Diseased Buffaloes Research Articles

Diagnosis and Surgical correction of salivary affections in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis); a retrospective study

AimThis study aimed to describe the diagnosis and treatment of various surgical salivary affections in buffaloes.Materials and methodsThis study included 135 buffaloes examined at Dakahlia Governorate between 2011 and 2022 suffering from various surgical salivary affections. The recorded surgical affections had salivary fistula (n = 44), ectasia of Stenson’s duct (n = 11), ranula/mucocele (n = 46), and cervical sialocele (n = 34). The buffaloes were sedated using an intramuscular injection of xylazine (0.05 mg/kg) and local infiltration analgesia of lidocaine for specific surgical interventions.ResultsThe salivary duct fistula cases were surgically corrected using a retrograde infusion of povidone-iodine into the duct and its double ligation with Prolene following fistulectomy. Intraoral marsupialization was done in buffaloes suffering from ectasia of the parotid duct. The mucocele /ranula was surgically incised with daily flushing with povidone-iodine. The cervical sialocele was treated by giving an elliptical excision on the sialocele, and sialoadenectomy of the mandibular salivary gland was performed to facilitate dynamic fluid/saliva drainage. A 92.5% of diseased buffaloes showed an uneventful recovery without any postoperative complications after the first treatment, whereas 7.5% of animals tended to recur. The most common and almost equally distributed salivary affections recorded in adult buffaloes were parotid duct fistula, mucocele, and cervical sialocele. The Stenson’s duct ectasia was commonly registered in calves, being congenital.ConclusionRanula was the most common salivary affection encountered in adult buffaloes, closely followed by parotid duct fistulae and cervical sialoceles. Stenson’s duct ectasia was the least encountered salivary affection in calves and was congenital. All salivary affections were corrected easily and safely, with satisfactory outcomes.

Laboratory Evaluation of Transtracheal Wash (TTW) in Buffaloes Affected with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Background- Evaluation of transtracheal wash (TTW) has been proved beneficial in the diagnosis and understanding the pathology of lower respiratory tract infection in species like equines and dogs. However, its diagnostic potential in buffaloes has not been explored much. This study elucidated the cytological and microbiological features of TTW in buffaloes. Methods- TTW was collected from 36 buffaloes (26 diseased and 10 healthy control) after adequately restraining and using baby feeding tube after giving a small stab incision at ventral neck region. After collection, TTW were subjected to cytological studies following staining with Leishman stain. TTW was also sent aseptically to laboratory for bacteriological culture. Results- The lower respiratory tract affections like aspiration pneumonia, suppurative pneumonia, fibrinopurulent pneumonia, chronic pneumonia and tuberculous pneumonia were diagnosed based on cytology of TTW in correlation with history and comprehensive clinical examination. The mean cell number (cells/HPF) in TTW of diseased buffaloes were significantly higher than control groups. In control groups, the predominant cells were alveolar macrophages followed by neutrophils, epithelial cells, lymphocytes and other cells which includes mast cells, fibroblasts and unidentified nucleated cells. Neutrophils were the predominant cells followed by macrophages in TTW of buffaloes diagnosed with suppurative, fibrinopurulent and aspiration pneumonia, whereas, alveolar macrophage were predominant in TTW of chronic pneumonia and tuberculous pneumonia affected animals. Four out of ten TTW samples from healthy animals were evidenced bacterial growth in which Staphylococcus spp. was the predominantly isolated bacteria. TTW samples from 20 out of 26 diseased buffaloes were found positive for bacterial culture from which a total of 30 bacterial isolates were obtained which include Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pasteurella multocida, Streptococcus spp., E. coli and Bacillus spp. Thus, TTW provides vital information about the ongoing pathogenesis in respiratory tract infection. It is suggested that, cytological and bacteriological culture of TTW samples should be carried out during the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of respiratory tract infection in buffaloes.

