Antibody response to Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae bacterium in small holder dairy goats in Tanzania

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), an Office International des Epizooties listed disease, can cause significant levels of morbidity and mortality in goats in Africa, the Middle East, and Western Asia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of CCPP, in two contrasting administrative districts of northern Tanzania, namely, Babati and Arumeru. A total of 337 serum samples were collected from January to July 2010, from apparently clinically healthy unvaccinated dairy goats breeds of different ages and sexes. Samples were subjected to monoclonal antibody-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the specific measurement of antibodies to Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae bacterium. The overall animal flock and village-level seroprevalence of CCPP was found to be 3.3 % [95 % confidence interval (CI)?=?1.6–5.8], 9.6 % (95 % CI?=?4.7–16.9), and 31.5 % (95 % CI?=?15.6–56.5), respectively. There was no evidence (p?=?0.659) of differences in seroprevalence between samples from the two administrative locations. Despite the fact that there was no significant difference (p?>?0.05) in seropositivity between sex and age and between breeds sampled, there was a significant difference (p?<?0.05) in seropositivity between the different physiological status groups examined with the non-lactating (dry) category of goats showing a higher seroprevalence. The findings of this survey revealed evidence of dairy goat exposure to M. capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae, although at a low prevalence. It is therefore advisable to include CCPP serology in the seromonitoring program so as to give a better indication of flock immunity. This should lead to the establishment of appropriate CCPP control measures in smallholder dairy goat flocks, which are increasingly being recognized for their value as a vital source of livelihood for resource poor livestock keepers in Tanzania.     

Prevalence of Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) antibodies among sheep and goats in India

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pestivirus antibodies in sheep and goats in India. A total of 2803 serum samples collected between 2004 and 2008 from 1777 sheep in 92 flocks and 1026 goats in 63 flocks belonging to 13 states were tested by competition ELISA for detection of pestivirus antibodies. In sheep, the true prevalence rate was 23.4% (95% confidence interval: 22.9%–27.0%) and in goats it was 16.9% (95% CI: 16.4%–21.3%). The flock level seroprevalence was 66.3% for sheep and 54.0% for goats. Geographical variation in individual and flock prevalence was highly significant. A significant association (p?<?0.05) was found between sheep and goat flocks having cattle contact and the flock level seroprevalence. The seroprevalence was lower in 6 months–1 year age group compared to the 1–2 year and >2 year age groups in both sheep and goats. Cross neutralization studies on 61 seropositive sheep and 34 seropositive goat samples representing all positive flocks, exhibited > four fold higher titre to bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) in 41 sheep and 23 goat samples and to BVDV-2 in one sheep and goat each. This study for the first time showed serological evidence of wide spread BVDV infections in Indian sheep and goats, with BVDV-1 predominating and BVDV-2 occasionally besides highlighting the potential risk of infection to other species, which needs to be considered whenever BVD control measures are initiated.     

Cross-sectional survey of brucellosis and associated risk factors in the livestock–wildlife interface area of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nechisar</Emphasis> National Park,Ethiopia

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the seroprevalence of ovine and bovine brucellosis in the livestock–wildlife interface area of Nechisar National Park, Ethiopia. Furthermore, producer’s knowledge about brucellosis and its zoonotic potential was assessed using a structured questionnaire. A total of 268 cattle and 246 goat sera were collected from 50 herds and 46 flocks and subjected to Rose Bengal test (RBT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in parallel to detect anti-Brucella species antibodies. Positive reactions were further confirmed with compliment fixation test (CFT). Flock and herd level seroprevalence rate was 12.8% (95% CI 4.8–25.7) and 32.0% (95% CI 19.5–46.7) in goats and cattle, respectively. An overall animal-level seroprevalence of 4.5% (95% CI 2.25–7.86) and 9.7% (95% CI 6.44–13.89) was recorded for goats and cattle, respectively. Seroprevalence showed an increasing trend with age, where adult cattle >?2 years. Goats (>?1 year) recorded relatively higher seroprevalence, but the differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, female cattle and goats recorded a relatively higher seroprevalence, 11 and 5.6%, respectively, compared to males but the difference was not significant. However, a significant (P <?0.01) variation of seroprevalence was noted for parity (bovine), higher in animals in second parity, and abortion history, in both species, higher in animals that experienced abortion. Interviews revealed lack of awareness about brucellosis and food safety related to the zoonotic potential from consuming raw animal products (milk and meat). Ninety-eight percent of respondents did not consider handling abortion material is risky, and only a very low proportion (8%, n?=?50) was able to mention limited zoonotic diseases (anthrax and Taenia cysticercosis) could be transmissible to people. The study indicated that brucellosis is endemic in domestic animals in the interface area and calls for further broad epidemiological investigation of the disease in livestock, human and wildlife following ‘one health’ unified research approaches beside enhancing public awareness.     

