Sheep Faeces Research Articles

Prevalence, Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Clostridium perfringens Type A and D Isolated from Feces of Sheep (Ovis aries) and Goats (Capra hircus) in Punjab, Pakistan.

Clostridium perfringens poses a serious threat to small ruminants by causing moderate to severe enterotoxaemia. Due to its ability to produce a wide arsenal of toxins, it is ranked among the most prevalent and important pathogens in livestock. This study focused on the molecular characterization of different Clostridium perfringens types along with their antimicrobial resistance profile. An overall higher prevalence of C. perfringens (46.1%) was detected based on mPCR among sheep and goats (healthy and diseased) in the Punjab province, Pakistan. The majority of the isolates were characterized as type A (82%), followed by type D (18%). Among the isolates from diseased sheep and goats, 27% were positive for cpa, 49% for cpa and cpb2, 9% for cpa and etx, 15% for cpa, cpb2 and etx. In the case of isolates from healthy sheep and goats, 59% were positive for cpa, 34% for cpb2 and cpa, 4% for cpa and etx, and 3% for cpa, cpb2 and etx. The prevalence of the beta2 toxin gene in the diseased sheep and goat population was 64% as compared to 37% in healthy animals. All 184 isolates (100%) were sensitive to rifampin and ceftiofur; the majority (57%) was sensitive to teicoplanin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, linezolid and enrofloxacin. A lower proportion of isolates (43%) were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and only 14% were susceptible to erythromycin. The findings of this study highlight the higher prevalence of C. perfringens in small ruminants and indicate that detailed pathogenesis studies are necessary to understand the explicit role of various toxins in causing enteric infections in sheep and goats including how they might be exploited to develop vaccines against these diseases.

Combined Molecular and Lectin Binding Assays to Identify Different Trichostrongyle Eggs in Feces of Sheep and Goats from Egypt

Trichostrongyles are common causes of parasitic gastroenteritis in sheep and goats worldwide. Accurate identification of these nematodes to the genus and/or species level is important for therapy selection and control strategies. In the present study, molecular and egg-lectin binding approaches were employed to identify the most economically important trichostrongyles circulating in sheep and goat herds from six districts in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Fecal samples from 653 and 205 goats reared within 17 herds were collected and tested for the trichostrongyle eggs using the modified Wisconsin sucrose flotation method. For identification of the trichostrongyle(s) present, eggs from 75 (63 sheep and 12 goats) samples which had high egg count (EPG) and pooled eggs (n = 19 pools, 15 sheep and 4 goats) from samples with moderate or low EPGs were examined. Molecular examination was conducted amplifying the ITS2 region of the rDNA for six different trichostrongyles in individual PCR reactions. For egg-lectin bindings, 4 fluorescently-labeled specific lectins were used; peanut agglutinin (PNA) for Haemonchus contortus, Aleuria aurantia agglutinin (AAL) for Trichostrongylus species, Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) for Teladorsagia circumcnicta and Lotus tetragonolobus lectin (LTL) for Cooperia species. Fourteen (82.3%) herds were found infected, of which trichostrongyle eggs were detected in fecal samples of 26.5% (173/653) of sheep and 10.2% (21/205) of goats. Results of the PCR and lectin bindings were compatible and 4 trichostrongyles were detected: H. contortus, T. circumcincta, Trichostrongylus axei and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Haemonchus contortus eggs were found in all the infected herds, and as the single species in 21 and 5 of sheep and goat samples, respectively. Lectin stained smears demonstrated the dominance of H. contortus eggs over eggs of the other detected trichostrongyles. Eleven herds were found infected with T. axei as the second most prevalent trichostrongyle; however, few AAL-stained eggs were noticed in the positive samples. Mixed infections were frequently detected as H. contortus-T. axei combination. Infections with T. circumcincta were noted in sheep samples from two herds, but not in any sample from the goats. No Ostertagia leptospicularis, Cooperia curticei or Nematodirus species were noted among the tested samples. This is the first molecular and lectin binding survey to determine the species composition of trichostrongyles infecting sheep and goats from Egypt. Haemonchus contortus plays the principal role in small ruminant trichostrongylosis in Egypt. Egg-lectin staining shows promise for future for its application in routine diagnosis as a rapid and simple technique. Findings of the earlier reports from Egypt are tabulated and reviewed.

