A mildly dehydrated dog was presented at Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Paklihawa Campus, with symptoms of urinary inconsistency, haematuria, and inappetence. Radiography and ultrasonography revealed the presence of calculus in the urinary bladder. Cystolithotomy was performed and the dog responded to the intervention and recovered uneventfully.

Background Nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria are widespread vector-borne helminths (VBH) of veterinary relevance. Dirofilariosis caused by D. immitis is frequently diagnosed in dogs often showing a severe clinical condition known as heartworm disease. Assessing the distribution pattern of canine dirofilariosis is pivotal to undertake appropriate control measures and define the risk of infection in animals and humans. This study provides original data on the occurrence of D. immitis in naive stray dogs from Nepal. Methods An epidemiological study was performed on stray dogs from Siddharthanagar, Lumbini region, Nepal. Alive animals were blood sampled and examined for microfilariae using direct microscopy, buffy coat centrifugation and modified Knott's method. In addition, hematobiochemical parameters, including packed cell volume (PCV), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea and total protein were analysed, along with a clinical scoring (body temperature and respiratory rate). During the observation period, data on autopsies performed on stray dogs showing canine heartworm disease were also included. Results The overall prevalence of D. immitis in both alive and necropsied dogs was 22.49% (38/169). Out of 150 alive dogs, 29 (19.3%) were positive for D. immitis microfilariae. The prevalence of the infection varied according to the technique used, ranging from 16.0 to 19.3% based on direct blood smear microscopy and modified Knott's technique, respectively. The infection rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in dogs aging more than 3 years. A positive correlation was observed between SGPT and SGOT and the presence of microfilariae (p < 0.05). Among the 19 dead stray dogs, 9 animals showed adult D. immitis nematodes. Conclusion Results of this survey account for the presence of D. immitis in stray dogs from Nepal, thus supporting the existence of a local transmission cycle of diroflariosis in the region. Further investigations are warranted to accurately define the prevalence of the infection in the canine population and to undertake appropriate control measures to reduce the burden on the infection in dogs and, accordingly, the risk of transmission to humans.

We conducted a tuberculosis (TB) serosurveillance program of captive elephants in Nepal and compared hematology and biochemistry parameters between seropositive and seronegative elephants. A total of 153 elephants (male=20, female=133) from four national parks were tested for TB using the ElephantTB STAT-PAK® Assay (ChemBio Diagnostic Systems, Inc., Medford, NY, USA). The mean reported age for 138 elephants was 38.5 years (range 2–71 years). Seroprevalence for TB was 21.56% (33/153). The majority of seropositive elephants were female (n=30) and from Chitwan National Park (n=29). The occurrence of TB seropositive cases in other more remote national parks suggests TB may be widespread among the captive elephant population of Nepal. Hematology and biochemistry analyses were performed on 13 and 22 seropositive elephants, respectively and, nine elephants from a seronegative TB herd for comparison. Hematology parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, platelet, white blood cells, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were comparable between the two groups. Total protein, globulin, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher in seronegative elephants, and bilirubin was significantly higher in seropositive elephants whereas blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST), glutamic pyruvic transaminase/alanine aminotransferase (GPT/ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GT), and albumin were not significantly different. The range of biochemical parameters that were significantly different between seropositive and seronegative elephants had narrow ranges. Thus, the potential of these parameters as a direct biomarker for TB diagnosis is limited based on the findings in this study. We recommend including blood parameters in future TB surveillance studies.

