bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION CAUSED BY A METASTATIC LESION FROM AN AORTIC BODY TUMOUR
Authors: Carlisle Carol H. , Kelly W. R. , Samuel Janeen , Robins G. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An aortic body tumour in a 7‐year‐old wire‐haired fox terrier with hindlimb ataxia is described. A metastatic lesion in the dorsal arch of the eighth thoracic vertebra caused compression of the spinal cord. Radiographic techniques are discussed that enabled the position and extent of the primarytumour and its metastasis to be defined and allowed a provisional diagnosisof chemodectoma.
INTERACTION BETWEEN INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE VIRUS AND NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS IN CHICKENS
Authors: Westbury H. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The Australian strain of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), 002/73, affected the response of chickens to Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The titre of seum antibodies to NDV in chickens infected with IBDV was significantly lower than that of birds infected with NDV alone. It also appeared that IBDV affected NDV excretion from chickens as NDV was more frequently isolated from chickens infected with IBDV. IBDV infection did not alter the pathogenicity of NDV in chickens. This Australian strain of IBDV therefore appeared to be immunodepressive in one‐day‐old chickens.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RADICAL MULES OPERATION AND TAIL LENGTH FOR THE CONTROL OF BREECH STRIKE IN SCOURING MERINO SHEEP
Authors: Watts J. E. , Luff R. L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY While the radical Mules operation reduced the incidence of breech strike from 59% to 13% in scouring sheep, the problem was further alleviated by docking lambs' tails at the correct (medium) length. Docking lambs' tails very short strongly predisposed radically mulesed ewes and wethers to faecal soiling and breech strike (20% struck). Radically mulesed sheep with tails docked midway down the vulval orifice in ewes, and the corresponding length in wethers, were rarely struck (3%) and did not appear to require crutching to prevent breech strike associated with scouring or urine staining.
PREPARATION OF TEASER BULLS BY DORSAL SCROTAL PENILE DEFLECTION
Authors: Jillella D. , Baker A. A. , Eaton R. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A simple, quick and reliable technique of preparing teaser bulls has been developed. Four Bos indicus bulls aged between 1 year 6 months and 2 years were subjected to this method by deflecting their penes backwards about 2 to 3 cm posterior and dorsal to the attachment of the scrotum. No serious postoperative complications were recorded. The sexual behaviour and libido of the bulls did not change after subjecting them to this technique.
IMMUNITY TO EXPERIMENTAL STAPHYLOCOCCAL MASTITIS—COMPARISON OF LIVE AND KILLED VACCINES
Authors: Watson D. L. , Lee C. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Eleven pregnant Merino ewes were immunised with either a killed Staphylococcus aureus cell‐toxoid vaccine (intramuscularly) or a living culture of the same organism (subcutaneously). A further 3 animals were used as non‐immunised controls. There were no significant differences between the vaccinated groups for agglutinating antibody to staphylococci or for anti‐α‐haemolysin in either serum or whey. Three weeks after lambing the ewes were challenged by intramammary infusion of virulent staphylococci. All animals developed an acute mastitis with significant decreases in milk yields being recorded 48 hours post‐challenge. Seven days after challenge the mean milk production of ewes given the live vaccine had recovered to within 5% of the pre‐challenge mean yield. However, milk productions of controls and ewes given the killed vaccine had further decreased and were significantly lower than for animals vaccinated with live staphylococci. There were no significant differences between the two vaccinated groups for numbers of bacteria or leucocytes in milk samples collected after challenge. The ewes were killed 7 days postchallenge and mammary tissues were examined for immunoglobulin‐containing cells. Large numbers of IgA‐containing cells, and few IgM‐containing cells were found, but there were no significant differences between the treatment groups for these parameters.
SEQUENTIAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE GONADS AND OESTROUS BEHAVIOUR OF A HERMAPHRODITE GILT
Authors: Paterson A. M. , Adams N. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A gilt subsequently found to have one ovary and one ovotestis exhibited two oestrous cycles with normal ovulations before lapsing into behavioural anoestrus. The testicular tissue of the ovotestis was not developed at the time of oestrus and ovulation. After it developed cyclic behaviour was abolished.
FACTORS IN THE SPREAD OF SALMONELLAS IN MEATWORKS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CONTAMINATION OF KNIVES
Authors: Peel B. , Simmons G. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Immersion of knives momentarily in hot water (82°C) was ineffective in destroying salmonellas on knives used in a meatworks to carry out the bung dropping operation. Laboratory experiments confirmed that knives covered with meat products required 10 or more seconds to be effectively decontaminated at this temperature.

Examination of knives used for slaughtering and for dressing beef carcases showed that knives coming into contact with hides had higher counts for salmonella and a higher percentage positive than knives used for other cutting operations. Knives used for cutting the skin of the forelegs and hindlegs had the highest counts.
SOME EFFECTS OF REDUCED ENERGY INTAKE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN BOS INDICUS CROSS STEERS
Authors: Wilson A. J. , Trueman K. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Some effects of the plane of nutrition on the development of anaplasmosis in Brahman cross steers were investigated.