Listeria valentina sp. nov., isolated from a water trough and the faeces of healthy sheep.

In the context of a study on the occurrence of Listeria species in an animal farm environment in Valencia, Spain, six Listeria-like isolates could not be assigned to any known species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and on 231 Listeria core genes grouped these isolates in a monophyletic clade within the genus Listeria, with highest similarity to Listeria thailandensis. Whole-genome sequence analyses based on in silico DNA-DNA hybridization, the average nucleotide blast and the pairwise amino acid identities against all currently known Listeria species confirmed that these isolates constituted a new taxon within the genus Listeria. Phenotypically, these isolates differed from other Listeria species mainly by the production of acid from inositol, the absence of acidification in presence of methyl α-d-glucoside, and the absence of α-mannosidase and nitrate reductase activities. The name Listeria valentina sp. nov. is proposed for this novel species, and the type strain is CLIP 2019/00642T (=CIP 111799T=DSM 110544T).

Low density-microplastics detected in sheep faeces and soil: A case study from the intensive vegetable farming in Southeast Spain

One of the main sources of plastic pollution in agricultural fields is the plastic mulch used by farmers to improve crop production. The plastic mulch is often not removed completely from the fields after harvest. Over time, the plastic mulch that is left of the fields is broken down into smaller particles which are dispersed by the wind or runoff. In the Region of Murcia in Spain, plastic mulch is heavily used for intensive vegetable farming. After harvest, sheep are released into the fields to graze on the vegetable residues. The objective of the study was to assess the plastic contamination in agricultural soil in Spain and the ingestion of plastic by sheep. Therefore, three research questions were established: i) What is the plastic content in agricultural soils where plastic mulch is commonly used? ii) Do livestock ingest the microplastics found in the soil? iii) How much plastic could be transported by the livestock? To answer these questions, we sampled top soils (0–10 cm) from 6 vegetable fields and collected sheep faeces from 5 different herds. The microplastic content was measured using density separation and visual identification. We found ~2 × 103 particles∙kg−1 in the soil and ~103 particles∙kg−1 in the faeces. The data show that plastic particles were present in the soil and that livestock ingested them. After ingesting plastic from one field, the sheep can become a source of microplastic contamination as they graze on other farms or grasslands. The potential transport of microplastics due to a herd of 1000 sheep was estimated to be ~106 particles∙ha−1∙y−1. Further studies should focus on: assessing how much of the plastic found in faeces comes directly from plastic mulching, estimating the plastic degradation in the guts of sheep and understanding the potential effects of these plastic residues on the health of livestock.

Eficácia de Tithonia diversifolia(Hemsl) A. Gray na inibição do desenvolvimento larval de Haemonchus contortus

Sheep farming is an important economic activity from a commercial and subsistence perspective. However, helminth infections present a large sanitary problem for the production, especially haemonchosis caused by strains resistant to traditional anthelmintics. Here, we evaluated the effects of the stem and leaf of Tithonia diversifolia on the inhibition of Haemonchus contortus larval development. We performed a quantitative fecal culture test with feces of sheep inoculated with larvae tolerant to albendazole. Fecal cultures were treated with leaf or stem powder and were compared to the controls containing distilled water or levamisole. The T. diversifolia leaf and stem powders significantly reduced the production of H. contortus larvae. However, leaf powder was more effective, with 64.95% efficacy in the reduction of larvae production, representing a promising alternative in the integrated control of this nematode.

Prevalence of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157, O26 and O111 in milk, meat and faeces of cattle, sheep and pigs slaughtered in Benin

