bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A microaerophilic coccus in pyogenic infections of ruminants
Authors: SLEE K. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Pyogenic infections of cattle, sheep and goats were examined for the presence of a Gram positive bacterium that has been designated “microaerophilic coccus” by other workers. The bacterium was found to be involved in a range of disease processes, including foot and soft tissue abscesses, mastitis, pericarditis and pyometra in cattle, joint and foot abscesses in sheep and foot abscesses in goats. The characteristic feature of the bacterium was its satellitic growth around colonies of other organisms. The microaerophilic coccus was usually part of a mixed flora, which included Corynebacterium pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Peptostreptococcus indolicus and Bacteroides sp.
Use of histidine dipeptides and myoglobin to monitor adulteration of cooked beef with meat from other species
Authors: CARNEGIE P.R. , ILIC M.Z. , ETHERIDGE M.O. , STUART S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A new high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to monitor the adulteration of cooked beef products with meat from other species. The ratio of the histidine dipeptides anserine and carnosine which are present in skeletal muscle, are so different between sheep, cattle, horse and kangaroo that detection of adulteration can be rapidly achieved by chromatography on a Partisil‐10 SCX column with 0.2 M lithium formate, pH 2.9. To obtain a definitive identification of the adulterant it was necessary to also examine the electrophoretic mobility of myoglobin in sodium dodecylsulphate gels. One brand of “beefsteak” pie was found to actually be a mixture of mutton and beef. Aust. vet. J. 62: 272–276
Early history of bovine brucellosis eradication in Australia
Authors: CHAMBERLIN W. E.
Published: March 2008

Summary: The first Australian bovine brucellosis eradication campaign on a state‐wide basis was initiated and established in Tasmania. The procedures involved in drawing up a suitable scheme together with a summary of the difficulties encountered in setting up and operating the scheme are described, leading to the successful eradication of brucellosis from Tasmania. Our observations that milk was not a major factor in the transmission of brucellosis infection from cattle to man are recorded. Recognition is accorded to veterinarians, some eminent in the profession, who, in the absence of Australian research into the disease, gave freely of their advice in helping to pioneer the eradication program. Within one year of commencing the scheme 4 herds had been accredited; by 3 years 85 herds had been accredited. Aust. vet. J. 62: 289–292
Measurement of semen production rates of boars
Authors: CAMERON R. D. A.
Published: March 2008

Summary: Frequency of semen collection was used to determine methods of stabilising epididymal sperm reserves in young boars in order to measure daily sperm output which then allows estimation of daily sperm production. By collecting from boars 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) most boars reached epididymal stabllisation within 4 weeks and the daily sperm output could be calculated from the following 6 collections. A more rapid method of measuring daily sperm output was achieved by collecting from boars 4 or 5 times during one day and daily for the following 4 days. Daily sperm output measured by this method was not found to be significantly different from the method requiring collections over a 6‐week period. Frequency of collection had a significant effect on semen characteristics. Collecting 3 times a week resulted in significantly greater volumes, sperm concentration, total number of sperm in the ejaculate and daily sperm output compared with collecting at intervals of 48 h. A collecting frequency of 48 h resulted in significantly greater volumes, sperm concentration and total number of sperm in the ejaculate but not daily sperm output when compared with collecting every 24 h.
Non‐infectious factors affecting the presentation of dairy cows to artificial insemination and the result of mating in south western Victoria
Authors: HARRIS D. J.
Published: March 2008

Summary: The records kept by 4 artificial breeding centres in south western Victoria were examined and analysed by multiple regression analysis to determine whether daily fluctuations in the number of dairy cows presented for insemination, and daily, monthly and annual fluctuations in the result of first service, were associated with either climatic conditions or nutritional factors assessed as the availability of conserved hay and oats as feed supplements in the district.

Over a 122 day observation period from July to October 1974, the number of cows presented daily for insemination was negatively correlated with daily rainfall total (p<0.001), wind speed (p<0.001) and barometric pressure (p<0.05). When the mean value for barometric pressure was used in the regression equation, rainfall totals and wind speeds above zero were associated with a mean reduction of 13.8% in the number of cows presented daily for insemination.

