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Papers by Elizabeth C. Molina

Journal of livestock science, Feb 22, 2022

Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses a... more Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses and health issues that subvert the quality of carcasses and offal. Gross pathological lesions seen at slaughter have important economic impact and implications on the Halal wholesomeness of these food items, and therefore there is a need to identify them. The study identified and described the gross pathological lesions found on the livers and kidneys of cattle slaughtered in a Halal abattoir in Cotabato City, Philippines from December 12, 2020 to January 28, 2021. A total of seventy (70) cattle were included in the study: 70 livers and 140 kidneys were collected and examined. The lesions identified in the bovine livers included fibrosis (15.71%), cholangitis (15.71%), liver fluke migratory tracts (1.43%), and cirrhosis (2.9%). Among the kidneys examined, white spotted kidneys (10.71%), renal infarcts (10.71%), renal atrophy (6.43%), amyloidosis (5.71%), ecchymosis (4.29%), myoglobinuria (2.86%), hydronephrosis (2.86%), pyelonephritis (2.14%) and renal cyst (1.43%) were the lesions seen. Numerous gross pathological lesions were identified among the livers and kidneys assessed in the current study. Production and health management practices must be improved if the occurrence of these economically important pathological lesions is to be reduced.

Journal of Agricultural Research, Development, Extension and Technology, Oct 8, 2021

Schistosoma japonicum infections continue to be a public health concern in China, the Philippines... more Schistosoma japonicum infections continue to be a public health concern in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. In the Philippines, it has a focal distribution wherein an estimated 12.4 million people are at risk of infection, while 2.7 million are directly exposed across 12 regions. The country’s latest national prevalence revealed that some endemic communities had already reached infection control status. Recent advancements in schistosomiasis diagnostics have resulted in the development of assays that have superior diagnostic performance. The cost of adopting these novel techniques remains a huge bottleneck for those with developing economies and underfunded control and elimination programs like the Philippines. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) has significantly reduced the schistosomiasis morbidity rates in the Philippines through its protracted implementation. MDA fatigue among beneficiaries resulting in non-compliance has been reported. Control and elimination efforts still need continued local and national governmental support. A One Health approach is called for if the goal of transmission interruption in all endemic communities is to be achieved by 2025. This paper reviews the recent research and updates on S. japonicum infections in terms of disease occurrence, advancements in diagnostic techniques and approaches, and its treatment, prevention, control, and elimination in the Philippines and its neighboring countries.

Veterinary Integrative Sciences, 2021

Foodborne trematodiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by zoonotic trematodes that ... more Foodborne trematodiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by zoonotic trematodes that persist mainly in impoverished areas in the Asia-Pacific region. Globally, about 2 million disability life years (DALYs) are lost due to these parasitic infections. Four groups of foodborne trematodes are known to cause significant illness: fish-borne liver fluke infections caused by Opisthorchis and Clonorchis spp.; water vegetable-borne Fasciola spp. infections; crustacean-vectored paragonimiasis; and those caused by intestinal trematodes. In the Philippines, endemic foodborne trematodes of public health concern include Paragonimus westermani, some members of Heterophyidae and Echinostomatidae, and Fasciola hepatica/ F. gigantica. Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis have also been reported in the country. Data on the epidemiology of these zoonotic illnesses remain scarce and in need of research attention in the Philippines. Culturally rooted eating behaviors in endemic areas...

USM R&D Journal, 2009

The study was conducted from November 2006 to July 2007 at the Philippine Carabao Center at the U... more The study was conducted from November 2006 to July 2007 at the Philippine Carabao Center at the University of Southern Mindanao (PCC at USM) and at the CVM-USM Parasitology Laboratory. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the gastrointestinal nematode larval load on herbage from the forage pastures of PCC at USM. The pasture areas that were sampled had larvae of the common gastrointestinal nematodes that infest ruminants. Specifically, third-stage larvae of Trichostrongylus, Haemonchus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum were observed. Fluctuations in counts of infective larvae (L3s) of these parasites were noted from November 2006 to July 2007 and the highest larval load occurred in April. Trichostrongylus was the dominant nematode seen from the herbage.

