bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of land and livestock contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: GILL IJ , ROBERTS GS , GALVIN JW
Published: March 2008

Investigations were conducted on several small neighbouring beef cattle and sheep farms that were found to be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The residues detected contained about 62% w/w chlorine and soll concentrations ranged from 0.35 to 1.9 mg/kg.

Beef cattle and sheep grazing the contaminated land had PCB concentrations in their fat of 0.3 to 1.7 mg/kg and 0.19 to 0.45 mg/kg, respectively. The concentration of PCBs in the caudal fat of cattle was 0.3 to 2 times the concentration of PCBs in the land they were grazing and was positively related to stocking rates. PCBs were present in milk fat from cattle at about the same concentration as in caudal fat, and lactation appeared to contribute to decontamination. Wool grease from sheep contained about 1 to 2 times the concentration of PCBs in subcutaneous fat. Calves of contaminated cows also became contaminated. The half‐life for decontamination of PCBs in a group of 8 young female beef cattle was calculated at 13 months.

PCBs were detected in pasture samples at concentrations ranging from less than 0.01 mg/kg to 0.12 mg/kg. However, PCBs were not detected in any sample of hay cut from these paddocks. In 4 sheep fed a sole ration of this hay, traces of PCBs were detected in their fat following 89 days of feeding.