Identification by culture, PCR, and immunohistochemistry of mycoplasmas and their molecular typing in sheep and lamb lungs with pneumonia in Eastern Turkey

This study used cultures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunoperoxidase to examine samples from 216 lungs from sheep and lambs with macroscopic pneumonia lesions for the presence of Mycoplasma species. DNA was extracted from lung tissue samples and broth cultures with the help of a DNA extraction kit and replicated using genus-specific and species-specific primers for mycoplasma. The lung samples were examined by the immunoperoxidase method using hyperimmune Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae serum. The randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) test was used for the molecular typing of M. ovipneumoniae isolates. Mycoplasma was isolated in the cultures of 80 (37.03 %) of a total of 216 lung samples. Genus-specific mycoplasma DNA was identified by PCR in 96 (44.44 %) samples in broth cultures and 36 (16.66 %) directly in the lung tissue. Of these 96 cases in which genus-specific identification was made, 57 (59.37 %) were positive for reaction with species-specific primers for M. ovipneumoniae and 31 (32.29 %) for Mycoplasma arginini. The DNA of neither of the latter two species could be identified in the remaining eight samples (8.33 %) where mycoplasma had been identified. As for the immunoperoxidase method, it identified M. ovipneumoniae in 61 of 216 lung samples (28 %). Positive staining was concentrated in the bronchial epithelium cell cytoplasm and cell surface. RAPD analysis resulted in 15 different profiles. Our results suggest that PCR methods could be successfully used in the diagnosis of mycoplasma infections as an alternative to culture method and identifying this agent at the species level.     

Factors associated with seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy cattle in southeastern Brazil

Neosporosis is an infectious disease caused by Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular cyst-forming protozoan considered a major cause of miscarriage in dairy cattle in many parts of the world. This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between reproductive abnormalities and seropositivity to N. caninum in 1,204 dairy cows from 40 farms located in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Producers were interviewed, and blood samples were collected to perform indirect immunofluorescence tests (IFAT 1:200). Association between reproductive abnormalities and seropositivity in cattle was evaluated with generalized estimating equations. The true herd-level seroprevalence of N. caninum was 95 % (83.3–99.1), while the individual-level true seroprevalence was 21.6 % (19.2–24.2). Several reproductive abnormalities were significantly associated with seropositivity to N. caninum: occurrence of repeated estrus (p?=?0.02; OR?=?3.84; 95 % CI?=?1.239–11.893), repeated miscarriages (p?=?0.001; OR?=?2.54; 95 % CI?=?1.423–5.402), and temporary anestrus (p?=?0.001; OR?=?3.44; 95 % CI?=?1.976–5.994). Furthermore, loose dogs (p?=?0.041; OR?=?2.20; 95 % CI?=?1.033–4.672) when fed raw meat (p?=?0.001; OR?=?1.91; 95 % CI?=?1.443–2.519) are risk factors for N. caninum infection. We observed that seropositivity to N. caninum in cattle increases risk of miscarriage by almost twice throughout the reproductive life of cows (p?=?0.004; OR?=?1.978; 95 % CI?=?1.249–3.131). Serologic evidence in this study indicates that N. caninum infection is widely distributed among dairy herds and significantly associated with reproductive disorders, especially miscarriage, repeated estrus, and temporary anestrus.     

Serological survey of exposure to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in poultryin New Zealand

Abstract

AIMS: To estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in chickens in New Zealand, and to estimate the effect of housing type, geographical location and age on seroprevalence.

