Dead Chickens Research Articles

Molecular Detection of Some Virulence Genes of E.coli Isolated From Broiler Chickens and Ducks at Ismailia Governorate

This study was conducted to investigate the existence of some virulence genes among Escherichia coli strains isolated from broiler chickens and ducks. A total of 252 samples (liver, heart blood and lung) were collected from diseased and freshly dead broiler chickens (192 organ from 64 bird) and ducks (60 organ from 20 bird) from different poultry farms at Ismailia Governorate, Egypt during period from May 2018 to July 2019. All samples were subjected to bacteriological examination for isolation and identification of E. coli. Eighteen E. coli isolates were subjected for detection of some virulence genes (iss, iutA, pap C, traT, eaeA and vat) by conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). Out of 252 samples, 203 (80.5%) were positive for E. coli. Virulence genes were detected among 18 selected E. coli strains with variable percentage. All 18 E. coli isolates (100%) were iss, iutA and vat genes positive, 16 (88.8%) were traT gene positive, 5 (27.7%) were eaeA gene positive while, 2 (11%) were pap C gene positive.

Parasitic development in intestines and oocyst shedding patterns for infection by Eimeria uekii and Eimeria raichoi in Japanese rock ptarmigans, Lagopus muta japonica, protected by cages in the Southern Japanese Alps.

The population of Japanese rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta japonica), an endangered species with a habitat above the timberline of the southern Japanese Alps, has declined. As one of the recent conservation strategies for this species, cage protection for broods (hens and chicks) has been introduced in their habitats. Two species of Eimeria have frequently been detected in these birds, but little is known about the parasitic circulation in the region, including among birds and in the environment. Here, we conducted histopathology examinations of dead chicks collected under cage protection in 2018, and examined the feces of the hens and chicks of three broods and environmental soils for parasites in 2019 in order to assess the potential sources of infection and pathogenicity. Developmental zoites were found in the epithelial mucosa and/or the submucosa from the duodenum to the colon of all dead chicks. Fecal examination revealed oocysts of E. uekii and/or E. raichoi in all hens and chicks. Oocysts of Eimeria spp. per gram of feces in chicks increased within 2 weeks after hatching and then gradually deceased. Following infection of the chicks, oocysts could accumulate within the cage areas, and oocyst density exceeded more than 1000 oocysts per gram of cage soils. Based on having sporulated morphologies, oocysts could be infective and therefore, be direct or indirect potential sources of infection. However, based on our findings that not all chicks were clinically affected by the infections, other factors such as microbial flora in the chicks established by coprophagy or from the habitat environment, including climate, might be associated with the pathogenicity of Eimeria spp., although further studies are needed to assess these correlations.

Detection of mold species in poultry farms in refer to their virulence potential

Objective: The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify mold species from poultry farms with detection of their virulence potential, biofilm formation capability and to perform antifungal susceptibility testing to some representative isolates. Design: Observational study. Animals: Fifty freshly dead broiler chicks were included in this study. Procedures: A total of 250 samples were collected from 50 diseased chicks (5 samples each), including lung, liver, kidney, heart, and tracheal swap. In addition, litter samples were collected from 7 poultry farms and were subjected to mycological examination. The isolated mold species have been tested for hemolytic activity, catalase, amylase, lipase, and biofilm production activity; besides, detection of virulence genes (rhbA, fos-1, and pskB) using PCR assay. . Results: A total of 208 mold isolates were identified, with five genera; Aspergillus (84.6%), Zygomycetes (12.9%), Acremonium (0.96%), Penicillium (0.96%) and Alternaria (0.48%). Mold isolates displayed various degrees of fungal activities on blood agar plates, catalase activity, amylase activity, lipase activity, and the ability for biofilm production in vitro. Regarding the selected virulence genes, fos-1 was detected in A.fumigatus (3 isolates) and A.flavus (2isolates). While pksP gene was detected in A.fumigatus (7 isolates) and A.niger (2 isolates) and rhbA detected in A. fumigatus (8 isolates) and one isolate of A. flavus of the total evaluated species. The MIC determination provide evidence for the high resistance of all evaluated isolates to nystatin, and a relatively higher sensitivity was displayed by clotrimazole followed by ciclopiroxolamine and tioconazole. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The results reveal that most of the fungal isolates tested displayed enzymatic activity, which are the most effective virulence factors contributing to fungal pathogenicity and high resistance to antifungal, which represents a potential public health concern.

