In this publication various serum biochemistry and haematology parameters were determined from blood samples obtained from captive adult individuals of an exotic quail species, the mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus, Douglas, 1829). Venipuncture was performed in the second half of the breeding season from six roosters (males) and seven hens (females). During the examination, in addition to the haematological elements, basic parameters of serum enzyme levels, the products of protein metabolism, uric acid and the most important ions were monitored. The results are presented as a reference in future diagnostic tests for certain diseases. The blood parameters of the bird species examined in this study have not yet been published earlier.

Microscopic signs indicative of drowning are not specific to drowning but also to any other form of suffocation where mechanical obstruction is involved. Our study aimed to evaluate both macroscopic and microscopic findings across different groups sharing a common mechanism of death but differing causes and to compare the diatom test with pathohistological examination.Twenty-nine adult Wistar rats, weighing within recommended ranges, were divided into four groups (L1-L4). The diatom test followed established guidelines for diatoms in water from the Bosna River. Microscopic examination revealed diatoms in the lungs of rats in L3 and L4 groups. Pathohistological findings showed varying degrees of changes including consolidation and inflammatory cell infiltration, dominated by lymphocytes and macrophages, with some samples also showing eosinophilic leukocytes.Significant differences were observed between animals whose cause of death was mechanical asphyxia (suffocatio) and those that were submersed for1 hour versus those that were submersed for 72 hours after death. Diatoms identified in group L4 samples 3, 4, and 5 included Navicula sp. (U3 and U6) and Ulnaria ulna (U4).Our findings suggest combining the diatom test with pathohistological analysis to support a drowning diagnosis. Further examination of other organs could enhance result reliability.

We present the clinical symptoms, pathologic lesions and diagnostic possibilities of the avian astrovirus-related mortality in a pheasant colony. In addition to enteritis in chicks, we also confirmed acute nephrosis. The genome section of the astrovirus was detected and verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. After sequencing the isolated genome section based on BLAST driver analysis (601-base pair-long) avian astrovirus has the same ORF-1b gene as turkey astrovirus 1 (TAstV1).

The establishment of a well-adapted and accurate feeding regimen is a fundamental determining factor in the maintenance of shark species in captivity. Replicating the natural diet in captivity is commonly accepted and recommended. Given the diverse nutritional composition of prey, supplementation may become necessary. The captive environment poses unique challenges, making sharks susceptible to an array of health issues, including numerous diseases. Mitigating these risks demands detailed husbandry practices, an appropriate physical environment and a balanced diet. Supplementation, encompassing vitamins and minerals, becomes imperative for the provision of essential nutrients. This complexity has rendered the formulation of an adapted feeding plan for aquarists exceptionally challenging. The scarcity of information in these species adds to the issue, mandating extrapolation from various shark groups and to species with analogous characteristics. This literature review concentrates predominantly on benthic and pelagic shark species prevalent in contemporary aquariums. The central argument posits that dietary choices in captivity rely on factors such as availability, quality and consistency of supply. The advocated approach highlights the importance of a balanced, diverse feeding that closely mirrors natural diets. It is then crucial to emphasize that these are general guidelines, and the specific dietary requisites may diverge between shark species. Collaborating with experts in marine biology, shark husbandry and veterinary care is imperative for the formulation and perpetuation of an adapted diet for captive sharks.

The aim of this study was to investigate some biochemical and tissue changes associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens (LHs), and the complicities of oxidative stress (OS). Fifty LHs were assigned to two groups of 25 LHs infected with S. gallinarum (109 cfu*mL-1 of S. gallinarum) and 25 uninfected controls. Biochemical assays and histopathology were carried out following standard procedures. There was a significant loss of body weight, drop in egg production, as well as 28% mortality in the infected group. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as serum total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher, whereas serum albumin levels were significantly lower in infected LHs. There were inflammatory, degenerative and necrotic changes observed in the affected organs. Considering the significant elevation in MDA levels coupled with elevated SOD activity in the infected LHs, OS may play a significant role in the pathology of fowl typhoid and may suggest a possible treatment of infected layers with antioxidants.

