Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of early fetal sexing by sonography in nanny goats during three periods of gestation and their correlation with the number of fetuses. A total of 50 pregnant nanny goats were included in this study. The B mode of real-time scanner with 3.5-5 MHz transabdominal transducer was used to identify the fetal external genital organs and to evaluate the relative placement of genital tubercle (G.T.) within three different periods were the first period at 45-55 days of pregnancy, the second period at 55-56 days of pregnancy, and the third period at 65-75 days of pregnancy. The result showed that, in the signal fetus cases, the accuracy of fetal sexing was more accurate in the second period of pregnancy (62.5%) than that recorded in the first (56.5%) and third (40%) periods of pregnancy. The results in twine fetus cases showed that the accuracy of fetal sexing was more accurate in the first period of pregnancy (34.7%) than that recorded in the second (27%) and third (20%) periods of pregnancy. The results also showed that, in triple fetus cases, the accuracy of fetal sexing was more accurate in the 1st period of pregnancy (26%) than that recorded in the second (15.4%) and third (6.7%) periods of pregnancy. The results of the fetal sex determination showed that a total of 15 male fetuses were accurately detected, with three fetuses wrongly detected. Similarly, a total of 11 female fetuses were accurately diagnosed, and four fetuses were incorrectly detected. The sensitivity of fetal sex determination was 78.94%, and the gender detection accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 78.78, 78.57, 83.33, and 73.33%, respectively. We conclude that the transabdominal transducer at B mode used in the second period (55-56 days) of pregnancy was highly accurate for early fetal sex determination. Also, it is the best way to determine the number of fetuses in small ruminants.

Maintaining the balance of calcium, phosphorus, and their regulating hormones is essential in laying hens to preserve the quality of the eggs and the framework. However, the physiological regulation of these systems is quite specific. Consequently, the present study intended to estimate the level of these minerals and their regulating hormones during different egg-laying periods. Female quails were used as a model for laying hens. In this study, 60 female quails were used, divided into three age groups: the early phase (4 weeks of age), the peak phase (8 weeks of age) and the late phase (12 weeks of age), with 20 birds per group. The outcomes of the study indicate an elevation in the level of calcium and calcitonin during the peak and final period of egg production, followed by a rise in the quantity of gene-related peptide-α during the final period of egg laying, with a strong positive relationship between the level of phosphorus and calcium, as well as between gene-related peptide-α and calcitonin during the peak and final period of egg production. We conclude from this study that the level of calcium and the hormones regulating it are affected by the bird's age, in addition to a strong correlation between the level of minerals measured in this study and these hormones and the age of the bird and its productive status.

شخص الالتهاب الرئوي المزمن التقدمي في أغنام محافظة البصرة العراق. أذ جمعت135 عينة دم من أغنام محلية بأعمار تراوحت بين (3-5 سنوات) ومن كلا الجنسين، تم تربيتها في محافظة البصرة، العراق. أظهرت الحيوانات المشتبه بها علامات الالتهاب الرئوي المزمن وفقدان الشهية وفقدان الوزن التدريجي والسعال المزمن. تم استخدام مجموعه 25 عينة من سلالات محلية سليمة سريريًا كمجموعة سيطرة. أظهرت 88 من الأغنام نتيجة إيجابية للغلوبولين المناعي النوعي للفيروس الخاص بالمرض بمعدل إصابة 65.18% وما تم تأكيده بواسطة اختبار الاليزا. أشار تحليل الدم إلى وجود زيادة معنوية في سرعة تثفل كريات الدم الحمر مع قلة في أعداد خلايا الدم ألبيض وقلة الخلايا ألليمفاوية وتناقص الخلايا وحيدة النواة مع وجود اختلافات معنوية واضحة في مؤشرات عوامل تخثر الدم. أظهرت نتائج التشريح المرضي لأربعون من الحيوانات النافقة علامات الالتهاب الرئوي ألتدريجي مع تضخم وثقل الرئة وآفات نزفيه غير مكتملة على الرئتين. وأظهرت الرئتان المصابة عقيدات وبقع بيضاء متغيرة على السطح ألجداري فضلا عن فشل الرئة المصابة، في حين اظهر الفحص النسيجي أن الالتهاب الرئوي الفصي تكون من نضح التهابي تقدمي ملء الفراغات السنخية الفصية مع ارتشاح شديد للخلايا الالتهابية وكريات الدم الحمراء داخل الفراغات السنخية. النضح الالتهابي التدريجي تكون من ارتشاح الخلايا الالتهابية ونضحها بكريات الدم الحمراء داخل الفراغات السنخية، كما تمت الإشارة أيضًا إلى تكاثر مفرط التنسج في البطانة الظهارية القصبية. علاوة على ذلك، تشير آفة التلييف المبكرة إلى مرحلة التكبد الرئوي الأحمر للالتهاب الرئوي إلى جانب العديد من الخلايا الالتهابية، كما تم التعرف على ارتشاح كريات الدم الحمراء في الفراغات السنخية.