Grazing livestock for meat production on land contaminated with PCBs is not recommended because livestock readily acquire residues, and PCBs persist in soil and livestock for long periods. Grazing sheep for wool production on land contaminated with PCBs may be an option.
Hypokalaemic episodic polymyopathy in cats fed a vegetarian diet
Authors: LEON A. , BAIN SAF , LEVICK WR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A previously undocumented hypokalaemic condition with a cyclical nature, comprising acute bouts of polymyopathy followed by spontaneous recoveries, is described in the cat. Cats being fed a high protein vegetarian diet developed recurrent episodes of polymyopathy, characterised by ventroflexion of the head and neck, stiff forelimb gait, lateral head‐resting and generalised muscle weakness. Plasma potassium concentrations (meanstandard deviation) were reduced from 3.28 &0.33 mmol/l at the beginning of the experiment to 2.45 &0.24 mmol/l during bouts of myopathy. This hypokalaemia was associated with increased creatine kinase activities indicative of muscle damage, and decreased urinary potassium concentrations, and was caused by insufficient dietary potassium. Cats that received the same diet supplemented with potassium did not develop hypokalaemic polymyopathy. Spontaneous recoveries of affected cats were not associated consistently with increases in plasma potassium concentrations. Plasma taurine concentrations decreased and glutamic acid increased markedly in all cats fed the experimental diet. There was no evidence of thiamin deficiency associated with the high glutamic acid intake. Veterinarians should be aware that hypokalaemic cats, and in particular those on potassium‐deficient diets, may show cyclical disease with episodes of polymyopathy recurring after periods of spontaneous clinical recovery. This condition in cats may be a useful animal model for familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis in humans.
Pathology of experimentally‐induced, acute toxoplasmosis in macropods
Authors: REDDACLIFF GL , HARTLEY WJ , DUBEY JP , COOPER DW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Thirteen Tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) were dosed orally with 500, 1000 or 10 000 oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii, as part of a vaccination trial. Eleven animals died of acute toxoplasmosis 9 to 15 days after challenge. The lesions were similar in all animals, consisting of foci of necrosis and inflammation in the intestines, lymphoid tissue, adrenal cortex, heart, skeletal muscle and brain, and severe generalised pulmonary congestion and oedema. Free and intracellular tachyzoites of Toxoplasma were associated with the lesions. The remaining 2 animals had shown no signs of disease when euthanased four months after challenge. Small, focal, non‐suppurative inflammatory lesions were seen in brain, heart and skeletal muscle of these animals and chronic Toxoplasma infection was confirmed by mouse inoculation.
Vascular leakage induced by histamine, bradykinin, serotonin and prostaglandin E2 in Greyhounds
Authors: MILLS PC , NG JC , SEA WRIGHT AA , AUER DE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Vascular leakage induced by intradermal injection of histamine, bradykinin and serotonin alone and co‐injected with prostaglandin E2 was measured in Greyhounds using 125Iodine‐labelled human serum albumin (125I‐HSA) as a marker in the blood. Histamine and bradykinin produced dose‐dependent vascular leakage. At equimolar concentrations, histamine was more than twice as potent as bradykinin. Serotonin did not induce vascular leakage and was irritant. Prostaglandin E2 did not induce significant vascular leakage (maximum 5μL) when injected alone, but when co‐injected with histamine and bradykinin, the vascular leakage of both histamine and bradykinin was increased. This effect was more pronounced if lower concentrations of histamine and bradykinin were injected. The induced vascular leakage was greatest during the first five minutes of lesion development for histamine, during the second five minutes of lesion development for bradykinin, and the synergistic effect of prostaglandin E2 was maximal during the third five minute period of lesion development.
Detection of bicarbonate administration (milkshake) in Standardbred horses
Authors: AUER DE , SKELTON KV , TAY S , BALDOCK FC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Total plasma carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentrations were measured in Standardbred horses to determine criteria to discriminate between normal horses and horses with excessive TCO2 concentrations on raceday. TCO2 concentrations from stabled horses were distributed normally with a mean of 30.2 mmol/L and a standard deviation of 1.2 (n = 192) while pre‐race TCO2 concentrations were not normally distributed. The results indicate that about 50 horses per million are likely to have TCO2 concentrations greater than or equal to 35 mmol/L and that it is extremely unlikely that a normal horse would have a resting TCO2 concentration above 36 mmol/L. These values were associated with sensitivities of 67% and 59%, respectively, and with a specificity of 100%. TCO2 concentrations were relatively stable in blood samples stored at 4°C for 4 days, whereas the TCO2 in specimens stored at room temperature (25°C) and at ambient temperature (16–28°C) declined progressively over 5 days. The accuracy and precision of the Beckman EL‐ISE Auto Analyser were acceptable and within the manufacturers specified range. Paired specimens analysed using a Beckman EL‐ISE Auto Analyser and a Kodak Dry Chemistry Analyser were not significantly different. However, the measurements made using the Kodak Dry Chemistry Analyser averaged 0.5 mmol/L higher than those analysed on the Beckman EL‐ISE. The significance of these sources of variation in TCO2 concentration in relation to the testing of horses for ‘milkshake’ administration are discussed.
The medium frequency (7.5 MHz) ultrasound image characteristics of cattle skin
Authors: BUTLER LG , HEAD GM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The medium frequency (7.5 MHz) ultrasound images of cattle skin, as a model for other domestic animals, are described and compared with the published information for human skin. Although some difficulties are apparent in identifying the skin surface and therefore measuring tissue thicknesses, the papillary and reticular layers of cattle skin, about 2 and 4 mm thick, respectively, can be differentiated using a water standoff with a vegetable oil coupling medium. The difference in echo intensities and patterns between these dermal components supports the concept that ultrasound tissue characterisation using higher frequencies may prove to be a useful non‐invasive procedure in livestock production and veterinary science. However, a detailed protocol is required. Care is needed in the choice of ultrasound coupling medium for good resolution of cattle skin. Higher frequency ultrasound equipment would be necessary for imaging the skin of small animals. Potential applications of this new technology are discussed.
Polymerase chain reaction and other laboratory techniques in the diagnosis of long incubation rabies in Australia
Authors: MCCOLL KA , GOULD AR , SELLECK PW , HOOPER PT , WESTBURY HA , SMITH JS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Blood and post‐mortem tissues from a 10‐years‐old girl were submitted to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Clinical signs and histopathological lesions had suggested a diagnosis of rabies, but, an unusually long incubation period of at least 5 years did not encourage such a diagnosis. Serological examinations by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test revealed a dramatic increase in rabies virus‐neutralising antibody during the 10‐day period of hospitalisation. The results of a fluorescent antibody test on brain smears, and an immunoperoxidase test on formalin‐fixed sections of brain were also consistent with a diagnosis of rabies. Attempts to isolate virus were unsuccessful. Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were conducted on a 10% suspension of a post‐mortem sample from the patient's brain, using primers based on the published sequence of the Pasteur virus strain of rabies virus. 413 and 513 bp fragments from the nucleoprotein gene and a 403 bp fragment from the glycoprotein gene were amplified. Subsequent sequencing of these fragments, and comparison with equivalent regions of known rabies viruses, confirmed that the fragments originated from a virus belonging to the rabies virus serotype. This case demonstrated the advantage of using a range of laboratory techniques to obtain a definitive diagnosis. In particular, a PCR‐based test may allow a diagnosis, even in the face of conditions that preclude virus isolation such as apparently occurred in this case. Finally, this case demonstrated that an unusually long incubation period should not discourage a tentative clinical diagnosis of rabies.
Clinical pathology of Australian bluetongue virus serotype 16 infection in Merino sheep
Authors: FLANAGAN M. , JOHNSON SJ , HOFFMANN D. , POLKINGHORNE IG , REID DJ , SHEPHERD MA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Viraemic blood from an ox naturally infected with Australian bluetongue (BLU) virus serotype 16 was passaged twice in sheep. Twelve 2‐ to 4‐years‐old Merino ewes, negative in a bluetongue agar gel Immunodiffusion test, were Inoculated with viraemic blood from the second sheep passage. They were examined for 18 days and compared with a control group. Significant changes in haematological measurements, namely packed cell volume, total white cell count and lymphocyte count, and in plasma enzyme concentrations, namely aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase, occurred in the infected sheep. All Infected sheep became sick. The antibody response, and clinical and necropsy findings were consistent with other reports of mild to moderate disease with Australian BLU serotypes.
The efficacy of injectable and pour‐on formulations of moxidectin against lice on cattle
Authors: CHICK B. , MCDONALD D. , COBB R. , KIERAN PJ , WOOD I.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The efficacy of one administration of moxidectin against natural infestations of the 3 common species of cattle lice in Australia: Linognathus vitull, Damallnla bovls and Haematoplnus eurysternus, was determined.

