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ThesisItem Open Access Ectoparasites of goat with special reference to mange mite(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Borah, Debjani; Neog, RanjeetA study was conducted in and around Guwahati for a period of one year from July 2021 to June 2022 to study the prevalence of different ectoparasites in goats. Different ectoparasites in goat found to be prevalent in this area were ticks (67.32 %), lice (43.02%), flea (68.44%) and mite (14.38%). Haemaphysalis bispinosa, H. hystricis, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Linognathus africanus, Damalinia (Bovicola) caprae, Ctenocephalides felis orientis, C. canis, C. felis felis and Sarcoptes scabiei var. caprae were the prevalent species of ectoparasites found throughout the year. In the present study Linognathus africanus and Damalinia (Bovicola) caprae were reported for the first time in goat in Assam. Seasonal prevalence of the ectoparasites was studied in different climatic conditions of Assam namely temperature, humidity and rainfall. Prevalence of tick was found to be highest in the pre-monsoon season (March, April and May). The highest prevalence of lice, flea and mite was observed in the winter season (December, January and February). A significantly higher prevalence of tick and flea was observed in female goats than the male ones whereas prevalence of lice and mite was not dependent on the gender of the goats examined. Prevalence of ticks and mite was significantly higher in goats aged more than 6 months. Significantly higher prevalence of flea was observed in the goats below 6 months of age. Prevalence of lice was independent of age. Doramectin (Advanto®) @1ml/50kg b.wt. showed better results in the treatment of goats naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. caprae in comparison to Ivermectin (Parid pour-on @1ml/10kg b.wt.) and Castor oil (an indigenous knowledge-based acaricide). The haemoglobin, PCV, TEC and lymphocyte levels in the treated goats were observed to have a highly significant increase (p<0.01) post-treatment (day 48). The TLC, neutrophil and eosinophil levels showed a highly significant decrease (p<0.01) and monocyte per cent were observed to have a significant decrease (p<0.05) after treatment (day 48) with the three acaricides. Oxidative stress parameters revealed that malondialdehyde (MDA) level was seen to be higher and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were seen to be lower in goats infested with S. scabiei var. caprae mite in comparison to their normal range of healthy goats kept as control. This implies that the goats infested with S. scabiei var. caprae were in a state of oxidative stress prior to the treatment(s) and with the progress of the treatment(s), the goats showed a significant decrease in MDA level and increase in SOD and GPx activities indicating a reduction of oxidative stress in the treated goats due to the treatment(s).ThesisItem Open Access Tick and tick-borne parasitic diseases of dog prevalent in and around Guwahati, Assam(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Devi, Pallavi; Islam, SaidulThe study was conducted to record the prevalence of ticks on dog and haemoparasites borne by them. Molecular identification and characterization of the prevalent tick species was also done in order to know their taxonomic status and evolutionary relationship. The study was conducted from March, 2021 to February, 2022. 1440 dogs were examined for the presence of ticks on their body. Out of 1440 dogs, 986 (68.47%) were found to be infested with ticks. 504 (35.00%) ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 260 (18.06%) were identified as Haemaphysalis bispinosa and 222 (15.42%) were found to be mixed infestation. The highest prevalence of R. sanguineus ticks during August (61%) and the lowest during February and December (25%). Highest prevalence of H. bispinosa was recorded during August (26.67%) and the lowest during February and January (10.00%). Mixed infestation was highest during August (35.0%) and lowest during December (5.0%). The month-wise prevalence was found to be non-significant by statistical analysis (P value: 0.964948). The highest prevalence of ticks was recorded during the monsoon (95.42%) followed by the post-monsoon and the lowest during winter (37.5%). Statistically season has no significant influence on the prevalence of ticks on dogs (P value: 0.6541). The highest percentage of dogs infested with Rhipicephalus and Hemaphysalis tick at the age of 2-3 years (53.49%) and 6 month to 1 year (18.24%) respectively and lowest in 9-10 years (0%). The prevalence of ticks was significantly influenced by the age of dogs (P: 2.28695E-08). Labrador breed of dogs (98.23%) were found to be most infested by ticks followed by Local/mongrel (91.30%) and the least in St. Bernard (7.14%). The breeds of dog were found to be significantly influence the prevalence of ticks (P: 2.1666E-17). The female dogs showed higher prevalence of ticks (52.54%) than their male counterparts (47.46%). The most preferred site of attachment of the ticks on the dog‟s body was ears (28.39%) followed by head (18.56%) and paws/toes (17.64%). Morphological study of both the prevalent tick species were done and characteristic diagnostic features were figured out with photograph. Molecular identification and characterization of prevalent tick