Bura Thlama Paul

Smallholder sheep and goat production supports rural livelihoods and food security through the provision of meat, milk, hides and skins, employment, and household income in Malaysia. The control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in sheep and goats relies on routine deworming using albendazole, levamisole, and ivermectin anthelmintics. While these drugs are effective in reducing worm burden and improving animal productivity, prolonged and often indiscriminate use resulted in the emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AHR) in West Malaysia. Despite extensive evidence of AHR in GINs of sheep and goats in various production systems in Peninsular Malaysia, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the status of anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole and ivermectin in GINs of sheep and goats in Sarawak. In this study, a preliminary experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of albendazole and ivermectin using faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) based on pre-treatment and post-treatment faecal egg counts conducted 14 days apart according to the updated World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P) guidelines for diagnosing AHR in ruminants. Coprocultures were also prepared from faecal samples collected post treatment to microscopically identify the third stage larvae (L3) of resistant nematodes using standard morphological criteria. The results of FECRT on albendazole showed a 76.8% (90% CI: 69.9–83.8) reduction in pretreatment epg in White dorper sheep (Group D) while ivermectin treatment showed 85.4% (90% CI: 80.8–89.9) in Barbados blackbelly sheep (Group A), 75.8% (90% CI: 65.3–86.3) in White dorper sheep (Group C), and 75.9% (90% CI: 65.7–86.1) in Saanen goats (Group B). Thus, all the treatment groups did not achieve the W.A.A.V.P recommended post treatment FECR for susceptibility (lower 90% CI ≥ 90% and upper 90% CI ≥ 99%) in sheep and goats, which has led us to reject the null hypothesis and conclude anthelmintic failure in GINs of sheep and goats in Sarawak. This study provides the first evidence of anthelmintic failure involving albendazole and ivermectin in sheep and goat farms in Sarawak. Further study using adjusted dose regime is required to clarify the status of ivermectin resistance in goats because metabolic factors rather than resistance may precipitate a lower efficacy when using standard sheep dose in goats. Nonetheless, this work provides preliminary data that lays a solid foundation for designing sustainable helminth control programs to overcome anthelmintic resistance in Sarawak.

Introduction: Mass dog rabies vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing human rabies and interrupting transmission. However, achieving high vaccination coverage in dog populations remains challenging in many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), due to multiple barriers. In Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, rabies remains a major public health burden, with domestic dogs as the primary reservoir. Efforts to scale up canine rabies vaccination are limited by the lack of a coordinated national programme and challenges related to affordability, service availability, infrastructure, and owner awareness. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study of dog‐owning households in three Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and developed a probabilistic model to uncover contextual factors associated with perceived barriers to canine rabies vaccination among owners of unvaccinated dogs. Results: Posterior distributions of our model estimates indicate that respondents reporting not knowing how to vaccinate their dogs against rabies were more likely to have tertiary education, prior awareness of rabies, use dogs for security purposes, urban residence, and residence in areas with higher household poverty. In contrast, respondents reporting knowledge of rabies transmission via bites from rabid dogs, access to local veterinary services, good road networks, and ownership of partially confined dogs were less likely to perceive this barrier. Respondents who were students, had attained tertiary education, resided in urban areas, and were in the FCT and Anambra State were more likely to perceive the rabies vaccine as too costly. Conversely, respondents from medium‐sized households, those who relied on traditional care in the event of a dog bite, and owners of partially confined dogs were also more likely to perceive the rabies vaccine as too costly. Finally, respondents who had heard about rabies and those with tertiary education were less likely to perceive the rabies vaccine as unimportant. Conclusions: Our study identified key barriers to canine rabies vaccination in Nigeria, including lack of knowledge, perceived high cost, and low perceived importance. These were influenced by socioeconomic factors, place of residence, and dog ownership practices, while rabies awareness, veterinary access, good road infrastructure, and partial confinement reduced these perceptions. These findings highlight the need for targeted, context‐specific strategies to improve affordability, access, and infrastructure, particularly among disadvantaged households.

