Toxoplasma infection is one of the most common human parasitic diseases. During 2018-2020, in the rural areas of three districts of Pakistan, we surveyed a total of 451 animals, belonging to different asymptomatic ruminant species, to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. We used ELISA assay as well as recorded some associated risk factors contributing to its transmission. IgM antibodies were detected in 17% and IgG in 13.4% of ruminant samples with the highest percentage, 10% for IgM and 8.6% for IgG in sheep. A strong significant association was found between antibodies and different species (IgM, . 280, , and IgG, , ), respectively. Infection with T. gondii seems mainly associated with different geographic features and the presence of cats in the environment, low hygiene water systems and livestock that are mostly dependent on outdoor drinking and grazing. There was no significant association between IgM and age grouping ( , nor for IgG ( , ). The results of this study may be considered the starting point to promote the awareness about parasitic infections in ruminants in Pakistan in order to prevent this infection from further spreading.

The conservation of the vulnerable Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ) in Pakistan is challenged by retaliatory killing, driven by negative interactions between people and bears, such as livestock depredation. We distributed a questionnaire among 369 individuals in rural communities within the Mansehra District, Pakistan, where bear retaliatory killings are often reported. We focused on human–Asiatic black bear negative interactions, such as livestock depredations, crop damage, and human injuries occurring between 2015 and 2019. Although the number of livestock depredation events was small in absolute terms (an average of 11.5 livestock heads reported to be killed annually), it had a large estimated economic impact in terms of local economies ($1367 per year, or a total of $5.469 between 2015 and 2019). Such annual estimated costs account for 93% of the per capita gross domestic product for Pakistan, roughly equivalent to $55,853 for a US citizen. Additionally, 30 incidents between people and bears were registered, where 6% human were fatal. We recommend awareness campaigns on different mitigating interventions, and training on how to use them, as well as behaviors to reduce the risk of negative interactions.

Reports abound on Lernaea parasitizing the brood stock, fingerlings, and marketable-sized culturable freshwater fish species in various parts of the world. We investigated seven small-scale aquaculture farms and how the prevailing Lernaea is impacting them. Randomly seven fish farms were selected to determine the prevalence percentage of lernaeid ectoparasites. Relevant information of the fishponds to estimate the various aspects such as effects of water source and quality, feed, stocking density, treatment used, and weight and length of fish, concerned with Lernaea infestation and prevalence was gathered. The results indicated that Catla catla (F. Hamilton, 1822) showed highest prevalence (41.7%) among the seven fish species, whereas Oreochromis niloticus showed zero. Other five fish species Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cirrhinus cirrhosis, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix showed 13.2%, 8.1%, 7.7%, 7.4%, 0.9% prevalence, respectively. In Royal Fish Farm 84.3% lernaeid infestation was observed, while no parasite was observed in the Vicent’s Chunnian fish farm. The water source, quality, feed, fertilizers, stocking density, water temperature, and potential treatment options displayed varying tendencies among fish farms and prevalence. Depending on the weight and length, the highest prevalence (56.7%, and 66.7%) was observed in 3501-4000 g and 81-90 cm groups. The infestation rate varied in various fish body parts with the dorsal fin the most vulnerable organ and showed 2.3% overall prevalence (while 18.4% contribution within total 12.6% infestation). Out of 147 infected fish samples, 45 were extensively contaminated by Lernaea spread. In conclusion, our findings confirm that Lernaea could pose a considerable threat to marketable fish, and various treatment options should be educated to the farmers to help mitigate the spread and potential losses. Furthermore, Catla catla is more vulnerable to Lernaea infestation (41.7%), so are the fish species being cultured at higher stocking densities.

A primary goal of zoos is to educate their visitors about global conservation efforts. Studying visitors’ perceptions and attitudes towards captive and wild endangered species helps target conservation messaging. This is especially important in countries, such as Pakistan, where hunting and human–wildlife conflict pose the greatest threats to species. While there have been some studies about Pakistan’s rural communities’ perceptions, few studies have examined the perceptions of Pakistan’s zoo visitors. We present data from exit surveys (n = 304) collected at three of the largest zoos in Pakistan (Lahore: an established zoo, Peshawar: a newly built zoo, and Jungle Kingdom: a theme park and zoo). Zoo location was a significant predictor for a range of attitudes, suggesting that the way a zoo presents itself strongly impacts visitor perceptions. Perceptions of learning were influenced by high biodiversity appreciation but a low confidence in knowledge about animals. Support for keeping animals in captivity was most likely when animal welfare was perceived as good and amongst respondents who valued biodiversity. Zoo-goers, regardless of location, demonstrated high levels of interest in animals and environmental concerns. However, the primary visit motivator was spending time with family and friends.

Aim: High prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) has reported among dialysis patients throughout the world. The aim of this study was to find out the frequency of HCV and HBV both in Hemodialysis (HD) at District Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to March 2019. The infections were investigated through serological and molecular techniques. The polymerase chain reaction was performed for only HCV RNA detection in HD patients. The data obtained were compared with available past studies from Pakistan.Results: To evaluate the frequency of HCV, HBV, and co-infection in HD patients. 200 blood samples were collected from dialysis patients who visited Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Among 200, HCV infected were diagnosed in 22%, HBV in 8%. The percentages of male to female diagnosed patients with HCV were 21% and 20% respectively. Moreover, the chi-square test of association among variables based on our empirical findings, it is clear that odds of HCV positive among males is 3.467 times greater than female, with statistically significance (P= 0.012*) against 50 and above age group.. Conclusion: The percentage of HCV positive was found higher in the overall HD patient population. Only 7.5% of patients were found Negative of HBV and HCV in both males and females visited hospitals for dialysis. The high prevalence of hepatitis viruses among HD patients indicates a close relation between HD centers and hepatitis virus transmission. Therefore, preventive control measures are essential to reduce hepatitis transmission in HD centers