Dermanyssus gallinae in layer farms in Kosovo: a high risk for salmonella prevalence

Background The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae (D.g.) is a serious ectoparasitic pest of poultry and potential pathogen vector. The prevalence of D. g. and the prevalence of Salmonella spp. within mites on infested laying poultry farms were investigated in Kosovo. Findings In total, 14 populated layer farms located in the Southern Kosovo were assessed for D. g. presence. Another two farms in this region were investigated 6 months after depopulation. Investigated flocks were all maintained in cages, a common housing system in Kosovo. A total of eight farms were found to be infested with D. g. (50%) at varying levels, including the two depopulated farms. The detection of Salmonella spp. from D. g. was carried out using PCR. Out of the eight layer farms infested with D. g., Salmonella spp. was present in mites on three farms (37.5%). Conclusions This study confirms the high prevalence of D. g. in layer flocks in Kosovo and demonstrates the link between this mite and the presence of Salmonella spp. on infested farms

Livestock Animal Hair as an Indicator of Environmental Heavy Metals Pollution in Central Albania

: Trace elements, which may have harmful health effects, are present in the environment at varying concentrations. In Albania, data on exposure risks are limited. This study aimed to assess and compare the concentrations of various trace elements (aluminum, arsenic, boron, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc) in the hair of cattle and sheep raised in Central Albania (Tirana and Elbasan Counties). Hair samples were collected from 25 cattle and 25 sheep per county and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Zinc concentrations were significantly higher in cattle than in sheep (p = 0.029), while no differences were observed between counties (p > 0.05), indicating similar environmental conditions. Copper (17.84, 95%CI: 13.63-16.34 and 15.84, 95%CI: 14.00-17.69 mg/kg in cattle, and 15.58, 95%CI: 13.61-17.56 and 14.14, 95%CI: 12.07-16.20 mg/kg in sheep, in Elbasan and Tirana County, respectively), arsenic (2.08, 95%CI: 1.45-1.21 and 1.51, 95%CI: 1.19-1.81 mg/kg in cattle, 1.73, 95%CI: 1.38-2.07 and 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02-1.75 mg/kg in sheep, in Elbasan and Tirana County, respectively), and cadmium (2.36, 95%CI: 1.63-2.07 and 2.00, 95%CI: 1.68-2.32 mg/kg in cattle, 2.00, 95%CI: 1.59-2.40 and 1.71, 95%CI: 1.39-2.02 mg/kg in sheep, in Elbasan and Tirana County, respectively) concentrations exceeded the values reported in the literature, likely due to contamination from local mining and metal processing activities. Further research is needed to determine the sources of contamination and assess potential risks to animal and human health

In Vitro Effects of Lipopolysaccharide on Rabbit Sperm: Toll-like Receptor 4 Expression, Motility, and Oxidative Status

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation impairs sperm function; however, its impact on ejaculated rabbit sperm remains unexplored. This dose-response study aims to determine the LPS concentration that negatively affects sperm motility in vitro, while also providing the first identification of TLR4 localization on rabbit spermatozoa. Additionally, it evaluates malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in seminal plasma as an indicator of oxidative stress. Sperm motility was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) after incubation with increasing LPS concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 μg/mL) at multiple time points (0, 1, 2, and 4 h). LPS doses ≥ 400 μg/mL significantly reduced progressive and non-progressive motility, as well as curvilinear velocity (all p < 0.001), while increasing the proportion of static spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified 300 μg/mL as the threshold dose for motility decline. Immunofluorescence revealed TLR4 localization in the midpiece of sperm tails, with weak labeling in control samples and a marked increase after 4 h of incubation with 400 μg/mL LPS. MDA levels were assessed using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay with a colorimetric kit, showing no significant effect of LPS treatment. No correlation was found between MDA and other semen parameters. ccThese findings identify TLR4 on rabbit sperm for the first time and establish a threshold LPS dose for future in vitro studies

OCCURENCE OF SPASMODIC/IDIOPATHIC COLIC AND POSSIBLE RISK FACTORS IN HORSES IN ALBANIA

Colic in horses are the most acute problems faced by veterinarians and some predisposing factors are associated with them. One year study estimated the frequency and the risk factors that affect the occurrence of colic in the horse population in the region of Tirana. Details of 64 colic episodes, collected prospectively, were analyzed for a period from March - December 2015 The number of spasmodic/idiopathic colic cases in the 2-10-year-old group and the number of surgical colic in older than 10-year-old group were significantly greater than <2 years-old age group. Horses aged 2 to 10 years had a higher risk of occurrence of disease (P<0.05). 21.8% of the colic episodes were due to change of husbandry conditions, 9.3% by frequent changing of weather condition, 9.3% related to work or transport in agriculture, 3.1% from sweet/high carbohydrate diet (fruit). Nutritional causes and lack of anthelmintic control programs are important risk factors for development of colic. Types of grass and hay and poor-quality roughage are suspected causes. Little information is available about specific types of food or the measurement of specific nutrients in the food, such as minerals or fiber that cause colic in horses in Tirana Rural Areas. A greater understanding of the factors involved in the development of spasmodic/idiopathic colic episodes would be a great advancement in equine welfare in the region of Tirana