One of the most novel approaches to reducing post-orthodontic relapse is the local delivery of osteogenic agents by drug carriers. This study evaluated the effect of a local injection of rosuvastatin (RSV) carried by hyaluronan hydrogel (HAH) on alveolar bone regeneration. On the first day of retention after orthodontic movement of the rabbit’s lower incisors, 15 albino rabbits were injected locally with 200 μl of phosphate-buffered saline, and 15 rabbits were injected with 200 μl of RSV/HAH. Histological analysis of alveolar bone remodeling by measuring osteoblast, osteoclast, and blood vessel counts, as immunohistochemical analysis for Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (BAP) and Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase 5b (TRAP 5b) expressions at the injection site at 0, 10, and 21-day intervals at coronal and apical levels was done. Statistical analysis done by SPSS using P≤0.05 was considered significant. The RSV/HAH group showed a significant increase in osteoblast count and BAP expression on day 0 (score 3+) and day 10 (score 2+), a significant reduction in osteoclast counts, and TRAP 5b expression on day 0 (score 1+) and day 10 (score 2+) with a significant increase in blood vessel count on day 10 both coronally and apically. In conclusion, local injection of RSV/HAH has promising effects on alveolar bone regeneration by increasing BAP expression, osteoblast, and blood vessel counts and reducing TRAP 5 b expression and osteoclast count.

Seven hundred sixty-four ticks of Argas persicus have been collected from 390 local chickens at four locations in Mosul city. Ticks have been determined by investigating their existence in different chicken cages. The raised distribution rates through the shelters in the wooden cage reached 61.9%, no presence of ticks appeared in the iron cage 0% as well as the total infestation rate with A. persicus in the shelter was 36.47%. The highest shelter infestation rate was from the eastern areas of the city 11.76%, although the lowest ratio was for those areas located in the west 6.47%. Moreover, the study showed statistical differences in frequency rates between summer 22.2% and autumn 10%. Tick frequency rates through July were elevated 33.4%, matching those for other summer and fall months 20.8, 29.7, 12.4, and 3.7%. A significant difference also could be seen in adult females’ numbers and rates among the disparate months 25.3, 31.6, 34.5, 6.3, and 2.3%. The same applies regarding the nymphs and larvae of A. persicus, with significant differences by month in which the study was conducted for ticks’ males; no noticeable differences have been shown among months of this work. Molecular analysis for 32 specimens of singular ticks was accustomed for extraction of DNA and restrained to PCR utilizing definite primers for exaggeration of sectional fragment of COX1, as well as 16SrRNA genes. All 32 isolates showed effective PCR results following gel electrophoresis with 240 bp and 606 bp product sizes.

Colic in horses is a common disease syndrome and could lead to death sometimes if not diagnosed quickly; however, the use of some diagnostic devices like ultrasound, which is considered an accurate method, was advised. The study examined 30 horses showing signs of colic and ten clinically healthy. Considered as the control group, animals in both groups are more than one year old and are of both sexes. The ultrasound examination was performed from seven locations (four on the left and three on the right) on the abdominal wall in a standing position. The results revealed that horses suffered from various causes of colic syndrome. Inflammation of the small intestine was the most frequent 35%, followed by cecal impaction, gaseous (flatulence) colic, spasmodic colic and gastric impaction 25, 20, 12.5, 7.5%, respectively. Ultrasound examination revealed that the average distance between the abdominal wall and the intestine 36.2 mm increased significantly in the affected horses compared to the healthy horses. At the same time, there was no significant difference in distance between the abdominal wall, colon, and cecum. Furthermore, there was an increase in the thickness of the intestinal wall by 7.3 mm, significantly in colic horses compared with healthy ones. At the same time, there was no significant difference in the wall thickness of the colon and the cecum. It was concluded that the use of ultrasound operation was a fit and trustable clinical method to confirm the rapid diagnosis of colicky courses.

