Pox Disease Research Articles

Development and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of Capripoxvirus.

Aim:The present study was undertaken to develop a nucleic acid-based diagnostic assay loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) targeting highly conserved genomic regions of Capripoxvirus (CaPVs) and its comparative evaluation with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Material and Methods:Lyophilized vaccine strain of sheeppox virus (SPPV) was used for optimization of LAMP assay. The LAMP assay was designed using envelope immunogenic protein (P32) coding gene targeting highly conserved genomic regions of CaPV responsible for causing sheep pox, goat pox, and lumpy skin disease in sheep, goat and cattle respectively. Serial tenfold dilution of SPPV recombinant plasmid DNA was used for a calculating limit of detection. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were performed.Results:The test described is quick (30 min), sensitive and specific for detection of CaPVs. The described assay did not show any cross-reactivity to other related viruses that cause apparently similar clinical signs. It was found to be ten times more sensitive than conventional PCR however, 100 times less sensitive than quantitative PCR (qPCR). LAMP assay results were monitored by color change method using picogreen dye and agarose gel electrophoresis.Conclusion:LAMP assay can be a very good alternative for CaPV detection to other molecular techniques requiring sophisticated equipments.

Multiplex PCR for rapid diagnosis and differentiation of pox and pox-like diseases in dromedary Camels.

BackgroundPox and pox-like diseases of camels are a group of exanthematous skin conditions that have become increasingly important economically. Three distinct viruses may cause them: camelpox virus (CMLV), camel parapox virus (CPPV) and camelus dromedary papilloma virus (CdPV). These diseases are often difficult to differentiate based on clinical presentation in disease outbreaks. Molecular methods such as PCR targeting species-specific genes have been developed and used to identify these diseases, but not simultaneously in a single tube. Recently, multiplex PCR has gained reputation as a convenient diagnostic method with cost-and timesaving benefits.Methods and resultsIn the present communication, we describe the development, optimization and validation of a multiplex PCR assay able to detect simultaneously the genome of the three viruses in one single test allowing for rapid and efficient molecular diagnosis. The assay was developed based on the evaluation and combination of published and new primer sets and was validated with viral genomic DNA extracted from known virus strains (n = 14) and DNA extracted from homogenized clinical skin specimens (n = 86). The assay detects correctly the target pathogens by amplification of targeted genes, even in case of co-infection. The method showed high sensitivity, and the specificity was confirmed by PCR-product sequencing.ConclusionThis assay provide rapid, sensitive and specific method for identifying three important viruses in specimens collected from dromedary camels with varying clinical presentations.

Systematic Analysis of White Pox Disease in Acropora palmata of the Florida Keys and Role of Serratia marcescens.

White pox disease (WPD) affects the threatened elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata. Owing in part to the lack of a rapid and simple diagnostic test, there have been few systematic assessments of the prevalence of acroporid serratiosis (caused specifically by Serratia marcescens) versus general WPD signs. Six reefs in the Florida Keys were surveyed between 2011 and 2013 to determine the disease status of A. palmata and the prevalence of S. marcescens. WPD was noted at four of the six reefs, with WPD lesions found on 8 to 40% of the colonies surveyed. S. marcescens was detected in 26.9% (7/26) of the WPD lesions and in mucus from apparently healthy colonies both during and outside of disease events (9%; 18/201). S. marcescens was detected with greater frequency in A. palmata than in the overlying water column, regardless of disease status (P = 0.0177). S. marcescens could not be cultured from A. palmata but was isolated from healthy colonies of other coral species and was identified as pathogenic pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type PDR60. WPD lesions were frequently observed on the reef, but unlike in prior outbreaks, no whole-colony death was observed. Pathogenic S. marcescens was circulating on the reef but did not appear to be the primary pathogen in these recent WPD episodes, suggesting that other pathogens or stressors may contribute to signs of WPD. Results highlight the critical importance of diagnostics in coral disease investigations, especially given that field manifestation of disease may be similar, regardless of the etiological agent.