Mineral Supplementation in Diseased Buffalo Calves and Impact on Health, Behavior, and Clinical Blood Profiles

Mineral Supplementation in Diseased Buffalo Calves and Impact on Health, Behavior, and Clinical Blood Profiles

First report on delineation of differentially expressed genes and pathways in milk somatic cells of mastitic and healthy Murrah buffaloes

Despite immense contribution of buffaloes as dairy species, limited studies have addressed the bubaline mastitis as compared to cattle. This was the first differential transcriptomic study investigating the alterations induced by clinical mastitis in buffalo milk relative to healthy controls. Comparative gene expression profiling of three biological replicates of each group identified 1014 up-regulated and 999 down-regulated genes in the diseased buffaloes (Fold change > 2, FDR < 0.05). Activation of immune and inflammatory responses were the most enriched GO terms in the mastitic animals, with higher transcript abundance of many genes coding for anti-microbial proteins such as β-defensins, perforin, granzymes, granulysin, cathelicidins etc. Analysis of the gene regulatory interactions of the up-regulated DEGs identified many hub genes that govern the cellular and macromolecular metabolic processes (E2F4, E2F1, RBL2, FOXM1, IRF1 and MYB). This study contributes to an insightful understanding of molecular mechanisms governing immune response of buffaloes to mastitis.

Ultrasound image analysis for detection of fatty liver and grading its severity in buffaloes at Mosul, Iraq

The study aimed to (ⅰ) examines whether quantitative and qualitative digital analysis of hepatic ultrasound images can be used to detect fatty liver and grading its severity, (ⅱ) to estimate the concentration of serum β-hydroxybutyrate content in normal and diseased animals. A total of 50 buffaloes (15 clinically normal and 35 suffered from decreased milk production, loss of appetite, and loss of body weight) 2-4 weeks after parturition were studied. Buffaloes were examined by real-time ultrasound using a 3.5 MHz convex probe. Ultrasound images were saved for qualitative and quantitative analysis, using computer aid Fatty-Liver software (programmed in Matlab language). Based on the digital analysis of ultrasound images, the diseased buffaloes were classified as mild (n=20), moderate (n=7) and severe (n=8) fatty liver affection. Results indicated that the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate estimated via ELISA were 0.409, 0.735, 0.923, 1.708 mmol/dL in normal, mild, moderate, and severe diseased buffaloes respectively. However, a significant difference has been encountered among normal and diseased animals. It has been concluded that buffaloes at Mosul suffered from fatty liver and digital analysis of ultrasound images was a suitable method for clinical diagnosis, furthermore, estimation of β-hydroxybutyrate was a suitable method for laboratory diagnosis.

A REVIEW ON EVALUATION OF CHANGES IN BLOOD PARAMETERS IN DAIRY BUFFALOES AFFECTED WITH CLINICAL AND SUB-CLINICAL MASTITIS

Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland of lactating bovines (cattle and buffaloes), which is one of the most significant and encountered diseases in the dairy industry. Every year dairy industries face huge economic losses due to the impact of bovine mastitis. Besides producing various physical and biochemical changes in the milk, mastitis also causes fluctuation in various blood parameters of the dairy buffaloes. The levels of total leukocyte count (TLC), and neutrophils in the blood serum of a mastitis suffering buffalo are significantly higher than a healthy buffalo. Similarly, the serum levels of various enzymes like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increase significantly. The lipid peroxidation substances viz. malondialdehyde and nitric oxide increase significantly while there is a significant loss in the level of macro-minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. The findings of various studies have shown the damaging effects of mastitis in the blood profile of diseased buffaloes.

First substantiation of clinico-molecular investigation of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes in Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Listeriosis is a zoonotic disease of humans, animals, birds, fish, and crustaceans worldwide. Domestic animals, especially ruminants, are more susceptible to listeriosis. This infectious disease is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular bacterium that can cross blood-brain, placental and intestinal barriers. In Pakistan, the incidence and reliable diagnostic tools for the L. monocytogenes are unidentified in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. This study was designed to inspect listeriosis in buffaloes through molecular techniques and haemato-biochemical analyses. A total of 230 samples (115 milk and 115 faecal samples) were collected from symptomatic listeriosis cases in Nili-Ravi buffaloes of 3 geographical districts (Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Muzaffargarh) Punjab, Pakistan. These samples were processed for DNA extraction using commercialized kits, and L. monocytogenes was confirmed by conventional PCR. The results revealed that 6.08% and 4.34% of the isolates from milk and faecal samples were found positive for L. monocytogenes, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of these isolates showed 97-100% similarity to isolates from the USA, Switzerland, Japan, and India. The accession numbers on NCBI GenBank appeared as HF558398 (Switzerland), KP965732 (India), EU372032 (USA), and LC259850 (Japan). Haemato-biochemical examinations showed that the values of WBCs, plasma fibrinogen, ALT, and AST significantly increased (P<0.05) in diseased buffaloes compared to healthy ones. The occurrence of listeriosis in buffaloes urges continuous monitoring and surveillance to prevent this emerging disease in Pakistan.

