Protective efficacy of the Newcastle disease virus genotype VII-matched vaccine in commercial layers.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide, with a diversity of genotypes associated with severe economic losses in all poultry sectors. Class II genotype VII NDV are predominant in the Middle East and Asia, despite intensive vaccination programs using conventional live and inactivated NDV vaccines. In Egypt, the disease is continuously spreading, causing severe economical losses in the poultry industry.

Active surveillance for avian influenza virus, Egypt, 2010-2012.

Continuous circulation of influenza A(H5N1) virus among poultry in Egypt has created an epicenter in which the viruses evolve into newer subclades and continue to cause disease in humans. To detect influenza viruses in Egypt, since 2009 we have actively surveyed various regions and poultry production sectors. From August 2010 through January 2013, >11,000 swab samples were collected; 10% were positive by matrix gene reverse transcription PCR.

Tegumental histological effects of Mirazid(®) and myrrh volatile oil on adult Fasciola gigantica.

Objective: To evaluated the histological changes within the tegument of adult Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) that led to the gross changes that were visible externally.

Methods: The effects of oleoresin extract of myrrh (Mirazid(®)), myrrh volatile oil and triclabendazole sulphoxide (reference drug) on the tegumental structure of adult F.

Characterization of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype SAT2 in Egypt.

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Egypt affected approximately 40,000 cattle and water buffaloes and killed more than 4,600 animals during February-March 2012. To investigate the etiology of the 2012 outbreak, specimens were collected from six governorates and analyzed using universal primers to amplify the 5' untranslated region (UTR) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Only FMDV-SAT2 was detected, with an overall detection rate of 80.

Antiviral and immune stimulant activities of glycyrrhizin against duck hepatitis virus.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin as an immune stimulant against duck hepatitis virus (DHV). In vitro study was carried out to determine cytotoxic and antiviral effects of glycyrrhizin in VERO cells. In vivo study was performed on 40 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings.

Continuing threat of influenza (H5N1) virus circulation in Egypt.

Reservoirs for the continuing influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in Egypt are ill-defined. Through active surveillance, we detected highly pathogenic influenza subtype H5 viruses in all poultry sectors; incidence was 5%. No other subtypes were found.

Efficacy of myrrh in controlling coccidioses in chickens.

Myrrh was used for controlling the infection with Eimeria species in chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old native breed chickens bought from commercial hatchery were used in the experiment. Birds were feed on starter balanced ration free from anticoccidial drugs.

Efficacy of volatile oils (curzerene, furanoeudesma-1, 3-diene and lindestrene) on avian coccidiosis under laboratory conditions.

The coccidicidal efficacy of volatile oils (curzerene, furanoeudesma-1, 3-diene and lindestrene) against unsporulated and sporulated chicken Eimeria species oocysts was tested in three concentrations: 1, 2 & 3 microg/ml. Marked reduction in the number of living oocysts was recorded in exposed groups. The concentration of 3 microg/ml volatile oils induced the highest destructive effect.