species were done by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene by PCR. Phylogenetic analyses by neighbor joining method were performed and the pair wise distance of 16S rRNA were done with MEGA X software. The pair wise distance study revealed that the R. sanguineus strain As/AAU/RS-01 was found to be 100% identical to the isolates of tropical lineages and is 6.4-7.5% divergent with the isolates of temperate lineages. H. bispinosa strain AS/AAU/HB-01 formed the clade with other isolates of H. bispinosa. The closely related isolates of AS/AAU/HB-01 were observed to be Chipahikhola isolate, Itanagar isolate and Arunachal pradesh isolates. The pair wise distance of AS/AAU/HB-01 showed divergence of 0-3.6% with other isolates of H. bispinosa and with other species of Haemaphysalis was between 9.3-14%. 4119 numbers of Giemsa‟s stained thin blood smears were examined under the light microscope for presence of tick-borne hemoparasites. The prevalent of five tick borne haemoparasites in dogs were recorded were Babesia gibsoni (10.34%), Babesia canis (0.92%), Hepatozoon canis (0.39%), Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) platys (0.12%) and Ehrlichia canis (0.22%). Out of 526 positive blood samples, 100 randomly selected positive samples were confirmed with PCR by amplification of 18S rRNA gene for (B. gibsoni, B. canis, H.canis) and 16S rRNA gene for (A. platys and E. canis) and found that PCR shows more sensitivity than light microscopy. Overall prevalence of tick borne haemoparasites, irrespective of season, breed, age and sex is recorded to be highest in the month of July (16.92%) followed by September (16.19%) and lowest in the month of February (4.18%).The highest prevalence of Babesia gibsoni was noticed in Labrador breed (12.93%) followed by local/mongrel dogs (11.53%) while Babesia canis was mostly encountered in Lhasa apso dogs (2.63%) followed by Boxer breed (2.38%) of dogs. Similarly, Pomeranian breed was found to be mostly infected by Hepatozoon canis (1.96%) followed by Doberman (1.55%) dogs. On the other hand, the rickettsial organism Anaplasma platys affect mostly Shitzu (3.85%) dogs followed by Dalmatian breed of dog (2.56%) and Ehrlichia canis was found to affect mostly Lhasa apso (2.63%) followed by Boxer dogs (2.38%). It has been noticed that out of all 18 breeds of dog in the present study, Labrador breed of dog is found to infect most by different haemoparasites followed by local/ mongrel dogs. Female dogs were recorded to be more affected than the male dogs. Statistical analysis revealed that sex of dog has significant influence on the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites (P: 0.040134). The highest prevalence of hemoparasites was seen in 1-2 years of age (17.70%) followed by <1 year (16.32%) and 2-3 years (14.88%) of age. The lowest prevalence was observed in 11-12 years of age (2.86%) and mixed infection of Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni is found to be highest of all other combination of infection.ThesisItem Open Access Efficacy of selected herbal preparations against gastrointestinal nematodes with special reference to haemonchus contortus in goats(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022) Deka, Neelakshi; Phukan, Sulekha ChoudhuryThe present study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites of goats in and around the undivided Kamrup district of Assam and to estimate the anthelminthic efficacy of the three selected indigenous herbal plants viz., Butea frondosa (Polakh), Carica papaya (Omita) and Corchorus fascicularis (Morapat) by in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation in goats naturally infected with gastro-intestinal nematodes. The study was conducted for a period of one-year w.e.f. October 2020 to September 2021 in Kamrup Rural and Metro districts of Assam. A total of 576 faecal samples were collected for the study. Faecal examination by Flotation Technique and Modified McMaster Method was carried out and overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematodes was recorded to be 63.89 %. Month-wise prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematode was also recorded where July month recorded the highest prevalence of 91.84 percent and February recorded the lowest prevalence of 31.81 percent. Monsoon season recorded the highest prevalence of 84.28 percent and winter season recorded the lowest prevalence of 35.06 percent. Among the three breeds of goat examined during the present study, Assam Hill goats recorded highest prevalence of 69.80 percent. The 6 months to 1 year age-group animals showed highest prevalence of 76.42 percent and female animals (doe) recorded the highest prevalence of 76.34 percent. The positive faecal samples were put in faecal culture for development of nematode larvae which revealed Haemonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Strongyloides sp. larva in the study area. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus which showed a distinct band at 265 bp. Three types of leaf extract viz., ethanolic, hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of each of three plants were prepared. The percent yield of ethanolic extract of B. frondosa, C. papaya and C. fascicularis was found to be 11.02, 7.81 and 13.72 % (w/w) respectively. For hydroethanolic extract the percent yield was found to be 12.81, 15.19 and 19.60 % (w/w) respectively and the percent yield of aqueous extract was found to be 16.02, 35.28 and 32.87 % (w/w) respectively. Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic, hydroethanolic and aqueous extract of leaves of B. frondosa, C. papaya and C. fascicularis revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides and triterpenes. Acute toxicity studies with ethanolic, hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of B. frondosa, C. papaya and C. fascicularis did not show any behavioural change or gross abnormality within 48 hours @ 2000 mg/kg body weight in mice. The extracts were considered to be safe up to a maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg. Three different concentrations viz., 50, 100 and 200 mg/ml was used for all the nine leaf extracts prepared from the three plants. Among the three plants studied in in-vitro trial, B. frondosa was observed as the best plant having in-vitro anthelminthic efficacy. Based on the findings of the in-vitro studies, the hydroethanolic extract of B. frondosa was selected to undergo in-vivo evaluation in goats naturally infected with Haemonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Strongyloides sp. using two doses, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. At 250 mg/kg body weight, the percent efficacy was 80.18 % and 72.79 % on Day 7 and 14 respectively, and at 500 mg/kg body weight the percent efficacy was 69.46 % and 73.12 % on Day 7 and 14 post-treatment respectively. The pulverized leaves of B. frondosa was also incorporated in urea-molasses-block (MUMB, Herbal Anthelminthic) and fed to goats naturally infected with Haemonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Strongyloides sp. The anthelminthic efficacy upon feeding of medicated urea molasses block (MUMB, Herbal Anthelminthic) incorporated with B. frondosa was found to have 88.16 % and ii 86.34 % efficacy on Day 7 and 14 post-treatment respectively. Ivermectin was used as the standard anthelminthic drug which gave 96.90 % and 93.79 % efficacy on Day 7 and 14 post-treatment respectively. Haemato-biochemical studies of treated goats under the in-vivo trial showed significant improvement in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count and total leukocyte count in groups fed with hydroethanolic extract of leaves of B. frondosa and MUMB (incorporated with B. frondosa) from Day 0 pre-treatment to Day 28 post-treatment. Total protein and albumin concentration improved significantly in groups treated with hydroethanolic extract of B. frondosa. Aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase was found to improve significantly in groups treated with hydroethanolic extract of leaves of B. frondosa and MUMB (incorporated with B. frondosa) from Day 0 pre-treatment to Day 28 post-treatment. B. frondosa leaf extract and MUMB was found to possess significant in-vitro and in-vivo anthelminthic activity and improved the haemato-biochemical parameters substantially during the present study. This indicates that B. frondosa has the potential to be used as herbal anthelminthic. MUMB with herbal incorporation can be recommended to be used for the control of gastro-intestinal nematodosis in goats. This indicates that the extract of leaves of B. frondosa is a potent and effective herbal anthelminthic. Incorporation of the herbal leaves as powder form in medicated urea molasses block (MUMB, Herbal Anthelminthic) can be used for the control of gastro-intestinal nematodes in goats. The conventional use of synthetic anthelminthics has led to the development of anthelminthic resistance in goat farms not only in Assam but also India and the world as a whole. Therefore, newer anthelminthics need to be developed to overcome the problem of anthelminthic resistance and control of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites of goat.ThesisItem Open Access Epidemiology and molecular identification of trematode parasites of duck with special reference to echinostome(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-03) Borah, Nanswita; Phukan, Sulekha ChoudhuryA survey was conducted in five different districts of Assam for a period of one year from September‟ 2020 to August‟2021 to investigate on the epidemiology and molecular identification of trematode parasites of duck along with the pathological changes caused by the latter and furthermore, identification of the snail harboring the echinostome cercariae and molecular identification of echinostome cercariae. Out of 1411 fresh faecal samples examined, 411 samples were found positive for helminths with 29.13 per cent prevalence. Infectivity percentage was highest in Kamrup (rural) district and lowest in Udalguri district. Trematodes evinced highest prevalence of 18.00 per cent followed by nematodes with prevalence of 17.51 per cent and finally cestodes with lowest prevalence of 2.62 per cent. Study revealed eggs of Notocotylus sp., Prosthogonimus sp., Echinostoma sp., segments of cestodes, larvae of Strongyloides avium, porrocaecum sp., Tetrameres sp., Heterakis sp. in faecal samples of infected ducks. 