This study was intended to determine the role played by peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in causing respiratory infections in camels and its association with other respiratory viruses. A total of 474 lung specimens showing pneumonia were collected from clinically healthy camels in slaughterhouses at five different areas in Sudan. Using immunocapture ELISA (IcELISA), 214 specimens (45.1 %) were found to be positive for PPR antigen. The highest prevalence was found in central Sudan (59.9 %) then northern Sudan (56.6 %) and eastern Sudan (26.6 %). Parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV 3), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), and adenovirus were detected in 4.4, 2.9, 2.0, 9.0, and 1.3 % of the specimens, respectively. PPR antigen was found in about 50 % of specimens that showed positive result for other viral antigens. Twenty-five of 28 BVD, 15 of 16 PIV3, 8 of 12 RSV, 4 of 4 adenovirus, and 4 of 5 BHV-1 were found in association with other respiratory antigens. Results revealed the existence of PPRV infection in dromedary camels in Sudan and present evidence for mixed virus infection, suggesting that respiratory infections in camels might be exacerbated by PPRV.

Butana and Kenana breeds from Sudan are part of the East African zebu Bos indicus type of cattle. Unlike other indigenous zebu cattle in Africa, they are unique due to their reputation for high milk production and are regarded as dairy cattle, the only ones of their kind on the African continent. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop of 70 animals to understand the maternal genetic variation, demographic profiles and history of the two breeds in relation to the history of cattle pastoralism on the African continent. Only taurine mtDNA sequences were identified. We found very high mtDNA diversity but low level of maternal genetic structure within and between the two breeds. Bayesian coalescent-based analysis revealed different historical and demographic profiles for the two breeds, with an earlier population expansion in the Butana vis a vis the Kenana. The maternal ancestral populations of the two breeds may have diverged prior to their introduction into the African continent, with first the arrival of the ancestral Butana population. We also reveal distinct demographic history between the two breeds with the Butana showing a decline in its effective population size (N e ) in the recent past~590 years. Our results provide new insights on the early history of cattle pastoralism in Sudan indicative of a large ancient effective population size.

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Malignant ovine theileriosis is a severe tick-borne protozoan disease of sheep and other small ruminants which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. The disease is of considerable economic importance in Sudan as the export of livestock provides a major contribution to the gross domestic product of this country. Molecular surveys have demonstrated a high prevalence of sub-clinical infections of Theileria lestoquardi, the causative agent, among small ruminants. No information is currently available on the extent of genetic diversity and genetic exchange among parasites in different areas of the country. The present study used a panel of T. lestoquardi specific micro- and mini-satellite genetic markers to assess diversity of parasites in Sudan (Africa) and compared it to that of the parasite population in Oman (Asia). A moderate level of genetic diversity was observed among parasites in Sudan, similar to that previously documented among parasites in Oman. However, a higher level of mixed-genotype infection was identified in Sudanese animals compared to Omani animals, consistent with a higher rate of tick transmission. In addition, the T. lestoquardi genotypes detected in these two countries form genetically distinct groups. The results of this work highlight the need for analysis of T. lestoquardi populations in other endemic areas in the region to inform on novel approaches for controlling malignant theileriosis.

An outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis among goats was confirmed and documented. In this outbreak, 16 out of 22 (72.7%) goats died within 4 days showing clinical signs of malignant ovine theileriosis as well as in the postmortem findings. The goats were reared in a mixed flock with sheep in Atbara Town, Northern Sudan. The infection was detected microscopically and confirmed serologically by IFA test and molecularly by PCR technique using specific primer for Theileria lestoquardi. Hyalomma anatolicum was the most prevalent (dominant) tick species found in the farm. It is recommended to undertake future research on the role of goats on the epidemiology of malignant ovine theileriosis.

Aim : The survey was carried out to detect anti-C. burnetii antibodies in goat's sera samples in eight States in the Sudan during September 2010 -July 2011. Materials and Methods: In a preliminary study, four hundred and sixty caprine sera samples collected from eight States in the Sudan were screened for anti-Coxiella burnetii (the causative agent of Q fever) antibodies using a commercial indirect ELISA (iELISA) kit. Results:The results showed an overall prevalence rate 24.22% of Q fever antibodies. The prevalence rate of antibodies ranged from 6.7% in Kassala to 40% in South Darfur. The prevalence rates were highest in South Darfur (40%) and South Kordofan (34.7%), moderate in El Gazira (29.7%), Khartoum (29.1%), the Northern (24%) and the River Nile (20.2%) States. It was lowest in the White Nile (7.5%) and Kassala (6.7%) States. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Q fever is prevalent in goats in the Sudan. Therefore, further epizootiological investigations on Q fever in other farm animals and man at the country level is important to monitor and determine the magnitude of Q fever infection in order to estimate its economic impact on animal industry and its public health hazard in the Sudan. In addition, the impact of Q fever among shepherds should be studied.