GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AND LUNG WORMS OF WILD RUMINANTS FROM SOUTHWESTERN BULGARIA. II. MOUFLON. BOVIDAE: OVIS ARIES MUSIMON (PALLAS, 1811)

Valentin Radev, Nikolay Lalkovski, Inna Mutafchieva

ABSTRACT

A parasitological examination of fecal samples, liver, intestine, and lungs of 36 mouflons was done. The materials were obtained after regular hunting in South-West Bulgaria. The materials are from the DGS „Blagoevgrad“ (n=1), DGS „Mesta“ (n=3), DLS „Dikchan“ (n=31), and DLS „Iskar“ (n=1). In a partial helminthological autopsy of the lungs and examination of fecal samples with Baerman’s method, invasion by lung nematodes of the family Protostrongylidae were found. In a partial helmintho-logical autopsy of the liver and intestine, trematodes of the genus Dicrocoelium, cestode larvae (Cysticer-cus tenuicollis) and nematodes of the genus Haemonchus were isolated. After examination of fecal samples by the method of Fulleborn, eggs of nematodes of the genera Nematodirus, Trichuris, and Eimeria oocysts were found. After morphological examination of cultured larvae, invasions with representatives of the families Trichostrongylidae Leiper, 1912 and Chabertiidae Lichtenfels, 1980 were discovered. Ovoscopically examined fecal samples, after sedimentation showed the presence of eggs belonging to parasites from the genera Dicrocoelium and Paramphistomum.

Key words: Ovis aries musimon, endoparasites

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 3–9

MICROBIOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE MAMMARY GLAND IN LACTATING SHEEPS

Aleksandar Stoimenov, Teodora Popova, Georgi Stoimenov, Kalin Hristov

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to determine the microbiological status of the mammary gland in lactating sheeps of the Lacon breed. For this purpose, milk samples from purebred animals, raisеd in sheep farm located in central region of Bulgaria, were collected. The results show that in 46.6% of the tested milk samples from the farm, were not isolated any pathogenic microorganisms. From the positive samples, S. xylosus was most often found, in most cases in combination with the non-pathogenic streptococcus L. lactis ssp. lactis. Only in one of the samples a combination of two staphylococcal species was found – S. epidermidis and S. xylosus, with the presence of L. lactis ssp. lactis. The number of samples with isolated bacteria with pathogenic potential was 16 (53.3%). Only in seven of them (23.3% of all examined) the amount of detected staphylococci is over 104 CFU/ml. No Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from any of the milk samples. The sensitivity of the isolated bacteria from milk samples to antibiotics from different groups is significant. Resistance has only been established to Colistin, Kanamycin, Amikacin and Gentamicin. The mean values of somatic cells in infected and uninfected halves were 1361058 ± 361307.34 and 171000 ± 36586.04, respectively.

Key words: sheep, mastitis, microorganisms, antibioticogram.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 10–17

MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF SARCOCYSTIS SPECIES IN BOVINE MINCED MEAT USING PARTIAL CYTOCHROME OXIDASE SUBUNIT 1 (COX1) GENE IN VAN PROVINCE, TURKEY

Bekir Oguz, M. Serdar Deger

ABSTRACT

Sarcocystis species are obligate two-host protozoan parasites classified in the phylum Apicom-plexa. Cattle are generally accepted to be the intermediate hosts for seven species, i.e., S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. hominis, S. bovifelis, S. bovini, S. rommeli, and S. heydorni. Since it is not possible to differentiate between some species using amplification of the 18S ribosomal (rRNA) gen, the aim of this study was to reveal the molecular characterization of Sarcocystis species obtained from cattle minced meat amplifying partial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene. Fifty DNA samples were used. Sequence analyzes of amplicons belonging to positive isolates were performed and their phylogenetic structures were investigated. While S. hominis was found in only one sample, it was molecularly confirmed that S. bovifelis was dominant species in other samples. We designed primer set in present study could not differentiate be-tween S. bovini, S. rommeli and S. bovifelis species. Phylogenetic analyzes of isolates with GenBank records (OK041347-OK041353) were performed with similar isolates in the world. According to phylo-genetic analysis, sequence of S. bovifelis (OK041347) was found closer to the isolates from cattle skeletal muscle in Argentina (KT900970 and KT900962). S. hominis (OK041352) isolate showed high genetic similarity to isolates from Netherlands and Italy (MK497840; MH021119). In conclusion, genetic characterization of S. bovifelis and S. hominis was performed for the first time in Van province of Turkey by partial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene.

