Marla Jalene Alves, Fernanda Rodrigues Fonseca, Layssa do Carmo Barroso, Érica Simplício de Souza, Marcelo Derzi Vidal, Ani Beatriz Jackisch-Matsuura, João Vicente Braga de Souza, Salvatore Siciliano
{"title":"Cultivable Fungi from Amazon River Dolphins Engaged in Wildlife Ecotourism in the Anavilhanas National Park, Brazil.","authors":"Marla Jalene Alves, Fernanda Rodrigues Fonseca, Layssa do Carmo Barroso, Érica Simplício de Souza, Marcelo Derzi Vidal, Ani Beatriz Jackisch-Matsuura, João Vicente Braga de Souza, Salvatore Siciliano","doi":"10.1155/2024/1267770","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/1267770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Amazon River dolphins are an important flagship species in the Anavilhanas National Park, Brazil, where they interact with visitors. This study aimed to quantify and identify fungi isolated from dolphin skin and oral samples and their surrounding environment in this unique ecosystem. Samples were collected from three dolphins and water samples from Flutuante dos Botos and the Novo Airão city harbor. Fungi were isolated using culture media and identified through micromorphology assays and ITS region sequencing. Oral swab samples resulted in culture of <i>Trichosporon montevideense</i> and <i>Exophiala dermatitidis</i>. Skin samples from one dolphin revealed <i>Toxicocladosporium irritans</i> and <i>Diaporthe lithocarpus</i>. Water samples exhibited higher fungal counts and diversity, with <i>Rhodotorula mucilaginosa</i>, <i>Exophiala dermatitidis</i>, <i>Penicillium citrinum</i>, <i>Fomitopsis meliae</i>, and <i>Nectria pseudotrichia</i> identified at the collection site and <i>Candida spencermartinsiae</i> and <i>Penicillium chermesinum</i> at the city harbor. This study provides important insights into the fungal diversity associated with Amazon River dolphins and their environment, enhancing our understanding of the public health and ecological dynamics in the Anavilhanas National Park.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"1267770"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11074823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140877482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of <i>Eimeria bovis</i> and <i>Eimeria zuernii</i> in Kacha Bira District, Central Ethiopia.","authors":"Mesfin Mathewos, Habtamu Endale","doi":"10.1155/2024/3145241","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/3145241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Eimeriosis, which is caused by several <i>Eimeria</i> species, is a protozoan disease affecting the cattle worldwide. The current investigation was aimed at ascertaining the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis, evaluation of the involved risk variables, and identification of the several <i>Eimeria</i> species that were prevalent in the Kacha Bira district of central Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional coprological assessment of Bovine coccidiosis and its associated risk factors through a simple random sampling technique was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cumulative prevalence of coccidia was 17.83% (82/460) in the current investigation, with <i>Eimeria bovis</i>, <i>Eimeria zuernii</i>, and mixed infections having a respective prevalence of 7.83%, 3.25%, and 6.74%. From the anticipated risk factors, cattle age and months of the year have revealed a statistically significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) association with the prevalence of eimeriosis in the cattle under investigation. However, there were no statistically significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) relationships between the coccidia infection and the sex and breed of cattle and the season.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>During the study, a high prevalence rate of bovine eimeriosis was recorded. Thus, a further detailed study involving molecular techniques to identify prevailing <i>Eimeria</i> species is paramount to develop and put into effect evidence-based control strategies to tackle the prevalence and subsequent effect of eimeriosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"3145241"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10978082/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140319338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of Lameness in Dairy Cows and Associated Risk Factors at Hawassa Town Dairy Farms, Ethiopia.","authors":"Abebe Tesfaye Gessese, Abayineh Ayele, Mebrie Zemene Kinde, Asefa Asmare","doi":"10.1155/2024/2732333","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/2732333","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lameness is one of the greatest constraints on the productivity, health, and welfare of dairy cattle. A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2021 to September 2021 in Hawassa town with the aim of assessing the prevalence and identifying the associated risk factors of lameness in dairy farms. The study was conducted on 440 animals belonging to 19 randomly selected intensive dairy farms. Data regarding lameness and its possible risk factors were collected both at animal and farm level using a questionnaire. The results showed that the overall prevalence of lameness was 10.2% (<i>n</i> = 45/440). The association of lameness prevalence with various risk factors including milking status, exercise, age, parity, milk yield, and lactation stage was statistically tested using logistic regression model. There was a significant variation in the prevalence of lameness (<i>P</i> < 0.05) between cattle with different milking status, age, parity, milk yield, and stage of lactation by the univariable analysis result. According to the multivariable analysis, only milk yield and lactation stage were statistically associated with the occurrence of lameness. Milking animals (8%) had higher prevalence of lameness than nonmilking (2.2%). The occurrence of lameness