Pre-slaughter, slaughter and post-slaughter defects of skins and hides at the Sheba Tannery and Leather Industry, Tigray region, northern Ethiopia.

Skins and hides are perishable resources that can be damaged by parasitic diseases and human error, which result in downgrading or rejection. This study was conducted to identify defect types and to determine their prevalence in pickled sheep and wet blue goat skins and wet blue hides. Each selected skin or hide was examined for defects in natural light and the defects were graded according to established quality criteria in Ethiopian standard manuals. Major defects were captured by digital photography. The major pre-slaughter defects included scratches (64.2%), cockle (ekek) (32.8%), wounds or scars (12.6%), lesions from pox or lumpy skin disease (6.1%), poor substance (5%), branding marks (2.3%) and tick bites (1.5%). The presence of grain scratches in wet blue hides (76.3%) was significantly higher than in pickled sheep (67.2%) and wet blue goat (59.1%) skins. The major slaughter defects included flay cuts or scores, holes, poor pattern and vein marks, with a higher occurrence in wet blue goat skins (28.7%; P < 0.001) than in wet blue hides (22.8%) and pickled sheep skins (11.1%). The most prevalent post-slaughter defects were grain cracks (14.9%), hide beetle damage (8%), damage caused by heat or putrefaction (3.7%) and machine-induced defects (0.5%). Grain cracks (27.04%) and hide beetle damage (13.9%) in wet blue goat skins were significantly more common than in wet blue hides and pickled sheep skins. These defects cause depreciation in the value of the hides and skins. Statistically significant (P < 0.001) higher rejection rates were recorded for wet blue hides (82.9%) than for pickled sheep skins (18.3%) and wet blue goat skins (8.5%). Improved animal health service delivery, effective disease control strategies and strong collaboration between stakeholders are suggested to enhance the quality of skins and hides.

Outbreaks of Pox Disease Due to Canarypox-Like and Fowlpox-Like Viruses in Large-Scale Houbara Bustard Captive-Breeding Programmes, in Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Infectious diseases can be serious threats for the success of reinforcement programmes of endangered species. Houbara Bustard species (Chlamydotis undulata and Chlamydotis macqueenii), whose populations declined in the last decades, have been captive-bred for conservation purposes for more than 15years in North Africa and the Middle East. Field observations show that pox disease, caused by avipoxviruses (APV), regularly emerges in conservation projects of Houbara Bustard, despite a very strict implementation of both vaccination and biosecurity. Data collected from captive flocks of Houbara Bustard in Morocco from 2006 through 2013 and in the United Arab Emirates from 2011 through 2013 were analysed, and molecular investigations were carried out to define the virus strains involved. Pox cases (n=2311) were observed during more than half of the year (88% of the months in Morocco, 54% in the United Arab Emirates). Monthly morbidity rates showed strong variations across the time periods considered, species and study sites: Four outbreaks were described during the study period on both sites. Molecular typing revealed that infections were mostly due to canarypox-like viruses in Morocco while fowlpox-like viruses were predominant in the United Arab Emirates. This study highlights that APV remain a major threat to consider in bird conservation initiatives.

Pathological and molecular characterization ofCapripox virusoutbreak in sheep and goats in Karnataka

Sheep and goat pox is viral enzootic disease of small ruminants in India. The present study describes detailed investigation of pox disease outbreak in Karnataka. The outbreak occurred in unvaccinated flocks of sheep and goats with a history of entry of new animals. The clinical signs of typical pox lesions were recorded in less hair/hairless portions of body in both sheep and goats. The post-mortem examination revealed typical gunshot wounds in the lungs of affected animals. The capripox virus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and partial P32 gene sequencing. The phylogenetic analysis showed the present outbreak isolates having a close relationship with other Indian isolates and capripox virus isolates from China. The isolates (Pox/NIVEDI-1 and Pox/NIVEDI-2) in the present study matched 100% to each even though from different flocks suggesting the same virus isolate might have caused the outbreak in both sheep and goats. In conclusion, based on clinical, laboratory and phylogenetic analysis the outbreak was attributed to capripox virus. Continued regular monitoring and vaccination are need of the hour for prevention and control of sheep and goat pox in India.

