Efficient and prompt estrus identification is very essential for better maintenance of fertility among animals. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of characterization of different crystallization patterns of saliva at estrus in Lakhimi cows. Follicular diameters were measured at proestrus and estrus by using ultrasonography. Serum and saliva samples were also collected during proestrus and estrus stage of estrous cycle for determination of hormonal profile and salivary crystallization patterns, respectively by standard methods. The mean diameter of dominant follicles at estrus (1.04±0.02 cm) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than proestrus (0.82±0.01 cm). The serum progesterone profile had significant difference (p<0.05) between proestrus (1.12±0.04 ng/ml) and estrus (0.76±0.02 ng/ml). Again, the mean serum estrogen concentration during proestrus (27.38±0.27 pg/ml) was significantly lower than estrus (36.92±0.41 pg/ml). In the present study, higher incidence of typical salivary crystallization patterns (72.00 per cent) was recorded at estrus than proestrus (48.00 per cent). From the study, it may be concluded that typical crystallization patten of saliva was predominant at estrus and determination of salivary crystallization pattern could be a reliable, cost-effective and non-invasive method of estrus detection in Lakhimi cows.

Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are primary causes of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in cats. This study evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and molecular characteristics of FHV-1 and FCV among 56 vaccinated cats presenting with URTD in Northeast India between March and November 2025. Clinical swabs were analyzed using PCR targeting the FHV-1 TK gene and RT-PCR targeting the FCV VP1 gene, followed by sequencing and Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic analysis. Overall incidence was 33.93% for FHV-1, 8.93% for FCV, and 3.56% for coinfections. Positivity was significantly higher in cats aged ≤1 year (FHV-1: 37.93%) and those living in multi-cat households (FHV-1: 46.67%; FCV: 13.33%), whereas sex differences were not statistically significant. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that local FHV-1 strains formed a unique monophyletic clade distinct from global field and vaccine strains. The local FCV strain clustered within an East Asian lineage, branching far from standard commercial vaccine strains. This first report from Northeast India confirms the active circulation of distinct regional field variants in vaccinated cats, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and evaluation of current vaccine efficacy.

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with significant zoonotic implications. This study aimed to detect MTBC in wildlife species, specifically nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), using gross pathology, histopathology, acid-fast staining, and molecular confirmation. Necropsied tissue samples were collected during post-mortem examination of a nilgai and a sambar deer from the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati, India. Macroscopically, multiple granulomatous tubercles of varying sizes were observed in the lungs and liver, with creamy white caseous material marked upon sectioning. Ziehl-Neelsen staining of the tissue smears from granulomatous lesions confirmed the presence of acid-fast bacilli. Microscopic examination of tuberculosis granulomas revealed a central necrotic mass surrounded by inflammatory cell infiltration, including Langerhans-type giant cells. Molecular confirmation of MTBC infection was achieved by amplifying hsp65 and IS1081 in tissue samples, further validated by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for nucleotide analysis following Sanger dideoxy sequencing. In conclusion, this study confirmed the presence of tuberculosis in these wildlife species through an integrated approach combining pathology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics, highlighting the need to understand pathogen entry into the herd and prevent potential spillover.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic and often overlooked zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis , a globally distributed pathogen within the group Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). The present study was conducted to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) at the molecular level in clinical and slaughterhouse samples from bovines. A total of 620 animal samples ( milk-360, nasal swabs-150, and tissue-110) were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers specific for the Mycobacterium genus-specific hsp65 gene, MTBC-specific IS6110 and IS1081 . Tissue samples were initially processed for microbiological analysis using Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining to detect acid-fast bacilli, followed by isolation of mycobacteria from the Z-N positive samples. Out of 620 samples, the hsp65 gene was detected in 43 (6.9%) samples and further molecular analysis confirmed that 24 of these were MTBC-positive. Of the 110 tissue samples examined by Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining, 12 (10.9%) were positive for acid-fast bacilli. However, only two samples were successfully isolated in Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media and detected as MTBC by PCR and confirmed through sequencing. This study highlights the widespread presence of bovine tuberculosis in these understudied dairy farms in Guwahati, the largest city in Northeast India. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive epidemiological study and the implementation of a One Health approach for the strategic control and prevention of bTB in the region.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), most notably Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis. The present investigation was conducted on the carcass of an elephant found in a forest area near the Western Range, Bagori, of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, in 2024. To detect MTBC infection, TB-suspected tissue samples were collected from the dead elephant and processed aseptically in the laboratory for gross pathological examination, bacteriological analysis, and molecular confirmation of MTBC infection. Laboratory investigations confirmed the presence of MTBC infection in the elephant through the detection of acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl–Neelsen staining and the amplification of a 441 bp of Mycobacterium genus-specific hsp65 gene and a 123 bp of MTBC-specific IS6110 insertion sequence and M.bovis specific 500 bp fragment by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These findings highlight the importance of integrated diagnostic approaches and enhanced surveillance at the wildlife-human interface to improve understanding of tuberculosis epidemiology in endangered Asian elephants.