METHODS: A cross-sectional serological survey of a convenience sample of 545 broiler, breeder, and layer chickens in 55 flocks was conducted in 2010–2011. Birds were aged 5–83 weeks; housing types were free-range, shed, caged, and unknown; and flocks were located in the Auckland, Manawatu, North Canterbury, Otago, Taranaki, Waikato, and Wairarapa regions of New Zealand. An ELISA was used to measure antibodies to E. rhusiopathiae. Samples with an optical density reading ≥1.50 were considered to be positive. Logistic regression analysis was used to model the effect of housing type, geographical location and flock age on the prevalence of samples positive for antibodies to E. rhusiopathiae.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of samples with antibodies to E. rhusiopathiae was 39.8 (95% CI=35.68–44.06)% for the 545 samples, and 46/55 (84%) farms that were tested had at least one positive sample. Mean seroprevalence for types of housing was 44.2 (95% CI=37.79–50.70)% for free-range (n=240 birds), 23.7 (95% CI=17.83–30.38)% for shed (n=190), 73 (95% CI=56–86)% for caged (n=37) and 50 (95% CI=38–62)% for unknown (n=78). The disease was present in all seven geographical locations from which samples were obtained for this study. Seroprevalence increased with increasing age of birds (p<0.001); for birds ≤12 weeks of age it was 2 (95% CI=0.3–8)% (n=91), 13–24 weeks 29.1 (95% CI=23.34–35.46)% (n=230), 25–36 weeks 47 (95% CI=32–64)% (n=40), 37–48 weeks 75 (95% CI=51–91)% (n=20), >48 weeks 63.8 (95% CI=54.78–72.12)% (n=127). Neither housing type nor geographical location had a significant effect on the likelihood of samples being positive for antibodies to E. rhusiopathiae.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest the prevalence of erysipelas under New Zealand field conditions may be higher than expected and that the disease is significantly associated with increasing age. Housing type and geographical location appear to be unrelated to seroprevalence.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further study of the epidemiology of E. rhusiopathiae in chickens in New Zealand should be considered in order to minimise the extent of birds' exposure to the organism. These findings will assist in the design of further studies.     

Systematic review of the prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle,sheep, and goats in Latin America and the Caribbean

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis causes paratuberculosis or Johne’s disease (JD) in domestic ruminants and wild species. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the prevalence of paratuberculosis among farmed animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) in Latin America and the Caribbean. The initial search for existing publications reporting systematic reviews and primary studies was carried out by searching the available databases. For the final selection of studies, an initial screen for basic eligibility and a detailed appraisal of quality were performed. After study selection, the relevant data were extracted. The detailed appraisal generated 24 publications that reported 52 studies, of which 73.1, 11.5, and 15.4 % were from cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. Thirty-three (63.5 %) of the studies were animal level studies, while 19 (36.5 %) were herd-/flock-level studies. No flock-level studies on prevalence in sheep were found. Studies in Latin American and Caribbean countries revealed an overall prevalence of 16.9 (95 % CI (confidence interval) 13.2–20.5) and 75.8 % (95 % CI 50.1–101.5) in cattle at the animal and herd levels, respectively; the prevalence was 16 % (95 % CI 7.9–24.1) in sheep at the animal level and 4.3 % (95 % CI 1.9–6.8) and 3.7 % (95 % CI 0.1–7.4) in goats at the animal and flock levels, respectively. In general, prevalence results reported by the studies were insufficient to accurately determine the prevalence of paratuberculosis in farmed animals in Latin America and the Caribbean. Several flaws in the design of studies limit the quality of evidence regarding the prevalence of paratuberculosis in the region.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Mycoplasma suis infection in pig farms in central China

