Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

The giant freshwater prawn (GFP) is highly susceptible to ectoparasite infestations, particularly under suboptimal management conditions. This study investigates the prevalence and intensity of ectoparasites on various prawn body parts, including the gills, body surface, swimming legs, and walking legs. A total of 180 prawns were sampled from the GFP culture ponds located in the Subang region of West Java, Indonesia. These samples were then analyzed microscopically. Identified ectoparasites included protozoans (Epistylis sp., Zoothamnium sp., Vorticella sp.) and Temnocephala sp. The prevalence and intensity levels were as follows: Temnocephala sp. (100%; 907 individuals/prawn), Zoothamnium sp. (27%; 35 individuals/prawn), Vorticella sp. (27%; 26 individuals/prawn), and Epistylis sp. (29%; 4 individuals/prawn). The gills exhibited the highest prevalence (100%) and intensity (550 individuals/prawn), severely impacting respiration and increasing mortality risk. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective parasite management strategies in GFP aquaculture to minimize economic losses and enhance sustainability.

This study comprehensively evaluated effects of varying electroejaculation voltages on semen quality, reproductive efficiency, and testicular histology in young (YG) and old (OG) local roosters, while young roosters exhibited peak total, progressive motility, and velocity metrics at medium voltage, according to sperm motility and kinematic traits. In both groups, high voltage significantly (P≤0.05) reduced motility, with the decline proving more noticeable in old roosters. Old roosters achieved their peak at low voltage, but young roosters exhibited a similar pattern of peaking at medium voltage for semen volume, sperm concentration, and viability. Both groups\' semen quality declined and sperm abnormalities significantly increased with high-voltage stimulation, particularly among old roosters. The Gonadosomatic index of young roosters peaked at medium voltage and declined at higher voltages, but old roosters displayed less noticeable alterations. The oxidative stress indicators malondialdehyde were lowest at medium voltage in young roosters and at low voltage in old roosters. In contrast, plasma membrane integrity and testosterone concentrations reflected this pattern, with young roosters obtaining the best reproductive outcomes at medium voltage, and old roosters exhibited maximal at low voltage. Both age groups showed significant impairment at high voltage, fertility and hatchability rates supported patterns in semen quality. Old roosters displayed early degenerative alterations even at low to medium voltage, but the young roosters at medium voltage had well-preserved seminiferous tubules according to histological analysis; seminiferous architecture was disrupted, and mature spermatozoa were lost, resulting in severe testicular degeneration in both age groups caused by high voltage. In conclusion, indicate findings underscore the crucial importance of tailoring electroejaculation voltage according to rooster age when maximize semen quality and reproductive efficiency. Low voltage is better for old roosters, while medium voltage is recommended for young roosters. Excessive voltage is deleterious regardless of age.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a multi-host pathogen, causes granulocytic anaplasmosis. A total of 50 mules were examined by collecting 50 blood samples by forming blood smears. All sample were examined under a light microscope and then conformed using conventional nested PCR utilizing specific primers for 16SrRNA and the msp4 gene and partial sequence msp4 gene for A. phagocytophilum. The genetic connection study for the (Msp4) gene in A. phagocytophilum mules isolates and NCBI-Genbank related A. phagocytophilum country isolates was performed using DNA sequencing. The phylogenetic tree was built in MEGA 6.0 using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA tree).The Results showed that the infection was persistent in those animals, with varied clinical symptoms including emaciation and a pale mucosal membrane in infected mules. Body temperature, respiration and heart rate were average. The clinical signs of the positive samples varied although some infected animals had no clinical indications. The blood smear examination of 50 samples showed that 4 (8%) were positive and showed the morula. The nested PCR for A. phagocytophilum genes (16 SrRNA and msp4) showed that 8(16%) were positive for 16SrRNA and 7(14%) for the msp4 gene. The sequence analysis of A. phagocytophilum isolates via NCBI-BLAST showed a closed relatedness to A. phagocytophilum isolate of Hungary at total genetic changes (0.1%).