January-June, 2020

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of p... more Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of public health concern in the Philippines. The disease is prevalent in few of the barangays (communities) in Koronadal City, Philippines. Status of the Schistosoma japonicum infections in domestic animal reservoir host has yet to be explored in these endemic communities. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and infection intensity of the disease in cattle and water buffaloes of endemic communities of Koronadal City. Materials and Methods: Schistosomiasis was investigated in 70 cattle and 38 water buffaloes from three endemic communities in Koronadal City. The copro-parasitological technique used was the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation method. Results: S. japonicum infection was observed in 48.6% of cattle and 60.5% in water buffaloes. The bovine contamination index indicated that all infected animals released 3,505,500 eggs/day. On average, infected cattle released 1,674,500 eg...

Journal of Veterinary Science, 2005

This study investigated the presence of cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukins (IL)-6 and... more This study investigated the presence of cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukins (IL)-6 and-8 in serum of cattle and buffaloes infected with Fasciola gigantica from one to 16 weeks post-infection to determine their T cell response during infection. The concentration of these cytokines was determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No IFN-gamma was detected in these animals while IL-6 was elevated from one to 16 weeks postinfection. Levels of IL-8 were also elevated in infected buffaloes from one to 16 weeks post-infection. A predominantly T helper (Th) 2 response which started early in the infection was apparently present in cattle and buffaloes in this study which was characterised by IL-6. IL-8 production could be another mechanism of immune response in buffaloes during infection with F. gigantica.

Usm R D Journal, Jan 6, 2011

Two-hundred-eighty-one cattle and 225 carabaos were examined for the presence of eggs of Fasciola... more Two-hundred-eighty-one cattle and 225 carabaos were examined for the presence of eggs of Fasciola gigantica. Prevalence of the infection was assessed and its distribution with the age and sex of the animals determined. Fasciolosis was found to infect cattle and carabaos in the selected barangays. In both animals, the prevalence was significantly associated with age, with infection more commonly encountered in animals three years of age and older. Sex, however, did not influence the occurrence of the infection which was either weakly correlated (in cattle) or no correlation (in carabaos).

The study was conducted to detect Toxoplasm gondii in cats by measuring the level of antibodies i... more The study was conducted to detect Toxoplasm gondii in cats by measuring the level of antibodies in the blood using the rapid ImmunoCombR feline T. gondii antibody test kit. Confirmation was done through fecal, blood smear, and histopathological examinations of biopsied mice. Out of the 36 cats that were sampled 12 (33.33%) gave positive results, seven (19.44%) had high positive results, and 17 (47.22%) were negative. Cats that yielded high positive reaction demonstrated tachyzoites in their blood. Bradyzoites were also seen from mouse brain tissue following bioassay of spleen tissue of high positive-reacting cats. The current results indicate that T. gondii is present among cats in Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines and may be a potential risk to other susceptible animals in the area especially humans.

Veterinary Parasitology, 2005

The cellular components of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate in cattle and buffaloes infected w... more The cellular components of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate in cattle and buffaloes infected with a single dose of 1000 Fasciola gigantica were analysed by immunohistochemistry and histology. T and B lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils and mast cells were present in the hepatic lesions. It is proposed that both cellular and humoral immune responses were induced in the liver of cattle and buffaloes during infection with F. gigantica probably by antigens released by the developing flukes and by damage caused by the flukes during their migration in the liver. The local T cell response differed between these animals, with the response decreasing after 3 weeks post-infection in cattle in contrast to a gradually increasing response in buffaloes. Difference in the T cell response between cattle and buffaloes may be related to their differences in resistance and resilience to infection with F. gigantica.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2005

... of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines * Correspondence: Present Address: Schoo... more ... of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines * Correspondence: Present Address: School of Tropical Veterinary and Animal Sciences, James Cook University ... and St Croix sheep (Widjajanti et al., 1999), and between Red Masai and Dorper sheep (Waweru et al., 1999 ...

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2005

... 2,∗ , EA Gonzaga2, EO Sinolinding2, LA Lumbao2, AA Peralta2 and AP Barraca2 1School of Tropic... more ... 2,∗ , EA Gonzaga2, EO Sinolinding2, LA Lumbao2, AA Peralta2 and AP Barraca2 1School of Tropical Veterinary and Animal Sciences, James Cook University ... sheep, Merinos and St Croix sheep (Widjajanti et al., 1999), and between Red Masai and Dorper sheep (Waweru et al ...