Abstract Background Nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria are widespread vector-borne helminths (VBH) of increasing relevance. Indeed, dirofilariosis is frequently diagnosed in domestic pets, often dogs, associated with a severe clinical condition known as heartworm disease caused by D. immitis . Assessing the distribution pattern of canine dirofilariosis is pivotal to undertake appropriate control measures and define the risk of infection in animals and humans. This study revealed the occurrence of D. immitis in naïve community dogs from Nepal. Methods An epidemiological study was performed in 2019 in Siddharthanagar (Lumbini region, Nepal). A total of 150 blood specimens were examined using direct microscopy, buffy coat centrifugation and modified Knott's method aiming at isolating and identifying Dirofilaria microfilariae. In addition, hematobiochemical parameters, including packed cell volume (PCV), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea and total protein were analyzed, along with a clinical scoring (i.e., body temperature and respiratory rate) of the animals enrolled in this study. Results Out of 150 dogs sampled, 29 (19.3%) had D. immitis microfilariae. The prevalence of the infection varied according to the technique used, ranging from 16.0% to 19.3% based on direct blood smear microscopy and modified Knott method, respectively. The infection rate was significantly ( P <0.05) higher in dogs aged more than 3 years. A positive correlation was observed between SGPT and SGOT and the presence of microfilariae ( P <0.05). Conclusion The current findings revealed the presence of D. immitis in dogs from Nepal, thus providing an explanation for the diagnosis of this VBH is human cases. Further investigations are warranted to accurately define the prevalence of the infection in other pets, instrumentally to reduce the potential burden on the infection in dogs and, accordingly, to control the spread of this parasite to humans.

The definitive method for diagnosis of porcine cysticercosis is the detection of cysticerci at necropsy. Cysts are typically located in the striated muscle and brain. Until recently Taenia solium cysticerci have not been definitively identified in other tissue locations, despite several comprehensive investigations having been undertaken which included investigation of body organs other than muscle and brain. Recently a study conducted in Zambia reported 27% infection with T. solium in the liver of pigs with naturally acquired porcine cysticercosis, as well as some T. solium infection in the lungs and spleen of some animals. We investigated the cause of lesions in sites other than the muscle or brain in a total of 157 pigs from T. solium endemic regions of Uganda and Nepal which were subjected to extensive investigations at necropsy. Lesions which had the potential to be caused by T. solium were characterised by macroscopic and microscopic examination, histology as well as DNA characterisation by PCR-RFLP and sequencing. Lesions were confirmed as being caused by Taenia hydatigena (both viable and non-viable), by T. asiatica and Echinococcus granulosus (in Nepal) and nematode infections. No T. solium-related lesions or cysticerci were identified in any tissue other than muscle and brain. It is recommended that future evaluations of porcine cysticercosis in aberrant tissue locations include DNA analyses that take appropriate care to avoid the possibility of contamination of tissue specimens with DNA from a different tissue location or a different animal. The use of appropriate control samples to confirm the absence of cross-sample contamination is also recommended.

Detailed post mortem analyses of 68 free-ranging, slaughter-age pigs from two sites in the Banke District of Nepal identified 36% as being infected with Echinococcus granulosus. The cysts ranged from infertile, immature cysts a few millimetres in diameter to fertile cysts >10 cm in diameter. PCR RFLP and DNA sequencing identified the cysts as being E. granulosus sensu stricto. The Banke district has recently been identified as having a high prevalence of porcine cysticercosis. These data suggest that cestode zoonoses in this, and possibly other parts of Nepal may be a serious concern for human health. An assessment of the level of human cystic echinococcosis and neurocysticercosis, in the region is warranted and the introduction of control measures are required to limit the parasites' transmission.

Backround: Dirofilaria species are important zoonotic filarioid nematodes transmitted by mosquitoes causing a heartworm disease in canines worldwide. Map of the distribution pattern of dirofilariois in Nepalese context is lacking. Methodology: A study was done to access the occurrence of dirofilarioids among stray dogs population in Siddharthanagar, sub-metropolitan city of Lumbini, Nepal. A total of 150 blood specimens were examined using direct microscopy, buffy coat centrifugation and modified Knott's method. Haematobiochemical parameters including packed cell volume (PCV), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea and total protein were evaluated. Furhter, the clinical performance, comprising the body temperature and respiratory rate, were also assessed. Results: The dirofilariod is recognized as Dirofilaria immitis . Overall prevalence of dirofilariosis was reported to be 19.33% (29/150). Meanwhile, microfilariae were noticed to be 16.0, 16.0 and 19.33 % using the direct blood smear microscopy, buffy coat and modified Knott technique, respectively. The infection rate was significantly ( P <0.05) higher in aged dogs with high respiratory rates. The response of sex was non-significant. Among haematobiochemical parameters, only SGPT and SGOT were significantly ( P <0.05) elevated. The body temperature was not altered.Conclusion: Coinciding with the existence of stray dog communities and the recent zoonotic appearance of such filarioids, further investigations including molecular approaches, are urgently needed to accurately differentiate both dirofilarioids and other filarioid nematodes in both pets and humans.