Comparative study on the efficiency of some Capripox vaccines in protection of cattle against Lumpy skin disease

In this study two vaccines were prepared, Romanian sheep pox (RSP) and Ismailia lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines, they were evaluated and proved sterile and potent , and were used for vaccination of susceptible calves against lumpy skin disease for selection of the most appropriate one , depending on their protectively effect .Twelve susceptible calves 6-8 months old were equally divided into two groups ,1st one was divided into two subgroups (each of 3 calves) ,the 1st one (G1) was vaccinated with RSP vaccine and the 2nd one (G2) was vaccinated with LSD vaccine, vaccination was applied intra dermally with 0.5 ml contain 103 log10 TCID50 the 2nd group (6 calves) was divided into three equal non vaccinated control subgroups (Sg) (each of two calves), one left in contact with the 1st vaccinated animal (G1) and the 2nd Sg left in contact with the 2nd vaccinated calves (G2) while the 3rd Sg calves were left as an isolated control Sg. The clinical changes and post vaccinal reactions recorded .The acquired humoral and cellular acquired immunity were evaluated by neutralization test and lymphocyte blastogenesis assay. The results proved that the second vaccinated subgroup (with LS vaccine) acquired a slight prominent immunity more than (SP vaccine) .generally both of Romanian SP and Ismailia LS vaccines can protect the cattle from infection with lumpy skin disease.

First Report of Plum pox virus Strain M Isolates in Apricot in Sicily, Italy.

Sharka or plum pox disease is one of the most economically important virus diseases of stone fruits. Plum pox virus (PPV), the causal agent, is a member of the genus Potyvirus of the family Potyviridae transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent manner and by grafting. To date, nine PPV strains have been described on the basis of their biological, serological, and molecular properties: M and D are the most widespread and economically important strains, PPV-Rec and PPV-C have been reported mainly in Europe, PPV-EA confined to Egypt, PPV-T to Turkey, PPV-W from Canada, Ukraine, Latvia, and Russia, PPV-CR detected in Russia, and finally a putative PPV strain infecting plum in Albania described as the ancestor of the M. PPV-M is responsible for major epidemics in many Italian regions and despite phytosanitary measures, the infection rate increases each year. The D and Rec isolates are sporadically reported while PPV-C, once signaled in Apulia, has been successfully eradicated. Except for a report from the 1980s, which is no longer traceable, Sicily was considered free from the virus (2). In 2012, two new foci of sharka in a coastal area of Catania in Sicily were first reported by the national plant protection service to the European Commission (DG-SANCO). In spring 2013, plants of different varieties of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) and peach (P. persica) showing typical symptoms of flower color break, yellowing and leaf deformation, chlorotic spots or rings, and malformation on fruits were tested positive to PPV by DAS-ELISA using polyclonal antibodies. In order to characterize two isolates from apricot varieties (Carmen Top and Ninfa), total RNAs, extracted using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen) from ELISA-positive samples, were analyzed by RT-PCR with primers P1/P2, targeting the 3'-terminal region of the coat protein (CP) gene (5) followed by RFLP analysis after digestion with Rsa1. Subsequently total RNAs were analyzed with the type-specific primers P1/PM and P1/PD (3), P3M/P4b and P3D/P4b amplifying the N-terminal region of the CP gene (1) and, finally, with primers mD5/mD3, mM5/mM3, and mD5/mM3, amplifying the region 3'NIb-5'CP, including the recombination site of Rec isolates (4). Only primer pairs P1/P2, P1/PM, P3M/P4b, and mM5/mM3 produced amplicons of the expected size (243, 198, 466, and 459 bp, respectively). The RFLP assay confirmed both isolates belonging to the M strain. Moreover, no reaction was obtained with primer pair mD5/mM3, excluding isolates belonging to Rec-type. Isolate characterization was completed by direct sequencing in both directions of the of P1/P2 and P3M/P4b amplicons obtained from apricot samples L9-1 (Carmen Top isolate) and 9-335 (Ninfa isolate). The P1/P2 sequences (KJ994235, KJ994237) showed 98% similarity with PPV-M or PPV-Rec isolates. The P3M/P4b sequences (KJ994236, KJ994238) confirmed that Sicilian isolates belong to the PPV-M strain showing 99% similarity with those already present in GenBank, thus ruling out the possibility of an infection with a PPV-Rec isolate. This outbreak of the Marcus strain of PPV in Sicily represents a high risk for the expanding production of stone fruit in southern Italy. An eradication plan was quickly activated by the regional phytosanitary service.