A fractional order dynamic model (SEICD) was designed to describe the transmission dynamics of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) under certain intervention scenarios in a population of 667 pigs present on farms in the Ecuadorian Sierra. The model was used to describe the impact on mortality caused by the implementation of control strategies (vaccination and quarantine). We determined a function that explains the decrease in spread through the use of quarantine and vaccination measures, incorporating a reduction in the transmission rate. The model predicts that 40% of pig deaths due to CSFV infections can be avoided by implementing quarantine measures within 14 days of the onset of the epidemic; meanwhile, vaccination strategies implemented before day 14 of the epidemic provide 61% immunity, and only 39% lead to avoided pig deaths. When control measures are combined with quarantine and vaccination, the model predicts that 65% of pigs would be saved. However, if interventions are delayed, these life expectancy indicators for pigs with the possible presence of CSFV tend to decline, leading to increased infection and mortality rates. Early detection and management of CSFV epidemics with reinforced control measures mitigate the negative effects on the pig population in the Sierra region of Ecuador.

One essential organ that steroid hormones target is the uterus and ovaries. Many receptors mediate the effects of these hormones such as estrogen receptors ER. The objective of this research is to evaluate the gene expression of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ in the uterus and ovary on different days of pregnancy, as well as in female rats that are not pregnant. The estrogen receptor's gene expression in the ovary along with the uterine of rats' females was analyzed using the real-time PCR technique and immunohistochemical expression (IHC) of ER alpha in ovary and uterus. Thirty adult female rats were allocated into five groups at random, each group has six animals. non-pregnant groups and groups of pregnant at one, seven, fourteen and twenty days of pregnancy. The ovaries and uterus were extracted from each animal, and Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was applied to evaluate the estrogen receptors (ER) expression. The expression of the ERα gene increased significantly within seven and twenty days of pregnancy where as ERβ expression of this gene did not differ between the different days of pregnancy and the ovary of non-pregnant rats. In uterus ERα and ERβ expression significantly increased in twenty days of pregnancy. In conclusion, in both pregnant and non-pregnant rats, this study demonstrates that the ovary and uterine express the gene for the estrogen receptor Erα and ERβ, the gene for the ERβ is strongly expressed during twenty days of pregnancy in the uterus, ERβ in the ovary is highest expressed during the first and second half days of pregnancy.

The aim of the study was to compare the anatomy and histology of the liver and biliary system in pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and gulls (Larus canus). A total of twenty adult birds (10 pigeons and 10 gulls) obtained from Tikrit and Mosul in Iraq were examined. Following euthanasia, the liver tissues were investigated both macroscopically and microscopically by using staining techniques such as Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Best’s carmine stains. both bird species exhibited bilobed livers positioned within the thoracic-abdominal cavity; however, in contrast to pigeons, gulls were found to have a gallbladder. The analysis of liver size and weight showed variations between gulls and pigeons, indicating that gulls have larger and heavier livers than pigeons do. The thickness of the liver capsules was greater in female gulls. This implies that there are species variations in liver protection mechanisms. Under the microscope, hepatocytes were found to be arranged in cords radiating around central veins. However, pigeons exhibited wider sinusoids compared to gulls. The liver structures of gulls show differences in thickness and size, with their bile duct system and blood vessels being particularly well-developed in comparison. Female gulls have had larger microscopic measurements of portal structures than male gulls. These findings highlight variations in liver anatomy and composition among bird species as well as between male and female birds.