Mycoplasma suis, the causative agent of porcine infectious anemia, causes large economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 69 pig farms in Hubei Province, China, from November 2011 to August 2013 to ascertain the prevalence and associated risk factors of M. suis. Four thousand and four blood samples from pigs of all the age groups were tested for M. suis antibodies using the established rMSG1–ELISA assay. Among these 4004 samples, 1615 blood samples from multiparous sows were examined to identify the association between seroprevalence and different seasons. Information on risk factors collected from farmers or attending veterinarians was recorded on a pre-designed questionnaire. The overall test seroprevalence of M. suis infection at the animal level was 31.9% (1277/4004; 95% CI: 30.5%, 33.4%), whereas at the farm level, this value was 95.65% (66/69; 95% CI: 87.8%, 99.1%). The seroprevalence of M. suis was higher in replacement gilts (40.6%; 95% CI: 35.1%, 46.3%), multiparous sows (48.2%; 95% CI: 45.8%, 50.7%) and boars (44.4%; 95% CI: 34.5%, 54.8%), as compared to piglets (13.0%; 95% CI: 9.4%, 17.3%), weaned-piglets (10.8%; 95% CI: 8.9%, 13.0%), and growing-finishing pigs (25.0%; 95% CI: 22.0%, 28.3%). In terms of seasons, the prevalence of M. suis in pigs was significantly higher in summer (65.3%; 95% CI: 61.0%, 69.5%) and autumn (65.0%; 95% CI: 59.0%, 70.6%) compared to spring (30.1%; 95% CI: 26.0%, 34.4%) and winter (36.4%; 95% CI: 31.4%, 41.5%). Farm-level risk factors were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The associated factors retained in the final multivariable logistic regression model were drug treatment, presence of mosquitoes and flies, and frequency of disinfection. Drug treatment (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.88; P = 0.031) and frequency of disinfection (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.90; P = 0.035) were protective factors, and the presence of mosquitoes and flies (OR = 5.994; 95% CI: 1.56, 23.00; P = 0.009) was a risk factor for M. suis infection on farms. The results of the present study provide the first insight into the impact of associated determinants on M. suis infection in central China.     

Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in goats in areas of Mexico with and without brucellosis control campaign

Brucellosis is a major constraint for small-scale goat farming systems in Mexico. This study estimated the prevalence of testing positive to brucellosis and identified and quantified risk factors in goats from small-scale farms of Michoacán that had participated in a brucellosis campaign (i.e. vaccination, serological testing, culling and awareness) and of Jalisco that had negligible brucellosis campaign participation. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted among 1,713 goats of 83 flocks. The prevalence of testing positive to brucellosis was higher (38 %) in Jalisco than in Michoacán (11 %). Logistic regression analysis indicated that goats from Michoacán had lower odds to test positive for brucellosis (odds ratio (OR)?=?0.32, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.21–0.48) compared to goats from Jalisco. Goats in zero-grazing systems had lower odds than goats in grazing systems (OR?=?0.22, 95 % CI 0.09–0.57). When goats were kept in pens with low density (0.002 to 0.22 goat/m²), odds was lower (OR?=?0.44, 95 % CI 0.28–0.67) compared to goats kept in pens with higher density (0.23 to 1 goat/m²). Odds was higher for testing positive when farmers bought goats from goat traders (OR?=?1.82, 95 % CI 1.15–2.87) compared to farmers who did not. If scavenger poultry had access to goat pens, the odds was half (OR?=?0.52, 95 % CI 0.33–0.83) of those where poultry had no access. Regular disinfection of the pen reduced the odds (OR?=?0.66, 95 % CI 0.44–0.99) compared to where disinfection was not regular. The brucellosis control campaign was effective in reducing brucellosis seropositivity.     

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis species in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalus) in Egypt

The present study was planned to investigate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. among slaughtered water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) at Alexandria province, Egypt. Three hundred blood samples were collected from slaughtered buffaloes (5–7 years old). Two techniques were used to evaluate the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA). It was revealed that 203 (67.6 %) and 191 (63.6 %) of the tested serum samples were seropositive to Sarcocystis spp. by ELISA and IHA, respectively. The results of sensitivity and specificity of IHA relative to ELISA were 94 and 100 %, respectively. For molecular characterization of inter- and intra-species genetic polymorphism within Egyptian isolates of Sarcocystis spp. of water buffaloes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPs) were performed on four macroscopic isolates. The isolates represented two different geographical regions of Egypt, Alexandria and Assuit provinces. Alexandria isolates (large and small-sized cyst of the same host) and Assuit isolates (large and small-sized cyst of the same host) were used. The 18S rDNA of the macroscopic cysts were characterized, in tandem, by four restriction endonucleases, RsaI, MboI, SspI and DraI. RsaI and MboI enzymes did not show any restriction sites for all isolates, leaving the amplified fragments without cutting. SspI showed two fragments in Alexandria and Assuit small-sized isolates cut by the enzyme at 600–700-bp fragments, while Alexandria and Assuit large-sized cysts amplicons were not digested by this enzyme. The fourth enzyme, DraI, cut the PCR product of Alexandria large-sized cysts into two fragments (420–780 bp), while Assuit large-sized amplicon was not cut. It could be concluded that there was a far distance between the two local isolates (small and large sized), but there were no differences between the large-sized isolates.     

