Parasitic Infections of Bicoloured White-toothed Shrew () from Dasht-e-Razan, Western Iran.

Background: The prevalence and intensity of endo and ectoparasites in shrews inhabiting in the Dasht-e Razan of Hamedan Province, Iran, were determined in this study.

Methods: By live traps, 64 shrews belong to species bicoloured white-toothed shrews () were trapped during 2010-2012. Captured animals were euthanized and their gender recorded.

Prevalence of hypodermosis in cattle slaughtered in industrial slaughtered-house of Ardebil, Iran.

Hypodermosis is one of the important veterinary problems because of its worldwide prevalence and significant economic losses. Economic losses is due to decreasing of productivity potential and leather quality. The disease is caused by two parasitic fly species in cattle, and .

Helminth Infections of House Mouse (Mus musulus) and Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) from the Suburban Areas of Hamadan City, Western Iran.

Background: To determine the prevalence and intensity of helminths and their zoonotic importance in small rodents inhabiting in the suburban areas of Hamadan City, Iran.

Methods: The present survey was conducted on the helminth infections of two species of rodents Apodemus sylvaticus (n=60) and Mus musculus(n=72) in the suburban areas of Hamadan City during 2010-2012. Rodents were collected and examined for helminth in the different organs.

Molecular Detection and Identification of Theileria Species by PCR-RFLP Method in Sheep from Ahvaz, Southern Iran.

Background: The present study was carried out to investigate the accurate status of ovine Theileria infection in sheep from Ahvaz and surrounding region, a tropical area southwest Iran.

Methods: A PCR-RFLP method based on 18S ribosomal RNA gene was designed which could detect and differentiate Theileria and Babesia spp. and also differentiate main Theileria species in sheep at the same time.

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a novel granulated formulation of Artemisia extract on broiler coccidiosis.

Purpose: Coccidiosis is an important parasitic disease in poultry industry. Owing to the development of drug resistance against Eimeria and concerns about drug residues, attentions toward the alternative compounds including herbal medicines have been increased. This study aimed to examine the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a new formulation derived from Artemisia sieberi extract on avian coccidiosis.

The Seasonal Activity of Ixodes ricinus Tick in Amol, Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran.

Background: The present study aimed to demonstrate the seasonal activities of Ixodes ricinus at the pasture level and on the host.

Methods: A vast pasture in Amol countryside (Mazandaran Province, Iran) which had the potential for a considerable number of cattle and sheep to graze was chosen. Tick sampling from the skin of 130 cattle and 130 sheep were collected every month interval.

The interactive effect of phytase and coccidia on the gross lesions as well as the absorption capacity of intestine in broilers fed with diets low in calcium and available phosphorous.

In an experiment with 2x2 factorial design, the influence of dietary phytase on the intestinal lesions as well as the absorption capacity of intestine for D-xylose in broiler chickens provided with a diet low in calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (aP) and challenged with Eimeria oocysts, was evaluated. Four groups of 20 1-day-old male broiler were provided with diets low in total Ca and aP (8 and 3g/kg instead of 10 and 5g/kg of Ca and aP in the diet, respectively). On day 10, 10 chicks from each group were randomly kept in individual raised floor wire cages to adopt environmental conditions.

Genetic evidence for conspecificity between Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor niveus.

Ticks are hematophagous arthropods transmitting several harmful human and animal pathogens like viruses, Rickettsia, bacteria, and protozoa. The identification and speciation of ticks were normally performed in Iran using identification key of Arthur (1960) and Kaiser and Hoogstraal (J Parasitol 49:130-139, 1963) or on the basis of morphological characteristic keys recommended by Walker et al. (2003).

Recombinant Cryptosporidium parvum p23 as a target for the detection of Cryptosporidium-specific antibody in calf sera.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a widely distributed coccidian parasite and causes enteric disease in humans and animals. In addition to being a cause of life-threatening disease in immunodeficient people, mostly AIDS patients, C. parvum has been reported as a common serious primary cause of outbreaks of diarrhea in newborn calves, especially newborn ruminants (De Graaf et al.

Biometrical and genetical characterization of large Babesia ovis in Iran.

One species of Babesia was identified on the blood smear of 20 different naturally infected sheep in the Northwest of Iran. It was polymorphic, including double pyriform with acute or obtuse angle, single pyriform, and ring form. The size of typical paired pyriforms with acute angle was 2.

Primary report on distribution of tick fauna in Iran.

A tick survey was carried out in four different geographical areas of Iran, where the majority of the domestic ruminants in Iran exist. About 1,500 sheep, 1,200 goats and 500 cattle of 12 herds in different provinces lying in the corresponding zones were inspected for tick infestation. The occurrence of ticks on cattle, sheep and goats were 62, 55 and 57%, respectively, with no differences between the zones.

Sarcoptic mange of gazelle (Gazella subguttarosa) and its medical importance in Iran.

Sarcoptes scabiei infestation was diagnosed in four freshly dead and three net-captured gazelle while ranging freely. The captured animals presented with an alopecic pruritic skin disease with signs of crusted skin lesions, numerous small nodules which first appeared on the lips or nostrils and then it also extended towards the eyelids, around the ears, and, in some cases, over entire face, neck, trunk, and legs. Skin over the affected area gradually became bald, thick and hard, being dry and doughy to the touch, and serous fluid or sometimes blood oozes from the lesions which had a severe malodor.

Status of Haemaphysalis tick infestation in domestic ruminants in Iran.

The geographical distribution and ecological preferences of Haemaphysalis in domestic animals in Iran were studied 4 times a year from April 2003 to March 2005. A total of 1,622 ixodid tick specimens were collected from 3 different zones. Among them, 108 (6.

Determination of Rhipicephalus spp. as vectors for Babesia ovis in Iran.

The tick-borne diseases of livestock constitute a complex of several diseases with different etiological agents, such as protozoa, rickettsia, bacteria, and viruses. One problem discussed in protozoan infection is the determination and characterization of the transmitter agent. Because many analyses were performed with the salivary gland smears using the methyl-green-pyronin staining method or the Feulgen staining method, the transfer vector remains unanswered in some cases.

Simultaneous differentiation between Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. on stained blood smear using PCR.

The tick-borne diseases of livestock constitute a complex of several diseases with different etiological agents. Theileriosis and babesiosis belong to this complex and are severe and often fatal protozoan tick-borne diseases of ruminants worldwide. This results in high economical losses yearly in Iran.