Abstract This study establishes the serological frequency against Neospora caninum on day zero and the presence of N. caninum DNA surveyed throughout the gestation of Bubalus bubalis females in a bovine buffalo system in the central zone of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Blood samples were taken from 11 females in 6 different sampling periods and analyzed for N. caninum antibodies detection on day zero. DNA detection by PCR was performed on all sampling periods. The gestation months of the females were recorded for five trimesters by ultrasonography, as well as births and pregnancy losses. Recorded seropositivity and positivity for agent DNA were 90.9% (95% CI 58.7-9.7) and 36.3% (95% CI 10.9-69.2), respectively, on day zero. N. caninum DNA was detected between 18.1% (95% CI 2.3-51.7) and 45.4% (95% CI 16.7-76.6) over the five trimesters of observation, with three births and three abortions recorded. The studied water buffalo population had a high presence of N. caninum antibodies; however, the detection of N. caninum DNA remained below 47% in the females. The association was only observed in the detection of DNA with pregnant females (P 0.007). Our results support the hypothesis of the resistance of water buffaloes to infection and the onset of clinical signs against infection by N. caninum even upon a high possibility of infection and reinfection described in this production system in Mexico.

ABSTRACT The genus Bartonella encompasses 38 validated species of Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells and erythrocytes of a wide spectrum of mammals. To date, 12 Bartonella species have been recorded infecting humans, causing diseases of long historical characterization, such as cat scratch fever and trench fever, and emerging bartonellosis that mainly affect animal health professionals. For this reason, this study aimed to report a documented case of Bartonella bovis infecting a veterinarian from Mexico by the amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of the citrate synthase (gltA) and the RNA polymerase beta-subunit (rpoB) genes, and to report the natural course of this infection. To our knowledge, this work is the first to report the transmission of B. bovis via needlestick transmission to animal health workers in Latin America.

Resumo Um cão que compartilhava hábitat com animais domésticos em uma fazenda de gado e que foi exposto à vida selvagem foi levado a um clínico particular para que fosse examinado. As análises realizadas no paciente revelaram a presença de Babesia bigemina por um teste molecular. Sinais clínicos, como letargia, anorexia e hipertermia > 39°C, mucosas pálidas e sangue na urina foram observados no paciente. O animal foi tratado com dipropionato de imidocarb (duas doses cada 0,5 ml/10 kg de peso corporal em um intervalo de 14 dias). No dia de tratamento 7, os sinais clínicos foram reduzidos. No dia 30, foi realizada PCR para avaliar a eficácia do tratamento, com resultado negativo. Esse caso representa o primeiro relato de babesiose por B. bigemina em um cão que vive em uma fazenda de gado no México. Isso indica que o hospedeiro inferior especifica esses patógenos, e que os cães podem desempenhar um papel como sentinelas de parasitas transmitidos por vetores em animais de criação.

Abstract A dog that shared habitat with domestic animals in a cattle farm and that was exposed to wildlife was taken to a private practitioner for clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the patient revealed the presence of Babesia bigemina by a molecular test. Clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia and hyperthermia > 39 °C, pale mucous membranes and blood urine were observed in the patient. The animal was treated with imidocarb dipropionate (two doses each 0.5 ml/10 kg b.w. at an interval of 14 days). On treatment day 7, the clinical signs were mostly reduced. On day 30, PCR was carried out to assess the efficacy of the treatment, with a negative result. This case represents the first report of babesiosis due to B. bigemina in a dog living on a cattle farm in Mexico. It indicates the lower host specify of these pathogens and that dogs can play a role as sentinels of vector-borne parasites in livestock animals.

Resumo Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: (1) determinar a prevalência de oocistos esporulados de Eimeria spp. em bezerros de 26 municípios na zona central do estado de Veracruz, México; (2) identificar as espécies de Eimeria que infectam bezerros; e (3) identificar os factores de risco associados à presença de Eimeria spp. em bovinos de região tropical. Um total de 930 amostras individuais de fezes foi analisado usando-se a técnica McMaster. Depois oocistos foram mantidos em 2,5% de dicromato de potássio para esporulação. A prevalência geral de animais com oocistos de Eimeria spp. foi de 39,7% (370/930). De um total de 10 espécies identificadas, Eimeria canadensis foi a mais observada, seguida de Eimeria bovis e Eimeria zuernii. A análise estatística indicou uma associação entre a idade dos bezerros (5 a 9 meses), a presença de outros animais, as regiões fisiográficas e o tipo restrito de criação com a presença de Eimeria spp. em bezerros (P<0,05). Os fatores de risco protetores, tais como a análise coprológica de rotina, foram também associados a uma diminuição da infecção. Esses dados indicaram a presença de coccídios em bovinos do estado de Veracruz, além das medidas necessárias que devem ser tomadas para controlar essa parasitose.