The ectoparasitic copepod Lernaea cyprinacea (anchor worm) has more than 100 host species among teleost fishes and affects cyprinids both in fish farms and natural waters. In addition, while L. cyprinacea infection in amphibians has been recorded in Asia, North and South America, there is no data available in the literature on their presence in Europe. In this study, we first reported L. cf. cyprinacea parasitising an anuran tadpole in Europe. Specimens of L. cf. cyprinacea were observed attached to a tadpole of the agile frog (Rana dalmatina), which was caught during fishing of crucian carp fingerlings (Carassius carassius) from a small fish pond in Hungary during the summer of 2012. The infected tadpole was collected from a rearing pond, where juvenile crucian carps were kept. The tadpole was inspected in the laboratory, and digital photos were taken. The parasites were found attached to the body-tail junction and to the leg of the tadpole (at Gosner stage 41). The parasite species was identified as L. cf. cyprinacea based on morphological traits.

Potential arrhythmias recorded by cardiac monitors using the built-in human algorithm are as follows: total number of episodes, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, bradycardia, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and the percentage of time spent in atrial tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Long-term use of an insertable cardiac monitor (loop recorder) has been reported in one horse earlier, but its accurate role as a diagnostic tool is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term applicability of the Reveal XT cardiac monitor for recording cardiac arrhythmias in adult horses. The Reveal XT cardiac monitor was implanted in 12 horses under sedation in standing position. Median duration of data recording calculated for the population was 1,169 days. The number of false positive detections of asystole and bradycardia was extremely high in all horses. For atrial fibrillation, false positive detection occurred in five and false negative detection occurred in one horse. The present study showed that the long-term use of the Reveal XT cardiac monitor is feasible, well-tolerated and the devices work reliably, without complications. The human algorithm could not be used for automatic detection of arrhythmic episodes in the study population. The device could detect atrial fibrillation in horses, but the recorded AF burden was inaccurate and the stored ECGs had to be manually interpreted. Because the human analyser algorithm of this cardiac monitor fails to identify bradyarrhythmias in horses based on our results, this instrument is not capable for accurately determining the aetiology of episodic collapse in this species.

This interventional clinical trial aimed to assess the potential impact of Spirulina platensis supplementation on pregnant and lactating ewes living in a Moroccan endemic fluorosis area. Forty-eight ewes were divided into four equal groups: Groups I and II served as controls belonging respectively to fluorosis-free and endemic fluorosis areas, Groups III and IV received respectively 250 and 500 mg*kg-1 BW/day of S. platensis, during late pregnancy and early lactation. The results revealed that ewes reared in fluorosis-free areas exhibited significantly lower plasma fluoride and significantly higher haemoglobin levels compared to endemic fluorosis areas (P < 0.0001). However, supplementation with 500 mg*kg-1 BW*day-1 of S. platensis significantly improved these two parameters compared to Group II (P < 0.0001). Ewes in the endemic area also displayed increased oxidative stress (P < 0.05), characterized by decreased ascorbic acid levels and catalase activity, as well as elevated levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. Supplementation with 500 mg*kg-1 BW*day-1 of S. platensis enhanced the antioxidant status (P < 0.05) by increasing ascorbic acid levels and catalase activity and decreasing levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. Moreover, this dose yielded similar average daily gains compared to lambs of ewes living in fluorosis-free area. In conclusion, S. platensis may serve as a promising solution for addressing endemic fluorosis in pregnant and lactating ewes.

A total of 490 diarrhoeic samples from calves aged between 0 and 6 months were screened for the presence of different G- and P-genotypes of rotavirus circulating in bovines in the Kashmir Valley. Of the 490 diarrhoeic samples, Group A rotavirus was detected in 68 (13.87%) samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by RNA-PAGE. Genotyping analysis revealed G10, G6, G3, P[11] and P[5] to be the predominant types. The most common types of combinations detected were G10P[11] (27.90%) and G6P[11] (20.60%). The prevalence rate of G10 and P[11] decreased from 60% to 36.76% and 100%-69.11%, respectively. Genotypes G6, G3, P[1] and P[5], which were not previously reported, were detected and unusual combinations such as G6P[11], G3P[11], G10P[5], G3P[5], G6P[1], G6P[5], G6+G8P[11] were also observed for the first time. Fluctuations in the predominant types, emergence of new types and possible genetic reassortment events suggest an unstable epidemiological situation and the need for continuous surveillance of the circulating types to ensure the suitability of the vaccination programme. The present data suggests G10, G6, P[11] and P[5] genotypes could be incorporated in the polyvalent vaccine to offer increased protection against bovine rotavirus infection in India.