The small intestine is a major site of immune defense in pigs. Low-molecular-weight transfer factor (TF) molecules are known to play an essential role in regulating immune responses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of TF on the expression of CD2+ leukocytes in the small intestine of male finishing pigs. Eighteen 18 male finishing pigs were randomly assigned to control, 300 mg/day TF, and 600 mg/day TF. TF was administered orally for 30 days. The expression of CD2+ leukocytes was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that oral administration of TF significantly increased the expression of CD2+ leukocytes in the small intestine of pigs. The increase was observed in all three segments of the small intestine but was most pronounced in the ileum for 600 mg/day, with highly significant differences (P< 0.01, Duncan) and the response curves duodenum=1.2114/(1+3.7576e-6.4119x) CD2+ cells/mm2, jejunum=1.34258/(1+2.36566e-2.94002x) CD2+ cells/mm2, ileum=1.751185/(1+4.16359e-2.543x) CD2+ cells/mm2. Oral administration of transfer factor (TF) significantly increased the levels of CD2+ leukocytes in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of male finishing pigs. The increase was most pronounced in the ileum, with the 600 mg/day dose producing the greatest effect. These results suggest that oral administration of TF could be an effective strategy to improve small intestinal immune function in male pigs, especially at higher doses.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) also known as hydatidosis is a widespread health problem worldwide caused by Echinococcus tapeworms. The research aims to explore how nuclear particle affects the levels of CD4 protein expression in body organs (liver, spleen and intestine) and the enzymes related to liver functions (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (GOT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)) in rats infected with hydatid cyst disease. Samples of hydatid cyst and protoscoleces were obtained from sheep livers and their viability was evaluated. The protoscoleces were exposed to nuclear particles at different energy (2.3 and 4.3MeV) and durations to study their viability. Protoscoleces, irradiated and non-irradiated, were injected into six groups of rats. The physiological and biochemical impacts were monitored over time spans. The present study indicated that longer exposures of protoscoleces to nuclear particles led to increase killing rates. Liver and spleen weights as their hypertrophy index return to normal after five months. Liver enzyme levels (GPT, GOT and ALP) remain within the range after 4 to 5 months of infection. Extended nuclear particles contributed to the elimination of parasite and tissue healing. The present study highlights how nuclear particle could be used as a treatment for hydatid cyst infection by impacting their survival rates.

The study aimed to determine the antioxidant and protective and potential effect of Azolla (A. filiculoides Lam.), Duckweed (Lemna spp.) and their mixture against the effect of CuSO4 0.5 mg/L poisoning on carp fingerlings (Cyprinus carpio L.). The study divided in two parts, the first included extraction and identification of the active compounds from Azolla and Duckweed by using HPLC. The second includes the investigation antioxidant potential of Azolla, Duckweed and their mixture against CuSO4 on carp fingerlings, the experiment consisted of five groups, each group consisting of three replicates over a period of 56 days. The control group: was left (untreated), and the positive control group: treated with CuSO4 alone 0.5 mg/L. The third group treated with Azolla with CuSO4, and the fourth group: treated with Duckweed with CuSO4. Finally, the fifth group: was treated with a mixture of Azolla, Duckweed with CuSO4. After the end of experimental time 56 days, fish samples were collected, dissected, and organs removed. Significant differences were recorded in the levels of albumin, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and globulin. Pathological changes were also recorded in the tissues of the gills and intestines of fish, which showed hemorrhage with hydropic degeneration of epithelial cells exposed to CuSO4. The intestine also shows severe hydrophilic degeneration of the epithelial cells covering the villi, with destruction and peeling of the apex of the cells.

Managing fish health effectively requires understanding bacterial coinfections and environmental factors.The effects of copper sulfate and potassium permanganate on bacterial infection in naturally infected farmed fish obtained from private fish farms in Wadi El-Natrun, El Menoufia, Egypt, with high mortality rates have been evaluated. Forty Mugil capito and seventy-four Oreochromis niloticus were randomly selected from these farms. One pure isolate, including E. coli (n=11), Enterobacter spp. (n=5), Klebsiella spp. (n=5), Salmonella spp. (n=3), Pseudomonas spp. (n=12), Aeromonas spp. (n=2), and Enterococcus spp. (n=13), was recovered from the fish samples. Enterococcus spp., E. coli, and Pseudomonas were predominant in both fish species. Compared with other farms, Farms 4 and 5 presented higher frequencies of Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli infections in clinically affected fish (χ2 = 6.02, p = 0.031). Significant differences were observed between farms (χ2 = 9.37, p = 0.024). These isolates were further identified via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. A water analysis revealed that the phosphate, sulfate, hardness, and chloride levels were above permissible limits on farms 4 and 5. During this study, copper sulfate (CuSO4) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) were applied at 24-hour intervals for seven days, and their effects on bacterial loads, coliform counts, and mortality in morbid Nile tilapia were examined. The pretreatment samples served as a control group. CuSO4 and KMnO4 effectively reduced the bacterial load and mortality rates. Compared with untreated fish, those treated with CuSO4 or KMnO4 had survival rates of 80.0% and 70.2%, respectively.