Key words: sarcocystis, Cox1, cattle, PCR, Van, Turkey.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 18–30

MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF OVINE CALPASTATIN (CAST) AND MYOSTATIN (MSTN) GENES IN LAMBS FROM THREE BULGARIAN SHEEP BREEDS

Milena Bozhilova-Sakova, Ivona Dimitrova, Nevyana Stancheva, Atanaska Teneva

ABSTRACT

The aim of present study was to investigate the polymorphism of calpastatin and myostatin genes in sixty lambs from three Bulgarian sheep breeds – 34 lambs from Synthetic Population Bulgarian Milk (SPBM), 13 lambs from Cooper-Red Shumen and 13 lambs from Karakachan. CAST and MSTN genes are considered as candidate genes for meat and growth traits. Blood samples were collected and genomic DNA was extracted using commercial purification kit. Genotypes were determined by PCR amplification followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Based on results, calpastatin gene was found to be polymorphic in lambs from SPBM breed but in the other two breeds it was monomorphic. Myоstatin gene was monomorphic in all tested animals. The allelic frequencies in CAST gene were 0,91 for allele M and 0,09 for N. Genotype frequencies were 0,82 and 0,18 for MM and MN, respectively. Observed and expected heterozygosity for this locus were 0,163 and 0,176, respectively. Established polymorphism of CAST gene in SPBM lambs could be used in future research for detection of possible association between genotype and meat tenderness.

Key words: sheep, calpastatin gene, myostatin gene, polymorphism, PCR-RFLP

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 31–37

LOCAL APPLICATION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN AND XENOGRAFT FOR ENHANCING BONE REGENERATION

Radina Vasileva

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects from local co-administration of erythropoietin and cancellous bone granules (bone substitute) on haematological parameters and bone regeneration in a calvarial bone defect model in rats. The study was performed with 12 male Wistar albino rats, 6 months of age. Two symmetrical 5-mm critical-size defects were created in the calvaria of each animal. A combination of bone substitute and physiological saline-soaked collagen membrane was placed in the right defect site, whereas bone substitute + erythropoietin-soaked collagen membrane – in the left defect site. Bone regeneration was monitored by radiography and computed tomography on the 30th and 90th days after the surgery. Blood samples were collected at the same time intervals for determination of erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin content and haematocrit. The independent application of a cancellous bone granules xenograft resulted in bone regeneration of critical-size calvarial bone defects in rats. Its co-administration with erythropoietin enhanced the bone healing process.

Key words: erythropoietin, xenograft, calvaria, bone regeneration, rats.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 38–43

POLYMORPHISM OF ABCG2 GENE AND ITS EFFECTS ON LITTER SIZE AND MILK PRODUCTION OF SYNTHETIC POPULATION BULGARIAN MILK EWES

Milena Bozhilova-Sakova, Ivona Dimitrova, Tanya Ivanova, Vesselin Koutev, Maya Ignatova

ABSTRACT

The aim of present study was to investigate polymorphism of ABCG2 (ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2) gene and its effect on litter size and milk production. The experiment included 30 ewes of Synthetic Population Bulgarian Milk (SPBM) breed from Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod. For genotyping of ABCG2 locus it was used only PCR amplification using specific set of primers. As a result two alleles (D and I) and two genotypes (ID and DD) were established in studied sheep of SPBM breed for locus ABCG2. The frequency of allele D was 0.68 and the frequency of allele I was 0.32. The genotype ID was with frequency 0.63 and genotype DD – with 0.3. In this experiment was studied the relationship between different genotype variants of the tested locus and litter size and milk yield of ewes from Synthetic Population Bulgarian Milk. The comparative analysis was performed using the statistical method ANOVA but no statistically significant differences were observed.

Key words: SPBM sheep breed, ABCG2 gene, polymorphism, milk production, litter size.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 44–48

PREVALENCE OF AVIAN LEUKOSIS VIRUS ANTIGEN AMONG INDIGENOUS CHICKENS IN TWO SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Mustapha Ali Shinkafi, Favour Osazuwa

ABSTRACT

Avian Leukosis virus (ALV) is known to cause oncogenic diseases in chickens world over. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of ALV among indigenous chickens in Karmo and Gwagwa, two suburban communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A total of 180 indigenous chickens were tested for ALV p27 antigen using an Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique (Ringbio, Beijing China). The overall prevalence of ALV was 47.2 %, ALV was found to be higher among chickens in Karmo than in Gwagwa 54.1% vs.45.15, but this was not statistically different (Chi: 0.3917, P=0.531). This study envisages the establishment of an effective control strategy in our study area, because of known deleterious economic impact of ALV on chickens.