Batches of 39 and 30 Brahman cross steers, aged approximately 27 months were each divided by stratified randomisation into 4 groups of similar mean PCV and body weight. Two similar experiments, designated A and B were conducted. Groups 1 and 2 were fed a ration of lucerne chaff at the rate of 1 M Cal ME/80 kg live weight/day for 8 weeks aimed to reduce body weight by approximately 5 kg/week. Animals in groups 3 and 4 were fed a ration for the same period aimed to increase body weight by approximately 2 kg/week. Groups 1 and 3 were then inoculated with approximately 1010Anaplasma marginale infected erythrocytes and the effects of the subsequent infections during the clinical and recovery phases were examined by measuring humoral antibody response, packed cell volume, parasitaemia and body weight. Groups 2 and 4 were uninfected controls.

Anaplasmosis, as measured by three responses, was less severe in the starved animals of group 1. Significant differences in packed cell volume and parasitaemia were detected for short periods between the infected groups 1 and 3. Anaplasmosis caused losses of 6.2% and 5.9% in the mean body weight of group 3 animals in experiments A and B respectively. Most of this loss occurred during the clinical phase of the disease. The disease caused no apparent loss of weight in the infected animals of group 1.
ADRENOCORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY IN THE DOG
Authors: Bath M. L. , Hill F. W. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Primary adrenocortical insufficiency is described in 3 dogs. Clinical signs included marked depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and bradycardia. Diagnosis was based on clincal signs and biochemical findings of hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia and a lowered plasma Na+: K+ ratio. Treatment during the acute illness consisted of intravenous fluids and hydrocortisone sodium succinate. Fludrocortisone acetate has maintained all dogs in good health. One dog was on treatment for 4 years.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE TONGUE OF THE CAT
Authors: Young P. L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in an 11‐year‐old castrated male cat is described. The clinical signs of excessive salivation and inability to eat or drink were associated with enlargement of the tongue. The pathology, possible aetiology and pathogenesis of the neoplasm are discussed.
EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF 35, 50 AND 60 DAY OLD PIG FOETUSES WITH PORCINE PARVOVIRUS
Authors: Lenghaus C. , Forman A. J. , Hale C. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Foetuses of six seronegative gilts, two of which were each respectively 35, 50 and 60 days pregnant, were inoculated intrauterinely with porcine parvovirus (PPV) and examined 7 and 11 days after inoculation. HI*** antibody was not detected in any of the foetuses although all but one gilt developed low levels of antibody. All but one of the foetuses inoculated with PPV died in utero prior to examination at 11 days after inoculation. Infection also spread to noninoculated litter mates. Histological changes were mild in the gilts but there was widespread tissue necrosis in infected foetuses, and intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in cells of the liver, lung, kidney and cerebellum. The increased survival of foetuses infected at later stages of gestation appeared to be related to increased numbers of mononuclear cells then*** present in many tissues.
THE EFFECTS OF DUNG BEETLES (COLEOPTERA‐SCARABAEINAE) ON THE FREE‐LIVING STAGES OF STRONGYLID NEMATODES OF THE HORSE
Authors: English A.W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Observations were made on the identity and activities of coprophagous arthropods in horse faeces at Moggill in southern Queensland. A number of families of arthropods were represented, but of these only members of the Scarabaeidae were involved in the dispersal of the faecal mass.

Six species of indigenous dung beetles, all of the genus Onthophagus, utilised horse faeces as a food source. One of these, O granulatus, was present in large numbers, but it was unable to achieve complete dispersal of equine faecal masses. The introduced Afro‐Asian dung beetle Onthophagus gazella is also well established at Moggill, and uses horse faeces as a food source. Unlike the indigenous species, this beetle is able to achieve complete breakdown of the structure of horse faecal masses in one night, leaving the fibrous remnants on the soil surface. However, this level of activity was restricted to the warmer months, from November to March, with faeces remaining largely undisturbed for the remainder of the year. It was noted that heavy rain also reduced the activity of dung beetles.

A comparison was made between the recovery of infective strongyle larvae from herbage near faecal masses exposed to dung beetle activity, and from control faecal masses from which beetles were excluded by insect mesh envelopes. Reductions in recovery of the order of 60% were recorded at the peak of O. gazella activity in summer, but since much less reduction occurred for the remainder of the year, it was concluded that dung beetles are of little benefit in the control of equine strongylosis, in the absence of other measures to reduce pasture contamination.
THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF RINGWORM IN RACEHORSES CAUSED BY TRICHOPHYTON EQUINUM var AUTOTROPHICUM
Authors: Pascoe R. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The epidemiology of dermatomycocis due to Trichophyton equinum var autotrophicum was studied in a number of thoroughbred stables in south‐east Queensland. The significant factors in the epidemiology were defined. The infection was readily transmitted, particularly by infected saddle‐girths, on which the fungus could survive for 12 months. Mild abrasion from the saddle during work favoured the development of lesions and prolonged the recovery period. A pronounced age and seasonal incidence of the disease was demonstrated as young horses under the age of 3 years were most susceptible, and the majority of cases occurred in periods of high humidity.
SOME HATCHERY FACTORS INVOLVED IN EARLY CHICK MORTALITY
Authors: Kingston D.J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Observations made in a commercial broiler hatchery revealed that chicks hatched over a period of 48 hours. Chick mortality to 10 days of age was 3.2% for those hatched at the commencement of the hatch, 1.2% for those hatched at peak of hatch and 52.9% for those hatched at the end of hatching. Chicks hatched early were more prone to dehydration while late hatching chicks had a higher incidence of leg weakness.

Chicks held for 48 hours in hatcher machines lost 12.5% to 21.7% of their hatching weight and 79.4% of the hatching weight of the yolk sac.