Background: Classical swine fever, a highly endemic pig disease in India, particularly in the NER, spots Assam with the highest outbreaks. Despite available CSF vaccines, concern prevails over protective immune response of C-strain vaccine, as emerging genotype 2 replaces genotype 1 globally, causing outbreak in immunized herds. Methods: The study assessed the cross-protective and cross-neutralization potency of existing vaccines against additional prevalent genotypes. Archived CSFV samples were reconfirmed by S-ELISA and nRT-PCR. Following E2 full-length genome sequencing and phylogeny (MEGA-X), representative CSFV samples from NER were isolated in PK-15 cell line. Hyper-immune serum was raised to test neutralization and cross–neutralization efficacy. Result: Of 77 archived samples, 43 were S-ELISA positive and 47 nRT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis revealed either 1.1 or 2.2 sub-genotypes. Virus titre was 4.49-5.16 log TCID50 per ml in four samples representing two sub-genotypes (1.1 and 2.2) after 5 passages in PK-15 cells. Neutralization assay showed complete neutralization for sub-genotype 1.1, sub-genotype 2.2 showed 84% with C-strain specific antibody. The study revealed prevalence of both sub-genotypes 1.1 and 2.2 in NER with lower neutralization efficacy of vaccine strain antibodies to heterologous genotypes with conserved immunogenic epitope.

Background: Multidrug resistant strains of Escherichia coli have been causing worldwide outbreaks of food borne diseases in recent years. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli and the occurrence of transmissible drug resistance among the organism has amplified the complications associated with its control and treatment measures. Data associated with the prevalence, virulence factors and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolates are needed to be studied in order to develop an effective control strategy for colibacillosis in piggeries. The goal of the investigation was to study the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and pathotyping of E. coli isolates from diarrhoeic piglets. Methods: 102 rectal swab samples were collected from diarrhoeic piglets of ICAR-AICRP/MSP on Pig, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam and from different unorganized farms of the state. These samples were then inoculated in Luria Bertani (LB) broth and incubated aerobically at 37oC for 24 hours followed by sub culturing them in MacConkey’s lactose agar (MLA) and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar for purification of the suspected E. coli isolates. The isolates were characterized by biochemical tests and motility tests and were pathotyped based on detection of specific virulence genes by multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Result: Out of 102 rectal swab samples examined, 92 (90.2%) yielded E. coli which included 41 (91.12%) of 45 samples collected from ICAR-AICRP/MSP on Pig, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara and 32 (88.89%) of 36 samples from ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam and 19 (90.48%) of 21 samples from different unorganized farms. All the 92 E. coli isolates were examined for the presence of stx1, est1, elt1 and eaeA genes using specific primers. Among these isolates, 25 (27.17%) were positive for stx1 gene, 18(19.56%) for est1 gene, 6(6.52%) for elt1 gene, 3 (3.26%) for both genes est1 and elt1 and 12 (13.04%) for eaeA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates revealed that the highest percentage (71.74%) of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline and the least (4.34%) to imipenem.