Mycoplasma hyopharyngis is a commensal bacterium in the upper respiratory tract of swine. As it is recognized to be apathogenic, examinations regarding this species are scarce, compared to other swine mycoplasmas. However, in a few cases, M. hyopharyngis was detected in lesions of different organs. This report presents a case study in which M. hyopharyngis (along with other bacteria) was isolated from the joint of a pig showing lameness.

ESBL-producing Escherichia coli strains threaten public health and obligate the use of last-resort antibiotics. This study identified 15 E. coli isolates through 16S rRNA and gyrB genes, specific to E. coli, in 120 egg samples (12.5%). Antibiotic resistance was detected according to the EUCAST and CLSI in E. coli isolates. 2 isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics, one isolate was resistant to one antibiotic, one isolate was resistant to 2 antibiotics, and 11 E. coli isolates (73.3%) had multidrug resistance. Most frequent antibiotic resistances were detected against ampicillin (80%), tetracycline (66.6%), and chloramphenicol (66.6%). A double-disc confirmation test was used to detect ESBL production, and blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M and blaOXA genes were searched by PCR. The blaTEM (100%) gene was found in all resistant E. coli isolates, and the blaCTX-M gene was detected in only 3 (20%) E. coli isolates. None of the E. coli isolates contained the genes responsible for carbapenem and colistin resistance. Our results show that multi-drug antibiotic resistance and the blaTEM gene are frequent in E. coli from table eggs in Istanbul. This is the first preliminary study on ESBL-producing E. coli isolates in table eggs in Türkiye.

The use of antibiotics in agriculture and subsequent environmental pollution are associated with the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria including Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to detect antimicrobial resistance, resistance genes and mobile genetic elements of 72 E. coli strains isolated from faeces of healthy farm animals. Disk diffusion test showed resistance to ampicillin (59.7%), tetracycline (48.6%), chloramphenicol (16.7%), cefoperazone and ceftriaxone (13.9%), cefepime and aztreonam (12.5%), norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin (8.3%), levofloxacin (6.9%), gentamicin and amikacin (2.8%) among the studied strains. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected by polymerase chain reaction: the prevalence of blaTEM was the highest (59.7% of all strains), followed by tetA (30.6%), blaCTX-M (11.1%), catA1 (9.7%), less than 5% strains contained blaSHV, cmlA, floR, qnrB, qnrS, tetM. 26.4% of E. coli strains had a MDR phenotype. MDR E. coli more often contained class 1 integrons, bacteriophages, conjugative F-like plasmids, than non-MDR strains. ARGs were successfully transferred from faecal E. coli strains into the E. coli Nissle 1917 N4i strain by conjugation. Conjugation frequencies varied from (1.0 ± 0.1) * 10-5 to (7.9 ± 2.6) * 10-4 per recipient. Monitoring mobile genetic elements of E. coli for antibiotic resistance is important for farm animal health, as well as for public health and food safety.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element. Depending on concentration, Se can manifest both beneficial and harmful effects on the cell and can have both oxidative and antioxidant effects. Because the therapeutic index for Se is very narrow and it can depend on the form of Se used, we aimed to investigate the potential safety and side effects of inorganic Se on kidney function and structure in rats. After 8 days of treatment, no detectable signs of microscopic changes or oxidative stress in kidney tissue were observed. We detected a moderate increase in urea and creatinine levels in the blood as a sign of a slight decrease in kidney function. The most notable changes in our study were morphometric alterations in proximal tubules and glomeruli, both of which were considerably enlarged. The short-term application of inorganic Se to rats in a supratherapeutic dose induced mild functional and ultrastructural changes in the kidneys. The dose of inorganic Se used could be considered relatively safe for short-term application in situations where Se could be beneficial to the organism, such as the usage of known nephrotoxicants or high levels of oxidative stress in the body.

The present study explored the association between a point mutation (g.857G>A) in the IGF-1 gene and performance traits in Harnali Sheep. Genomic DNA was extracted from 110 Harnali sheep using an Automated Maxell RSC DNA/RNA purification system. A 294 bp fragment, covering the 5' flanking region of the IGF-1 gene, was amplified with specific primers. The resulting PCR product, harboring the g.857G>A mutation, was digested with the Hae II enzyme to determine genotypes. The frequency of the A allele of the IGF-1 gene was higher (0.59) in the studied Harnali sheep population, with the GA genotype being the most prevalent (0.64). The presence of the A allele was associated with higher body weights, suggesting its potential as a selection criterion for improving flock performance. Furthermore, the GA genotype was linked to a lower average age at first lambing (727.93 days) compared to the GG genotype (753.08 days). The A allele was linked to higher body weights, while the GA genotype was associated with a lower age at first lambing. These findings highlight the potential of these genetic markers for improving breeding strategies and enhancing flock performance. However, validation on larger samples is warranted.