increased with milk yield. The highest prevalence of lameness was recorded in the early stage of lactation. Lameness was more frequent in hind limbs (6.6%) than in forelimbs (3.6%). The main causes of lameness observed in this study were both claw overgrowth 10 (2.3%), unequal claw size 10 (2.3%), solar ulcer 8 (1.8%), interdigital necrobacillosis 2 (0.5%), interdigital hyperplasia 2 (0.5%), and digital dermatitis 1 (0.2%). There was no means of early lameness diagnosis in 94.7% of farms. Lameness was found to be an important disease in dairy cows at Hawassa town. Prevention and early diagnosis leading to prompt treatment of lameness in cows should be part of dairy farm management practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"2732333"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10948224/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140159161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Molecular Detection and Isolation of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus during an Outbreak in West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.","authors":"Umer Seid Geletu, Ahmedin Abdurehman Musa, Munera Ahmednur Usmael, Melaku Sombo Keno","doi":"10.1155/2024/9487970","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/9487970","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious viral disease that causes significant economic losses in cattle populations globally. This study aimed to isolate and detect the LSD virus responsible for an outbreak in selected areas (Daaroo Labuu, Hawwii Guddina, and Gumbi Bordede district) of the West Hararghe Zone in Ethiopia between January 2020 and December 2021. Out of the 625 animals examined for the presence of LSD, only 73 animals showed clinical signs, and skin scrapes were collected from these animals for further analysis. Among those, 12 animals (1.9%) succumbed to the disease. Skin biopsy samples from 45 animals displaying clinical signs of LSD were inoculated in Vero cell lines because of limited equipment. After three blind passages, all samples developed cytopathic effects (CPEs). The presence of the LSD virus was confirmed using real-time PCR. Conventional PCR detected LSDV in 47 (64.4%) of the skin scrap samples, while high-resolution melt qPCR detected it in 49 (67.1%) samples. The study revealed a morbidity rate of 11.68%, a mortality rate of 1.92%, and a case fatality rate of 16.44% based on clinical data. The findings suggest that LSD causes significant economic losses, even in vaccinated animals prior to an outbreak. To effectively control and eradicate LSD, the government should develop new strategic policies. Community awareness campaigns are necessary to improve vector control measures and drainage systems. In addition, the present vaccination policy and strategy should be re-evaluated for effectiveness. This study focused on a specific region and timeframe, limiting generalizability. Factors such as environmental conditions and management practices were not extensively explored. Similar studies should be conducted in different regions to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of LSDV. The effectiveness of control measures and vaccination strategies should be investigated. The impact of environmental factors and management practices on LSD transmission and disease severity warrants further exploration. This study provides insights into the detection and isolation of the LSD virus during an outbreak in the West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. The results highlight the need for continued surveillance and monitoring of emerging infectious diseases in the region. Furthermore, the importance of using molecular methods for detecting and characterizing viral outbreaks in livestock populations is emphasized.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"9487970"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10919987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140060658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Radiological Anatomy of the Pelvis and Pelvic Limb of the Greater Cane Rat (<i>Thryonomys swinderianus</i>).","authors":"Faraja H Mpagike, Modesta Makungu","doi":"10.1155/2024/5998717","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/5998717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Greater cane rats (<i>Thryonomys swinderianus</i>) are now being captive reared and domesticated in the sub-Saharan Africa because of increase in their demand for biomedical research and traditional medicine and as a source of meat. This research was performed to provide the normal radiological anatomy of the pelvis and pelvic limb in greater cane rats for a reference in biomedical research, in anatomical studies, and in clinical use. Radiological examination of the pelvis and right pelvic limb was done in five greater cane rats. Radiological results were correlated with bones of the pelvis and right pelvic limb. The pelvic bone had a prominent caudoventral iliac spine. The pelvic symphysis was long and obturator foramina appeared teardrop-shaped elongated craniocaudally. The prominent major trochanter extended proximally higher than the femoral head. The middle third of the body of the tibia presented a very prominent tuberosity. In all specimens, the tarsal sesamoid bone was visualised. Mineralised popliteal sesamoid bone was not visualised. In male greater cane rats, the os penis was visualised. The lateral and medial menisci of the stifle joint were seen with ossicles. The first metatarsal bone was rudimentary with greater plantar divergence. Despite of the pelvic limb and pelvis of greater cane rats sharing anatomical structures with other rodents, it retains some exceptional anatomical features. Findings of this study will serve as a reference for anatomical studies, clinical veterinary practice, and in biomedical research.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"5998717"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10901570/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139991290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Majid A Alkhilani, Omar Tariq Hammoodi, Hasanain Abduljabbar Emran, Wissam Abdullah Alhayani