Taenia solium is a zoonotic cestode parasite which causes human neurocysticercosis. Pigs transmit the parasite by acting as the intermediate host. An intervention was implemented to control transmission of T. solium by pigs in Dalit communities of Banke District, Nepal. Every 3 months, pigs were vaccinated with the TSOL18 recombinant vaccine (Cysvax, IIL, India)) and, at the same time, given an oral treatment with 30mg/kg oxfendazole (Paranthic 10% MCI, Morocco). The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was determined in both an intervention area as well as a similar no intervention control area, among randomly selected, slaughter-age pigs. Post mortem assessments were undertaken both at the start and at the end of the intervention. Participants conducting the post mortem assessments were blinded as to the source of the animals being assessed. At the start of the intervention the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was 23.6% and 34.5% in the control and intervention areas, respectively. Following the intervention, the prevalence of cysticercosis in pigs from the control area was 16.7% (no significant change), whereas no infection was detected after complete slicing of all muscle tissue and brain in animals from the intervention area (P = 0.004). These findings are discussed in relation to the feasibility and sustainability of T. solium control. The 3-monthly vaccination and drug treatment intervention in pigs used here is suggested as an effective and practical method for reducing T. solium transmission by pigs. The results suggest that applying the intervention over a period of years may ultimately reduce the number of tapeworm carriers and thereby the incidence of NCC.

Background:Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. It affects both humans and animals. Dogs may serve as a sentinel as well as a potential carrier for Leptospira infection in human. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the sero-prevalence of leptospirosis, and differentiation in blood parameters in positive and negative cases of dogs.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2016 to December 2016 in Kathmandu valley. A total of 70 blood samples were collected from street dogs and tested against Leptospira infection using Immunocomb Canine Leptospira Antibody Test Kit.Results:Out of 70 blood samples tested, eight samples (11.4%) were positive. The average mean and SD of total leucocyte count of positive and negative cases were 79 750±12 090/mm3 and 11 026.98±4316.742/mm3, respectively. Levels of blood parameters (total leukocyte count (TLC), blood glucose, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and calcium and phosphorus) were found to be increased, and significant between positive and negative cases p<0.05, where blood urea and protein remained constant and non-significant.Conclusion:Detection of Leptospira antibody in non-vaccinated dogs indicates a significant threat to human population and demand unique strategic action plan for the control and prevention of disease.

Taenia solium is a zoonotic cestode parasite which causes human neurocysticercosis. Pigs transmit the parasite by acting as the intermediate host. An intervention was implemented in pigs to control transmission of T. solium in Dalit communities of Banke District, Nepal. Every 3 months, pigs were vaccinated with the TSOL18 recombinant vaccine (Cysvax™, IIL, India)) and, at the same time, given an oral treatment with 30mg/kg oxfendazole (Paranthic 10%™, MCI, Morocco). The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was determined in both an intervention area as well as a similar no intervention control area, among randomly selected, slaughter-age pigs. Post mortem assessments were undertaken both at the start and at the end of the intervention. Participants conducting the post mortem assessments were blinded as to the source of the animals being assessed. At the start of the intervention the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was 23.6% and 34.5% in the control and intervention areas, respectively. Following the intervention, the prevalence of cysticercosis in pigs from the control area was 16.7% (no significant change), whereas no infection was detected after complete slicing of all muscle tissue and brain in animals from the intervention area (P=0.004). These findings are discussed in relation to the feasibility and sustainability of T. solium control. The 3-monthly vaccination and drug treatment intervention in pigs used here is suggested as an effective and practical method for reducing T. solium transmission, thereby reducing the incidence of human neurocysticercosis. Author summary Neurocysticercosis is a disease caused by a parasitic infection of the brain. The parasite responsible, Taenia solium , is transmitted by pigs where human sanitation is poor and pigs roam freely. Neurocysticercosis is responsible for many cases of epilepsy in people living in poor, developing countries. The feasibility and sustainability of implementing control measures have been major impediments to reducing the incidence of neurocysticercosis. Recently, two new commercial products have become available for pigs which together offer the possibility of interrupting the parasite’s transmission the TSOL18 vaccine (Cysvax™, IIL, India) and an oxfendazole formulation (Paranthic 10%™, MCI, Morocco) licensed for use in pigs for the treatment of cysticercosis. Here we describe the impact of implementing vaccination plus drug treatment of pigs in the Banke district of Nepal. The intervention eliminated the risk of transmission of T. solium by the animals vaccinated and treated during the trial. Application of the vaccination and drug treatment program used here, possibly with strategic use of anthelmintics also in the human population, is an effective option for reducing the incidence of neurocysticercosis in Nepal and elsewhere.

