Mansour F. Hussein

The status of Rift Valley fever in animals in Saudi Arabia: a mini review.

In August-September 2000, an overwhelming outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) struck the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia and adjoining Yemeni territories. During the outbreak, which was the first ever to be recorded outside Africa, around 40,000 animals, mostly sheep and goats, died or aborted and 883 cases, with 124 deaths, were recorded among humans in Saudi Arabia. An additional 1328 human cases, with 166 deaths, were concurrently recorded in northwestern Yemen. Vector studies in Saudi Arabia established Aedes vexans arabiensis and Culex (culex) triteniorynchus as the biological vectors of RVF virus in the region. Both of these species and several others, which could be potential vectors of the virus, occur throughout the Kingdom. Rigorous control measures were implemented, which succeeded in curtailing the infection and preventing its spread to other parts of the country. However, the virus persisted in a cryptic form in the original area of the epizootic, resulting in intermittent diagnosis of few cases throughout the past 10 years. To date, however, no evidence was found of virus activity outside that area. This review provides, from a veterinary perspective, a brief account of the events surrounding the epizootic and its present status in Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the need for vigilance, preparedness, and regular monitoring of the disease by serosurveillance methods.

Haemostatic parameters in the camel (Camelus Dromedarius) comparison with humans

Haemostatic measurements were undertaken in 46 camels (Camelus dromedarius) and the results were compared to human reference values. The effects of sex, age and pregnancy on camel haemostatic parameters were studied. There was significant shortening of the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and marked elevation of factor VIII clotting activity (FVIII:C), FVII and FIX in camels as compared to humans. On the other hand, FX, fibrinogen and packed cell volume levels were lower in camels than humans. These results indicate a more active state of the coagulation system in camels as compared to humans and this might be a physiological adaption that protects this animal from excessive blood or fluid loss under the conditions of drought and transhumance.Pregnancy had no effect on any measured parameters. Platelet counts and ATIII levels were higher in males than females, and both parameters, in addition to FIX, decreased with age. The lack of any fluctuations of haemostatic parameters during pregnancy in camels may be related to the placental type; camel placenta which is of the epitheliochorionic type is much less vascular and less liable to bleed than the haemochoroinic placenta of pregnant women, who show a hypercoagulable state to guard against excessive bleeding during placental separation.

Factors influencing the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating dromedary camels in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the factors influencing its incidence. A total of 740 quarter milk samples were collected from 47 camel herds belonging to Majahim, Maghatir, Shu’l, and Sufer breeds. California mastitis test (CMT) was used as a screening test for subclinical mastitis. Samples giving negative or trace CMT scores (0) were assigned to healthy quarters, while those giving positive scores of 1+ to 3+ were assigned to subclinically affected quarters. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of breed, parity, and stage of lactation with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Milk fat, protein, lactose, solid nonfat percentages and Na, Ca, and K concentrations were compared in CMT-positive versus healthy quarters. One third (33%) of tested quarters had subclinical mastitis based on CMT. The estimated probability of subclinical mastitis with the combined effects of breed, parity, and stage of lactation ranged from 15.8% to 54.6%. The risk of subclinical mastitis increased significantly with parity and with the early stage of lactation. The Shu’l breed had significantly higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis than other breeds. Significant decreases in protein, lactose, and solid nonfat, Ca and K concentrations and increase in Na concentrations were associated with subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, subclinical mastitis is prevalent in Saudi camels, and its incidence is influenced by breed, parity, and stage of lactation.

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever in Saudi Arabia: molecular detection from camel and other domestic livestock

Abstract Objective To detect Coxiella burnetii ( C. burnetii ) DNA in clinical specimens from camel, goats, cattle and sheep in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 367 clinical samples including blood, milk, faeces and urine were collected from different livestock and subjected to PCR amplification using primers which amplify transposon-like region and transposase gene. Results Positive amplification from both regions was obtained from camel, goats and cattle but not from sheep. A percentage of 10.8% samples yielded positive PCR amplification from both blood and milk, where 15 of 139 blood and 16 of 148 milk samples were positive. Faeces and urine showed higher percentages of positive samples reaching 40.8% and 23.8% respectively. Conclusions The preferred route of shedding in camel appeared to be the faeces followed by urine, while that of goats appeared to be the faeces and that of the cattle appeared to be the milk.