SODIUM CHLORIDE POISONING IN IRAQI WATER BUFFALO (Bubalus bubalis) OF BASRAH GOVERNORATE, IRAQ

Sodium chloride poisoning has been suspected in Iraqi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) of Basrah governorate, A study was conducted on 523 animals. All animals drank natural water from the Shatt al-Arab sources. Seventy-six animals show different clinical manifestations, and twelve clinically healthy animals were used as controls. Diseased buffalo exhibited different clinical manifestations. A significant increase in PCV with alterations in indices of clotting factors was also explored. Serum analysis demonstrated increase in serum sodium and chloride concentrations in diseased buffalo. However, water analysis revealed elevation of electrical conductivity, sodium, chloride and total dissolved solids in the drinking water of diseased buffalo. The macroscopic appearance of the carcasses showed congestion and slight edema of the brain tissues, Moreover, the histopathological examinations revealed, spongiform-like encephalopathy with severe congested blood vessels and neuro-vascular thrombus was detected.

Characterization of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Serotype SAT-2 in Swamp Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) under the Egyptian Smallholder Production System.

Simple SummaryContinuous mutations of the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) result in the emergence of new topotypes and lineages of FMDV, which contribute to an occasional vaccination failure. Thus, molecular characterization of the circulating FMDV strains associated with a recent outbreak in Egyptian water buffaloes is essential for the control strategies. The results revealed that the circulating virus was SAT-2 serotype, closely related to the lineage of lib12, topotype VII, with a similarity of 98.9%. The new incursions reported in this study explain the considerable high morbidity of FMDV outbreaks in Egypt in early 2019.Spontaneous mutations are a common characteristic of the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), leading to wide antigenic variations resulting in the emergence of new topotypes and lineages of FMDV, which contributes to occasional vaccination failures. The objectives of the present study were to genetically characterize FMDV isolated from water buffaloes and study the biochemical and histopathological indicators of infected animals. Fifty-four water buffaloes of both sexes and different ages suffered from acute symptoms of FMD were clinically examined and randomly selected for inclusion in this study. Oral desquamated epithelial and oropharyngeal fluid samples have been tested for FMDV by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Tissue and serum samples were also collected from the diseased buffaloes and subjected to histopathological and biochemical analysis. Our findings showed that all examined samples were confirmed to be positive to FMDV serotype SAT-2 and were adjusted to be responsible for the recent disease outbreak in this study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating viruses were of the SAT-2 serotype, closely related to the lineage of lib12, topotype VII, with 98.9% identity. The new lineage of SAT-2 showed a high virulence resulting in the deaths of water buffaloes due to heart failure, confirmed by high serum levels of inflammatory and cardiac markers, including haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, cardiac troponin I and creatine phosphokinase-MB, indicating an unfavorable FMD-infection prognosis. In conclusion, we document the presence of new incursions circulating in water buffalo populations in Egypt in early 2019, explaining the high morbidity rate of FMD outbreak in early 2019. Furthermore, the newly identified serotype SAT-2 lib12 lineage, topotype VII, showed an aggressive pattern in water buffaloes of the smallholder production system.

Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of 30 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with hepatomegaly.

