Prevalence, genetic characteristics and economic losses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMD) in global and Bangladesh context: A Review

Foot and Mouth disease virus (FMD) is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) affecting global cloven-hooved wild and domesticated animals. It is recognized as a significant economic infectious disease in the livestock business. Domesticated animals such as goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and buffalo are vulnerable hosts for FMD. This RNA virus is classified as a member of the Aphthovirus genus in the Picornaviridae family. It encompasses around 60 subtypes and is divided into seven serotypes: C, O, A, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1. There is no cross-protection across different serotypes, and occasionally, the effectiveness of vaccination may be restricted, even when targeting the same serotype. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and classify the viruses currently in circulation, mainly when vaccination is employed for disease management. Hence, it is necessary to administer multivalent vaccines with genetically matching vaccines in circulation to ensure adequate protection through immunization. Bangladesh has a high cattle population, and FMD leads to significant economic losses for farmers. Serotypes A, O, and Asia 1 are circulating in Bangladesh. The most common serotype is O, although Bangladesh has reported multiple serotype infections. Strategic vaccination, immunity screening, and outbreak surveillance are being examined for FMD management in Bangladesh. This review analyses FMD epidemiology, genetics, diagnostics, economic impacts, and prevention-control efforts worldwide, emphasizing Bangladesh. Finally, the study recommends FMD management advice for endemic settings

The sixth generation of three native chickens: expected response, mortality, body weight, and productivity

The study aimed to assess the performance of three native chicken genotypes over six generations under intensive management. A total of 1488 day-old chicks (Naked Neck, NN-316; Hilly, HI-535; and Non-descript Deshi, ND-637) were used to produce the sixth generation (G6). Adult birds were individually housed with feeders and drinkers. Concentrate feed containing 20.06 % CP and 2908 Kcal ME/kg DM; 18.13 % CP and 2904 Kcal ME/kg DM and 16.33 % CP and 2845 Kcal ME/kg DM, were fed twice daily in the morning and evening to the birds during the brooding, growing and laying periods, respectively. Significant differences in body weight at 8th week was observed, with HI genotype having the highest weight (705.76g). NN genotype had slightly higher chick mortality (3.79 %) compared to ND (3.13 %) and HI (2.80 %) between 0–8 weeks. Age at first egg was affected by genotype, with ND, HI, and NN laying at 148.84, 152.39, and 153.24 days, respectively. Fertility was also influenced by genotype, with the highest hatchability in ND (88.98 %), intermediate in HI (83.72 %), and lowest in NN (79.99 %). In conclusion, HI genotype is recommended for meat production, while NN genotype is suitable for egg production. Continued selection of indigenous chicken lines is advised for further improvement

Compared the effect of indirect ELISA and serum plate agglutination (SPA) test for the detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chicken

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a highly economical and persistent threat of poultry industry in Bangladesh. Indirect ELISA (iELISA) and Serum plate agglutination test (SPA) is available serological test for diagnosis of MG antibodies. The aim of this research was conducted on the basis of comparison on diagnosis results between iELISA and SPA test for MG antibody in same sample in layer chicken. Total 563 serum samples were collected and tested for MG antibody by both iELISA and SPA test. Out of 563 samples 363 (64.48%) samples were positive by iELISA and 316 (56.13%) samples were positive in SPA test. The higher incidence of MG antibody was found in chicken at 50-56 weeks and flock size was 3000-4200 as 69.63% by iELISA and 61.21% by SPA and in Sonali breeds 69.08% by iELISA and 60.64% by SPA. The results showed the comparatively higher number of positive results in iELISA test than SPA test. So the findings of the study demonstrated that a significant (p<0.05) difference between iELISA and SPA test present. The study may helpful for screening the flock for MG and small-holding farmers may use SPA test rather than iELISA test due to rapid, easy and cost effective

Evaluation of performances and selection response of three indigenous chicken genotypes at seventh-generation