COAGULATION PROFILE AND PLATELET PARAMETERS OF THE ARABIAN SAND GAZELLE (GAZELLA SUBGUTTUROSA MARICA): COMPARISON WITH HUMANS AND CAMELS

During March 2009, we evaluated the hemostatic profile and platelet indices of 18 Arabian sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) and compared the results with those from humans and camels (Camelus dromedarius). Gazelles and camels had shorter activated partial thromboplastin times, lower proconvertin and higher antihemophilic factor coagulation activity, and plasma fibrinogen levels than humans. Prothrombin time was longer in sand gazelles and shorter in camels than it was in humans. Plasma thromboplastin component, Stuart factor, and plasma thromboplastin antecedent were similar in gazelles, humans, and camels, whereas the platelet count of the sand gazelle was significantly higher than it was for camels and humans.

Pathological disorders of the female reproductive system in slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia

A study was made of the pathological and microbiological findings in the reproductive tract of 565 adult, barren female camels slaughtered in Saudi Arabia. The animals comprised 210 camels from the eastern, 180 camels from the central, and 175 camels from the western regions of the country. Gross and microscopic appearances of lesions in the ovaries, salpinx, uterus, and cervix are described along with data on microbiological findings in affected organs.

Serological prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in captive wild ruminants in Saudi Arabia

Serum samples from sand gazelles (n = 227), mountain gazelles (n = 232), and Arabian oryx (n = 96) reared in captivity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were tested for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies using an indirect enzyme immunoassay. C. burnetii antibodies were present in 18.3%, 7.3%, and 46.9% of these animals, respectively. The difference in serological prevalence between the three species was statistically significant. Age- and sex-related differences in prevalence were also observed. This study is the first record of C. burnetii antibodies in Arabian gazelles.

Aspergillosis in a gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus ) in Saudi Arabia

A mixed case of chronic tracheal (syringeal) and pulmonary (lungs and air sacs) aspergillosis was diagnosed in an adult female gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus). The bird presented with a 4-week history of severe dyspnea, exercise intolerance, depression and reduced appetite. Physical examination revealed slight emaciation. Hematological analysis showed leucocytosis, heterophilia, monocytosis, and thrombocytosis. Radiographic examination showed thickening of the air sac walls and increased radiopacity within the lung field. Caseous granulomatous lesions were observed during tracheoscopy and laparoscopy procedures. Cytological examination of specimens obtained from these lesions demonstrated Aspergillus species, which was isolated in culture and identified as Aspergillus flavus.

Serological prevalence of ovine and caprine chlamydophilosis in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia

The serological prevalence of Chlamydophila abortus was determined in 399 sheep and 171 goats in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, using the CHEKIT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from 30 (7.52%) sheep and 59 (34.50%) goats were positive for anti-C. abortus antibodies. Higher serological prevalence and antibody concentration (percent optical density) was recorded in goats as compared to sheep. In both species, the prevalence of chlamydophilosis was markedly higher in female than male animals. Statistical analysis showed highly significant species and sex effects on prevalence. Further studies should be undertaken to assess the role of chlamydophilosis in ovine and caprine abortion in Saudi Arabia, its economic impact and the need for implementing effective control strategies such as vaccination.

Hemostatic profile, platelets, and blood constituents of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

Hemostatic, hematological, and chemical parameters were determined in 25 captive Arabian oryxes (Oryx leucoryx) of both sexes. Hemostatic parameters included prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and clotting factors activities. Serum concentrations of 26 biochemical and inorganic constituents were determined along with hematological data, namely platelet counts, platelet indices, and red and white blood cell variables. Hemostatic parameters, platelet indices, and many biochemical components are reported for the first time in the Arabian oryx. Relatively low mean platelet volume, plateletcrit and platelet distribution width, and relatively short prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times and high platelet counts, and F:VIII clotting activity were recorded in the oryx. Most of the basic hematological and biochemical parameters recorded in this species were consistent with other wild bovidae.