Abstract Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are endemic in Zambia and several other Sub-Saharan countries. They affect livestock production by causing high morbidity and mortality, resulting in increased production losses in terms of live-weight gain, milk production, off-take rates, and draft power. Herein, we applied a facility-based design to assess the proportion and seasonal distribution of theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and heartwater in cattle from selected smallholder farms in Lusaka and Central provinces of Zambia using laboratory records for microscopic examination of haemoparasites. The overall proportions for theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis were 33.7% (95% CI: 30.7–38.2%), 8.3% (95% CI: 6.4–10.9%), and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1–1.4%), respectively. Heartwater was detected in all the six laboratory records reviewed. Lusaka province had the highest proportion of theileriosis at 30.2% (95% CI: 25.5–35.3%), followed by babesiosis, 8.5% (95% CI: 5.8–11.9%), and anaplasmosis, 0.3% (95% CI: 0.01–1.6%). Similarly, Central province had the highest proportion of theileriosis at 39.5% (95% CI: 33.8–45.4%), followed by babesiosis, 8.4% (95% CI: 5.5–12.2%), and anaplasmosis, 0.7% (95% CI: 0.1–2.5%). Among the districts, Rufunsa district had the highest proportion for theileriosis at 70.6% (95% CI: 44.0–89.7%), followed by Kafue, 54.5% (95% CI: 23.4–83.3%), and Shibuyunji, 51.4% (95% CI: 34.0–68.6%). Analysis of seasonal variation revealed no statistical difference between the dry and wet seasons for theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between Central and Lusaka provinces for babesiosis and anaplasmosis except for theileriosis. These data may have implications on farmers’ herd health management strategies with respect to TBDs, and farmers should be sensitized for effective implementation of risk-based disease control.

Abstract Experiments were performed to determine the effects of ergothioneine (ERG) on behavioural responses of stallions to exercise during hot-dry and rainy seasons. Eighteen healthy stallions were divided into three groups of six horses each. Group I (ERG + Exercise) was treated with ERG before exercise, group II was treated after exercise (Exercise + ERG), and group III (Exercise only) was not treated but subject to exercise. The stallions were subjected to a race of 2,000 m at maximum speed. The time spent standing by the horses in the ERG + Exercise and Exercise + ERG groups (1430.31 ± 30.73 s/30 min and 1403.32 ± 32.43 s/30 min, respectively) were higher (P < 0.0001) than the time spent standing in the Exercise-only group (1033.26 ± 21.19 s/30 min). The number of times the stallions bit their cribs per 30 min in the ERG + Exercise (0.38 ± 0.02/30 min) and Exercise + ERG (0.67 ± 0.0530 min) groups was lower (P < 0.0001) than that recorded in the Exercise-only group (3.51 ± 1.7730 min). It was concluded that ERG modulates behavioural responses to exercise in stallions, and the agent may be beneficial in alleviating exercise-induced stress responses and improving the welfare of horses post-exercise.

Abstract Feline panleukopenia (FP) is a fatal viral disease that predisposes cats to sepsis and organ failure. Owing to a wide variety of clinical findings, hematochemical examinations are significant for the determination of early signs of disease-related complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of certain hematochemical parameters together with quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) in cats with FP. A total of 10 healthy and 30 panleukopenic cats were included in this study. Physical examinations revealed that the body temperature was highest in septic panleukopenic cats (p < 0.009) and they had higher qSOFA scores (p = 0.000). Hemogram analysis revealed that leukocyte, lymphocyte, granulocyte, erythrocyte, and hemoglobin levels were lower in non-septic panleukopenic cats compared with the healthy ones (p < 0.030). Also, monocyte and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels were lower in septic ones (p < 0.048). Serum biochemistry profiling revealed higher blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, and C-reactive protein levels in panleukopenic cats (p < 0.033). As a result, it was concluded that although the qSOFA is not sufficient to distinguish sepsis in cats, unlike dogs, in order to achieve a positive clinical outcome, when evaluated together with hematochemical variables, it may help in making early diagnosis of FP-related complications.