Background and Aim:Knowledge of normal ultrasonographic dimensions of the liver and associated vascular structures is an important indicator for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Enlargement of the liver beyond its normal dimensions is the term of hepatomegaly and ultrasonography is the primary and the suitable diagnostic technique for this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic findings of liver diseases causing hepatomegaly in 30 buffaloes as well as to provide a range of liver dimensions and its blood vessel measurements in normal and diseased buffaloes.Materials and Methods:The study population included 30 buffaloes that were admitted to the clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Zagazig University for investigation of clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as anorexia, chronic weight loss, and variable degrees of diarrhea or constipation. The animals were subjected to thorough clinical and ultrasonographic investigations. In addition, 10 healthy buffaloes were investigated ultrasonographically and post-slaughtering for comparison of liver dimensions and physical appearance.Results:Three conditions causing hepatomegaly were identified in this study as multiple focal hepatic lesions, diffuse fatty liver, and hepatic congestion. Clinically, it was difficult to differentiate between each condition while ultrasonography was the ideal tool for diagnosis after comparing with necropsy as a gold standard tool. Hepatomegaly was recorded in all affected animals with a significant decrease in the size of the portal vein (PV) and caudal vena cava (CVC) in animals affected with multiple focal hepatic lesions and fatty liver disease while the size of the PV and CVC was significantly increased in buffaloes with hepatic congestion.Conclusion:Ultrasonography can aid to accurately identify buffaloes with hepatomegaly and differentiate between different lesions involved.

Isolation and identification of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) from diseased cattle and buffaloes in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

In the present study, 280 samples including whole blood, nasal swabs, rectal swabs and sera were collected from 70 diseased cattle and buffaloes suspected to be infected with BVDV in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt during the period from July 2013 to June 2014. Animals were suffering from fever, respiratory disorder with nasal lesions, diarrhea and abortion. A total of 210 samples including (70 nasal swabs, 70 rectal swabs and 70 heparinized blood from all animals) were used for isolation of BVDV that was carried out using MDBK tissue culture. Three passages were carried out for each sample. In addition 70 sera samples were used for direct detection of the virus using antigen capture ELISA (Ag-ELISA). The suspected BVDV in tissue cultures (after 3rd passage) was identified by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, nucleotide sequence analysis of amplified 5`UTR gene of the identified BVD nucleic acid was done and compared with published reference sequences on GeneBank. The results of suspected virus isolation revealed that out of 210 examined samples, 12 (5.71%) samples showed clear CPE. The positive results percentage of Ag-ELISA showed that out of 70 examined sera samples, 11 (15.71%) samples were positive. The result of indirect IFA revealed that out of examined 70 samples, 11 (15.71%) samples were positive. Eleven selected samples that showed positive results with IFA were submitted to RT-PCR, and all submitted samples showed positive results of 5`UTR gene amplification. Sequence analysis of 5`UTR gene sequence identified in this study revealed that our isolate was closely related to Denmark BVDV strain (2005). In conclusion, both biotypes cytopathic and non cytopathic BVDV can be isolated from diseased cattle and buffaloes in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. In addition, Ag-ELISA and IFA can be used for detection of BVDV with the same sensitivity. RT-PCR can be efficiently used for molecular identification BVDV. Further studies are required for better understanding genetic diversity among BVDV cirulating in egyptian farms based on full genome sequencing.

CONVENTIONAL AND MOLECULAR DETECTION OF INTRAMAMMARY STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTION IN CLINICAL AND SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS OF BUFFALOES WITH A FIELD THERAPEUTIC TRIAL

Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in buffaloes was fundamentally aimed in the current work using culturing procedures and PCR Assay. Field therapeutic trial with follow-up for 10 consecutive weeks post therapy was carried out with monitoring of shedding pattern of Staphylococcus aureus. Three hundred and eighty buffaloes of different lactation seasons were examined in Sohag Governorate. Prevalence of clinically and subclinically infected buffaloes was 10.52% and 26.84%, respectively. Epizootiologically, prevalence of clinically and subclinically infected animals with mastitis in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lactation seasons was 12.00% and 32.00%; 20.83% and 41.67%; and 22.73% and 36.36%, respectively. Thereafter the trend of mastitis was significantly declined by increasing the numbers of lactation season. Over the 9th lactation season, there were no signs of mastitis. Bacteriologically, Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen followed by Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli. Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to amoxicillin, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin but 50 % of the tested strains were resistant to penicillin and oxytetracycline. A Field therapeutic trial with synulox (Amoxicillin plus Clavulanic acid) with anti-inflammatory and supportive drugs was carried out in 10 diseased buffaloes (3 clinical and 7 subclinical). Three clinical and three subclinical forms were culled due to failure of therapy. Four cases of subclinical mastitis were apparently successfully treated. Shedding pattern of Staphylococcus aureus during the therapeutic period was weekly monitored and revealed that shedding was intermittent. In conclusion, Staphylococcus aureus is an outstanding notoriousness mastitogen and its early detection considers a crucial goal in control. PCR is a valuable test for detection of mastitogens than culture techniques but it is still precious practically.