The study aims to compare effects of local application of liquid magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) and advanced platelet rich fibrin (A-PRF) on healing of the severed superficial digital flexor tendon in dogs (SDFT). The study was conducted on Twenty-seven mature dogs. Their weights ranged between 25-30 kg. while their ages ranged from 18-24 months. The dogs were randomly divided in three groups equally. The first (control group) in which the complete cutting SDFT was sutured without the addition of any adjuvant. In the second group there was a suture of cutting SDFT with the addition of 3ml of Nano-magnesium oxide. In the third group there was a suture of cutting SDFT with the addition of 3ml of advanced platelet rich fibrin. In one group, animals were divided into three subgroups equally that were examined after 15, 30, 45 days of surgery. Evaluated the severity of lameness, adhesion, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the healed tendons were performed after 15,30,45 days of surgery in each group. in comparison to the control, the adhesion degree more than A-PRF and MgO-NPs. The results of histopathological examination of SDFT healing in first group reveled sever infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cell, proliferation of tenocyte deposition of collagen bundle without orientation and angled toward axis of tendon and newly capillary while in second and third groups the result show slightly to moderate respectively. The result of immunohistochemical examination in the first group showed moderate positive collagen reaction, in second group with intense positive collagen reaction, while in third group very slight positive collagen reaction in all periods except in 45 days the third group show intense positive collagen reaction. Therefore, it could be concluded that the MgO-NPs and A-PRF are effective materials for enhancing SDFT healing in dogs but the MgO-NPs group better than the A-PRF group.

This study investigated the morphological and histological characteristics of the os cordis, also known as the heart bone, in domesticated male ruminants that were grown in the local area. These ruminants included camels, buffaloes, bulls, rams, and billy goats. For the purpose of the study, fifty samples of hearts were taken from mature male ruminants. These samples were separated into two categories: morphological and histological. Following the completion of the morphological investigation, it was discovered that the os cordis was a huge bone elongated in shape. Both dextrum and sinistrum of the os cordis, were exhibit or showed in bull and the buffalo. On the other hand, whereas, the buffalo had a dextrum that was more extended and irregular in shape. whereas, the buffalo had a dextrum that was more extended and irregular in shape. Histological examination revealed comparable features among the studied animals. In camels, the spongy bone was surrounded by multiple cavities containing one marrow, fatty connective tissue, blood vessels, and trabeculae. PAS staining demonstrated varying degrees of interaction with bone tissue, with bulls exhibiting strong reaction whereas Camels, buffaloes, and rams showed mild staining. The histochemical examination confirmed these different degrees of interaction. Collagen fibers were present in most examined animals, whereas elastic fibers were consistently observed in all specimens

It is widely established that neuroinflammation can impair cognition and brain histology in diabetes. Substantial evidence showed that fish oil decreases Alzheimer's disease (AD) development but has conflicting effects on diabetes progression. Thus, the study examines how fish oil administration affects hyperglycemia, spatial memory, and hippocampus histology in hyperglycemia-neuroinflammation rats. Male Wistar rats (n=30) were divided into five groups: control rats (NS group), rats given 3 g of fish oil (NS+FO3 group), rats injected with streptozotocin-lipopolysaccharide (STZ-LPS) (STZ-LPS group), rats injected with STZ-LPS and given 1 g/kg of fish oil (STZ-LPS+FO1 group), and rats injected with STZ-LPS and given 3 g/kg of fish oil (STZ-LPS+FO3 group). After six weeks of fish oil treatment, the spatial memory performance of the animals was evaluated using a Y-maze test. Subsequently, a blood sample was collected to quantify the blood glucose concentration, while brain tissue was acquired for histological examination. The finding revealed that fish oil supplementation reduced hyperglycemia. It also showed improved spatial memory performance, as evidenced by the increased number of novel arm entries and time spent. Further, it is proposed that the finding of the Y-maze test had a strong association with the effectiveness of fish oil in preventing cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) alterations. This study found that fish oil supplementation successfully defends neuronal damage in the hippocampus, resulting in improved cognitive performance in an animal model of hyperglycemia-neuroinflammation. Hence, regular administration of fish oil supplements to patients with diabetes is suggested to avoid cognitive impairment.

