Avian pox is a disease that has devastating impacts on both poultry and wild bird species. Avian pox is caused by various strains of avipoxviruses (APV). Nevertheless, the virus has been detected in pigeons and chickens that are raised in backyard areas, leading to substantial financial damage for small-scale producers. There is a lack of comprehensive information regarding the transmission of APV among birds in the backyards and residential areas. Hence, the present investigation closely monitored and observed APV in domesticated birds residing in backyard areas, with the aim of impeding the transmission of the virus to nearby poultry farms. In 2023, a total of fifty backyard flocks were surveyed for the presence of avian pox disease. Sixteen backyards (14 pigeons and 2 chickens) exhibited warty nodular lesions on their heads and nonfeathered body parts. APV was confirmed in nodular lesions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and genetic sequencing. All samples from the lesions showed successful amplification of the p4b locus (core protein p4b). Four confirmed samples were tested for pathogenicity on the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Histopathological examination revealed ballooning degeneration and numerous intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger bodies) in the ectoderm of the infected CAM. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains clustered into main clade A, with 11 in subclade A2 and 5 in subclade A1. Amino acid identity showed 100% similarity between the vaccine (fowlpox/VSVRI/Egypt) and some detected strains (PP537574 and PP537575). In addition, the PP537576.1 to PP537580.1 and PP537582.1 to PP537585.1 had 2-point mutations compared to the fowlpox/VSVRI/Egypt vaccine. The overall finding of low biosecurity levels in the investigated backyard birds emphasizes the significance of establishing sanitary measures and control vectors to reduce virus transmission routes and disease severity. In conclusion, it is necessary to emphasize the tracking of APV in backyard birds. Concurrently, we advised enhancing hygiene protocols, vector management, and subsequent vaccination to restrict the occurrence of APV outbreaks and prevent their transmission to neighboring poultry farms. Furthermore, it is crucial to incorporate molecular studies in order to enhance the vaccine seeds for disease management.

The cytokine storm induced by duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) infection significantly contributes to severe, rapid deaths and economic losses in the duck industry in Egypt. This study aimed to investigate the potential inhibitory effect of a nanoemulsion containing turmeric and black pepper oil on the immune response and pathogenesis of DHAV-1 in ducklings. A total of 105 ducklings from nonvaccinated breeders were divided into 5 experimental groups, each comprising 21 birds. The negative control group (G1) remained noninfected with DHAV-1 and nontreated with nanoemulsion, while the positive control group (G2) was infected with DHAV-1 but not treated with nanoemulsion. The other 2 groups (G3, the supplemented group which was noninfected with DHAV-1), and group 4 (the prophylactic group G4) which was infected with DHAV-1, both received nanoemulsion throughout the experiment. Group 5 (G5, the therapeutic group), on the other hand, which was infected with DHAV-1 received nanoemulsion only from the onset of clinical signs. At 5 days old, the ducklings in the positive control (G2), the prophylactic (G4), and the therapeutic group (G5) were infected with DHAV-1. All the ducklings in the infected groups exhibited depression, anorexia, and opisthotonos, and their livers displayed various degrees of ecchymotic hemorrhage, liver enlargement, and microscopic pathological lesions. Notably, the positive control group (G2) experienced the most severe and pronounced effects compared to the other infected groups treated with the nanoemulsion. Meanwhile, the viral RNA loads were lower in the liver tissues of the infected ducklings treated with the nanoemulsion (G4, and G5) compared to the positive control group G2. Additionally, the nanoemulsion effectively modulated proinflammatory cytokine expression, antioxidant enzymes, liver enzymes, and lipid profile of treated ducklings. In conclusion, the turmeric and black pepper oil nanoemulsion has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for regulating and modulating the immune response, decreasing DHAV-1-induced cytokine storms, and minimizing mortality and economic losses in the duck business. More research is needed to understand how turmeric and black pepper oil nanoemulsion alleviates DHVA-1-induced cytokine storms and lowers duckling mortality.