Abstract The objectives of the present study were: (1) to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. sporulated oocysts in calves from 26 Municipalities in the Central Zone of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, (2) to identify the Eimeria spp. infecting calves, and (3) to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of Eimeria spp. in tropical cattle. A total of 930 individual fecal samples were analyzed by using the McMaster technique; then, oocysts were maintained in 2.5% potassium dichromate to allow sporulation. The general prevalence of calves with Eimeria spp. oocysts was 39.7% (370/930). Of a total of 10 identified species, Eimeria canadensis was the most observed, followed by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. The statistical analysis showed an association between the age of the calves (5 to 9 months), the presence of other animals, the physiographic regions and the restricted type of husbandry with the presence of Eimeria spp. in calves (P<0.05). Protective risk factors, such as: routine coprological analysis was also associated with a decrease in infection. These data demonstrate the presence of coccidia in cattle from the State of Veracruz, additionally to the necessary measures that must be taken to control this parasitosis.

Abstract Parasitosis in commercially important captive wild species can cause losses due to decreased productivity, increased veterinary expenses, secondary infections and animal mortality. An analysis was done to quantify endoparasite prevalence and abundance in the cervids Odocoileus virginianus and Mazama temama in captivity. Fecal samples (n= 60) were collected during the rainy and dry seasons from six O. virginianus and four M. temama of different ages and sexes. Endoparasites were extracted using the flotation technique with a saturated sugar solution, and the parasites identified by anatomical comparison. Seven parasite genera were identified: Ascaris sp.; Eimeria sp.; Estrongilido sp.; Strongyloides sp.; Parascaris sp.; Paragonimus sp.; and Taenia sp. In both cervid species Ascaris sp. and Eimeria sp. exhibited the highest abundance. Males and females of each cervid species exhibited different parasite prevalences. Parascaris sp. and Paragonimus sp. were found only in O. virginianus. No differences (P>0.05) were present in parasite abundance between the rainy and dry seasons. The genus Ascaris was generally more abundant than the other parasite genera (P<0.05). These results will be useful in the control and prevention of parasites in captive ungulates.

Resumen El estudio de la parasitología de animales silvestres de importancia económica en cautiverio es relevante, ya que la parasitosis se traduce en pérdidas por disminución de productividad, aumento de gastos veterinarios, infecciones secundarias y pérdida de ejemplares. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia y abundancia de la diversidad de endoparásitos presentes en Odocoileus virginianus y Mazama temama en cautiverio. Durante la temporada de lluvias y secas, se recolectaron 60 muestras fecales de seis ejemplares de O. virginianus y cuatro de M. temama de diferente edad y sexo; se usó la técnica de flotación con solución saturada de azúcar, para recolectar e identificar los parásitos mediante comparación anatómica. Se identificaron siete géneros de parásitos: Ascaris sp., Eimeria sp., Estrongilido sp., Strongyloides sp., Parascaris sp., Paragonimus sp., y Taenia sp., siendo los dos primeros con mayor abundancia en ambos cérvidos. La prueba de X 2 determinó que la presencia de endoparásitos está asociada al sexo y a la especie de venado: machos y hembras de cada especie de venado, presentaron distinta prevalencia parasitaria. Parascaris sp. y Paragonimus sp., fueron parásitos que se encontraron solamente en O. virginianus. No se encontraron diferencias significativas (P>0.05) entre la abundancia de parásitos entre las épocas de lluvias y secas; el género Ascaris fue significativamente más abundante con respecto a otros parásitos (P<0.05). Esta información sirve para el control y prevención de parásitos de ungulados en cautiverio de importancia económica y para su conservación.