A high degree of control of L vituli (too long‐nosed sucking louse) was achieved with both the cattle Injection (96.7% and 100%) at 0.2 mg/kg and the cattle pour‐on formulation (94.6% and 100%) at 0.5 mg/kg on the 2 farms where this louse occurred. An Injection of moxidectin at 0.2 mg/kg did not eliminate D bovis. In these trials efficacy ranged from nll to 85.2%. In contrast the pour‐on formulation at 0.5 mg/kg provided consistently high efficacy (83.6 to 100%) against D bovis on 3 farms. Infestations of H eurysternus (the short‐nosed sucking louse) were low and no significant difference was recorded between treatment groups In a single trial, however, lice persisted on 3 to 7 cattle In the untreated group at each Inspection,

whereas none were found on any animals in the 2 groups treated with moxidectin on Inspection after treatment.
Experimental acute yellow‐wood (Terminalia oblongata) intoxication in sheep
Authors: FILIPPICH LJ , CAO GR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An aqueous suspension of air‐dried, hammer‐milled leaf of Terminalla oblongata (yellow‐wood) was administered to sheep by gavage, as a single dose of 5 to 20 g (dry weight)/kg body weight. Doses of 15 g/kg, or more, caused depression, Inappetence, abdominal pain and reduced ruminal movements within 24 to 48 h and some sheep also showed dyspnoea, oplsthotonus and champing of the Jaws. Haematology and blood gas and acid‐base measurements were unaffected. In sheep given a dose of 12.5 g/kg, or more, plasma osmolality, aspartate aminotransferase activity and potassium and bilirubin concentrations Increased while plasma total protein markedly decreased and plasma sodium concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity remained normal. Most sheep were necropsled 48 h after dosing. The liver showed zonal hepatocellular necrosis, the pattern of which varied with the dose given. No renal lesions were observed, although one sheep given a very high dose became azotaemic and hyperkalaemic. Hydrothorax, hydroperlcardlum and ascltes developed In sheep given doses of 15 or 20 g/kg.
Maturation of insulin and glucose responses to normal feeding in foals
Authors: SMYTH GB , YOUNG DW , DURAN SH
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Postprandial insulin and glucose concentrations were measured in 3 Arabian and 3 Thoroughbred foals at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months of age. Prefeeding serum Insulin concentrations were similar in foals at 1 day (25.9 ± 5.1 pmol/L), 1 week (32.4 ± 5.8 pmol/L), and 1 month (38.2 + 7.9 pmol/L), but had Increased significantly to 131.0 ± 20.2 pmol/L at 3 months of age (P < 0.05). There was significantly increased serum Insulin secretion after a feed In foals at 3 months of age (P < 0.05) when compared with that at younger ages. Prefeeding serum glucose concentrations ranged from 6.0 ± 0.7 mmol/L at 1 day, to 5.9 ± 0.9 mmol/L at 1 week, 4.9 ± 1.7 mmol/L at 1 month, and 4.4 ± 1.5 mmol/L at 3 months of age. There were lower postprandial glucose concentrations with advancing age. It appeared that there was a period of maturation in pancreatic β‐cell function after birth in foals, which reached adult levels by 3 months of age.
Laboratory diagnosis of psittacine beak and feather disease by haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition
Authors: RAIDAL SR , SABINE M. , CROSS GM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYSimple and sensitive haemagglutination and haemagglutination Inhibition assays were developed for psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) virus and serum antibody, respectively. The assays were used in the examination of samples from 73 birds clinically affected with PBFD. High antigen titres (log29 to log212) were detected In feathers, faeces and cloacal contents of PBFD‐affected birds. Antigen was not detected In either faecal or feather samples from 20 normal galahs (Eolophus roselcapillus) and 9 normal sulphur crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita). After kaolin treatment and haemadsorption of serum, haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titres could not be detected in serum from 42 PBFD‐affected birds, whereas serum HI titres from 64 normal psittacine birds ranged from less than log21 to log28. Serum and yolk HI antibody responses of 6 PBFD virus‐inoculated layer hens were measured. Pre‐inoculation chicken sera contained high concentrations of non‐specific haemagglutination inhibitors (not detected in chloroform‐extracted yolk), which were removed by kaolin treatment and haemadsorption.
Treatment with vitamins A, D and E did not reduce weight loss in transported cattle
Authors: JUBB TF , PINCH DS , PETTY SR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two field trials using an injectable vitamin A, D and E solution conducted in the pastoral environment of northern Australia are described. It was found that treatment of lighter (< 150 kg) or heavier (> 372 kg) weight cattle did not reduce weight loss during road transport. These findings contradict anecdotal evidence of reduced weight loss during transport with the use of vitamins A, D and E. The lack of scientific basis for their use is discussed.
Efficacy of ivermectin jetting fluid against strike by some primary and secondary blowflies of sheep
Authors: RUGG D. , THOMPSON DR , SCOTT PG , CRAMER LG , BARRICK RA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Merino sheep, which were hand jetted with ivermectin jetting fluid, and untreated sheep were challenged with larval implants of Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, Calliphora noclva and Chrysomya ruflfacles at intervals of about 2 weeks from 6 to 16 weeks after treatment. Both Lucilia species produced strike rates of about 90% in untreated sheep; the respective rates were lower for Chr rufifacies (55%) and C nociva (60%). Strike rates for the treated group were about 17, 11, and 9% for L cuprina, L sericata, and Chr rufifacies, respectively. Only 1 implant site in the treated group was struck by C nociva. Treated sheep had significantly (P < 0.01) longer time to first strike than did untreated ones for each species of fly. L sericata, Chr rufifacies, and C nociva larvae implanted on treated animals had significantly (P < 0.05) longer time to first strike than did L cuprina larvae.
Treatment with ivermectin of sarcoptic mange in pigs
Authors: SEAMAN JT , THOMPSON DR , BARRICK RA
Published: March 2008