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2005

ACIAR MONOGRAPH SERIES, 2008

Graber M. 1971. Role du facteur alimentaire dans la distomatose bovine et ovine a Fasciola gigant... more Graber M. 1971. Role du facteur alimentaire dans la distomatose bovine et ovine a Fasciola gigantica. Bulletin of Epizootic Diseases in Africa 19, 45-60.

Australian Veterinary Journal, 2006

To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of hydatidosis and investigate factors ... more To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of hydatidosis and investigate factors that might be expected to influence the prevalence of hydatids in cattle in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. To determine the effect of natural levels of infection on carcase weight and subsequent economic loss. An abattoir survey conducted in 1981 provided information on the distribution, prevalence and viability of hydatid cysts in cattle from all shires north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland. Livers, lungs and spleens from 10,382 cattle were palpated at abattoirs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton to detect hydatid cysts. Prevalence of infection in cattle in each shire was estimated from results of the abattoir study together with reports of infection in a further 22,185 cattle obtained from abattoir records. Linear modelling was used to define the effect of geographical origin, age, breed and sex on prevalence of infection. Differences in the weights of carcases between infected and non-infected cattle of the same age, sex, breed and property of origin were examined. The economic loss to the beef industry in the region surveyed was estimated. Cattle infected with hydatids originated almost entirely from regions to the east of the Great Dividing Range. The mean prevalence inside this zone was 28% compared with 3% in other areas. Viable protoscoleces were found in 0.7% of cysts. Geographical origin and age of the cattle were the most significant factors influencing prevalence. Infection with hydatids had no effect on carcase weight. Economic loss was limited to that associated with condemnations of organs at meat inspection, estimated to be 0.5 million dollars per annum in 1981 and 6 million dollars in 2004. The distribution of hydatids in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn corresponded most closely with the distribution of small wallabies such as Macropus dorsalis (black-striped wallaby), M parryi (whiptail wallaby) and M rufogriseus (red-necked wallaby). It was concluded that cattle are not an important part of maintaining the life-cycle of E granulosus in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Within the endemic zone, which is almost all to the east of the Great Dividing Range, the local pattern of bovine echinococcosis is most likely to be determined by the presence or absence of small species of wallaby such as M dorsalis, M parryi and M rufogriseus.

I declare that this thesis is my own work and has not been submitted in any form for another degr... more I declare that this thesis is my own work and has not been submitted in any form for another degree or diploma at any university or other institution of tertiary education. Information derived from the published or unpublished work of others has been acknowledged in the text and a list of references is given. …………………………… …………………………… Elizabeth C. Molina Date iv STATEMENT ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF OTHERS My studies were generously funded by the John Allwright Fellowship of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The financial support for this project was provided by ACIAR project AS1/96/160. Data for the abattoir studies were collected together with my colleagues and some students who were involved with the ACIAR project on fasciolosis at the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato. These people have been cited as co-authors in the papers accompanying this thesis.

USM R&D Journal, 2011

The main objective of the study was to investigate the presence of common bacterial contaminants ... more The main objective of the study was to investigate the presence of common bacterial contaminants in the skin wounds of saltwater crocodile and isolate and identify these common bacterial genera. Three (3) crocodiles with skin wounds were sampled from which a total of 20 skin wounds were swabbed for isolation of the common organisms. Identification of the individual colonies was based on morphological, cultural, and staining reactions. Conventional biochemical tests were used in the characterization of the organism and Analytical Profile Index 20E was used for the identification of the isolates. Among the 13 individual colonies selected and subjected to API 20E, seven Gram-negative organisms were identified. These were Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae spp pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Onchrobactrum anthropi, Proteus vulgaris, and Proteus mirabilis.