Pathomorphological changes at experimental mycotoxicosis in broiler chickens

Summary. Data on the effect of mycotoxins on the organism of broiler chickens, and the indirect effect of offal obtained from poultry, fed with mixed feed infected with mycotoxins, that people eat were analyzed in the article. In particular, it has been proved that in experimental DON-toxicosis and experimental citrinin-toxicosis in broiler chickens, these toxins are able to cumulate in organs and tissues and cause clinical and pathological changes. DON exceeded the maximum allowable level for chickens more than 2 times, citrinin exceeded the MDL by more than 20 times. In the first experimental group, the incidence rate of poultry reached 83.3% by the 7th day of feeding and mortality - 52.2% of the number of cases. During the autopsy of the dead chickens it was found that the liver was blood-filled, with areas of necrosis, the gall bladder was full of bile, the muscular wall of the atria was thinned. At experimental citrinin toxicosis, as well as in the first experimental group, diarrhea with an admixture of blood was observed in chickens. At the autopsy there was inflammation of the small and large intestines, the liver was blood-filled, and the intestines were hyperemic. For deoxynivalenol, the fact of accumulation of this mycotoxin in the tissues of the organs of chickens of the 1st group was reliably established. The data on the accumulation in the organs and tissues of broiler chickens of other mycotoxins in our experiments were unreliable and require additional studies.

English

Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) is an economically important irreversible immunosuppressive disease of young birds. The present study was designed to confirm the efficacy of two common diagnostic tests for the detection of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) from the three types of bursal samples collected from a recent outbreak in layer and broiler chickens of Gazipur district, Bangladesh. This study compared the degree of sensitivity between Ouchterlony Double Immunodiffusion Test (ODIT) and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of IBD viral antigen from the bursal samples. A total of 180 field bursal samples (80 broiler and 100 from layer chicken) from suspected IBDV infected dead chickens were collected from 50 different poultry farms. Bursal homogenates were used to detect IBDV using ODIT and RT-PCR. Three types of bursal samples, hemorrhagic bursa (90), edematous bursa (78) and atrophied bursa (12) were selected for the detection of viral antigen. A panel of anti-sera and IBDV specific primer for VP2 gene was used for RT-PCR. The data demonstrated that, out of 180 field samples, 164 (91%) were positive by RT-PCR and 120 (67%) were positive by ODIT. Haemorrhagic bursas were more sensitive compared to oedematous bursas while no virus was detected from the samples of atrophied bursa. This study demonstrated that, RT-PCR was more sensitive and effective diagnostic tool compared to that of ODIT. Key words: Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), ouchterlony double immunodiffusion test (ODIT), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), bursa, broiler, layer.

Sources of Salmonella Infections in Selected Poultry Farms in Jos, Northern Nigeria

Salmonella infections are not new in Nigerian farms and most times also, it is not clear whether the infections are coming from the hatcheries or they are acquired on the farms. The aim of this study was to determine the sources of salmonella infections in nine selected farms prior to fowl typhoid vaccine administration in order to suggest preventive measures towards minimizing or eradicating its occurrence in the farms and hatcheries. Samples taken at the hatcheries were dead chicks and faeces from chick boxes. These samples were processed and analysed for Salmonella species using standard microbiology methods. Four (44.4%) of the nine farms had Salmonella in the tissues of dead birds and/or in their faeces before the birds were introduced to the farms. Salmonella specie was also found two weeks later in faeces and feed in one out of the four farms. Subsequent visits yielded no Salmonella species in the previously infected farms. One of the selected farms whose chicks were Salmonella–free before reaching the farm eventually had Salmonella species isolated from the litter a few weeks later. A total of eleven isolates comprising four different serotypes (Salmonella oakland, S. enterica subsp enterica, S. bonariensis and S. kentucky) were encountered in this study that demonstrates the need for routine screening of breeder farms against infectious diseases, the regulation of activities in hatcheries and the practice of biosecurity on farms to reduce disease transmission to the barest minimum.

