Presence of Aflatoxin M1 in raw milk at cattle farms in Babol, Iran.

In this study, raw cow milk samples were collected from milk churns at 40 traditional and semi-industrial cattle farms located in Babol (Northern Iran) in winter 2006. In total, 120 raw milk samples were tested for Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination by competitive ELISA. In 68 out of 120 samples (56.7%) the presence of AFM1 was detected by concentration ranging from 50 to 352.3 ng L(-1). Fifty two samples (43.3%) contained AFM1 at levels of 4-50 ng L(-1) (The AFM1 contamination levels were between 4-352.3 ng L(-1) by the average of 102.73 ng L(-1)). In general, 56.7% of samples were beyond the limit of European community regulations (50 ng L(-1)). In other words, the AFM1 contamination levels in raw milk were more than twice over standard levels. The AFM1 contamination levels, (> 50 ng L(-1)), in January, February and March were 40, 65 and 65%, respectively. Estimation of contamination of AFB1 using AFM1 in feed stuff showed that it was about 0.25 to 22 microg kg(-1) holding the average of 46.7%, being higher than European community limit (5 microg kg(-1)).

Seroepidemiology of sheep toxoplasmosis in Babol northern Iran 2004.

This study is carried-out with the aim of determining the prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in sheep at Babol (Bandpei part). In this study, 285 sheep of Bandpei area in Babol was selected. The samples studied with indirect immunofluorescence antibody. The results showed that 31.2% of sheep in this study were affected by toxoplasmosis. In positive cases, there was not any statistically significant difference between male and female sheep. The most positive cases observed by 1:200 titer. According to the researches in other parts of this country, the prevalence rate in this area is more than the others.