Muhammad Awais Akram (2008-VA-230)

Seroprevalence And Associated Risk Factors Of Leptospirosis In Sheep And Goat In And Around Lahore - 2015. - 44p.;

Sheep and goats, although representing an important source of animal protein in third world countries such as Pakistan, seem to have benefited little from veterinary care and production improvement. Sheep and goats are often the main source of daily meat and are used in ceremonial festivities throughout the country. Small ruminants (sheep and goats) are ubiquitous, with important contributions to the subsistence, economic, and social livelihoods of many humans, particularly in developing countries. According to FAO, (2010), approximately 95.7% of all goats and 63.3%of all ewes worldwide are located in developing countries and represent more than 70% of total animal production. Among the various factors that may lead to low productivity in tropical countries, infectious diseases may be very prevalent, impairing milk and meat production.
Leptospirosis is an outstanding neglected disease, and since it is usually silent, its effects on livestock are often underestimated. As an example that may be considered for other tropical areas of the world, it was recently described as the most frequent and potentially the major infection impairing productivity in small ruminants. Unfortunately, a definitive diagnosis of leptospirosis is difficult to make. Most of diagnostic laboratories do not attempt to isolate leptospires because of their fragile nature, cost and complexity of the isolation media, and prolonged incubation period. Therefore, recognition of leptospiral infection has been based generally on serological evidence. A wide variety of serological tests, which show varying degrees of serogroups and serovar specificity, have been described. Two tests have a role in veterinary diagnosis: the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
A total of 180 serum samples were examined in this study. The animals were included in this study from various sources representing the diverse livestock production system / management conditions i.e. rural subsistence, peri-urban and semi commercia, sheep and goat farms in and around the Lahore. The blood samples were collected from randomly selected animals as well as on the basis of Leptospirosis- like symptoms or any other indication of the disease. The blood samples were collected in clean sterile vacutainers having no anticoagulant. From each animal 5-10 ml blood sample were collected by phlebotomy. For this purpose the area on jugular vein was sterilized with 70% alcohol and blood was collected in the vacutainer. The blood samples were put in slanted position in the refrigerator for two hours. Upon appearance of serum in the tubes usually after three hours of refrigeration, samples were centrifuged at 4000 revolution per minute (RPM) for five minutes. The sera were separated using a sterile pipette for each sample and clean sterilized vials were stored at -20°C in the freezer till used. The standard hygienic measures were adopted during collection and processing of blood samples. The ELISA is performed by the procedure that is described by the ELISA kit manufacturer.
The sheep were divided into three categories that were healthy, pregnant and aborted, which account for 0, 3.34 and 26.6%, respectively, positive samples. Whereas, The goat were also divided into three categories that were healthy, pregnant and aborted, which account for 0, 6.67 and 30%, respectively, positive samples. The highest percentage were observed in aborted animals that indicated that the leptospirosis had contribution in the abortion of the goat and sheep. The sheep were divided into four categories that were urban, peri urban, semi-commercial and commercial, which account for 13.3, 6.67, 6.67 and 10%, respectively, positive samples. Whereas, the goat were also divided into four categories that were urban, peri urban, semi-commercial and commercial, which account for 16.7, 13.4, 6.67 and 10%, respectively, positive samples. The highest percentage were observed in urban areas where the sheep and goats were raised together that indicated that the leptospirosis can be spread from animal to animal.
Conclusion:
From the finding of the current study suggested that leptospirosis can be difficult to diagnosis properly. The proper diagnosis can helpful for the controlling the leptospirosis. The urban area, and physiological conditions, of sheep and goat, are the major risk factors.
Suggestion and Recommendations:
Proper diagnosis and good management can reduce the risk of leptospirosis in sheep and goat. The infected animal must be isolate and treat with proper medications. The further studies can helpful for more proper disease diagnosis and control.


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