Journal of Livestock Science, 2022

Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses a... more Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses and health issues that subvert the quality of carcasses and offal. Gross pathological lesions seen at slaughter have important economic impact and implications on the Halal wholesomeness of these food items, and therefore there is a need to identify them. The study identified and described the gross pathological lesions found on the livers and kidneys of cattle slaughtered in a Halal abattoir in Cotabato City, Philippines from December 12, 2020 to January 28, 2021. A total of seventy (70) cattle were included in the study: 70 livers and 140 kidneys were collected and examined. The lesions identified in the bovine livers included fibrosis (15.71%), cholangitis (15.71%), liver fluke migratory tracts (1.43%), and cirrhosis (2.9%). Among the kidneys examined, white spotted kidneys (10.71%), renal infarcts (10.71%), renal atrophy (6.43%), amyloidosis (5.71%), ecchymosis (4.29%), myoglobinuria (2.86%), hydronephrosis (2.86%), pyelonephritis (2.14%) and renal cyst (1.43%) were the lesions seen. Numerous gross pathological lesions were identified among the livers and kidneys assessed in the current study. Production and health management practices must be improved if the occurrence of these economically important pathological lesions is to be reduced.

International Journal of One Health, Mar 2, 2020

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of p... more Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of public health concern in the Philippines. The disease is prevalent in few of the barangays (communities) in Koronadal City, Philippines. Status of the Schistosoma japonicum infections in domestic animal reservoir host has yet to be explored in these endemic communities. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and infection intensity of the disease in cattle and water buffaloes of endemic communities of Koronadal City.

Materials and Methods: Schistosomiasis was investigated in 70 cattle and 38 water buffaloes from three endemic communities in Koronadal City. The copro-parasitological technique used was the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation method.

Results: S. japonicum infection was observed in 48.6% of cattle and 60.5% in water buffaloes. The bovine contamination index indicated that all infected animals released 3,505,500 eggs/day. On average, infected cattle released 1,674,500 eggs daily, while infected water buffaloes liberated 1,932,000 eggs in the environment daily.

Conclusion: Cattle and water buffaloes in these endemic areas are infected with S. japonicum. These animals release large numbers of eggs in the environment daily; hence, played an important role in disease transmission. Those living and working in endemic areas should be aware of the inherent dangers of the disease.

Journal of livestock science, Feb 22, 2022

Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses a... more Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses and health issues that subvert the quality of carcasses and offal. Gross pathological lesions seen at slaughter have important economic impact and implications on the Halal wholesomeness of these food items, and therefore there is a need to identify them. The study identified and described the gross pathological lesions found on the livers and kidneys of cattle slaughtered in a Halal abattoir in Cotabato City, Philippines from December 12, 2020 to January 28, 2021. A total of seventy (70) cattle were included in the study: 70 livers and 140 kidneys were collected and examined. The lesions identified in the bovine livers included fibrosis (15.71%), cholangitis (15.71%), liver fluke migratory tracts (1.43%), and cirrhosis (2.9%). Among the kidneys examined, white spotted kidneys (10.71%), renal infarcts (10.71%), renal atrophy (6.43%), amyloidosis (5.71%), ecchymosis (4.29%), myoglobinuria (2.86%), hydronephrosis (2.86%), pyelonephritis (2.14%) and renal cyst (1.43%) were the lesions seen. Numerous gross pathological lesions were identified among the livers and kidneys assessed in the current study. Production and health management practices must be improved if the occurrence of these economically important pathological lesions is to be reduced.

Journal of Agricultural Research, Development, Extension and Technology, Oct 8, 2021

Schistosoma japonicum infections continue to be a public health concern in China, the Philippines... more Schistosoma japonicum infections continue to be a public health concern in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. In the Philippines, it has a focal distribution wherein an estimated 12.4 million people are at risk of infection, while 2.7 million are directly exposed across 12 regions. The country’s latest national prevalence revealed that some endemic communities had already reached infection control status. Recent advancements in schistosomiasis diagnostics have resulted in the development of assays that have superior diagnostic performance. The cost of adopting these novel techniques remains a huge bottleneck for those with developing economies and underfunded control and elimination programs like the Philippines. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) has significantly reduced the schistosomiasis morbidity rates in the Philippines through its protracted implementation. MDA fatigue among beneficiaries resulting in non-compliance has been reported. Control and elimination efforts still need continued local and national governmental support. A One Health approach is called for if the goal of transmission interruption in all endemic communities is to be achieved by 2025. This paper reviews the recent research and updates on S. japonicum infections in terms of disease occurrence, advancements in diagnostic techniques and approaches, and its treatment, prevention, control, and elimination in the Philippines and its neighboring countries.

