Anaplasma spp. are significant arthropod-borne bacteria globally, but documented information about anaplasmosis in small ruminants in the north of Iraq is insufficient. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and identify sheep and goat tick vector populations in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, north Iraq. The study population consisted of 470 sheep and 145 goats from 45 livestock farms in 10 geographical locations of Sulaymaniyah Governorate. The study was accomplished from April to December 2017. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein and used for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted using primers based on the 16S rRNA of Anaplasma spp. Fragments of PCR products were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 58.9% based on the PCR results. Furthermore, 58.9% of sheep and 57.9% of goats were positive for anaplasmosis. The sequences represented 100% identity with previously documented GenBank isolates of A. ovis from Iran, the Netherlands, China, and Mongolia. Altogether, 150 Ixodid ticks were picked from small ruminants within the same flocks and were identified based on morphological features. Various infestation rates were observed; about 40% of the Ixodid ticks belonged to Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 34% belonged to Rhipicephalus turanicus, 18% were Hyalomma anatolicum, and 8% were Boophilus microplus (Rhipicephalus microplus). The present report is the first molecular study of Anaplasma species in small ruminants from Sulaymaniyah Governorate in northern Iraq to the best of our knowledge. The study concluded that anaplasmosis was endemic in small ruminants from the investigated areas.

The effect of drenching Awassi lambs with three aromatic essential oils from sage (Salvia officinalis L.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), and laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) was investigated on meat chemical and physical characteristics, and oxidative and deterioration measurements. Twenty-four Awassi lambs, five to six months old, were divided into four groups. A concentrated diet was provided to the lambs at a rate of 3% of the body weight. The treatments were as follows: T1 was served as the untreated control, while T2, T3, and T4 were drenched with oils of sage, clove, and laurel, respectively. Drenching was carried out using water-soluble capsules containing 500 mg oil/capsule/day. Treatments lasted 90 days. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were fasted overnight and slaughtered. The carcasses were cleaned and kept at 4°C for 24 h. The longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was then separated and preserved in a plastic bag for three preservation periods: no freezing and 30 days and 60 days freezing at −18°C. Several physical, fat, and protein stability analyses of meat were done after the preservation periods. The results indicated no significant effect of drenching Awassi lambs with different aromatic essential oils on the meat’s physical and chemical characteristics. However, these oils, especially clove oil, affected fat and protein stability with increasing preservation period by freezing.

Background: Influenza viruses are a continuous threat to avian and mammalian species, causing epidemics and pandemics. After the circulation of H5N1 in 2006, 2015, and 2016 in Iraq, an H5N8 influenza virus emerged in domestic geese in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq. This study analyzed the genetic characteristics of the Iraqi H5N8 viruses.Results: An HPAI virus subtype H5N8 was identified from domestic backyard geese in the Kurdistan Region, north Iraq. Phylogenic analyses of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes indicated that Iraq H5N8 viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4 group B and clustered with isolates from Iran, Israel, and Belgium. Genetic analysis of the HA gene indicated molecular markers for avian-type receptors. Characterization of the NA gene showed that the virus had sensitive molecular markers for antiviral drugs.Conclusions: This is the first study ever on H5N8 in Iraq, and it is crucial to understand the epidemiology of the viruses in Iraq and the Middle East. The results suggest a possible role of migratory birds in the introduction of HPAI subtype H5N8 into Iraq.

Chemotherapy‐induced hepatotoxicity remains a significant challenge in cancer treatment, limiting the clinical use of potent anticancer agents like doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PAC). This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of catechin (CAT), a natural flavonoid antioxidant, against DOX‐ and PAC‐induced liver toxicity. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, DOX + PAC‐treated, CAT‐only, and two groups receiving CAT (20 or 40 mg/kg) in combination with DOX + PAC. Hepatic function was assessed through liver enzyme levels, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histopathological examination. Results showed that DOX + PAC treatment significantly elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, indicating hepatocellular damage. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), were also increased, while antioxidant defenses such as glutathione (GSH) and catalase were depleted. CAT coadministration, particularly at 40 mg/kg, markedly reduced oxidative damage, restored hepatic enzyme levels, and mitigated histopathological alterations, including congestion, hepatocyte degeneration, and inflammatory infiltration. Moreover, CAT reduced NF‐κB expression, suggesting an anti‐inflammatory effect. These findings demonstrate that CAT effectively protects against DOX‐ and PAC‐induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms and reducing inflammation. Given its hepatoprotective potential, CAT may serve as a complementary therapeutic strategy to enhance chemotherapy tolerance.