Abstract: The genus Leptospira encompasses ten species of spirochetes capable of infecting mammals, particularly rodents. In México, studies focused on the detection of Leptospira sp. in rodents are scarce, all of them restricted to three states of the Gulf of México. For this reason, this work aimed to identify the diversity of Leptospira species associated with synanthropic rodents in Veracruz, a state where leptospirosis is endemic. Rodents were sampled with Sherman traps placed in 10 Production Units across the Nautla region. Animals were euthanized and their kidneys removed. Subsequently, a 474-bp segment of the outer membrane protein LipL32, present in all pathogenic species, was amplified and sequenced. Sequences were compared vs. reference using the BLAST algorithm: a phylogenetic reconstruction was carried out using the Maximum Likelihood method. In addition, the prevalence of infection in each Production Unit was estimated. Twenty eight rodents of a single species (Mus musculus) were caught. Leptospira DNA was detected in 17 samples (62.9 %, CI95 % 42.3 to 80.6) from seven localities in the Nautla region. The sequences recovered exhibited 99-100% identity to each other and 99 % identity with Leptospira borgspetersenii sequences deposited in GenBank. This study confirms the presence of L. borgspetersenii in rodents, particularly in M. musculus, in México. This study increases the inventory of pathogenic leptospires for the state of Veracruz to three species.

Resumen: El género Leptospira engloba 10 especies de espiroquetas capaces de infectar mamíferos, particularmente roedores. En México se han realizado escasos estudios para la detección de Leptospira sp. en roedores, todos ellos restringidos a tres estados del Golfo de México. Por tal motivo el objetivo del presente trabajo fue identificar la diversidad de leptospiras en roedores sinantrópicas de Veracruz, un estado endémico de leptospirosis. Para la colecta de roedores, se colocaron trampas tipo Sherman en 10 unidades de producción de la región Nautla. Los animales se sacrificaron y se obtuvieron los riñones. Posteriormente se amplificó y secuenció un segmento de 474 pb de la proteína exterior de membrana LipL32 presente en las leptospiras patógenas. Posteriormente se compararon las secuencias con las de referencia mediante el uso del algoritmo BLAST y se realizó una reconstrucción filogenética mediante el método de Máxima Verosimilitud. Adicionalmente se obtuvieron las prevalencias de la infección por unidad de producción. Se colectaron 28 roedores de una única especie (Mus musculus). Se detectó la presencia de ADN de Leptospira en 17 muestras (62.9 %; IC95 % 42.3 a 80.6) procedentes de siete localidades de la región Nautla. Las secuencias recuperadas exhibieron una similitud del 99-100 % entre si y una identidad del 99 % con secuencias de referencia de Leptospira borgspetersenii depositadas en GenBank. Este estudio confirma la presencia de L. borgspetersenii en roedores y en particular con M. musculus en México. Este estudio incrementa a tres especies el inventario de leptospiras patógenas para el estado de Veracruz.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of cryopreserved equine semen in the presence of trehalose-loaded liposomes on the integrity and function of sperm cells. Six ejaculations of five stallions collected with an artificial vagina were used. The ejaculates were diluted with INRA 96® 2:1 v/v and transported at 22 °C to the laboratory. Before cryopreservation, the semen was diluted with INRA Freeze® to obtain the following treatments: T1) INRA Freeze® (control), T2) INRA Freeze® + liposomes, T3) INRA Freeze® + liposomes+trehalose. Data were analysed using the Kruskal Wallis test. The percentages of sperm with intact DNA were 54.5, 57.9, and 64.8% for T1, T2 and T3, respectively (P>0.05). When evaluating the acrosomal and capacitation state after filtering with Percoll®, the percentages of spermatozoa without acrosome reaction and without capacitation were 67.8, 79.2 and 68.1% in T1, T2, and T3, respectively (P>0.05), while the capacitated sperm without acrosome reaction and without capacitation was similar in T1 (47%) and T3 (32%) (P>0.05), and lower in T2 (16%) before filtering with Percoll®. The use of liposomes and liposome-trehalose did not affect on the functional status and nuclear chromatin of the equine sperm after freezing, but it did affect the percentage of capacitated sperm without acrosome reaction after selecting the thawed semen using the Percoll® gradient.