Key words: ALV, Indigenous chickens, ELISA, FCT.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 49–52

PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN DOGS WITH SPONTANEOUS HEARTWORM DISEASE

Radoslav Rafailov, Georgi Popov, Kostadin Kanchev, Vasil Manov

ABSTRACT

Study reveals the pathomorphological findings of 6 dogs, 3 males and 3 females, diagnosed with Heartworm disease. By necropsies were found a total number of 144 adult stages (74 male and 70 female) of the nematode Dirofilaria immitis, located in a. pulmonalis, right ventricle and atrium and sulcus vena cavae. The gross pathology shows right-sided enlargement of the heart, dilated pulmonary arteries, and single petechial hemorrhages in the lungs. Histopathologically, degenerative changes in the pulmonary arteries, thickening of the pulmonary valves, interstitial reactions in the lungs and protein precipitates in the kidneys were found

Key words: Dirofilaria immitis, dogs, gross and histopathological findings.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 53–59

SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VACCINATION OF TARGET ANIMALS (CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS) AS A MEASURE TO CONTROL AND ERADICATE Q FEVER DISEASE

Madlen Vasileva, Ilian Kostov

ABSTRACT

Q fever is a natural focal disease (ticks are one of the main reservoirs of C. burnetii in nature and play an important role in maintaining outbreaks in farm animals), which belongs to the group of zooanthroponoses, i.е. affects not only animals but also humans. The causative agent is the obligatory intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which has significant resistance in the external environment and high temperatures. Carriage of Coxiella has been demonstrated in 62 species of ticks of the families Ixodidae, Argasidae and Gamasidae. Among the most common vectors of C. burnetii are Rh. sanguineus, H. plumbeum, Rh. turanicum, I. ricinus, H. marginatum, H. punctata, etc.). From the public health point of view and economic consequences, Q fever is a zoonotic disease of high public importance, the etiological agent of which, Coxiella burnetii, is included in Group B of the OIE list of potential weapons.

After the scientific assessment of the possibilities for application of vaccine against Coxiella burnetii for control and eradication of Q fever, found in a number of areas of Bulgaria in humans (among which farm owners, veterinarians and staff) and established positive herds of large and small ruminants, it can be concluded that the most effective strategy for controlling Q fever is considered to be the long-term vaccination strategy and vaccination of the whole herd – vaccination in already infected herds of ruminants or in healthy herds.

Key words: Q fever, vaccination of target animals, eradication.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 60–65

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE HEAVY METAL LEVELS IN GREY MULLET (MUGIL CEPHALUS) FROM THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN BULGARIAN BLACK SEA COAST

Hristina Neshovska, Iliyan Manev, Veselin Kirov

ABSTRACT

The heavy metals pollution of aquatic ecosystems is a serious environmental threat that affects aquatic biomes. In this regard, various fish species which can accumulate heavy metals are valuable bioindicators of water pollution. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn, and Al in gray mullet (Mugil cephalus, Linnaeus, 1758). The samples were collected during the fishing season between June and September 2020 from Varna and Burgas regions. The concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury were below the maximum levels and this trend was observed for both studied areas. The element with the highest concentration for the Varna region was manganese and for Burgas – zinc.

Key words: heavy metals, grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, Black Sea.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 66–69

ETIOLOGY OF ACUTE RHINITIS IN DOGS, REARED UNDER DIFFERENT FARM TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

Mehmed Halil, Krassimira Uzunova

ABSTRACT

An investigation out about the influence of rearing conditions to acute rhinitis in 83 German Shep-herd dogs at 8 − 10 months of age was carried out. The animals were reared in farms with two different technological solutions: individual boxes or double box with central corridor. The premises were built by materials with different thermal conductivity coefficients. The purpose of the study was to analyze the leading cause of acute rhinitis occurrence: rearing technology or thermal conductivity properties of premises. It was shown that the main cause for the development of rhinitis in dogs was the high thermal conductivity coefficient (λ ≥ 5.0) of construction materials used in farm facilities where animals were housed.