303 faecal samples were positive for single infection with prevalence of 21.47 per cent and 108 samples were positive for mixed infection with prevalence of 7.65 per cent. The seasonal prevalence of trematodes on faecal examination of ducks from different districts of Assam depicted highest in monsoon with 28.93 per cent and lowest in winter with 7.82 per cent. The prevalence of trematodes on faecal examination of duck raised under free-range was higher (19.91%) than semi-intensive system of rearing (16.10%). Out of 2786 ducks examined on post-mortem, 2092 ducks were found positive for helminths with 75.09 per cent prevalence. Infectivity percentage was highest in Kamrup (rural) district and lowest in Udalguri district, respectively. Cestodes showed overall highest prevalence of 50.90 per cent followed by trematodes with prevalence of 44.29 per cent and finally nematodes with lowest prevalence of 17.26 per cent. 1146 ducks with an overall prevalence of 41.13 per cent were positive for single infection and 946 ducks with prevalence of 33.96 per cent for mixed infection. On the basis of morphological studies, 9 different species of trematodes, 7 different species of cestodes and 4 different species of nematodes were identified and recorded. Trematodes were identified as Echinostoma revolutum (7.11%), Echinostoma paraulum (18.23%), Echinostoma friedi (0.29%), Hypoderaeum conoideum (18.52%), Psilochasmus oxyurus (0.04%), Tracheophilus cymbius (0.04%), Prosthogonimus ovatus (0.04%), Notocotylus attenuates (0.04%). Cestodes were identified as Hymenolepis collaris (14.28%), Hymenolepis lanceolata (11.59%), Fimbriaria fasciolaris (7.93%), Raillietina tetragona (4.74%), Raillietina echinobothridia (5.03%), Raillietina cesticillus (3.30%), and Amoebotaenia cuneata (4.02%). Nematodes were identified as Porrocaecum sp. (0.68%), Heterakis gallinarum (5.53%), Heterakis dispar (4.02%), and Tetrameres sp (7.04%). Notocotylus attenuates and Amoebotaenia cuneata was first time reported from Assam in duck. The prevalence of trematodes on post-mortem examination of ducks on the basis of sex depicted higher prevalence in females (46.00%) than males (42.62%). The prevalence of trematodes in post-mortem examination of ducks on the basis of age showed higher in adults (48.93%) than young ducks (38.95%). The prevalence of trematodes on post-mortem examination of ducks on the basis of breed showed highest in Pati ducks (49.24%), followed by Khaki Campbell ducks (45.76%), Chara-chambelli ducks (42.14%) and lowest in White pekin ducks (39.16%). Seasonal prevalence of trematodes on post-mortem examination of ducks depicted highest in monsoon with 49.62 per cent and lowest in winter with 38.25 per cent. Prevalence of trematodes on ii post-mortem examination of ducks on the basis of rearing duck showed higher in free-range (47.44%) than semi-intensive system of rearing (40.91%). For molecular identification of trematodes namely, Echinostoma revolutum, Echinostoma paraulum, Hypoderaeum conoideum and Echinostoma friedi (morpholocigally identified) were subjected to PCR (COX -1 gene of Echinostoma revolutum, Echinostoma paraulum, Hypoderaeum conoideum and ITS2 gene of Echinostoma friedi). The trematode, Echinostoma revolutum collected from different districts on the basis of COX-1 sequence identity showed 97.80-99.63% identity with Echinostoma revolutum, Echinostoma paraulum collected from different districts on the basis of COX-1 sequence identity showed 99.07-99.54% identity with Echinostoma robustum, Hypoderaeum conoideum collected from different districts on the basis of COX-1 sequence identity showed 99.08%-99.74% identity with Hypoderaeum conoideum. Echinostoma friedi on the basis of ITS2 sequence identity from Kamrup (rural) and Kamrup metropolitan districts showed 100% identity with Echinostoma friedi. DNA extracted from adult trematode parasites yielded positive results for COX-I genes of E. revolutum, E. paraulum and Hypoderaeum conoideum by PCR analysis, yielded the amplicons size of 818 bp, 216 bp, and 765 bp, respectively and 1000bp for E. friedi for ITS2 gene. On post-mortem examination, intestine of ducks infected with the species under the genus Echinostoma and Hypoderaeum showed slight gross lesions except catarrhal enteritis and congestion in the mucosal surface, mainly in the jejunum, ileum and caecum. Psilochasmus oxyurus showed catarrhal enteritis and congestion in the mucosal surface of the small intestine. Trachea infected with Tracheophilus cymbius exhibited bloody mucosal exudates in the site of attachment. No observable gross pathological lesions could be seen in oviduct and caecum affected with Prosthogonimus ovatus and Notocotylus attenuates, respectively. This may be due to low level of infection encountered in the present investigation. Microscopic changes associated with the species under the genus Echinostoma, Hypoderaeum, and Psilochasmus showed marked thickening with infiltration of inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, eosinophil, plasma cells and macrophages in the intestine. Some of the villi were degenerated and necrosed. Desquamated epithelial lining of intestinal villi were found to be deposited in the lumen of the intestine. Haemorrhagic patches could be seen in the tip of some villi. Hypertrophy of goblet cells was seen in the villi. The glandular epithelium showed vasculation and distortion which have further undergone necrosis. Most of the lymphoid follicles in ileum were found to be enlarged and degeneration of lymphoid cells was also observed. Muscle cells showed necrosis and hyalinization. Blood vessels showed congestion and dilation along with haemorrhages in subserosal layer of intestine. Histopathology, of trachea infected with