Background: This study was conducted to investigate the presence of Bacillus cereus in meat, meat products and some seafood in Libya. Materials and Methods: A hundred and thirty one samples were collected from different geographic localities in Libya. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for enumeration and isolation of B. cereus by conventional cultural, biochemical and molecular identification by using PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA techniques. Results: Out of 131 samples, only 38 (29%) isolates were found to be B. cereus based on their cultural characteristics on MYP medium, that included 30% beef, 38.2% beef products (minced, burger, kabab and sausage), 31.8% camel meat and 48% chicken products (burger, sausage, kabab and liver). However, B. cereus was not detected from mutton and seafood samples. Seventeen isolates were subjected to molecular identification by using PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA technique and confirmed to be B. cereus. The confirmed B. cereus strains tested for their antibiotic sensitivity profiles and showed high percentage of multi-resistance phenotype. Conclusions: The results provide better understanding of B. cereus isolated from food of animal origin in Libya and suggest that meat and meat products might play an important role in the spreading of B. cereus through the food chain with antimicrobial resistance characteristics.
Salah M.Azwai(1-2018)

The forelimb fetlock joint and its bony components are a common site of injury in racing horses. We hypothesized that the variations in relative density of these bones might correspond to their mechanical properties. This study aimed first to identify the relative density of third metacarpal bone (Mc3), proximal phalanx (P1) and proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) of Thoroughbred race horses. Second, to determine whether there was any difference and/or similarity in the relative density between and within the bones. Bones from right and left forelimbs of 10 horses were collected and prepared by boiling and drying. Dry weight and volume for each bone were measured and the relative density was then calculated. Relative density of Mc3 was substantially greater than the other two bones with a mean of 1.7 ± 0.06. Relative density of P1 and PSBs showed a high similarity especially between P1 and the medial PSBs. Neither the comparisons between right and left sides nor between lateral and medial PSBs showed any significant differences. P1 had the most consistent relative density within right and left sides. Larger relative density in Mc3 and the similarity between P1 and PSBs presume a more important role of the bone mass on their properties than the volume.
Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida, Ali Omar Alarif Boker, Aiman Abdulghader Salim Shalgum, Helen M S Davies(12-2018)

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is considered one of the most important transboundary animal diseases (TADs) with socio-economic impacts on national and international levels. During 2015-2016 a total of 690 serum samples were collected from unvaccinated domestic ruminants of which 555 sheep, and 135 goats representing teen provinces distributed in four Libyan branches (Green Mountain, Benghazi, West Mountain and Sabha). The sample were analysed at IZSAM, Teramo, Italy, by using competitive ELISA, IDvet innovative diagnostics (IDvet, 310 rue Louis Pasteur-34790 Grabels, France). The overall sero-prevalence rate (SPR) of PPR antibodies was estimated to be 41% (95% CL: 36% to 46%) among sheep and 39% (95% CL: 28% to 45%) among goat. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the probability of differences observed among SPR of infection. The results showed that the SPR of PPR was significantly (P= 0.015) higher in adult animals 41% (95% CL= 37%-46%) than in the young 24% (95% CL= 17%- 32%). The highest SPR 75% (95% CL= 61%-85%) was recorded in Sabha province (Southern Libya) which highlighted statistically difference (P= 0.00001). The preliminary results of the present study could be useful to better focus on specific area of Libya to improve understand and evaluate the risk factors for disease spreading and to plan disease control activities as requested by FAO/OIE (PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy). arabic 19 English 100
Abdusalam Sharef Abdusalam Mahmoud(1-2020)