The goal of this significant study is to isolate Proteus spp from both human and broiler sources and to compare the presence of the most significant genes responsible for virulence factors like zapA, rsp A, and ure C. This research, conducted from September 2023 to February 2024, collected twenty-five samples from the internal organs of broilers (heart, lung, liver, air sac, meat) and twenty-five samples from urinary tract infections in humans. The standard bacteriological method was used for bacterial identification, and PCR confirmed the Proteus spp isolates. Further sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of zap A were conducted. The study revealed 23 isolates of P. mirabilis from a total of 25 broiler samples, at a rate of 92%, while the isolation rate in humans was 88%, with 22 isolates from 25 urine samples. Molecular examination showed that all zap A, rsbA and ure C genes were found in both human and poultry isolates. The phylogenetic analysis shows that all Proteus isolates aggregate in one clade. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential danger of virulence genes in poultry, a human staple food. This highlights the crucial need for caution in meat processing and the use of effective methods to prevent infection and sterilize meat before human consumption. `

Ovine Pulmonary adenomatosis OPA is a frequent condition that affects small ruminants, characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma, and causes polyp-like hyperplasia of the epithelium lining the alveoli and interstitial tissue like bronchi. It is frequently brought on by the Jaagsiekte virus. Samples from sheep animals at Mosul's slaughterhouse and butcher shops were collected. The RT-PCR results consider the first molecular identification of the JSRV virus in Mosul city. The Macroscopic examination revealed gray-colored tumor nodules scattered across the surfaces of the lung lobes. The tumor tissue had clear and distinct boundaries from the adjacent pink pneumatic lung. Histological analysis showed nodular tumor areas (proliferative pulmonary nodules) were composed of carcinomatous cells supplementary with an adequate amount of extracellular matrix, characteristic columnar and cuboidal metaplasia, as well as hyperplasia of pulmonary cells, especially the pneumocytes (type II), an epithelial cell (secretory types) in the pulmonary alveoli, Non-ciliated Clara cells as well as the epithelial lining of the terminal bronchioles. Finally, our study sheds light and provides data on the importance of OPA in Mosul abattoir through the PCR diagnosis of the causative agent, and the macroscopic and histological pathological changes.

The objective of the current research was to characterize the correlation of Forkhead transcription factor and histopathologic findings of dogs’ pancreatic lesions. The study revealed a negative linear correlation (Correlation Coefficient 0.96) between lesions frequences and FOXO1 (lesions frequences move in opposing directions). Lesion frequences reduce as FOXO1 rises. Samples collected from the necropsy unit of veterinary teaching hospital at University of Mosul, college of veterinary medicine, to determine and confirm any histopathologic evidence of specific lesions these specimens histologically examined. In dogs, pancreatic lesions can range from mild inflammation (pancreatitis) to more severe conditions such as pancreatic cancer. Focusing on histopathological changes can help identify the correlation with FOXO1 expression. Various types of lesions were observed in the 17 pancreatic samples from dogs; however, none have been showed any evidence of neoplasia. Despite a lack of gross lesions, 14 samples (82.35%) exhibited microscopic pathological changes. Three samples (17.64%) revealed normal histology. In total, 12 types of microscopic lesions were identified. Among the 14 samples, degenerative changes, congestion, edema, coagulative and fat necrosis, as well as inflammation were detected in some samples. Multiple lesions, including fibrosis, hyperplasia, and atrophy, were observed in other samples. Additionally, cyst formations, metaplasia, and granulation tissue were determined. Dogs were randomly chosen, and all pancreatic samples were assessed through histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. This study concludes that lesions frequences move in opposing directions. Lesion frequences increase as FOX01 descend.