Rapid evolutionary adaptation to elevated salt concentrations in pathogenic freshwater bacteria Serratia marcescens.

Rapid evolutionary adaptions to new and previously detrimental environmental conditions can increase the risk of invasion by novel pathogens. We tested this hypothesis with a 133-day-long evolutionary experiment studying the evolution of the pathogenic Serratia marcescens bacterium at salinity niche boundary and in fluctuating conditions. We found that S. marcescens evolved at harsh (80 g/L) and extreme (100 g/L) salt conditions had clearly improved salt tolerance than those evolved in the other three treatments (ancestral conditions, nonsaline conditions, and fluctuating salt conditions). Evolutionary theories suggest that fastest evolutionary changes could be observed in intermediate selection pressures. Therefore, we originally hypothesized that extreme conditions, such as our 100 g/L salinity treatment, could lead to slower adaptation due to low population sizes. However, no evolutionary differences were observed between populations evolved in harsh and extreme conditions. This suggests that in the study presented here, low population sizes did not prevent evolution in the long run. On the whole, the adaptive potential observed here could be important for the transition of pathogenic S. marcescens bacteria from human-impacted freshwater environments, such as wastewater treatment plants, to marine habitats, where they are known to infect and kill corals (e.g., through white pox disease).

Modeling sheep pox disease from the 1994–1998 epidemic in Evros Prefecture, Greece

Sheep pox is a highly transmissible disease which can cause serious loss of livestock and can therefore have major economic impact. We present data from sheep pox epidemics which occurred between 1994 and 1998. The data include weekly records of infected farms as well as a number of covariates. We implement Bayesian stochastic regression models which, in addition to various explanatory variables like seasonal and environmental/meteorological factors, also contain serial correlation structure based on variants of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. We take a predictive view in model selection by utilizing deviance-based measures. The results indicate that seasonality and the number of infected farms are important predictors for sheep pox incidence.

Preprocessing Methods to Remove Impulse Noise in Avian Pox affected Hen Image using Image Processing

The main objective of this paper is to discuss the preprocessing method involved in the identification of avian pox disease in poultry farm. Due to the acquisition of the hen images and lighting variations noise can affect the images. Preprocessing is the first and very important step in image processing, after preprocessing we can do analysis in that image for future work. In this paper, impulse noise are removed using active filters. Mean filter, median filter and wiener filters are used for removing the noise. The performance evolution tests are made using Mean Square Error and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio. Based on the evolution test among the three filters median filter removes the impulse noise than the other filters.