Veterinary Integrative Sciences, 2021

Foodborne trematodiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by zoonotic trematodes that ... more Foodborne trematodiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by zoonotic trematodes that persist mainly in impoverished areas in the Asia-Pacific region. Globally, about 2 million disability life years (DALYs) are lost due to these parasitic infections. Four groups of foodborne trematodes are known to cause significant illness: fish-borne liver fluke infections caused by Opisthorchis and Clonorchis spp.; water vegetable-borne Fasciola spp. infections; crustacean-vectored paragonimiasis; and those caused by intestinal trematodes. In the Philippines, endemic foodborne trematodes of public health concern include Paragonimus westermani, some members of Heterophyidae and Echinostomatidae, and Fasciola hepatica/ F. gigantica. Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis have also been reported in the country. Data on the epidemiology of these zoonotic illnesses remain scarce and in need of research attention in the Philippines. Culturally rooted eating behaviors in endemic areas...

USM R&D Journal, 2009

The study was conducted from November 2006 to July 2007 at the Philippine Carabao Center at the U... more The study was conducted from November 2006 to July 2007 at the Philippine Carabao Center at the University of Southern Mindanao (PCC at USM) and at the CVM-USM Parasitology Laboratory. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the gastrointestinal nematode larval load on herbage from the forage pastures of PCC at USM. The pasture areas that were sampled had larvae of the common gastrointestinal nematodes that infest ruminants. Specifically, third-stage larvae of Trichostrongylus, Haemonchus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum were observed. Fluctuations in counts of infective larvae (L3s) of these parasites were noted from November 2006 to July 2007 and the highest larval load occurred in April. Trichostrongylus was the dominant nematode seen from the herbage.

January-June, 2020

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of p... more Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of public health concern in the Philippines. The disease is prevalent in few of the barangays (communities) in Koronadal City, Philippines. Status of the Schistosoma japonicum infections in domestic animal reservoir host has yet to be explored in these endemic communities. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and infection intensity of the disease in cattle and water buffaloes of endemic communities of Koronadal City. Materials and Methods: Schistosomiasis was investigated in 70 cattle and 38 water buffaloes from three endemic communities in Koronadal City. The copro-parasitological technique used was the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation method. Results: S. japonicum infection was observed in 48.6% of cattle and 60.5% in water buffaloes. The bovine contamination index indicated that all infected animals released 3,505,500 eggs/day. On average, infected cattle released 1,674,500 eg...

Journal of Veterinary Science, 2005

This study investigated the presence of cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukins (IL)-6 and... more This study investigated the presence of cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukins (IL)-6 and-8 in serum of cattle and buffaloes infected with Fasciola gigantica from one to 16 weeks post-infection to determine their T cell response during infection. The concentration of these cytokines was determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No IFN-gamma was detected in these animals while IL-6 was elevated from one to 16 weeks postinfection. Levels of IL-8 were also elevated in infected buffaloes from one to 16 weeks post-infection. A predominantly T helper (Th) 2 response which started early in the infection was apparently present in cattle and buffaloes in this study which was characterised by IL-6. IL-8 production could be another mechanism of immune response in buffaloes during infection with F. gigantica.

Usm R D Journal, Jan 6, 2011

Two-hundred-eighty-one cattle and 225 carabaos were examined for the presence of eggs of Fasciola... more Two-hundred-eighty-one cattle and 225 carabaos were examined for the presence of eggs of Fasciola gigantica. Prevalence of the infection was assessed and its distribution with the age and sex of the animals determined. Fasciolosis was found to infect cattle and carabaos in the selected barangays. In both animals, the prevalence was significantly associated with age, with infection more commonly encountered in animals three years of age and older. Sex, however, did not influence the occurrence of the infection which was either weakly correlated (in cattle) or no correlation (in carabaos).