Mastitis in goats is thought to be caused mainly by Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. On the other hand, little information is known about methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in goat milk. The current research aimed to determine the occurrence of S. aureus and MRSA in milk samples from Mosul City's goat farms. Sixty goat milk samples were collected from October 2023 to February 2024 from different governorate areas. This research used conventional techniques such as selective media and biochemical tests. A PCR assay was also used to detect the isolates' nuc, mecA, clfA, clfB, and coa genes. This study showed that the rate of S. aureus in goat subclinical mastitis was 5%, and the high occurrence of S. aureus in goat milk was 20% in the Ali Rash area. In addition, this research revealed that all S. aureus isolates possessed the nuc, mecA, clfB, and coa genes 100% (3/3), while the clfA gene was 66.7% (2/3). There are two types of gene profiles found in S. aureus isolates. Nine novel strains of S. aureus sequences are registered in the NCBI Genbank. The nine newly discovered S. aureus isolates had similarities to other strains of S. aureus found globally. Nine novel strains of S. aureus sequences are registered in the NCBI Genbank. The nine newly discovered S. aureus isolates had similarities to other strains of S. aureus found globally.

The ectoparasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (I. multifiliis) is one of the most common external ciliate protozoa that infest freshwater fish and causes white spot disease, negatively affecting fish productivity. Two hundred of five species of fish (25 Luciobarbus xanthopterus, 30 Chondrostoma regium, 35 Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi, 54 Cyprinus carpio, and 56 Arabibarbus grypus) were collected from Mosul city markets from Aug. 2023 to Feb. 2024. Microscopically, fish were infected with the ectoparasite I. multifiliis (13/200) 6.5% total infestation rate by wet smears from skin, gills, and fins and based on the morphological features; the ectoparasite were pear-shaped, 0.03 - 1 mm with large horseshoe nuclei. Molecular phylogenetic analysis conducted with 18S rRNA gene confirming species identification of one positive isolate out of 13 belonging to the ectoparasite I. multifiliis under the accession number PQ012981 and according to the genetic tree analysis of I. multifiliis showed 100% match with each of the United States isolates for the same species and under the accession numbers KJ690571, KJ690572, KJ690570, KJ690568, KJ690567, KJ690566 and KJ690565 and isolates OM865867 in India and OM302501 in China. In contrast, it showed a 99.93% match with isolates MN372056 in the Philippines and ON797789 and ON797786 in China, as recorded in the GenBank. The current study is considered the first record of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis at the molecular level in Mosul City, Iraq.

Lice were the most common Ectoparasites in birds, especially chickens that stay in their life cycle from eggs to the adult same bird, causing poor chicken health. The current study was conducted to detect lice infestation in 130 backyard chickens in some areas in Nineveh Governorate. The result indicated that the incidence of backyard chickens was 90(69.2%), and they were infested with two species of lice, Menacanthus stramineus and Lipeurus caponis. M. stramineus lice were the most prevalent, as they were observed on all parts of the chicken's body, recording a high infestation rate 61.5%, while the wing lice L. caponis recorded 30.8%. Lice infestation on one chicken varied between single and mixed infestation, with single infestation being the most common, reaching a rate of 80%, while mixed infestation reached 20%. Lice were identified by using a dissecting microscope and scanning electron microscopy to determine the exact structure of chewing lice, such as features of the head, chest, abdomen, legs, and claws of legs location and segmentation of antennae, setae of M. stramineus, and L. caponis. This study aimed to identify the morphological characteristics of lice isolated from backyard chickens using scanning and dissecting microscopes.