The daily percentages of cows not resubmitted for service within 60 days of first service (non‐return rates) were unrelated to climatic conditions and to the number of cows presented for insemination. The monthly non‐return rate had a negative correlation (p<0.001) with the cost of oats but was not related to corresponding climatic changes. Annual non‐return rate fluctuations were negatively correlated with the cost of oats (p<0.001) and with the July to October rainfall total (p<0.01). It is suggested that the correlation of non‐return rate with the July to October total rainfall was due to an effect of rainfall total on the nutritional value of the pasture.
Vertebral osteomyelitis due to Nocardia in a dog
Authors: BRADNEY I.W.
Published: March 2008

Summary: Vertebral osteomyelitis in a Kelpie crossbred bitch was diagnosed on clinical and radiological grounds. Nocardia spp was isolated from a sample of the infected bone obtained during surgery. Decompressive surgery was performed in an attempt to relieve the pressure of the infected vertebrae on the spinal cord. The contraindication of the use of corticosteroids is emphasised when dealing with back pain of unknown aetiology.
Control of helminthosis in lambs by strategic treatment with closantel and broad‐spectrum anthelmintics
Authors: DASH K. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Treatment of ewes with broad‐spectrum anthelmintic in August (pre‐lambing) and early November, and of lambs in early November and early February, was effective in controlling infections with Trichostrongylus spp in lambs reared on contaminated pastures under set‐stocked conditions. It was ineffective in controlling infections with Haemonchus contortus; 82% of lambs had to be withdrawn from the experiment because of severe haemonchosis. Treatment with closantel (7.5 mg/kg) at the same times was very effective against H. contortus but ineffective against Trichostrongylus spp; 25% of lambs had to be withdrawn because of severe trichostrongylosis. The same schedule using broad spectrum anthelmintic and closantel administered concurrently was effective against both parasites; no lambs had to be withdrawn and the bodyweight gain of lambs was higher than in lambs treated with broad‐spectrum anthelmintic or closantel alone. The results provide a basis on which to develop a preventive anthelmintic treatment program to control haemonchosis and trichostrongylosis in sheep which will allow the current high frequency of treatment with broad‐spectrum anthelmintics to be reduced. Such a program may retard selection for anthelmintic resistance in Trichostrongylus spp.
Hyperacute Escherichia coli mastitis of cattle in the immediate post‐partum period
Authors: FROST A J , BROOKER B E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The pathology of hyperacute coliform mastitis was studied in 5 postparturient cows. In all infected quarters infiltration of neutrophils was negligible. In all except one case there was severe damage to the ductular and secretory system, involving most areas of the gland. Bacteria were dense in infected alveoli, and there was evidence of substantial phagocytosis of bacteria by the secretory epithelium. The exception showed a large lesion in the middle of the gland from which the spread was ductular; other infections were consistent with spread via the teat canal. The organisms were largely confined to the ductular/secretary lumen and there was little invasion of the parenchyma. The severity of the disease was considered due to the absence of the inflammatory response seen in mid lactation.
Immunoreactivity of fractionated antigens obtained from autoclaved extracts of an arthritogenic isolate of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
Authors: CHIN J C , EAMENS G J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The immunoreactive antigens in heat‐extracted (autoclaved) preparations of an arthritogenic strain of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (isolate VRS 229, serotype la) have been identified by gel diffusion precipitin (GDP) tests and a novel application of the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. Antigens precipitated by ethanol treatment of autoclaved extracts of this strain were resolved into 4 major peaks (A,B,C and D) after gel permeation chromatography on Sephacryl S200. Peak A was confirmed as a protein peak (Lowry positive) which was excluded from the gel. This peak was identified to be ELISA‐reactive when assayed with serum from pigs infected with other isolates corresponding to serotypes 1a, 1b and 2. However, it did not form precipitin lines in GDP tests. Peak B was Lowry‐positive and also contained carbohydrates. It was not as reactive in ELISA tests but rapidly formed precipitin lines with serum from pigs infected with the homologous isolate, but only erratically with serums from pigs infected with other serotype 1a and 1b isolates, and not with serotype 2 isolates. Peaks C and D were high in carbohydrate and phosphate content respectively, but were both non‐reactive in GDP tests and only slightly so by ELISA. Since serotypes 1 and 2 are the most predominant among isolates from infected pigs it is likely that the commonly recognised A antigen is a useful ELISA reagent for the diagnosis of E. rhusiopathiae infection; B antigen on the other hand, would probably be of limited diagnostic value.
Some problems with the physiological concept of “stress”
Authors: RUSHEN J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Stress has become a central concept in discussion of animal welfare, partly because it has been seen to have a precise physiological definition. However, stress is a term in ordinary language with a variety of connotations, not all of which can be related to activity of the pituitary adrenal axis. There is good evidence against the idea that the rise in plasma corticosteroids that occurs in response to some treatment can be used to assess the degree of suffering or distress experienced by an animal. The rise may simply reflect demands on the learning abilities of the animals. Veterinarians should be careful in their use of the term, and in their interpretation of such physiological data, in the context of animal welfare.
Objective measures of welfare in farming environments*
Authors: BLACKSHAW J K
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Welfare in farm animals is both difficult to define and measure. Definitions of welfare and the indicators of welfare which can be scientifically measured are discussed. These indicators are health, productivity, physiological and biochemical changes, and behavioural patterns; they can often be correlated from a husbandry system to give a good indication of the welfare status of the animals in the system. Most of the research work in this area has been done in the intensive pig and poultry industries, although the correlation of biochemical measures with husbandry procedures used in sheep and cattle has begun. It is difficult at this stage to develop a simple stress test that would take all the variables into account, but a change of any of the indicators will suggest further investigation is required. The most obvious to monitor is behaviour, as even a slight change can indicate a change in welfare status.
Prevalence and distribution of caseous lymphadenitis in feral goats
Authors: BATEY R G , SPEED C M , KOBES C J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 2,920 feral goats from pastoral areas of Western Australia were examined and the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis was estimated to be 7.8 ± 0.9% in goats presented for slaughter. Head, body and visceral lesions were present in 49.3%, 46.7% and 12.3% of affected goats, respectively. A comparison with previously reported data from sheep has been made and significant differences are discussed. Lung lesions were relatively uncommon in goats, whereas the distribution of carcase lesions was similar between the species. Multiple lesions appear to be less common in goats than in sheep.
Vulvovaginitis of goats due to a herpesvirus
Authors: GREWAL A. S. , WELLS R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two concurrent outbreaks of genital disease in goats were associated with infection by a herpesvirus that was isolated from vulval and vaginal lesions of affected does. Serum neutralising antibody to the virus was present both in goats with the clinical disease and some unaffected goats. Of 19 goat herds examined only 4 had serum neutralising antibody positive goats with low (5%) to high (60%) incidence of infection. The virus isolate was characterised as a herpesvirus on its physico‐chemical and morphological features. It contained DNA and was inactivated at low pH and by treatment with lipid solvents and trypsin. The virus particles were icosahedral, consisting of a nucleocapsid surrounded by an envelope membrane and measured approximately 150 nm in diameter.