Nowadays, the three strongly beta-haemolytic spirochaetes, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Brachyspira suanatina and Brachyspira hampsonii are thought to be causative agents of swine dysentery, an economically devastating disease of grow-finish pigs characterised by severe mucohaemorrhagic diarrhoea. B. hyodysenteriae has been reported in most leading swine-producing regions. B. suanatina and B. hampsonii have been successfully recovered from faecal samples collected in a few countries only. The present study was performed in March 2023 on faecal samples originating from nine Polish finisher farms with 6,000 to 18,000 animals in a location. Samples were obtained from 40 diarrhoeic finishers. Nucleic acid extracted from the samples was analysed using multiplex PCR for Brachyspira spp. From a total of nine sample populations examined in our study, the genetic material of B. hampsonii was identified in two. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on molecular detection of B. hampsonii on pig farms outside North America, Belgium and Germany. Our research highlights the need for increased focus directed on laboratory testing strategies, the lack of which may perplex swine practitioners and severely hinder a definite diagnosis.

The interplay of regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the tumour microenvironment presents a significant challenge in anticancer immunotherapy. This study investigates the potential of Treg blockade to enhance the efficiency of effector T cells. Two distinct treatment cocktails were examined: 3p-hpRNA (5' triphosphate hairpin RNA) combined with unmethylated CpG oligonucleotide (CpG); CpG in combination with OX40 receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (anti-OX40). Treatment efficacy was assessed using a murine model of kidney adenocarcinoma.Renca cells (renal cortical cells with adenocarcinoma) were subcutaneously engrafted in 30 BALB/c mice, then animals were allocated into three treatment groups: Group 1: CpG+anti-OX40, Group 2: CpG+3p-hpRNA, Group 3: untreated control. Treatment efficacy was evaluated based on tumour growth, the occurrence of metastases and overall survival.On day 28 post-implantation, experiments had to be terminated due to tumour progression. Although comparisons of survival times and primary tumour sizes thus became inconsequential, histological examinations provided valuable insights. We observed distinct variations in primary tumour characteristics among the different groups: Groups 1 and 2 displayed demarcations, while Group 3 exhibited diffuse tumours with necrosis. Lung metastases were evident in 70% of untreated mice, whereas none were observed in either of the treated groups.Our findings instil confidence in the potential efficacy of the treatments, thereby laying a solid foundation for future investigations.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a cornerstone in veterinary regenerative medicine. The present study evaluated the impact of the operator on the qualitative and quantitative features of non-activated PRP derived from canine whole blood. Blood was collected in anticoagulant acid citrate dextrose from twelve healthy adult dogs and PRP was prepared according to the double-spin method. Both operators followed an identical protocol and utilized the same equipment for PRP preparation from the pooled blood samples. The resulting PRP underwent characterization, classification and coding based on minimum reporting standards. The consistency and internal reliability of different parameters were also assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha values. Variables such as white blood cell (WBC) concentration, relative WBC composition and mean platelet volume (MPV) showed poor reliability, and WBC concentration and MPV also had unacceptable internal consistency. Significant differences were observed in several qualitative and quantitative parameters of the prepared PRP, highlighting the influence of the operator even when the same protocol and equipment were used. Our study has direct implications to regenerative medicine, reinforcing the urgency to set minimum requirements for reporting PRP in research studies.

This study investigated the sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants in North-Western Pakistan. A total of 3,173 serum samples were collected from small (n = 1,651) and large (n = 1,522) ruminants being reared by farmers in 14 districts. Antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) were detected using competitive ELISA. The overall prevalence of BTV antibodies was 65%. A significant association (P < 0.05) between the prevalence of BTV antibodies and the risk factors including sex, species, age, area, husbandry practices and breed was shown by univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, the seroprevalence was 6.5 (95% CL = 3.7-11.4), 5.9 (95% CL = 3.8-9.4) and 2.4 (95% CL = 1.5-3.7) times higher in buffaloes, cattle and goats than sheep, respectively. The seroprevalence was 1.4 (95% CL = 1.1-1.7) times higher in local breeds than in cross/exotic breeds. The seroprevalence was 1.6 (95% CL = 1.1 to 2.3) times higher in sedentary animals than in nomadic animals. The seroprevalence was significantly associated with age. Further work is required to determine the BTV serotypes prevalent in the study area for effective control of the disease.