The epidemiology of tick in transmission of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in buffaloes in Marshes of the south of Iraq.

Aim:This study aimed to investigate the role of ticks in transmission of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq.Materials and Methods:This survey included 255 healthy and clinically ill buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq (Thi-Qar, Basra, and Misan provinces) between the periods from May 2017 to April 2018. Animals were clinically examined. Ticks, isolated from perineum and under tail, sent to the Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad and University of Thi-Qar for taxonomy. Ticks were dissected, and all internal organs were removed aseptically by forceps to sterile tubes containing brain heart infusion broth and incubated at 37°C for 36 h and subcultured on blood and MacConkey agars at 37°C for 36 h. Biochemical tests including citrate, methyl red, indole, urease, triple sugar iron (H2S), motility tests, and Gram stain were performed.Results:Two species of ticks were identified. Hyalomma spp. (175; 68.63%) were significantly higher than Rhipicephalus spp. (80; 31.37%). Conversely, pathogenic bacteria in Rhipicephalus spp. (55; 68.75%) was higher than detected from Hyalomma spp. (113; 64.57%), but non-significant. The prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in ticks on diseased buffaloes (110; 88.00%) was significantly higher than non-diseased (58; 44.61%). Escherichia coli (123; 73.21%) showed a significantly higher prevalence than Salmonella spp. (25; 14.88%) and Klebsiella spp. (15; 8.92%). There was no significant variation between Salmonella spp. and Klebsiella spp. The latter was significantly higher than Enterobacter spp. (5; 2.97%). The isolation rate of infected tick collected from buffaloes inhabiting marshes was 65 (66.32%), 45 (69.23%), and 58 (63.40%) from Thi-Qar, Basra, and Misan provinces, respectively, with no significant variation. July and August (71.05% and 72.97%) reported the highest among months, while November, December, January, and February recorded nil (0.00%). The summer season was significantly higher (72.72%) followed by autumn (62.06%) and spring (59.77%), while winter reported no any bacterial isolation (0.00%).Conclusion:The high prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria isolated from hard ticks supports the probability of transmitting these bacteria to buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq.

Significance of clinical observations and biochemical alterations in buffalo calves with dietary abomasal impaction

BackgroundThe present study aimed to throw light on the clinical characteristics of abomasal impaction in buffalo calves and its associated biochemical alterations. For this reason, a total of 20 male buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) with abomasal impaction were studied. The investigated calves were at 6 to 12 months of age and were belonged to three private farms in Dakahlia Governorate besides sporadic cases admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt. Ten apparently healthy buffalo calves were also included as controls. According to the clinical outcome, the diseased calves were categorized into survivors (n = 11) and non-survivors (n = 9). Blood samples were collected from all animals to estimate blood gases besides a panel of selected biochemical parameters. The definitive diagnosis of dietary abomasal impaction was achieved by either left flank exploratory laparotomy or by necropsy.ResultsBoth survivors and non-survivors demonstrated common clinical findings including distension of ventro-lateral aspect of the right abdomen, and varying degrees of dehydration. The great majority of survivors (81%) and 100% of non-survivors were anorexic and had rumen stasis as well as hard texture upon ballottement of the left flank. Approximately 45% of non-survivors had frothy salivation, expiratory grunting and were being tender when strong percussion was applied on the right flank. Diseased calves had metabolic alkalosis, while plasma potassium and chloride were significantly lower in non-survivors than those of survivors (P < 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and uric acid were significantly higher in diseased buffalo than controls and in non-survivors than survivors (P < 0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and total bilirubin levels were also higher in non-survivors than those of survivors (P < 0.05).ConclusionBuffalo calves with dietary abomasal impaction were associated with marked clinical and biochemical alterations that could be helpful for an accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Hepatobiliary diseases in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings.