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF ENDOPARASITES OF EQUINES IN ALBANIA

<p>The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of parasites in equines in Albania, where there is still a considerable number of working equines, particularly the donkeys. A total of 336 (68 horses, 190 donkeys and 78 mules) faecal samples were tested using standard coprological methods. The results showed that an average of about 47.8% of animals used to obtain faecal samples, were infected with one or more parasitic elements. In particular, amongst the examined equines, 60.3% of the horses, 44.2% of the donkeys and 46.2% of the mules were infected. Strongylus spp. was found in 47.3%, Anoplocephala spp. in 3.8%, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi in 7.6% and Parascaris equorum in 1.9% of the animals. Strongyles were significantly more prevalent between October and December compared to the rest of the year. Examination of larval cultures according to geographical distribution, showed that 41%, 43% and 44% of individuals were found positive for small strongyles. A total of 11 (8.9), 15 (16.9) and 19 (15.3) individuals according to above geographical distribution were found infected with Strongylus vulgaris.</p><p>Key words: equine, epidemiology, strongyles, blood parasites, serology</p

EFFECTS OF ATROPINE SULPHATE PRIOR TO USAGE OF PRE ANESTHETIC AND ANESTHETICS IN DOGS

In this study two protocols of anesthesia in dogs using different medicament combinations were compared for their efficiency and side effects in dogs. For this purpose dogs of different ages, races, and weight delivered for curing purposes have been involved in this study. In the first group of dogs the anaesthesia protocol comprising of xylazine as sedative substance, acepromazine as tranqulizier, ketamine as narcotic medicament IM (Intramusculuar) wereadministered, and in control group prior to application of xylazine, acepromazine, ketamine IM the atropine sulphate was administered. The goal of different combinations of medicaments with tranquilizing, sedative, narcotic and anticholinergic effect was the evaluation for better combination with fewer side effects for narcosis in ambulatory conditions. In first group, effect of mixture acepromazine + xylazine is reached after 51,3 minutes after I/M injection, meanwhile the speed of anaesthetic induction with additional application of ketamine is reached after 3 1,6 min after injection. In the second group as control group the administration of atropine sulphate 10 minutes prior injection of mixture acepromazine + xylazine and ketamine reaches the mixture effect after 41,2 minutes from last injection I/M. Meanwhile the speed of anaesthetic induction in second group with additional application of ketamine is reached after 3 1,1 minutes after injection. The combinations studied here revealed satisfactory results, assuring good anesthesia, less side effects and easy to perform in ambulatory conditions

Field efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto® chewable tablets) for preventing Babesia canis infection transmitted by Dermacentor reticulatus ticks to dogs

Abstract Background The isoxazoline fluralaner is effective for prevention of Babesia canis transmission from infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks to dogs for 84 days in a controlled environment. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of fluralaner chewable tablets for sustained prevention of B. canis infection of dogs in endemic areas under natural conditions. Methods In Europe, privately owned, clinically healthy pet dogs were enrolled and randomized either to receive fluralaner at 25–56 mg/kg (Bravecto® chewable tablets) on days 0 and 84, or to remain untreated during the D. reticulatus season. Blood samples were collected to evaluate B. canis exposure: on days 0 and 21 (exposure before day 0), during the study and at the end of the tick season (dogs suspected of having become infected after day 0). Efficacy was determined by the percentage reduction in B. canis transmission risk based on the difference in B. canis-positive tests in fluralaner-treated dogs compared with untreated dogs. In addition, ticks collected at monthly intervals throughout the study were identified to species level and females tested for B. canis DNA. Results A total of 152 dogs were enrolled in the study, although nine dogs were excluded because they tested positive for B. canis DNA or antibodies within 21 days after enrollment. During the study period, no fluralaner-treated dog became positive for B. canis, resulting in calculated efficacy of 100%. However, babesiosis infection was diagnosed in five untreated control dogs (Fisher’s exact test, left-sided, P = 0.0312). Tick analyses revealed that one sample collected in Hungary was infected with B. canis. Conclusion Oral administration of Bravecto chewable tablets at the recommended dosage to dogs completely prevented B. canis transmission under field conditions in an endemic area for 12 weeks. Graphical Abstrac