Abstract Human-introduced predators, primarily the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), and human-modified landscapes conjointly threaten wildlife across Costa Rica. For arboreal species, including the two-fingered sloth (Choloepus hoffmani), the impact of domestic dogs is amplified in areas of habitat fragmentation. In efforts to navigate discontinuous canopies associated with urban development and human encroachment, C. hoffmani is forced to utilize terrestrial locomotion. This unnatural behavior leaves sloths increasingly vulnerable to predation by domestic dogs, which occupy altered landscapes in high densities. In this report, we detail the ante and postmortem findings associated with C. hoffmani following an extensive attack by three large-breed dogs. The patient sustained severe and fatal polytraumatic injuries targeting the abdominothoracic region. Gross lesions were not readily evident, obscured by unique anatomical characteristics of the species. This report aims to highlight the threat imposed by dogs to sloths and the severity of injuries, with considerations for clinical management in light of C. hoffmani morphology. We review the scope of domestic dog–wildlife conflict in Costa Rica, and propose collaborative mitigation strategies including habitat preservation, domestic dog population control, installation of wildlife corridors, policy initiatives, and dog owner education and public outreach.

Abstract Sheep pox is a highly contagious infectious viral disease (F/Poxviridae, G/Capripoxvirus), still causing economic damage in endemic zones like northern Africa, the Middle East, and many regions in Asia. Nevertheless, the clinical symptoms caused by sheep pox virus (SPPV) is similar to those caused by genetically related viruses, notably goat pox virus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). One of the main objectives of the current study is to characterize the virus; nasal swabs were taken from sheep showing SPPV clinical signs, submitted to molecular sequencing based on the P32 gene marker, and proceeded to genetic comparisons. Phylogenetic results showed that all virus isolate sequences cluster in the SPPV clade, thus distinguishing them from those of GTPV and LSDV. These results give an accurate diagnostic and a clear view of endemic viral strains, guiding veterinary managers in control politics, especially in the choice of a homologous vaccine.

Abstract A 9-month-old female spayed French Bulldog presented for respiratory stridor and exercise intolerance. Laryngeal examination showed an abnormally thickened left arytenoid cartilage. Fine needle aspirate of the mass was consistent with a well-differentiated spindle cell proliferation. The mass was marginally excised via a left-sided arytenoid approach and per os. Histopathology confirmed a well-differentiated myxosarcoma. Following surgery, the dog developed severe dyspnea and marked respiratory stridor consistent with airway obstruction secondary to laryngeal edema and inflammation. A permanent tracheostomy was performed. Three months post-operatively the dog was completely recovered, but early tumor regrowth was observed. This is the first report of laryngeal myxosarcoma in a dog. Permanent tracheostomy should be considered early in the surgical management of laryngeal neoplasia when more invasive surgical procedures are not elected to achieve a good outcome.

Abstract Background This study investigated the antitrypanosomal activity of Argemone mexicana extract and fractions in the animal model of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection. Methods The whole plant was cold-macerated with methanol. The liquid–liquid partitioning of the extract with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water produced various fractions of the extract. Infection was established by the inoculation of T. brucei brucei-infected red blood cells in the animals. Treatment with the extract and fractions was done orally for 5 days postinfection at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. Diminazene aceturate 3.5 mg/kg and 5 mL/kg 10% Tween 80 served as standard and vehicle control, respectively. Parasite load, packed cell volume (PCV), animal body weight, and survival as well as serum liver function enzymes’ activities were also assessed. Results The extract and the n-hexane fraction showed the presence of all the tested phytocompounds except tannins and cardiac glycosides, respectively. The extract showed a reduction in parasitemia while the order of activity for the fractions was n-hexane ≫ water ≫ butanol ≫ ethyl acetate. The n-hexane fraction produced complete protection against parasite-induced mortality just like the reference standard and a higher increase in PCV compared with the reference standard. The extract, n-hexane, and water fractions showed protection against infection-induced liver damage with a significant (P < 0.05) difference when compared to the vehicle control group. Conclusion A. mexicana showed antitrypanosomal activity which may be attributed to the presence of phytocompounds particularly saponins, which were present in the extract and fractions that showed antitrypanosomal activity but absent in fractions that showed no or weak antitrypanosomal activity.