This study describes ultrasonographic observations of five hepatobiliary diseases in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Fifty buffalo, including 20 clinically normal and 30 hepatobiliary diseased buffalo were enrolled in the study. Complete clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations and laboratory analyses were conducted. Focal parenchymal lesions including liver abscess (n = 12) and hepatic cyst (n = 6), diffuse parenchymal lesion (hepatobiliary cirrhosis, n = 5) and obstruction of hepatobiliary passages including cholestasis (n = 4), and hepatocholelithiasis (n = 3) were successfully imaged by ultrasonography. Hepatic abscess imaged as a hypoechoic to echogenic circumscribed mass of various diameters with a distinct echogenic capsule. Hepatic cyst imaged as a pear-shaped sac with a bright echogenic margin, anechoic content, and distal acoustic enhancement. In hepatobiliary fibrosis, the liver showed linear bands of increasing echogenicity with less distinct imaging of the portal vasculature. Cholestasis was imaged as dilatation of the gallbladder (GB) with wall thickening and homogeneous or heterogeneous contents. Hepatocholelithiasis imaged as an echoic structure within the hepatic parenchyma, or within and around the GB and bile duct, with more echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma than normal. Ultrasonography can be an efficient rapid, noninvasive tool for screening of common hepatobiliary diseases in buffalo under field conditions.

Trypanosoma evansi induces detrimental immuno-catabolic alterations and condition like type-2 diabetes in buffaloes

The present study aimed to investigate the perturbations in immuno-metabolic and redox status of buffaloes with trypanosomosis. Thirteen buffaloes suffering from clinical trypanosomosis and eight apparently healthy buffaloes were included in the present study. Buffaloes with trypanosomosis found to have markedly elevated levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in comparison with healthy controls. Whereas, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and haemoglobin levels of buffaloes with trypanosomosis were significantly lower than the healthy controls. Remarkable elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) levels were also observed in the diseased buffaloes. Moreover, buffaloes with trypanosomosis were found to have markedly elevated levels of serum glucose, total proteins, globulins, urea and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and markedly lowered levels of serum calcium, total cholesterol levels and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio as compared to the controls. Findings of our study evidently suggest that Trypanosoma evansi induces remarkable immunosuppressive and pro-oxidative status with an increased catabolic activity and hyperglycemic condition like type-2 diabetes in naturally infected buffaloes. Therefore, immuno-metabolic and pro-oxidative predicaments should be addressed by the veterinary clinician while managing the clinical cases of trypanosomosis in buffaloes.

Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Egyptian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with traumatic pericarditis

Traumatic pericarditis (TP) remains a serious problem facing bovine producers; particularly in the developing countries; causing severe economic losses. This study was carried out on 47 buffaloes including; control buffaloes (n=20) and buffaloes with TP (n=27) at Assiut governorate, Egypt. All animals were subjected to thorough clinical examination, whole blood profiling, blood serum biochemical assays, and radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The recorded ultrasonographic findings included; the contractility, contour and shape of the reticulum, shape and size of the heart and spleen involvement. All data were statistically analysed. Buffaloes with TP showed lymphocytic leucocytosis, increase in serum activities of AST, hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. Radio-opaque metal foreign bodies, cardiomegaly and loss of the normal cardiac shape and contour were the most common radiographic findings in the diseased buffaloes. Ultrasonographically, the diseased buffaloes showed either acute pericarditis (n=10) or chronic suppurative pericarditis (n=17). Complete cessation of reticular contractions (0/3min) and displacement of the reticulum from the diaphragm by a distance about 2.6–4.5cm were the most common ultrasonographic findings of both types of pericarditis. In addition, the reticulum had uneven contour and the heart showed characteristic changes in its size, shape and contractility that was either accelerated or reduced. Reticular abscesses and peritoneal effusions were also imaged in all diseased buffaloes. In acute TP; the affected heart was enlarged with strong and clear cardiac contractions. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids interspersed with echogenic deposits of fibrin within heart tissue and pericardium was observed. In chronic suppurative pericarditis, cardiomegaly, thickening of the cardiac wall and loss of the characteristic recognisable heart shape were the common ultrasonographic findings. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids (usually pus) interspersing with echogenic deposits of fibrin within the pericardium, ventricles, atria and valves was also observed. In conclusion, ultrasonography with the aids of other diagnostic tools such as clinical findings, laboratory analysis and radiography has a high efficacy in evaluation of diseased buffaloes with TP.