Evaluation of Quality and Safety Attributes of Slaughtered Versus Dead Chicken Birds Meat

ABSTRACT The adulteration of dead chicken meat with halal meat is a concern in Pakistan that can harm safety of meat as well as religious beliefs of the Muslims. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to evaluate slaughtering methods (Islamic and decapitation) with dead chicken meat on composition, quality and safety attributes. Purposely, (n=24) birds were slaughtered and (n=12) dead birds samples were collected and subjected to proximate, mineral and quality analysis including pH, color (L*, a*, b*), cooking loss, texture, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxide value (PV), haem and non-haem iron. The results indicated ash content, minerals and oxidation parameters including TBARS, PV affected significantly (p<0.05). The highest Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg) levels reported in dead bird meat were 14.21±0.99 and 959.62±2.11 whereas, the lowest in halal slaughtered bird’s meat were 10.09±1.10 and 870.48±2.11, respectively. However, Manganese (Mn) was only detected in halal slaughtered bird meat. Likewise, pH of dead chicken meat was lowest among treatments however, L* was highest in halal slaughtered bird meat. Additionally, the lowest lipid oxidation and haem iron values reported in halal slaughtered meat were 0.32±0.02 and 2.32±0.21, lower than in decapitated and dead bird meat. Our findings draw lines between slaughtering methods and mineral analysis could be used for the differentiation of halal slaughtered meats with dead chicken meat.

Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Dead Chicken Embryo with Reference to Pathological Changes and Virulence Genes

This work was designed to investigate incidence of P. aeruginosa in dead in shell chicken embryos and molecular detection of virulence genes and study their pathogenicity effect on embryonated chicken eggs and chicks. Out of 100 pooled samples were collected from liver, heart and yolk sac of dead in shell chicken embryos, a total of 24 (24%) P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated.On carrying PCR test for 24 P. aeruginosa isolates there were high distribution of (opr L) and ( lasI ) genes with 100% while distribution of other virulence genes was as follows: toxA (83.3%), lasR (75%), Rhl1 (70.8%). Pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa on embryonated chicken eggs was studied either by inoculation of P. aeruginosa strain via yolk sac route in a dose of 0.1 ml suspension 14x10⁷. Which gave 100% embryonic mortalities after 3 days or by dipping group of 17 days –old embryonated chicken eggs in a dose of 6.1X 109 /ml which gave 90% embryonic mortality. Experimentaly infected chicks showed 70% mortality. Histopathological changes in dead embryos from infected embryonated eggs and sacrificed, dead infected chicks revealed lymphocytic hepatitis with presence of gram negative bacteria. Lymphocytic nephritis with hemosiderosis found in renal parenchyma. Heart showed lymphocytic myocarditis. Lung showed alveolar emphysema, interstitial pneumonia and perivascular fibrosis. P. aeruginosa was re-isolated from internal organs of sacrificed hatched chicks and from liver and yolk sac of dead embryos.

Effects of in ovo injection of vitamin C on heat shock protein and metabolic genes expression

Some studies have shown that the excessive metabolic heat production is the primary cause for dead chicken embryos during late embryonic development. Increasing heat shock protein (HSP) expression and adjusting metabolism are important ways to maintain body homeostasis under heat stress. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovo injection (IOI) of vitamin C (VC) at embryonic age 11th day (E11) on HSP and metabolic genes expression. A total of 320 breeder eggs were randomly divided into normal saline and VC injection groups. We detected plasma VC content and rectal temperature at chick’s age 1st day, and the mRNA levels of HSP and metabolic genes in embryonic livers at E14, 16 and 18, analysed the promoter methylation levels of differentially expressed genes and predicted transcription factors at the promoter regions. The results showed that IOI of VC significantly increased plasma VC content and decreased rectal temperature (P < 0.05). In ovo injection of VC significantly increased heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) genes expression at E16 and PDK4 and secreted frizzled related protein 1 (SFRP1) at E18 (P < 0.05). At E16, IOI of VC significantly decreased the methylation levels of total CpG sites and −336 CpG site in HSP60 promoter and −1137 CpG site in PDK4 promoter (P < 0.05). Potential binding sites for nuclear factor-1 were found around −389 and −336 CpG sites in HSP60 promoter and potential binding site for specificity protein 1 was found around −1137 CpG site in PDK4 promoter. Our results suggested that IOI of VC increased HSP60, PDK4 and SFRP1 genes expression at E16 and 18, which may be associated with the demethylation in gene promoters. Whether IOI of VC could improve hatchability needs to be further verified by setting uninjection group.

PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS AND VIRULENCE-CODING GENES CHARACTERIZATION OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS ISOLATED FROM LAYING HEN BRAIN WITH TETELO SYMPTOM

Newcastle disease (ND) is an acute poultry disease caused by Paramyxovirus group. It has characteristic neurological symptoms, called torticollis. The molecular assay to find out the presence of viral genes in the brain can be an option in detecting ND virus infections since it penetrates brain barrier system. The purpose of this study was to identify ND viruses in the brain of chickens with torticollis symptoms, to analyze its phylogenetic and to characterize its virulence genetic code. Samples used were 12 dead chickens with historically had torticollis symptoms, obtained from poultry farms at several areas in West Java and Banten. Chicken brains were prepared for reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. All positive samples then sequenced to obtain its nucleotide sequences from some of Fusion (F) genes analyzed its phylogenetic by comparing with Indonesian ND isolate virus from GenBank using Mega X software. The results of RT-PCR test showed that only one sample (Virus MSL.03) contained genes of ND virus. Based on homology tests and phylogenetic analysis, the virus belonged to subgenotype VIIh with an identical level of 95.34-95.86% when compared to several isolates from Indonesia. The MSL.03 ND virus has 112RRRKRF117 pattern in F0 indicatest its virulent category.

Fowl adenoviruse-4 infection induces strong innate immune responses in chicken

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV), as the causative agent of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), poses a significant threat to the poultry industry in China in recent years. In this study, we investigated the immunopathogenesis of a FAdV-4 strain HN/151025 in 60-day-old chickens. The virus was highly virulent in chickens, with a broader tissue tropism in chickens, causing 60 % mortality. Postmortem findings of dead chickens showed mild HHS and liver degeneration and necrosis. Importantly, FAdV-4 infection induced significant upregulation of genes encoding most toll-like receptors, some cytokines (interleukin-1β, 2, 6, 8, and 18, and interferon-γ), most of avian β-defensins, myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, in tissues of infected chicken, especially in spleen and bursa of Fabricius. There was also a significant positive correlation between FAdV-4 genome load and the mRNA expression levels of most of these factors in specific infected tissues. The results indicated the potential role of these proteins in host immune response against FAdV-4 infection. However, overexpression of these proteins might contribute to tissue damage of FAdV-4 infected chickens, and eventually lead to chicken death.

PSVII-21 Determination of apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in various hatchery by-products for broiler chickens

Abstract The Korean poultry industry produces more than 4,000 tons of hatchery by-products (HBPs) every year. There is an increasing interest in the use of HBPs as a feed ingredient in The Korean feed industry. However, limited information regarding nutritional values for HBPs has been available. Thus, we conducted an experiment to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AAs) in 4 different HBPs for broiler chickens. Four HBPs included infertile eggs (IFE), unhatched eggs (UHE), low grade and dead chicks (LDC), and mixture (MIX) containing 55% IFE, 10% UHE, 10% LDC, and 25% hatched eggshells. A total of three-hundred-thirty-six 21-d-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 7 replicates per treatment. Each diet contained individual HBP as a sole source of AAs. Additional 125 birds were used to estimate ileal endogenous losses of AAs. Results indicated that the AID and SID of 5 essential AAs (Arg, Met, Trp, His, and Val) for LDC were greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but those (Arg, Met, and Trp) for MIX were the least (P &amp;lt; 0.05) among 4 HBPs. The AID and SID of most AAs in IFE were comparable to those in UHE. However, the AID and SID of 3 essential AAs (Lys, Leu, and Phe) were not different among 4 HBPs. The average AID and SID of both essential and nonessential AAs (18 AAs) for LDC were greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but those for MIX were the least (P &amp;lt; 0.05) among 4 HBPs. In conclusion, HBPs used in this experiment contain high amounts of digestible AAs, which are comparable to other animal by-products. Generally, AAs in LDC are more digestible than AAs in other 3 HBPs (UHE, IFE, and MIX).