Leptospirosis seroprevalence and risk factors for sheep in Maranhão state,Brazil

This study was conducted to determine leptospirosis seroprevalence in sheep and their spatial distribution as well as identify risk factors associated with seropositivity in sheep from 37 herds and 11 municipalities in the Presidente Dutra microregion, Maranhão state, Brazil. We analyzed 379 blood serum samples using a Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). The individual seroprevalence was 32 %. Of the 37 herds studied, 30 (81 %, 95 % CI 69–94 %) had at least one seropositive animal. In seven municipalities, we observed infection in 100 % of the herds. The serovars recorded were Grippotyphosa (67 %), Wollfi with Hardjo (9 %), Bratislava (9 %), Hardjo (5 %), Icterohaemorrhagiae (5 %), Pomona (2 %), Castellonis (2 %) and Copenhageni (0.8 %). We concluded that the Leptospira spp. in sheep is widespread in the area of sheep farms in Maranhão state, and a risk factor is the animals' water source.     

Seroprevalence of Chlamydophila abortus infection in yaks (Bos grunniens) in Qinghai,China

Chlamydophila abortus is an important amphixenosis which in a wide range of animals, associated with reproductive disorders in yaks. In order to assess the prevalence of this infection in yaks in Qinghai, China, a cross-sectional study was carried out, and a total of 674 serum samples were collected from June to October 2012 in six counties, and antibodies to C. abortus were examined by indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test. The overall seroprevalence of C. abortus in yaks was 17.66 % (119/674), and the seroprevalence of antibodies to C. abortus in yaks ranged from 11.82 to 28.43 % among the six different areas, and the difference was statistically significant (P?<?0.05). The seropositivity of C. abortus infection in different age groups varied from 16.33 to 18.49 %, and prevalence in yaks of ≥3 year (18.49 %) was slightly higher than that in yaks of <3 year, but the differences among the age groups were not statistically significant (P?>?0.05). The seroprevalence of C. abortus infection in male yak (16.8 %) was slightly lower than that in females (17.85 %), and the difference was not statistically significant (P?>?0.05). So far, this is the first systematic and comprehensive investigation of C. abortus infectionin in yaks in this area.     

Gastrointestinal nematode infection does not affect selection of tropical foliage by goats in a cafeteria trial

It is important to determine whether gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) affect foliage choice of goats leading to confirm the expression of a self-medication behavior. This study investigated the effect of GIN infection on tropical foliage selection by goats. During experimental stage 1 (10 days), goats had a natural mixed GIN infection, and at stage 2 (10 days), goats were treated with effective anthelmintics to maintain them free of GIN infection. During stage 1 the twelve adult goats (32?±?2.3 kg live weight [LW]) were assigned to three groups (n?=?4) according to their initial GIN infection status: HI group, with fecal egg count (FEC) between 1450 and 2150 eggs per g/feces (EPG); MI group, medium FEC (592–1167 EPG); and the NI group, free from GIN infection. Fresh foliage of four tropical plants were offered to goats ad libitum for 1 h daily: Gymnopodium floribundum (high condensed tannin [CT] content, 37–40 %), Mimosa bahamensis (medium CT content, 16–17 %), Leucaena leucocephala (low CT content, 3–5 %), and Viguiera dentata (negligible CT content, 0.6–0.9 %). Jacobs’ selection indexes (JSIs) were estimated for the experimental foliage based on dry matter (DM), CT, or crude protein (CP) intake. During both study stages, individual fecal egg counts were estimated. The JSI patterns of different plant species, based on DM, CT, or CP, were similar irrespective of infection level during stage 1 (HI, MI, and NI) or no GIN infection (stage 2). Thus, irrespective of GIN infection, goats actively selected M. bahamensis (high CT, low CP content) and V. dentata (negligible CT, high CP content) but avoided G. floribundum (high CT, low CP content) and L. leucocephala (medium CT and high CP content). Thus, natural GIN infection did not influence goats’ foliage selection.     