Ivermectin injectable solution (1% w/v) was highly effective against Sarcoptes scabiei var suis when administered subcutaneously once to swine at 300 mcg/kg body weight. There were significantly (P < 0.05) fewer Sarcoptes mange mites counted on pigs treated with ivermectin than on untreated pigs at each count up to day 56 after treatment. The results indicate ivermectin should provide an efficient, practical means of control of sarcoptic mange in intensive piggeries.
Effects of a controlled‐release albendazole capsule on parasitism and production from grazing Merino ewes and lambs
Authors: BARGER IA , STEEL JW , RODDEN BR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Effects of a controlled‐release albendazole capsule (CRC) on nematode parasitism and production of Merino ewes and lambs were Investigated in a replicated grazing experiment between August 1986 and July 1989. The experiment was conducted on a site where the naturally occurring parasites were benzimidazole‐resistant, with double the recommended dose of oxfendazole reducing faecal egg counts of Trichostrongylus colubriformis by less than 50%. Two CRC treatments were compared with a minimal treatment control and the widely‐used strategic control program, Wormkill.

Egg counts and worm burdens of major parasite species of ewes and of lambs before and after weaning were significantly reduced by use of the CRC in ewes before lambing or in lambs at weaning. These parasitological effects were reflected in increased productivity of CRC ewes and lambs. Ewes given CRCs lost less weight and grew more wool during lactation than ewes given Wormkill or control treatments, while their lambs gained more weight and had heavier fleeces than lambs from Wormkill or control treatments. Where lambs were weaned by removing ewes from the lambing paddock, administration of the CRC at weaning to lambs whose dams had also been treated with the CRC did not result in improved production when compared with lambs from ewes dosed with CRCs and treated after weaning according to the Wormkill program. Some possible uses for the CRC in ewes and lambs were identified.
An outbreak of Akabane virus—induced abnormalities in calves after agistment in an endemic region
Authors: JAGOE S. , KIRLAND PD , HARPER PAW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: During 1988, 2 farmers in the Bega district agisted pregnant cattle in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. On return to the district to calve, 54% of calves from herd 1 and 30% of calves from herd 2 were affected with congenital arthrogryposls or hydranencephaly caused by Akabane virus infection. Field observations and laboratory findings from this outbreak are presented, illustrating the danger of moving immunologlcally naive animals into areas where Akabane virus is endemic.
Diet and periodontal disease in dogs and cats
Authors: WATSON ADJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA review of relevant literature was undertaken because of concerns about a possible relationship between pet foods, development of periodontal disease, and secondary adverse effects on general health. It was concluded that, while changes in feeding methods in recent decades have arguably improved pet health by reducing or preventing diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies and excesses, periodontal disease remains a serious, diet‐related problem. There is reasonable evidence that soft diets are associated with increased frequency and severity of periodontal disease, and that harder foods requiring vigorous prehension and mastication are preferable for dogs and cats. While it is plausible that periodontal disease could cause diseases in other organs and tissues, the evidence for this is limited at present. Further research is needed to better define the relationship between diet types and oral health. In the meantime, veterinarians and pet owners should pay attention to the physical qualities (textures, abrasiveness, ‘chewiness’) of foods they provide for dogs and cats, as well as to their nutrient content, and should consider additional methods to control plaque and prevent periodontal disease where necessary.
Diarrhoea in Merino ewes during winter: association with trichostrongylid larvae
Authors: LARSEN JWA , ANDERSON N , VIZARD AL , ANDERSON GA , HOSTE H
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A study on 3 farms, each having a preventive strategy for the control of nematode infections, determined the risk factors associated with diarrhoea among Merino ewes in winter. Comparisons were made among groups of mated and unmated ewes with and without treatment with controlled‐release capsules containing albendazole. Diarrhoea was assessed from the accumulations of faeces around the breech (dag score) and related to worm egg counts, total worm counts and histopathological findings.

The overall prevalence of severe dag in ewes not treated with a capsule was 26% (221/844). In comparison, only 2.7% of treated ewes had severe dag. The adjusted odds ratio on each farm indicated that untreated ewes were between 12 and 16 times more likely to be affected with severe dag than ewes treated with a capsule. The effect of lactation was significant on only one farm whereas initial body weight had no significant effect. There was no significant association between worm egg counts and the occurrence of severe dag. There were significantly more eosinophils in the small intestine of ewes affected with severe dag compared with unaffected ewes. There were no significant differences in mast cell and globule leucocyte numbers between affected and unaffected ewes.