Normal 10‐day mortality from this hatchery in winter months was observed to be 2.4% but was reduced to 1.2% when staggered setting times of donor flocks was employed by removing chicks from the machines 3 hours after 100% hatch, but was increased to 5.6% by holding chicks in the hatchery in chick boxes for 24 hours at 70±C.
EPERYTHROZOON OVIS–A CAUSE OF ANAEMIA, REDUCED PRODUCTION AND DECREASED EXERCISE TOLERANCE IN SHEEP
Authors: Daddow K. N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Sheep infected with E. ovis have lowered Hb and PCV values, reduced weight gains, reduced wool production and decreased exercise tolerance when compared with uninfected sheep.
VACCINATION OF PIGLETS AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI ENTERITIS
Authors: Husband A.J. , Seaman J.T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An immunisation procedure involving intraperitoneal followed by oral administration of a killed Escherichia coli vaccine was used to reduce losses associated with colibacillosis in young pigs reared under commercial conditions. Mortality was reduced in both the preweaning and postweaning period. The mortality rate among vaccinated piglets was half that of unvaccinated controls and by 3 weeks after weaning the total weight of pigs produced was 33% higher in the vaccinated group than in the control group.
MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE AND REPRODUCTIVE PROCESSES IN MALE DOGS
Authors: Wright P. J. , Stelmasiak T. , Black D. , Sykes D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The treatment of normal male dogs with a depot preparation of medroxyprogesterone acetate (4 mg/kg) for 7 weeks reduced peripheral testosterone levels by 58%. No effects on testicular size and consistency, semen quality or libido were found.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFICIENCY OF 4 DOSES OF BOVINE PPD TUBERCULIN IN CATTLE AND GUINEA PIGS: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MOST SUITABLE DOSE FOR USE IN THE SINGLE CAUDAL FOLD TEST IN CATTLE
Authors: Lepper A. W. D. , McKay D. J. , Lord V.
Published: March 2008

The potencies of 4 batches of Australian bovine PPD tuberculin relative to the standard British bovine PPD preparation 291 were determined from guinea pig assays.

Using the assayed potencies, it was concluded that doses of 0.08, 0.17, 0.24 and 0.47 mg of bovine PPD were used in single caudal fold tests in 2 trials of Northern Territory cattle. The sensitivity, specificity and test efficiency of the Australian preparations were determined.

At 72 h after injection, the time recommended to read the test, the 0.08 mg dose gave the lowest sensitivity (79.2%) which was significantly different from that of the other 3 doses. This dose also gave the highest specificity (88.9%). However, the 0.24 mg dose gave a specificity of 85.0% and a sensitivity of 95.6% resulting in the highest test efficiency (87.9%).

Change in caudal fold thickness, subjectively assessed reaction and the amount of induration were measured in individual cattle. For tuberculous cattle, regression analysis showed significant relationships (p < 0.01) between the change in caudal fold thickness, subjectively assessed reaction and log concentration of each preparation. However, there was no significant difference between the mean responses observed with the 2 highest doses. Predicted responses for untested doses were determined from the regression equations.

When the results of the trials were considered in relation to factors such as batch variation, minimisation of injection error, likely levels of desensitisation, cost and international implications, it was considered that a dose of 0.3 mg bovine PPD relative to the British standard 291 would fulfil optimum requirements for use in all parts of Australia.
POSSIBLE PATHWAYS OF CONTAMINATION OF MEAT AND BONE MEAL WITH SALMONELLA
Authors: Bensink J. C. , Boland P. H.
Published: March 2008

Samples taken at various points along the processing line in 2 rendering plants showed that post‐processing contamination occurs almost immediately after termination of the heat process in the percolator and surge bin. Further contamination occurs at each processing stage. In plant A 12.5% of the samples collected from material leaving the surge bin, 36% of the samples of product after it has passed the milling stage and 61% of samples collected from the stored product were found to be contaminated with salmonellas. In plant B the results were 15%, 40% and 69% respectively.

Heavy contamination of product left overnight in percolators and surge bins, which are not cleaned routinely, was considered an important source of early post‐processing contamination.

The ecology was found to be similar at both plants despite the fact that in one plant the uncooked and cooked areas were separated completely, whilst this was not the case in the other plant.

None of the air samples collected yielded salmonellas, while nearly all the insect samples collected in the rendering plants yielded salmonellas.
USE OF EDTA BLOOD SAMPLES FOR MANNOSIDOSIS TESTING
Authors: Healy P.J. , Butrej P.J.
Published: March 2008

Preincubation of EDTA plasma with 4mM ZnCI2 restores acidic alpha mannosidase activity, previously inhibited as a result of chelation of Zn ++ by EDTA. This allows estimation of acidic alpha mannosidase activity in EDTA plasma samples, followed by granulocyte tests on those samples with low activities.
EVALUATION OF AN INDIRECT FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY TEST TO DIAGNOSE BABESIA EQUI INFECTION IN HORSES
Authors: Callow L. L. , McGregor W. , Rodwell B. J. , Rogers R. J. , Fraser G. C. , Mahoney D. F. , Robertson G. M.
Published: March 2008

An indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test for the diagnosis of Babesia equi infections was evaluated. Antigen prepared by conventional methods was of high quality in one instance and of lesser quality in a second when possible autofluorescence of the horse blood caused inconvenience in reading tests. Tests on 14 horses shown by parasitological means to be either infected (9) or uninfected (5) produced reactions at dilutions of 1/270 to 1/7290 for infected and at 1/10 to 1/90 for uninfected animals. The accuracy of the test was further demonstrated during investigations of 701 horses in 3 states of Australia. The 30 horses reacting at 1/270 to 1/2430 were from 33 imported to 3 different farms in Australia from a common source.

