Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens global health, and inappropriate antibiotic use in companion animals accelerates the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms. Pet birds, maintained in close human contact, represent potential vectors for AMR transmission. We report a fatal case of MDR bacterial and fungal infection in a one-year-old budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) following unsupervised administration of enrofloxacin and tetracycline by its owner. The bird presented with anorexia, watery diarrhea, lethargy, reduced vocalization, dehydration, and weakness. Microbiological examination (based on colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical characteristics) of cloacal swabs revealed bacterial isolates and yeast that demonstrated resistance to amoxicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, amikacin, tetracycline, and enrofloxacin via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Despite evidence-based antimicrobial and antifungal therapy with supportive care, the bird showed progressive clinical deterioration and died. This case report demonstrates the severe consequences of unsupervised antimicrobial administration in exotic pets, including MDR pathogen selection, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, therapeutic failure, and death. Urgent regulatory intervention to restrict non-prescription antimicrobial access, coupled with enhanced client education on responsible medication practices, is essential to mitigate AMR proliferation at the human-animal interface.

Calodium hepaticum is a neglected zoonotic parasite of rodents, primarily affecting rats. Highly sensitive molecular assays such as nested PCR are not available to screen the parasite in rat, man and dog. In the present study, parasite specific nested PCR primers were designed to amplify 171bp partial 18S rRNA gene of C. hepaticum and compared with an existing semi nested PCR. Both nested PCR and semi nested PCR assays were sensitive enough to detect at least 10 C. hepaticum eggs in rat liver samples. The limit of detection of nested PCR assay was 420 zM, and it was 35-fold more sensitive than that of semi nested PCR assay. The nested and semi nested PCR assays specifically amplified C. hepaticum egg DNA from human and dog DNA samples spiked with parasite DNA. The molecular prevalence of C. hepaticum in household rats in Chennai was 41.81% based on nested PCR assay. This study suggests that the 18S rRNA gene based nested PCR assay could be a more sensitive detection system for molecular screening of C. hepaticum in rat liver samples and highly suitable for epidemiological studies. Further, both the 18S rRNA gene based nested and semi nested PCR assays can potentially used for detection of C. hepaticum infection in man and dog.

Tilapia Lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging pathogen causing up to 90% mortality in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farming. Enhancing tilapia health by modulating the non-specific immune system with herbal immunostimulants offers a promising strategy to mitigate TiLV outbreaks. This study evaluated the prophylactic efficacy of Gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus) and Oregano (Coleus amboinicus) extracts against TiLV. Crude ethanolic extracts were prepared by Soxhlet extraction and screened for preliminary phytochemicals. The crude extracts were incorporated into the commercial pellet feed at varying concentrations (100, 300 and 500mg/kg) to prepare the experimental diets (PA (P. acidus), CA (C. amboinicus) and PC (P. acidus + C. amboinicus)) and fed to healthy tilapia for four weeks. They were then challenged with TiLV (intra-peritoneal) to assess the prophylactic effects. The combination diet (PC) at 300mg/kg showed the highest relative percentage survival (RPS) of 77.78%, followed by CA at 500mg/kg. Further, fish fed a diet containing PC at 300mg/kg showed significant (P < 0.05) improvements in haematological parameters, immune parameters, and immune gene expression (TLR-7 and IFN-β) at 24, 48, and 72h post-infection (hpi). Notably, a significant increase in blood performance, antioxidant defence and expression of IFN-β and TLR-7 in the spleen was observed. This study emphasises the potential of herbal-based immunostimulants for developing sustainable strategies to improve fish health and resilience against TiLV.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) remains a major health threat across Asia, yet the contribution of genotype-specific variation in the multifunctional NS5 protein to viral fitness is not fully resolved. This study evaluated how sequence differences among JEV genotypes G1-G5 shape NS5 stability and, in turn, replication potential. A unified in-silico workflow combined physicochemical profiling, residue-level substitution mapping, and atomistic molecular dynamics to compare structural stability and conformational behavior across genotypes, with a focus on substitutions predicted to modulate enzymatic performance. Analyses revealed that G5 NS5 maintains a balanced electrostatic environment and persistent hydrogen-bonding networks, yielding greater structural stability than other genotypes. In contrast, G4 NS5 presented a charge imbalance and reduced stability. Simulations consistently supported the robustness of G5 dynamics, with specific substitutions, including Y65, M59, E182, and T191, contributing to improved packing, favorable local interactions, and putative gains in catalytic efficiency. These molecular attributes align with heightened replication capacity and provide a mechanistic rationale for the recent prominence of G5 strains relative to G1-G4. Comprising together, our results demonstrate that genotype-linked substitutions in NS5 directly influence protein stability, replication efficiency, and adaptive potential. Translationally, prioritizing G5-informed NS5 features may guide the design of small-molecule inhibitors and vaccine antigens with broader protective value.

