Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection has a significant impact on public health. Therefore, this study investigates the occurrence of MRSA isolated from cows with subclinical mastitis in Jordan during the period from January 2021 to December 2023. It is also to compare their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics with those of isolates from their associated human strains. To achieve this objective, milk samples were collected aseptically and cultured on mannitol salt agar and blood agar. The isolates were identified based on colony morphology, biochemical tests, and PCR confirmation targeting the nuc and mecA genes. In addition, molecular-based typing techniques (MLST and spa typing) have been applied and supplemented by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A total of 310 bovine S. aureus isolates were identified, of which 52 (16.8%) were MRSA. Besides that, 49 and 33 MRSA strains were isolated from people related to and unrelated to these animals, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance rates to β-lactams, macrolides, and tetracyclines. Nine distinct spa clusters and 21 different spa types were observed. The most prevalent spa type among the isolates was t386 (38%, n=17). For the first time, two novel spa types were discovered among the isolates examined in this study. The cluster pattern of spa isolates indicates a possible close relationship between human and animal isolates.

Ecological peculiarities in development of exogenous stages of Nematodirus nematodes include some important aspects of their survival and distribution at different abiotic factors. The aim of this work was laboratory study of some biological peculiarities of Nematodirus spathiger exogenous stages (Railliet, 1896) taken from cattle and grown at different temperatures (+20°C, 23°C, 26°C, 29°C and 32°C). The temperature was found significantly affects the period of exogenous development of N. spathiger eggs, both until L3 and on individual stages. Temperature also effects nematodes survival both eggs and hatched L3. At 32°C, the survival rates of eggs and hatched L3 were the highest, with the shortest period of development. At this temperature, L3 hatching was completed by day 10, and their survival was 94.3%. As temperature decreased, the time of L3 exogenous development prolonged, and survival rates were less: at 29°C – 12 days and 91.9%, at 26°C – 18 days and 86.7%, at 23°C – 22 days and 80.0%, at 20°C – 30 days and 56.7%, respectively. During the development of N. spathiger eggs, their length and shell thickness decreased by 10.6 and 22.6%, respectively, and their width increased by 10.5%. In addition, changes in morphometric parameters during L3 maturation were observed, length and percent of filament to STE increased by 7.1 and 7.8%, and body width with and without sheath, and STE length decreased by 40.4%, 37.9%, and 8.8%, respectively.

This study evaluates the effects of supplementing broiler chicken feed with the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009 as a sustainable alternative to prophylactic antibiotics. The focus was on productive performance, gut microbiome composition, and the time to reach slaughter weight. The trial involved 77,200 one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chickens housed on 5 floor pens. Two groups were compared: Control (Basal Diet + antibiotics) and Probiotic (Basal Diet + S. boulardii RC009, without antibiotics). The probiotic was administered from day 0 until the birds reached 3 kg. The Probiotic group showed notable improvements: males reached 10.97% higher slaughter weight and achieved market size two days earlier than controls. Histomorphological analysis indicated preserved intestinal health, with no significant differences between groups. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the probiotic significantly altered the gut microbiota. Although overall microbial diversity slightly decreased, there was a marked enrichment of methanogenic Archaea, particularly Methanobrevibacter and other Methanobacteriales, alongside a reduction in dominant bacterial families such as Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. These findings suggest that supplementation with S. boulardii RC009 improved broiler performance by increasing slaughter weight and reducing time to market. The rise in methanogenic Archaea suggests enhanced redox balance and potential increases in Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) production, contributing to better digestibility and anti-inflammatory effects. These results support S. boulardii RC009 as a viable, sustainable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry farming.