Background: The study on the preen gland of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam is of great value in regard to protection of skin and feather of avian species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the micro and macro anatomical observation of preen gland of integument system. Methods: The present study was conducted on the preen gland of fifteen healthy, adult birds of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam in Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India for period of one year from 2020-2021. Those fowl were procured from different parts of Assam. The birds were sacrificed according to the method of Gracy (1968). After sacrifice, preen gland were removed very carefully from the base of the tail of fowl. After collection, the tissue samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution, and were processed as per the standard technique of procedure (Luna, 1968). The paraffin blocks were sectioned in Shandon Finesse microtome at 5 µm thickness and the sections were stained with Mayer’s Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique for Cellular details as per the standard method of Luna (1968). Result: In present investigation, it was observed that, macroscopically, the preen gland or oil gland or rump gland or uropygial gland of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam was situated on the dorsal aspect of the base of the tail. Microscopically, the preen gland of Kamrupa, White leg horn and Daothigir fowl of Assam was bounded by connective tissue capsule. The interlobular connective tissues were observed among the secretary tubules of the gland. The preen gland parenchyma composed of secretary tubules; duct that formed trabeculae, which were differentiated by inter tubular connective tissue.

Background: Reproductive performance is one of the major determinants for the economic improvement of a dairy farm. Endometritis and other uterine complications cause decrease the pregnancy rate. In this study, the genital changes and haemato-biochemical profile of crossbred dairy cows affected with endometritis was studied to evolve a suitable treatment protocol in order to improve reproductive efficiency. Methods: Crossbred cow affected with endometritis were selected based on mucopurulent vaginal discharge at estrus and tested positive for white side test. Animals were divided randomly into 8 groups with 24 animals in each group. Different therapeutic regimens fortified with supportive treatment were opted. The therapeutic regimens were supportive therapy having bypass fat, vitamins and minerals, Lugol’s iodine, Lugol’s iodine with supportive therapy, intrauterine (IU) antibiotic, IU antibiotic with supportive therapy, E. coli. LPS, E. coli. LPS with supportive therapy and control group respectively. Efficacy of each treatment regimen was based on first service conception rate (FSCR). Result: Of all the therapeutic regimens, fortification of Lugol’s iodine with supportive therapy resulted in higher FSCR (83.33%) indicating better applicability as a treatment tool for endometritis in crossbred cows.

Leptospirosis, a major issue in veterinary medicine and public health, is a bacterial systemic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. This infectious disease affects a wide range of animal species, including humans, indicating its widespread impact. Leptospires are highly diverse, with over 20 species, which are divided into over 300 serovars and more than 24 serogroups, which complicates the pathogenicity of the disease. Leptospirosis causes economic losses in livestock, which has larger consequences for food security and farming communities. Leptospirosis develops differently in livestock and wildlife, with small mammals, especially rodents, playing a crucial role as maintenance hosts. Effective management requires surveillance systems that employ serological, molecular, and cultural approaches. The interdependence of human and animal health emphasizes the need for a worldwide One Health approach that prioritizes collaborative work, research, and targeted interventions to address the multifaceted challenges of leptospirosis in a unified manner.

Johne’s disease (JD), also referred to as paratuberculosis, is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). It is a chronic disease of ruminants that primarily affects the enteric system and is seen worldwide. The study aimed towards molecular detection of MAP in bovine samples. A total of 220 bovine samples (intestinal tissue-60, faecal-60 and milk-100) were collected from cattle herds and slaughter point and were examined for detection of MAP targeting the IS900 insertion sequence through conventional PCR. MAP DNA was detected in 7 intestinal tissue samples (11.66%) and 1 faecal sample (1.66%). Only 3/60 (5.0%) intestinal tissue samples could be detected as acid fast bacilli by Z-N staining. The results were further re-confirmed by nBLAST analysis following Sanger dideoxynucleotide sequencing. The results indicate the presence of MAP-infections in dairy herds of the study area, Assam. This may be the first report of molecular detection of MAP in bovine intestinal tissue and faecal samples in Assam, Northeast India as per our literature search. Additional research is required across all Northeastern regions of India to determine the precise prevalence of the pathogen and to mitigate the spread of the disease.

