H. Irshad

Status of tick distribution in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan

On a global basis, ticks transmit a greater variety of pathogenic microorganisms, protozoa, rickettsiae, spirochaets, and viruses than any other arthropods and are among the most important vectors of diseases affecting livestock, humans, and companion animals. Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) affect 80% of the world cattle population and are widely distributed throughout the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Ticks and tick-transmitted infections have coevolved with various wild animal hosts, which constitute the reservoir hosts for ticks and tick-borne pathogens of livestock, pets, and humans. In this region, the livestock sector is suffering from a number of disease problems caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Among the parasitological problems, the damage caused by TTBDs is considered very high, and the control of TTBDs has been given priority.

Sero-epidemiology of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Pakistan

A sero survey was conducted during 2005-2006 to estimate the sero prevalence of PPR in the small ruminant population of Pakistan. A total of 2798 samples were collected including goats (1979) and sheep (819) from villages in 27 randomly selected districts. These were tested by cELISA for PPRV and true prevalence estimates were calculated by Rogan and Gladen estimator. Overall, 1273 (45.5%) were found positive; 980 (49.5%) of 1979 samples from goats and 293 (35.8%) of 819 serum samples from sheep were positive. The true sero-prevalence of PPR was estimated to be 48.5% (95% CI, 46.6-50.3), and 52.9% (95% CI, 50.7-55.1) and 37.7 (95% CI, 34.4-41.0) for goats and sheep, respectively. PPR virus is widely distributed all across Pakistan and has become an endemic infection of small ruminants. Since it is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in small ruminants, it poses a serious threat to food security and the rural economy in Pakistan.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Transboundary Animal Diseases in Pakistan

Control of animal and poultry diseases is one of the primary objectives of government livestock departments in Pakistan. Main emphasis is given to the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases (TADs), i.e. rinderpest, foot and mouth disease (FMD), Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and avian influenza (AI) in the country. Recently (2007), the Office International des Epizooties has certified Pakistan as a rinderpest-free country but other TADs are still a threat to the livestock and poultry sectors in the country and the region at large. Keeping in view the significance of livestock and poultry industry for the livelihood of the farmers as well as the economy of the country, a network of diagnostic facilities has been established both at federal and provincial levels. The National Veterinary Laboratory (NVL) Islamabad has been designated as a referral laboratory for the diagnosis of rinderpest, FMD and PPR. Presence of these viruses is confirmed using ELISA. Diagnosis and monitoring of AI is the responsibility of National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases Animal Health, Animal Sciences Institute, Islamabad where hemagglutination, agar-gel-precipitin test (AGPT), ELISA and PCR are employed to confirm the diseases. In each of the four provinces, the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) plays a central role to investigate an outbreak and implement measures to contain infection. Besides VRIs, district diagnostic laboratories have also been established to provide basic diagnostic facilities to the farmers. Undiagnosed cases or samples collected from TADs are referred to either the concerned VRI or the NVL for further analysis. The Animal Sciences Institute (ASI) at the National Agricultural Research Centre and eight veterinary universities/faculties also play an important role in the development/improvement of new assays/biologics and dissemination of knowledge to other institutes in the country. The present status of TADs and recommendations for harmonizing the diagnostic tools for these diseases are discussed.

Detection of Peste des Petits Ruminants Viral RNA in Fecal Samples of Goats after an Outbreak in Punjab Province of Pakistan: A Longitudinal Study.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants and thus has serious socioeconomic implications. In Pakistan, during the year 2012-2013, estimated losses due to PPR were worth Rs. 31.51 billions. Close contact between infected and susceptible animals is an important route of transmission of PPR. Therefore, carrier animals play an important role in unnoticed transmission of PPR. The objective of the study was to investigate the detection of PPR virus in goats recovered from PPR. A suspected PPR outbreak was investigated and confirmed as PPR after analysing appropriate samples collected from infected animals using rRT-PCR. A longitudinal study was conducted over the period of 16 weeks to ascertain the detection of PPR virus (PPRV) in faecal samples of recovered goats. Ninety-six (96) faecal samples from each sampling were collected at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after the outbreak. Faecal samples were analysed using rRT-PCR. Of 96 from each sampling a total of 46, 37, 29, and 25 samples were positive for PPR viral genome at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, respectively, after recovery. Attempts were made for the isolation of PPR virus on Vero cells, but results were negative. These results indicated the detection of PPR viral RNA up to 16 weeks after infection. Therefore, these results may help in the future epidemiology of PPR virus shedding and possible role as source of silent infection for healthy animals especially when there is no history of any outbreak in nearby flock or area.