Objectives: The study aimed to search for E. coli O157 and non-O157 in milk, meat and faeces of cattle, sheep and pigs slaughtered in Cotonou. Methodology and Results: One hundred and Seventy-Five (175) samples including 25 meat, 25 faeces per species and 25 milk from cattle were analysed for E. coli O157; O26 and O111 and the virulence genes were identified by PCR. The SAS software (1998) and the bilateral Z test were used to calculate and compare the identification frequencies. E. coli O157 was identified in 4% of cattle faeces, 4% of sheep faeces, and 20% of beef and, in 20% of milk samples. E. coli O26 was identified in 12% of cattle faeces and, in 8% of beef samples. E. coli O111 was identified at frequencies of 8%, and 12% in faeces of sheep and pigs, respectively. The eae gene was detected in 4% of beef, ovine meat, milk, pig faeces and in sheep faeces. stx1 was detected in 8% of milk, and in 4% of bovine and sheep faeces. The strains possessing the gene were all of E. coli O157 with the exception of one from pig faeces identified as O111. Conclusions and application of findings: The presence of these serogroups of E. coli with virulence genes poses a real food safety problem in Benin. This study findings must be taken into account for risk assessment and management related to the consumption of food of animal origin. Keywords: Benin, E. coli O157, O26, O111, faeces, meat, milk

Development of a qPCR for the detection and quantification of Salmonella spp. in sheep feces and tissues.

Salmonella spp. are common causes of disease in intensive livestock production systems, and contamination of foodstuffs is of significant concern for public health. Therefore, the identification and quantification of Salmonella spp. is important for monitoring the level of fecal shedding or tissue colonization in infected animals and animal products. We developed and evaluated a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method on spiked sheep tissue and fecal samples for the detection and quantification of Salmonella spp. Without the use of a pre-enrichment step, the qPCR limit of detection (LOD) results for sheep fecal (4 × 104-6 × 103 cfu/g) and tissue (4 × 105-4 × 103 cfu/g) samples were not adequate for detection purposes. With the inclusion of a 6-h pre-enrichment step in buffered peptone water (BPW), the LOD was 9 cfu/g (2.57 × 101 copies/g) in sheep feces, and 5.4 cfu/g (3.22 copies/g) sheep tissue. Comparison of the 6-h BPW qPCR method with a 24-h mannitol-selenite-cystine broth enrichment culture method using spiked samples revealed a sensitivity of 91% and 92%, respectively, and a specificity of 100% for both methods. The correlation was significant between the quantity (copies/mL) of Salmonella spp. in BPW at 6 h and at 0 h, allowing semiquantitative analysis. Our results demonstrate that, following inclusion of a 6-h pre-enrichment step in BPW, qPCR is semiquantitative with improved LODs of Salmonella spp. in sheep fecal and tissue samples.

Ovine Paratuberculosis: Seroprevalence and comparison of fecal culture and direct fecal PCR assay

Johne’s disease is chronic, incurable disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Most studies in Egypt focused on incidence of the disease in cattle but few studies were reported presence of antibodies against MAP in sheep. The present study determined the seroprevalence rate of MAP among sheep in four Governorates and assessed the associated risk factors to MAP-infection. The seroprevalence rate of MAP among sheep was non-significant varied between different Governorates, it was ranged between 3.75%–12.3%. The results revealed that the seroprevalence rate of the disease was significantly increased in diarrheic sheep (11 %, 95 %CI: 7.2−16.2) during spring (15 %, 95 %CI: 8.3−25) and summer (8%, 95 %CI: 4.13−13.8) seasons. Contrary, the age of sheep and contact with other ruminants like cattle or goats had non-significant effect of spreading of MAP-infection among sheep. The detection of MAP in feces of sheep was carried out using culture and PCR to determine the efficiency of both tests. The kappa test revealed good agreement between both tests for detection of MAP. The obtained finding confirms the presence of MAP among sheep in Egypt. So, the appropriate control measures should be taken to reduce spreading of the disease among sheep and reduce its economic losses.

Occurrence, virulence genes, and antimicrobial profiles of Escherichia coli O157 isolated from ruminants slaughtered in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

BackgroundShiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a major source of food-borne illness around the world. E. coli O157 has been widely reported as the most common STEC serogroup and has emerged as an important enteric pathogen. Cattle, in particular have been identified as a major E. coli O157:H7 reservoir of human infections; however, the prevalence of this organism in camels, sheep, and goats is less understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and concentration of E. coli serotype O157 in the feces of healthy camels (n = 140), cattle (n = 137), sheep (n = 141) and goats (n = 150) slaughtered in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for meat consumption between September 2017 and August 2018. We used immunomagnetic separation coupled with a culture-plating method to detect E. coli O157. Non-sorbitol fermenting colonies were assessed via latex-agglutination testing, and positive cultures were analyzed by performing polymerase chain reactions to detect genes encoding attaching and effacing protein (eaeA), hemolysin A (hlyA, also known as ehxA) and Shiga toxin (stx1 and stx2), and E. coli O157:H7 specific genes (rfb O157, uidA, and fliC). All E. coli O157 isolates were analyzed for their susceptibility to 20 selected antimicrobials.ResultsE. coli O157 was observed in camels, goats, and cattle fecal samples at abundances of 4.3, 2, and 1.46%, respectively, but it was undetectable in sheep feces. The most prevalent E. coli O157 gene in all STEC isolates was stx2;, whereas, stx1 was not detected in any of the samples. The fecal samples from camels, goats, and cattle harbored E. coli O157 isolates that were 100% susceptible to cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and polymyxin B.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of E. coli O157 in slaughter animals in the UAE. Our results clearly demonstrate the presence of E. coli O157 in slaughtered animals, which could possibly contaminate meat products intended for human consumption.

Prevalence of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in feces and raw milk of domestic cattle and sheep

A total of 1060 samples of raw milk and fecal from cattle and sheep were collected from farms in the Taiwan area between September 1997 and June 1998. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains were isolated based on the demonstration of Vitek automicrobic system and shiga toxin-PCR after enrichment and selective procedures. The results showed that 0.4% of 231 raw milk samples were contaminated with STEC. Among the 829 fecal samples of cattle and sheep, 9% tested positive for STEC. A total of 121 STEC strains were selected and further analyzed for biochemical tests, serotype and pathogenic genes of eaeA (attaching and effacing) as well as hlyA (enterohemolysis). Results revealed that only 3% of strains lacked β-D-glucuronidase activity and 4% of strains were unable to ferment sorbitol. Thirteen percent of strains were typed as O6, O8, O15, O78, O112ac, O128, O157 and O159 with 43 O-antisera. The remaining strains were non-typeable with O-antisera. Thirty one percent of strains were determined as H2, H7, H10, H16, H19, H21, H42, H45 and H51 with 22 H-antisera. Three types of shiga toxin genes were detected with different rates, namely slt1, 39%; slt2, 33% and slt1+slt2, 28%. Seventy percent of STEC strains harbored hlyA gene and 1.6% possessed hlyA and eaeA genes. In addition, one E. coli O157:H7 strain, isolated from feces of domestic sheep, carried slt2, hlyA and eaeA genes. This study indicates that the feces of cattle and sheep were most likely the source of STEC in the Taiwan area.

A large scale waterborne Campylobacteriosis outbreak, Havelock North, New Zealand

BackgroundWe describe the investigation of a Campylobacter outbreak linked to contamination of an untreated, groundwater derived drinking water supply. MethodsWe analysed epidemiological data collected from clinician-confirmed diarrheal cases and estimated the total burden of Havelock North cases using an age-adjusted cross-sectional telephone survey. Campylobacter isolates from case fecal specimens, groundwater samples, and sheep fecal specimens from paddocks adjacent to the drinking water source were whole genome sequenced. FindingsWe estimate between 6260 and 8320 cases of illness including up to 2230 who lived outside the reticulation area, were linked to the contaminated water supply. Of these, 953 cases were physician reported, 42 were hospitalized, three developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Campylobacter infection contributed to at least four deaths. Of the 12 genotypes observed in cases, four were also observed in water, three were also observed in sheep and one was also observed in both water and sheep. InterpretationThe contamination of the untreated reticulated water supply occurred following a very heavy rainfall event which caused drainage of sheep feces into a shallow aquifer. The existence of a routine clinical surveillance system for campylobacteriosis facilitated identification of the outbreak, recovery of clinical isolates, and early testing of the water for pathogens. Genotyping of the Campylobacter jejuni helped define the source of the outbreak and confirm outbreak periods and cases. Expected increases in heavy rainfall events and intensification of agriculture mean that additional safeguards are needed to protect populations from such drinking water outbreaks. FundingNZ Ministry of Health, Health Research Council, ESR SSIF, Royal Society.