Brucellosis poses a persistent threat to livestock health in high-altitude pastoral regions of China, where harsh environments and semi-nomadic grazing increase transmission risk. Existing surveillance systems rely mainly on periodic serological testing and lack effective early warning capability. This study proposes an ensemble learning-based early warning framework integrating veterinary epidemiological indicators with environmental and herd-movement data. A total of 4826 herd-level records collected over five years (2019–2024) were analyzed, with an overall positivity rate of 11.4%. Multi-source data, including serological, clinical, reproductive, vaccination, meteorological, pasture-management, and herd-movement information (from GPS tracking and structured surveys), were integrated through epidemiology-guided feature engineering. To address class imbalance and temporal dynamics, Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) resampling and sliding time-window features were applied. The proposed ensemble model combines Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM using a soft-voting strategy, with logistic regression as a baseline. Results show that the ensemble model outperforms single models, achieving an AUC of 0.86 and a PR-AUC of 0.65. After threshold optimization, sensitivity increased from 0.78 to 0.87. Under field conditions, the system provided herd-level early warnings with an average lead time of approximately 12 days before confirmed outbreaks, demonstrating its feasibility and practical value for proactive brucellosis surveillance in high-altitude pastoral systems.

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) and Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) are economically important viral diseases that threaten small ruminant production globally. While previous studies have reported their serological status in Peninsular Malaysia, there is limited epidemiological information on their occurrence in East Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of SRLVs and PPRV among nonvaccinated sheep and goats from selected smallholder farms in Sarawak. A total of 245 serum samples collected from sheep (n = 117) and goat (n = 128) were screened using commercial ID Screen® PPR competition (PPRC ver. 0821) and MVV/CAEV indirect (VISNAS ver. 0922) ELISA test kits. The results of ELISA assays indicate 7.4% (95% CI: 4.7-11.3) apparent and 6.9% (95% CI: 4.0- 11.3) true seroprevalence for SRLVs and 5.7% (95% CI: 3.4-9.4) apparent and 5.1% (95% CI: 2.6-9.1) true seroprevalence for PPRV in the sample. Further exploratory univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that PPRV seropositivity was significantly associated with the farm management system (OR = 4.176, 95% CI: 1.14-15.36, P = 0.031), indicating a higher risk of exposure in the semi-intensive management system. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first preliminary serological evidence of SRLVs and PPRV among nonvaccinated smallholder sheep and goat flocks in Sarawak, suggesting the need for surveillance and a full-scale epidemiological study.

Freshwater ecosystems are critical for biodiversity, yet they face increasing threats from anthropogenic activities and the introduction of non-native species. The riverine system at Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) in Sarawak is home to a diverse fish community. Despite its ecological significance, comprehensive data on the freshwater fish diversity of the UPMKB riverine system is limited. This lack of information presents challenges for conservation planning and sustainable management of aquatic resources. This study aims to document and analyze the diversity and distribution of freshwater fish species in the UPMKB riverine system, identifying the presence of native and non-native species along with their conservation statuses. Sampling was conducted between 2018 and 2023 during practical sessions of the Principles of Aquaculture course for the Diploma in Fisheries program at UPMKB. Fish samples were collected from 10 stations using various methods, including electrofishing, baited hook lines, box traps, cast nets, and scoop nets. Fish were identified using taxonomic keys and the FishBase database. A total of 26 freshwater fish species from 11 families were recorded, with Cyprinidae being the most dominant family. Two native species, Channa bankanensis and Betta ibanorum, were categorized as Near Threatened and Vulnerable, respectively, according to the IUCN Red List. Non-native species, such as tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata), were predominantly found in disturbed areas, often competing for ecological niches with native species. In contrast, relatively undisturbed areas within the Nirwana Forest Reserve supported a higher diversity of native species. This study highlights the rich biodiversity of the UPMKB riverine system, which serves as an important habitat for native freshwater fish. However, the presence of non-native species in certain sections poses a potential threat to the native fish community. This checklist provides baseline data for future monitoring and conservation efforts in the UPMKB riverine system. Effective management strategies and strict measures are necessary to prevent the further introduction of non-native species and to protect the biodiversity of this unique freshwater ecosystem.