A disease recorded in Cyprinus carpio during the survey period from September to December, 2024 at the commercial fish earthen pond in Khazir area in Erbil province -Iraq with high mortalities of 75 %. The goal of the study was to isolate and molecular identify the pathogen that causes fish mortality and study the histopathological alteration in the liver and kidney (naturally and experimentally infections). Gram-negative bacteria and urease-positive with Providencia bacteria colony as small, convex, pale in color, and non-fermenting lactose sugar was isolated from MacConkey agar medium. The diseased carp was lethargy with petechial hemorrhage at the basis’s fins. The pathogen species was identified via biochemical responses and amplification 16S rRNA locus by PCR, a novel genome PV101576 and PV101577 were identified in (naturally and experimentally infections) respectively, and phylogenetic analysis reveal its relationship with Providencia alcalifaciens in NCBI database. Experimental infection assays with naturally infection isolate were conducted and pathogenicity by immersion 6×108 CFU/ml was demonstrated in healthy carp fish for seven day. Histopathological analysis reveals proliferative melanomacrophage, infiltration of inflammatory cell with renal and hepatopancreatic steatosis, renal cyst forming with circulatory disturbances. Conclusion of this study investigated that the Providencia-infection may be due to handling practices and ecosystem pollution, and from feces of the human and animal from adjacent fish culture. Therefore, Providencia isolate is regarded as an opportunistic bacterium for carp and lead to histological architecture alteration. This is the first investigation of Providencia that cause infections in carp farms.

Increasing estrogen level beyond the normal limited can be an indicator for a serious health problem which can be the cause of fibrosis or tumor development in the breast tissue. In the current study, we seek to understand the mechanism of estrogen and whether the exposure of estradiol and phytoestrogens together increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Here, we used 32 healthy-adult-female rats. They were randomly divided into four groups. The first group (the control group) and the remaining groups were dosed orally with estradiol (30 micrograms/kg) for twelve weeks and flaxseed oil (0.5 ml) for six weeks. Our study showed a significant increase in the progesterone, estrogen, and their receptors levels within the treated groups. Further, the histological examinations indicate an increase in the number of lobes filled with large numbers of alveoli. On the other hand, the results showed a significant decrease in the DNA methylation pathways of the estrogen receptor alpha gene compared to the control group.Taken together, our data suggested that phytoestrogens have a mechanism of action that mimics the body's internal (endogenous) estrogens, especially in the growth and development of mammary gland tissue. Therefore, adopting a diet rich in plant estrogens for a long period can cause an increase in the level of internal estrogens and disrupt their function.

Probiotics play a vital role in aquaculture by maintaining digestive tract balance, enhancing enzymatic digestion, synthesizing essential biomolecules, increasing nutrient availability, strengthening intestinal function, detoxifying harmful compounds, modulating immune responses, and improving resistance to pathogens in fish farming. Notably, probiotics derived from the gastrointestinal tract of the same host species exhibit higher colonization efficiency and provide greater benefits compared to those from external sources. Thus, this study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the probiotic potential of bacteria obtained from the digestive tracts of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in a rice-fish farming system. The research followed a systematic approach, including bacterial isolation, phenotypic and molecular identification, and an assessment of probiotic properties. A total of 27 bacterial isolates were successfully obtained, and five of which had a capacity to produce digestive enzyme (protease), exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila. Based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences, two isolates were identified as Kurthia gibsonii (99.43% and 100% similarity), one isolate as Bacillus thuringiensis (91.41% similarity), one isolate as Bacillus cereus (85.01% similarity), and the other isolate as Lactococcus lactis (100% similarity). Further analysis confirmed that all isolates were non-pathogenic and susceptible to four antibiotics (Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Chloramphenicol, and Gentamicin). Additionally, all isolates demonstrated high tolerance to variations in pH and temperature. Among the five isolates, L. lactis exhibited the strongest pathogen inhibition and the highest tolerance to environmental fluctuations, suggesting its superior probiotic potential. Overall, these findings indicate that the isolated bacteria, particularly L. lactis, hold promise as probiotic agents and dietary supplements for improving fish health and enhancing aquaculture sustainability.

