3 and stage 4 of CKD as per International Renal Interest Society were selected based on serum creatinine level. All the animals were subjected to detailed clinical examination and assessment of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate and serum minerals viz. copper, iron, zinc and selenium. Major clinical signs recorded were anorexiahyporexia and dehydration in stage 3 and vomiting, anorexiahyporexia, pale mucous membrane and cachexia in stage 4 animals. Stage 3 animals showed reduction in bicarbonate levels and hypokalemia and stage 4 animals showed metabolic acidosis with hyperkalemia. Estimation of serum mineral levels showed a significant decrease in zinc levels in stage 4 and an increase in copper levels in stage 3 and stage 4 animals.
Sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA) is a major nutritional disorder in high producing cattle, arising from excessive concentrate feeding and characterised by prolonged rumen pH depression and microbial dysbiosis. The rumen microbiome plays a central role in fibre degradation, carbohydrate fermentation, and metabolic homeostasis; therefore, PCR detection of the major carbohydrate utilising rumen bacteria and understanding the potential corrective effects of probiotics is essential for improving rumen health. The present study investigated key rumen bacterial populations in clinically healthy (control), SARA affected, and probiotic supplemented cows using PCR based detection. The Rumen pH values in stall fed cattle (5.2 to 5.8) confirmed SARA, while probiotic supplementation elevated pH toward normal physiological levels. PCR screening detected Butyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, Prevotella, and Fibrobacter sp. across all groups, reaffirming their status as core rumen bacteria. Sequencing of representative amplicons validated target specificity. Overall, the study demonstrated that SARA in cattle is marked by reduced rumen pH while probiotic supplementation helped restore pH toward normal range and supported the presence of core fibre degrading genera. PCR detection and sequence confirmation of Butyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, Prevotella, and Fibrobacter sp. across all groups highlighted their fundamental role in rumen function. These findings reinforced the importance of maintaining microbial balance to prevent SARA and promote optimal rumen health.
Ovarian follicular cysts are an important cause of infertility in goats, yet limited information is available regarding their clinico-endocrine characteristics and therapeutic management. Fourteen goats with follicular cysts were evaluated using ultrasound and were treated with two protocols: Ovsynch (Group I, n6) and intravaginal progesterone sponge (Group II, n8). Affected goats had a mean age of 2.4 0.27 years and body condition score of 2.53.5. Follicular cysts were either solitary with mean size of 11.0 0.9 mm or multiple having a mean size of 9.50 0.27 mm. The mean wall thickness of cyst was 1.10 0.023 mm and the uterus was uniformly hypoechoic with occasional luminal contents. Serum oestradiol concentration was 41.78 4.26 pgdL and 36.74 3.11 pgdL in group I and group II, respectively, in affected goats and following treatment the mean values were 42.38 6.67 pgdL in Group I and 40.51 3.64 pgdL in Group II at induced oestrus. Mean progesterone level was 0.62 0.28 ngmL on the day of presentation and remained
The study was conducted in postpartum lactating dairy cows to compare the effect of intravenous regional anaesthesia using lignocaine hydrochloride with or without modified standing stun on serum cortisol and behavioural changes during therapeutic hoof trimming. Twelve animals presented with sole lesion confined to a single hind limb claw were selected for the study. The animals were divided into two groups, Group I and Group II with six each. In Group I, animals were administered with IVRA using 10 mL of lignocaine hydrochloride (two per cent) injection in the digital vein of the affected limb after application of tourniquet in the metatarsal region. In Group II, along with IVRA, modified standing stun using butorphanol tartrate (0.01 mgkg), xylazine hydrochloride (0.01 mgkg) and ketamine hydrochloride (0.04 mgkg) were administered intramuscularly. Serum cortisol level was estimated before anaesthetic procedure, during the procedure and four hours after therapeutic hoof trimming. Behavioural changes during therapeutic trimming were recorded. Following therapeutic hoof trimming, wooden blocks were applied and bandaged with 10 per cent zinc oxide ointment. In conclusion, serum cortisol level significantly decreased in Group II compared to Group I during trimming. Avoidance behaviour like withdrawal, head shaking, body jerking, and vocalisation significantly decreased in Group II compared to Group I. Serum cortisol level positively correlated with avoidance behaviours during therapeutic hoof trimming.