Marek’s disease (MDV) is an essential oncogenic and immunosuppressive disease of chickens, distributed worldwide, mainly affecting all birds at different ages, leading to significant economic losses caused by the Gallid herpesvirus of Alphaherpesvirinae. This study involved the isolation of Marek’s Disease virus-Gallid herpesvirus2, from three clinical specimens (liver, spleen, and feather follicles) collected from layer flocks suspected with MDV for the first time in Iraq. Clinical samples showed hyperplasia, necrosis foci, and hemorrhage on their surface, significant lesions of feather follicle enlargement, and detection of tumor masses occasionally. Chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell cultures were used for virus isolation; prepared samples were inoculated on CEF for two passages. The main cytopathic effects were cell rounding, cell clusters, Syncytia forming, and plaque formation starting 5 days post-inoculation. The isolates were confirmed by a Taqman real-time PCR technique with a specific primer against viral pp38. Additionally, the pathogenesis of isolates and clinical samples was investigated through molecular technique by detecting Marek's virus genome's tandem 132 repeat region. All tested samples give a single amplification band, indicating that the current circulating strains under investigation are of high virulence. This study will support the need for a better understanding of Marek's virus disease in Iraqi poultry farms and enhance its diagnosis to restrict its passive impact on the poultry sector in the country. In summary, this study aimed to isolate Marek’s Disease virus from infected layers’ flocks on cell culture and detect the virulence of these field strains through molecular techniques.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIs) are the most often prescribed medications nowadays. The fact that conventional NSAIs have been shown to produce hepatic and renal damage has limited the intake of these medicines for treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions. Objectives: to study the histopathological changes of liver and kidney induced by chronic use of diclofenac sodium and meloxicam on in sheep model, Material and method: Fifteen mature healthy male sheep were assimilated in the reserch. Sheep were divided at random into 3 groups: Group 1(5 animals): not administered by any drugs. Group 2 (5 animals): administered diclofenac sodium (1mg/kg/day). Group 3 (5 animals): administered meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg/day). On day 125, animals undertook sacrifice, liver and kidneys organs were washed with saline, and fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathological inspection. Results: The Microscopic examination of kidney and liver specimens from normal group express normal usual tissue architectural details, while histopathological analysis of kidney and liver from diclofenac and meloxicam treated animals show renal and hepatic tissues destruction. These alterations were observed systemically and reflected to be a side effects related with these medications. Conclusion: possibilities of amplified hepatic and renal destruction due to an elongated interval use of diclofenac sodium and meloxicam. Although its effective in pain management their damaging effects must be well thought-out during the continual medication.

The pudendal nerve (PDN) plays a crucial role in external urethral sphincter (EUS) innervation, contributing to urinary control and coordinating the action of bladder with the external urethral sphincter. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pudendal nerve neurotmesis, with and without subsequent end-to-end coaptation on external urethral sphincter function and coordination with bladder. Twenty healthy female New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In the control group, pudendal nerve neurotmesis was performed without any subsequent intervention. In the treated group, pudendal nerve neurotmesis was followed by end-to-end nerve coaptation. Clinical evaluation was assessed weekly post-operative (PO) through bladder dairy calculation once per week for a duration of 24 hours, that include: incontinence episodes, daily fluid intake, volume of each void, and periods between each void, to monitor urination patterns and behavioral changes. Cystometry test was performed in 4th and 16th weeks PO that included the following parameters: detrusor pressure (P det), bladder capacity (BC), bladder compliance (BCom), leak point pressure (LPP), and frequency (number of leaks) to measure bladder dynamics and physiological responses. The results revealed high significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between control and treated groups, including alterations in bladder dairy evaluations and in cystometry parameters. The findings support that end-to-end pudendal nerve coaptation facilitates functional nerve regeneration and contributes to the restoration of EUS control.