Neurocysticercosis is a major cause of epilepsy in countries where Taenia solium is endemic and the parasite is a major cause of food-borne disease globally. Pigs are the natural intermediate host involved in transmission of the parasite. T. solium is known to be endemic in Nepal, however there is limited reliable data about the prevalence of the disease in Nepal. The aim of this study was to determine accurately the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in slaughter age pigs in an area of Nepal where pigs are known to be free-roaming. Pigs were obtained from the Udaypur Village Development Committee (VDC) and Hirminiya & Betahani VDC of the Banke district in Nepal. One hundred and ten animals of slaughter age (approximately 8-16 months old) were purchased, slaughtered and the heart, liver, brain and half the body skeletal musculature were sliced using hand knives and the number and viability of T. solium cysts determined. Thirty two of the 110 animals were found to harbour T. solium cysticerci (29%), of which 30 (27%) were found to have viable cysticerci (93% of the infected animals). This is one of the highest prevalences of porcine cysticercosis that has been reported to date from the results of necropsy on randomly selected animals. This study highlights a high rate of transmission of T. solium in the Banke District of Nepal. It encourages further investigation of human and porcine cysticercosis in Nepal, as well as implementation of efforts to reduce transmission of the parasite and the associated human disease.

The objective was to compare the relative advantage of adopting two ovariohysterectomy techniques: keyhole right flank laparotomy or ventral midline celiotomy, for ovariohysterectomy in bitches. Clinically healthy non pregnant bitches (n = 20; 2 ± 0.5 year age; 25 ± 5 kg weight) were used for the study. Bitches were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 10) bitches were ovariohysterectomized adopting keyhole right flank laparotomy, whereas in group B (n = 10) bitches were ovariohysterectomized adopting ventral midline celiotomy. Time required for completion of surgery, and length of suturing materials required was recorded, blood hematology and fibrinogen levels were analyzed, and post-operative wound healing was monitored. Length of chromic cat gut No. 1-0 (Ethicon; P < 0.01), and vicryl No. 3-0 (Ethicon; P < 0.001) used was more in ventral midline celiotomy compared with keyhole right flank laparotomy; however, similar length of chromic cat gut No. 2-0 (Ethicon; P = 0.47) was used in both the surgical techniques. Longer time (P < 0.001) was required to complete surgical procedure following ventral midline celiotomy compared with keyhole right flank laparotomy. Blood packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, monocytes, and fibrinogen levels were statistically similar between the two surgical techniques. Wound healing was better in keyhole right flank laparotomy compared with ventral midline celiotomy. Conclusion: Keyhole right flank laparotomy required less time for surgery, less suturing materials and better wound healing compared with ventral midline celiotomy for ovariohysterectomy in bitches. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 198-202

BACKGROUND:Campylobacter is the primary cause of food borne gastroenteritis. Moreover, the emergence of multiple drug resistant campylobacters from poultry and pork has produced a potential threat to public health. Research addressing these issues is sparse in Nepal. So, this cross-sectional study aims at determining the prevalence, antibiogram and risk factors of campylobacters from dressed porcine carcass of Chitwan, Nepal.RESULTS:We collected 139 samples of dressed porcine carcass from 10 different pork shops located in Chitwan district and processed according to OIE Terrestrial Manual, 2008, chapter 2.8.10. Antibiogram of identified Campylobacter spp. was evaluated against nine commonly used antibiotics by using disc diffusion method following CLSI guidelines. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was 38.84% (C. coli 76% and C. jejuni 24%). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the prevalence rate of male (32.4%) and female (41%) carcass. Ampicillin and erythromycin showed the highest resistance (92.59% each) followed by colistin (72.2%), tetracycline (61.1%), nalidixic acid and cotrimoxazole (44.4% each), ciprofloxacin (31.5%) and gentamicin (5.56%). Moreover, 77.8% of the isolates were resistant to more than two antimicrobials. Nalidixic acid and tetracycline showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in the resistivity pattern among different species of Campylobacters. The association between prevalence rate and regular sanitization of slaughter slab equipments was significant (p < 0.05). Similarly, prevalence rate was significantly associated (p < 0.01) with chilling and contamination of intestinal content with carcass.CONCLUSIONS:The pork meat of Chitwan is highly contaminated with antibiotic-resistant Campylobacters and slaughtering practices play significant role in contamination. It is necessary to train the butchers about hygienic slaughtering practice. The consumers as well as butchers should adopt safety measures to prevent themselves from antibiotic resistant campylobacters. The veterinary practitioners should adopt prudent use of antibiotics in pigs.