Pathology of Fowl Typhoid and Molecular Detection of its Pathogen

Salmonellae are important group of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases. The present study was undertaken with the aim to study pathology of fowl typhoid caused by Salmonella entarica subsp. enteric serovar Gallinarum and to identify Salmonella serovars by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based molecular method isolated from commercial layer, broiler and sonali chickens of Gazipur district, Bangladesh. A total of 150 cloacal, intestinal and liver swab samples were collected in sterie nutrient and tetrathionate broth from apparently healthy, sick and dead chicken the necropsy. Organ samples were collected in 10% buffered neutral formalin. The collected tissues were fixed, processed, sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) and examined at low and high power microscopic fields. Grossly, the liver appeared larger and hemorrhagic with focal necrosis. Catarrhal inflammation on intestinal mucosa was seen. The ova were deformed, discolored and cystic. Microscopically, focal necroses with the infiltration of mononuclear cells were seen with congestion of the central vein. Spleen showed severe depletion of lymphoid cells in white pulp along with reticuloendothelial cell hyperplasia. The section of ovary showed deformed ova with hemorrhages. Samples were subjected to various cultural, biochemical, and molecular examinations and the prevalence was identified 28% cases. Isolated bacteria appeared gram (-)ve, and arranged in short chain. PCR was performed targeting invA gene of Salmonella Gallinarum and amplified 184-bp fragment of the isolates confirmed specific infectivity.&#x0D; Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2019) 23(2) : 49-60

DETECTION OF ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE GENES IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM POULTRY FARMS

Poultry industry in Egypt was subjected to various problems one of them was the early chick mortalities that cause great economic losses and its investigation is the request of many poultry scientists and men. In poultry staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus are known to cause various diseases from acute septicemia to chronic osteomyelitis. Two hundred and sixty samples of chickens, ducks and turkeys were collected from different poultry farms. A survey on Staphylococcal infection among chickens, ducks and turkeys was carried out. It was found that out of 260 infected and dead chickens, ducks and turkeys suspected to be infected with Staphylococcosis, 54 cases (20.76%) revealed Staphylococcus micro-organisms. The isolated strains were typed as: Staphylococcus aureus (74.07%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (14.8 %)and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (11%). The results of sensitivity biogram revealed that S. aureus were highly sensitive to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacine, Enrofloxacine and lincomycin and resistant to Erythromycin, Streptomycine and Chloramphenicol. The results of MIC of 6 representative coagulase positive Staphylococci isolates against 6 selected antibiotics commonly used in poultry farms showed that 100% of isolates were sensitive to amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and oxytetracyclin, while 100% of 6 isolates were resistant to streptomycin and lincomycin. The incidence of isolation of Staphylococci from the internal organs of examined birds and from unabsorbed yolk sac, joints, liver, intestinal content and heart blood was 36.3%, 20%, 19.2%, 17.3% and 16.9% respectively. Ten of each detected isolates were examined by cPCR for resistance genes blaZ and aac(6’) aph (2’’). The isolates harbored these resistance genes with percentage of 100% for S. aureus. In experiment, the pathogenicity of the isolated strains of S. aureus for 7 day- old chicks was studied. S. aureus injected subcutaneously, oral and intranasal caused death of 100%, 100% and 26.7% of the used chicks respectively.