Rapid diagnostic detection of plum pox virus in Prunus plants by isothermal AmplifyRP® using reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification

Plum pox virus (PPV) causes the most destructive viral disease known as plum pox or Sharka disease in stone fruit trees. As an important regulated pathogen, detection of PPV is thus of critical importance to quarantine and eradication of the spreading disease. In this study, the innovative development of two AmplifyRP® tests is reported for a rapid isothermal detection of PPV using reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification. In an AmplifyRP® test, all specific recombination and amplification reactions occur at a constant temperature without thermal cycling and the test results are either recorded in real-time with a portable fluorescence reader or displayed using a lateral flow strip contained inside an amplicon detection chamber. The major improvement of this assay is that the entire test from sample preparation to result can be completed in as little as 20min and can be performed easily both in laboratories and in the field. The results from this study demonstrated the ability of the AmplifyRP® technique to detect all nine PPV strains (An, C, CR, D, EA, M, Rec, T, or W). Among the economic benefits to pathogen surveys is the higher sensitivity of the AmplifyRP® to detect PPV when compared to the conventional ELISA and ImmunoStrip® assays. This is the first report describing the use of such an innovative technique to detect rapidly plant viruses affecting perennial crops.

Culture-dependent and culture-independent analyses reveal no prokaryotic community shifts or recovery ofSerratia marcescensinAcropora palmatawith white pox disease

Recently, the etiological agent of white pox (WP) disease, also known as acroporid serratiosis, in the endangered coral Acropora palmata is the enteric bacterium Serratia marcescens with the source being localized sewage release onto coastal coral reef communities. Here, we show that both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches could not recover this bacterium from samples of tissue and mucus from A. palmata colonies affected by WP disease in the Bahamas, or seawater collected adjacent to A. palmata colonies. Additionally, a metagenetic 16S rRNA pyrosequencing study shows no significant difference in the bacterial communities of coral tissues with and without WP lesions. As recent studies have shown for other coral diseases, S. marcescens cannot be identified in all cases of WP disease in several geographically separated populations of A. palmata with the same set of signs. As a result, its identification as the etiological agent of WP disease, and cause of a reverse zoonosis, cannot be broadly supported. However, the prevalence of WP disease associated with S. marcescens does appear to be associated with proximity to population centers, and research efforts should be broadened to examine this association, and to identify other causes of this syndrome.

Histories and legends

There was a time when smallpox reigned over the collective consciousness of humankind by striking a combination of fear and awe. This period, encompassing several centuries, saw much death and disability. It was also an era marked by great variation in the way people perceived and dealt with the disease. An outbreak of smallpox has been interpreted in the past both as a divine blessing and punishment. The rise of rationalist explanations for the rise and spread of the disease in the 19th and early 20th centuries did not live in harmony either; disagreements about value of specific scientific theories and the resulting medical cures remained widespread and deep-seated, which ensured the deployment of a plethora of tactics in relation to the treatment of smallpox and its underpinning agents (“miasma”, “dirt”, “contagion”, “germ”, and “virus”, among others). There were also serious debates about injecting foreign matter into human bodies as a means of protecting people from the affliction. Some argued that a diluted or weakened form of the pus from the eruptions was most effective for the purpose. Others, over time, swung to the view that pustular lymph from animals suffering pox diseases, in attenuated form, was the best means of preventing future outbreaks.

Use of Quantitative Real-Time PCR for Direct Detection of Serratia marcescens in Marine and Other Aquatic Environments

Serratia marcescens is the etiological agent of acroporid serratiosis, a distinct form of white pox disease in the threatened coral Acropora palmata. The pathogen is commonly found in untreated human waste in the Florida Keys, which may contaminate both nearshore and offshore waters. Currently there is no direct method for detection of this bacterium in the aquatic or reef environment, and culture-based techniques may underestimate its abundance in marine waters. A quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed to detect S. marcescens directly from environmental samples, including marine water, coral mucus, sponge tissue, and wastewater. The assay targeted the luxS gene and was able to distinguish S. marcescens from other Serratia species with a reliable quantitative limit of detection of 10 cell equivalents (CE) per reaction. The method could routinely discern the presence of S. marcescens for as few as 3 CE per reaction, but it could not be reliably quantified at this level. The assay detected environmental S. marcescens in complex sewage influent samples at up to 761 CE ml(-1) and in septic system-impacted residential canals in the Florida Keys at up to 4.1 CE ml(-1). This detection assay provided rapid quantitative abilities and good sensitivity and specificity, which should offer an important tool for monitoring this ubiquitous pathogen that can potentially impact both human health and coral health.

