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. 2017 Sep;10(9):1143-1148.
doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.1143-1148. Epub 2017 Sep 29.

Congenital arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly syndrome caused by Akabane virus in newborn calves of Basrah Governorate, Iraq

K M Alsaad  1 , H H N Alautaish  1 , M A Y Alamery  1
Affiliations

Congenital arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly syndrome caused by Akabane virus in newborn calves of Basrah Governorate, Iraq

K M Alsaad et al. Vet World. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Aim: The study was conducted in Basrah, Iraq, to diagnose congenital arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly syndrome caused by Akabane virus (AKAV) in calves.

Materials and methods: Affected animals (42 calves) are about 2-27 days old from both sexes show signs of arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly. Eight clinically healthy newborn calves were considered as controls. Diagnosis of AKAV was confirmed using a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test.

Results: Results show that all affected calves were found seropositive. Furthermore, a significant increase in total leukocyte count in diseased calves due to a significant increase in the absolute lymphocyte number indicated in affected calves than in controls. Moreover, a significant increase in sedimentation rate of erythrocytes was also encountered in diseased calves than in controls. In addition, a significant increase in haptoglobin level and fibrinogen was also detected.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of AKAV infection of Basrah Governorate, Iraq, will provide useful epidemiological information for cattle and other domesticated animals. Therefore, abortion could be prevented and controlled.

Keywords: Akabane virus; Iraq; arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly; calves.

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Figures

Figure-1
Figure-1
Arthrogryposis, animal shows curled toes with ankylosis.
Figure-2
Figure-2
Hydranencephaly, animal shows torticollis of head and/or on neck.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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