The experimental work was planned to determine the efficacy of an acellular bovine pericardium patch with topical application of PRF to enhance the defect of the urinary bladder in dogs. Eighteen male adult local breed dogs were utilized in this study. Animals undergo the protocol of general anesthesia. The experiment was divided randomly into two equal groups, nine for each group. In G1, acellular bovine pericardium (ABP), a circular defect about 3cm in diameter will be created on the dorsal part of the urinary bladder then the site of operation wrapped completely with 4 cm in diameter of acellular bovine pericardium, whereas in G2, acellular bovine pericardium with platelet-rich fibrin (ABP+PRF) group the site of cystoplasty was reinforced with platelet-rich fibrin. Clinically, all animals were mentioned daily for 45 days, and the histopathological and serological assessments were performed at 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45 days post-surgery. The results of the decellularization of the bovine pericardium (BP) patch showed the absence of cells and nuclear components. Clinically, the animals seemed healthy and survived until the completion of the study. Some signs occurred in the first 2 days, such as hematuria, pain, arching of the back and urine incontinence, which subsided after 48-72 hours post-surgery. The biochemical and serological evaluation showed an increase in the concentration of urea at day 7, 15 post-surgery and creatinine at day 7 post-surgery in G1 superior to G2. The analysis of CRP concentration showed an increase in serum CRP levels at day 3, 15 post-surgeries in G1 superior to G2. The histopathological changes were represented by good healing in both groups without inflammatory reaction at 45 days post-surgery. The healing process of UB defect was superior and earlier in G2 than in G1, represented by the formation of fibrous tissue bridges between the graft and original tissue with the neovascularization. Both groups had high vimentin expression at 45 days post-surgery, whereas there was high VEGF expression in G2 at 15, 30 days, and there was a very weak reaction in G1. In conclusion, the experimental study presented that applying PRF to the implanted ABP patch improved the healing process of bladder defects in dogs, which is important to the PRF.

The study aimed to determine the infection rate in sheep, analyze the correlation between the rate and certain risk factors, identify larval stage distribution in visceral organs, and provide a molecular characterization of Cysticercus tenuicollis. Ninety-six slaughtered sheep and their offal were visually inspected between February and July 2024. Sheep were categorized based on their sex and age. Cysts were observed in the diaphragm, liver, lung, mesentery, and omentum after the animals were slaughtered. The 12SrRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. For statistical analysis, the Chi-square test was applied. The overall infection rate was 16.66% (16/96). Males showed a higher rate 17.8% than females 13.04%, with a statistically significant. The rate was higher in adult males 21.56% and females 14.28% than in young males 9.09% and females 11.11%. March had the lowest rate 6.66%, and June had the highest 31.57%. The most common site of C. tenuicollis cyst was in the omentum 68.75%, followed by mesentery 31.25%. Successful 12SrRNA gene amplification was achieved in all 16 positive cases, and the amplified products were 490 bp. GenBank accession numbers were registered. Genetic relatedness revealed that the local C. tenuicollis isolates were more closely related to isolates from Sulaymaniyah and Iran. The findings showed that sheep are commonly infected with cysticercosis, which may result in financial losses due to organ condemnation. Thus, it is important to appropriately dispose of butcher materials as they could have contributed to the disease prevalence.

The genus capripox viruses, including sheep and goat pox viruses, represent one earnest pox infection with remarkable economic importance in animal farms. The study aimed to describe the clinical sheep pox disease, molecular disclosure of sheep and goat pox virus in clinically exposed sheep against the P32 gene of capripoxvirus, and for the initial record of phylogenetic analysis for these viruses in sheep in Mosul city, Iraq. Clinical findings revealed a fever of 40-41°C, diarrhea, and death of infected sheep. The skin lesions characteristic of erythema, papules, pustules, and dry black scabs disseminated on top of the skin frame. The percentage of infected sheep and fatal rate ranged between 10-40% and 2-6%, respectively. Moreover, ten local sequences of the sheep pox virus were obtained, and then individual sequence analysis was performed using BLASTn. No goat pox virus was detected in infected sheep. Two sequences were recorded under the accession numbers (PP992317.1 and PP992318.1) in the GenBank. The outcomes indicate that the study sequence was analogous to those of Iraq, India, Germany (99.89% identity) and Russia (99.79% identity). Thus, it is recommended that the farmers be aware of the occurrence of disease in susceptible animals, restrict new entry animals, apply vaccination, and eliminate clinically infected sheep, which are of priority to prohibit more losses.