This study provides strong evidence that the main cause of diarrhoea among Merino ewes grazing winter and early spring pastures is the ingestion of trichostrongylid larvae even by sheep that have a well‐developed protective immune response to these parasites. New strategies for the control of nematode infections are needed to prevent diarrhoea and dag formation in adult sheep.
Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction in a dog
Authors: LAMB WA , FRANCE MP
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A three‐year‐old neutered female Border Collie was presented with in‐appetence, vomiting and diarrhoea. Abdominal radiographs revealed an obstructive pattern but no physical obstruction was evident at laparotomy. A diagnosis of chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction was made based on histopathological changes in intestinal biopsies. Treatment was unsuccessful and the dog deteriorated progressively until euthanased five weeks after presentation.
Phylogenetic characterisation of bluetongue viruses from naturally‐infected insects, cattle and sheep in Australia
Authors: McCOLL KA , GOULD AR , PRITCHARD LI , MEL VILLE L , BELLIS G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of blue‐tongue virus (BTV) in a number of clinical and insect samples collected in the Northern Territory of Australia. Sequence analyses of the amplified BTV genes differentiated endemic Australian and exotic viruses. Two potential exotic BTV were detected as a result of PCR analyses of blood from sentinel animals and of the insect vector, Culicoides wadai. The detection of BTV in C wadai was the first direct demonstration of the presence of BTV in this potential vector. This new technology can significantly reduce the time taken for a diagnosis from a clinical sample and increase the amount of useful information obtained on a BTV isolate by using rapid sequencing techniques. Sequence data were used to differentiate between BTV20 isolated in 1975 and two isolates of the same serotype, isolated in 1992, and indicated that the latter were probably a recent incursion into Australia from Indonesia due to their greater VP3 sequence homology to the BTV9 (Java) than to Australian BTV isolates.
Muscle enzymes in the diagnosis of ovine weaner nutritional myopathy
Authors: FRY JM , ALLEN JG , SPEIJERS EJ , ROBERTS WD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The diagnostic performance of plasma tests for muscle enzymes was measured in sheep from flocks affected by clinical and sub‐clinical nutritional myopathy. Parallel combinations of tests for creatine kinase (CK), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase had higher diagnostic sensitivity than CK alone. The enzymes ALT and AST showed the highest correlation with the degree of muscle damage. A parallel combination of tests for plasma CK and ALT as well as tests for plasma α‐tocopherol and red cell glutathione peroxidase are recommended for the diagnosis of nutritional myopathy and a decision on the appropriate treatment. The number of false negative results based on a diagnosis from the microscopic examination of single muscles was higher than for the parallel combination of tests. The number of false negatives was highest for the vastus intermedius and lowest for the tensor fascia lata. Diagnosis using a panel of blood tests has the advantages of overcoming problems of inadequate muscle sampling, a larger number of sheep in the flock can be tested and a more rapid diagnosis can be obtained.
Congenital portosystemic shunts in Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs
Authors: TISDALL PLC , HUNT GB , BELLENGER CR , MALIK R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYCongenital portosystemic shunts were definitively diagnosed in 62 dogs over a period of 15 years. Maltese and Australian Cattle Dogs were significantly over‐represented, accounting for 14 and 13 cases, respectively. Maltese invariably had a single extrahepatic shunt derived from the left gastric or gastrosplenic vein, whereas Cattle Dogs usually had large intrahepatic shunts involving the right liver lobes. The clinical syndromes resulting from anomalous portosystemic communications were indistinguishable in the 2 breeds. Fasting blood ammonia concentration was elevated in 20 of 22 dogs tested, providing a minimally invasive and effective means of diagnosis. Complete or partial shunt attenuation was performed successfully in all 9 Maltese and in 2 of 6 Cattle Dogs in which it was attempted.
Efficacy against sheep lice (Bovicola ovis) and fleece wetting of six shower dip preparations
Authors: HIGGS ARB , LOVE RA , MORCOMBE PW
Published: March 2008

Summary The relative efficacy of 6 shower dip chemicals most frequently used for the treatment of sheep lice (Bovicola ovis) in Western Australia was examined. Groups of 20 sheep infested with lice were treated with products containing either alphamethrin, cyhalothrin, diazinon or diazinon plus piperonyl butoxide and rotenone, formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, and with products containing either coumaphos or magnesium fluorosilicate, formulated as wettable powders. All treatments were applied through a shower dip (Sunbeam model SSD). Inspections for lice were conducted until 9 months after dipping.

No lice were found on sheep treated with the 4 emulsifiable concentrate products. In contrast, treatment with the wettable powders, which contained either coumaphos or magnesium fluorosilicate as the active ingredient, did not eradicate the lice infestations. The degree to which the fleece was wetted was assessed 20 minutes after dipping and showed that the wettable powder dips penetrated the fleece less than the emulsifiable concentrate dips. Less fluid was retained by wool staples in an in‐vitro test when dip wash was made with the wettable powders. It was concluded that the degree of wetting attained at dipping was an important factor in achieving eradication of sheep lice.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Serpulina hyodysenteriae
Authors: BULLER NB , HAMPSON DJ
Published: March 2008

Summary The macrobroth dilution technique was used to test the in‐vitro effectiveness of 4 commonly used antimicrobial agents against 23 Australian isolates and 7 overseas strains of Serpulina hyodysenteriae. Minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined. The growth of 90% of isolates was inhibited by dimetridazole at a concentration of 4 μg/mL, and by tiamulin at 8 μg/mL Australian isolates resistant to both antimicrobial agents were identified. Lincomycin was less effective than these antimicrobial agents, with 90% of isolates requiring a concentration of 128 μg/mL for inhibition of growth, and 54% being susceptible at 64 μg/mL. Tylosin did not prevent the growth of the majority of S hyodysenteriae isolates tested, and 90% were resistant to concentrations of 128 μg/mL. Resistant isolates came from different geographical areas. Resistance was not related to overall genetic background of the spirochaetes, and was not correlated with the presence of plasmids or the serogroup of the isolates.
Superior check ligament desmotomy for treatment of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses
Authors: FULTON IC , MacLEAN AA , O'RIELLY JL , CHURCH S.
Published: March 2008

