Peer Review Process

The peer review process commences once the authors submitted their paper to Zagazig Veterinary Journal (ZVJ). ZVJ aims to provide all authors with an efficient and consistent editorial process with guarantee of robust, validity and implication of the manuscript being published (Diagram presented the peer review process at the end).

  • The journal follows a double blind peer reviewing process by expert reviewers covering all topics of veterinary science.
  • The submitted manuscripts and reviewing reports are received by our online Editorial Manager System. An online guide video is available to facilitate using this system. 

    Author Guide Video

    Reviewer Guide Video

  • Submitted manuscripts will be initially evaluated by the Chief Editor or by a member of the editorial team (based on the decision of the Chief Editor) who is an expert in the field.
  • The editor will evaluate the suitability, quality of the data presented, screened for plagiarism (Crossref Similarity Check iThenticate), if it is within the scope of the ZVJ and check whether the research topic has been clearly formulated. Editors may also choose to run a similarity report at any other stage during the peer review process or post.
  • If the submitted manuscripts passed the initial assessment, the assigned editor contacts at least two independent expert reviewers (double blind to the authors' identities) to assess the validity, significance, originality of the work, linguistics, technically and scientifically sound, coherent and writing quality. A good peer reviewer should be able to provide clear and constructive comments/opinions to the authors, including suggestions for improvement.
  • In case of submission of manuscripts by a member of the editorial board, the Editor In Chief is the only one responsible for the distribution of the manuscript to relevant peer-reviewers (Double-blind peer reviewing process).
  • Peer reviewers should be follow a systematic approach, guided by the "COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers" 
  • The Editor-In-Chief will take the final decision based on the recommendations of the peer reviewers (accept, accept with minor or major revisions, reject and resubmit or reject the manuscript). The recommendations are in accord without any strong dissenting opinions, but in case of dissenting or opposing views, the manuscript is evaluated by a third reviewer who may or may not be a member of the journal's Editorial Board.
  • In case of required revision, authors must address the reviewers' and editors' comments point by point and then the manuscript will be sent to the reviewers to guarantee the required corrections have been done.
  • Once all reviews have been received and considered by the editors, a final decision will be sent via email to the corresponding author. The accepted manuscript is then assessed by a member of the journal's Editorial Board to ensure that all technical, linguistic, grammatical and scientific aspects are fulfilled.
  • Finally, the page designer will organize the galley proof to send as a WORD proof file to the corresponding author for final corrections, and must be returned within two working days. Following the proofing process, the paper appears as “Articles in Press”.

Privacy and Confidentiality for Reviewers

  • Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of the submitted manuscript they evaluate. Confidentiality may only be breached if dishonesty or fraud is suspected.
  • Reviewers are not allowed to use any information regarding the manuscript for their own benefit or share it with others before the paper is published.
  • Reviewers have a responsibility to report any concerns including ethical, copying, cheating, suspected plagiarism, or potential harm to humans or animals in the study.
  • Reviewer reports would not be published or otherwise disclosed without the permission of the reviewer, corresponding author and editor.

Timing

  • The Zagazig Veterinary Journal Editorial Board is keen to achieve an efficient revision, final decisions and publications as soon as possible.
  • The editor informs the reviewers to respond and send his/her reports within the agreed timeframe.
  • The journal’s first decision may be received within 3-4 weeks of submission and the final decision within 4-6 weeks.