The present study was conducted to assessed the performances of three native chicken genotypes under intensive management. A total of 1042 day-old chicks comprising of 3 types of chicken, namely Naked Neck (NN-381), Hilly (HI-313), and Non-descript Deshi (ND-348), were Hatched for this study. The seventh generation, selection was practiced at 40 weeks of age according to 40-week body weight (BW), egg production (EP) up to 40-week, egg weight (EW) at 40 weeks, and age at maturity (ASM). The data were analyzed in a CRD. Day-old chick weight was significantly (P < 0.001) highest in HI (32.52 ± 0.32 g). Significant (P < 0.001) body weight differences among the genotypes were observed at the 12th week of age. Genotype had a significant effect on chick mortality. The average age at the first egg of ND 145.54days was 8.81 days earlier than that of HI 154.35days. Hatchability on fertile eggs differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the genotypes. The percentage of dead germ was affected (P < 0.001) by genotype. Feed consumption from 9 to 16 weeks showed a significant (P < 0.001) variation in feed intake among the native chicken genotypes. EP of ND, HI, and NN birds were expected to increase by 0.875, 1.585, and 0.255 %, respectively. The EW of ND, HI, and NN birds were expected to increase by 0.205, 0.250, and 0.015g, respectively. Responses to selection for EP and EW for three genotypes (ND, HI, and NN) were expected to be positive (increase). It is concluded that the Hilly genotype may be chosen for meat production and the Non-descript Deshi genotype for egg production

Seasonal variation of semen quality among the three genotypes of native chicken

The study, conducted at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, aimed to assess semen quality and characteristics in three types of indigenous cocks and explore seasonal variations. Ninety bird samples from three genotypes, namely non-descript Deshi (ND), Hilly (HI), and Naked Neck (NN), were used in this research. A total of 548 semen samples were collected to evaluate the color, volume, consistency, and transparency of semen in different seasons. Semen collection was performed using an abdominal massage technique, and volume was measured with a tuberculin syringe. For determining microscopic physical and morphological characteristics, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) software was used. Results showed that among three types of indigenous cocks, semen quality differed (p 0.05). The sperm concentration was higher in NN compared to ND and HI. The percentages of static, bent tail, coiled tail, DMR, distal droplet, and proximal droplet were comparatively higher in the HI and NN genotypes. The color, consistency, and volume of semen were affected by genotype and season

Detection of emerging novel sublineage Ind2001BD1 and lineage PanAsia of Foot-and mouth disease virus serotype O in cattle in Manikgonj district of Bangladesh, 2018

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an endemic disease of clove hoofed animals in Bangladesh and multiple outbreaks occurred every year caused by FMD virus (FMDV). Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to molecular characterization of VP1 coding region of FMDV serotype O outbreak in cattle. Methods: A total of 4 tongue epithelial specimens were collected from clinically FMD positive cattle during June 2018 in Manikgonj district of Bangladesh. Results: All four isolates were recorded positive for FMDV serotype O. The phylogenetic analysis showed that two isolates were clustered within an emerging novel sublineage Ind2001BD1 under lineage Ind2001 of FMDV serotype O, which was identified during 2012-2016 in Bangladesh. One isolate was clustered within lineage PanAsia of FMDV serotype O and closely related with isolate identified in Nepal in 2009. The phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that all four isolates belong to the Middle East–South Asia (ME–SA) topotype. Conclusion: Therefore, multiple lineages of FMDV serotype O are circulating in cattle in the outbreak area that makes it more complex for the FMD control program in Bangladesh. A comprehensive study on the genetic characteristics of FMDV over the country is required for effective FMD prevention and control strategy

Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum antibody by ELISA and serum plate agglutination test of laying chicken

Aim: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is important avian pathogen responsible for chronic respiratory disease of chicken and turkeys, which result in large economic loss for the poultry industry. The objectives of this study were determination of seroprevalence of MG antibody of commercial layer chicken at laying period in selected areas of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 563 blood samples were collected randomly from selected commercial layer chickens at laying period during the period from July to December, 2013. Indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and serum plate agglutination (SPA) test were performed to detect the presence of antibodies against MG. Results: Of 563 samples, 64.47% and 56.13% showed an overall prevalence of MG antibodies in iELISA and SPA test respectively. Prevalence of MG was recorded the highest (69.63%) at 50-55 weeks of age compared with lowest (53.26%) at 56-61 weeks of age (p<0.05). Significant (p<0.05) effect of breed were observed in the seroprevalence of MG infection in layer birds in the present study. The overall, 68.77%, 63.74% and 59.37% prevalence were found respectively in sonali, ISA Brown and White leg horn. The prevalence of MG antibodies was the highest (70.13%) in December followed by November (68%), October (65.67%), August (63.46%), September (58.54%) and July (51.78%) month. The seroprevalence of MG antibodies was higher (69.63%) in most of the large flocks and lower (56.82%) in small flocks. Conclusion: Therefore, might be suggested that the commercial layer farms should be routinely checked to monitor MG infection and the reactor birds should be culled since MG organism has the potential to transmit vertically. The correlation between MG antibody in month and flock size was not significant (p=0.359 and p=0.868, respectively)

