Background Brucellosis is endemic in Bangladesh and causes reproductive losses in cattle. At the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm (CCBDF), Savar, abortion is a frequent problem but the role of Brucella abortus has not been fully confirmed. Methods Total 340 cows were randomly sampled. Herd-level infection was determined by Rose Bengal, iELISA, and Serum Agglutination tests. Fetal membranes of three cows having late-term abortion during the study were collected. Placental samples were screened by modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining and PCR targeting the B. abortus IS711 element. Positive samples were cultured on Farrell’s medium, isolates biotyped, and genotyped by MLVA-16. Results Overall seroprevalence in the sampled herd was 51/340 (15.0%). In multivariable analysis, female sex (OR = 9.62 , 95% CI 2.90–31.94; p < 0.001) and age > 3 years (OR = 7.80 , 95% CI 1.82–33.44; p = 0.006) were independently associated with seropositivity. Of three aborted placentas, 2/3 (66.7%) were positive by staining and PCR. B. abortus was isolated from these samples and identified as biovar 3 by classical bio-typing. MLVA-16 showed the isolates shared genotype 40 (Panel 1/MLVA-8) and were genetically identical to previously reported Bangladeshi biovar 3 strains, with close similarity (1–2 locus differences) to isolates from Brazil, France and China. Conclusion This study confirms B. abortus biovar 3 as a cause of abortion at the CCBDF and documents limited genetic diversity among Bangladeshi isolates. Strengthened surveillance, biosecurity at breeding centres, and One Health–oriented control measures are recommended to reduce animal losses and zoonotic risk.

Background Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging viral disease of cattle in Bangladesh, first reported in 2019. Given the critical role of veterinarians in disease detection, management, and control, it is essential to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the clinical and epidemiological aspects of LSD and its treatment strategies.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among early-career veterinarians using a cluster random sampling technique to assess epidemiological insights and clinical practices regarding the LSD outbreak in the field.Results All veterinary practitioners were aware of LSD, and 83.67% had previously managed LSD cases. Approximately 92% of cases of LSD are diagnosed clinically, primarily by observing circumscribed skin nodules, either alone or with other characteristic lesions. Nearly 69% considered clinical signs alone sufficient for diagnosis, although 73.62% reported diagnostic confusion with other diseases, including cowpox (29%) and papillomatosis (21%). Various treatment strategies were reported, with 43.22% of veterinarians supporting the use of antibiotics, and 60.5% using antibiotics in combination with other drugs. Notably, 62.06% recognized the potential for antibiotic resistance due to frequent use during LSD treatment. While 55.78% observed no drug-related side effects, 81.16% acknowledged occasional adverse effects. Regarding epidemiological perceptions, 85.56% believed that LSD affects cattle of all ages, 94.67% associated it with both sexes, and 67.03% reported no breed predisposition. Most (75.28%) linked disease occurrence to the hot and humid season. Perceived modes of transmission included mechanical transmission by arthropod vectors (33.69%), direct contact (22.19%), and a combination of both (16.84%).Conclusion Bangladeshi veterinarians demonstrated sound knowledge, positive attitudes, and practical experience with LSD that aligns with current global scientific understanding. However, gaps remain in differential diagnosis and antimicrobial stewardship, warranting targeted training and policy interventions to address these needs.

OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to analyze the demographic, temporal, and spatial characteristics of animal bite (AB) cases in humans across 12 Upazilas within Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. METHODS:Retrospective hospital-based data from individual AB cases for 2022 and 2023 were collected from S.K Hospital. The dataset included information on victim demographics, bite details, vaccination information, and Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) administration. Additionally, monthly case counts from 2016 to 2024 were sourced and analyzed to identify trends. Descriptive statistics and time series analysis using the seasonal decomposition technique were conducted. Risk maps for animal bites in 2022 and 2023 were generated using a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) approach. FINDINGS:An almost two-fold increase in the proportion of category 3 bites receiving RIG from 3.6% in 2022 to 6.5% in 2023 was noted. Only 9.7% (2022) and 16.9% (2023) of bite victims received PEP on the day of exposure, whereas 76.5% (2022) and 84.6% (2023) received PEP within 24 hours. Moreover, significant seasonal patterns and annual increasing trends in AB cases were observed. Males and children under 14 years old had a higher risk of being bitten. Dogs (48.2% in 2022) and cats (52.6% in 2023) were identified as the primary animals responsible for the bites. Notably, the legs were the body part most frequently bitten. The bites risk map identified four high risk Upazilas. CONCLUSION:Despite improvements in PEP coverage achieved within 24 hours, a critical gap remains in same-day PEP coverage in both years. The study results also suggest other potential improvements in healthcare practices or treatment protocols, and the need for a veterinary surveillance system. Increasing AB cases highlight the need to enhance surveillance and control measures. Targeted awareness campaigns tailored to high-risk groups such as males and children under 14 years of age, along with preventive programs focused on dogs are imperative. Coordinated One Health efforts among healthcare professionals, veterinarians, policymakers, and community stakeholders are crucial to effectively mitigate the incidence of AB cases, safeguarding public health and eliminate dog mediated rabies by 2030 in the region.

