vol.8. N 2. 2023

PREVALENCE AND DETECTION OF AFLATOXIN M1 IN DAIRY COW RAW MILK RAISED UNDER DIFFERENT BREEDING SYSTEMS, NUTRITION AND SEASON IN BEKAA VALLEY- LEBANON

Majd Abi Haidar

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in dairy products is a problem threatening public health in all areas of the world. The aim of this study was to identify the level of AFM1 in cow raw milk in three dairy farm regions in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. A total of 352 raw milk samples were collected from October 2021 to August 2022. AFM1 was analyzed by ELISA. Only 25.2%, 55.8%, and 25% were reported free in Baalbeck, Zahleh and in West Bekaa respectively. The yearly mean AFM1 contamination in samples varies between 14.31 ng/kg, 11.5 ng/kg, and 10,5ng/kg in Baalbeck, West Bekaa, and in Zahleh respectively. The highest level was also recorded in small farms compared to large scale farms. A significant difference was seen in winter between seasons (p value 0.032) and in West Bekaa between regions (p value 0.012). Legislation and monitoring procedures must be implemented to reduce the exposure to this toxin.

Key words: Aflatoxin; AFM1; Dairy farm; ELISA; Raw milk

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 3–11

DETECTION OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN DIFFERENT ANIMAL FEEDSTUFFS IN THREE REGIONS OF BEKAA VALLEY–LEBANON

Majd Abi Haidar, Mona Abboud, Toni Todorov

ABSTRACT

Present study aims to determine the levels of AFB1 in different animals feedstuffs (Soybean, Corn, Cot-ton seeds, Barley bran, Wheat bran and Hay). For this purpose 90 samples were collected from 15 small farms of three regions of the Bekaa Valley Baalbeck (R1), Zahleh (R2) and West Bekaa (R3) between June 2022 and July 2022. Samples were placed in plastic bags and transported to the laboratory within 12 hours. Samples were stored at 4℃ and analyzed for AFB1 within seven days after collection using a competitive Enzyme–Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Mean of AFB1 levels were exceeded the maximum for European Union accepted levels for all samples and USA and Lebanese permissible levels for Soybean, Cotton seed, Corn and Hay but showed no statistical significance when compared to this limit (p>0.05). This finding shows that feed producers and dairy farmers should maintain sustainable good procedures for all feed harvesting, storage, and feeding techniques in order to avoid aflatoxin contamination.

Key words: Aflatoxin; AFB1; AFM1; ELISA; Feed.

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 12–18

MULTIPLE ORGAN MYCOSIS AND NEOPLASIA IN AN INDIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS INDICUS)

Georgi Popov, Vasil Manov, Teodora Popova

ABSTRACT

A 58–year–old female Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus), owned by the Zoological Garden in Sofia, was examined postmortem. The pathomorphological, imaging and microbiological studies revealed lob-ular exudative pneumonia and zonal interstitial fibrosis with supramiliary calcifications and single extensive ossified areas. The uterine musculature was neoplastically transformed, and the endometrium with catarrhal–purulent inflammation. The results of the performed microbiological tests show the probable development of mycosis in the lungs and uterus of the animal, with the causative agent Penicillium oxalicum. The obtained results are not described in the available worldwide literature, for the wild and circus and zoo–bred representatives of the elephant family.

Key words: Indian elephant, mycosis, pneumonia, endometritis, myoma

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 19–25

ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF EXTRACTS FROM BULGARIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS

Tsveta Georgieva, Kalin Hristov

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research is to establish the redox–modulating capacity of extracts from 5 traditional Bulgarian medicinal plants: Geranium sanguineum, Artemisia annua, Tribulus terrestris, Cichorium intybus and Cotinus coggygria, comparing their antioxidant capacity at the same concentrations subsequently adding them to the composition of a sperm extender for rams. The methods used include ABTS•+ free radical reduction ability, DPPH• radical reduction, ferric iron reduction by the FRAP method, as well as reduction of cupric ions (Cu2+) to cupric ions (Cu1+) by the CUPRAC method. As a result, all tested extracts had a high potential for neutralizing free radicals. In conclusion, we can hypothesize that their use also as protective agents in ram sperm diluents will protect gametes from oxidative stress that lowers sperm quality and fertilizing potential.

Key words: DPPH, ABTS•+, FRAP, CUPRAC, antioxidant

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 26–33

CONTRAST ENHANCED ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE DOG’S SPLEEN

Ilian Georgiev, Iliana Ruzhanova-Gospodinova, Lyubomir Hristakiev, Georgi I. Georgiev, Nadia Zlateva-Panayotova, Georgi Marinov

ABSTRACT

The present research aims to visualize and follow the arterial and venous blood vessels pattern and to detect the circulatory phases of the canine spleen. Six dogs included in the study were examined with conventional and contrast ultrasonography using SonoVue® (Bracco International B.V., Nederland) contrast agent. The main arterial and venous vessels were observed. The timing of the different circulatory phases was detected and showed that the contrast–enhanced ultrasonography of the canine spleen should be carried out immediately after the introduction of the contrast agent and should be performed not later than the 3rd minute.