Two different avipoxviruses associated with pox disease in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) along the Brazilian coast

A novel avipoxvirus caused diphtheritic lesions in the oesophagus of five and in the bronchioli of four Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) and also cutaneous lesions in eight Magellanic penguins housed in outdoor enclosures in a Rehabilitation Centre at Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. At the same time, another avipoxvirus strain caused cutaneous lesions in three Magellanic penguins at a geographically distinct Rehabilitation Centre localized at Vila Velha, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, histopathology and use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical signs in the penguins included cutaneous papules and nodules around eyelids and beaks, depression and restriction in weight gain. The most common gross lesions were severely congested and haemorrhagic lungs, splenomegaly and cardiomegaly. Histological examination revealed Bollinger inclusion bodies in cutaneous lesions, mild to severe bronchopneumonia, moderate periportal lymphocytic hepatitis, splenic lymphopenia and lymphocytolisis. Other frequent findings included necrotizing splenitis, enteritis, oesophagitis, dermatitis and airsacculitis. Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were seen within oesophageal epithelial cells in five birds and in epithelial cells of the bronchioli in four penguins. DNA from all samples was amplified from skin tissue by PCR using P4b-targeting primers already described in the literature for avipoxvirus. The sequences showed two different virus strains belonging to the genus Avipoxvirus of the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, one being divergent from the penguinpox and avipoxviruses already described in Magellanic penguins in Patagonia, but segregating within a clade of canarypox-like viruses implicated in diphtheritic and respiratory disease.

Development of a Cost-Effective Method for Capripoxvirus Genotyping Using Snapback Primer and dsDNA Intercalating Dye

Sheep pox virus (SPPV), goat pox virus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) are very closely related viruses of the Capripoxvirus (CaPV) genus of the Poxviridae family. They are responsible for sheep pox, goat pox and lumpy skin disease which affect sheep, goat and cattle, respectively. The epidemiology of capripox diseases is complex, as some CaPVs are not strictly host-specific. Additionally, the three forms of the disease co-exist in many sub-Saharan countries which complicates the identification of the virus responsible for an outbreak. Genotyping of CaPVs using a low-cost, rapid, highly specific, and easy to perform method allows a swift and accurate identification of the causative agent and significantly assists in selecting appropriate control and eradication measures, such as the most suitable vaccine against the virus during the outbreaks. The objective of this paper is to describe the design and analytical performances of a new molecular assay for CaPV genotyping using unlabelled snapback primers in the presence of dsDNA intercalating EvaGreen dye. This assay was able to simultaneously detect and genotype CaPVs in 63 samples with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The genotyping was achieved by observing the melting temperature of snapback stems of the hairpins and those of the full-length amplicons, respectively. Fourteen CaPVs were genotyped as SPPVs, 25 as GTPVs and 24 as LSDVs. The method is highly pathogen specific and cross platform compatible. It is also cost effective as it does not use fluorescently labelled probes, nor require high-resolution melting curve analysis software. Thus it can be easily performed in diagnostic and research laboratories with limited resources. This genotyping method will contribute significantly to the early detection and genotyping of CaPV infection and to epidemiological studies.

2001-2011 annual changes of disease spectrum and trends analysis of common infectious diseases of the infectious diseases hospital of Taiyuan in Shanxi province