Summary Bilateral superior check ligament desmotomy was performed on 31 Thoroughbred and 17 Standardbred horses as the sole method of treatment for superficial digital flexor tendonitis. Horses resumed racing between 6 and 19 months after surgery. Horses that were able to compete in 5 or more races without injury to the tendon again were considered to have had a successful return to racing. Twenty‐five Thoroughbreds were suitable for later study and 13 of these (52%) raced on 5 or more occasions. Fifteen Standardbreds were suitable for later study and 10 of these (66%) raced on 5 or more occasions. Within the racing industry it is generally thought that about 20 to 30% of horses with superficial digital flexor tendonitis can return to racing after a prolonged rest. The results of this study suggest that bilateral superior check ligament desmotomy may improve the prognosis for a horse returning to racing after injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon.
Immunological detection of cardiac glycosides in plants
Authors: RADFORD DJ , CHEUNG K. , URECH R. , GOLLOGLY JR , DUFFY P.
Published: March 2008

Summary Australian native and introduced plants were examined, using digoxin immunoassays, to detect the presence of cross‐reacting cardiac glycosides. These compounds were found in 27 species from 20 genera. The assay technique can also be used on serum samples to confirm cardiac glycoside ingestion.
The effects of induced parturition in dairy cows on the incidence of mortality in calves from commercial herds in south‐western Victoria
Authors: MORTON JM , BUTLER KL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effects of induced parturition on calf mortality rates were studied in 24 winter‐calving, pasture‐fed, dairy herds in south‐western Victoria. Parturition was induced when most cows were between 27 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Control groups were selected from cows in the same herds in which calving was not induced. The incidence of mortality within 7 days of birth was much higher among calves from cows in induced groups relative to those in control groups (estimated median herd mortality incidence 72% and 7%, respectively). The incidence of calf mortality was high among groups induced at all stages of pregnancy that were investigated. However, differences in calf mortality incidence, relative to controls, were increased among groups induced at earlier stages of pregnancy.
Characterisation of porcine haemophili isolated from Australian pigs between 1988 and 1992
Authors: BLACKALL PJ , PAHOFF JL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 362 haemophili, isolated from pigs throughout Australia, were characterised by phenotypic properties. Most were identified as Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (296 isolates) or Haemophilus parasuis (52 isolates). The remaining isolates were identified as Haemophilus Taxon ‘minor group’ (12 isolates) and Haemophilus Taxon D (two isolates). All 296 A pleuropneumoniae isolates were serotyped by slide agglutination and/or gel diffusion, using rabbit antisera against all 12 recognised serovars. Of these, only 156 (52.7%) could be assigned to a single serovar as follows: serovar 1–85 isolates, serovar 2–4 isolates, serovar 3–2 isolates, serovar 5–10 isolates, serovar 7–51 isolates, serovar 11–2 isolates and serovar 12–2 isolates. Of the remaining 140 isolates, 91 gave cross‐reactions with serovars 3 and 6, one cross‐reacted with serovars 9 and 10, one cross‐reacted with serovars 9 and 11 whereas 47 gave no reaction with any of the antisera.
Investigation of an outbreak of foot‐and‐mouth disease in vaccinated dairy cattle in Thailand
Authors: GLEESON LJ , CHAMNANPOOD P. , CHEUNPRASERT S. , SRIMASARTITKOL N. , TRISASAROM A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of foot‐and‐mouth disease that spread between two related vaccinated dairy herds was investigated. Although the cattle were of similar vaccination status, in one herd there was high morbidity, whereas in the other there was considerably lower morbidity. The relationship between the vaccine virus and the outbreak virus was expressed as an r value determined by the two‐dimensional neutralisation test. Bovine serum homologous to the vaccine virus indicated a close antigenic relationship between the vaccine virus and the outbreak virus (r = 0.61). The source of the outbreak virus was not determined. The investigation suggested a requirement for close contact between stock for foot‐and‐mouth disease to spread in a tropical environment, in contrast to the capacity of the disease to spread considerable distances by aerosol transmission in temperate climates.
Transphyseal vessel involvement in repair of metaphyseal retained cartilage
Authors: FIRTH EC , KLARENBEEK A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A foal with retained cartilage in the distal metaphysis of the right and left radii and third metacarpal bones had abnormal physeal vasculature. In areas where cartilage was retained, vessels crossed the physis, and branched at the physeal‐metaphyseal junction or at the site of retained cartilage. Vessels appeared to be involved in re‐initiation of endochondral ossification and in the repair reponse to the presence of retained cartilage. In areas where the physis was radiographically and histologically normal, no vessels crossed the physis. A function of transphyseal vessels may be as a reserve blood supply in areas of metaphyseal abnormality, at a stage of maturity when metaphyseal vessels are not well developed.
Retropharyngeal lymph node infection in horses: 46 cases (1977–1992)
Authors: GOLLAND LC , HODGSON DR , DAVIS RE , RAWLINSON RJ , COLLINS MB , McCLINTOCK SA , HUTCHINS DR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A retrospective study of 46 horses with retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) infection presented to the Rural Veterinary Centre between 1977 and 1992 was undertaken. Horses aged less than one year were most commonly represented (46%). Thirty‐nine percent of cases had been exposed to horses with confirmed or suspected strangles (Streptococcus equi subsp equi infection) within the previous 8 weeks. Most frequent signs were unilateral or bilateral swelling of the throat region (65%), respiratory stertor/dyspnoea (35%), purulent nasal discharge (20%), inappetence and signs of depression (15%), and dysphagia (9%). All horses had a soft tissue density in the retropharyngeal region on radiographs. Rhinopharyngoscopy, ultrasonography, haematology as well as cytological and microbial analysis of material aspirated from the soft tissue swelling facilitated diagnosis in some horses.