Key words: rhinitis, dogs, rearing condition, etiology, thermal conductivity.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 70–76

HEAVY METAL LEVELS IN MEAT OF SPINY DOGFISH (SQUALUS ACANTHIAS) FROM BULGARIAN BLACK SEA

Veselin Kirov, Hristina Neshovska, Iliyan Manev

ABSTRACT

Environmental pollution with heavy metals and other toxic elements can serve as a predisposing factor for a various type of human diseases. Their accumulation in aquatic organisms used for human consumption increases the risk for daily intake of low doses of heavy metals. The Black Sea spiny dog (Squalus acanthias, Linnaeus 1758) is a cartilaginous fish predator belonging to the spiny shark family. This demersal fish belongs to the common monitoring species in Bulgaria and Romania in terms of pollution of the Black Sea. In this regard, the aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn and Al in shark meat samples, caught from our northern Black Sea coast (Varna region). The element with the highest concentration was arsenic. Mercury levels have been found to be above the permissible levels set out in European and national legislation, which poses a potential health hazard risk for the consumers.

Key words: heavy metals, spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias, Black Sea.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 77–79

HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN TURBOT (SCOPHTHALMUS MAXIMUS) FROM BULGARIAN BLACK SEA COAST

Iliyan Manev, Veselin Kirov, Hristina Neshovska

ABSTRACT

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus, Linnaeus 1758) is a marine bottom fish and is considered to be one of the most commercialy valuable species in Black Sea. The aim of this survey was to determine the heavy metal concentrations in turbot tissue from the Bulgarian part of the sea. Samples were collected during the fishing season between June and September in 2020 from Varna and Burgas regions. Metals were determined using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry). The order of the levels of the heavy metals in the fish samples was Zn > Al > Mn > As > Hg > Pb = Cd from Varna and Zn > Al > As >Mn > Hg > Pb = Cd from Burgas. The current data demonstrated higher concentrations of Mn and Zn from Varna. According to the obtained results Pb, Cd, Hg levels in the tested turbot samples were within the limits set by the EC regulations.

Key words: heavy metals, Scophthalmus maximus, turbot, Black Sea.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 80–85

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MANAGEMENT OF A DOG SHELTER IN BULGARIA

Victoria Marincheva

ABSTRACT

Shelter medicine refers to veterinary care in specialized facilities for homeless animals. It is characterized by some specificities that makes it different from general clinical practice. Many risk factors exist for medical and supportive personnel that should be recognized and prevented by strict control measures. One additional hazard that emerged for collectives working closely together presents the COVID-19 outbreak that spread widely for a short period and lead to alteration of social models and everyday life-style. This article tries to answer how the crisis reflected the work span of a dog shelter in Bulgaria as an example of a tendency that may prove to remain constant at least for several years ahead. Consequences from the pandemic and measures to reduce the negative impact on the working environment are discussed.

Key words: Covid, SARS-CoV-2, dog shelter, Bulgaria.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 86–91

MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE BLOOD VESSELS AND NERVES OF THE CRUS OF THE BROWN BEAR (URSOS ARCTOS)

Iliana Ruzhanova-Gospodinova, Georgi I. Georgiev, Ilian Georgiev, Lubomir Hristakiev

ABSTRACT

            The purpose of the present research is to investigate the major arteries, veins, and nerves of the crus in the brown bear through macro anatomical dissection and contrast radiography. The pelvic limbs of 4 bears were included in the study. The limbs were removed from the trunk and the vessels and nerves were dissected and photographed. For the radiography barium sulfas solution was introduced through the femoral artery and images in cranio-caudal and medio-lateral projection were made. The main arteries, veins and nerves and their branches supplying the structures of the crural region were identified and compared to the dog, cat and human.

Key words: brown bear, arteries, veins, nerves, crus.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 92–98

IMMUNOTOXIC EFFECTS OF MALLARDS (ANAS PLATYRHYNCHOS, L) EXPERIMENTALLY EXPOSED TO LEAD PELLETS

Petar Stamberov, Krassimira Genova

ABSTRACT

Lead is one of the most toxic metals and its negative effects range from mild biochemical and physiological disorders to serious pathological processes in which major organs and systems may be affected, with following functional and behavioral changes. The probability for a bird to be poisoned is determined by several factors, such as time of retaining the lead elements, frequency of exposure, nutritional conditions, stress, etc. Our research work focuses on the influence of different total lead content after ingesting lead shots on the mechanisms of non-specific immunity.