This study assessed the farm-level economic loss due to LSD in India and at disaggregate (state) level by collecting data from 2351 cattle farms covering seven states. Data were analyed using descriptive statistics and stochastic modeling with Monte Carlo simulations. Gujarat state reported the highest milk loss, with a median reduction of 74, 90, 60, 45, 15, 15, and 8 L per animal in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Odisha, respectively. Crossbred cattle experienced more milk loss per animal, ranging from USD 0.0 to 237.8. The median mortality loss per animal varied between USD 12.2 and 1,084. The substantial national loss was due to decreased milk production, followed by the loss of draught power, treatment cost, and vector management cost. Stochastic modelling estimated economic loss due to LSD in cattle in India was USD 2440.29 million (90% CI 2162.55-2716.15) / (INR 202,544.07 million (90% 179,491.65-2,225,440.45) during 2022 & 2023 with a highest loss of USD 314.18 million (90% CI 279.10-349.34)) in Rajasthan state.

The study highlights diagnostic efficacy of chimeric protein A/G based lateral flow assay (LFA) for on-spot diagnosis of brucellosis in various livestock species. The test device was developed using chimeric protein A/G conjugated with 40 nm colloidal gold nanoparticles as detection reagent having a strong binding affinity specifically IgG isotypes in multiple livestock species. Known positive and negative control sera samples from three livestock species and 36 Gram-negative bacterial cross-reactive hyper immune sera were used for determining the analytical sensitivity (ASn) and specificity (ASp), respectively. The diagnostic performance of LFA was evaluated in comparison with RBPT (Rose Bengal Plate Test) and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using 652 small ruminants, 532 bovine and 241 pig samples. The analytical sensitivity of LFA was observed up to 1:1280, 1:2560, and 1:10240 dilutions in bovine, small ruminants and pigs samples, respectively. Similarly, non-reactive to 35 Gram-negative bacterial cross-reactive hyper immune sera showed high ASp for LFA test except mild reactivity with Y. enterocolitca O9. Considering RBPT as gold standard, the diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) of protein A/G based LFA in infected farm samples was 93.9 (86.3-97.9) in small ruminants, 84.6 (54.5-98.1) in cattle and 96.5 (82.2-99.9) in swine. Considering iELISA as gold standard, the DSn of LFA was 96.3 (89.4-99.2) in small ruminants, 90 (55.5-99.7) in cattle and 96.7 (82.8-99.9) in swine. The higher performance efficacy of the LFA tests developed in this study outlines the practicality of using these rapid, easy to perform, highly sensitive and specific devices for on-spot screening of brucellosis in livestock species, which in-turn facilitate prevention, control and management of disease transmission in farms.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by various Brucella species, which mainly infect bovines (cattle, buffalo), small ruminants (sheep, goat), swine, and dogs and humans. Earlier studies have reported brucellosis sero-prevalence only in cattle or both in cattle and buffaloes (bovine brucellosis) and actual disease burden in buffaloes was not available. The current study aimed to record countrywide brucellosis sero-prevalence in Indian buffaloes using competitive ELISA (cELISA). For the study, 1086 female buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) serum samples were collected from the top 10 states of India having the highest buffalo population. Overall, samples were drawn from 62 districts, 104 blocks and 242 epiunits from five regions of the country ({Punjab-100, Haryana-109, Uttar Pradesh-101, Rajasthan-100, Gujarat-156, Andhra Pradesh-100, Madhya Pradesh-110, Maharashtra-108, Karnataka-102, Andhra Pradesh-100 and Tamil Nadu-100)}. Samples were tested for anti-brucella antibodies using in-house developed monoclonal-based competitive ELISA (cELISA). Overall, apparent prevalence (AP) of 15.38% (CI-95%;13.35-17.64) and true prevalence (TP) of 15.85% (CI-95%; 13.77-18.19) were recorded. Sero-prevalence was highest in Punjab state (AP:57%; 47.22-66.27) in the Northern region and lowest in Madhya Pradesh (AP:0.90; 0.16-4.97) state of Central region with some of the districts displaying up to 90% and 70%, seropositivity in the Punjab state. Low brucellosis prevalence was noted in young (2.1 to 5 years) and older age groups of animals (11.1 to 13 years) and significantly high in the age group between 8 to 11 years (32.23%). The highest brucellosis seropositivity was observed in buffalo breeds such as Nagpuri and Murrah (28.79% and 20.67%), respectively and significant association was noted among four breeds. In conclusion, India has the highest buffalo population with very high-yielding buffalo breeds (109.85 million). Periodical surveillance is essential to detect and control brucellosis in buffaloes.-the pride species of the country.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of nano zinc (NZn) as feed supplementation on haematological and biochemical profile of Assam Hill Goat. A total of 24 numbers of 7 days post kidding doe, 2nd to 3rd pariety maintained at Goat Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Burnihat, India were used as experimental animal and divided into one control and three treatment groups each comprising 6 animals. Control group of animals were fed with basal diet without zinc supplementation, treatment 1 group with 25 mg NZn, treatment 2 group with 35 mg NZn and treatment 3 group with 50 mg NZn/kg concentrate mixture with basal diet for a period of three months. Blood was collected from each doe upto 3 months before treatment, fortnightly thereafter and on the day of oestrus. Results indicated that supplementation of nano zinc had no effect on haematological parameter. However, among other biochemical parameter studied, serum zinc level varied significantly (P<0.01) among the groups. The serum zinc level was found to be higher in NZn-50 mg as compared to control, NZn-25 and NZn-35 mg. Catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were higher (P<0.01) in 25 mg and 35 mg NZn/kg concentrate mixture supplemented diets as compared to the group fed with 50 mg NZn/kg concentrate mixture and control. Serum progesterone level varied significantly (P<0.01) on day 84th of observations in T-2 and T-3 groups whereas serum estrogen level did not differ significantly among the group.