The physiological and health status of control animals used in studies and experiments worldwide can vary. Because of this variation, it is critical to establish acceptable ranges of the hematology, hormonal, and biochemical, along with essential physiological parameters for control groups, better to understand the detrimental and non-adverse impacts of test substances. Because the reference values and intervals are crucial tools in scientific papers, and the lack of accurate values for animals explicitly found in Mosul, as well as the difficulties the researcher encounters when comparing the values of control animals with the international values and even the values placed, for instance, in a blood cell counting device, served as the impetus for the research project. Fifty mature male rats were raised in the animal house from one month of birth to maturity under norms that included adequate lighting, food, water, and ventilation. Before taking any samples, the animals were restrained using buckles made of stainless steel to keep them under control. The research team decided to obtain samples from as many measures as possible, incorporating values and intervals of vital signs and hematological, hormonal, and biochemical variables. Most values were as expected compared to other rodent species from different countries, and books talk about rodent parameters, which are very diverse in vital, hormonal, and biochemical parameters. However, the blood picture needed to be more distinct.

This study is the first molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs in Mosul city. One hundred twenty blood samples were collected from stray and household dogs of different ages, sexes, breeds, and breeding, suffering from emaciation, anemia, paleness in mucous membranes and the presence of ticks in the ear. The DNA was extracted using a commercial kit (Qiagen, Germany). Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to detect the parasite targeting a partial region of 18S rRNA gene. The polymerase chain reaction produced positive results, as bands in electrophoresis at 737 bp. The total positive sample was 33 dogs out of 120 dogs (27.5%) the relationship between the infection with the parasite and the age of animals recorded a high prevalence of infection in dogs less than 6 months while the lowest prevalence of infection in animals more than 2 years old, The male dogs showed a high prevalence of infection when compared with female dog, The large breeds dogs recorded high prevalence of infection than small breeds dogs, The outdoor dogs showed a high prevalence of infection Animals which suffer from paleness in mucous membrane showed high prevalence, while healthy animals recorded lowest prevalence of infection, gene sequence showed there were only three isolates out of the total samples sent for genetic sequencing.

The study aims to diagnose Cytauxzoon spp. in affected stray cats in Mosul. To achieve this goal, microscopic and conventional polymerase chain reaction technology was used, and the genetic analysis of Cytauxzoon spp. was verified. Blood samples were collected from 50 stray cats in various city areas. The infection rate of Cytauxzoon spp. among cats in Mosul city was 76% (38/50). Using single sequence analysis, a single Cytauxzoon felis sequence was discovered in Nineveh Governorate for the first time. One of these sequences was submitted to GenBank with the entry number LC775709.1. The results indicate that some of the tested samples contain DNA from the Cytauxzoon genus, based on the presence of bands at the expected 1600 bp size. The local genome sequence of Cytauxzoon felis Sesa LC775709.1 is highly similar to sequences found in geographically diverse regions such as Switzerland, Italy, France, and the USA. According to the study, the infection rate of cats with Cytauxzoon spp parasites in Mosul city was significant, reaching 76%. The results of genetic sequencing were presented for the first time. One novel isolate was discovered: the Cytauxzoon felis Sesa gene LC775709.1 for 18S rRNA. The phylogenetic tree was constructed, and it was discovered that the local sequence LC775709.1 is very closely related genetically to the sequences from Europe and the USA while showing some genetic differences with the sequences from Brazil and South Africa.

In the current study, forty-five clinically healthy adult male rabbits, 9-12 months old, weighed 1.5-1.7 kg, were used. The experimental animals were randomly divided into three equal groups of 15. In all animals, segmental defects of 5 mm were induced in the midshaft of the radius. The defects were left without additives in the control group (CG). In the fish swim bladder treated group (FSB group), the created bone defects were wrapped using a previously prepared acellular fish swim bladder (FSB) and sutured around the bone defects. In the fish swim bladder and autologous bone marrow clot-treated group (FSB-BMC group), the defects were wrapped using FSB as described, with a portion of the aspirated 1 ml bone marrow clot filling each bone defect. The bone defects in all groups were evaluated histopathologically at 4,8- and 12-weeks post-operation to observe the bone formation and bridging of segmental bone defects. The results showed a significant increase in osteoblasts, osteocytes, Haversian canals, neovascularization blood vessels, and bone tissue formation in the FSB-BMC treated group compared to other groups at 4 weeks post-operation. At 8- and 12-weeks post-surgery, both treated groups showed a significant increase in osteoblasts, osteocytes, mature bone, bone trabeculae, Haversian canals and bone tissue compared to the control group. In conclusion, the FSB-BMC treated group showed a higher new bone formation and complete bridging than other groups. In contrast, the FSB-treated group showed new bone formation and partial bridging compared to the control group.