Tracheophilus cymbius showed heavy infiltration of leucocytes in the mucosa and degeneration with necrosis in submucosal layer. Snail, Indoplanorbis exustus (0.55%) and Lymnaea luteola f. ovalis (0.37%) were recorded as the intermediate host of echinostome cercariae. No cercarial infection was recorded from Lymnaea acuminata f. rufescens, and Bellamya bengalensis f. typica. District-wise Monthly prevalence of echinostome cercaria in Indoplanorbis exustus depicted maximum shedding from the month of June to September from the different districts of Assam. District-wise Monthly prevalence of echinostome cercaria in iii Lymnaea luteola f. ovalis depicted maximum shedding from the month of June to October from the different districts of Assam. Morphological identified echinostome cercariae (4 representative samples) collected from different districts of Assam were subjected for molecular identification where ITS2 and COX -1 gene of the parasite was subjected to PCR. Cercariae of Hypoderaeum conoideum and Echinostoma revolutum (molecularly identified) are commonly prevalent in the snails of Assam.ThesisItem Open Access DIGESTIVE TRACT PROTOZOAN PARASITISM IN DOMESTIC BIRDS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO Trichomonas gallinae IN ASSAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2019-07) SAIKIA, MUNMI; Bhattacharjee, KantaThe present study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of protozoan parasites inhabiting the digestive tract of domestic birds which included pigeon (Columba livia domestica), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in the state of Assam, India. The study was conducted for a period of two years w.e.f. April 2017 to March 2019 in 8 districts of Assam viz. Kamrup (Rural and Metro), Dhubri, Barpeta, Nalbari, Darrang, Baksa, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji. A total of 1278 pooled faecal samples and 1207 throat swabs were collected for study. Faecal examination by floatation method for the presence or absence of oocyst of coccidia and by Modified Ziehl- Neelsen staining and Kinyoun’s staining method for detection of Cryptosporidium infection was carried out in domestic birds and overall prevalence of digestive tract protozoa was recorded as 34.66%. Identified species were Eimeria labbeana (26.35%), E. columbarum (8.69%) and E. columbae (3.53%) from pigeon; Eimeria tenella (19.13%), E. acervulina (9.46%), E. necatrix (6.88%), E. maxima (2.36%) and Cryptosporidium baileyi (3.01%) from chicken; Eimeria battakhi (19.86%) from duck and Eimeria tsunodai (13.29%), E. bateri (5.69%), E. uzura (3.16%) and Cryptosporidium meleagridis (4.43%) from quail. Season wise, highest prevalence was recorded from pigeon in pre monsoon (58.33%) and lowest in monsoon (27.17%); in chicken highest in monsoon (57.00%) and lowest in pre monsoon (28.69%); in duck highest in winter (52.45%) and lowest in post monsoon (17.28%); in quail highest prevalence was seen during monsoon (61.11%) and lowest in winter season (14.28%). District wise, highest prevalence (80%) was recorded from Kamrup (rural and metro) and lowest from Dhemaji (22.22%) in pigeon; in chicken highest (82.60%) from Dhubri and lowest from Lakhimpur (28.16%); in case of duck and quail highest prevalence was recorded from Dhubri (51.72%) in duck and (45%) in quail and lowest percentage was recorded from Baksa (22.22%) and (17.85%) from Darrang respectively. Observation on the prevalence of T. gallinae was done by Giemsa staining and culture and overall prevalence was recorded as 28.91%. In pigeon, the prevalence was recorded as high as 71.12% and in chicken it was 6.25% but T. gallinae was not recorded from both duck and quail in natural condition. In pigeon, prevalence was found in squab as 79.47% which was the highest. In young bird, it was 61.11% and in adult, prevalence was 70.00%. Female birds showed a prevalence rate of 75.51% while in male, it was 66.36%. In chicken prevalence rate was 6.73% in females and 6.00% in males. Season wise, highest number of cases (87.12%) in pigeon was recorded in winter and lowest in monsoon (60.58%). In chicken, T. gallinae infection was recorded only in two seasons; post monsoon showed slightly higher prevalence (15.49%) than winter (13.79%). District wise, maximum number of positive samples (78.65%) was recorded from Kamrup (rural and metro) in pigeon and in chicken, highest prevalence of Trichomonas infection was reported from Baksa district (34.78%). Comparative evaluation of direct smear (Giemsa staining) and culture methods (Wet mount) for detection of T. gallinae revealed culture method to be sensitive and superior to direct smear method. Five media, viz. modified Diamond’s media, Medium199, Minimum Essential Medium (MEM), RPMI 1640 and Nutrient broth were used for culture and maintenance 3 of T. gallinae parasite. Medium 199 showed the highest growth of organism upto 144-168 hours with motile trophozoites in comparison with other four media in the present study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employed for amplification of Fe hydrogenase gene of Trichomonas gallinae from positive cultured materials of pigeon and chicken showed clear 290 bp band fragment. Molecular characterization of T. gallinae from pigeon and chicken isolate of Assam in the present study showed 100% similarity with isolates of Iran and Austria. To determine the virulent nature of the