Investigations of crossreactivity between B. equi and B. bovis of cattle suggested that B. bovis would not interfere with the test for B. equi, but that the reverse was possible.
THE ROLE OF INHIBITED LARVAE IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF OVINE HAEMONCHOSIS
Authors: Barger I. A. , Le Jambre L. F.
Published: March 2008

Three paddocks were contaminated with Haemonchus contortus eggs from early spring to mid summer by yearling sheep. In Paddock 1, all contamination was derived from worms that had been previously inhibited in their development. The contamination in Paddock 2 was produced only by infections recently acquired from pasture, and in Paddock 3 contamination was attributable to both sources. When the yearling sheep were replaced in mid summer by newly weaned lambs, severe outbreaks of haemonchosis occurred on all paddocks. It was concluded that inhibited H. contortus larvae are capable of producing sufficient eggs, when they resume development, to initiate an outbreak of haemonchosis in susceptible sheep.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BEEF CATTLE IN NORTHWESTERN QUEENSLAND
Authors: Holroyd R. G. , Arthur B. A. , Mayer B. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The reproductive performance of beef cattle in 5 herds mated all year round in north‐west Queensland was examined from 1970 to 1973. Conception rates, conception patterns and branding rates were used to assess annual reproductive performance. The level of loss between the times of confirmed pregnancy and branding was defined.

The mean annual conception rate was 83.1% with individual property means ranging from 75.4 to 90.9%. Conception rates for heifers, first calf cows and mature cows were 83.9%, 80.6% and 84.7% respectively.

Conception patterns were influenced by seasonal conditions, 68.1% of conceptions occurring in the wet season, between December and May. In this region, conception patterns were highly correlated with rainfall during the previous month.

Losses between the times of confirmed pregnancy and branding ranged from 5.9 to 27.7%.

Body condition of animals varied and was dependent upon lactation, seasonal and parity effects.
MILK PRODUCTION OF GRAZING DAIRY CATTLE AFTER A SINGLE ANTHELMINTIC TREATMENT
Authors: Barger I. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The prevalence of nematode infections in lactating dairy cattle was determined by faecal egg counts and cultures from over 350 cows selected at random from twelve herds. The mean egg count was 3 eggs per gram (epg) and 43% of the cows sampled were passing detectable concentrations of eggs (> 6 epg) in their faeces. In June 1976 171 cows in 10 herds were treated with 7.5 mg/kg fenbendazole and their milk production compared over the following 2 months with that of 164 untreated cows in the same herds. Anthelmintic treatment had no significant influence on milk production in any of the herds. The contrasting results of this study and recent studies in the United States of America are discussed.
THIABENDAZOLE RESISTANCE IN FIELD POPULATIONS OF HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS
Authors: Jambre L.F. LE , Martin P.J. , Webb R.F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Six populations of H. contortus were selected for a study of thiabendazole resistance from a collection of 40 populations made during a survey of the efficiency of thiabendazole on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Based on survey results, 3 of these populations were considered susceptible and the remaining 3 were considered resistant. However, when these populations were compared with a known susceptible strain on the ability of their eggs to hatch in a solution containing thiabendazole and 0.1% NaCI all 6 had significantly greater LC50'S. The resistance ratios of the LC50 for each of the 6 populations to that of the known susceptible strain were 5.1, 4.3, 3.2, 3.1, 2.3 and 1.6 respectively. Following dosing of their host with 44 mg/kg thiabendazole the resistance ratios of the survivors increased to 5.4, 5.1, 4.7, 4.4, 3.1 and 2.4. Eggs produced by the F1 generation of the worms surviving 44 mg/kg thiabendazole did not revert back to the lower LC50's of the unselected parents. Rather the LC50 remained at a level near that of a known highly resistant strain of H. contortus.
TOXICITY OF CROTALARIA GOREENSIS FOR CHICKENS
Authors: Norton J. H. , O'Rourke P.K.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Ground Crotalaria goreensis seed fed to day‐old cockerel chickens at 3 different rates in a commercial ration of chick starter mash depressed growth rates. Moist faeces were common. Lesions consistently found included ulceration of the proximal large intestine and a dark grey discolouration of the glandular portion of the proventriculus. C. goreensis should be excluded from all poultry rations.
OBSERVATIONS ON SERUM THYROXINE CONCENTRATIONS IN LAMBS AND EWES TO ASSESS IODINE NUTRITION
Authors: Andrewartha K. A. , Caple I. W. , Davies W. D. , McDonald J. W.
Published: March 2008

Thyroxine levels in serum of lambs and ewes were measured to determine their usefulness in assessing iodine nutrition of sheep. Lambs born on properties with no history of goitre had serum thyroxine concentrations more than twice that recorded in their mothers. These high values decreased to a level similar to that in the ewes after 8 weeks. In goitrous lambs younger than 2 weeks old, serum thyroxine concentrations were less than their ewe levels. Lambs born to ewes supplemented with iodine during pregnancy had higher thyroxine levels than lambs of control ewes.

A survey of 80 flocks of ewes in Victoria showed that 40% had a low mean thyroxine concentration (less than 50 nmol/l), but only one of these properties had reported an outbreak of goitre. It is suggested that serum thyroxine levels in newborn lambs may provide a more sensitive indicator of hypothyroidism associated with iodine deficiency than ewe levels.
A SEROLOGICAL SURVEY FOR BLUETONGUE VIRUS ANTIBODY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Coackley W. , Smith V. W. , Maker D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A serological survey was carried out to detect specific (serotype 20) and group bluetongue virus antibody in cattle and sheep serums collected in Western Australia during the period January 1 1978 to June 30 1979. Of 18,849 cattle serums examined by the gel diffusion precipitin test (GDPT), 9.7% were positive and 6.1% gave doubtful results. All 1949 sheep serums tested were negative. Precipitin antibody was demonstrated in 22.5% of serums from Kimberley cattle and in 3.6% of cattle serums from the Northwest. Serums collected from cattle in the South were consistently negative in the GDPT.

When 915 serums that reacted in the GDPT were further tested by the complement fixation test (CFT), 164 were positive. The percentage of CFT positive serums increased as the GDPT reaction became stronger.

Of 2467 serums collected from cattle in the Kimberley and Northwest areas and tested by the CFT, 175 (7.1%) were positive. These 175 positive serums were also examined by GDPT and 164 doubtful or positive reactions were obtained.

The virus neutralisation test (VNT) using serotype 20 virus was carried out on 3804 serums, including all serums that reacted in the GDPT, and 57 were positive. When the VNT positive serums were examined in the other 2 tests, 47 serums were either positive or doubtful in the GDPT and 8 were positive in the CFT.

The presence of bluetongue virus group antibody in cattle serums closely followed the suggested distribution pattern of Culicoides brevitarsis but specific serotype 20 neutralising antibody was limited to cattle serums from stations situated north of latitude 17 in an area of mean annual rainfall higher than 700 mm.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE REMOVAL OF TAENIA SAGINATA EGGS FROM SEWAGE USING VARIOUS TREATMENT PROCESSES
Authors: Arundel J. H. , Adolph A. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Cattle were grazed for four months on pasture irrigated by effluent from activated sludge plants, a trickling filter plant, from a lagooning process or with raw sewage, and then killed and their heart, diaphragm, tongue, and muscles of their head and one forelimb were sliced and examined for Cysticercus bovis. None of the cattle grazed on pasture irrigated with effluent from lagooning were infected compared with 3.3% from the trickling filter plant, 9.0% and 12.5% from the two activated sludge plants and 30.0% of cattle on pastures irrigated with raw sewage. Of the 40 control calves killed at the time the test calves were placed on the various pastures, 2.5% were infected.

It appears that modern sewage purification methods do not efficiently remove Taenia saginata from the final effluent and that prolonged settling is necessary before effluent is used to irrigate cattle pastures if C. bovis infection is to be reduced to very low levels.
INSULINOMA IN THE DOG
Authors: Prescott C. W. , Thompson H. L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Four clinical cases of insulinoma in the dog are described. In each, nervous signs increased in frequency and severity over a period of approximately 4 months. Diagnosis was made on clinical signs, blood glucose concentration, response to glucose therapy and, in the 2 cases in which an radioimmunoassay was performed, blood insulin levels. Differential diagnosis and management regimes for insulinomas are discussed. Neocropsy confirmed the diagnoses in 3 cases, with multiple pancreatic lesions being present in 2, and metastases in all 3.
SYRINGOMYELIA IN PIGS
Authors: Hopkinson W. I.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Syringomyelia was present in 3 of 6 pigs examined in an outbreak of disease in which a respiratory and an ataxic syndrome were recognized. Lesions were found in cervical spinal cord segments in pigs 3 to 5 months old. The aetiology was not determined.
A RAPID, SPECIFIC TEST FOR DETECTING ABSORPTION OF COLOSTRAL IgG BY THE NEONATAL FOAL
Authors: Watson D. L. , Bennell M. A. , Griffiths J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A new test, designed to aid in the detection of failure to acquire colostral immunoglobulin by the neonatal foal, is described. The test involves latex agglutination using monospecific antiserum and is specific for IgG. The test is rapid to perform and a result is obtained within two minutes.
THE RESPONSE OF AUSTRALIAN CHICKENS NATURALLY INFECTED WITH AVIRULENT NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS TO CHALLENGE WITH VELOGENIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS
Authors: Spradbrow P.B. , Ibrahim A. L. , Chulan Ungku , Milliken G. , Shapcott R. , Kingston D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Sixty‐eight breeder chickens, 4 to 12 months of age, were taken from Australian flocks that had been naturally infected with avirulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and transported by air to Malaysia. Nearly all the breeders had haemagglutination inhibition antibodies to NDV, at titres of from 2 to 128. Thirty‐two were inoculated intranasally with an Asian, velogenic, viscerotropic strain of NDV and all survived this challenge. Thirty‐six were exposed to contact infection with the same velogenic NDV and 2 died of Newcastle disease within 14 days. The levels of haemagglutination inhibition antibodies against NDV increased in the surviving breeders after challenge, reaching 2048 or greater in a few birds. Velogenic NDV was isolated from a cloacal swab from one clinically normal breeder 10 days after challenge by contact. Cloacal swabs taken 7 to 10 days after challenge from another 23 breeders yielded no NDV.

Twenty‐four broilers, 7 weeks of age, were also transported from Australia to Malaysia. All lacked detectable haemagglutination inhibition antibody to NDV and they were from a flock with no detectable antibody to NDV. Twelve were challenged with velogenic NDV intranasally and 12 were subjected to contact challenge. All broilers died of Newcastle disease within 13 days.
PRODUCTION EFFECTS OF LIVER FLUKE (FASCIOLA HEPATICA) INFECTION IN BEEF CATTLE
Authors: Chick B. F. , Coverdale O. R. , Jackson A. R. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Young Hereford steers of even body weights were grazed on pasture at 2 levels of stocking rate and artificially infected with 0, 600 or 1,200 metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica. In addition all groups obtained a low grade natural infection.

Steers were slaughtered at intervals throughout the 32‐week trial period and total fluke counts obtained. Fluke counts were significantly higher in all artificially infected groups when compared to the natural infection alone groups with the exception of the 600 metacercariae group during the 12 to 32‐week analysis period. There were no significant differences between counts in steers in the 2 nutritional regimes.

Rates of growth were significantly reduced by 14.7% and 14.1% in steers receiving a superimposed artificial infection rate of 1200 metacercariae and grazed at 3.54 beasts/hectare and 4.39 beasts/hectare respectively. Similarly group body weights were depressed 3% and 20% in steers receiving 600 metacercariae and grazed at 3.54 beasts/hectare and 4.39 beasts/hectare respectively. There was a significant interaction between level of nutrition and size of artificial infection on body weight changes in the first 12‐week period.
FAILURE OF A SINGLE DOSE OF BRUCELLA ABORTUS STRAIN 19 VACCINE TO PROTECT CATTLE WHEN GIVEN EARLY IN CALFHOOD
Authors: Plackett P. , Alton G. G. , Carter P. D. , Corner L. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Groups of heifer calves were vaccinated subcutaneously with the standard dose of strain 19 at the age of 3 to 5 weeks or 5 months. Twelve months after primary vaccination a group of the younger vaccinates were revaccinated with a small dose of strain 19 via the conjunctival sac. The effectiveness of vaccination was assessed by challenge with virulent B. abortus after 5 to 6 months of pregnancy. Animals vaccinated at 3 to 5 weeks, but given no intraconjunctival boost, were not effectively protected, but the group receiving the boost were at least as resistant as those which received the subcutaneous dose at 5 months. The intraconjunctival boost caused only slight and transient serological responses in a few animals.
IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASSES IN SERUM ANTIBODY REACTIONS IN CATTLE FOLLOWING VACCINATION WITH BRUCELLA ABORTUS STRAIN 19 AND KILLED 45/20 VACCINES
Authors: Chung Y. S. , Hall W. T. K. , Simmons G. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A group of 4 cows was vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19, followed 8 weeks later by a single dose of B. abortus 45/20 vaccine. A similar group received 2 doses of B. abortus 45/20 vaccine 8 weeks apart. The antibody responses of the groups were compared by testing whole serums and separated IgM and IgG fractions by the Rose Bengal Plate (RBP) agglutination and the complement fixation tests (CFT) using rough and smooth B. abortus antigens. Animals that had received B. abortus strain 19 responded to the 45/20 vaccine with increased titres to the smooth antigen. These relevant antibodies were predominantly of the IgG class. Standard CFT and RBP test antibodies could be detected in IgM and IgG fractions after the primary inoculation with B. abortus strain 19 vaccine.
EFFECT OF SUBCUTANEOUS IMPLANTS OF ZERANOL ON WEIGHT GAINS OF CASTRATED CATTLE AT PASTURE†
Authors: Sammons R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Eight experiments involving a total of 480 castrated cattle grazing Australian pastures were conducted to assess the effect of subcutaneous implants of 36 mg zeranol on weight gain. A wide range of cattle ages, bodyweights and environmental and nutritional conditions was involved. Growth rates of untreated cattle ranged from minus 0.15 kg/day over 90 days to 1.23 kg/day over 52 days.

In 5 experiments treated cattle were implanted at the commencement of the experiment only. The other 3 experiments compared responses to early, late and early plus late implantation.

Weight gains from a single implantation ranged from 4.6 kg over 70 days to 16.8 kg over 60 days—an average increase in growth rate of 13.5%. Repeating implantation at a later date increased growth rate further and provided greater gains than a single implantation whether applied early or late.

Carcase weights were measured in 2 experiments. In one, weight was increased by 7.2 kg (P < 0.01). In the other, cattle in both implanted and control groups lost weight over the duration of the experiment. Whilst the bodyweight of implanted cattle was less than that of untreated cattle the carcase weight of implanted cattle was 2.4 kg greater than for control cattle. Neither of these differences was significant (P > 0.10). No side effects were noted in any of the treated cattle.
AEROSOL VACCINATION OF CHICKENS WITH THE V4 STRAIN OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS
Authors: Schalkoort R. , Spradbrow P. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two‐week‐old chickens, free of detectable maternal antibody to Newcastle disease virus (NDV), or with low levels of maternal antibody, were vaccinated with the V4 strain of NDV. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies were determined at intervals after vaccination.

Two hundred chickens were vaccinated by exposure to an aerosol, a dose of 106 50% embryo infectious doses (EID50) being allowed per chicken. Forty unvaccinated chickens were placed in direct contact with vaccinated chickens. Most of the vaccinated chickens and the incontact chickens had developed HI antibodies of titre ≥ 8 within 2 weeks of vaccination. The HI antibodies in many chickens persisted for at least 8 weeks. Control chickens in a shed 15 metres from the shed containing the vaccinated chickens did not develop HI antibodies to NDV. NDV could be isolated from some vaccinated chickens for 15 days after vaccination.

An aerosol dose of 105EID50 per chicken failed to induce a serological response in 2 groups of 40 chickens each. HI antibodies were produced in 1 of 2 groups, each of 40 chickens, vaccinated with 106EID50 and in both of 2 groups of 40 chickens each vaccinated with 107EID50.

Duplicate groups of 40 chickens were vaccinated with 106EID50 of V4 virus per chicken administered either as an aerosol, a coarse spray or a droplet placed in the conjunctival sac. HI antibodies were produced in all the groups of chickens.
GIARDIOSIS AND COLITIS IN A DOG
Authors: Watson A. D. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An 18‐month‐old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with recurrent diarrhoea for 2 months had signs suggesting dysfunction of small and large bowel. No helminth ova, protozoa or fat were found on faecal examination. Proctoscopy, barium enema examination and colonic biopsy revealed mucosal colitis. Biopsied small intestine was histologically normal but Giardia trophozoites were numerous in fluid aspirated from the duodenum. Absorption of d‐xylose was normal. Giardiosis and idiopathic colitis were diagnosed. Clinical signs abated after 2 courses of metronidazole administration.
THE ROLE OF BIRTH IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF MENINGEAL HAEMORRHAGE AND CONGESTION IN NEWBORN LAMBS
Authors: Haughey K. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In a controlled experiment, term lambs born of caesarean sacrifice, normal or artificially prolonged birth were examined at autopsy to determine the role of vaginal birth in the pathogenesis of presumed birth injury to the fetal CNS characterised by subdural and extradural haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage and congestion, and blood‐stained cerebrospinal fluid in and around the cranial and spinal meninges of lambs dying during or within 7 days of birth. Additional material, comprising near‐term fetuses, was examined at an abattoir to determine the prevalence of meningeal lesions in unborn fetuses.

Mean durations of parturition in the caesarean‐born controls, natural and artifically‐delayed vaginal deliveries were 0 min., 56 min., and 185 min. respectively. The experimental treatments influenced the frequency of cranial lesions only. Single lambs were more prone to injury than twin lambs. The incidence of affected lambs in delayed births was 8.9 times higher than that in caesarean births and 1.7 times higher than that in normal births. Within the delayed group the incidence of affected single lambs in the subgroups was similar despite wide differences in the nature of parturition. It was concluded that the induced lesions resembled those associated with the perinatal mortality of livestock and infants and that pathogenetic variables included interactions between the duration and the vigour of the birth process. Repeated stretching and relaxation of the rostral fetal cranio‐vertebral skeleton during Stage 2 labour may be involved in pathogenesis. At that stage of delivery, the fetus is relatively fixed because the chest and shoulders have firmly engaged the pelvic inlet, while the head and neck are exposed to the lower pressure of the vagina and atmosphere. Intrafetal pressure is hydrostatically continuous with intrauterine pressure which is higher than atmospheric pressure. Rises in intrauterine pressure due to labour are probably transmitted hydraululically to the fetal cranio‐vertebral canal leading to stretching of the head and neck. Because the fetal CNS is firmly anchored to the cranio‐vertebral skeleton such movement may set up the shearing action necessary to rupture small vessels in the cranial and cervical meninges.
SEASONAL AVAILABILITY OF NEMATODE LARVAE ON PASTURES GRAZED BY CATTLE IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Smeal M. G. , Robinson G. G. , Fraser G. C.
Published: March 2008

Trends in the numbers of infective nematode larvae on pasture plots contaminated by cattle at different seasons of the year were defined in 3 different climatic regions. The main nematodes were Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus spp, Haemonchus spp and Cooperia spp.

On the North Coast of New South Wales with a sub‐tropical climate, the numbers of infective larvae of all 4 nematodes rose rapidly to peak levels soon after each seasonal period of contamination began, then fell quickly within a few months. On the Central Coast of New South Wales, the trends were similar to those on the North Coast, except that the larvae persisted on the pasture for a much longer time. On the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, where temperatures were much colder than on the coast, larval development was slower and major peaks of larval availability did not occur until early spring. These different seasonal trends in each region were considered to be related to the climatic differences between the regions.

On pastures which were contaminated continuously, larval numbers reached maximum levels in mid‐winter on the Central Coast and in early spring on the Northern Tablelands. It was concluded that the majority of these larvae were derived from the contamination of pastures in autumn and winter. Subsequently in summer, a rapid dying out of larvae was observed in all the regions, probably due to the effect of hotter weather.

The studies suggest that a reduction in the contamination of pasture with nematode eggs in autumn and winter could result in pastures carrying fewer larvae and thus form the basis of effective worm control programs for cattle.
LOW RELEASE OF SELENIUM FROM RECOVERED RUMINAL PELLETS
Authors: Wilkins J. F. , Hamilton B. A.
Published: March 2008

The effectiveness of selenium pellets in grazing Merino sheep was examined by comparing the selenium status of treated and untreated animals over a 13 month period. The selenium status of treated sheep, as measured by blood glutathione peroxidase levels, had reached a maximum 3 months after treatment and there was a marked decline between 5 and 13 months. All pellets were recovered from treated sheep at slaughter this confirmed that the observed decline was not due to a loss of pellets.

In a separate study sheep were slaughtered 14 months after treatment and some of the recovered pellets were readministered to sheep maintained on a low selenium diet. The selenium status of the sheep receiving recovered pellets remained low. This bioassay technique indicated that there was little available selenium released from these pellets. The selenium status of sheep given previously unused pellets was declining after 18 weeks.
THE INDUCTION OF OESTRUS AND OVULATION IN THE BITCH USING PREGNANT MARE SERUM GONADOTROPHIN AND HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Wright P. J.
Published: March 2008

Seventeen bitches (11 anoestrous, 4 prepubertal, 1 pregnant and 1 postpartum) were treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (110 iu/kg) at weekly intervals up to the occurrence of oestrus or a maximum of 3 treatments. Oestrus was induced in 8/11 anoestrous bitches only. The between bitch ovarian response was very variable. Ovulation occurred in 7/8 PMSG induced oestrous bitches. The 3 oestrous bitches treated with human chorionic gonadotrophin (500 iu) at the start of oestrus had a better ovulatory response than those treated with PMSG alone.
EARLY STAGES OF DISEASE OF THE PERIPHERAL PULMONARY ARTERIES IN CANINE DIROFILARIASIS
Authors: Atwell R. B.
Published: March 2008

Peripheral pulmonary arterial disease sometimes associated with immature filariae (larvae) was found in 5 dogs in which infestations of D. Immitis were considered to be relatively recent. Gross and histological arterial lesions were similar to the endarteritis described in association with adult filariae. No adult filariae were associated with these peripheral lesions.
OEDEMA DISEASE IN CHICKENS CAUSED BY MEXICAN POPPY (ARGEMONE MEXICANA) SEED
Authors: Norton J. H. , O'Rourke P. K.
Published: March 2008

Ground Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana) seed produced growth depression, oedema and death when fed at 1% and 3% of a basal ration to day‐old, layer strain, cockerel chickens. The mortality rate was increased by raising the sodium chloride content of the basal ration from 0.18% to 1.68%.

Clinical signs consisted of subcutaneous oedema, a high pitched chirp and terminal gasping. Hydropericardium, oedema of the lungs, and subcutaneous oedema of the thorax, abdomen, wings, neck and throat were the major lesions. Foci of calcification were present in the ventricular myocardium of some chickens fed 3%A. mexicana.
PSEUDOPARASITISM OF DOMESTIC AND NATIVE ANIMALS BY GEOPLANID LAND PLANARIANS
Authors: Winsor L.
Published: March 2008

Three cases of pseudoparasitism of a pullet, Pygmy possum and domestic cat by geoplanid land planarians are reported. Unlike similar reports from Japan and America, there is no implication of gastrointestinal pseudoparasitism in these Australian cases. It is believed that the incidents described arose from accidental attachment of land planarians to the animals concerned.
ESCHERICHIA COLI AND ROTAVIRUS INFECTIONS IN FOUR‐WEEKOLD GNOTOBIOTIC PIGLETS FED MILK OR DRY FOOD
Authors: Tzipori S. , Chandler D. , Makin T. , Smith M.
Published: March 2008

A haemolytic enteropathogenic E. coli (WG) and pig rotavirus were isolated from a field case of postweaning diarrhoea in pigs. Four‐week‐old gnotobiotic piglets fed on milk diet were found to be extremely susceptible to infection with WG E. coli. Piglets were less susceptible to the infection immediately after the diet was changed from milk to dry food, and were almost completely resistant 4 days after the change to dry food. There was no difference in the clinical response to infection with WG E. coli when the piglets were fed either a high energy diet or low energy diet. Four‐week‐old piglets fed milk showed mild symptoms of diarrhoea when inoculated with pig rotavirus. Symptoms were more severe when piglets were inoculated immediately after the change from milk to dry food. Piglets inoculated 4 days after the change of diet showed no symptoms of diarrhoea at all. Under the conditions of these experiments the enteropathogenic E. col produced a more serious disease than did pig rotavirus. Infection of 4‐week‐old gnotobiotic piglets with both agents given sequentially produced a diarrhoeal disease that was more severe than that produced by each agent separately.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY AND HAEMATOLOGY OF HORSES COMPETING IN A THREE‐DAY EVENT
Authors: Rose R. J. , Backhouse J. W. , Ilkiw J. E.
Published: March 2008

The electrocardiograms of 22 horses competing in a 3‐day event were recorded before and after the event. In addition, blood samples were taken for determination of packed cell volume and total plasma protein before, during and after the speed and endurance phases (Day 2).

The electrocardiograms of 13 horses showed various abnormalities before the event, most of which were T wave changes. As a result of competition in the event, there was a significant increase in the number of leads showing T wave abnormalities when the electrocardiograms taken before and after the event were compared. At all times measurements were taken there were significant increases in packed cell volume and total plasma protein over values obtained prior to the event.
ARTHROGRYPOSIS: AN INHERITED DEFECT IN NEWBORN CALVES
Authors: Nawrot P. S. , Howell W. E. , Leipold H. W.
Published: March 2008

Arthrogryposis, frequently associated with cleft palate, scoliosis and kyphosis, has been investigated in pure and crossbred Charolais calves. During a 3‐year study, a total of 76 congenitally malformed arthrogrypotic calves from 41 purebred and commercial Charolais herds was investigated. Investigations of the management, feeds, water and poisonous pasture plants in 6 herds reporting deformed calves did not reveal any factors which could be associated with the appearance of the defect. Analysis of pedigrees and matings which produced arthrogrypotic calves revealed that the arthrogryposis syndrome in the Charolais breed and its crosses in Canada is genetic in origin and caused by an autosomal recessive gene with complete penetrance in the homozygous state.