Key words: spleen, blood supply, contrast ultrasonography, SonoVue.

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 34–41

IN VITRO LARVICIDAL EFFICACY OF SOME DISINFECTANTS AGAINST AELUROSTRONGYLUS ABSTRUSUS LARVAE

Anton Tonev, Georgi Zhelev, Petar Iliev, Denitsa Toneva

ABSTRACT

The current study was performed to assess the efficiency of some commonly used disinfectants against first stage (L1) Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae. A naturally infected cat was used as a donor of L1. The larvae were collected from the cat faeces by the simplified Baermann’s technique. A total of 12 disinfectants were tested, including acids, alkalis, aldehydes, quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), phenols, chlorhexidine, chlorine-, iodine- and oxygen-releasing disinfectants. The activity of each disinfectant on L1 was tested by the suspension method after 30 and 60 min exposure time. Key criteria in assessing the harmful effects of disifectants on the larvae were changes in motility and the larval morphology such as vesicular inclusions, fading and/or destruction of intestinal cells, wrinkling or folding. The results revealed that sodium hydroxide, iodine- and oxygen-releasing disinfectants had the best efficacy and caused rapid 100% inactivation of L1 after exposure of only 30 min. High efficiency after 30-min exposure was also observed for phenols (97.89%), aldehydes (96.84%) and the combination of QAC and chlorhexidine (96.84%). The efficacy of the other substances was between 39 and 90.53%. The results obtained allowed selecting the appropriate chemical agent for disinfection of premises and disposal of faeces from animals infected with A. abstrusus or those at high risk – in shelters, foster homes, veterinary clinics and castration centers, in order to eliminate the risk of spreading the parasites.

Key words: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, cat, lungworm, disinfectants, larvae

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 42–47

DETERMINATION OF CAUSATIVE AGENTS OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN SHEEP IN BULGARIA

Aleksandar Stoimenov, Teodora Popova, Georgi Stoimenov, Kalin Hristov

ABSTRACT

Subclinical mastitis is a disease causing significant losses in dairy sheep farming, due to reduction in the quantity and quality of the milk. The main reason for its occurrence are microorganisms of various genera. The aim of the present study was to identify the actual causative agents of subclinical mastitis in lactating sheep in Bulgaria. For this purpose, 156 milk samples were obtained and processed. In 76 (48.76%) of which we found the presence of microorganisms and an increase in the number of somatic cells. The results showed that a broad spectrum of bacterial agents from different genera, (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Dermaococcus, Macrococcus, Micrococcus) and fungi from the genus Candida, participate within the etiology of the disease. The most frequently isolated bacteria with pathogenic potential were representatives of coagulase–negative staphylococci (CNS). We characterized 10 different species from them. The results showed the most prevalent were Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Key words: subclinical, mastitis, microorganisms, sheep, Bulgaria.

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 48–55

RESEARCH OF THE MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF A LAKE IN THE CITY OF SOFIA WITH REGARD TO ASSESSMENT OF ITS ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

Dorothea Y. Iosifova, Mina-Maria T. Marinova, Teodora P. Popova

ABSTRACT

Microbiological studies were performed on ten samples from a water body in a metropolitan district with a view to evaluating its epidemiological safety. The amounts of microorganisms from the main groups that include pathogenic species, were determined using microscopical, cultural and biochemical methods. The quantities of Gram–negative aerobic and facultative–anaerobic bacteria (5.50×102±6.43 – 5.74×102±8.87 CFU/ml) and staphylococci (0.42×102±0.84 – 5.62×102±1.07 CFU/ml) prevailed. The sanitary indicative species Escherichia coli was abundant, especially in the surface water layers (2.92×102±5.54 CFU/ml). Pseudomonas species were less (0.30×102±0.51 CFU/ml) and found only in the surface layer. Clostridia were isolated from 40% of surface water samples and 80% of bottom samples, but the sanitary indicative species C. perfringens was not detected. The isolated microorganisms were in greater quantities in the surface water layer, but the differences were statistically significant only for staphylococci. Fungi and clostridia were established in greater quantity at the bottom of the lake.

Key words: pathogenic microorganisms, lake, epidemiological safety

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 56–63

DENTAL PATHOLOGIES IN THRACIAN IRON AGE DOGS (6th–4th CENTURY BCE)

Stella Nikolova, Petar Stamberov

ABSTRACT

Three dog skeletons were excavated within the archaeological settlement near Chirpan in the historical region of Ancient Thrace, Bulgaria. All animals are of adult age, two females and one male, and with present dental pathologies. According to the osteometry, the dogs are of medium height of a mesaticephalic type. Pathological alterations affect, mainly, the carnassial teeth (M1 and M2). Radiographic images of the teeth detect different types of periodontic and possible endodontic damage. These cases contribute to the study of past animal health regarding the relationship between man and dogs in the past.