In this study, we examined the effects of experimental intraperitoneal infection with haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis (0.5 mL of blood containing 80% parasitaemia) on selected serum biomarkers and cellular pathology in mice. After infection, M. ovis cells appeared in the blood films within one week. A dose-dependent peak of parasitemia was observed during the 3rd-week post-infection (pi), with a significant decrease in mean PCV between treatment versus control group at week 3 (t14 = –3.693, P < 0.02), week 5 (t14 = –2.096, P = 0.055), and week 7 (t14 = –4.329, P = 0.001). There was a significantly (t8 = –2.330, P = 0.048) lower serum oestrogen in treatment (10.38 ± 5.07) than control (17.43 ± 4.48), while serum progesterone was significantly (t8 = 5.415, P = 0.001) increased in treatment (27.37 ± 2.17) than control (15.92 ± 4.20). Serum haptoglobin was significantly (t8 = 8.525, P < 0.01) lower in treatment (8.72 ± 1.49) than control (18.16 ± 1.98) while the SAA was significantly (t8 = 3.362, P = 0.01) higher in treatment (16.79 ± 2.71) than control (11.59 ± 2.15). Prominent lesions observed in the ovary include degeneration, necrosis, vacuolation, and hypertrophy of the lutein cells in corpora lutea. In the lymph nodes, diffused cellular hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue in the cortex. In the liver, degeneration and necrosis accompanied by leucocytic cellular infiltration and Kupffer cell proliferation within the sinusoids. There were diffused leucocytic infiltrations and proliferative lesions in the glomerulus of the kidneys. The disturbance in progesterone and ovarian pathology highlights the potential role of haemotropic M. ovis in reproductive disorders. The observed changes in biomarkers and cellular reactions following M. ovis infection in the mouse may be further advanced in sheep and goats.

Diseases caused by small ruminant lentiviruses, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Schmallenberg virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR) is globally recognised as serious threats to the ruminant industry due to their potential to spread rapidly across boundaries. Despite their global distribution and negative impacts on ruminant production, there is a gap in knowledge of the current trends in their epidemiology among sheep and goat populations in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was therefore designed to fill the gap of knowledge concerning the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPRV among small ruminants from selected flocks in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect animal data and blood samples for serological assays simultaneously. The ID Screen (ID.VET, France) indirect ELISA screening tests were used to detect serum antibodies directed against CAEV/MVV (VISNAS Ver 0922), paratuberculosis (PARAS Ver 0516), SBV (SBVC Ver 1114) and PPRV (PPRC Ver 0821). There was 45.4% (95% CI = 40.74–50.74), 6.8% (95% CI = 4.66–9.69), 27.8% (95% CI = 23.35–32.77), and 2.6% (95% CI = 1.11–0.51) true seroprevalence for CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPR, respectively. Geographical location and species were the risk factors for CAEV and paratuberculosis, while the management system and age of small ruminants were the risk factors for SBV. The present study is the first to document a large-scale seroprevalence of MAP and PPR infection among sheep and goat flocks in Peninsular Malaysia. The presence of PPRV and MAP antibodies among small ruminant flocks is signalling current or previous exposure to the pathogens or cross reactions with similar antigens. This finding further suggests the potential for future outbreaks of these devastating diseases among sheep and goats in Malaysia. The high seroprevalence of CAEV and SBV among small ruminants indicates high levels of exposure to the viruses in the environment, which is a potential threat to production.