Bartonellosis, a neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, continues to threaten human and animal health significantly. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and the molecular characteristics of Bartonella spp. in cats. From June 2018 to June 2020, 304 oral swabs were randomly collected from Bangladesh's Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect data. Oral swabs were subjected to PCR targeting htrA gene to confirm Bartonella spp., which was subsequently validated through sequencing. Risk factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of feline bartonellosis was found to be 15.1 %. The following factors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with Bartonella infection in risk factor analysis: cats aged ≥ 1 year (OR: 3.23, 95 % CI: 1.38–24.40), local breed cats (OR: 3.37, 95 % CI: 1.05–10.81), cats carrying fleas (OR: 2.33, 95 % CI: 1.93–13.45), antifleacidal drugs inconsistently administered cats (OR: 6.74, 95 % CI: 3.17–14.31), outdoor access cats (OR: 2.54, 95 % CI: 1.16–5.57). Notably, zoonotic B. henselae was confirmed through sequencing, establishing it as the causal agent of cat scratch disease. Phylogenetic analysis showed homology with B. henselae sequences from Brazil, Saint Kitts, and Nevis. We recommend consistent and appropriate flea control measures to curb its spread among Bangladeshi cats. Moreover, limiting outdoor exposure or implementing preventive measures for outdoor cats could reduce the disease burden. The associated human health risk can be decreased by effectively controlling this disease within the cat population.

BACKGROUND:Ehrlichia canis, a rickettsial organism, is responsible for causing ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease affecting dogs. OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to estimate ehrlichiosis prevalence and identify associated risk factors in pet dogs. METHODS:A total of 246 peripheral blood samples were purposively collected from pet dogs in Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts between December 2018 and December 2020. Risk factor data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with dog owners using a pre-structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified risk factors. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene confirmed Ehrlichia spp. PCR results were further validated by sequencing. RESULTS:The prevalence and case fatality of ehrlichiosis were 6.9% and 47.1%, respectively. Dogs in rural areas had 5.8 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (odd ratio, OR: 5.84; 95% CI: 1.72-19.89) compared to urban areas. Dogs with access to other dogs had 5.14 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.63-16.27) than those without such access. Similarly, irregularly treated dogs with ectoparasitic drugs had 4.01 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.17-14.14) compared to regularly treated dogs. The presence of ticks on dogs increased ehrlichiosis odds nearly by 3 times (OR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.02-8.97). Phylogenetic analysis, based on 17 commercially sequenced isolates, showed different clusters of aggregation, however, BAUMAH-13 (PP321265) perfectly settled with a China isolate (OK667945), similarly, BAUMAH-05 (PP321257) with Greece isolate (MN922610), BAUMAH-16 (PP321268) with Italian isolate (KX180945), and BAUMAH-07 (PP321259) with Thailand isolate (OP164610). CONCLUSIONS:Pet owners and veterinarians in rural areas should be vigilant in monitoring dogs for ticks and ensuring proper preventive care. Limiting access to other dogs in high-risk areas can help mitigate disease spread. Tick prevention measures and regular treatment with ectoparasitic drugs will reduce the risk of ehrlichiosis in dogs. The observed genetic similarity of the Bangladeshi Ehrlichia canis strain highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and research to develop effective control and prevention strategies, both within Bangladesh and globally.