Spread of Endoparasites of small cattle in conditions of Private Farms

The purpose of the research is studying the spread of endoparasites of sheep and goats in conditions of private farms. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in December 2019 in the conditions of private farms in the Kaluga and Tver Regions. The study subjects were sheep and goats of various sex and age groups (adult females and males aged 2–3 years and young animals aged up to 6 months). The material was feces taken from the animals’ rectum. Total 45 samples of feces from sheep and goats from a private farm in the Kaluga Region and 30 samples from sheep from a farm in the Tver Region were collected and studied. Studies for helminth eggs in feces were carried out using the flotation nethod according to the Kotelnikov-Khrenov and the Shcherbovich-Shilnikov method to detect larvae at pulmonary nematodosis. Results and discussion. As a result of coproovoscopic research methods, we found that intestinal parasites in farm in the Kaluga Region were represented by three genera of nematodes - Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus and Capillaria, as well as Protozoa of the genus Eimeria. Eggs of nematodes from the genus Trichostrongylus and Protozoa from the genus Eimeria were found in feces of sheep from the farm in the Tver Region. The infection rate with intestinal parasites in sheep and goats from two farms were similar. Pathogens from the genus Trichostrongylus prevailed, which was obviously associated with similar conditions for keeping and feeding small cattle on both farms. According to the results of fecal studies, the dominant parasitosis in animals from both farms were gastrointestinal strongylatosis.

Visible-near infrared spectroscopy for detection of blood in sheep faeces

Heavy infestations of the blood-sucking gastrointestinal nematodes, Haemonchus contortus can cause severe anaemia in sheep and leakage of blood into the faeces, leading to morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate diagnosis of infections is critical for timely treatment of sheep, minimizing production and sheep welfare impacts. In pursuit of a quick and easy measure of H. contortus infections, we investigated the use of portable visible near infrared spectrometers for detecting the presence of haemoglobin in sheep faeces as an indicator of H. contortus infection. Calibration models built within the 400–600 nm region by partial least square regression resulted in acceptable prediction accuracies (r2p > 0.70 and root mean squared error of prediction <2.64 µg Hb mg−1faeces) for haemoglobin quantification using two spectrometers. The prediction results from support vector machine regression further improved the prediction of haemoglobin in moist sheep faeces (r2p > 0.87 and root mean squared error of prediction <2.00 µg haemoglobin mg−1faeces). Based on a threshold for anthelmintic treatment of 3 µg Hb mg−1faeces, both the partial least square and support vector machine models showed high sensitivity (89%) and high specificity (>77%). The specificity of the prediction model for detecting haemoglobin in sheep faeces may be improved by adding more variations in faecal composition into the calibration model. Our success in detecting haemoglobin in sheep faeces, following minimal sample preparation, suggests that with further development, vis–near infrared spectroscopy can provide a sensitive and convenient method for on-farm diagnosis of H. contortus infections.

THE FAUNA OF INTESTINAL PARASITES OF SMALL CATTLE IN THE CONDITIONS OF PRIVATE FARMS

At all times, the study of farm animal parasitic diseases was one of the most important areas in the general spectrum of animal parasitoses, as farm animals can be a source of human infestation with helminthiasis. The studies were carried out at two private farms where small cattle are kept – one farm is located in the Kaluga Region (Dzerzhinsky District), and the other in the Tver Region (Konakovsky District). The study objects were sheep and goats of various age-sex groups (females and males aged 2–3 years and young animals aged up to 6 months), and the material was feces hand-selected from the rectum of animals. The selected feces were studied at the Department of Parasitology and Veterinary-Sanitary Inspection of the FSBEI of Higher Education FSBEI Mgavmib – MVA named after K.I.Skryabin according to generally accepted methods. As a result of helminthoovoscopic diagnostics, we found that the fauna of intestinal parasites at the farm in the Kaluga Region was represented by three types of nematodes, namely, Trichostrongylus sp., Nematodirus sp. and Capillaria sp., as well as protozoa of the genus Eimeria. In the feces of sheep from the farm in the Tver Region, pathogen eggs of the genus Trichostrongylus sp. and single protozoa of the genus Eimeria were also found. The fauna of intestinal parasites from these two farms is similar to each other; pathogens of the genus Trichostrongylus sp. prevail, which is obviously associated with similar conditions for small cattle keeping and feeding (the livestock is equipped with the Romanov sheep at both farms; animals have year-round grazing and are kept in a wooden sheep shed at night. Feeding with hay and filling, regular preventive measures, in particular, deworming of the stock twice a year). According to the results of the study of feces carried out at the Department, gastrointestinal strongylatoses are the prevailing parasitoses in animals from both farms.