trichomonads and its transmissibility to different hosts, experiment was performed with or without immunosuppressive drugs in chicken, duck, quails and mice taking pigeon as its natural host. Pigeon strain of T. gallinae orally inoculated at concentration of 4x104 trophozoites in birds and intra peritoneal inoculation in mice revealed presence of parasites in all bird species while mice developed abscess which is an indicator of T. gallinae infection. Pathological lesions like yellowish to whitish masses of caseous necrotic materials were seen in the beak, oral cavity, oeosophagus, crop and proventriculus of pigeon and mild gross alterations were observed in other experimental host. Histopathological alterations were also found more in pigeon than other infected birds. In the present study, five different drugs used for in vitro and in vivo efficacy against T. gallinae were Flagyl 400 (Metronidazole), Ornida (Ornidazole), Tiniba 300 (Tinidazole), Sulcoprim (sulphadiazine and trimethoprim) and Vetfur-TL (Metronidazole, Furazolidone and Loperamide). Concentration of drugs @10, 20 and 30 mg/ml for in vitro study and 20 and 30 mg/kg for in vivo study revealed 100% efficacy of the drugs Metronidazole, Ornidazole and combination of Metronidazole, Furazolidone and Loperamide at 30mg/ml in vitro and 30mg/kg in in vivo condition.ThesisItem Open Access EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BLADDER WORM DISEASES OF PIGS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH WITH SPECIAL REFRERENCE TO Taenia Solium TAENIASIS IN MAN(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Biswakarma, Badal; Deka, Dilip Kr.ThesisItem Open Access ECTOPARASITES OF POULTRY IN KAMRUP DISTRICT OF ASSAM: AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Bora, Sanjana; Das, ManoranjanA study was conducted to record the prevalence of different ectoparasites of poultry in Kamrup (rural and metro) districts of Assam from March, 2016 to February, 2017. Out of 6514 birds; 1896 fowl(local), 4450(broilers), 108 ducks and 60 pigeons, lice infestation was 58.24% in intensive system and 64.09% in free range system, arachnids both tick and mite together was 48.61% in free range system. The lice, Menopon gallinae (52.32%); Lipeurus caponis(45.44%); Menacanthus stramineus (38.88%) and Goniodes gigas(3.68%) and no arachnids could be encountered in intensive system. The lice in free range system were Menopon gallinae (47.21%); Lipeurus caponis(46.59%)and Menacanthus stramineus (27.09%), mites were Dermanyssus gallinae(14.24%); Cnemidocoptes mutans (36.38%); Sarcoptes spp. (6.81%) and some other mites (8.20%) with significant differences amongst seasons and systems of rearing. A hard tick, Haemaphysalis spp. could be found for the first time in India with 3.10% prevalence rate. The ectoparasites of ducks recorded were lice Columbicola columbae (30.56%); Lipeurus caponis (28.70%) and some other mites (30.56%). The ectoparasites encountered in pigeons were Dermanyssus gallinae (20%); Columbicola columbae (50%) and dipteran fly Pseudolynchia canariensis (65%). Myiasis due to Chrysomyia bezziana in broiler chickens of 5-7 weeks old had a prevalence rate of 1.34% in pre-monsoon and monsoon and not in the winter season, this being the first report in North East India. Skin of fowl naturally infested with Dermanyssus gallinae revealed destruction of the superficial layer of epidermis, mild spongiosis in dermal layer characterized by vacuolation alongwith infiltration of eosinophils and heterophils histopathologically. Heavy infiltration of mononuclear cells in the dermis and areas with haemorrhages alongwith congestion were observed. Perakeratosis of stratum corneum in certain areas of the epidermis without affecting the deeper layers of the skin were noticed. Histopathologically, birds infested with Cnemidocoptes mutans, showed sloughing of the stratum corneum and cross sections of the mite in the affected areas of the epidermis, abnormal thickening of stratum granulosum indicating hyperkeratosis. Infiltration of eosinophil, heterophils and mononuclear cells and focal areas of necrosis were observed in the dermis. Skin sections of fowl infested with Cnemidocoptes mutans showed no reaction in epidermis with Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH),intense reaction in dermis with Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH),Alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) and Acid phosphatase (ACPase) and moderate reaction with AKPase and ACPase in the dermis. Chrysomyia bezziana completes its life cycle in 13 to 18 days in room temperature (28-32°C). The molecular characterization of Chrysomyia bezziana revealed 99% similarity with established database sequences of NCBI in BLAST analysis.ThesisItem Open Access FILARIAL PARASITES IN LIVESTOCK WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO Onchocerca armillata(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Rabha, Nidarsana; Islam, SaidulA study was conducted to record the prevalence of filarial nematodes in cattle, buffalo and goat in Kamrup district of Assam (Metro and Rural) in local abattoirs in and around Guwahati from January 2016 to January 2017. A total of 792 animals comprising cattle (n=430), buffalo (n=262) and goat (n=100) was examined for this study. In cattle 3 species of adult filarial parasite (Setaria labiato-papillosa, S. digitata and O. armillata) and in