Fifteen horses (33%) were treated with procaine penicillin intramuscularly for 4 to 7 days followed by oral trimethoprim‐sulphadimidine for 7 to 14 days. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were administered to 6 horses. Four required tracheostomy for severe respiratory distress. The 15 horses treated medically responded to treatment and were discharged from hospital. Three horses (6%) with mild signs received no treatment and recovered uneventfully.

Twenty‐eight horses (61%) underwent general anaesthesia and surgical drainage of a RPLN abscess. Nineteen received procaine penicillin G for 4 to 7 days. Four of the nine horses that did not receive antibiotic treatment after surgery required further surgical drainage 10 days to 7 weeks after the initial surgery.

Limited follow‐up information was available for 37 horses. Thirty‐two horses were considered to have made complete recovery, 3 horses had died through misadventure and 2 had been euthanased because of chronic ill‐thrift.
Electrocardiographic values in Spanish‐bred horses of different ages
Authors: AYALA I. , MONTES A. , BERNAL LJ , SANDOVAL JA , GUTIERREZ C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The duration of electrocardiograph wave forms and intervals were determined in 179 Spanish‐bred (Andalusian) horses aged from 1 month to 17 years. The values were compared with those of other breeds, and the relationship between electrocardiographic data and age was examined. High correlation coefficients were found between PR, ST and QT intervals and the age of the horses, and an inverted relation between heart rate and age was found. A multiple range analysis was made and the results suggest that significant changes in duration values and heart rate ocurred at the age of 6 months and in the second year of life.
Efficacy of dressings for killing larvae of the sheep blowfly
Authors: LEVOT GW , BARCHIA I.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Resistance to organophosphorus (OP) insecticides in the Australian sheep blowfly has decreased the larvicidal effectiveness of several popular products used as dressings for flystrike. Laboratory bioassays in which near full‐size Australian sheep blowfly larvae were immersed in flystrike dressings at registered concentrations for times ranging from 5 to 180 s indicated that none of the products was completely effective in killing highly OP‐resistant larvae. Several products performed poorly, even against a susceptible population. Effectiveness did not always reflect the concentration of active ingredient. For example, the products considered to be the most, and least effective overall, contained 0.036% propetamphos but were formulated very differently. Larvicidal efficacy is important in terms of minimising injury to stock but also in the management of insecticide resistance. In situations when the degree of resistance is known, it will be possible to make recommendations for the most cost‐effective treatment of flystrike. In the meantime, there appears to be a clear advantage for woolgrowers to use a propetam‐phos‐based flystrike jetting product to dress flystrike lesions.
The spread of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection to unvaccinated and vaccinated sheep
Authors: PATON MW , SUTHERLAND SS , ROSE IR , HART RA , MERCY AR , ELLIS TM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The decrease in the prevalence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis after two generations of vaccination against the disease it causes, was used to estimate the rate of control of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA). Three groups of 150 sheep, of which 50 in each group were artificially infected with C pseudotuberculosis and 100 in each group were uninfected sheep, were run separately for 40 months and shorn 5 times to promote the spread of CLA. One lot of 50 infected sheep and 2 lots of 100 uninfected sheep were vaccinated against CLA. The rate of spread of CLA was recorded.