This study was conducted in two steps to evaluate the influence of freezing methods and natural extracts on cryopreserved ram sperm quality. Initially, the research compared the effects of two freezing methods: liquid nitrogen (LN2) versus -80 °C, on post-thawed ram semen on total and progressive motilities and velocity parameters. Experiment I revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the LN2 and -80 °C freezing methods, indicating similar effects on the analyzed parameters. Experiment II aimed to examine the influence of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Salvia verbenaca (SV) extracts added to egg yolk extender on cryopreserved sperm quality, utilizing the -80 °C freezing method. Various concentrations (1.25, 3.75, 6.25 and 8.75 µg*mL-1) of acetone (Ac-SP and Ac-SV) and hexanoic (Hex-SP), as well as methanolic (MeOH-SV) extracts, were added into the extender. A thorough assessment of post-thawed sperm quality parameters, encompassing motility, velocity parameters, viability, membrane integrity, abnormality and lipid peroxidation was conducted. The outcomes demonstrated that 1.25 and 3.75 g*mL-1 of Ac-SP and Hex-SP and 1.25 µg*mL-1 of AC-SV and MeOH-SV increased the post-thawed ram sperm quality. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the antioxidant properties of SP and SV extracts, highlighting their potential to protect cryopreserved sperm cells from oxidative stress at -80 °C.

The aim of the study was to characterize retinal atrophy (RA) with progressive retinal atrophy symptoms in mixed breed dogs using ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography (ERG).The study was performed on 13 mixed breed dogs affected by retinal atrophy (11 males and 2 females that were 1.5-14 years old). Depending on the advancement of RA, SD-OCT examinations identified retinal abnormalities ranging from layer disorganisation to advanced atrophy. The most advanced RA occurred ventral to the optic disc. Total retinal thickness in both eyes (mean ± SD) was lower in dogs with RA compared to controls dorsally (77.7 ± 39.5 μm vs 173.5 ± 13.3 μm), ventrally (33.4 ± 29.9 μm vs 139.5 ± 10.8 μm), nasally (65.0 ± 34.5 μm vs 163.9 ± 11.0 μm) and temporally (61.8 ± 41.7 μm vs 171.9 ± 11.1 μm) to the optic disc. In dogs with locally normal architecture of inner retina, loss of definition of outer retinal layers occurred in many regions. Dark and light-adapted ERGs were reduced in 2 dogs with RA and were unrecordable in 11 dogs. Lesions evident in SD-OCT scans of mixed breed dogs affected with retinal atrophy initially appear ventrally to the optic disc and ventro-dorsally in advanced RA. In all mixed breed dogs with retinal atrophy, clinical signs and SD-OCT results correlate with ERG findings.

In this study, we aimed to determine the quality of colostrum in sheep by using Brix refractometer. The research included 100 sheep of Merino X Kivircik crossbred. From each, we collected 15 mL of colostrum samples in falcon tubes within the first 8 h after delivery. Mean colostral IgG level of sheep was 156.68 ± 7.23 g L-1, optical and digital Brix refractometer values (%) were determined as 27.43 ± 0.53 and 27.69 ± 0.60, respectively. Ewes carrying twin lambs produced significantly higher quality colostrum than those carrying single lambs. However, parity did not affect the colostrum quality. Optical and digital Brix values were correlated with gold standard radial immunodiffusion (RID) colostral IgG level (r = 0.70 and r = 0.64, respectively). Also, optical and digital Brix refractometers were found to be highly correlated (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). While the optimal Brix value was 22% for the 50, 60 and 70 g L-1 IgG threshold values (by means of RID as the potential good quality threshold value for ewe colostrum quality), this value was 23% for 80 g L-1. We can conclude that Brix refractometers is a valuable tool for determining ewe colostrum quality. A cut point of 22% Brix for defining good quality colostrum in ewes was most appropriate for our data.