Bioclimatic Analysis and Spatial Distribution of Livestock Fascioliasis in Iran.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fascioliasis and to perform a climatological analysis of different regions of Iran based on the current situation of the parasite and its intermediate host using Geographical Information System (GIS). METHODS: Meteorological data were obtained from Iran Meteorological Organization. Risk map of fascioliasis transmission was prepared based on this data and using forecasting indices. Further, the number of fascioliasis cases from 31 provinces reported to the Iran Veterinary Organization were collected and prevalence maps of livestock fascioliasis were drawn. RESULTS: The main risk hotspots were found in Northern provinces like Golestan, Mazandaran and Gilan as well as some Southern provinces such as Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Fars, which have ideal conditions for completion of the parasite life cycle. Moreover, Gilan Province with 10.83% had the highest rate of fascioliasis infection in slaughtered animal. CONCLUSION: Iran is one of the most important foci of fascioliasis globally. Several provinces of Iran have appropriate conditions for evolution of parasite life cycle and presence of its intermediate host. These regions require special attention and serious determination in order to control fascioliasis in human and animals.

Pulmonary lesions in slaughtered sheepin Western Iran: gross and histopathological findings.

This study was conducted with the objective of identifying the types of gross and histopathological lesions in lungs of sheep slaughtered between March 2013 to February 2014 at Kermanshah abattoir, west of Iran. A total of 1200 slaughtered sheep lungs was inspected during the study period. Pulmonary lesions were detected in 445 (37.08%) carcasses, grossly. Lesions were further subjected for detail histopathological examinations. On microscopic examination, most lungs had more than one type of lesions and thirteen different lesions were observed. The most common lesions were bronchopneumonia (13.33%), pulmonary emphysema (4.25%), hydatid cyst (4.16%), interstitial pneumonia (3.58%), abscess (3.33%), atelectasis (2.83), Pleurisy (1.66), bronchiectasis (1.41), verminous pneumonia (0.91%) and pulmonary adenomatosis (0.25%). The highest prevalence of pulmonary lesions was observed in the winter, which differences were significant in compared to other seasons (P=0.007). This study demonstrates that lung diseases and lesions represent a serious problem and may continue to be a drawback to livestock industry and may pose health risks to meat consumers from contrasting zoonotic diseases in western Iran. So designing of serious prevention and treatment programs are very important in our region.

Echinococcus granulosus in humans associated with disease incidence in domestic animals in Kermanshah, west of Iran.

Hydatidosis is one of the important zoonotic diseases that cause considerable economic losses and public health problems worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence Echinococcus granulosus in people and slaughtered animals in Kermanshah province, west of Iran. Hospitals data and meat-inspection records in Kermanshah abattoir were used in this study. A total number of 32,130 slaughtered livestock (7000 cattle, 19,950 sheep and 5180 goats) was inspected in the 3-year period and overall 2043 (6.35 %) were infected. The highest and lowest prevalence was recorded in cattle and goats, respectively. In human, Cystic echinococcosis affected more females (54 %) than males (46 %) with a 1.17 male to female ratio. Rate of disease in urban and rural regions were 46 and 54 %, respectively. The youngest and the oldest patient operated were 7 and 87 years old, respectively, and the age group 21-40 years (41.2 %) were the most affected. A significantly higher number of hydatid cysts were recorded in the liver than in other sites. The ratio of hepatic hydatidosis to pulmonary hydatidosis was 2.46. The results showed that hydatidosis is of great importance in this area and serious attention is needed to prevent and control the disease.

Prevalence of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chickens, domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and turkeys of Kermanshah province, west of Iran.

This study was carried out on free-range backyard chickens, domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and turkeys from May 2012 to April 2013 to determine the prevalence and identify the species of ectoparasites in Kermanshah province, west of Iran. Of the total of 600 free-range backyard chickens (185 ♂ and 415 ♀), 700 domestic pigeons (278 ♂ and 422 ♀) and 150 turkeys (53 ♂ and 97 ♀), 389 (64.83 %), 608 (86.85 %) and 54 (36 %) were infected with one or more parasites respectively. Eleven ectoparasites species including five of lice (50.16 % Menacanthus stramineus, 13.66 % Menopon gallinae, 4.83 % Cuclotogaster heterographus, 5.16 % Goniocotes gallinae, 2.33 % Goniodes gigas), three of mites (26.33 % Dermanyssus gallinae, 8.5 % Ornithonyssus bursa, 7 % Cnemidocoptes mutans), one of tick (78.66 % Argas persicus) and two of flea (12.33 % Echidnophaga gallinacea, 2 % Pulex irritans) were found in the backyard chickens. The domestic pigeons were infected with six species of parasites including: Columbicola columbae (61.7 %), M. gallinae (10.43 %), M. stramineus (9 %), D. gallinae (8.28 %), Argas reflexus (74.14 %) and Pseudolynchia canariensis (27.7 %). The ectoparasites species recorded in turkeys were M. gallinae (14 %), M. stramineus (8 %), D. gallinae (12.66 %), C. mutans (6 %), A. persicus (24.66 %) and E. gallinacean (6 %). This is the first survey to determine the prevalence and identify the species of ectoparasites among free-range backyard chicken, domestic pigeons and turkeys in Kermanshah province. The high prevalence rate of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chickens and domestic pigeons indicates that parasitic infection is a common problem in this area.