{"title":"Impact of Using Processed Urinary Bladder Submucosa and Hydrogel Fabricated from Tendon on Skin Healing Process in Rabbits.","authors":"Majid A Alkhilani, Omar Tariq Hammoodi, Hasanain Abduljabbar Emran, Wissam Abdullah Alhayani","doi":"10.1155/2024/6641975","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/6641975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study was intended to evaluate the healing of skin injury by using decellularized urinary bladder submucosa scaffolds and tendon-derived hydrogel. Thirty-six adult local breeds of both sex rabbits, with an average weight of 2.0-2.5 kg, were divided randomly into three groups (12 animals for each group). All groups were subjected to an induced injury (2 cm) in diameter at the right side of the abdominal skin, the rabbits of the 1st group (A) were sutured without the application of any substance as a control group, the rabbits of the 2nd group (B) were sutured and treated with the application of decellularized urinary bladder submucosa scaffolds, and in the 3rd group (C), they were sutured and treated with the application of tendon-derived hydrogel. Postoperative care following had been done for all groups throughout the study period. Specimens from the injured skin were taken for the histopathological study on the postinjury day, 8th, 14th, 21st, and 24th. The study showed a clear effect of materials used in the treatment of wounds through a clear progression in the healing stages with a noticed superiority of the submucosa scaffold group.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"6641975"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10864048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139730623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiao Wang, Jian Yang, Jie Xue, Miao Zhang, Fan Zhang, Kun Wang, Yanqin Li, Yuanpei Zhang, Xiaoping Wu, Feng Wang, Xiuxin Zhao, Junqing Ni, Yabin Ma, Rongling Li, Lingling Wang, Guosheng Su, Yundong Gao, Jianbin Li
{"title":"Genetic Parameters of Semen Traits and Their Correlations with Conformation Traits in Chinese Holstein Bulls.","authors":"Xiao Wang, Jian Yang, Jie Xue, Miao Zhang, Fan Zhang, Kun Wang, Yanqin Li, Yuanpei Zhang, Xiaoping Wu, Feng Wang, Xiuxin Zhao, Junqing Ni, Yabin Ma, Rongling Li, Lingling Wang, Guosheng Su, Yundong Gao, Jianbin Li","doi":"10.1155/2024/5593703","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/5593703","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The elite bull plays an extremely important role in the genetic progression of the dairy cow population. The previous results indicated the potential positive relationship of large scrotal circumference (SC) with improved semen volume, concentration, and motility. In order to improve bull's semen quantity and quality by selection, it is necessary to estimate the genetic parameters of semen traits and their correlations with other conformation traits such as SC that could be used for an indirect selection. In this study, the genetic parameters of seven semen traits (<i>n</i> = 66,260) and nine conformation traits (<i>n</i> = 3,642) of Holstein bulls (<i>n</i> = 453) were estimated by using the bivariate repeatability animal model with the average information-restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) approach. The results showed that the estimated heritabilities of semen traits ranged from 0.06 (total number of motile sperm, TNMS) to 0.37 (percentage of abnormal sperm, PAS) and conformation traits ranged from 0.23 (pin width, PW) to 0.69 (hip height, HH). The highest genetic correlations were found between semen volume per ejaculation (SVPE), semen concentration per ejaculation (SCPE), total number of sperm (TNS), and TNMS traits that were 0.97, 0.98, 1.00, and 0.99, respectively. Phenotypic correlations between SC and SVPE, SCPE, TNS, and TNMS were 0.35, 0.35, 0.48, and 0.42, respectively. In summary, the moderate or high heritability of semen traits indicates that genetic improvement of semen quality by selection is feasible, where SC could be a useful trait for indirect selection or as correlated information to improve semen quantity and production in the practical bull breeding programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"5593703"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10843862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139693067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María Paula Herrera-Sánchez, Roy Rodríguez-Hernández, Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán
{"title":"Stress-Related Gene Expression in Liver Tissues from Laying Hens Housed in Conventional Cage and Cage-Free Systems in the Tropics.","authors":"María Paula Herrera-Sánchez, Roy Rodríguez-Hernández, Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán","doi":"10.1155/2024/4107326","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/4107326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Global egg production is mainly based on cage systems, which have been associated with negative effects on the welfare of birds. Stress factors in restrictive production systems can lead to changes in gene transcription and protein synthesis, ultimately impacting the quality of poultry products. The liver serves various metabolic functions, such as glycogen storage, and plays a crucial role in animals' adaptation to environmental changes. Consequently, both internal and external conditions can influence liver functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of <i>AGP</i>, <i>CRP</i>, <i>NOX4</i>, <i>SOD1</i>, <i>CAT</i>, <i>GPX1</i>, <i>SREBF1</i>, and <i>FXR</i> in the liver of laying hens under two different production systems. Liver tissues from Hy-Line Brown hens housed in conventional cage and cage-free egg production systems at 60 and 80 weeks of production were used. mRNA transcript levels were determined by qPCR using the relative quantification method and <i>ACTB</i> as the reference gene. <i>AGP</i>, <i>SOD1</i>, and <i>SREBF1</i> gene expressions were significantly higher in the conventional cage group at the 60 weeks of production. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of transcripts related to oxidative stress and lipid metabolism were higher in the group of laying hens housed in conventional cages compared to those in cage-free systems. These results suggest differential gene expression of genes related to oxidative stress in liver tissues from hens housed in conventional cages compared to cage-free systems. The conditions of the egg production system can impact the gene expression of oxidative stress and lipid synthesis genes, potentially leading to changes in the metabolism and performance of hens, including egg quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"2024 ","pages":"4107326"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10799707/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139511957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biting Flies and Associated Pathogens in Camels in Amibara District of Afar Region, Ethiopia","authors":"Adugna Chalchisa, B. Kumsa, Fekadu Gutema Wegi","doi":"10.1155/2024/5407898","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5407898","url":null,"abstract":"Biting flies and associated pathogens are the major health constraints on camel production and productivity and are implicated in causing significant economic losses in the pastoralist community in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of biting flies and their associated pathogens in relation to different risk factors in camels in the Amibara district, from October 2019 to April 2020. A total of 480 camels were examined for biting flies and associated pathogens. The study revealed that overall, 87% (418/480) and 18% (87/480) of camels were infested by one or more biting flies and infected with Trypanosoma evansi during the study period, respectively. The collected biting flies were identified into a total of 3 genera: Hippobosca, Stomoxys, and Tabanus under the stereomicroscope. In the present study, Hippobosca (40.4%) was the most prevalent biting fly, followed by Stomoxys (31%) and Tabanus (28.6%), which affected camels in the study area. Among camels infected with Trypanosoma evansi, 7.3% and 16% were positive for parasitological and serological tests, respectively. Age, body condition score, and season appeared to have a significant effect (p≤0.005) on the prevalence of biting flies and T. evansi on dromedaries. According to the findings of this study, biting flies and Trypanosoma evansi were the most common limitations on camel health, production, and productivity in the study area. As a result of the possible threat of biting flies’ infestation and Trypanosoma evansi on camels, all-around attention is required in terms of strategic acaricide application, proper antiprotozoal drug use, and raising knowledge about acaricide use to prevent and control biting flies’ infestation.","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139441696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seth Offei Addo, Ronald Essah Bentil, Bernice Olivia Ama Baako, Jane Ansah-Owusu, Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah, E. Behene, V. Asoala, James C. Dunford, John Asiedu Larbi, Philip Kweku Baidoo, Michael David Wilson, J. Diclaro, S. Dadzie
{"title":"Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Tick Infestations in Kassena-Nankana Livestock","authors":"Seth Offei Addo, Ronald Essah Bentil, Bernice Olivia Ama Baako, Jane Ansah-Owusu, Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah, E. Behene, V. Asoala, James C. Dunford, John Asiedu Larbi, Philip Kweku Baidoo, Michael David Wilson, J. Diclaro, S. Dadzie","doi":"10.1155/2024/8889907","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8889907","url":null,"abstract":"The ability of ticks to adapt to different ecological zones, coupled with the spread of infectious pathogens negatively affects livestock production and thus, there is a need for better control strategies. However, control measures within a geographical region can only be effective if there is available information on tick population dynamics and ecology. This study focused on ticks infesting livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The ticks were morphologically identified, variables such as season, animal host, and predilection sites were recorded, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Out of 448 livestock examined, tick infestation in cattle was (78.60%), followed by sheep (25%) and goats (5.88%). A total of 1,550 ticks including nymphs (303) and adults (1,247) were collected. Adult ticks were found to be significantly associated with season (p<0.001), with a high burden in the wet season. The nymph burden and body parts of livestock hosts were significantly associated with more nymphs collected from male animals than females (p<0.001). Three genera of ticks, Amblyomma (62.97%), Hyalomma (18.71%), and Rhipicephalus (18.32%) were morphologically identified with the most predominant tick species recorded as Amblyomma variegatum (62.97%). Matured A. variegatum was sampled primarily in the wet season with their predilection site as the udder/scrotum (p<0.001). However, adult Hyalomma truncatum was observed to have a significant association with the anal region (p<0.001). Findings from this study are essential for formulating tick control measures to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens.","PeriodicalId":23503,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine International","volume":"27 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139444115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}