Endometritis significantly impairs cows' reproductive productivity, yet existing diagnostic practices lack the comprehensive accuracy required for precise diagnosis and pathological staging. This study aimed to evaluate and validate a combined diagnostic model integrating cytology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry to diagnose and categorize the severity of endometritis precisely. Post-mortem endometrial samples (n=76) were collected from slaughtered cows and were subjected to endometrial cytobrush and biopsy sampling. Cytobrush smears were quantified for polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) and classified according to recognized thresholds: mild (≤5%), moderate (>5-15%), and high (>15%). The severity of endometrial inflammation was categorized into mild, acute, and chronic. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to determine the localization and expression patterns of interleukins (IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-10). The moderate threshold of PMNL count revealed a significantly higher rate (51.3%) than the mild and high groups, demonstrating a correlation with the histopathological assessment. Histopathological evaluation identified chronic inflammation as the most prevalent pathological lesion (47.4%). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis supported the diagnostic efficacy of PMNL cut-off values, exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating inflammation severity. Immunohistochemistry revealed differential localization and expression patterns of utilized inflammatory interleukins correlating with endometritis severity. Specifically, elevated expression intensity of IL-8 and IL-1β was consistently associated with severe inflammation, whereas a stronger expression of IL-10 predominated in chronic endometritis. In conclusion, the integration of cytobrush, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy and staging. The differential interleukin expression serves as a promising molecular biomarker, presenting novel insights into the complicated inflammatory dynamics underlying endometritis progression.

Neonatal calf diarrhea represents an essential health challenge for livestock care because of its profound financial loss and extensive death rates among neonatal calves. A purpose of this research was to separate and identify bacterial and viral pathogens, explicitly focusing on the Detection of Salmonella spp. and rotavirus, from diarrheic fecal samples of calves less than three months old. Three hundred diarrheic fecal samples were gathered from different cattle farms throughout Babylon Province in Iraq. The research involved bacterial isolation using various media types, followed by confirmation of the presence of Salmonella spp, through biochemical identification tests by Viyk2. The detection method for rotavirus involved the use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to evaluate the highly conserved VP6 gene. The tested samples revealed that rotavirus infected 5% of the specimens, as confirmed by protein band analysis of the 237 bp VP6 gene fragment through gel electrophoresis. VP6 gene expression levels dropped significantly in positive samples, as determined by quantitative RT-PCR analysis; however, testing revealed different viral loads. The study of VP6 sequences with SNP detection revealed various gene mutations that resulted in both functional and non-functional changes in protein configuration. The biological classification of VP6 sequences produced two genetically divergent clusters, indicating the different evolutionary rates of rotavirus strains, similar to those of Salmonella spp. Isolates successfully succeeded in testing. Molecular and microbiological diagnostic methods prove vital to understand the causes of calf diarrhea. The reduction of enteric infectious burden in calves depends on both persistent surveillance and specific intervention approaches such as vaccination and antimicrobial care practices.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV) are among the most important pathogens affecting dairy cattle, causing significant economic losses worldwide. The present study determined the seroprevalence of IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis) and BLV in dairy herds in Cajamarca, Peru. A total of 464 animals were sampled, and the presence of antibodies against BoHV1 and BLV was determined using commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) kits. Among the sampled animals, the overall seroprevalence was 8.84% (95% CI: 0.5–35.12) for BoHV1 and 7.54% (95% CI: 5.13–9.95) for BLV. The highest BLV seroprevalence was observed in Cajamarca (23.68%), while no positive cases were detected in four provinces. Regarding BoHV1 seroprevalence, it was highest in Cajamarca (26.32%) and Santa Cruz (28.13%), with no cases detected in five of the ten provinces evaluated. This indicates that seroprevalence rates varied among the different provinces studied.. Furthermore, 3.66% (95% CI: 1.95-5.38) of the animals tested positive for both BoHV1 and BLV, indicating that they were infected with both viruses simultaneously. The study found that BoHV1 and BLV infections are widespread in numerous provinces of the Cajamarca region, making it necessary to undertake control programmes to prevent the further spread of those two viruses in bovine.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most important foodborne pathogens. The study aimed to isolate the bacterium from the meat of different animals’ species in Mosul abattoir and to study the phenotypic and genetic characteristics and identify S. aureus during the period from August 26 to November 20, 2024. The results of the characteristics showed that 131/270 bacteria were isolated, with a total isolation rate of 48.5% of all studied meat samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the enterotoxin genes of these bacteria. This technique was applied to 46 random isolates to identify some virulence factors of S. aureus (Sea, Seb, Sec, Sed, See, and Tsst genes). The results yielded positive results for the Sea, Seb, Sec, and Tsst genes with molecular weights of 219, 478, 257, and 559 base pairs, respectively, except for the Sed and See genes, which were not detected in this study. In addition, some isolates carried one or more enterotoxin genes. Molecular analysis (PCR) results confirmed the virulence genes of the S. aureus isolates which are registered later in GenBank. Evolutionary analysis of the genetic similarity between the isolates showed complete similarity to global isolates recorded in the GenBank, indicating that the origin of the isolates represents a diversity of meat sources, possibly coming from different global sources. The results reveal that meat contamination in slaughterhouses results from insufficient knowledge of basic hygiene practices, as well as unsanitary operations in the slaughterhouse, which expose consumers to meat-borne infections and food poisoning.

Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is a common pathogenic protozoan that frequently causes giardiasis, leading to steatorrhea; management of giardiasis is difficult, and the need to find alternative natural products is needed to avoid the adverse effects of chemotherapeutics. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to assess the impacts of M. recutita plant extract in the treatment of experimental giardiasis and evaluate its effect using different parameters of assessment. Mice were classified into: G1 : non-infected, non-managed; G2: infected, non-managed; G3: infected and managed with metronidazole; G4: infected and managed with n-hexane extract of M. recutita at 50 % concentration; G5: infected and treated with n-hexane extract of M. recutita at 100 % concentration; G6: infected and managed with n-butanol extract of M. recutita at 50 % concentration; and G7: infected and managed with n-butanol extract of M. recutita at 100 % concentration. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by parasitological (cyst and trophozoite count), histopathological, immunohistochemical (Caspase-3), histochemical (PAS staining), and oxidative stress markers (SOD and MDA) parameters. The highest therapeutic outcome was achieved with G3 and G5, showing significant reduction with a percentage of 13.6±3.51 and 13.8±1.92, respectively, and an apparent amendment of pathological insults, immunohistochemical staining, and immunological markers. Results of the present research proved that the M. recutita plant extract has a promising therapeutic effect against Giardia lamblia. The plant extract from M. recutita is readily available and helps prevent the negative side effects of chemotherapy medications.

The use of adjuvant therapy can be combined with primary anti-malarial drugs to increase the efficacy and effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs and reduce more severe complications caused by their pathogenicity. This study aims to evaluate the potential of PSP (polysaccharide spirulina) as an adjuvant therapy in the response of TNF-α, IFN-γ and histopathological changes in the liver and spleen of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. This experimental involving forty mices, divided into eight treatment groups: A1: Mice not infected. A2: Mice infected. B1: Mice infected and treated with artemisinin (ART) at a dose of 40 mg/kg BW. B2: Mice infected and treated with PSP at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW. B3, B4 and B5: Mice infected and treated with ART dose 40 mg/kg BW and PSP 400 mg/kg BW, 600 mg/kg BW and 800 mg/kg BW. B6: Mice not infected but treated with PSP (600 mg/kg BW). Mice were infected with 0.2 ml of 1×10⁷ parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) of Plasmodium berghei. Treatments were administered for 10 days. Following this, histopathological changes and immunohistochemical staining were examined to be analysed. These results showed that the uninfected groups (A1 and B6) showed significantly reduced levels of hemozoin, sinusoid congestion, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, and portal inflammation (p < 0.05) compared to the infected groups (A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5). The spleen hemozoin and the diameter of the white pulp in group A1 were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to all other groups (A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6). Expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ in liver and spleen cells was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the negative control group (A1) compared to groups A2, B2, B3, B4, and B5.This study conlcudes that spirulina polysaccharide (PSP) as an adjuvant therapy could enhance the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ in liver and spleen cells infected with Plasmodium berghei. The combination of ART and PSP at an effective dose of 400 mg/kg BW reduced hemozoin accumulation and improved liver and spleen histopathology associated with Plasmodium berghei infection.