The risk of parasitism in different groups of small ruminants depends on intrinsic, environmental, and management factors. Although there are different views regarding the sex-related risk of endoparasites in small ruminants, females are undoubtedly the most affected group in the flock. Moreover, whether the greater sex-specific risk of parasitic infection observed in female goats in field situations is associated with their production or other intrinsic factors is still under scrutiny. In this paper, cross-sectional epidemiological data collected from selected small ruminant flocks were analysed to determine the distribution, risk, and burden of endoparasites in young, nonpregnant, pregnant, and lactating female goats. There was a higher incidence of gastrointestinal parasites (88.4%, 95%CI= 83.01-92.19) than blood protozoa (54.0%, 95%CI= 46.85-60.92), with a significant difference among the groups. A higher risk of gastrointestinal parasites was observed in lactating (OR = 46.667, P = 0.001) and pregnant (OR = 9.167, P = 0.003) groups. A greater risk of blood protozoan infection was also observed in the pregnant (OR = 5.971, P = 0.0104) and lactating (OR = 3.600, P = 0.0528) groups. A significant increase in the mean faecal egg count of the lactating (2.72 ± 0.76) and pregnant (2.34 ± 0.97) groups (P < 0.05) was accompanied by a significantly lower mean PCV in the lactating group (23.48 ± 4.838) than the kids (29.44 ± 6.13), or nonpregnant (27.80 ± 5.525) groups (P < 0.05). Thus, the pregnant and lactating female goats may experience a greater exposure risk and burden of endoparasites. Therefore, female goats may be selectively targeted for implementing nutritional management, controlled grazing, and selective anthelmintic treatment during pregnancy and lactation to save cost and minimise excessive use of anthelmintic.

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and outer membrane protein (OMP) are among the virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria responsible for inducing pathogenicity in the infected host. OMP and LPS occur on the outer membrane of M. haemolytica A2, the primary aetiological agent of pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants. While the LPS is known to mediate Gram-negative bacterial infection by activating downstream inflammatory pathways, the potential role of OMP during inflammatory responses remained unclear. Hence, this study determined the effect of the OMP of M. haemolytica A2 on the serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the male reproductive hormones (testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone). We randomly assigned twelve bucks to three groups (n = 4 bucks each): Group 1 was challenged with 2 mL PBS buffer (pH 7.0) intranasally; Group 2 received 2 mL of 1.2 X 10⁹ CFU/mL whole M. haemolytica A2 intranasally; and Group 3 received 2 mL of OMP extract obtained from 1.2 X 10⁹ CFU/mL M. haemolytica A2 intramuscularly. Serum samples collected at pre-determined intervals were used for the quantitative determination of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα) and reproductive hormones (testosterone and LH) using commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of IL1β was initially increased within the first-hour post-challenge in Groups 2 and 3, followed by a significant decrease in concentration at 21d and 35d (p < 0.05) in Group 3. Only mild fluctuations in IL-6 occurred in group 2, as opposed to the 1.7-fold rapid increase in TNFα within 2 h post-challenge before decreasing at 6 h. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was accompanied by an acute febrile response of 39.5 ± 0.38 °C (p < 0.05) at 2 h and 40.1 ± 0.29 °C (p < 0.05) at 4 h in Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. Serum testosterone decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups but remained significantly (p > 0.05) lower than in Group 1 throughout the study. There was a moderate negative association between testosterone and IL1β (r = -0.473; p > 0.05) or TNFα (r = -0.527; p < 0.05) in Group 2. Serum LH also showed moderate negative associations with TNFα in Group 2 (r = -0.63; p < 0.05) and Group 3 (r = -0.54; p > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that M. haemolytica A2 and its OMP produced marked alterations in serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and male reproductive hormones. The negative correlations between serum testosterone and inflammatory cytokines would suggest the potential role of OMP in causing male infertility by mediating innate inflammatory responses to suppress testosterone production in bucks.