Abortion is one of the major problems in sheep farming. It can result in significant financial losses and presents a major risk to public health. Therefore, the study aimed to isolate Escherichia coli as possibly linked to ovine aborted fetuses, confirm the isolates using PCR, identify the virulence genes, and verify the genetic relatedness of local isolates. Between September 2023 and March 2024, a total of fifty swabs were collected from the stomach contents and placenta of twenty-five aborted fetuses. The swabs were cultured on selective media, and the isolates were characterized using biochemical tests and the Vitek2 system. The isolates that targeted the 23SrRNA gene were verified using PCR. Additionally, specialized primers for the uidA and zapA genes were used. The amplified 23SrRNA gene was sequenced and analyzed. The isolation results showed that Escherichia coli was detected in 10% of the specimens. The PCR results for all five isolates were positive for E. coli, with a product size of 232 bp. Furthermore, all isolates possessed the uidA gene 100%. Nevertheless, the zapA gene was present in 40% of the isolates. GenBank accession numbers PQ191249.1 and PQ191250.1 were registered for the 23SrRNA gene. Genetic relatedness shows that the local isolates were closer to Escherichia coli strain W170 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain K1516 from China and USA, respectively. According to these results, a small percentage of pregnant ewes with Escherichia coli infection might have an abortion. Consequently, appropriate precautions must be taken to reduce the infection risk.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a globally distributed infection that causes chronic enteritis, fluctuating milk production, emaciation, and various degrees of diarrhea. It is also a public health concern. This task investigates the molecular prevalence of MAP in cows along with a phylogenetic analysis of this microorganism in Mosul City, Iraq. 176 fecal specimens were taken from healthy, diarrheic and emaciated cows of different ages and origins. The detection of gene IS900 of MAP revealed that 5.6% (10/176) of tested cows were confirmed using molecular technique. No significant prevalence between the cow’s origin and a significantly higher prevalence of the MAP was recorded on cows over 5 years old and with symptoms. Furthermore, in this study, two sequences of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis were deposited in GenBank (PP976335.1 and PP976335.1); phylogenetically the study strains showed 100% identity near MAP strain in Saudi Arabia under the accession number (MN928512.1) and 99.85% identity with Spain, Germany and South Korea strain accession numbers (FJ775181.1, CP053068.1 and CP033909.1) respectively. Overall, this result showed that the IS900 gene may be used as a molecular tool to identify MAP in cows. In order to monitor, treat, and manage paratuberculosis in cows in Mosul, Iraq, further epidemiological research and isolation are needed.

This study was designed to identify the efficiency of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) expression for early pregnancy detection in Awassi ewes. A total of 10 ewes were enrolled: 3 carrying twins, 4 carrying single pregnancies, and 3 non-pregnant. Blood samples were collected on 0, 6, 15, and 25 days of gestation to measure ISG15 expression levels using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results of the relative expression values of ISG15 in pregnant and non-pregnant ewes on 0, 6, 15, and 25 days of pregnancy were 0.044±0.012 vs. 0.049±0.009, 0.203±0.083 vs. 0.201±0.093, 1.839±0.594 vs. 0.292±0.136, and 0.583±0.067 vs 0.200±0.051, respectively. In both twin and single pregnant ewes, the relative expression values of ISG15 were increased significantly (P<0.05) on 15 days of pregnancy, after that the values declined significantly (P<0.05) on day 25. No significant differences in ISG15 expression were observed between ewes carrying twins and those carrying single fetuses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) on days 0 and 6 of pregnancy was 0.405, whereas on days 15 and 25 it was 0.952 and 1.00, respectively. The accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values of ISG15 expression on days 15 and 25 of pregnancy were 90%, 100%, 85.7%, 100%, and 75%, and 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, ISG15 expression demonstrated high accuracy as an early pregnancy marker in Awassi ewes, with greater diagnostic reliability on day 25 compared to day 15 of gestation.