The present study aimed to use morphometric and genetic characteristics to identify the species of filarioid worms that infest sheep in Mosul city, Iraq. by using microscopic examination (ME) of the blood smears stained with MGG- Quick stain, Modified Knott technique and conventional polymerase chain reaction technique for the diagnosis of disease. From July 2024 to October 2024, three hundred of blood samples Blood samples were drawn randomly from sheep in various regions of Mosul city. The total percentage of microfilaria infection is 56% during investigation by the modified Knott technique. The results of morphological study showed different type of Microfilaria spp. diagnosis depended in shapes and measurement, such as Setaria spp., Onchocerca spp., Dipetalonema spp., Elaeophora spp. The length range (102-600) μm and width range (11-21) μm. also Ultrastructure of microfilaria (Mf) was imaged through scanning electron microscopies, in a high degree of accuracy that is not provided by traditional light microscopes that identity of the most common genera was confirmed through examination using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), which contributed to enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis of Setaria spp. and Onchocerca spp., also Molecular analysis the gene sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis of the microfilaria identified three isolates of Setaria digitata under accession number LC850259.1, PV523263.1 and PV523264.1 as well as two isolates of Filaria latala under accession number, LC850256.1 and LC850257.1, our DNA analysis revealed that the Setaria digitata isolates from Mosul, Iraq showed a close similarity to the Japanese isolates EF196090.1 and EF196088.1, demonstrating a high level of genetic similarity ranging from 54% to 85%. Likewise, the Elaeophora schneideri isolate from Mosul city exhibited strong similarity to the American isolates KT878990.1 and KT878976.1, with similarity values ranging from 85% to 99%. Furthermore, the Filaria latala isolates from Mosul city showed a high degree of global similarity to the French isolate KP760377.1, with a similarity value of 93%. Four different genera of microfilariae were diagnosed based on morphological and morphometric characteristics, while diagnosis of the most common microfilariae genera was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, also were diagnosis of five species of microfilariae larvae was confirmed using molecular technique (PCR).

The poultry sector is a relatively recent yet rapidly growing industry, having been established in the early twentieth century, and it provides a protein source for the human population. Infectious bronchitis virus is the most rife virus in the poultry sector, which causes titanic economic loss with mortality rates reaching up to 90%, resulting from severe nephritis. During IBV infection, TLR3, TLR7 are believed to recognize viral RNA, triggering immune responses that restrict viral replication and dissemination. To protect poultry from IBV, inactivated or live-attenuated vaccines are administered. However, the presence of diverse mutant serotypes poses challenges in vaccine design and efficacy. Our study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of different IBV vaccines by assessing TLR3 gene expression following immunization with either variant or classical IBV vaccine strains. This was achieved through the use of 160 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks divided into four different groups (N=40) and vaccinated with either the variant or classical IBV vaccine or with both at distenic vaccination programs. Then the trachea and kidney were collected 1, 3, 7, 14, 16, and 21 days post-vaccination to assess TLR3 gene expression by using qPCR with specific primers. The results show that all vaccinated groups increased TLR3 gene expression on the third and sixteenth day post-vaccinationthis lead to concluded that the use of variant or classical IBV vaccine strains in broilers causes an increase in TlRgene expression in the kidney and the trachea, and the combination of variant or classical IBV can increase the efficacy of vaccination due to increased TLR3 expression in broilers.

Fasciola species cause a parasitic disease that poses a significant threat to the health and economic productivity of livestock worldwide, including Iraq. The study aimed to investigate fascioliasis and assess its prevalence in cattle slaughtered in Mosul abattoirs from August 2024 to the end of February 2025. Isolated flukes were collected from infected livers for morphological examination and molecular analysis, based on gene amplification, sequencing, and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. Out of 200 liver samples examined, an overall infection rate was 9.5%, which was higher in females with no significant difference at P-value < 0.05. The highest prevalence was observed in cattle over two years of age, with a statistically significant difference at P-value < 0.05. The greatest monthly infection rates were recorded in October and September; differences were not statistically significant difference at P-value < 0.05. Morphological evaluation using carmine staining confirmed the presence of two species: Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica. Moreover, the combined analysis of the 28S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, along with morphological features proved effective in accurately identifying the species using conventional PCR. This approach revealed three specific fragments: 377 bp and 529 bp, indicative of F. gigantica, and 618 bp characteristic of F. hepatica. Molecular analysis showed 98–100% sequence similarity with known Fasciola species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clear genetic differentiation between F. gigantica and F. hepatica and significant genetic diversity within F. gigantica populations, including newly classified Iraqi isolates (PV344638 and PV290745–PV290747). Additionally, two isolates from this study (PV335564 and PV335557) were closely related to known F. hepatica populations.