The effect of treatment for anestrus in buffaloes with a PGF2α or GnRH injection and vitamin-mineral (Vit-M) supplementation for 1 to 2 months and some factors influencing the treatment effect were studied. In anestrus buffaloes with CL, an injection of PGF2α tended to show higher estrus detection and pregnancy rates within 17 days after treatment than Vit-M supplementation (P<0.10). In those with inactive ovaries, effect of GnRH and Vit-M did not differ. Body condition score of the animals before treatment affected pregnancy rate within 17 days after treatment (P<0.05). Pregnancy rate within 4 months after treatment was adversely influenced by low serum concentrations of calcium (P<0.01) and gastrointestinal parasitic infection before treatment (P<0.05).

Introduction: Campylobacter causes more cases of diarrhoea than Salmonella and pork is considered as a potential source of Campylobacter infection after poultry. This study aims to assess the butchers’ knowledge and hygienic condition of slaughter slabs and retail pork shops of Chitwan district, Nepal focusing campylobacteriosis risk factors. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from September-2012 to December-2012. Three sets of semi-structured questionnaires were formed each for slaughter slabs, retail pork shops and pork handlers focusing on butchers’ knowledge and hygienic status of pig meat shops. Each of the workers (n=40) of 10 different pork meat shops were interviewed. Results: Sixty-five percent of the pork handlers were aware about pork borne disease but none of them had heard about campylobacteriosis. Chilling practice was adopted only in 16.7% of the slaughter slabs. None of them had separate dirty section. Only 30% of the pork handlers wore apron regularly. None of them wore gloves and masks and 40% even did not wash hands regularly before and after pork handling. The hygienic practices like sanitation of equipments and regular washing of hands were significantly associated (p<0.05) with level of education. Conclusions: Hygienic condition of pig meat shops of Chitwan is poor which exposes workers as well as meat consumers at risk for campylobacteriosis and other meat borne diseases. Since education was found to affect hygienic practices, awareness generation program focusing pig borne zoonotic diseases seems necessary together with trainings on hygienic meat production and selling techniques. DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.3126/ijim.v2i1.8004 Int J Infect Microbiol 2013;2(1):17-21

Veterinary RecordVolume 171, Issue 1 p. 24-24 Letter Classical swine fever in Nepal Vijay Chandra Jha, Vijay Chandra Jha Department of Pathology and Clinics, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Chitwan, NepalSearch for more papers by this authorVinay Kumar Karna, Corresponding Author Vinay Kumar Karna [email protected] National FMD and TADs Laboratory, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, NepalSearch for more papers by this authorDinesh Kumar Singh, Dinesh Kumar Singh Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Janakpur, NepalSearch for more papers by this author Vijay Chandra Jha, Vijay Chandra Jha Department of Pathology and Clinics, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Chitwan, NepalSearch for more papers by this authorVinay Kumar Karna, Corresponding Author Vinay Kumar Karna [email protected] National FMD and TADs Laboratory, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, NepalSearch for more papers by this authorDinesh Kumar Singh, Dinesh Kumar Singh Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Janakpur, NepalSearch for more papers by this author First published: 07 July 2012 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.e4594Citations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Reference 1 VEC (2010) Status of Animal Disease Outbreak and Identification of Provisional Disease Free Zone/Area. Vol 1, Number 1. Veterinary Epidemiology Center (VEC), Kathmandu. pp 25 –32 Citing Literature Volume171, Issue1July 2012Pages 24-24 ReferencesRelatedInformation