Bangladesh Journal of Veterinary Medicine (BJVM)

Effects of seasonal, environmental, and demographic factors on brucellosis in buffaloes in Bhola District, Bangladesh

2026-02-01T13:20:18+00:00

Background: Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease that poses a major threat to livestock health and productivity, especially in buffaloes. In Bangladesh, information on its prevalence in coastal regions such as Bhola—where traditional Bathan-based buffalo farming is practiced—is limited. Seasonal variation, water source, grazing patterns, and demographic factors such as age, sex, and body condition score (BCS) may influence disease occurrence. Understanding these determinants is essential for designing effective control strategies for the region.

Methods: The study was conducted in Bhola District, Bangladesh, from January 1 to December 30, 2024. A total of 150 buffaloes were screened for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA (i-ELISA). Information on age, sex, BCS, season, water source, grazing area, and Bathan hygiene was collected through structured interviews and direct observation.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 8% by RBPT and 6.67% by i-ELISA. Although female buffaloes aged 2–4 years showed a higher prevalence (7.37%) than males (3.57%), and animals with a low BCS (1–2) had the highest infection rate (11.90%), these differences were not statistically significant. Prevalence was highest during the rainy season (12%), and buffaloes consuming river or pond water had higher seropositivity (7.92%) compared with those using tube-well water (4.08%). Buffaloes grazing in altered grazing areas (7.14%) and those kept in poorly managed Bathans (7.96%) also showed higher prevalence than their counterparts; however, none of these associations reached statistical significance.

Conclusion: Although variations in seroprevalence were observed across sex, age, body condition, season, water source, grazing practices, and Bathan hygiene, none of these factors showed statistically significant associations with brucellosis in buffaloes in Bhola. These descriptive findings nonetheless suggest potential risk patterns and underscore the importance of continuous surveillance, good husbandry practices, and farmer awareness to minimize the risk of brucellosis and its economic impact in the region.

Dietary Nigella sativa as an Immunomodulator against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus: Gross and Histopathological Evaluation

2026-02-01T13:17:21+00:00

Background: Nigella sativa (black cumin) possesses immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties that may protect lymphoid tissues from damage induced by very-virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) in poultry. This study investigated the gross and histopathological effects of dietary Nigella sativa seed powder (NSSP) supplementation in cockerels experimentally challenged with vvIBDV.

Methods: One hundred day-old Dominant Black Marshal cockerel chicks were randomly allocated into five experimental groups (A–E). Group A received a basal diet and remained unchallenged; group B received a basal diet and was challenged with vvIBDV; group C received NSSP (2.8 g/kg feed) from 21 to 27 days of age (doa) and was unchallenged; group D received NSSP from 21 to 27 doa and was challenged; and group E received NSSP continuously from 1 to 42 doa and was challenged with vvIBDV. Following viral challenge, gross lesions, carcass weight, and histopathological changes in the bursa of Fabricius, spleen, and thymus were evaluated.

Results: No gross or histopathological lesions were observed in groups A and C. Severe lesions were recorded in group B, moderate lesions in group D, and mild lesions in group E. Dietary NSSP supplementation reduced muscle and bursal hemorrhages, splenic congestion, and thymic lymphoid depletion. Although relative bursal and thymic weights were significantly increased in infected birds during the early post-challenge period, lesion severity decreased progressively in NSSP-treated groups, indicating improved lymphoid tissue protection and recovery.

Conclusion: Continuous dietary supplementation with Nigella sativa seed powder effectively mitigated vvIBDV-induced lymphoid damage in cockerels, supporting its potential use as a natural immunomodulatory agent in poultry health management.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Feline Panleukopenia at Central Veterinary Hospital, Bangladesh

2026-02-01T13:43:55+00:00

Background: Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease of cats, posing a significant threat to feline populations, particularly in multi-cat environments such as households, shelters, and catteries. In Bangladesh, epidemiological data on FPL remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of feline panleukopenia and identify associated risk factors among cats presented to a major veterinary referral center in Dhaka.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Central Veterinary Hospital, Dhaka, using hospital register records. Data from 3,217 cats presented during the study period were reviewed. Of these, 278 cats were diagnosed as FPL-positive based on clinical history, characteristic clinical signs, and rapid antigen test results. Epidemiological variables, including age, sex, and breed, were extracted and analyzed using the Chi-square (χ²) test

Results: The overall prevalence of feline panleukopenia was 8.64%. Female cats accounted for a higher proportion of cases (61.87%) compared to males (38.13%). Local breeds showed a higher occurrence of FPL (73.38%) than exotic breeds (26.62%). Age-wise analysis revealed that the highest occurrence was observed in kittens aged 0–6 months (39.93%), followed by cats aged >12 months (33.81%) and 7–12 months (26.26%).

Conclusion: Feline panleukopenia remains a common and significant infectious disease among cats in Dhaka city, with higher occurrence observed in young cats, females, and local breeds. Implementing regular vaccination programs, improving biosecurity, and promptly managing infected cats are essential to reduce the burden of FPL and prevent further transmission.