34. Anatomical Pathology And Histopathological Changes Of Ascaridia Galli In Layer Chicken

This study aimed to determine the anatomical pathology and histopathological, and their relationship of the ascaridiosis caused by Ascaridia galli worms infection that have been found in layer chickens after necropsy, thus facilitating the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ascaridiosis. This study used 1 dead chicken from the Lambaro traditional market, Ingin Jaya District, Aceh Besar Regency. The sample was taken to the Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Syiah Kuala University for dissected and observed in anatomical pathology changes, then histopathological preparations were made to observe histopathological changes. Data were obtained then analyzed descriptively and presented in the form of images. The results of anatomical pathology examination in chickens infected with ascaridiosis were found the Ascaridia galli worms infestation in the intestinal lumen with moderate infestation rates and focal area of hemorrhage in the intestinal mucosa. Then, histopathological examination were found desquamation of villous epithelium, hemorrhage in the intestinal mucosa, inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of cryptic cells caused by A. galli worms infection. Based on the results of the examination concluded that there is an association between anatomical and histopathological pathology findings, namely hemorrhage in the intestine.

Genotypic evolution and epidemiological characteristics of H9N2 influenza virus in Shandong Province, China.

H9N2 avian influenza has been prevalent in chicken flocks of China for years. In the first half year of 2018, clinical cases of suspected H9N2 infection were collected from chicken flocks in Shandong province. Nine strains of H9N2 influenza virus were isolated. The pathological changes of the dead chickens were mainly respiratory inflammation, renal swelling, and secondary infection. The microscopic lesions were consistent with the pathogenic characteristics of H9N2 influenza virus. From November 2017 to June 2018, a total of 3,380 serum samples were randomly collected from commercial laying hens in Shandong Province. The H9 antibody levels were tested with the isolated strain (CK/SD/231/17) as the antigen. It showed that the average of antibody titers of H9 avian influenza was 9.24 1og2. Hemagglutination inhibition experiments were conducted on chicken serum with the vaccine virus and the isolated virus (CK/SD/231/17) as the antigens. It was found that the antibody titer measured with the vaccine virus was 1 or 2 titers higher than the isolated strain. It indicated that the antigenicity of H9N2 circulating strain was different from that of vaccine strain. The nucleotide sequences of HA gene of these recent H9N2 avian influenza virus isolates shared homologies from 93.8 to 99.9%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the eight gene segments of the viruses were in the same clades with G57 gene reference strain. The amino acid site analysis of influenza resistance showed that the virus was sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors and resistant to amantadine. Highlights: The protection rate of the H9N2 AIV vaccine almost reached 100% before 2016, but the antibody level of serum samples showed high diversity in this study, which means the poultry were infected. The antigenicity of isolated H9N2 strains was different from that of vaccine strain. Current available vaccines may provide only limited protection.

The Dead Chick

In the poem The Dead Chick, the author reflects on life, death, brevity, and the unknowable.

Cat Gets Its Tern: A Case Study of Predation on a Threatened Coastal Seabird.

Simple SummaryFeral cats living completely independently of people are, unequivocally, agents of wildlife decline, which is linked to the local extinction of numerous bird, mammal and reptile species worldwide. However, evidence of the impact of pet and semi-feral (stray) cats on wildlife is somewhat limited, possibly due to the rapidity with which predation events occur. This study highlights the impact of a semi-feral cat on a threatened seabird colony of Australian Fairy Terns, Sternula nereis nereis, in Mandurah, south-western Australia. Evidence for significant predator-induced mortality, the alteration of the natural behavior of nesting birds in response to a persistent predator, and the complete reproductive failure of 111 nests—due, largely, to predation by a single, desexed, semi-feral cat—is presented. Trap-neuter-release was proposed as a humane response to tackle cat overpopulation but it fails to address the recurrent depredations on native wildlife that occur post-release. This case-study demonstrates that desexed, free-roaming cats remain a significant threat to wildlife and can lead to swift population declines and the local extirpation of native species.Domestic cats have a cosmopolitan distribution, commonly residing in urban, suburban and peri-urban environments that are also critical for biodiversity conservation. This study describes the impact of a desexed, free-roaming cat on the behavior of a threatened coastal seabird, the Australian Fairy Tern, Sternula nereis nereis, in Mandurah, south-western Australia. Wildlife cameras and direct observations of cat incursions into the tern colony at night, decapitated carcasses of adult terns, dead, injured or missing tern chicks, and cat tracks and scats around the colony provided strong evidence of cat predation, which led to an initial change in nesting behavior and, ultimately, colony abandonment and the reproductive failure of 111 nests. The death of six breeding terns from the population was a considerable loss for this threatened species and had the potential to limit population growth. This study highlights the significant negative impacts of free-roaming cats on wildlife and the need for monitoring and controlling cats at sites managed for species conservation. It also provides strong evidence against the practice of trap-neuter-release programs and demonstrates that desexed cats can continue to negatively impact wildlife post-release directly through predation, but also indirectly through fundamental changes in prey behavior and a reduction in parental care.