The study was conducted to detect Toxoplasm gondii in cats by measuring the level of antibodies i... more The study was conducted to detect Toxoplasm gondii in cats by measuring the level of antibodies in the blood using the rapid ImmunoCombR feline T. gondii antibody test kit. Confirmation was done through fecal, blood smear, and histopathological examinations of biopsied mice. Out of the 36 cats that were sampled 12 (33.33%) gave positive results, seven (19.44%) had high positive results, and 17 (47.22%) were negative. Cats that yielded high positive reaction demonstrated tachyzoites in their blood. Bradyzoites were also seen from mouse brain tissue following bioassay of spleen tissue of high positive-reacting cats. The current results indicate that T. gondii is present among cats in Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines and may be a potential risk to other susceptible animals in the area especially humans.

Veterinary Parasitology, 2005

The cellular components of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate in cattle and buffaloes infected w... more The cellular components of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate in cattle and buffaloes infected with a single dose of 1000 Fasciola gigantica were analysed by immunohistochemistry and histology. T and B lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils and mast cells were present in the hepatic lesions. It is proposed that both cellular and humoral immune responses were induced in the liver of cattle and buffaloes during infection with F. gigantica probably by antigens released by the developing flukes and by damage caused by the flukes during their migration in the liver. The local T cell response differed between these animals, with the response decreasing after 3 weeks post-infection in cattle in contrast to a gradually increasing response in buffaloes. Difference in the T cell response between cattle and buffaloes may be related to their differences in resistance and resilience to infection with F. gigantica.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2005

... of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines * Correspondence: Present Address: Schoo... more ... of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines * Correspondence: Present Address: School of Tropical Veterinary and Animal Sciences, James Cook University ... and St Croix sheep (Widjajanti et al., 1999), and between Red Masai and Dorper sheep (Waweru et al., 1999 ...

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2005

... 2,∗ , EA Gonzaga2, EO Sinolinding2, LA Lumbao2, AA Peralta2 and AP Barraca2 1School of Tropic... more ... 2,∗ , EA Gonzaga2, EO Sinolinding2, LA Lumbao2, AA Peralta2 and AP Barraca2 1School of Tropical Veterinary and Animal Sciences, James Cook University ... sheep, Merinos and St Croix sheep (Widjajanti et al., 1999), and between Red Masai and Dorper sheep (Waweru et al ...

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2005

ACIAR MONOGRAPH SERIES, 2008

Graber M. 1971. Role du facteur alimentaire dans la distomatose bovine et ovine a Fasciola gigant... more Graber M. 1971. Role du facteur alimentaire dans la distomatose bovine et ovine a Fasciola gigantica. Bulletin of Epizootic Diseases in Africa 19, 45-60.

Australian Veterinary Journal, 2006

To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of hydatidosis and investigate factors ... more To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of hydatidosis and investigate factors that might be expected to influence the prevalence of hydatids in cattle in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. To determine the effect of natural levels of infection on carcase weight and subsequent economic loss. An abattoir survey conducted in 1981 provided information on the distribution, prevalence and viability of hydatid cysts in cattle from all shires north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland. Livers, lungs and spleens from 10,382 cattle were palpated at abattoirs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton to detect hydatid cysts. Prevalence of infection in cattle in each shire was estimated from results of the abattoir study together with reports of infection in a further 22,185 cattle obtained from abattoir records. Linear modelling was used to define the effect of geographical origin, age, breed and sex on prevalence of infection. Differences in the weights of carcases between infected and non-infected cattle of the same age, sex, breed and property of origin were examined. The economic loss to the beef industry in the region surveyed was estimated. Cattle infected with hydatids originated almost entirely from regions to the east of the Great Dividing Range. The mean prevalence inside this zone was 28% compared with 3% in other areas. Viable protoscoleces were found in 0.7% of cysts. Geographical origin and age of the cattle were the most significant factors influencing prevalence. Infection with hydatids had no effect on carcase weight. Economic loss was limited to that associated with condemnations of organs at meat inspection, estimated to be 0.5 million dollars per annum in 1981 and 6 million dollars in 2004. The distribution of hydatids in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn corresponded most closely with the distribution of small wallabies such as Macropus dorsalis (black-striped wallaby), M parryi (whiptail wallaby) and M rufogriseus (red-necked wallaby). It was concluded that cattle are not an important part of maintaining the life-cycle of E granulosus in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Within the endemic zone, which is almost all to the east of the Great Dividing Range, the local pattern of bovine echinococcosis is most likely to be determined by the presence or absence of small species of wallaby such as M dorsalis, M parryi and M rufogriseus.