Studies into the prevalence of Mycoplasma species in small ruminants in Benue State,North-central Nigeria

The indicative prevalence of respiratory Mycoplasma species in small ruminants (SR) was determined in North-central Nigeria. Nasal swabs from 172 sheep and 336 goats from the Northeast, Northwest and South Senatorial Districts of Benue State were examined. Initial Mycoplasma isolation used Mycoplasma culture techniques followed by digitonin sensitivity testing. Species identification was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Overall, Mycoplasma organisms were isolated from 131 (25.8 %) of the 508 SR examined. Prevalence rates of 18.1 and 29.8 % were recorded for sheep and goats, respectively. A total of 135 isolates of Mycoplasma belonging to three different species were identified: Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (127), Mycoplasma arginini (7) and Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies capri (1). More than one Mycoplasma species were detected in four (3.1 %) of the 131 confirmed Mycoplasma positive cultures. Mycoplasma was isolated from 16.2 and 29.1 % of animals with and without respiratory signs, respectively. The high isolation rate of mycoplasmas in apparently healthy and clinically sick sheep and goats in this study indicates a carrier status in these SR which may constitute a serious problem in disease control.     

Mycoplasma ovis infection in goat farms from northeastern Brazil

Although Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) has been described in small ruminants worldwide, data on M. ovis in goats remain scarce. Accordingly, the aims of the present study were to i) determine the prevalence of hemoplasmas in goats, ii) identify the tick species parasitizing the animals, and iii) determine factors associated with infection in five dairy and three beef goat farms from the Paraíba State, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 402 goats. Samples were screened for hemoplasmas using a pan-hemoplasma PCR. The positive samples were confirmed by sequencing. An epidemiological questionnaire was given to each farm owner addressing age, gender, and presence of ticks. A total of 158/402 (39.3%) goats were positive for M. ovis by PCR. Sequencing of PCR positive samples has shown ≥99% identity with multiple M. ovis 16S rDNA sequences deposited in GenBank, including M. ovis isolates from humans. Dairy (OR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.40–3.32%; P = 0.0004) and anemic goats (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.51–3.71%; P = 0.0001) were more likely to be infected than beef and non-anemic animals, respectively. Amblyomma parvum (49/52, 94.23%) and Rhipicephalus microplus (3/52, 5.77%) were the tick species found parasitizing the animals, with no significant association between the presence of ticks and infection by M. ovis (P = 0.1164). This is the first reportedly molecular detection of M. ovis infection in goats from South America. In conclusion, M. ovis is highly prevalent in goats from northeastern Brazil, mainly in dairy animals.     

First serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in wild birds in Northern Algeria

While the epidemiology of Flaviviruses has been extensively studied in most of the Mediterranean basin, little is known about the current situation in Algeria. In order to detect the circulation of West Nile (WNV) and Usutu viruses (USUV) in Kabylia, 165 sera were collected from two wild birds species, namely the long distance migrant Turdus philomelos (song thrush) (n = 92) and the resident Passer domesticus (house sparrow) (n = 73). A total of 154 sera were first analyzed by commercial competition ELISA. WNV and USUV micro-neutralization tests were performed on all c-ELISA positive sera and all samples with poor volume. Overall, 7.8 % (CI95 %: 3.5–11.9) were positive by c-ELISA. Positive results were detected in 12.5 % (CI95 %:5.6–19.4) of song thrushes and 1.5 % (CI95 %: 0.0–4.5) for sparrow.Micro-neutralization tests revealed an overall seroprevalence of 6.7 % for WNV (CI95 %: 2.9–10.3), Neutralizing antibodies were found in 8.7 % (CI95 %: 3.0–14.4) for song thrushes and in 4.1 % (CI95 %: 0.0–8.7) of sparrows. The current study demonstrates significant seroprevalence of WNV antibodies in wild birds in Algeria.     