Abstract Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which is endemic in Bangladesh. The prevalence of bovine brucellosis in subsistence management system in Bangladesh is low. However, the prevalence of bovine brucellosis at Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm (CCBDF) is reported to be very high and Brucella abortus DNA has also been detected from cows’ milk of this farm. The principal manifestation of bovine brucellosis is abortion in pregnant cows, which is common at CCBDF. The role of brucellosis in abortion at CCBDF has not been ascertained. Hence, this study was undertaken to confirm Brucella spp. as the etiology of abortion in cows at CCBDF. Materials and Methods: Aborted fetal membranes and vaginal swabs from 3 cows, in which late abortion occurred, were collected aseptically from the CCBDF. The samples were initially stained with modified Zeihl-Neelsen staining method. The stain-positive samples were ground individually using a pestle and mortar, and a homogenized mixture was prepared by adding normal saline. Two milliliters of the homogenate from each sample were inoculated subcutaneously into a guinea pig. The sera of guinea pigs were collected after 3rd week of inoculation to perform rose Bengal test (RBT) and rapid antibody test (RAT). Result: Samples from two cows showed positive staining result in which numerous pink-colored coccobacilli were seen. All the sera collected were tested positive for both RBT and RAT. It is evident from this study that three of two abortions at CCBDF were due to brucellosis. Conclusion: Guineapig inoculation technique could be used as a good alternative of culture for confirming the diagnosis of brucellosis from contaminated clinical samples like placenta.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess poultry farmers' knowledge and practices regarding antibiotics, antimicrobial usage (AMU), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and to identify the sociodemographic factors of inappropriate use of antibiotics in commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh.Methods: A qualitative survey of 140 farmers in Bangladesh was conducted from March to May 2019. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics.Results: 47.1% of farmers were unable to explain antibiotics, 42.9% used antibiotics for preventive purposes, 4.3% used them as growth promoters, 25.7% used them as suggested by veterinarians, 42.9% used leftover antibiotics, 50% did not maintain antibiotics residual withdrawal period, and 98.6% did not know about AMR. In bivariable regression analysis, sex and primary occupation of poultry farmers, their knowledge about withdrawal periods for antibiotics, and no contact with veterinary surgeons (VS) were found to be significantly associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics, while only 'no contact with VS' was identified in multivariable regression analysis. Conclusions: The findings suggest an urgent need to improve understanding of antibiotics and AMR. Adequate supervision by veterinarians would ensure adherence to appropriate AMU patterns, and would limit the misuse of antibiotics and associated AMR development in farms.

Raoultella ornithinolytica is an emerging pathogen that causes human infections. We report the isolation and genome sequencing of R. ornithinolytica from an oral swab of a Persian pet cat in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The genome length was 5,375,160 bp, with 55.9% G+C content. It carries putative genes associated with resistance to antibiotics and metals.

Objective Periparturient period is associated with multiple changes including serum concentration of macro minerals and drop in feed intake. Therefore, it is essential to know the actual concentrations of major macro minerals, glucose and ketone bodies in blood during the periparturient period. The objectives of the study were to study the dynamics of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and glucose in serum and ketone bodies in the urine of periparturient cows and to estimate the incidence of subclinical metabolic diseases. Results Results showed that all the urine samples were negative for ketone bodies. Incidence of subclinical form of hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypoglycemia in periparturient cows was 31.03%, 48.28%, 17.24% and 55.17%, respectively. Older cows with high BCS and milk yield were mostly affected with a subclinical form of hypocalcaemia and hypoglycemia. No significant differences were observed in serum level of macro minerals and glucose at different time points of periparturient period of cows fed with a balanced ration, and between two groups of cows those were given IV injection of calcium and magnesium on the day of parturition and those were not given. Age, parity, and milk yield had no significant effect on the concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and glucose.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging viral disease of cattle that negatively impacts livestock by reducing animals' production and increasing management costs. Like other countries, Bangladesh has also faced the ominous effects of LSD. Because of this pressing concern, the present study was undertaken to determine the attack rate and risk factors along with economic losses of the recent LSD outbreaks from October 2019 to June 2020 in Bangladesh's Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts. A total of 1187 cattle from 150 randomly selected cattle farms were surveyed. The diagnosis was made both clinically and molecularly. The overall attack rate, mortality and case fatality were 34%, 1.10% and 3.23%, respectively, but in calves up to 1 month of age, the attack rate, mortality and case-fatality were 41.6%, 12.5% and 30%, respectively. In risk factor analysis using multiple logistic regression, the following factors were significantly (p < .05) associated with LSD occurrence: no administration of goat pox vaccine, frequency of goat pox vaccination – single dose, introduction of new cattle, land type (low land and medium-high land), use of common syringe and needle, and use of common utensils. The average economic loss per case was 9384.41 BDT (110.40 US $). The higher economic loss per case was accounted in Mymensingh district (10248.91 BDT ≈ 120.58 US $) than Gaibandha district (8211.52 BDT ≈ 96.61 US $). The loss was higher in crossbred cattle (9709.58 BDT ≈ 114.23 US $) compared to indigenous cattle (7595.94 BDT ≈ 89.36 US $). The total estimated annual loss due to LSD in Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts was 7763.25 million BDT (91.33 million US $). In Gaibandha district, the estimated annual loss was 2666.20 million BDT (31.37 million US $) while in Mymensingh district it was 5097.05 million BDT (59.97 million US $). Findings of the study could provide useful epidemiological data with losses incurred due to LSD to the livestock owners, field veterinarians and government-level livestock regulators, which will help to formulate prevention and control strategies and minimize the negative impact of LSD's probable return or spread.

Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an economically important disease for dairy cattle worldwide; therefore, regular screening is imperative to detect SCM at an early stage so as to control it. The study was conducted to compare the test characteristics of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a test reagent to detect SCM in dairy cows. Materials and Methods: First, 106 milk samples of dairy cows were subjected to available indirect screening tests (white side test [WST], surf field mastitis test, Leucocytest, and Immucell) considering somatic cell count (SCC) as gold standard test. Then 273 milk samples were allowed to react with different concentrations of SLS with or without sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and indicators (bromothymol blue [BTB] and bromocresol purple [BCP]). Results: SLS with or without NaOH yielded best reaction with the milk samples similar to Leucocytest. It was observed that the reaction of milk samples with SLS added with indicators (BTB and BCP) was easier to visualize than without indicators. SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB and SLS 2% with BCP had high sensitivity, specificity, and substantial agreement with SCC. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of SLS 2% with BCP and SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB was 0.917 and 0.875, respectively. Conclusion: It may be concluded that SLS 3%+NaOH 1.5% with BTB and SLS 2% with BCP may be the potential reagents for the development of an effective cow-side test to detect SCM, as the main ingredient SLS is considerably cheap and readily available in developing countries.

Background: Gastro-intestinal parasitic infections in cats is a major concern for public health as they have zoonotic importance. The present research was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infection in cats in different areas of Mymensingh Sadar between December, 2018 to May, 2019. Methods: The fecal samples were examined by simple sedimentation and stoll’s ova counting method for detection of eggs/cysts/oocysts of parasites. The efficacy of antiparasitics against the parasitic infections in cats was evaluated. Results: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 62.9% (39/62) and the mixed parasitic infection was 20.9% (13/62). The prevalence of Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme infections were 17.7% and 6.5%, respectively. The prevalence of Taenia pisiformis infection was 3.22%. However, the prevalence of Isospora felis, Toxoplasma gondii and Balantidium coli infections were 4.8%, 3.2% and 6.5%. The prevalence of infection was significantly (P<0.008) higher in kitten than that in adult cat. The efficacy of albendazole, fenbendazole against single helminth infection was 100%. However, the efficacy of the drug was reduced against mixed helminth infection. The efficacy of metronidazole, pyrimithamine plus sulfadoxine was 100% against single protozoa infection but the efficacy of the drug was reduced against mixed protozoal infection. Conclusions: Kittens should be dewormed with effective anthelmintics as they are more vulnerable to parasitic diseases. The T. cati, A. tubaeforme, T. gondii prevalent in cats are zoonotic and owners awareness need to be increased to prevent human infections.

Gastro-intestinal parasitic infections in dogs represent a major concern in developing countries including Bangladesh. Dogs are important definitive or reservoir hosts for several zoonotic parasites. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in dogs from different areas of MymensinghSadar. The fecal samples were examined by simple sedimentation and stoll’s ova counting method for detection of eggs/cysts/oocysts of parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 60.00% (51/85) and the mixed parasitic infection was 16.47% (14/85). A total of six species of gastro-intestinal parasites (ova/oocyst) were identified, of them four species were nematode namely,Toxocaracanis (24.7%), Acylostomacaninum (7.05%), Acylostomabraziliense (2.35%), Uncinariastenocephala (2.35%), one species was cestode, Taeniapisiformis (3.52%) and one species was protozoa, Isosporacanis (3.52%). The prevalence of infection was significantly (P<0.02) higher in puppies and young dogs than that in adult dogs. The efficacy of fendnedazole (Bol. Fenvet®), albendazole (Tab. Alben DS®), fenbendazole (Tab. Paraclear®) was 100% effective against single helminth infection. However, the efficacy of mebendazole (Syrup.Mebantrin®) was 25%-50% against mixed helminth infections. The efficacy of metronidazole (Syrup.Amodis®) was 100% against single protozoal infection. So, anthelmintic including albendazole, fenbendazole, mebendazole and metronidazole may be recommended to treat effectively the single infection of helminth and protozoa, respectively, in dogs. Special emphasis should be given to deworm puppies as they are more vulnerable to parasitic diseases. The T. canis, A. caninum, A. braziliense and U. stenocephala prevalent in dogs are zoonotic and have public health impact. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 411-419, December 2020