ABSTRACT Here, economic losses caused by cattle parasites in Mexico were estimated on an annual basis. The main factors taken into consideration for this assessment included the total number of animals at risk, potential detrimental effects of parasitism on milk production or weight gain, and records of condemnation on livestock byproducts. Estimates in US dollars (US$) were based on reported yield losses in untreated animals. These estimates reflect the major effects on cattle productivity of six parasites, or parasite group. The potential economic impact (US$ millions) was: gastrointestinal nematodes US$ 445.10; coccidia (Eimeria spp.) US$ 23.78; liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) US$ 130.91; cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) US$ 573.61; horn fly (Haematobia irritans) US$ 231.67; and stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) US$ 6.79. Overall, the yearly economic loss due to the six major parasites of cattle in Mexico was estimated to be US$ 1.41 billion. Considering that the national cattle herd registered in 2013 included 32.40 million head, the estimated yearly loss per head was US$ 43.57. The limitations of some of the baseline studies used to develop these estimates, particularly when extrapolated from local situations to a national scale, are acknowledged. However, the general picture obtained from the present effort demonstrates the magnitude and importance of cattle parasitism in Mexico and the challenges to maximize profitability by the livestock industry without adapting sustainable and integrated parasite control strategies.

RESUMEN Las pérdidas económicas causadas por parásitos del bovino en México se calcularon anualmente. Los principales factores considerados para esta evaluación incluyeron el número total de animales a riesgo, los posibles efectos dañinos del parasitismo sobre la producción de leche o ganancia de peso, y los decomisos de subproductos pecuarios. Las pérdidas económicas fueron estimadas en dólares americanos (US$) y se basaron en las pérdidas del rendimiento productivo de animales no tratados. Estas estimaciones reflejan los principales efectos de seis parásitos o grupos de parásitos sobre la producción bovina. El impacto económico potencial (millones de dólares) fue: nematodos gastrointestinales US$ 445.10; coccidias (Eimeria spp.) US$ 23.78; duelas del hígado (Fasciola hepatica) US$ 130.91; garrapatas (Rhipicephalus microplus) US$ 573.61; mosca de los cuernos (Haematobia irritans) US$ 231.67; y mosca de los establos (Stomoxys calcitrans) US$ 6.79. En general, las pérdidas anuales causadas por los seis principales parásitos del bovino en México se estimaron en US$ 1.41 mil millones. Considerando que la población bovina nacional en 2013 fue de 32.40 millones de bovinos, la pérdida anual estimada fue de US$ 43.57 por animal. Se hace mención de las limitaciones que tienen el uso de algunas referencias para las estimaciones, particularmente cuando se extrapolan situaciones locales a una escala nacional. Sin embargo, el resultado general obtenido en este estudio demuestra la magnitud e importancia del parasitismo en el ganado de México y los desafíos para maximizar la rentabilidad de la industria ganadera sin recurrir al uso de estrategias de control integrado sustentable de parásitos.

Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in cattle in ten production units of Hidalgotitlan, Veracruz, Mexico. To perform this work, an epidemiological cross-sectional study from November 2012 to January 2013 was conducted. A total of 214 animal fecal samples were taken and placed in plastic bags. These samples were identified and stored in refrigeration at 4° C for their laboratory process the next day. McMaster technique was used to determine the presence of (NGI) and number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). The nematode species ware identified based on size and shape of the eggs. Nematodes prevalence was, 41% Cooperia, Ostertagia and, Haemonchus 13 % respectively. Furthermore 6% Trychostrongylus,6%, Moniezia 4%, Trichruris ovis and Toxocora vitolorum 3% and Chavertia ovis 1%. This research concluded that the prevalence of Gastroenteric Parasites in cattle was 39%; this permits to develop corrective and preventive programs improving animal production.

Resumen: El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la prevalencia de nematodos gastrointestinales en ganado bovino de 10 Unidades de producción bovina (UPB) del municipio de Hidalgotitlán, Veracruz. Para ello, se realizó un estudio epidemiológico de tipo transversal, llevado a cabo durante los meses de noviembre de 2012 a Enero de 2013, obteniendo un tamaño de muestra de 214 animales, de los cuales se tomaron muestras de heces fecales y se colocaron en bolsas de plástico, se identificaron y conservaron en refrigeración a 4°C para su procesamiento al siguiente día. Se utilizó técnica de Mc Master para determinar la presencia de (NGI) y número de huevos por gramo de heces (HPGH). Los géneros de nematodos se identificaron de manera visual en base a tamaño y forma de los huevecillos. De los nematodos encontrados la mayor prevalencia fue de Cooperia con el 41%, Ostertagia y Haemonchus 13% respectivamente, Trychostrongylus 6%, Moniezia 4%, Trichruris ovis y Toxocora vitolorum 3% y Chavertia ovina 1 %. Se concluye que la prevalencia de parasitosis gastroentérica en los bovinos muestreados fue del 39%, esto nos permite tomar medidas correctivas y preventivas para mejorar la producción animal.