Prevalence and Risk factors of Newcastle Disease in Chickens of Live Bird Markets, Commercial Poultry Farms and Backyard in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of ND in poultry in selected areas of Bangladesh. A total of 77 pooled oropharyngeal swab samples were randomly collected from live bird markets (LBM), backyard chickens, and commercial poultry farms around Savar, Tangail, and Gazipur. The risk factor data were collected using farmer’s interviews and close observation. All swab samples were subjected to RNA extraction followed by qRT-PCR with reference primers and probe to detect NDV. Overall, 28.58% samples were detected NDV positive with highest in backyard chickens 40% (OR:2.16; 95%CI:0.65-7.15) and lowest (23.53%) in commercial farms chickens. NDV prevalence was found highest (41.67%) in Gazipur and minimum (20%) in Tangail. Chickens that consume hand-mixed feed were found more susceptible to develop NVD (OR:12.28; 95%CI:1.26-25.6; n=5) compared with commercial and scavenging types of chicken feed. Educationally qualified people were found more successful to prevent the breakout of ND and chickens reared on floor were significantly prone to NDV than chickens reared in the cage. The odd ratio of NDV infection was 3.27 in dead chickens thrown away vs buried and OR:4.75 when sold sick chickens vs eat and medication. These findings suggest that NDV infections are prevailing in the chickens and may appear as a potential threat to the poultry industry. Extensive surveillance and strict farm biosecurity practices along with proper vaccination are recommended to prevent NDV.

Impact of global climate change on livestock health: Bangladesh perspective

The global carbon emission rate, due to energy-driven consumption of fossil fuels and anthropogenic activities, is higher than at any point in mankind history, disrupting the global carbon cycle and contributing to a major cause of warming of the planet with air and ocean temperatures is rising dangerously over the last century. Climate change presents challenges both direct and indirect for livestock production and health. With more frequent extreme weather events including increased temperatures, livestock health is greatly affected by resulting heat stress, metabolic disorder, oxidative stress and immune suppression resulting in an increased propensity for disease incidence and death. Indirect health effects relate to multiplication and distribution of parasites, reproduction, virulence and transmission of infectious pathogens and/or their vectors. Managing the growing crossbreeding livestock industry in Bangladesh is also at the coalface for the emerging impacts of climate change, with unknown consequences for the incidence of emerging and re-emerging diseases. Bangladesh is now one of the most vulnerable nations to global climate change. The livestock sector is considered a major part of food security for Bangladesh, alongside agriculture, and with one of the world’s largest growing economies the impacts are exaggerated with this disaster. There has been no direct study conducted on the impact of climate change on livestock health and the diseases in Bangladesh. This review looks to explore the linkage between climate change and livestock health and providing some guidelines to combat the impact on livestock from the Bangladesh perspective

First report of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Bangladeshi goats: Seroprevalence, risk factors and molecular detection from lung samples

Background and objective: Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious mycoplasmal respiratory disease primarily affecting goats and sheep caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp). So far, there is no available information on either the serological or molecular identification of Mccp in Bangladesh. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of CCPP and associated risk factors in goats of Bangladesh, as well as molecular identification of the causative agent (Mccp) in this country. Materials and methods: From July 2022 to June 2023, 402 goat serum samples were randomly collected to determine seroprevalence, and 90 clinically suspected lung samples were collected for molecular confirmation of CCPP. Risk factors were evaluated by interviewing goat owners using a predesigned questionnaire. A commercially available cELISA kit was used to screen blood serum for anti-CCPP antibodies and PCR for Mccp detection. The 16S rRNA gene specific to Mycoplasma mycoides cluster (Mmc), and the Mccp-specific gene of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp) were amplified through PCR. Potential risk factors were identified through a univariate logistic regression followed by a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Out of 402 samples, 29 were tested positive for CCPP, indicating an overall seroprevalence of 7.21 % (95 % CI: 1.90–12.53). The PCR result showed that 26.67 % of the samples were positive for CCPP. The associated risk factors for the disease were animal age (>18 months; OR: 2.14, 95 % CI: 0.92–4.98), sex (Female; OR: 5.80, 95 % CI: 1.70–19.69), flock size (Large; OR: 6.28, 95 % CI: 1.17–35.74), and body condition scores (Poor; OR: 5.58, 95 % CI: 1.36–22.92). Conclusion: This study confirms the existence of CCPP in Bangladeshi goats for the first time using both serological and molecular methods (PCR)