Background and Aim: Biosecurity implementation is fundamental to combating diseases and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the correlation between the implementation of biosecurity measures in small-scale duck farms and the incidence of infectious diseases that threaten the duck industry. Materials and Methods: Twenty small-scale duck farms of different breeds and production stages were collected as representative samples, focused on two districts in the Qalyoubia governorate, which possesses high-density small-scale farms. A 30-point structured questionnaire was designed to assess the level of biosecurity measures implemented in the sampled farms. These farms were examined for bacterial infection by cultivation, typing, and antibiotic sensitivity tests, in addition to molecular techniques for detecting suspected viral diseases. Results: The results showed that the farms had high or low levels of biosecurity; only 25% possessed high-level biosecurity. Bacteria, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Pasteurella, were isolated from all sampled farms. High rates of antimicrobial resistance-reaching up to 100% were observed against some drugs. However, viral causative agents, including HPAI-H5N8, duck viral hepatitis, and goose parvovirus, were isolated from only five farms. Conclusion: The lack of commitment to biosecurity implementation, particularly personal hygiene, was observed in most sampled farms. Increasing the level of biosecurity reduced the incidence of mixed infections.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a system that concerns with the identification, evaluation and management of risks that have a potential impact on food safety and quality; especially in a highly nutritious yet easily perishable food like milk and dairy products that can be easily contaminated with contain such biological, physical, and chemical hazards. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the returns from HACCP implementation in dairy farms and milk collecting centers (MCCs) located in Qalubiya governorate, Egypt through assessment of the quality, safety and potential adulteration in the collected raw milk samples, along with environmental swabbing for the sanitary condition monitoring pre- and post HACCP implementation, which included an overall improvement in sanitary and hygienic quality of milking, transportation, storage, and personnel conditions, along with documentation and traceability processes at the examined farms and MCCs. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare findings before and after a one-month duration of HACCP application. The results revealed a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of milk samples at both farm and MCC levels. This improvement directly reflected on the quality and fitness of milk for human consumption. In conclusion, the application of HACCP effectively controlled various hazards during milk production, even adulteration, and improved the hygienic quality of raw milk. Therefore, it is highly recommended for HACCP implementation in milk production facilities, with continuous monitoring for optimal results.

The incidence of the avian influenza virus in late 2016, different genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b have been reported among different domestic and wild bird species. The virus became endemic in the poultry population, causing a considerable economic loss for the poultry industry. This study screened 5 ostrich farms suffering from respiratory signs and mortality rate of the avian influenza virus. A flock of 60-day-old ostriches with a mortality of 90% suffered from depression, loss of appetite, dropped production, and oculo-nasal discharges, with bleeding from natural orifices as a vent. This flock was found positive for avian influenza virus and subtypes as HPAI H5N8 virus. The similarity between nucleotide sequencing for the 28 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) was 99% and 98%, respectively, with H5N8 viruses previously detected. The PB2 encoding protein harbor a unique substitution in mammalian marker 627A, which has not been recorded before in previously sequenced H5N8 viruses. Phylogenetically, the isolated virus is closely related to HPAI H5N8 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b. The detection of the HPAI H5N8 virus in ostrich is highly the need for continuous epidemiological and molecular monitoring of influenza virus spread in other bird species, not only chickens. Ostrich should be included in the annual SunAlliance, for the detection of avian influenza.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:The Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a neoplastic disease causing serious economic losses in poultry production. This study aimed to investigate MDV occurrence in poultry flocks in the Lower Egypt during the 2020 breakout and genetically characterized Meq, gL, and ICP4 genes in field strains of MDV.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Forty samples were collected from different breeds from eight Egyptian governorates in 2020. All flocks had received a bivalent vaccine (herpesvirus of turkey FC-126 + Rispens CVI988). However, weight loss, emaciation, reduced egg production, paralysis, and rough/raised feather follicles occurred. Samples were collected from feather follicles, liver, spleen, and nerve tissue for diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction. MDV genetic characterization was then performed by sequencing the Meq, gL, and ICP4 genes of five positive samples representing different governorates and breeds.RESULTS:A total of 28 samples were positive for MDV field strains, while two were related to MDV vaccinal strains. All samples tested negative for ALV (A, B, C, D, and J) and REV. Phylogenetic analysis of the Meq gene of sequenced samples revealed that all MDVs were related to the highly virulent European viruses (Gallid herpesvirus 2 ATE and PC12/30) with high amino acid (A.A.) identity 99.2-100%. Alternatively, there was low A.A. identity with the vaccine strains CVI988 and 3004 (up to 82.5%). These results indicate that further investigation of the efficacy of current Egyptian vaccines is required. The Egyptian strains also harbor a specific mutation, allowing clustering into two subgroups (A and B). By mutation analysis of the Meq gene, the Egyptian viruses in our study had R101K, P217A, and E263D mutations present in all Egyptian viruses. Furthermore, R176A and T180A mutations specific to our strains contributed to the high virulence of highly virulent strains. There were no mutations of the gL or ICP4 genes.CONCLUSION:Further studies should evaluate the protection contributed by current vaccines used in Egypt.