The regeneration of peripheral nerves, especially the sciatic nerve, remains limited, making clinical management difficult and outcomes of routine surgical techniques often unsatisfactory. Emerging bioactive materials, including Leukocyte–Platelet Rich Fibrin (LPRF) and Nano–Magnesium Oxide (NMO), offer new therapeutic possibilities. The primary objective of this research was to conduct a comparative assessment of the regenerative capabilities of L-PRF and NMO in enhancing both functional recovery and structural repair of hemisected sciatic nerves in dogs. Twenty-seven adult male dogs were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 9): control (untreated), L-PRF, and NMO (treated). Following standardized surgical hemitransection of the sciatic nerve, the bioactive materials were locally applied at the site of incision according to the respective experimental groups. Clinical observations, macroscopic assessments, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis for collagen type IV were performed at 7, 30, and 60 days postoperatively. The NMO group achieved the fastest and most complete limb function recovery, with histology showing enhanced remyelination, organized collagen deposition, and reduced inflammation. Immunohistochemistry indicated early, strong upregulation of collagen type IV, suggesting accelerated matrix remodeling and nerve organization. The LPRF group also improved sciatic nerve regeneration over the control, though to a lesser extent than NMO. This study provides compelling evidence that both NMO and L-PRF significantly enhance peripheral nerve repair compared to the control, with NMO exhibiting the most pronounced improvement in both structural and functional recovery among all groups. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of NMO and L-PRF as adjunctive strategies in peripheral nerve repair.

This study aimed to identify and characterize Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and infesting ruminants in Mosul, Iraq, using both morphological and molecular methods. Tick specimens were collected from multiple locations across Mosul (Thmaarat, Baadush, Hmaydat, Souq Al-Ghanam, Damerji, Damerji Sagheer, Ryhana, Al-mawali, Ihlayla, Al-uboor, Btyasha, Dijlah, Al-Tanak and Zanazel) from 27 buffalo, 39 cattle, 42 sheep, and 24 goats and identified based on standard morphological keys under a stereoscopic dissecting microscope. Key diagnostic features included the lateral angle of the basis capitulum, shape of palp pedicles, cervical field structure, scutum coloration, eye convexity, and genital cleft shape. Molecular identification was performed using PCR targeting the ITS (5.8S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene regions. All tick samples tested positive, and representative amplicons were sequenced (GenBank accession numbers OR534233 for R. annulatus and OR759793 for R. sanguineus). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a 97.80%-100% identity with isolates from Egypt, Cameroon, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Thailand, China, and USA. Both Iraqi isolates clustered within clades of their respective species, confirming their identity and genetic similarity to international strain. These findings provide morphological and molecular confirmation of Rhipicephalus spp. in Mosul and contribute to regional tick surveillance data.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), GnRH, and progesterone administration on day 4 following synchronization on reproductive performance of estrus‐synchronized ewes. In addition, this study aimed to determine the relationship between these hormonal treatments and serum progesterone concentrations. Thirty‐two ewes were synchronized using intravaginal sponges. At sponge withdrawal, 625 IU of (PMSG) pregnant mare serum gonadotropin was administered to each ewe. Ewes were randomly set into four groups of eight. On day 4 post–natural mating, treatment was as follows: Group G1 (control) received normal saline, Group G2 received 500 IU hCG, Group G3 received 0.0042 μg GnRH, and Group G4 received 50 mg progesterone. Pregnancy was diagnosed by a rectal ultrasound probe. On days 0, 12, 22, and 32, blood samples were collected for - ELISA. Results; showed that reproductive performance including estrus response, conception rate, and litter size improved in the ewes treated with progesterone, hCG or GnRH in comparison with control ewes. In the treatment groups, estrus appeared and the conception rate reached 100%, in contrast to 90% in the control group. Moreover, the likelihood of twin births was 4.58 times greater in the hCG group. Progesterone levels increased in all groups on days 12, 22, and 32 post–synchronization. Notably, the hCG treated ewes demonstrated the most pronounced progesterone increases on days 22 and 32, followed by the GnRH and progesterone groups. This study concluded that the applied HCG on day 4th post estrus synchronization stimulated the early formation of corpus luteum and increased reproductive performance, litter size and progesterone levels.