Theileria equi, a blood parasite spread by ticks, is thought to be a severe infectious disease that impacts the health of horses. The study's main goal was to determine the prevalence of T. equi in Arabian stallions in Egypt by comparing microscopic examination (ME) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and compare them. The study aimed to determine the liver and kidney functions of infected Arabian stallions with T. equi. Out of the 100 Arabian stallions in Egypt tested for T. equi infection, only 30 (30%) were positive through microscopic analysis, and 38(38%) were positive through a cPCR test. Arabian stallions were divided into two groups: the first group, positive T. equi infection (infected group) (n = 30). In the second group, negative T. equi infection (healthy group) (n = 10) and liver and kidney function were detected for both groups. Serum analysis revealed significant changes in the infected group's liver and kidney function parameters. Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, GGT, GOT (AST), urea, and creatinine were significantly increased in the serum of the infected group compared with the healthy group; total protein, albumin, and globulin were found to be decreased in the serum of the infected group when compared to the healthy group. The ALP and albumin: globulin (A: G) ratio changes weren’t significant in this study. Studying the molecular prevalence of T. equi in the Arabian stallion in Egypt with special reference to biochemical parameters will help evaluate the prognosis and treatment of theileriosis.

Our aim is to provide reference data for the arterial diameter of abdominal arteries using ultrasound in healthy rabbits, which can be used to compare changes in arterial diameter in diseased rabbits or when performing experiments and creating a 3D model of abdominal arteries using casting material. The current study was conducted on ten domestic rabbits aged between 2-3 years and weighing 1-2 kg. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal wall was performed in the supine position. The results showed that the mean hepatic artery diameter for 1-1.5 kg was 0.25±0.04 cm while for 1.5-2 kg it was 0.37±0.07, and the mean renal artery diameter for 1-1.5 kg was 0.20±0.03 cm while for 1.5-2 kg it was 0.25±0.04. The ultrasound results indicated that the diameter of the blood vessels increases with weight gain. Anatomically, the rabbits were divided into two groups: the first group was injected with latex arteries, and the second group was injected with resin casting material. The results showed that the arteries of the first group were flexible. In contrast, the arteries of the second group were rigid and fragile and required more care in handling than the first group. The results indicated that latex injections help in accurate anatomical studies. In contrast, resin injections create a three-dimensional model of the arteries. We conclude that color Doppler ultrasound with a linear probe provides clear and accurate images of blood vessels, allowing doctors to accurately measure their diameter and assess blood flow within the vessels, thus helping to diagnose conditions such as atherosclerosis and arterial disease.

Bacterial eye infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are considered one of the most important infections that affect cats and cause serious health problems. Accordingly, this research was designed to diagnose S. aureus from eye infections in cats by bacteria isolation and molecular methods in Mosul City, Iraq. One hundred eye swabs were collected from cat species that attended the pet clinics and were subjected to standard bacterial isolation and identification. Also, a disc diffusion method for antibiotic susceptibility was performed to determine antibiotic resistance. Further confirmation was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the nuc gene of S. aureus as molecular confirmation. This study showed that S. aureus was successfully isolated from 41/100 (41%) of the infected cats. In addition, the male cats represented 23/41 (56.1%), while the females represented 18/41 (43.9%). Furthermore, the cats aged ≥ 6 months were more susceptible to eye infections and recorded 29/41 (70.7%) than cats aged ≤ 6 months and recorded 12/41 (29.3%). The AST results showed significant antibiotic resistance, mainly against ampicillin and cefotaxime. Contrarily, all the isolates were completely susceptible to ciprofloxacin followed by levofloxacin. Also, PCR confirms S. aureus in all isolates with 279 bp for the nuc gene. In conclusion, S. aureus can cause eye infections in pet cats with significant importance, and the development of antibiotic resistance might have a human health impact, especially when these cats have close contact with humans.