Detection of Haemonchus contortus nematode eggs in sheep faeces using near and mid-infrared spectroscopy

This paper reports the use of near infrared and mid-infrared spectroscopy to detect the presence and quantity of eggs of the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus in sheep faeces. Haemonchus contortus eggs were quantified in dried, finely ground sheep faeces and in moist, coarsely ground faeces using near infrared and mid-infrared bench top spectrometers and a portable near infrared spectrometer. When Haemonchus contortus eggs were presented without faecal medium, it was found that the wavelength region of 1880–2100 nm was most important for detection. Broad classes of chemical properties found in the near infrared region were identified for dried Haemonchus contortus eggs using a mid-infrared spectrometer. However, when Haemonchus contortus eggs were mixed into the complex matrix of sheep faeces, the development of a robust calibration model for egg detection proved to be challenging (R2 < 0.47). The reliability of this method, if used for the detection of Haemonchus contortus eggs in the field, may be further limited by variations in egg species, faecal moisture content, faecal composition and particle size. Nevertheless, this is the first report identifying near infrared bands for Haemonchus contortus eggs and provides valuable information for future studies towards a spectroscopy-based method for detection of gastrointestinal nematodes.

Refining of the solid fraction of sheep feces digestates from an anaerobic digester

Anaerobic digestion is a technology used in the degradation of organic waste, with the possibility of obtaining products such as biogas and digestates, which have significant nutrient concentrations. However, using them without any prior treatment can cause various problems, due to the presence of unstabilized organic matter and excessive concentrations of nutrients reaching phytotoxic levels, as well as water and air contamination. Therefore, in this work, we present a refining process of solid digestates from a biodigester fed with sheep feces, by means of vermicomposting, in combination with plant waste, and using earthworms of the species E. andrei and E. fetida. The digestate values at the end of the vermicomposting showed to be within optimal ranges of electrical conductivity, with values ≤4 dS/m. The pH values were between 5,39 and 7. The percentage of organic matter was between 20 and 50%. It could be proven that the refining process increased the concentration of K for groups F 50:50, F 75:25, and A 75:25, with a value of P = 0,0001. Treatments with E. fetida showed the highest concentrations (g/L) of N = 2,71 ± 1,10, P = 0,89 ± 0,69 and K = 4,01 ± 1,57. The importance of giving added value to the products generated during anaerobic digestion processes contributes to better yields and quality in their use and commercialization.

VALUE OF POOLED GASTRO-INTESTINAL NEMATODE COPROANTIGENS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INHIBITED LARVAE INFECTION IN EGYPTIAN SHEEP

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) infecting sheep in acute or chronic forms causes severe economic losses. Infections by adult worms can be easily diagnosed and controlled, but infection by migrating and inhibited larvae are difficult to diagnose. Detection of anti-parasite antibodies in sera of infected animals needs special Ag for each species and presence of antibodies in sera does not reflect the actual infection. This study evaluated diagnostic efficacy of two pooled Copro Ag(s) prepared from feces of PGE infected sheep with larval5 species (Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Nematodirus spp., Cooperia spp. & Ostertagia spp.) in sheep. Diagnostic values of pooled Ag(s) were compared with two separate worm Ag(s) (Haemonchus spp. & Trichostrongylus spp.) using indirect and antigen capture ELISA. The results showed high sensitivity for pooled Copro and larval Ag(s) than individual parasitic Ag(s) in detecting Ab(s) in infected animals. Copro Ag showed high sensitivity (87.69%) than larval Ag (75.38%). For Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus Ag was 44.62% & 32.31% respectively. Pooled larval antigen showed high specificity (86.66%) than Copro Ag (78.33%), without cross reaction with non-infected controls. In migrating and inhibited larvae, pooled Ag showed 80% sensitivity in detecting PGE circulating antigen in animals without eggs in feces compared to 30% sensitivity using pooled Copro antigen by sandwich ELISA. Positive animals shed eggs in feces during follow up prior to parturition. Diagnosis of inhibited larvae circulatingAg(s) using pooled larval antigen was promising method in expecting time of autoinfection of sheep due to activation of arrested larvae within the bodies. This facilitated their therapeutic treatment at a critical time before the sudden re-appearance of infection.