I declare that this thesis is my own work and has not been submitted in any form for another degr... more I declare that this thesis is my own work and has not been submitted in any form for another degree or diploma at any university or other institution of tertiary education. Information derived from the published or unpublished work of others has been acknowledged in the text and a list of references is given. …………………………… …………………………… Elizabeth C. Molina Date iv STATEMENT ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF OTHERS My studies were generously funded by the John Allwright Fellowship of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The financial support for this project was provided by ACIAR project AS1/96/160. Data for the abattoir studies were collected together with my colleagues and some students who were involved with the ACIAR project on fasciolosis at the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato. These people have been cited as co-authors in the papers accompanying this thesis.

USM R&D Journal, 2011

The main objective of the study was to investigate the presence of common bacterial contaminants ... more The main objective of the study was to investigate the presence of common bacterial contaminants in the skin wounds of saltwater crocodile and isolate and identify these common bacterial genera. Three (3) crocodiles with skin wounds were sampled from which a total of 20 skin wounds were swabbed for isolation of the common organisms. Identification of the individual colonies was based on morphological, cultural, and staining reactions. Conventional biochemical tests were used in the characterization of the organism and Analytical Profile Index 20E was used for the identification of the isolates. Among the 13 individual colonies selected and subjected to API 20E, seven Gram-negative organisms were identified. These were Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae spp pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Onchrobactrum anthropi, Proteus vulgaris, and Proteus mirabilis.

Journal of Livestock Science, 2022

Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses a... more Postmortem examination of food animals during slaughter enables the identification of illnesses and health issues that subvert the quality of carcasses and offal. Gross pathological lesions seen at slaughter have important economic impact and implications on the Halal wholesomeness of these food items, and therefore there is a need to identify them. The study identified and described the gross pathological lesions found on the livers and kidneys of cattle slaughtered in a Halal abattoir in Cotabato City, Philippines from December 12, 2020 to January 28, 2021. A total of seventy (70) cattle were included in the study: 70 livers and 140 kidneys were collected and examined. The lesions identified in the bovine livers included fibrosis (15.71%), cholangitis (15.71%), liver fluke migratory tracts (1.43%), and cirrhosis (2.9%). Among the kidneys examined, white spotted kidneys (10.71%), renal infarcts (10.71%), renal atrophy (6.43%), amyloidosis (5.71%), ecchymosis (4.29%), myoglobinuria (2.86%), hydronephrosis (2.86%), pyelonephritis (2.14%) and renal cyst (1.43%) were the lesions seen. Numerous gross pathological lesions were identified among the livers and kidneys assessed in the current study. Production and health management practices must be improved if the occurrence of these economically important pathological lesions is to be reduced.

International Journal of One Health, Mar 2, 2020

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of p... more Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is one of the seven neglected tropical diseases that are of public health concern in the Philippines. The disease is prevalent in few of the barangays (communities) in Koronadal City, Philippines. Status of the Schistosoma japonicum infections in domestic animal reservoir host has yet to be explored in these endemic communities. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and infection intensity of the disease in cattle and water buffaloes of endemic communities of Koronadal City.

Materials and Methods: Schistosomiasis was investigated in 70 cattle and 38 water buffaloes from three endemic communities in Koronadal City. The copro-parasitological technique used was the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation method.

Results: S. japonicum infection was observed in 48.6% of cattle and 60.5% in water buffaloes. The bovine contamination index indicated that all infected animals released 3,505,500 eggs/day. On average, infected cattle released 1,674,500 eggs daily, while infected water buffaloes liberated 1,932,000 eggs in the environment daily.

Conclusion: Cattle and water buffaloes in these endemic areas are infected with S. japonicum. These animals release large numbers of eggs in the environment daily; hence, played an important role in disease transmission. Those living and working in endemic areas should be aware of the inherent dangers of the disease.