OBJECTIVE:The influence of intramammary infection (IMI) and types of bacteria was assessed on somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cows' milk with respect to breed, age, parity, stage of lactation, milk production, and mammary quarter location.MATERIALS AND METHODS:After recording data in a structured questionnaire, 360 samples of quarter milk were collected. The samples were subjected to SCC and isolation and identification of bacteria. The data were analyzed to find out the significant influence of independent factors on SCC and IMI.RESULTS:The infected quarters had a significantly higher mean SCC (210.52 × 103 cells/ml) compared to uninfected ones (32.72 × 103 cells/ml). The mean SCC was the highest for IMI with Enterobacter spp. (338.00 × 103 cells/ml) followed by Bacillus spp. (319.20 × 103 cells/ml), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) (268.17 × 103 cells/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (218.31 × 103 cells/ml), and Escherichia coli (200.75 × 103 cells/ml) and the lowest for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66.33 × 103 cells/ml). Milk of rear quarters had a significantly higher SCC than the front quarters. SCC increased with increasing age, parity, and lactation stage regardless of whether cows are infected or not. The IMI was more prevalent in rear quarters (42.2%) and cows at early (≤7 days) lactation (100.0%). Cows having a parity of ≥5 and crossbred and high yielding (>5 l) cows had also a higher rate of IMI of 38.2%, 36.7%, and 38.2%, respectively.CONCLUSION:The IMI and type of bacteria were the principal factors for SCC variation. Besides, mammary quarter location, age, and parity should be taken into consideration during the interpretation of SCC.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is one of the most prevalent diseases of dairy cows, and somatic cell count (SCC) is widely used to determine SCM and milk quality. However, setting the threshold of SCC is very important. This study aimed to determine the cow-level threshold of SCC to differentiate milk of SCM affected cows from normal milk in Bangladesh.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) along with other characteristics of different thresholds of SCC were determined considering the bacterial culture as the gold standard test. Three definitions of intramammary infection (IMI) were set based on the group of pathogens involved. Five categories of SCC thresholds were considered for analysis.RESULTS:Se and Sp of thresholds of SCC greatly varied as definitions of IMI changed. Irrespective of SCC thresholds, Se increased when isolation of major pathogens included in IMI definitions. Se decreased when SCC thresholds increased (from 100 to 300 × 103 cells/mL) for all IMI definitions and ranged from 60.6% to 20.3%. The highest Se was found at low SCC threshold (100 × 103 cells/mL), which resulted in less false-negative outcome. On the other hand, Sp increased with the increment of SCC thresholds giving rise to a less false-positive outcome.CONCLUSION:The cow-level SCC threshold of 100 × 103 cells/mL was found appropriate to identify subclinical IMI of dairy cows.

