Diversity and prevalence of parasitic infestation with zoonotic potential in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) and fat-tailed sheep (dhumba) in Bangladesh

Objective: Parasitic infestation is a major cause of losses in livestock production in tropical regions. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) and fat-tailed sheep (dhumba), and the prevalence of hemoparasites in camel from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 fecal samples (32 dhumba and 55 camel) and 55 camel blood samples were collected during SeptemberOctober 2015. Fecal samples were examined by direct smear, sedimentation method, flotation technique, and McMaster technique for GI parasite. Giemsa stained blood smears were examined under microscope for hemoparasite detection. Results: 62% camel (n = 34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 47.774.6) were infected with at least one genus of parasite. 15% camel were harboring more than one genus of parasite. The prevalence of GI parasite and hemoparasite in camel were recorded as Trichuris spp. (n = 16; 29%; 95% CI: 17.642.9), Balantidium coli (n = 12; 22%; 95% CI: 11.835.0), Trichostrongylus spp. (n = 7; 13%; 95% CI: 5.324.5), Strongyloides spp. (n = 5; 9%; 95% CI: 3.020.0), Anaplasma spp. (n = 5; 9%; 95% CI: 3.0220.0), Paragonimus spp. (n = 1; 2%; 95% CI: 0.059.7), Schistosoma spp. (n = 1; 2%; 95% CI: 0.059.7), Hymenolepis spp. (n = 1; 2%; 95% CI: 0.059.7), Moniezia spp. (n = 1; 2%; 95% CI: 0.059.7), and Babesia spp. (n = 1; 2%; 95% CI: 0.059.7). Mean EPG feces of camel was 291.76 ± 42.03 with a range of 01,400. Total 59.4% dhumba (n = 19; 95% CI: 4176) were positive for GI parasite, including Trichostrongylus spp. (n = 10; 31.3%; 95% CI: 16.150), Strongyloides spp. (n = 9; 28%; 95% CI: 13.846.8), B. coli(n = 5; 15.6%; 95% CI: 5.332.8), and Trichuris spp. (n = 4; 12.5%; 95% CI: 3.528.9). Conclusions: High percentage of parasitic infestation in camel and dhumba in the present study refers to the necessity of use of anthelmintic for health and production improvement and to prevent zoonotic parasite transmission to animal handler and workers. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(1.000): 142-147

Hematological and biochemical reference values of Asian house shrews (Suncus murinus) in Bangladesh

Background and Aim: Determining reference values for hematological and biochemical parameters of Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus) is important for wildlife research to protect human health in surrounding communities. This study aimed to establish the reference values for selected hematology and serum clinical chemistry analyses that may contribute to research on shrew in future. Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n=51) were collected from shrews between July and December 2015, Bangladesh, to estimate the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, calcium, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), urea, glucose, total protein (TP), creatinine, and alanine transaminase (ALT). Results: Although the values did not differ significantly among sexes, age was found to be a significant factor. Hb, PCV, TEC, glucose, and P were higher in males; eosinophil, Na, Cl, TP, and ALT were higher among females. Adults had significantly greater urea and glucose (p<0.05) while juveniles had insignificantly higher values for TLC, PCV, neutrophil, P, and TP. Conclusion: This study provides the first reference values for this species in Bangladesh and can be used to guide wildlife research studies. Keywords: Asian house shrew, hematology, reference interval, serum chemistry, Suncus murinus

Prevalence, aetiology and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in goats in Bangladesh

Goat production in Bangladesh has increased substantially during the last decades due to increasing demand for meat and milk. This growth in goat production is, however, reduced by different diseases, among which mastitis has significant adverse effect on milk production and milk quality and is associated with financial losses. Risk factors and aetiology of goat mastitis in Bangladesh are largely unknown, hampering the effective control of the disease. The current study was therefore undertaken to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in goats, describe the pathogens causing SCM and identify risk factors. One hundred and six goats from 88 household goat farms were included in the study. The estimated udder half level prevalence of SCM, based on the California Mastitis Test, was 50.9 % (95 % CI: 44.2–57.7 %). The most prevalent group of pathogens associated with SCM was non-aureus Staphylococcus species (NAS) and S. aureus. Our study depicted the odds of SCM to be significantly higher in poor and fair body conditioned compared to cachectic goats, goats in late lactation, Jamnapari breed and in goats with bottle shaped teats rather than conical or cylindrical teat shapes. This study shows that SCM in goats in Bangladesh is highly prevalent and suggests the importance of breeding for mastitis resistance, by selecting stronger breeds and goats with good udder or teat conformation