VALUE OF POOLED GASTRO-INTESTINAL NEMATODE COPROANTIGENS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INHIBITED LARVAE INFECTION IN EGYPTIAN SHEEP

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) infecting sheep in acute or chronic forms causes severe economic losses. Infections by adult worms can be easily diagnosed and controlled, but infection by migrating and inhibited larvae are difficult to diagnose. Detection of anti-parasite antibodies in sera of infected animals needs special Ag for each species and presence of antibodies in sera does not reflect the actual infection. This study evaluated diagnostic efficacy of two pooled Copro Ag(s) prepared from feces of PGE infected sheep with larval5 species (Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Nematodirus spp., Cooperia spp. & Ostertagia spp.) in sheep. Diagnostic values of pooled Ag(s) were compared with two separate worm Ag(s) (Haemonchus spp. & Trichostrongylus spp.) using indirect and antigen capture ELISA. The results showed high sensitivity for pooled Copro and larval Ag(s) than individual parasitic Ag(s) in detecting Ab(s) in infected animals. Copro Ag showed high sensitivity (87.69%) than larval Ag (75.38%). For Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus Ag was 44.62% & 32.31% respectively. Pooled larval antigen showed high specificity (86.66%) than Copro Ag (78.33%), without cross reaction with non-infected controls. In migrating and inhibited larvae, pooled Ag showed 80% sensitivity in detecting PGE circulating antigen in animals without eggs in feces compared to 30% sensitivity using pooled Copro antigen by sandwich ELISA. Positive animals shed eggs in feces during follow up prior to parturition. Diagnosis of inhibited larvae circulatingAg(s) using pooled larval antigen was promising method in expecting time of autoinfection of sheep due to activation of arrested larvae within the bodies. This facilitated their therapeutic treatment at a critical time before the sudden re-appearance of infection.

Leaching of benzimidazole antiparasitics in soil columns and in soil columns amended with sheep excreta.

Benzimidazoles are anthelmintics frequently used in sheep farming due to the high susceptibility of these animals to parasitic diseases. Sheep excreta are often disposed onto soils as a fertilizer, and they may contain benzimidazole residues that can contaminate soil and water. This work aimed to assess the leaching behavior of benzimidazole drugs (albendazole, fenbendazole, and thiabendazole) and their metabolites in two Brazilian soils of different textural classifications (sandy and clay), as well as sheep excreta-amended soils, following the OECD 312 Guidelines. Ewes received a single oral dose of 10mgkg-1 b.w. of either albendazole or fenbendazole. The feces were collected at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120h post-dose, and the parent drugs and their metabolites extracted using the QuEChERS approach and quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. For the leaching assays, a benzimidazole solution was directly applied onto the soil columns, or an amount of 5g of the medicated sheep feces was distributed over the top of the soil columns. In soil samples, benzimidazoles were extracted by solid-liquid extraction and quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. For the leaching studies, atrazine was used as a reference substance to determine the relative mobility factor of the analytes of interest. Benzimidazoles were considered slightly to moderately mobile in both soils tested, with a leaching distance of up to 25cm in a 30-cm soil column. Approximately 3 to 6% of the benzimidazoles present in ewe feces were able to leach into the soil columns. This finding is of concern since benzimidazoles are persistent in soil and may pose a risk to soil biota and induce the development of resistant strains of parasites.

Tylosin degradation during manure composting and the effect of the degradation byproducts on the growth of green algae

In this study, we investigate the tylosin degradation in sheep feces during composting. The sheep feces containing tylosin were composted using the laboratory-scale composting units. Tylosin was degraded during composting, and the half-life of tylosin degradation decreased with increasing temperature from 40 °C to 65 °C. The tylosin degradation in sheep feces can be attributed to the microorganisms in the feces and not to heating because tylosin did not degrade over a period of 48 h at temperatures of 0 °C–65 °C in sterilized water. The artificial rainwater solution extracted from the composted sample did not inhibit the growth of Raphidocelis subcapitata, a type of green alga. Our results indicate that composting the feces containing tylosin is effective in degrading tylosin, which may result in the preservation of agricultural fields as well as nearby aquatic environments.