Our study aimed to assess five commonly used fixatives-NBF, Davidson, Ethanol, Carnoy, and Bouin-in conserving epitopes of (CD68, CD24, TMEM119, and Calretinin). Twenty-five rats were housed at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad; five rats of each fixative were included with four organs representing our target IHC-specific marker of liver, intestine, brain, and testes. Using a scoring system based on the number of positively stained cells across 25 fields, antigen conservation is highly fixative- and marker-dependent. For CD68, Ethanol and Carnoy displayed the highest staining intensities, suggesting they are superior for maintaining key cellular markers. In contrast, NBF produced a balanced yet unspectacular spread of scores, while Davidson showed moderate effectiveness and Bouin tended to yield mid-range scores. Regarding CD24, most fixatives resulted low-to-moderate staining; however, Bouin distinctly produced a higher number of strongly stained cases, making it particularly effective for this marker. Regarding TMEM119, NBF and Davidson showed moderate, consistent staining, whereas Ethanol struggled, with many sections scoring low. Carnoy excelled by scoring few low-intensity scores and many high-intensity ones. Bouin’s was a good mid-to-high alternative. NBF was least successful at preserving calretinin, with low-intensity staining. After Davidson balanced the distribution, Ethanol and Carnoy showed high intensity, substantially retained immunoreactivity, whereas Bouin’s lagged. Immunohistochemical analysis should match the desired molecular detail or staining consistency. The study found that Bouin's fixative is best for CD24 detection, even if ethanol and Carnoy suit maintain antigens for other markers. NBF and Davidson excel at targeting markers based on study goals.

This study aims to determine the effect of vaccinated feed using Aeromonas hydrophila GPL-04 on immunity in gourami fish. The study employed an experimental laboratory method, utilizing a completely randomized design with four treatments and three repetition, each with 15 fish. The treatments given were vaccinated feed with doses of T1 (10 mL 100 g-1 feed for 10 days), T2 (10 mL 100 g-1 feed for 15 days), T3 (15 mL 100 g-1 feed for 10 days), and T4 (15 mL 100 g-1 feed for 15 days) and control (T0). The immunity parameters observed were antibody titer, survival rate (SR), relative percent survival (RPS), and mean time to death (MTD). Observations of immunity parameters were conducted on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 by taking blood through the vena cava caudalis. The results showed that administering feed vaccinated to gourami fish for 28 days of the study could significantly increase antibody titer and SR, but not significantly for the RPS and MTD. The optimum dose of vaccinated feed for gourami fish in this study was 15 mL/100 g-1 feed for 15 days of administration (T4).

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is widely found across Asia and Europe. The species is popular for its tolerance to physiological and environmental stresses. Alleles encoding transferrin (Tf) in common carp have been studied for their role in identification of tolerant type and to investigate breeding pattern. However, the data about allelomorphs of common carp Tf from Iraq has been described less frequently. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the frequencies of various Tf alleles in 142 common carp specimens collected from 32 different locations. The allele forms were detected through SDS PAGE and their abundance was correlated with physicochemical parameters of the sampled water. Our results indicated a degree of genetic polymorphism in common carp Tf as presence of C, D, F and G was detected. The allele DD was found to be the most prevalent followed by FF while other alleles were present with reduced frequencies. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed a marked difference from observed values with a high x2 value (251.57; P< 0.001), suggesting that selective forces, population structuring or environmental factors may have influenced Tf genotype distribution within the study population. The low observed heterozygosity than the expected heterozygosity and Shannon diversity index reflected substantial allelic variation. The allelic dominance was also correlated with the water temperature and iron concentration. Hence, population structuring of common carp may be linked more to physicochemical variability than to random mating. The role of Tf in iron metabolism and immune system necessitates further investigations to support aquafarming and to maintain a sustainable supply of animal protein.