buffaloes 2 species (S. labiato-papillosa, S. digitata) of adult filarial parasite could be recorded. Light microscopic morphological studies of these parasites were conducted. Based on the presence of lesion, Stephanofilaria assamensis could be encountered in 16.00% cattle. Setaria species infection was 62.50% in buffaloes. Prevalence of Onchocerca armillata in cattle was 68.40%, more in female Jersey cross bred animals (83.09%). Skin nip examination of cattle revealed presence of O. armillata microfilariae in 28.57% cases of O. armillata infection-positive cases. The molecular identification of ITS1-5.8S rDNA gene of Onchocerca isolate of the present study revealed 95% similarity with O. fasciata which complemented the light microscopic identity of the parasite. The molecular identification of 16S rDNA gene of Wolbachia revealed 99% similarity with O. volvulus, O. ochengi, O. cervicalis and O. gutturosa. Studies on the pathology of O. armillata infected aortae could reveal three major lesion types viz., parasitic migratory tracts in the intimal layer, nodular lesions in both intimal and adventitial layer and umbilical cord-like lesions in the intimal layer. These three lesion types appeared in the aortae either as a single or in combinations. Generally there was mild infiltration of inflammatory cells particularly mononuclear cells admixed with polymorphs and a few giant cells with thickening and edema of intimal layer. Migratory tracts showed empty spaces lined by fibrous connective tissue and proliferation of collagen fibers. Nodular lesions consisted of necrotic parasites and microfilariae inside them and inflammatory cell infiltration predominated by eosinophils. Umbilical cord like lesions exhibited edematous and massive fibrotic areas with calcification. In the present attempt, developmental stages of larvae and pupae of Simulium metatarsale and S. bhutanensis were encountered at 12 different breeding sites, with predominance of the former species. Presence of Wolbachia in Simulium metatarsale could be detected through a molecular identification of Wolbachia specific 16S rDNA gene. The results revealed 99% similarity with Wolbachia of other species obtained from different geographical regions. The Wolbachia obtained from S. metatarsale had 100% similarity with Wolbachia of O. armillata of the present isolate.ThesisItem Open Access INVESTIGATION ON PARASITES OF DUCK IN UPPER ASSAM WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HAEMOPROTOZOA(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Borah, Nanswita; Phukan, Sulekha ChoudhuryA survey was conducted in seven districts of upper Assam for a period of one year from June, 2016 to May, 2017 to study the prevalence of parasites of domestic ducks in upper Assam. Out of a total of 675 numbers of ducks examined, 467 ducks were found positive for different ectoparasites showing the overall prevalence of 69.19 per cent. Ducks from Gaurisagar of Sibsagar district had highest 92.86 per cent and Lahowal of Dibrugarh district had lowest 58.82 per cent prevalence for ectoparasites. Five different lice and two different types mites were recovered from different body parts of duck, of which infestation with Lipeurus caponis (13.33%) was highest followed by Menopon gallinae (12.74%), Menacanthus stramineus (10.67%), Columbicola columbae (8.44%), different feather mites viz. Dubininia melopsittaci, Megninia ginglymura and Bdellorhynchus sp. (5.19%), Goniodes sp. (3.70%) and larva of Trombiculid mite (0.89%), respectively. The three feather mites, larva of the Trombiculid mite and Columbicola columbae were first time reported from Assam in duck. Examination of 724 faecal samples collected from different localities of upper Assam revealed 333 samples to be positive for helminthes with overall prevalence of 45.99 per cent. Out of the positive samples, 314 samples were positive for single and 19 for mixed infection with incidence of 94.29 per cent and 5.71 per cent. Samples from Gaurisagar of Sibsagar district had highest 68.96 per cent of helminthic infection. Helminthic infections of ducks were not recorded from samples collected from Baghchung of Jorhat district and Joysagar of Sigsagar district. Faecal samples collected from ducks reared under free range system had highest prevalence of 57.84 per cent for helminthes followed by semi intensive system of rearing (35.34%) and no helminthic infections were recorded from faecal samples of ducks reared under intensive system. Season wise prevalence of helminths in ducks on the basis of faecal examination revealed highest during pre monsoon (73.56%) and lowest during winter (20.92%). Out of 724 faecal samples examined, 20 samples were positive for Coccidia (Isospora sp.) with the overall prevalence of 2.76 per cent. Post mortem examination of 774 carcasses of ducks from different localities of different districts in upper Assam revealed 518 carcasses to be positive for helminthic infections. The overall prevalence of helminthes was recorded as 66.93 per cent. 232 carcasses were found positive for cestodes (44.79%), 241 for trematodes (46.52%) and 45 for nematodes (8.69%). Carcasses from Demow of Sibsagar district had highest prevalence of 86.05 per cent and lowest from Kakopathar of Tinsukia district with 50.00 per cent prevalence for helminthes. Post mortem examination of ducks reared under free range system revealed highest 78.21 per cent for