Background: The effective control and eradication of brucellosis can be achieved by rapid and accurate diagnosis and effective vaccination but both have limitations. Therefore, brucellosis research is currently focused on the improvement of the diagnosis and vaccine induced prophylaxis. Moreover, diagnostic tests and immunization have not been thoroughly studied in buffaloes and even not compared with cattle. Therefore, the comparative evaluation of the immunological responses of Brucella vaccinated cattle and buffaloes would be required for both the diagnosis and vaccine induced efficacy. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to compare the humoral immune response (HIR) between cattle and buffalo cows immunized with B. abortus RB51 vaccine by using indirect ELISA Materials and Methods: Each of the three randomly selected B. abortus sero-negative native cows and three buffaloes received 2.0 ml imported commercial B. abortus SRB51 vaccine subcutaneously in the neck region at day 0 and then booster dose at 60 days after first vaccination with similar dose and route. Each of the collected serum samples of both the cattle and buffaloes was tested to detect the antibody status by using commercial indirect ELISA kit. Results: The results showed that the OD value of the serum of cows and buffalos before inoculation of RB51 B. abortus vaccine was 0.088 ± 0.009 and 0.096  0.011 at 0 week and 0.124 ± 0.018 and 0.111  0.010 at 1st week, near about the negative control OD value (0.106). After that, the OD value started to rise from the 2nd week (OD value (0.144 ± 0.023 and 0.1333  0.007) and reached to a peak level at 90 days (OD value 0.376  0.0080 and 0.316  0.219) and then started to decline from 120 days (OD value 0.2963  0.0416 and 0.2863  0.070) to 180 days (OD value 0.1943 0.073 and 0.176 0.172) in cows and buffalos respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that the RB51 vaccination has induced satisfactory HIR with initial inoculation but significantly higher immune responses with booster immunization which enhancing immunity against both in the cattle and buffaloes. The CMI plays major role in protection against brucellosis needs further investigation in both cattle and buffaloes in Bangladesh. Keywords: Brucellosis, SRB51 vaccine, Humoral immune response (HIR), I-ELISA, Cattle and Buffaloes

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are considered as one of the major impediments in profitable livestock farming in subtropical and tropical countries. The present study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and to determine the effects of different factors in the occurrences of GI parasitic infections in calves. A cross-sectional study, including 413 fecal samples from calves, was conducted in Pabna, Sirajgonj and Gazipur districts of Bangladesh. The samples were examined using standard coprological techniques like sedimentation and floatation techniques, and lugol’s iodine and modified Ziehl-Neelson staining. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism was 45.3% and commonly identified parasites were Toxocara spp. (20.3%), Strongyloides spp. (3.9%), Fasciola sp. (1.0%), Moniezia spp. (1.5%), Giardia sp. (10.4%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (7.0%). Among the factors, the age, sex and health status had significant effects on the GI parasitic infections in calves. Therefore, special care such as routine fecal examination for parasitism and proper deworming program should be taken to maintain good health and husbandry of calves for profitable livestock production. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2019) 23(2) : 1-13

Despite the endemicity of brucellosis, there is no report on the equine brucellosis in Bangladesh. The Rose Bengal Test (RBT) was used to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies amongst 112 horses from different areas of Bangladesh. The overall seroprevalence of equine brucellosis was 1.79%.The prevalence recorded in Ghatail area was 3.45% and there was no positive reactor in Shakipur and Savar areas. Sex wise prevalence showed that the prevalence was 3.08%in female and 0.00% in male horse. Only the adult (>3 years of old) horses showed the positive RBT reaction (2.35%), whereas young (<3 years of old) horses did not showed positive RBT reaction. The present study reports the first serological prevalence of Brucella infection in horses in Bangladesh. There is need for the inclusion of horses in brucellosis surveillance and control strategies in Bangladesh to safeguard people from high risk.

Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular bacteria causing chronic disease which may persist for the whole life of the affected organism. In animals brucellosis affects reproduction, fertility and reduces newborns survival and also milk production. The present research was carried out to estimate the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of brucellosis along with determination of genetic diversity in Bangladesh. In CCBS&DF (government farm) out of 191 cows the MRT prevalence (positive) was 7.85% and RBT prevalence (positive) was 7.33%. In Rangpur out of 238 cows the MRT prevalence (positive) was 1.88% and RBT prevalence is 1.56%. In Jamalpur out of 201 cows the MRT prevalence was 1.49% and RBT prevalence 0.05%. In Gaibandha out of 93 cows the MRT prevalence was 1.07% and RBT prevalence 0%. In Mymensingh out of 320 cows the MRT prevalence was 1.88% and RBT prevalence 1.56%. Among the five groups of cows the high prevalence of MRT and RBT prevalence was in Government Farm 7.85% and 7.33%. On the other hand the lower prevalence in cows of Gaibandha which was MRT and RBT 1.07% and 0% respectively and followed by Jamalpur MRT 1.49% and RBT 0.50%, in Rangpur MRT 1.68% and RBT 1.26%, and in Mymensingh district MRT 1.88% and RBT 1.56%. The prevalence of brucellosis was significantly (p<0.01) higher in CCBS&DF than all district (Table 8). Out of 14 MRT and RBT positive milk samples of CCBS&DF (21.43%) were PCR positive but all other 9 such samples originated from Jamalpur, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Mymensingh districts were PCR negative.