Respiratory disease, or snuffling, is a major problem associated with serious economic losses in the rabbit industry.The disease in rabbits is a polybacterial infection in nature, resulting from co-infection with more than one bacterial pathogen.To determine the involved bacterial pathogens in respiratory infections in terms of prevalence and pathogenicity, different specimens from rabbits with typical respiratory disorders are subjected to bacteriological examination followed by molecular verification through RT-PCR or PCR then sequencing of the PCR-product.The results identified Mycoplasma sp. as a major partner in mixed infection with virulent strains of P. multocida or S. aureus, suggesting that, initial infection with Mycoplasma sp.creates vulnerability to subsequent infection with P. multocida or S. aureus.Gross and microscopic analysis were also applied to demonstrate lesions accompanied by the detected bacterial pathogens.This study described the prevalence and characteristics of respiratory illness in rabbits domesticated in Al-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt and highlighted for the first time the role of Mycoplasma sp. in increasing the severity of rabbit-respiratory infections.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of layer flock tumor disease in Lower Egypt during the period of 2018-2019 and to undertake molecular characterization and determine the genetic diversity of all identified viruses. Materials and Methods: Forty samples were collected from layer chicken located in six governorates of Lower Egypt during the period of 2018-2019. Samples were taken from tumors in different organs. Tumor tissues were identified by histopathological sectioning and then further confirmed by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Finally, genetic evolution of Avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) gp85 gene was studied. Results: All the study samples were negative for Marek’s disease virus, reticuloendotheliosis virus, ALV (A,B,C and D) and 20 samples were positive for ALV-J in backyard in six governrates. Sequencing of ALV-J gp85 gene was performed for six representative samples (one from each governorate), and they were found to be genetically related to prototype virus HPRS-1003 (identity percentage: 91.2-91.8%), but they were from a different group that was similar to the AF88-USA strain (first detected in 2000) with specific mutations, and they differed from a strain that was previously isolated in Egypt in 2005, forming two different subgroups (I and II) that had mutations in the hr1domain (V128F, R136A) and hr2 domain (S197G, E202K). Conclusion: The ALV-J virus was the main cause of neoplastic disease in layer chickens from Lower Egypt in the period of 2018-2019. We found that the genetic evolution of ALV-J gp85 gene was related to prototype virus HPRS-1003 but in a different group with a specific mutation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the antigenicity and pathogenicity of recently detected ALV-J strains.

The regular updates of molecular studies of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Egypt become imperative specially with the ongoing emergence of new strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) that worsen the situation in poultry farms and causing extensive economic losses. In our study, we collect samples from twenty broiler flocks range from 18 to 36 days of age and manifested severe respiratory signs with mortality up to 30%. The collected flocks located in Qalyoubia governorate during period between January 2017 to December 2018. IBV Screening in collected samples was conducted by real time rRT-PCR targeting the nucleoprotein (N) gene. A total of 12 out of 20 examined farms were positive for IBV with percentage of (60%). Five positive IBV isolates were selected for amplification and sequencing of 400 –bp targeting the hypervariable region-3 (HVR 3) of S1 protein. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these viruses were closely related to each other (90-98% identity) and were clustered to variant II (GI 23) viruses within the Egy/Var-Ⅱ subgroup. The amino acids homology showed (75% to 80% identity) between our Egyptian/Qal variants and the common vaccine used for IBV infection in Egyptian poultry farms.

Trace element selenium occupies a privileged position among the natural antioxidant in addition to its ability to enhance the immune response in several species. The current challenges of supplementation of sodium selenite in poultry diets are always linked to low absorption and increased toxicity. Therefore, it is imperative to embrace new technologies like nanotechnology to get as an alternative source of traditional selenium supplementation in form of the nanoparticles with high bioavailability and low toxicity which will be positively reflected on biological activities of selenium. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of different concentrations of Nano-selenium on response of broilers to ND vaccination. A total of one hundred and eighty day old Cobb broilers were randomly allocated in 6 groups with each group applied to 3 replicate of 10 chicks, the first two groups were control negative groups without selenium supplementation and the remaining four groups were dietary supplemented with sodium selenite (0.15ppm) and Nano-selenium at concentration of (0.15ppm), (0.075 ppm) and (0.0375 ppm), respectively. The results showed that Nano-selenium had a superior effect compared to that of the sodium selenite either as an antioxidant or as an immunomodulatory and comparing the control negative groups. The most important results can be summarized in the following points; significant improvement in Feed conversion ratio (FCR), significant enhancement in activities of antioxidant enzymes without adverse effects on tested biochemical parameters as well as significant boosting in antibody titers against ND. In conclusion, Nano-selenium supplementation in commercial broilers diets could be an economically a promising multitask option, particularly when it comes to improving antioxidative status and boosting immune response to NDV (LaSota) vaccination in broilers.

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of emergency vaccination to control DVH in ducks. Five liver samples were collected from Pekin ducks showing clinical symptoms of DVH from Kalubia province in summer 2016. The virus was isolated in specific pathogenic free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs (ECES). The clinical sampleswereexamined by generic RT-PCR followed by partial sequencing of the 3D gene; the results revealed that the isolate was characterized as Duck hepatitis A virus resembling the recent Egyptian virus DHV/Duck/Egypt/AL-Gharbia/2014 belonging to serotype-1 with highest percent identity of (97.9%), and with Duck hepatitis–A virus vaccine with (79.4%) identity . The results obtained from emergency vaccination experiment indicated that emergency vaccination against DVH in young duckling in the experimentally infected and emergently vaccinated group gave good protection against infection with no deaths after emergency vaccination till the end of the experiment (40 days). In contrast, the second group (experimentally infected and not emergently vaccinated) showed deaths reached up to 40% of the ducklings and the lesions in dead and survived ducklings were severe. Therefore, emergency vaccination can be used effectively to face DVH outbreaks as a tool to control the disease.