Key words: mallards, lead pellets, phagocytosis, NBT-test, non-specific immunity.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 99–104

DEVELOPMENT AND OUTCOME OF FELINE INJECTION – SITE SARCOMA IN AN ADULT CAT – CASE REPORT

Katerina Todorova, Petar Dimitrov

ABSTRACT

Feline injection – site sarcomas (FISS) are aggressively behaving fibrosarcomas with a rate of metastasis ranging from 10 to 25%. The main treatment of soft tissue sarcomas is surgical excision with clean margins and subsequent radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy.

We present a case of an adult male cat with recurrent fibrosarcoma, which anamnesis and aggressive tumor development pointed to FISS. A fine needle biopsy first suggested and then histopathology confirmed that diagnose. Two months after the surgery a new tumor mass appeared on the site of the excision. The rapidly growing tumor penetrated the abdomen wall, occupying almost entire abdomen, affecting the internal organs and the right lumbar region muscles, observed by a conventional X-ray examination. A developing central necrosis provoked fistulation and formation of a large wet ulcerative wound in the state of a constant inflammation and tissue disintegration. The local treatment failure and the progressing poor general condition leaded to carry out a humane euthanasia of the animal.

Key words: FISS, recurrent fibrosarcoma, metastasis, histopathology.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 105–111

PERICARDIAL EFFUSION ASSOCIATED WITH PERITONITIS IN A MARE – ULTRASOUND AND HEMATOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS – CLINICAL CASE

Sasho Sabev, Mariyana Nikolova

ABSTRACT

The study described a spontaneous clinical case of peritonitis and pericarditis in a mare showing moderate colic pain. Auscultation of the heart was indicative of pericardial involvement. Clinical examination revealed fever, hemorrhagic changes in the visible mucous membranes, rapid heart rate and respiration. Blood tests confirm leukocytosis, neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia with decreased hematocrit. Blood chemistry was indicative of hyperglycemia and increased activity of CK, LDH, ASAT and AP enzymes. Ultrasound examination of the thoracic cavity and abdomen confirmed the presence of hypoechoic fluid in the pericardial and abdominal cavities. The fluid obtained after an abdominal puncture was hemorrhagic with a high number of leukocytes and protein content.

Key words: horse, pericarditis, peritonitis, ultrasound, hematology.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 112–116

DNA BARCODING AS A MOLECULAR TOOL FOR VECTORS IDENTIFICATION – REVIEW

Georgi Stoimenov

ABSTRACT

Vector-borne diseases pose a serious threat to public health and animal husbandry and require special attention. Knowledge of the ecology of different insect species acting as vectors of multiple infectious agents will be crucial for the development and implementation of appropriate and effective vector control strategies to reduce the impact of the diseases they transmit. However, the main limitation is that morphological methods for identifying insect species are time consuming and require taxonomic expertise. Inaccurate identification of vector species can have a significant impact on attempts to control their populations.

One of the remarkable achievements of modern biology and molecular diagnostic methods is the development of accurate and reliable technologies for rapid screening of DNA sequence variations. Molecular identification and DNA barcoding is a relatively new taxonomic method that can be used to identify a species, including an unknown one. Closely related or unknown species can be differentiated. DNA barcoding is a standardized approach to identifying plants and animals through minimal DNA sequences called DNA barcodes.

Key words: DNA barcoding, mosquitos, culicuides, sand flies, vectors.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 117–127

HABERLEA RHODOPENSIS – EFFECTS AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Ralitsa Bankova

ABSTRACT

In recent years, interest in the plant, natural products as an alternative to the conventionаl ones has increased. Since ancient times the plant Rhodope silivryak (Haberlea rhodopensis Friv.) had been known for the treatment of humans and animals. The plant is also called Orpheus. The flower refers to the „resurrecting“ plants and it is spread in the Rhodopes Mountains. А number of properties have been studied and described: antioxidant, radioprotective, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, anticancer, immunostimulatory, chemoprotective, cytotoxic and antiaging of Haberlea rhodopensis. Its essential components are myconoside, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, luteolin, quercetin, hesperidin, sinapic acid, etc. Hаberlea rhodopensis extracts did not show any cytotoxic activity. The aim of this review is the effects of Haberlea rhodopensis and its potential applications in phytotherapy, human and veterinary medicine, and cosmetics.

Key words: Haberlea rhodopensis, effects, components, application.

TMVM, 2022, vol.7, No 1(12): 128–138