helminthes followed by semi intensive system of rearing (70.33%). Helminthic infection was not recorded from ducks reared under intensive system. Seasonal prevalence of helminthes on the basis of post mortem examination revealed highest during monsoon (72.28%) and lowest during winter season (51.43%). On the basis of morphological studies, 7 different species of cestodes and 1 larval stage of cestode, 8 different species of trematodes and 5 different species of nematodes were identified and recorded. Highest incidence of cestodes was recorded with Hymenolepis collaris (35.78%) followed by Hymenolepis carioca (35.34%), Fimbriaria fasciolaris (22.41%), Hymenolepis lanceolata (1.74%), Raillietina tetragona (1.29%), Raillietina echinobothridia (1.29%) and Raillietina cesticillus (1.29%) and lowest with plerocercoid (0.86%). Highest incidence of trematodes was recorded with Echinostoma revolutum (24.07%), Hypoderaeum sp. (18.67%), Psilorchis sp. (18.67%), Echinostoma paraulum (16.60%), Paryphostomum sp. (10.79%), Prosthogonimus sp. (8.30%), Tracheophilus cymbius (2.07%) and Psilochasmus sp. (0.83%). Highest incidence of nematodes was recorded with Tetrameres sp. (57.78%), Heterakis gallinarum (17.78%), Heterakis dispar (17.78%), Strongyloides avium (4.44%) and Porrocaecum sp. (2.22%). Hymenolepis carioca, Hymenolepis lanceolata, Raillietina tetragona, Hypoderaeum sp., Echinostoma paraulum, Prosthogonimus sp., Psilochasmus sp. and Heterakis dispar were first time reported from Assam in duck. Seasonal prevalence of helminthes according to breeds of duck revealed highest prevalence of helminthes in monsoon season (82.54%) and lowest in winter (26.67%) from Patihanh, highest in pre monsoon (85.26%) and lowest in monsoon (54.29%) from Khaki Campbell, highest in pre monsoon season (85.37%) and lowest in winter (56.52%) from Chara ducks and prevalence of helminthes in Muscovy ducks during monsoon season was 80 per cent. Overall prevalence of helminthes was recorded highest in adults (76.73%) and lowest in young ducks (54.41%). Seasonal prevalence of helminthes according to age of ducks revealed highest prevalence of helminthic infection during pre monsoon (67.83%) and lowest during winter season (34.88%) in youngs and highest prevalence during post monsoon season (85.29%) and lowest during winter season (61.29%) in adults. Overall prevalence was recorded highest in female (67.44%) and lowest in male (66.41%). Seasonal prevalence of helminthes according to sex revealed that males had highest helminthic infection during monsoon (80.41%) and lowest during winter season (43.14%). Similarly, females had highest during pre monsoon season (73.88%) and lowest during winter season (57.41%). Prevalence of haemoprotozoa in ducks revealed that, out of 300 thin blood smears prepared, only 4 showed the presence of Haemoproteus sp. infection in RBC. The overall prevalence of infection was 1.33 per cent. Haematological changes observed due to helminthes and haemoprotozoan parasites of duck revealed decrease in Haemoglobin (9.38±0.13), PCV (27.98±0.36) and TEC (1.69±0.08) with increase in TLC (43.18±1.76) in infected ducks. On post mortem examination, various pathological lesions were found associated with Hymenolepis sp. and Echinostoma sp. in intestines and Tetrameres sp. in proventricles of ducks. Intestines of duck showed catarrhal enteritis and congestion in the mucosal surface of the small intestine for Hymenolepis sp. and haemorrhages and catarrhal enteritis for Echinostoma sp. Microscopic examination revealed marked thickening of intestinal villi with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Some villi showed haemorrhagic patches, degeneration and necrosis. Desquamated epithelial lining of intestinal villi were found to be deposited in the lumen of the intestine. Cross section of Hymenolepid parasite was found attached to the superficial epithelium surrounded by infiltrating cells. Gross examination of infected proventiculus revealed small blackish elevated spots visible from the luminal surface. Microscopic examination revealed cut sections of female parasite inside the proventricular gland. Glandular epithelium surrounding the parasite exhibited pressure atrophy and the lumen of the gland was found dilated. Tunica muscularis around the glands was found thickened and inter glandular spaces was found enlarged and thickened with proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and was found infiltrated with monocytes and polymorphs. The genera Echinostoma sp. (Identified as Echinostoma revolutum on the basis of morphological characteristics) and Hypoderaeum sp. were identified as Echinostoma friedi and Hypoderaeum conoideum on the basis of ITS2 sequence identity. The present isolate of Echinostoma sp. showed 100 % identity with Echinostoma friedi the isolate of Hypoderaeum sp. showed 99% identity with Hypoderaeum conoideum The Molecular characterization of either Echinostoma friedi or Hypoderaeum conoideum could not be accomplished due to unavailability of more than one ITS2 sequence of these species in NCBI database. Probably it might be the first report of Echinostoma friedi in India. The ITS2 sequence based species identification of Psilorchis sp. could not be accomplished due to absence of Psilorchis ITS2 sequence in NCBI database. This might probably be the first report of ITS2 sequencing of Psilorchis sp. either in India and abroad.