Evaluation of The Immunological and Growth Enhancing Effect of Probiotic Used in Poultry Ration

A total of 60 one day old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were used, the chicks were first weighted and randomly assigned into three experimental groups (20 chicks per each), the first group (G1) was negative control and received basal diet, the second one (G2) was a positive control and received basal diet and challenged orally with mixed culture of Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum (1x108/ml) at 25 days of age, the third one(G3) received the probiotic mix from 1 day of age this mix contained: Bacillus subtilis MORI 91 [2×108colony forming unit (cfu)/g], Clostridium butyricum M7 (2.06×108cfu/g), Lactobacillus plantarumK34 (2×108cfu/g),and challenged orally with mixed culture of S.Pullorum and S.Gallinarumat 25 days of age. The results of the cytokines and inflammatory markers were detected as follows: the first group gave (105, 89.5, and 68.1), the second group gave (160,135, and 115), and the third group gave (85, 65.3, and 56.3) for IFN- γ, IL12, and IL4 respectively. The results of body weights and feed conversion ratios were: the first group gave (1550 and1.91), the second group gave (1300 and 1.8), and the third group gave (1800 and 2.01) respectively. Furthermore, the results of mortalities, and PM lesions were: the first group showed 4/20 (20%) dead chicks with enteritis, while the second group showed7/20 (35%) dead chicks with enteritis and enlargement with necrosis of the liver, spleen and kidneys, and the third group showed 2/20 (10%) dead chicks with enlargement of the liver, spleen and kidney. For the hematological parameters the first group gave (30.65 ± 0.85, 2.82 ± 0.31, and 9.25 ± 0.16), the second group gave (28.26± 0.76, 2.62 ± 0.23, and 8.75± 0.26), and the third group expressed (34.85± 1, 3.66 ± 0.25, and 10.5.13 ± 0.37) for PCV, mean RBCs (106 µl-1), and hemoglobin, respectively. There was a significant difference in the results of cytokines, body weight, feed conversion ratios, mortality rate, PM lesions, and hematological parameters between the probiotic treated and the control groups with P < 0.05. It was concluded that the probiotic mix enhanced the growth and hematological parameters, also it lowered the inflammatory markers and the mortalities.

Molecular Detection of Some Virulence Genes of Salmonella Serotypes Isolated From Poultry in Egypt

Salmonellosis is recognized as an important health problem and a major challenge in poultry industry worldwide. This study highlight the prevalence rate of salmonella serotypes in chickens as well as demonstration of some critical virulence genes by using specific primers sets in PCR reaction. Out of 100 freshly dead chickens, sixteen chicken samples were positive to Salmonella with 16% prevalence rate.The rate of recovery of Salmonellae from the different internal organs showed that the intestine is the most predication seat followed by, heart and liver with (8%), (6%) and (2%), respectively. Salmonella isolates (16) from chickens were serotyping using O and H antigen. The results revealed that S. Enteritidis was the most serotype found in 5 isolates (31.25%) followed by S.Infantis in 4 isolates (25%). Both S.Newlands and S.Kentucky found in 2 isolates 12.5%. Each of S.Ferruch, S.Weybridge and S.Naestved have one isolate (6.25%).The application of PCR for detection of invA, avrA and stn virulence genes in nine salmonella serovars revealed that these genes (invA, avrA and stn)were detected in 100% of tested strains except S. Naestved does not contain stn gene. Hence, this study recommends that PCR may be used for rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella and help in understanding the role of these genes in pathogenicity of salmonella infection in poultry.