A survey of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by latex agglutination assay in dairy goats in Northern Tanzania

Food-borne parasitic diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, are increasingly becoming a global food safety concern. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in apparently healthy, unvaccinated dairy goat flocks reared under mixed smallholders, northern Tanzania between April and October 2011. Flock- and animal-level data were collected using a questionnaire. Sera (n?=?337) collected from goats aged ≥6 months and from 102 flocks, respectively, were analyzed using modified Eiken latex agglutination test. A flock was classified as T. gondii seropositive if at least one animal tested positive. Titers considered diagnostically significant (≥1:16) were detected in 19.3 % of goats and 45.17 % of flocks, respectively. The antibody levels ranged from 1:16 to 1:2,048 and among the seropositive goats, the proportion of high antibody levels (≥1:2,048), suggestive of acute infection, was 1.5 %. The study revealed that goats raised in Babati are at a lower risk of acquiring T. gondii infection (P?=?0.00209) than those which are raised in Arumeru district. The prevalence of T. gondii antibody was significantly higher in crossbred (24.7 %) and Saanen (24.4 %) breed goats than in local (14.3 %) and Toggenburg (12.1 %) and in females than in males (P?=?0.043). No significant difference was observed among goats kept under various husbandry practices. The relatively high seroprevalence detected in this study suggests that toxoplasmosis may be posing a significant animal and human health risk and that the consumption of goat meat may play a role in the transmission of the disease to humans.     

First report on serological evidence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in farmed and free ranging mithuns (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos frontalis</Emphasis>)

Despite reports of BVDV infection in several domestic and wild ruminants, no information exists for mithun (Bos frontalis) species. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine prevalence of BVDV infection in mithuns, which contribute significantly to local economy in the North Eastern region of India. Blood and serum samples were collected between 2013 and 2016 from mithuns (n = 466) belonging to the states of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Serum samples were tested for BVDV antibodies by a commercial ELISA and leukocytes were tested for BVDV by real-time RT-PCR. The overall true seroprevalence rate was 13.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 6.9–17.8%) with higher prevalence in mithuns reared under semi-intensive system (27.5%) than in free-ranging mithuns (7.6%). Among the three states, seroprevalence (16.2%) was highest in Nagaland, while prevalence rates varied markedly among geographical locations. Age-wise data showed highest seroprevalence rate in >6-year-old animals (20.6%) than 2–6 years old (16.9%), 6 months–2 years old (8.5%), and <6-month-old animals (11.3%). The seroprevalence was higher in males (20.9%) than in females (12.1%). Among the four mithun strains, higher prevalence was evident in Manipur (30.3%) than Arunachal (21.3%), Nagaland (11.7%), and Mizoram strain (10.2%). However, no BVDV genomic RNA could be detected. The results provide first serological evidence of BVDV infection in mithun species and extend the knowledge on BVDV host range. The baseline data will help further investigations on epidemiology of BVD in mithun and its impact on mithun production.     

Prevalence and risk factors of mycobacterial infections in farm and trade cattle in southwestern Nigeria

We evaluated the prevalence of mycobacterial infections (i.e., Mycobacterium bovis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria [NTM]) and their associated risk factors among cattle herds and trade cattle in southwestern Nigeria. Through cross-sectional study design, cattle herds from three locations were screened using the single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test based on two diagnostic standards; more than 4 mm (? 4 mm) and more than 2 mm (? 2 mm) cut-off points. Abattoir study involved screening trade cattle for tuberculous lesions. Overall, 515 cattle from 45 herds were screened. Using >?4 mm, animal level and herd prevalence of 11.7 and 46.7% were recorded, respectively. Applying the ? 2 mm cut-off, animal level and herd prevalence increased to 31.1 and 60.0%, respectively. Significantly, using the ? 2 mm cut-off, cattle in medium size herds/extensive management system (OR?=?1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.5) and Sokoto Gudali (OR?=?2.3; 95% CI 1.4–3.8) were more at risk of being positive reactors, while Rahaji (OR?=?0.3; 95% CI 0.1–0.7) breeds of cattle and cows in the peri-urban area (OR?=?0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.9) were less at risk of being positive reactors. Again, M. avium reactor of 21.7% was observed. In the abattoir, 1797 cattle were examined with 126 lesions suggestive of tuberculosis (TB). Culture/molecular analyses confirmed 2.2% M. bovis and 0.9% NTM infections. Risk factors associated with bovine TB among trade cattle were sex (OR?=?4.0; 95% CI 1.2–13.5) and age (OR?=?0.3; 95% CI 0.1–0.9). We confirm 11.7% prevalence of mycobacterial infections among populations of cattle screened with breed and herd size being major risk factors.