Colic remains as an emergency condition in equines, characterized by acute abdominal pain due to various gastrointestinal or extra-gastrointestinal causes. Spasmodic colic is a functional disturbance associated with intestinal motility disorder, often present and recurrent sometimes however, can also be triggered by underlying chronic management issues. This report details the clinical management of a ten-year-old Kathiawari mare with acute abdominal pain through ten-day history of intermittent diarrhea. Diagnostic investigation revealed marked intestinal hypermotility and mild dehydration. Successful management involved a multimodal approach, including immediate fluid therapy with visceral analgesic (Flunixin meglumine), spasmolytic agent (Hyoscine butylbromide) and prophylactic antimicrobial coverage to address potential mucosal compromise. The case highlights the significance of neglected deworming protocols as a predisposing factor for spasmodic episodes via chronic inflammatory sensitization, underscoring the efficacy of rapid medical intervention in indigenous breeds.

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of system of rearing (pasture-fed vs. stall-fed) on the growth performance in Tellicherry crossbred goats. A six-month feeding trial was carried out in Livestock Farm Complex, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai-51. Eighteen goats between the age of 6-8 months were randomly divided into two groups (pasture fed and stall fed). Pasture fed goats were allowed to graze in cultivated pasture for 7 hours per day, whereas stall fed goats fed with ad libitum hybrid Napier grass and concentrate feed fed at rate of 1.5% of body weight. Nutritive value of cultivated pasture, hybrid Napier grass and concentrate feed were analyzed. Body weight of the goats was recorded fortnightly. Feed intake and Feed conversion ratio was recorded and calculated respectively. Blood parameters at the end of the trial were analyzed. The results indicated that stall fed group goats had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher final body weight and weight gain when compare to pasture fed goats. Significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher dry matter intake noticed in stall fed group. The Stall-fed group goats had significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) RBC, HGB and PCV/HCT levels when compare to pasture fed goats. Haematological improvements link to balanced minerals in formulated feeds. Cost per kg live weight gain was higher in stall fed goats. Based on the present findings, quality pasture plays a major role in economic and sustainable goat production. Hence, pasture system of goat rearing may be recommended for Tellicherry crossbred goats.

Livestock farming is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods in India, yet the sector in Kerala faces extreme vulnerability due to seasonal monsoon flooding, as evidenced by the 2018 Kerala Flood disaster that impacted over 200,000 animals. This research examined housing adaptation methods used by dairy farmers in the Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts of Kerala, specifically chosen for their significant post-flood declines in milk production. The study revealed that the most favoured coping mechanisms involved constructing shelters on elevated terrain or moving livestock to higher altitudes during emergencies. Conversely, building permanent concrete (pucca) structures was the least utilised approach. Ultimately, the results suggest that successful flood mitigation for livestock depends on prioritising natural elevation and organised relocation strategies, necessitating stronger support from both local communities and formal institutions.

Sepsis in dogs is associated with dysregulated host response and progressive organ dysfunction. Early identification of biochemical derangements may facilitate timely therapeutic intervention and risk stratification. This study was conducted to characterize serum biochemical alterations across the clinical continuum of sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock in dogs and to evaluate their association with organ dysfunction severity. A prospective observational study was conducted in 103 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring sepsis admitted to a tertiary veterinary critical care unit. Dogs were categorized as sepsis (n=36), severe sepsis (n=57), or septic shock (n=10) based on SIRS criteria, confirmed infectious source, organ dysfunction, and hemodynamic status. Ten healthy dogs served as controls. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed using automated analyzers. Data were compared using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc testing (?=0.05). A significant increase in BUN was observed in severe sepsis (99.6 ± 8.1 mg/dL) and septic shock (104 ± 19.8 mg/dL) compared to controls (15.6 ± 2.1 mg/dL; p<0.01). Creatinine was markedly elevated in severe sepsis (5.3 ± 0.7 mg/dL; p<0.01). Hypoalbuminemia was present across all septic groups (2.2–2.4 g/dL vs. 3.0 ± 0.1 g/dL; p<0.01). ALP activity was significantly increased in all septic categories (p<0.01). Hyperphosphatemia was pronounced in severe sepsis and septic shock (10.1 ± 0.6 and 9.8 ± 1.24 mg/dL; p<0.01). Electrolytes and glucose showed wide variability but no consistent group-level statistical differences. Renal dysfunction (azotemia), hypoalbuminemia, cholestatic enzyme elevation, and hyperphosphatemia are prominent biochemical features of canine sepsis and correlate with disease severity. Routine serum biochemistry provides clinically actionable markers for early organ dysfunction recognition in septic dogs.