The current study was focused on the crop of diamond dove and Indonesian chicken to determine the location, shape, dimensions, blood supply and histological changes occurred during brooding and chick feeding and non-brooding periods to know differences led to the formation of crop milk. Twenty-four sexually mature healthy birds of the two types collected and rose until reach the brooding and feeding period divided into brooding and non-brooding groups, from August 2024 to March 2025. The crop in brooding diamond dove contained two lateral lobes with smooth central lobe, mucosal surface of the lateral lobes displayed irregular folds in female and hexagon-shaped folds in male and was packed with crop milk, while in non-brooding it was membrane-like crop of asymmetrical lobes with smooth inner surface free of folds in both sexes. Whereas Indonesian chicken crop appeared as a semicircular ring, its inner surface had irregularly shaped mucosal folds of club-like shape in brooding and non-brooding birds. Histological results in both diamond dove and Indonesian chicken revealed that crop's wall comprised four tunicae; mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and adventitia. Tunica mucosa contained well-developed mucosal folds covered with stratified squamous keratinized epithelium, that characterized in brooding diamond dove by the increase in: number of cells with peri-nuclear hallow zone that being desquamated and sloughed and undergo fatty changes forming crop milk, and the depth of rete pegs which extending from germinal layer down into lamina propria which was free of glands.

White cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) is being widely studied for its use in animal feed because it's easy to find and affordable while also being nutritious. However, the presence of glucosinolates in cabbage is a concern as they breakdown into thiocyanates suggestive of possible negative impacts, on the thyroid function of animals when they lack sufficient iodine. This study investigates the effects of ethanolic extract of white cabbage on thyroid gland histology, thyroid hormone profile, and TSH in adult male rats. Twenty-one adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups (n=7) over a four-months period. Group of control, G2 received 100 mg/kg of cabbage extract three times weekly, and G3 received the same dose daily. T3, T4, and TSH levels were measured using ELISA. Thyroid tissue sections were stained with H&E, PAS, and Masson’s trichrome to assess morphology by measuring follicular diameter, thyrocyte height, and epithelial cell number per follicle. The current study concludes that persistent consumption of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) extract produces noticeable modifications thyroid morphology and operation.

The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating most of the body's vital functions. Stress factor or infection may affect the Nervous System, which includes both the central and peripheral systems. The aims of this work are to determine the pathological lesions in quail's brain, determine the immune reactivity of GFAP proteins and RT-PCR expression of NF-KB. Fifteen samples of quail brain that showed nervous clinical signs were obtained from the affected farms. The samples were transferred to the laboratory. After the anatomical characterization, sections were cut at a thickness of 4 -5µand routine staining procedures were applied. Immunohistochemistry for GFAP protein was performed according to the company’s protocol and polymerase chain reaction for NF-KB was also performed. Typically, brains histological findings showed Oligodendrocytes infiltration, perivascular cuffing, cellular adaptation, vascular changes, degeneration necrosis and architecture alteration. GFAP immunoreactivity found strong reactions inside cerebral capillary, glial cell, astrocyte, spinal cord and cerebral region. Significant increase in thickening of blood vessels percent at 23.6% and a marked decreased in gliosis percent 10.86% . The RT-PCR for the NF-KB protein showed variable degree of the expression between the all affected samples ,the highest expression was in 1and 2 samples (16.75), interestingly sample 9 and 10 showed the less expression .However the lowest expression was recorded in samples 5and 6 (18.85).The rest of samples represented by 3,4,7and 8 have close expression. We conclude that although the quail is resistant to environmental conditions, it is vulnerable to stress factors or any types of infections that effect on the efficiency of the central nervous system.