A mathematical model for bovine tuberculosis among buffaloes and lions in the Kruger National Park

In this paper, a model for the spread of tuberculosis between buffaloes and lions is presented and analyzed. The most important system parameters are identified: vertical and horizontal disease transmission among the buffaloes and the influence of intraspecific competition between healthy and diseased buffaloes on the infected buffaloes population. Removal of diseased prey appears to be the most effective strategy to render the ecosystem disease free.

Modulation of immunity and inflammatory gene expression in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with some digestive disorders.

So far, there has been scarce information about the status of immunoglobulins (Ig) and the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in buffaloes showing digestive troubles. The purpose of the present study was to explore the modulation of gene expression of some immune-inflammatory markers in buffaloes suffered from various digestive disorders. For this reason, 50 native breed water buffaloes were studied. Forty of these buffaloes showed various symptoms of digestive disorders and were allocated into 4 groups of equal sizes (group 1: uncategorized stomatitis; group 2: acute traumatic reticuloperitonitis [TRR]; group 3: acute rumen impaction; and group 4: undifferentiated enteritis). Ten apparently healthy buffaloes were randomly selected and considered as a control group. RNA was firstly extracted from the whole blood then a reverse transcription kits was used to convert the RNA to cDNA. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of mRNAs of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IgG, and IgA, while glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) used as an internal reference. The results of real-time PCR revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) upregulation of the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in blood of diseased buffaloes compared with those of controls. Animals showing acute TRP had peak values of both IL-6 and IL-10; while those exhibiting enteritis and rumen impaction had the highest values of IL-1β and TNF-α, respectively. The results of qPCR also revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) downregulation of both IgG and IgA gene expression in blood of all diseased buffaloes compared with controls. The lowest values of both genes were recorded in buffaloes showing acute TRP. The results herein suggest that the tested genes could have a pivotal role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of the underlying diseases.

Hematological and serum biochemical alterations in buffalo with some digestive disorders

Hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals are essential laboratory variables for optimal diagnostic purposes. The present study was delineated to provide an insight into the hemato-biochemical alterations as well as the measurement of selected acute phase proteins in buffaloes showing some digestive disorders. The present study included 40 native breed water buffalo showing various symptoms of digestive troubles. Based on competent case history, clinical and laboratory findings, the diseased buffaloes were allocated into four equal sized groups, namely stomatitis, acute traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP), acute rumen impaction, and enteritis. Ten apparently healthy buffaloes were randomly selected from the same animal population and considered as control group. Blood samples were drawn from all investigated animals for hematologic examination and measurements of a panel of serum biochemical variables. All diseased buffaloes showed statistically significant high values of total leucocytes (P ≤ 0.05) with significantly low values of total erythrocytes and hemoglobin concentration compared with controls (P ≤ 0.05). Serum magnesium, sodium, and iron showed a statistically (P ≤ 0.05) lower values in all studied buffaloes than those of controls; while serum calcium levels were significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in buffaloes showing stomatitis and those with TRP compared with controls. Serum hepatic enzyme activities beside serum haptoglobin and C-reactive protein were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in all diseased buffaloes than those of controls. The results herein concluded that diseased buffalo were associated with marked hematological and elemental alterations besides a distinct inflammatory reaction. Further studies are needed to explore the potential ameliorative value of using supplementary agents to help mitigate the associated biochemical and inflammatory reactions in buffaloes exhibiting digestive disorders.