Porcine Circovirus 4 (PCV4) has been detected in pigs from China only in 2019. PCV4 has been found to be associated with several forms of clinical syndromes in pigs. Like other Porcine Circoviruses, the only structural protein of PCV4 is the capsid protein. Therefore, it could be a key vaccine candidate or diagnostic marker. The present study aims to characterize the capsid protein of PCV4 by using several bioinformatics tools. The in-silico analysis revealed that the molecular weight of PCV4 capsid protein is about 27.3 kDa which is made up of 228 amino acids. The capsid protein of PCV4 contains a nuclear localization signal at N-terminal and several post-translational modifications could be predicted at different residues of the protein. The secondary structure of capsid protein contains coil, beta strand, and alpha helix. The 3D structure of the protein was predicted with a high level of confidence. The capsid protein of PCV4 also contains several potential B-cell epitopes. Thus, the in-silico characterization of the capsid protein will be beneficial in designing diagnostics and vaccine candidates in future to combat PCV4 infection in pigs.

The present study aimed to investigate the episodes of per-acute mortality due to peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that resulted in the death of 30 animals of different species of cervids, namely, barking deer, four-horned antelope, hog deer, thamin, and mouse deer in the State Zoo of Assam, a northeastern state of India. The affected animals showed no to limited clinical signs. However, the necropsy and histopathological findings were highly suggestive of PPR virus (PPRV) infection observed in domestic small ruminants. Representative tissue samples were screened for the presence of PPRV along with blue tongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) using RT-PCR or RT-qPCR and were found to be positive for PPRV. Considering the sudden outbreak of PPR in captive cervids, we sought to determine the role of domestic goats as the potential spillover host. To verify that, archived tissue samples of domestic goats collected during PPRV outbreaks in nearby localities and slaughtered goats used as meat for Carnivorous animals in the State Zoo were also screened and found to be positive for PPRV in RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis based on the Nucleocapsid (N) protein gene of PPRV from infected cervids, domestic goats, and goat meat revealed the virus to be of Lineage IV origin. Our findings provide evidence of probable spillover of PPRV from domestic goats to captive endangered cervids and circulation of Lineage IV PPRV strains among the small-ruminant population of this region.