Azotemia in cats, characterised by elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine due to impaired renal clearance, is classified as prerenal, renal, or postrenal. It is a critical biochemical marker for early renal dysfunction and guides interventions such as fluid resuscitation, electrolyte correction, and urinary decompression. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses, plays a pivotal role in disease progression. The present study aimed to identify the etiology of azotemia and evaluate oxidative status in cats with postrenal azotemia. Cats presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai and Mannuthy, with clinical signs of azotemia were screened, and 50 cats with serum creatinine above 1.6 mgdL were selected. Among the total cases, 60 were identified to be prerenal in origin and 40 were postrenal. The factors contributed to development of prerenal azotemia were haemoprotozoal diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and associated dehydration. Postrenal azotemia was due to obstructive uropathies. Haemato-biochemical analysis of azotemic cats revealed significant increase in total leucocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, erythrocyte, haemoglobin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and phosphorous level in diseased group compared with control. In the oxidative profile assessment, the mean total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase values were higher in diseased cats compared to controls. Early detection of oxidative imbalance may support timely therapeutic intervention and improved urinary tract management in feline patients.
The study evaluated pomegranate rind extract (PRE) as a natural antioxidant in fermented carabeef jerky stored under aerobic packaging. Jerky was produced under optimised fermentation and drying conditions using a mixed starter culture, then formulated as C1 (no antioxidant), C2 (0.02 BHA:BHT, 1:1), and T1 (PRE 100 ppm). Pomegranate rind extract was characterised for pH, total phenolics, total flavonoids, gallic acid, and DPPH activity. Quality attributes, lipid oxidation (TBARS), microbiological profile, and sensory scores were monitored at 15 day intervals up to 75 days. The TBARS increased with storage in all treatments, but T1 consistently showed lower values, indicating reduced lipid oxidation. Group T1 also exhibited a smaller rise in pH and water activity and lower aerobic plate counts and yeast and mould growth during prolonged storage. Sensory scores declined with storage, while T1 maintained comparatively better flavour and overall acceptability. The findings indicate that PRE at 100 ppm can improve oxidative stability and storage quality of fermented carabeef jerky under aerobic packaging.
Canine dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria repens is an emerging zoonotic concern in Kerala, India. The present study investigated the molecular prevalence of D. repens infection and associated risk factors among dogs in and around Palakkad district, Kerala. A total of 102 blood samples from dogs presented to the District Veterinary Centre, Palakkad, were examined for microfilariae using Leishman-stained thin blood smears, and host- and management-related data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Genomic DNA was extracted and PCR-amplified targeting a 209 bp fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene specific to D. repens. Microscopy detected microfilariae in 19.61 (20102) of samples, while PCR confirmed D. repens infection in 8.82 (9102). Majority of the host-related factors, including age, sex, breed, fever, deworming, and vaccination status, did not show a statistically significant association with D. repens infection (p0.05). However, environmental exposure was significantly associated with positivity, with outdoor dogs showing a higher prevalence than indoor dogs (p
This study evaluated the occurrence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pseudoplacentational endometrial hyperplasia (PEH) in canine pyometra using ultrasonographic assessment of endometrial changes. Fifty bitches with clinical signs of pyometra were diagnosed based on clinical, haematological, and B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic findings. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome was present in 47 cases. Ultrasonography revealed marked uterine distension (2.58 0.19 cm), increased uterine wall thickness (3.97 0.27 mm), and reduced uterine arterial resistance (RI 0.64 0.01). Ultrasonographically, CEH was detected in 92 per cent of cases, while 8 per cent showed no evidence of CEH or PEH. CEH grading included 2 Grade A, 17 Grade B, 21 Grade C, and 6 Grade D cases, with variable echogenicity of uterine contents. No ultrasonographic features characteristic of PEH were identified in pyometra-affected bitches. These findings indicate that CEH was the predominant, ultrasonographically detectable endometrial lesion associated with canine pyometra, whereas PEH was not identified in pyometra affected patients using ultrasonographic criteria.