Sheep vaccinated against CLA and naturally exposed to infection had a 74% lower infection rate than unvaccinated sheep. Sheep vaccinated against CLA and exposed to only vaccinated infected sheep had a 97% lower infection rate. Unvaccinated sheep had a 76% infection rate, with 77% of the transmission occurring at the 4th and 5th shearings, without any discharging CLA abscesses being observed. This study supports the view that in Australian wool producing flocks, CLA spreads mainly from sheep with discharging lung abscesses to sheep with shearing cuts. Vaccinated sheep infected with CLA have 96% fewer lung abscesses compared with unvaccinated infected sheep and are therefore less likely to spread this disease to other sheep.
The persistence of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus on wool
Authors: McCOLL KA , WESTBURY HA , KITCHING RP , LEWIS VM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Five Suffolk sheep, held in a high‐security isolation room, were exposed for 2 hours to the aerosol of 3 mature pigs that had been infected with foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV), strain O1‐BFS. The fleeces of 3 of the sheep were contaminated with FMDV at 2 days post exposure (dpe), while at 5 dpe the fleeces of all 5 sheep were more extensively, and more heavily, contaminated. The persistence of FMDV on contaminated wool was examined in vitro using multiple 0.5 g samples of Merino wool that were each contaminated with one of 3 strains of FMDV in tissue‐culture medium: O1‐BFS, O‐Morocco (O‐MOR 9/91) or an Asia 1 strain (TAI 1/90). Wool samples were held at either 4°C, 18°C or 37°C, and decay curves were established for each virus at each temperature. These curves predicted that O1‐BFS, O‐MOR 9/91 and TAI 1/90 would fall below detect‐able levels at 72, 70 and 48 days post contamination (pc), respectively, for wool stored at 4°C; at 11, 12 and 12 days pc, respectively, for wool stored at 18°C; and at 57, 68 and 33 hours pc, respectively, for wool stored at 37°C. For wool contaminated with O1‐BFS‐infected sheep faeces, urine or blood, or with O1‐BFS‐infected cattle saliva, decay curves predicted virus to persist for 5 to 11 days pc at 18°C.

We demonstrated that the simulated scouring of FMDV‐contaminated wool at 60° to 70°C would usually reduce virus to below detectable levels. The detergent component of the scouring process had little, if any, antiviral activity, and scouring at 20°C or 50°C had limited impact on FMDV titres.

We recommend that either (1) simple storage of FMDV‐contaminated wool for 4 weeks at temperatures of 18°C or higher, or (2) scouring of contaminated wool at 60° to 70°C would be sufficient to remove the threat of FMDV‐contaminated wool being infectious to other animals.
Direct effects of induced parturition on subsequent reproductive performance of dairy cows from commercial herds in south‐western Victoria
Authors: MORTON JM , BUTLER KL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Reproductive performance was compared between cows whose previous parturition was induced and non‐induced cows with similar calving dates, in 49 winter‐calving, pasture‐fed, commercial dairy herds in south‐western Victoria. Parturition was induced in winter when most cows were between 27 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Reproductive performance was assessed during the next mating period after induction which was mainly in spring of the same year.

Percentages of cows in induced and untreated groups that were not pregnant after the mating period (9.0% and 7.2%, respectively) did not differ significantly. Induction tended to increase the percentage of cows of unknown pregnancy status. Mean percentages for induced and untreated groups were 11.5% and 7.9%, respectively. Induced and untreated groups calved at similar intervals after the planned start of calving in the following year, and the percentages of groups that required induction in that year did not differ significantly. The direct effects of induced parturition on reproduction were therefore concluded to be minimal. In seasonal calving herds, improvements in reproductive performance could be expected among cows whose calving dates were altered substantially by induction, due to increased intervals from calving to mating start date.
Quarantine requirements for the importation of black rhinoceros from Zimbabwe into Australia
Authors: DOYLE KA , ROBINSON BA , WILSON DW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The proposal by the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales to import 10 southern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) from Zimbabwe as part of an international project for conservation of the species presented the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) with a unique challenge. This importation is, at least in the modern era, the first importation of live herbivores from the African continent.

Many of the serious animal diseases in the world are endemic in parts of Africa. Knowledge of which of these diseases infect wild species and may be transmitted from the wild species to domesticated species, is limited.

This paper describes the strategies adopted by AQIS to facilitate the importation of rhinoceros while maintaining protection of Australian consumers, rural industries, domestic livestock and fauna against the entry and spread of unwanted pests and diseases.
The importation of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) from Zimbabwe into Australia
Authors: KELLY JD , BLYDE DJ , DENNEY IS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The paper describes a program to import and breed black rhinoceros ex situ at Western Plains Zoo in Australia. Nine rhinoceros (7 females and 2 males) captured in 1992 in Chete National Park, Zimbabwe, were transported to Australia via Cocos Island. The veterinary treatment of the animals before and during quarantine in Zimbabwe and on Cocos (Keeling) Islands is described.

Three animals died; an adult male on Cocos Islands and a juvenile male and an adult female at Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales. The juvenile male died as a result of trauma sustained shortly after arrival and the two adults after developing a severe hepatopathy. The group of 6 females and an additional 4 males imported from the USA in 1994 have adapted well to captivity and to the climate and environment of central west New South Wales.
Preferences of veterinarians for drugs to treat heart disease in dogs and cats
Authors: WATSON ADJ , CHURCH DB
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Responses (473) were collated from a questionnaire sent to 5054 veterinarians in Australia enquiring about drug preferences for treating cardiac disease in dogs and cats. When treating a small breed dog with endocardiosis and mild left congestive heart failure, 74% of 472 respondents used a diuretic, 67% a theophylline derivative, 27% a vasodilator and 20% a positive inotrope. Frusemide was the preferred diuretic and digoxin the preferred inotrope, but vasodilator use varied. Low sodium diets were “often recommended” by 71% of respondents. Propranolol was preferred to diltiazem for treating feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Digoxin was clearly preferred for treating supraventricular dysrhythmias, while lignocaine and digoxin were preferred equally for ventricular dysrhythmias. Respondents appeared more willing than US veterinarians to use theophylline derivatives and prasozin, and less inclined to employ nitrates, hydralazine, inotropes other than digoxin, and low sodium diets.