Abstract The present review discusses the transmission risk factors of camel (Camelus dromedarius) brucellosis in the limits of domestic and wild interfaces and zoonotic threats. The median position of the dromedary’s life between wild and the domestic areas seems to increase the risks of brucellosis transmission, compared to other receptive domestic ruminants. In arid environments, canids, lagomorphs, rodents, and wild boars are potential reservoirs ofBrucellaspp. Dromedary camels raised according to a periurban breeding system are often in direct or indirect contact with wild animals, domestic animals, and humans. Constraints of brucellosis detection and control in wild animals, especially in developing countries, hamper preventing disease in camelids and related occupational categories. A total eradication of animal and human brucellosis, in developing countries, is faced by the difficulty of applying quarantine periods for suspected animals, the lack of reliable diagnostic tools, and the impossibility of controlling animals at the common grazing lands, livestock markets, and transboundary areas. In developing countries, the informal she-camel milk collection, the periurban camel breeding, and the shortage in the technological processing and the pasteurization of she-camel milk play a key role in brucellosis zoonotic transmission.Veterinarians should have more initiative in brucellosis control in both domestic and wildlife animals.

Abstract In this study, the authors determined whether vvIBDV could be transmitted from chickens to pigeons and vice versa, and the relative severity of the lesions in the two species. Thirty 3-to 6-week-old pigeons and thirty 3-week-old chickens were grouped as follows: A (10 uninoculated pigeons), B (10 inoculated pigeons+10 sentinel chickens), C (10 inoculated chickens+10 sentinel pigeons) and D (10 uninoculated chickens). Inoculated birds were administered 0.20 mL of vvIBDV (titre of 109.76 CID/mL) followed by introduction of their respective sentinels post-inoculation. Post-inoculation/exposure (pi/ pe), dead birds were necropsied, organs grossly examined, weighed, and sections processed for histopathology. Results revealed mild, gross and histopathological lesions in pigeons at 7 and 14 dpi/dpe. In chickens, gross and histopathological lesions were severe at 3 and 4 dpi/dpe, moderate at 7 dpi/dpe and mild at 14 dpi/dpe. Carcass weight showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05) in all pigeons, but was statistically higher in uninoculated compared to inoculated and sentinel chickens. Relative weight (RW) of the liver was significantly lower at 14 dpi/ dpe in pigeons. In chickens, RW of the bursa of Fabricius (BF) was significantly higher in inoculated and sentinel at 3 and 4 dpi/dpe. In conclusion, there was transmission of vvIBDV from pigeons to chickens and pathological changes due to vvIBDV infection were less severe in pigeons than in chickens.

Abstract For the control and treatment of trypanosomiasis, a limited number of chemotherapeutic drugs with mild side effects are available. As a result, a quest for a less toxic herbal treatment for trypanosomiasis is needed. Ethanolic extract of A. gummifera leaf (EEAL) and aqueous extract of Albizia. gummifera leaf (AEAL) were tested for antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei in vitro. We first compared the phytochemical concentrations of EEAL and AEAL and discovered that EEAL had higher phytochemical concentrations on average than AEAL: flavonoids (4.26 mg/g vs 2.50 mg/g); alkaloids (38.40 mg/g vs 19.80 mg/g); tannins (230.7 mg/g vs 45.74 mg/g) and saponins (128.66 vs 44.33g/g). From the result of phytochemical concentrations of the two compounds, the higher values observed in flavonoids and alkaloid of EEAL led us to hypothesize that EEAL would have greater trypanocidal activity. Following that, EEAL and AEAL were tested for antitrypanosomal activity in vitro. Forty µl of blood holding in about 25±8 parasites/field was mixed with 20 µl of the EEAL and AEAL solutions of 100, 80, 60 mg/ml to produce an efficacious test concentration of 25, 20 and 15 mg/ml, sequentially. The extracts inhibited parasite motility and eliminated the organisms at the concentrations used in vitro, except for 15 mg/ml AEAL and 20 mg/ml AEAL. Following the screening, the Albizia gummifera ethanolic extract found to have positive in vitro trypanocidal activity. More research is needed to determine the concentrations of the extract for the in vivo test.