Detection of hemoparasites in bats, Bangladesh

A cross sectional study was conducted (2010-2013) to determine the diversity of hemoprotozoa among bats of Bangladesh. Microscopic examination of blood smears (N=533; Pteropus medius (377), Rousettus leschenaultii (111), Megaderma lyra (45) revealed 9% of bats (95% confidence interval CI: 7-12%) were positive for hemoprotozoa. The overall prevalence of hemoparasites among P. medius was 5% (n=20, 95% CI: 3-8%); where Babesia sp. was 3% (n=12, 95% CI: 2-5%) and Hepatocytis sp. was 2% (n=8, 95% CI: 1-4%). Moreover, 13% of R. leschenaultii were positive (n=14, 95% CI: 7-20%) where prevalence of Babesia sp. was 10% (n=11, 95% CI: 5-17%) and prevalence of Hepatocystis sp. was 3% (n=3, 95% CI: 1-8%). Twenty-nine percent (n=13, 95% CI: 16-44%) of M. lyra harbored hemoparasites, among which 20% (n=9, 95% CI: 10-35%) were Babesia sp. and 9% (n=4, 95% CI: 2-21%) were Hepatocystis sp. The study indicates bats remain important hosts for various zoonotic parasites and suggests further research.&nbsp

Prevalence, aetiology and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in goats in Bangladesh

Goat production in Bangladesh has increased substantially during the last decades due to increasing demand for meat and milk. This growth in goat production is, however, reduced by different diseases, among which mastitis has significant adverse effect on milk production and milk quality and is associated with financial losses. Risk factors and aetiology of goat mastitis in Bangladesh are largely unknown, hampering the effective control of the disease. The current study was therefore undertaken to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in goats, describe the pathogens causing SCM and identify risk factors. One hundred and six goats from 88 household goat farms were included in the study. The estimated udder half level prevalence of SCM, based on the California Mastitis Test, was 50.9 % (95 % CI: 44.2–57.7 %). The most prevalent group of pathogens associated with SCM was non-aureus Staphylococcus species (NAS) and S. aureus. Our study depicted the odds of SCM to be significantly higher in poor and fair body conditioned compared to cachectic goats, goats in late lactation, Jamnapari breed and in goats with bottle shaped teats rather than conical or cylindrical teat shapes. This study shows that SCM in goats in Bangladesh is highly prevalent and suggests the importance of breeding for mastitis resistance, by selecting stronger breeds and goats with good udder or teat conformation

First record of Ratanaworabhans’s Fruit Bat Megaerops niphanae Yenbutra & Felten, 1983 (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) from Bangladesh

<p>This note provides a morphological confirmation of the occurrence of Ratanaworabhans’s Fruit Bat<strong> </strong><em>Megaerops niphanae</em> in Bangladesh. Although previously recorded in neighbouring territories in India, this constitutes the first country record for the taxon and highlights the current incompleteness of faunal knowledge and potential for future discoveries in the country. Greater survey effort and sustained investments into developing taxonomic capacity and museum collections in Bangladesh are required to realize this potential however.</p><div> </div

Risk factors and therapy for goat mastitis in a hospital-based case-control study in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a large population of goats, which contribute to the income, nutrition and welfare of the households of many families. Mastitis in goats has a low incidence, but is often very severe, making veterinary care necessary. The aim of this study was to identify seasonality and risk factors for goat mastitis in a hospital-based matched case-control study in a teaching veterinary hospital in Chittagong, Bangladesh and to describe the range of antimicrobial treatments applied in this situation. Cases of mastitis and controls were drawn from the hospital patient recording system, along with their risk factor status. Multiple imputation was applied to deal with the missing values in the data analysis. Mastitis occurred somewhat more in the rainy season, and comprised about 3% of all goats admitted to the hospital during January 2011-June 2014. Free-ranging farming system, poor body condition score and non-native goat breeds were significantly associated with case status. Treatment of clinical mastitis was variable and unsystematic, but the use of gentamicin was commonly recorded. The need for more prudent and evidence-based antimicrobial therapies is discussed