Objective To analyze the inpatients species changes of infectious disease hospital from 2001 to 2011 years in Taiyuan,and make relevant recommendations to the trends and prevention strategies for common infectious diseases.Methods The diseases species of the hospital from 2001 to 2011 years and the number of hospitalized patients were retrospectively counted and analyzed.Results The proportion of liver disease hospitalized was always more than 60％ in the ten years;The bacillary dysentery decreased from 4.23％ in 2006 to 0.96％ in 2011 ;The hospitalized patients with measles decreased significantly since 2009,and only 0.26％ in 2011 ;In 2008,hand-foot-mouth disease accounted for 3.42％ of the hospitalized patients,and it peaked in 2010,accounting for 7.51％ ; The number of hospitalized patients with rabies disease rised in 2011,accounting for 0.27％.Conclusion Liver disease is still the major infectious diseases of the hospital;The mumps,chicken pox,scarlet fever and other respiratory diseases as well as hand-foot-mouth disease is a common infectious disease threats to the health of infants and young children,and for the increasing trend of the number of patients with brucellosis hairtetracycline,the tetracycline and brucellosis drugs for children should be promoted to product and sale.The rabies vaccination knowledge should be popularized,and the incidence of rabies should be reduced. Key words: Infectious diseases; Popular; Hand-foot and mouth disease ; Measles

Scope and Common Diseases of Rural Poultry Production by Rural Women in Selected Villages of Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the scope of poultry production by rural women and common diseases associated it in selected Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined various parameters of poultry production, the time of the year that diseases were most observed, the rate of mortality associated with various diseases and level of vaccination of birds in those villages. One hundred and twenty (120) women involved in rural poultry production were randomly sampled from four (4) villages in Kwara State, Nigeria. Interview schedule was used to elicit information for the study. The data were analyzed and presented as frequency counts and percentages. It was discovered that rural poultry production was still at the subsistent level. The highest percentage of the women involved in rural poultry production had 1-10 bird(s) per species (59.13, 71.43 and 57.14% for chicken, duck and guinea fowl respectively). A larger percentage of chicken (76.72%) hatched between 1-10 bird(s) per laying period while ducks hatched more birds than chicken during each laying period (65% hatched between 11 and 20 birds). Guinea fowls had almost an even spread of the number of birds hatched per laying period across the flock size ranges considered. The common diseases observed by the respondents include Newcastle disease, fowl pox, coccidiosis and infectious bursal disease. The time of the year that diseases were prevalent was between September and December. Newcastle disease was indicated as the disease that resulted in the highest in mortality rate. Majority of the respondents had never vaccinated their birds and very few have ever contacted veterinary services (5-10%), except at Share (63.33%). It is therefore recommended that knowledge of rural women on poultry production should be improved. It is therefore recommended that awareness campaign should be conducted in the villages on how they can increase their rural poultry productivity, alerting them of the causes of various diseases and the available remedy.

Clinical and pathological findings of concurrent poxvirus lesions and aspergillosis infection in canaries

ObjectiveTo investigate clinical, pathological and mycological findings in canaries, in which pox lesions and Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) infection were observed simultaneously. MethodsThis study was performed on a breeding colony (about 100 canaries) affected by fatal wasting disease. Necropsy was undertaken on 10 severely affected canaries, and gross lesions were recorded. Samples from internal organs displaying lesions were obtained for histopathological evaluation. Tracheal swap samples of internal organs of the all infected animals with lesions at necropsy were cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for mycological examination. ResultsAt necropsy, caseous foci were determined in the lungs, on the air sacs, liver, spleen, heart. Swelling of the eyelids, diffuse hemorrhages in the subcutaneous tissue with small papular lesions of the skin were other typical necropsy findings. Histopathologically, pathognomonic eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, which called Bollinger bodies, in both skin cells and vacuolated air way epithelial cells confirmed canary pox infection. Moreover, histopathological examination of the white-yellowish caseous foci revealed necrotic granulomatous reaction consisting of macrophages, heterophil leukocytes and giant cells encapsulated with a fibrous tissue. After the culture of the tissue samples, the formation of bluish green colonies confirmed A. fumigatus infection. ConclusionsCanary pox has been known as the disease that can result in high losses in a short time, as a re-emerging disease that has not been present during recent years in canary flocks in Iran. So, the current paper provides useful information to prevent misdiagnosed of canary pox disease which can cause secondary mycotic infection.