College of Veterinary Medicine

Master’s Thesis Defense – College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine

A master’s thesis entitled “Diagnosis and Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus in Neonatal Calves with Diarrhea in Nineveh Province, Iraq” was defended by student Hussam Saud Mayouf, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Omar Khazaal Salo, on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The examination committee was composed of the following distinguished members:

1. Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Osama Abdulmajid (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Chair
2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Amer Yahya Hameed (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Member
3. Lecturer Israa Abdulghani Ghanem (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Member
4. Prof. Dr. Omar Khazaal Salo (College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Mosul) – Member and Supervisor

Rotavirus is among the most serious viral pathogens affecting the gastrointestinal tract of calves. It is a leading cause of acute diarrhea in neonatal calves aged between one and five weeks, resulting in high mortality rates, stunted growth, and significant economic losses in the livestock sector.

This study aimed to diagnose rotavirus from fecal samples of diarrheic calves (both cattle and buffalo), investigate the virus’s genetic diversity, and explore the relationship between local strains and those found in other countries.

Two P-genotype strains of rotavirus were registered in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) based on VP4 gene sequencing:

• One specific to cattle calves (accession number: PV541261)
• One specific to buffalo calves (accession number: PV541262)

Additionally, four G-genotype strains were registered based on VP7 gene sequencing:

• Two specifics to cattle calves (PV541257 and PV541258)
• Two specifics to buffalo calves (PV541259 and PV541260)

Following a confident and scientifically rigorous defense, the thesis was accepted by the committee.

Congratulations to the researcher, the supervisor, the college, and the Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine on this academic achievement. Best wishes to the examination committee. This defense contributes to the realization of Goal 4 (Quality Education) of the Sustainable Development Goals.

University of Mosul

#College of Veterinary Medicine

#Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine