bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of oral or subcutaneous carprofen or ketoprofen in rats undergoing laparotomy
Authors: Flecknell P. A. , Orr H. E. , Roughan J. V. , Stewart R.
Published: October 2010

Rats undergoing laparotomy received either carprofen (5 mg/kg) or ketoprofen (5 mg/kg) administered orally in flavoured gelatin, or by subcutaneous injection. A control group that received no analgesic showed a significant (3 per cent) fall in bodyweight (P=0.009) after laparotomy. This decrease was greater than that seen in the groups receiving carprofen (P=006) or ketoprofen (Pd=0012) administered subcutaneously, which continued to gain weight following surgery. All animals showed a significant fall in food consumption but this decrease was greater in the jelly alone group (47 per cent) than in the group receiving carprofen (17 per cent) (P=0.015) administered subcutaneously. A significant fall in water consumption occurred in the control group (40 per cent) and in animals that received oral carprofen (13 per cent) or ketoprofen (22 per cent). No significant decrease was seen in groups receiving either carprofen or ketoprofen administered subcutaneously (P>0.1). This study shows that a relatively simple surgical procedure results in a major reduction in food and water consumption in rats. This reduction can be minimised by the administration of ketoprofen or carprofen (5 mg/kg subcutaneously), but higher dose rates are required if these drugs are to be administered by the oral route.
Tonsillar lesions in cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Cassidy J. P. , Bryson D. G. , Neill S. D.
Published: October 2010

The upper respiratory tract surfaces, the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils and associated lymph nodes of 32 tuberculin reactor cattle were examined pathologically and bacteriologically. Tuberculous lesions were observed histologically in the palatine tonsils of five animals and in both the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils of a sixth. Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from the tonsils of four of these animals and from the palatine or pharyngeal tonsils of a further eight cattle in which no lesions were observed. The upper respiratory tract surfaces of 10 animals were M bovis ‐positive.
Monitored control programme for proliferative enteropathy on British pig farms
Authors: McOrist S. , Smith S. H. , Klein T.
Published: October 2010

The effect of control programmes on proliferative enteropathy and its causative agent (Lawsonia intracellularis) was investigated on four farrow‐to‐finish pig farms in Britain. Faeces samples from groups of boars and gilts in breeding programmes, and from preweaning and postweaning pigs were monitored prospectively every month for six months by a L intracellularis ‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PcR). On one farm with 150 sows, an outbreak of acute proliferative enteropathy in boars and gilts was controlled clinically by the use of tiamulin and chlortetracycline. The percentage of detectable PcR‐positive pigs decreased from between 50 to 70 per cent to zero in the treated pigs and their progeny less than 14 weeks old, but clinical signs of the disease and PCR‐positive pigs were detected in some 14‐week‐old pigs derived from the treated groups. On another farm with 160 sows, an outbreak of chronic proliferative enteropathy in six‐week‐old pigs (23 to 26 per cent PCR‐positive) was controlled by the use of oral tylosin phosphate. Faeces samples from the medicated pigs on this farm remained PCR‐negative during the study period, whereas samples from unmedicated control pigs showed that the infection persisted in some pigs for at least six weeks. The two other monitored farms remained PCR‐negative and clinically negative for the disease during the study period. These farms treated the pigs regularly with oral chlortetracycline.
Cowdria ruminantiuminfection in ticks in the Kruger National Park
Authors: Peter T. F. , Bryson N. R. , Perry B. D. , O'Callagan C. J. , Medley G. F. , Smith G. E. , Mlambo G. , Horak I. G. , Burridge M. J. , Mahan S. M.
Published: October 2010

AdultAmblyomma hebraeumticks, the principle vector of heartwater (cowdriosis) of domestic ruminants in southem Africa, were collected in pheromone traps placed in Kruger National Park, an exclusively wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. These ticks transmittedCowdria ruminantium, the rickettsial agent causing heartwater, to a susceptible goat, resulting in acute, fatal disease.C ruminantiumwas isolated in bovine endothelial cell culture from the plasma of this animal during the febrile stage of the disease and transmitted to susceptible goats, causing fatal heartwater. The prevalence ofC ruminantiuminfection in 292 ticks was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to be 1.7 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 0.71 to 4.0 per cent). A DNA probe analysis, which is less sensitive than KCR, detected infection in three of the five PCRpositive ticks. The remaining infections were below the detection limit of the DNA probe, which is approximately 70,000 organisms. This is the first evidence that a vector‐wildlife cycle of transmission ofC ruminantiumcan be maintained independently of domestic ruminants.
Biological and migrational characteristics of transponders implanted into beagle dogs
Authors: Jansen J. A. , Van Der Waerden J. P. C. M. , Gwalter R. H. , Van Rooy S. A. B.
Published: October 2010

Ninety transponders (microchips), 45 made of bioglass, 30 made of acid‐etched bioglass, and 15 made of bioglass and provided with a polypropylene cap, were inserted into 15 dogs in six different locations: on the left and right side of the head, and on the left and right shoulders, both cranial and caudal to the dorsum. The transponders were left in place for 16 weeks, during which their position was determined by means of an electronic reader and radiographs, and they were then retrieved and examined histologically. A clinical evaluation revealed that about half of the transponders inserted in all the shoulder locations had migrated to some extent, whereas the transponders in the head location had hardly moved. There were no differences in the extent of migration between the different types of transponders. Histological analysis showed that almost all the transponders were surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule with no sign of any gross inflammatory reaction.
Monitoring follicular development in cattle by real‐time ultrasonography: a review
Authors: Garcia A. , Van Der Weijden G. C. , Colenbrander B. , Bevers M. M.
Published: October 2010

The application of real‐time ultrasonography to monitoring ovarian function in mammals has advanced the understanding of follicular dynamics and its regulation. Follicular development is a wave‐like sequence of organised events. The waves consist of the synchronous growth of small (4 to 5 mm) antral follicles, followed by the selection and growth of one dominant follicle which achieves the largest diameter and suppresses the growth of the subordinate follicles. In the absence of luteal regression, the dominant follicle eventually regresses (becomes atretic) and a new follicular wave begins. The dominant follicle regulates the growth of the subordinate follicles, because the appearance of the next wave is accelerated if the dominant follicle is ablated, and delayed if the lifespan of the dominant follicle is prolonged. During bovine oestrous cycles, two or three successive waves emerge, on average, on the day of ovulation (day 0) and day 10 for two‐wave cycles, and on days 0, 9 and 16 for three‐wave cycles. During the oestrous cycle there are thus two or three successive dominant follicles, and the last of these ovulates. Ovarian folliculogenesis is a complex process involving interactions between pituitary gonadotrophins, ovarian steroids and non‐steroidal factors. Subtle changes in the hormonal milieu regulate folliculogenesis and the emergence of a follicular wave is preceded by a small increase in the concentration of plasma follicle‐stimulating hormone. The mechanisms that promote the selection of a dominant follicle have not been elucidated, but considerable progress has been made in understanding follicular development and its regulation. Most treatments designed to control the development of follicular waves have been based on the physical or hormonal removal of the suppressive effect of the dominant follicle, and the consequent controlled induction of the emergence of a new follicular wave. The studies reviewed here describe current methods for regulating the bovine ovarian cycle, interesting models for future studies, and information that may be used for improving reproductive efficiency.
Behavioural and physiological responses of pigs to being transported for up to 24 hours followed by six hours recovery in lairage
Authors: Brown S. N. , Knowles T. G. , Edwards J. E. , Warriss P. D.
Published: October 2010

Ninety‐six pure‐bred Large White pigs weighing 80 to 100 kg were either not transported or transported for eight. 16 or 24 hours, and then either slaughtered immediately on arrival at the abattoir or kept in lairage for six hours before being slaughtered. The pigs travelling for eight. 16 or 24 hours lost 2.2, 2.0 and 4.3 per cent of liveweight, respectively, and the pigs travelling for 24 hours lost 2.6 per cent of hot carcase weight Both liveweight and hot carcase weight recovered during the lairage period although there was a net liveweight loss in comparison with the control animals. Only transport for 24 hours led to losses in carcase weight The concentration of non‐esterified fatty acids increased with the time spent travelling. The concentrations of cortisol, creatine phosphokinase and lactate were all low in comparison with the levels found in commercially slaughtered animals. Plasma albumin and protein concentrations indicated that the animals were becoming dehydrated during the longer joumeys. The animals lay down for most of the journey and appeared to be asleep. During the period in lairage, the animals transported for eight hours had two distinct periods of feeding and drinking but spent most of the time lying down, but those transported for 16 and 24 hours showed far more eating and drinking acdivi. All the groups appeared tired, but the urge to eat of the groups transported for 16 hours, and especially 24 hours appeared to be more important There were behavioural and the physiological differences between the transported groups and the controls. Six hours in lairage with access to food and water allowed most of the physiological parameters to return to pretransport levels.
Heart rate and behavioural responses of crib‐biting horses to two acute stressors
Authors: Minero M. , Canali E. , Ferrante V. , Verga M. , Odberg F. O.
Published: October 2010

The heart rate and behaviour of 14 adult saddle horses, eight crib‐biters and six normal controls, were investigated. Initially, the relationship between crib‐biting and heart rate was investigated while the horses were undisturbed. The horses were tested when restrained with a lip twitch, and assessed when they were exposed suddenly to the rapid inflation of a balloon. The heart rate of the crib‐biters during crib‐biting was lower than during other behaviour. The crib‐biters had a higher overall mean heart rate (P<0.05) suggesting that they may have had a higher basal sympathetic activity. After the application of the twitch, all the horses had a transient increase in heart rate which returned to basal values more rapidly in the crib‐biters. The crib‐biters were less reactive to the lip twitch, five of the six investigated remaining calm, and after the release of the twitch, they spent more time nibbling (P<0.05) than the control horses. The crib‐biters reacted more strongly to the inflation of the balloon (three of the six reacted), and after it had been inflated they spent more time walking in the box.
Equine influenza in the United Kingdom in 1998
Authors: Newton J. R , Verheyen K. , Wood J. L. N. , Yates P. J. , Mumford J. A.
Published: October 2010

In 1998, equine influenza was diagnosed by serology and nucleoprotein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay as the cause of acute respiratory disease in vaccinated and unvaccinated horses in the UK The signs were generally milder in vaccinated horses and completely susceptible animals showed the most severe signs, including pyrexia, inappetence, coughing, mucopurulent nasal discharge and secondary bacterial pneumonia. In a detailed investigation of an outbreak among 52 vaccinated thoroughbreds in a flat racing yard, more than 60 per cent of the horses seroconverted on the evidence of paired serum samples tested by single radial haemolysis (SRH). Preliminary sequencing and characterisation of an isolate from this outbreak indicated that it was an ‘American‐like’ strain. In addition, in this outbreak there was a larger proportion of horses with preinfection SRH titres greater than 140 mm2 that subsequently seroconverted than in other recent outbreaks from which ‘European‐like’ strains have been isolated. This result suggested that the cross‐protectivity between circulating ‘American‐like’ strains and the ‘European‐like’ strains of A/equine‐2 viruses present in current vaccines may be decreasing.
Impact of injuries and disease on a cohort of two‐ and three‐year‐old thoroughbreds in training
Authors: Bailey C. J. , Reid S. W. J. , Hodgson D. R. , Rose R. J.
Published: October 2010

A prospective study of injuries and disease in a cohort of Australian thoroughbreds in training was conducted with the participation of 24 trainers. From the horses catalogued at a major yearling sale in 1995, 169 were enrolled in the study and followed through their two‐ and three‐year‐old racing seasons. The principal aim was to quantify the time lost in training as a result of the various categories of injuries and disease, recorded as either days of modified training, or weeks rested at pasture. Shin soreness was the most common condition in two‐year‐olds (affecting 42 per cent of the horses that had entered training), followed by fetlock problems (25 per cent), and coughs and nasal discharge (16 per cent). Lameness, excluding lacerations and traumatic injuries, was the most common reason for lost training days (56.2 per cent of total days modified) and for resting horses at pasture (81.2 per cent of total weeks rested for injury or disease). Of the individual categories of injury or disease, lacerations and traumatic injuries, coughs and nasal discharge, shin soreness, carpal problems and fetlock problems were the most important causes of modified training days. In terms of weeks rested at pasture, fetlock problems, shin soreness, carpal problems, and coughs and nasal discharge had the greatest impact Major injury was uncommon in young horses in training, but there was a high incidence of relatively low‐grade injuries and disease during the training of two‐year‐olds.
Unilateral eye abnormalities in reared Mediterranean gilthead sea bream
Authors: Carrillo J. , Martinez J. , Divanach P. , Kentouri M.
Published: October 2010

Eye abnormalities in reared gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) were investigated clinically and by histological techniques. A significant number offish had a cataract in one eye and ocular inflammation including gross exophthalmos. In a small number of fish gas bubbles were observed in the anterior chamber of the eye. Histological examination provided no evidence of an infectious process and a possible behavioural aetiology is discussed.
Use of a balloon occlusion catheter to facilitate transarterial coil embolisation of a patent ductus arteriosus in two dogs
Authors: Saunders J. H. , Snaps F. R. , Peeters D. , Trotteur G. , Dondelinger R. F.
Published: October 2010

Two dogs with a history of coughing and exercise intolerance were suspected to have a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and the presence of a type Ill PDA was confirmed by radiography, electrocardiography, ultrasonography and angiography. iTansarterial coil embolisation was carried out by using a modified technique. An ocdusion balloon catheter was inserted through a femoral vein and placed at the pulmonary side of the ductus before the embolisation coils were put in place. Both dogs remained healthy during a follow‐up period of nine months.
Studies on the efficacy of intranasal vaccination for the prevention of experimentally induced parainfluenza type 3 virus pneumonia in calves
Authors: Bryson G. , Adair B. M. , McNulty M. S. , McAliskey M. , Bradford H. E. L. , Allan G. M. , Evans R. T. , Forster F.
Published: October 2010

The efficacy of intranasal vaccination in preventing or limiting disease of the lower respiratory tract induced by parainfluenza 3 (P13) virus was evaluated under experimental conditions, using a commercially available live vaccine containing a temperature‐sensitive strain of P13 virus. In a preliminary study four colostrum‐deprived calves were vaccinated intranasally at one week and again at two months of age, and two similar calves were given an intranasal placebo. After the second vaccination serum antibodies to P13 virus were detected in all four vaccinated calves, but not in the control animals. Seventeen days after the second vaccination all six calves were challenged with virulent P13 virus, and they were killed six days later. The clinical scores and the extent of pulmonary consolidation were reduced in the vaccinated animals; P13 virus was detected in the upper and lower respiratory tract of the control calves but in none of the vaccinated calves. In a larger scale study with 14 colostrum‐fed calves, seven were vaccinated at one week and again at five weeks of age, and seven were given an intranasal placebo. Two weeks after the second vaccination all 14 calves were challenged with virulent P13 virus. The clinical scores and lung consolidation were significantly reduced in the vaccinated calves in comparison with the controls. Six days after infection, 10 of the 14 calves were killed; P13 virus was detectable in the nasal secretions of all seven control calves but in only one of the vaccinated animals, and P13 viral antigen was detected in the lungs of the control calves but not in those of the vaccinated animals. One of the vaccinated calves had developed a severe clinical response after the challenge, but it had only minor lung consolidation when killed.
Evaluation of a commercial ELISA for detecting serum antibody toNeospora caninumin cattle
Authors: Williams D. J. L. , Davison H. C. , Helmick B. , McGarry J. , Guy F. , Otter A. , Trees A. J.
Published: October 2010

A commercially available serum antibody detection enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay forNeospora caninumin cattle was evaluated against an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) by applying it to 397 sera from normal adult cattle, 352 sera from cattle which had recently aborted, and 422 sera from two herds which had a history ofN caninum‐associated abortions. It was evaluated in two laboratories and showed high reproducibility, repeatability and almost perfect or substantial agreement with the IFAT.
Longevit of British breeds of dog and its relationships with‐sex, size, cardiovascular variables and disease
Authors: Michell A. R.
Published: October 2010

The results of a questionnaire provided data about owners' perceptions of the cause of death of over 3000 British dogs. The mean age at death (all breeds, all causes) was 11 years one month, but in dogs dying of natural causes it was 12 years eight months. Only 8 per cent of dogs lived beyond 15, and 64 per cent of dogs died of disease or were euthanased as a result of disease. Nearly 16 per cent of deaths were attributed to cancer, twice as many as to heart disease. Neutered females lived longer than males or intact females, but among dogs dying of natural causes entire females lived slightly longer. In neutered males the importance of cancer as a cause of death was similar to heart disease. Mongrels lived longer than average but several breeds lived longer than mongrels, for example, Jack Russells, miniature poodles and whippets. There was no correlation between longevity and cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean arterial pressure, or the combination of heart rate and pulse pressure) but smaller dogs had longer lifespans. The results also include breed differences in lifespan, susceptibility to cancer, road accidents and behavioural problems as a cause of euthanasia.
Efficacy of a single dose of oral antibiotic given within two hours of birth in preventing watery mouth disease and illthrift in colostrum‐deficient lambs
Authors: Hodgson J. C. , Brebner J. , Mckendrick I. J.
Published: October 2010

An antibiotic with a product licence limited to the treatment and control of infectious bacterial enteritis associated with Escherichia coli in piglets was tested for its ability to control watery mouth disease in neonatal lambs. Three groups of lambs were kept in conditions commonly encountered in intensive lambing systems, where high levels of environmental bacterial contamination may be expected. They were allocated at birth to: a control group (group 1) consisting of 18 colostrum‐deprived lambs; group 2, consisting of 17 lambs given one feed of colostrum when they were two hours old; and group 3, consisting of 18 colostrumdeprived lambs given spectinomycin orally when they were two hours old. Nine group 1 lambs became diseased and were killed for humane reasons. Blood biochemical changes included hyperglycaemia followed by hypoglycaemia, lactacidaemia, hypoproteinaemia and metabolic acidosis, and postmortem examination of the diseased lambs showed signs consistent with endotoxaemia and a clinical diagnosis of watery mouth disease. Coliforms were isolated from the blood of all group 1 lambs and from half the lambs in groups 2 and 3, but endotoxaemia and watery mouth disease occurred only in group 1 lambs. The results for groups 2 and 3 showed that neither colostrum nor antibiotic at the rates and frequency used prevented bacteraemia, although consecutive samples were positive only on three occasions. Group 3 lambs consistently grew more rapidly than the surviving group 1 lambs and as rapidly as group 2 lambs. There was no evidence that male lambs were more prone to watery mouth disease than female lambs. The results indicated that the antibiotic spectinomycin did not induce endotoxaemia during low‐grade bacteraemia and that a single oral dose given within two hours of birth protected colostrum‐deprived lambs delivered into a contaminated indoor environment against watery mouth disease.
Persistent vitelline vein in a foal
Authors: De Bosschere H. , Simoens P. , Ducatelle R.
Published: October 2010

A three‐day‐old foal died from intestinal strangulation due to a remnant of vitelline vein which extended between the umbilicus and the portal vein. The strangulating vein was identified on the basis of its morphological and histological structure. This finding, which is the first reported case of a persistent vitelline vein in a horse, is discussed in relation to the normal development and involution of the vitelline circulation.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in six weimaraner puppies associated with systemic signs
Authors: Abeles V. , Harrus S. , Angles J. M. , Shalev G. , Aizenberg I. , Peres Y. , Aroch I.
Published: October 2010

Six weimaraner puppies, five of which were genetically related, showed systemic signs associated with hypertrophic osteodystrophy, including fever and involvement of the gastrointestinal, respiratory or nervous systems, in addition to the metaphyseal lesions. In five of the dogs the clinical signs developed less than 10 days after they had been vaccinated with a modified live virus vaccine. Radiographic findings suggested that both the hindlimbs and forelimbs were equally involved in the disease process. Abnormal haematological findings included leucocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis, and there was a consistent increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase. Serum protein electrophoretic studies of three of the dogs revealed hypogammaglobulinaemia and abetaglobulinaemia in two of them. Conservative treatment with rest and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs had little effect, and treatment with corticosteroids appeared to give the best results.
Clinical anti‐inflammatory efficacy of arofylline, a new selective phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor, in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ferrer L. , Alberola J. , Queralt M. , Brazis P. , Rabanal R. , Llenas J. , Puigdemont A.
Published: October 2010

Forty atopic dogs were studied for 28 days after the oral administration of four randomised treatments: (A) arofylline (1 mg/kg) twice daily for four weeks; (B) prednisone (0.5 mg/kg) twice daily for the first week, once a day during the second week and every 48 hours for the remaining two weeks; (C) prednisone following the same protocol but at a dose of 0‐25 mg/kg; or (D) arofylline (1 mg/kg) twice daily for four weeks plus prednisone (0.25 mg/kg) following the same protocol as in (B) and (C). The degree of pruritus and skin lesions and the side effects were evaluated and graded from 0 to 3 before and weekly during the treatments. In all cases there was a progressive clinical improvement in the clinical signs, with no statistical differences among the four treatments. However, many of the dogs treated with arofylline vomited and had adverse gastrointestinal signs.
Diagnosis of bovine brucellosis by skin test: conditions for the test and evaluation of its performance
Authors: Saegerman C. , Vo T‐K. O. , De Waele L. , Gilson D. , Bastin A. , Dubray G. , Flanagan P. , Limet J. N. , Letesson J‐J. , Godfroid J.
Published: October 2010

Brucellergene OCB (Rhône‐Mérieux) was used as an allergen to define the intrinsic parameters of a skin test and to compare its properties with serology for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. The skin test was also evaluated for its capacity to solve problems associated with false positive reactions in serological tests. The optimal reading delay for the skin test was 72 hours. The brucellosis allergic reaction was two to three times less intense than the tuberculosis allergic reaction. An increase of 1.1 mm or more in the skin thickness was therefore considered to be an adequate cut‐off. The specificity calculated for 1192 brucellosis‐free animals (including animals from brucellosis‐free herds in which false positive serological reactions had been reported) was 99.83 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 99.40 to 99.98 per cent). The sensitivity determined from 27 experimentally infected heifers ranged from 93 per cent (95 per cent ci 76 to 100 per cent) to 78 per cent (95 per cent cl 58 to 91 per cent) when measured respectively one and six months after the infection. Allergic reactions could be detected in vaccinated animals up to four‐and‐a‐half years after the vaccination. On the other hand, no sensitisation was recorded in naïve animals after up to eight monthly injections of the allergen. The skin test gave valuable information, in combination with the serological tests, in both acute and chronic brucellosis. The skin test discriminated brucellosis clearly from false positive serological reactions due to infections with Yersinia enterocolitica O9.
Clinicopathological features of seven cases of canine myelofibrosis and the possible relationship between the histological findings and prognosis
Authors: Villiers E. J. , Dunn J. K.
Published: October 2010

Seven dogs with non‐regenerative anaemia were diagnosed as having myelofibrosis on the basis of the presence of collagen and increased deposits of reticulin fibre in the haemopoietic spaces of bone marrow core biopsies. A scoring system was used to assess the cellularity of the marrow and the amounts of collagen, reticulin and haemosiderin present. These scores, together with the haematological findings, were compared with the dogs' responses to treatment and their outcome. Treatment consisted of blood transfusions, where required, and anabolic steroids and corticosteriods. Three dogs deteriorated and were euthanased within three months of diagnosis, but the other four recovered fully. There was no correlation between the collagen and reticulin scores, or the degree of anaemia and the outcome, but the four dogs which recovered all had a macrocytosis when first examined. There was no evidence of an underlying lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disease in any of the seven cases.
Experimental infection of slaughter pigs with classical swine fever virus: transmission of the virus, course of the disease and antibody response
Authors: Laevens H. , Koenen F. , Deluyker H. , de Kruif A.
Published: October 2010

The spread of classical swine fever virus was investigated in an isolation unit containing four pens, each containing six slaughter pigs. One pig in the middle pen of three adjacent pens was inoculated intramuscularly and intranasally with the virus. The fourth pen was located in a separate compartment. containing six slaughter pigs. One pig in the middle pen of three adjacent pens was inoculated intramuscularly and intranasally with the virus. The fourth pen was located in a separate compartment. The pens were visited in a strict order to study, first, the effect of indirect contact via contaminated clothing and footwear on the spread of the virus to adjacent pens and, secondly, the airborne transmission of the virus between compartments. The pigs were examined and blood samples were taken every other day for 62 days for virological and serological analyses. The virus was highly contagious for the five pigs that were in direct contad with the inoculated pig, but spread to the other pens only after all the pigs in the originally infeded pen had become viraemic. The spread of the virus was promoted by contaminated clothing and footwear, but airbome transmission contributed considerably to the spread of the virus within the pighouse. The first clinical signs observed after the virus was introduced into a pen were decreased feed intake, increased mean rectal temperature and apathy. Neither the clinical course of the infection, nor the pattem of seroconversion observed over time, was affected by the differences in the intensity of contact with the virus between the pigs in the different pens.
Prevalence of antibodies to tickborne encephalitis and West Nile flaviviruses and the clinical signs of tickborne encephalitis in dogs in the Czech Republic
Authors: Klimeš J. , Literák I. , Schánilec P. , Juřicová Z. , Trachta e Silva E.
Published: October 2010

Blood sera from 151 dogs from areas of the Czech Republic endemic for human tickborne encephalitis (TBE) were examined for the presence of antibodies to TBE and West Nile (WN) flaviviruses by the haemagglutinationinhibition test. Antibodies to TBE virus at titres equal to or exceeding 40 were found in five dogs. Antibodies to WN virus were detected in only one dog that also had a high antibody titre to TBE, suggesting this was a crossreaction between the two closely related viruses. Three of the dogs (all rottweilers) with a TBE titre of 320 had clinical signs of meningoencephalitis or encephalitis. They all survived after treatment for the clinical signs. It was proved by seroconversion that the disease was caused by the TBE virus in one of these three dogs, and it seems very likely that the virus was responsible for the disease in the other two.
Review of welfare concerns relating to commercial and special permit (scientific) whaling
Authors: Kestin S. C.
Published: October 2010

This paper reviews recent data relating to the efficiency and humaneness of the methods used to kill minke whales in commercial and special permit whaling operations. In the 1980s a grenade‐headed harpoon was developed for minke whaling. Most recent results indicate that in the Norwegian industry approximately 60 per cent of whales were considered to be killed immediately by this harpoon, with 40 per cent being wounded. However, in Japanese whaling operations, generally only 30 per cent of whales were killed immediately, with 70 per cent being wounded. In both operations, more than six minutes elapsed before half the wounded whales were pronounced dead, with some whales surviving for more than an hour after being harpooned. Many of the long killing times were associated with a failure of a part of the whaling equipment.
Disease and mortality on red deer farms in New Zealand
Authors: Audigé L. , Wilson P. R. , Morris R. S.
Published: October 2010

A longitudinal observational study of 15 red deer farms was carried out in New Zealand for two years from March 1992. The deer were monitored for performance and health problems, and farm management practices were recorded. Numbers at risk were 4683 hind‐years, 2459 stag‐years and 3202 weaner‐years. The numbers of primiparous and adult hinds at risk of losing their progeny by weaning were 653 and 3364, respectively. Where possible, postmortem examinations were carried out, and organs were sampled for histological and microbiological investigation. Rates of mortality varied with season with most stag and hind deaths in winter and weaner deaths in autumn and winter. Overall mortality rates were 1.77, 2.60 and 5.87 per 100 deer‐years for hinds, stags and weaners, respectively. Malignant catarrhal fever accounted for 0.53 stag and 0.17 hind deaths per 100 deer‐years at risk. Misadventure, including broken bones, accounted for 15.4 per cent of weaner mortalities, or 0.53 weaner mortalities per 100 weaner‐three months in autumn. Yersiniosis was confirmed in 18.6 per cent of weaner deaths, or 1.09 weaners per 100 weaner‐years during the first six months after weaning, but was also suspected but unconfirmed in a further 41 per cent of weaner mortalities. Overall, 17 per cent of yearling hinds, and 9.2 per cent of adult hinds lost their progeny between pregnancy diagnosis in June and weaning in March. One outbreak of osteochondrosis was recorded. Mortality rates varied between farms and many mortalities were preventable.
Treatment of sepsis in the small tarsal joints of 11 horses with gentamicin‐impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads
Authors: Booth T. M. , Clegg P. D. , Butson R. J. , Schramme M. C. , Smith R. K.
Published: October 2010

Gentamicin‐impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads were used to treat infective arthritis in the small tarsal joints of 11 severely lame horses. Under general anaesthesia, between five and 10 beads were placed into a 7 to 8 mm tract drilled across the affected joint and, in all except one horse, they were left in place for 14 days. Two of the horses were euthanased for reasons other than persistent tarsal joint sepsis, but the other nine survived and seven of them returned to their previous level of athletic performance.
Use of valnemulin in the control of Mycoplasma bovis infection under field conditions
Authors: Stipkovits L. , Ripley P. H. , Varga J. , Palfi V.
Published: October 2010

In a blind trial, alternate calves in six consecutive production batches of calves (total 70), on a farm with a high incidence of respiratory and reproductive disease, were allocated to treatment with either valnemulin or a placebo premix added to the milk from four days of age. The calves were weighed at the beginning and end of a 21‐day period of medication. Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken and examined for the presence of Mycoplasma and Pasteurella species, and antibodies to viral agents. Clinical condition, rectal temperature, respiratory and other signs and refusals of milk were recorded daily. Dead calves were examined postmortem. The calves medicated with valnemulin gained weight more quickly, had fewer cases of Mycoplasma infection and fewer respiratory signs, and required fewer treatments with antibiotics than those in the placebo group.
Seroprevalence and antibiotic sensitivity of serotypes ofSalmonellaenterica in Greek pig herds
Authors: Grafanakis E. , Genigeorgis C. , Leontides L.
Published: October 2010

Blood samples were taken from 50 pigs in each of 59 farrow‐to‐finish production herds and from 40 pigs in each of four of five registered multiplying herds. Samples of feed and faeces were also collected from 17 of the production herds and from the four multiplying herds. The sera were tested for antibodies toSalmonella entericaby the Danish mix‐ELISA, and the organisms were isolated, serotyped and sensitivity tested by standard techniques. The average within‐herd seroprevalence was 3.4 per cent and at least one pig tested seropositive in 21 of the 59 herds. In the multiplying herds, only a single seroreactor was detected. Salmonellae were isolated from only five of 95 feed samples, from two of the 17 herds sampled,Salmonella tennesseein four of five samples from one herd and an untypable strain in one of five samples from another. Four infected faecal samples were detected in four herds; they harbouredSalmonella typhimurium,Salmonella bredeneyorSalmonella london. No salmonellae were isolated from the samples of feed and faeces taken from the multiplying herds. TheS londonandS typhimuriumhad a low sensitivity to streptomycin, kanamycin and neomycin, and theS typhimuriumalso had low sensitivity to amoxycillin, ticarcillin, piperacillin, amoxycillin + clavulanic acid, cefalotin and cefoperazone. The other isolates were sensitive to all the antimicrobial agents tested.
Analgesic effects in dogs of carprofen and pethidine together compared with the effects of either drug alone
Authors: Slingsby L S. , Waterman‐Pearson A. E.
Published: October 2010

Thirty bitches undergoing routine neutering were used in an assessor‐blinded trial of the postoperative analgesic effects of pethidine and carprofen administered either together or singly. The level of analgesia was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain and sedation and by nociceptive mechanical threshold testing. The two drugs administered together, and carprofen alone, provided good postoperative analgesia as assessed by vAs scoring. Pethidine alone did not provide postoperative analgesia of sufficient duration.
Correlation between the clinical course of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs and the extent of mast cell infiltration
Authors: Demierre S. , Vandevelde M. , Jaggy A. , Griot‐Wenk M. E. , Welle M. , Tippold A.
Published: October 2010

The data from 20 dogs with histopathologically confirmed granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis were reviewed in an attempt to identify clinical signs and morphological and cellular parameters, particularly the infiltration of mast cells, which might be associated with the clinical course of the disease. Thirteen of the dogs had the acute form of the disease and seven had the chronic form. Young to middle‐aged, small breed female dogs were over‐represented. Central vestibular signs were observed in six of the dogs with the acute disease. Analyses of cerebrospinal fluid revealed moderate to severe pleocytosis and high protein concentrations in all cases. Histopathological investigations revealed disseminated perivascular cuffs, large confluent granulomata, tissue necrosis, infiltration with neutrophils and a large number of mitotic cells in the dogs with either of the clinical forms of the disease. Tryptase‐positive mast cells were observed in all the cases, but there were significantly larger numbers in the dogs with the acute form.
Protection of pigs against challenge with virulentStreptococcus suisserotype 2 strains by a muramidase‐released protein and extracellular factor vaccine
Authors: Wisselink H. J. , Vecht U. , Smith H. E. , Stockhofe‐Zurwieden N.
Published: October 2010

The efficacy of a muramidase‐released protein (MRP) and extracellular factor (EF) vaccine in preventing infection and disease in pigs challenged either with a homologous or a heterologousStreptococcus suisserotype 2 strain (MRP+EF+) was compared with the efficacy of a vaccine containing formalin‐killed bacterin ofS suisserotype 2 (MRP+EF+). The enhancement of the immune response by different adjuvants (a water‐inoil emulsion [wo] and an aluminium hydroxide‐based adjuvant [AHJ) and their side effects were also studied. The MRP and EF were purified by affinity chromatography. Pigs were vaccinated twice at three weeks and six weeks of age and challenged intravenously with virulentS suisserotype 2 strains (MRP+EF+) at eight weeks of age. At challenge, the pigs vaccinated with MRP+EF/WO had high anti‐MRP and anti‐EF titres and were protected as effectively as pigs vaccinated with wo‐formulated vaccines with bacterin. Eight of the nine pigs survived the challenge and almost no clinical signs of disease were observed. The titres obtained with the MRP+EF/AH vaccine were low and only two of the five pigs were protected. Pigs vaccinated with either MRP or EF were less well protected; three of the four pigs died after challenge but the clinical signs of disease were significantly less severe than those observed in the placebo‐vaccinated pigs. The protective capacity of the bacterin/AH vaccine was very low, and the mortality among these pigs was as high as in the placebovaccinated pigs (80 per cent). Postmortem histological examination revealed meningitis, polyserositis and arthritis in the clinically affected pigs. The results demonstrate that a subunit vaccine containing both MRP and EF, formulated with the wo adjuvant, protected pigs against challenge with virulentS suistype 2 strains.
WIN EPISCOPE 2.0: improved epidemiological software for veterinary medicine
Authors: Thrusfield M. , Ortega C. , de Blas I. , Noordhuizen J. P. , Frankena K.
Published: October 2010

Recent changes in veterinary medicine have required quantitative epidemiological techniques for designing field surveys, identifying risk factors for multifactorial diseases, and assessing diagnostic tests. Several relevant techniques are brought together in the package of veterinary epidemiological computer software, WIN EPISCOPE 2.0, described in this paper. It is based on Microsoft Windows and includes modules for the design and analysis of field surveys, control campaigns and observational studies, and a simple mathematical model. It provides comprehensive ‘Help’ screens and should therefore be useful not only in field investigations but also for teaching veterinary epidemiology.
Acute phase proteins in serum and milk from dairy cows with clinical mastitis
Authors: Eckersall P. D. , Young F. J. , McComb C. , Hogarth C. J. , Safi S. , Fitzpatrick J. L. , Nolan A. M. , Weber A , McDonald T.
Published: October 2010

The serum concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A and α acid glycoprotein were determined in serum collected from healthy dairy cows and cows with clinical mastitis, graded as mild (clots in milk) or moderate (clots in milk and visible signs of inflammation in the mammary gland/s) to assess their relative diagnostic value in detecting the disease. The concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were also measured in milk collected from infected and uninfected quarters. The concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were higher in the serum and milk from the cows with mild or moderate mastitis. The diagnostic value of haptoglobin in differentiating between healthy animals and those with mastitis gave sensitivities and specificities of 82 per cent and 94 per cent respectively with serum and 86 per cent and 100 per cent with milk. The diagnostic value of serum amyloid A in differentiating between healthy animals and those with mastitis gave sensitivities and specificities of 83 per cent and 90 per cent with serum and 93 per cent and 100 per cent with milk. The diagnostic value of serum α acid glycoprotein in differentiating between healthy animals and those with mastitis gave sensitivities and specificities of 62 per cent and 91 per cent.
Postmortem findings in captive cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) in Gabon
Authors: Jori F. , Cooper J. E. , Casal J.
Published: October 2010

The causes of morbidity and mortality in a population of cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) on an experimental farm in Gabon were monitored for 21 months; 94 of 546 animals (17.2 per cent) died and were examined postmortem, and complementary laboratory examinations were carried out on 23 of the cases together with samples from 13 other animals kept elsewhere in similar conditions. Twenty‐six (28 per cent) of the deaths occurred in preweaned kits, 40 (42 per cent) in subadults and 28 (30 per cent) in adults. The average monthly mortality was 2.5 per cent. Trauma was responsible for 29 of the deaths, 12 were due to septicaemia, 10 to primary respiratory lesions, five to digestive disorders, four to urinary lesions, three to reproductive problems and three to other causes; no diagnosis could be reached in 28 cases.
Serological evidence of Brucella species infection in odontocetes from the south Pacific and the Mediterranean
Authors: Van Bressem M‐F. , Van Waerebeek K. , Raga J. A , Godfroid J. , Brew S. D. , MacMillan A. P.
Published: October 2010

Sera from 58 odontocetes taken in fisheries off Peru in 1993 to 1995 and from 24‐cetaceans stranded along the Spanish coast of the Mediterranean in 1997 to 1999 were tested for the presence of Brucella species antibodies in competitive and indirect ELISAS (cELISA and iELISA). Among the animals from Peru, 21 of 27 (77.8 per cent) Lagenorhynchus obscurus, three of six Delphinus capensis, one of two inshore and two of three offshore Tursiops truncatus and five of 20 (25 per cent) Phocoena spinipinnis were positive in the cELISA. Brucella species antibodies were also observed in two of 16 (12.5 per cent) Stenella coeruleoalba and in one of two T truncatus from the Mediterranean. These data provide the first evidence for the presence of cetacean brucellae in the south Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Aetiology of clinical mastitis in six Somerset dairy herds
Authors: Bradley A. J. , Green M. J.
Published: October 2010

Clinical mastitis was monitored in six Somerset dairy herds for one year. The herds all had three‐month geometric mean bulk milk somatic cell counts of less than 250,000 cells/ml. Escherichia coliwas the predominant pathogen isolated on all the farms and in all months of the year. Environmental pathogens accounted for 61‐4 per cent of all cases of clinical mastitis and for 79‐3 per cent of the mastitis cases in which an aetiological agent was identified. The mean annual incidence was 41‐6 cases per 100 cows (range 14 to 75). Affected cows suffered a mean of 1‐5 cases and 16‐4 per cent of quarters suffered at least one repeat case. Mastitis due to E coliwas more severe than mastitis due to other causes and it tended to be more severe in early lactation and during the housing period. Mastitis was significantly more severe (grades 2 and 3) in the herd with the lowest bulk milk somatic cell count and in the herd which was kept indoors throughout the year than in the other four herds. Mastitis was fatal in 2‐2 per cent of cases and resulted in the death of 0‐6 per cent of the lactating cows.
Detection of Mycoplasma synoviae in clinically normal pheasants
Authors: Bradbury J. M. , Yavari C. A. , Dare C. M.
Published: October 2010

Mycoplasma synoviae was isolated from the tracheas of seven clinically normal pheasants found in the vicinity of a chicken farm infected with M synoviae, but not from 120 pheasants and partridges with respiratory disease. When specimens were examined by the polymerase chain reaction only two additional pheasants infected with M synoviae were identified, one healthy and one diseased.