Key words: dental pathology, archaeology, dogs, paleopathology.

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 64–69

ALLERGEN-SPECIFIC IMMUNOTHERAPY AS A MODERN METHOD IN THE THERAPY OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS WITHOUT ADDED RISK OF DELETERIOUS HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS

Ivelina Vacheva, Tandzhu Mehmedov, Krasimira Genova

ABSTRACT

Atopic dermatitis is a complex, multifactorial disease. Treatment could be extremely long–term, even lifelong, and presents a real challenge for the veterinarians. Usually, atopic dermatitis involves a combination of approaches, including reactive therapy for acute conditions and proactive therapy for long–term management. A modern method is the allergen–specific immunotherapy (ASIT). The purpose of the present study is to prove that subcutaneously administered ASIT is a successful treatment that does not lead to any deleterious hematological and biochemical effects in dogs as opposed to long–term systemic glucocorticoids. Allergen–specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is considered to be the only treatment that can affect the course of the disease and not just suppress the symptoms.

Key words: Atopic dermatitis, ASIT – allergen–specific immunotherapy, haematology, biochemistry

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 70–78

A BALANCED ANESTHESIA WITH A COMBINATION OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE, KETAMINE, BUTORPHANOL AND PROPOFOL FOR EXPERIMENTAL COMPRESSION ANASTOMOSIS IN SWINE

Konstantin Aminkov

ABSTRACT

Swine are increasingly used for experimental studies. This necessitates the development of effective an-esthetic protocols adapted to this animal species and surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of balanced anesthesia with Dexmedetomidine HCl, Ketamine HCl and Butorphanol tartrate premedication and propofol induction and Ketamine HCl and propofol maintenance. Hematological parameters, respiratory and heart rates, SpO2 during compression anastomosis of the rec-tum were investigated. The proposed method of balanced anesthesia provides adequate analgesia for performing compression anastomosis in swine.

Key words: swine, balanced anesthesia, compression anastomosis, propofol, ketamine

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 79–85

HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF TRACE ELEMENTS BIOACCUMULATION IN BLACK MUSSELS (MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS)

Iliyan Manev, Veselin Kirov, Hristina Neshovska

ABSTRACT

Black mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) represent a significant biomonitor aquatic species which can also pose a potentially harmful health risk impact to the consumers. The current study estimated the level of some trace elements including heavy metals and essential microelements in the muscle tissue of wild black mussel samples collected in 2020 and 2021 from the Southern and Northern Bulgarian Black sea coast. Data for bioaccumulation of the studied elements in the tested samples were compared to the maximum allowed concentrations stated by the Commission Regulation (EC) and Bulgarian legislation. An assessment of the hu-man risk by calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ) and hazard index (HI) was performed.

Key words: black mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, trace elements, health risk.

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 86–93

NEUTROPHIL/LYMPHOCYTE RATIO DYNAMICS IN DOGS WITH THE INVOLVEMENT OF CANNABIS SATIVA L. IN GRANULATED FOOD

Atanas Pankov

ABSTRACT

We obtained a reliable differential difference for the neutrophil leukocyte/lymphocyte ratio after 30 days of feeding dogs with the granulated food „REBEL PLUS“ containing Cannabis sativa L. Although this granulated food does not claim to be a veterinary diet food, we established that after 30 days of feeding the dogs with it, it has a beneficial effect on the number and ratio of white blood cells in the peripheral blood of the examined dogs.

Key words: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Cannabis sativa L., granulated dog food

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 94–97

BOVINE LEUKOCYTE ADHESION DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (BLAD): A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Victoria Marincheva, Iliyan Manev 

ABSTRACT

Bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency syndrome (BLAD) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease in Holstein–Friesian cattle. The extensive use of artificial insemination led to the rapid spread of the condition during the 1990s worldwide. Irrespective of the introduction of genetic testing programs there are still carriers found among breeding animals. Therefore the problem needs to be popularized as rare but economically relevant that should be distinguished from other common causes for calfhood maladies.

Key words: Bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, BLAD, Holstein–Friesian, autosomal recessive.

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 98–106

ACUTE SYNTHETIC AZO DYE INTOXICATION IN A CAT – CLINICAL CASE

Nikol Nikolova, Efstathia Domna Pataridou

ABSTRACT

The paper describes a case of acute intoxication in a cat that had ingested a tree fern – Asparagus virgatus that was known to be treated with a green synthetic azo dye. Clinical examination and paraclinical analyses revealed restlessness, tachycardia, tachypnea, cyanosis of mucous membranes, oxidative damage, and methemoglobinemia. Based on the history, the clinical signs and laboratory findings, indicative of azo dye intoxication and response to treatment, the diagnosis of acute synthetic azo dye intoxication was made.

Key words: intoxication, synthetic, azo, dye, cat.

TMVM, 2023, vol.8, No 2(15): 107–112