The virus was serologically related to a New Zealand isolate of caprine herpesvirus (NZ‐CpHV), associated with similar genital disease, and was distinct from bovine herpes virus‐1 (BHV‐1) showing a one way neutralisation pattern.
Survey of anthelmintic resistance in Western Australian sheep flocks 1. Prevalence
Authors: EDWARDS J R , WROTH R. , de CHANEET G C , BESIER R B , KARLSSON J. , MORCOMBE P W , DALTON‐MORGAN G. , ROBERTS D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Between July 1981 and December 1983, 116 randomly selected sheep farms in the south west of Western Australian were surveyed for resistance to anthelmintics. A faecal worm egg count reduction test was carried out on each farm. Anthelmintics tested were thiabendazole (44 mg/kg) and levamisole (7.5 mg/kg) given by intra‐ruminal injection and comparisons were made with an untreated group on each farm.

Successful tests were carried out on 84 farms and 68% of these had resistant worms present. The prevalence of thiabendazole resistant populations was for H. contortus 18%; Teladorsagia, 41% and Trichostrongylus, 48% and for levamisole resistant populations H. contortus, 10%; Teladorsagia, 41%; Trichostrongylus24%, and Nematodirus, 10%. Multiple resistant populations were found on 17% of farms. Although the distribution of nematode genera varied between the 400 to 750 mm and the greater than 750 mm rainfall zones there was no significant difference in the prevalence of resistance between zones.

About one third of resistant populations were severely resistant (< 60% reduction). It is likely that resistant worms were present on many farms without causing clinical disease and continued anthelmintic selection pressure will result in further development of resistance.
Treatment of equine onchocerciasis with ivermectin paste
Authors: POLLITT C C , HOLDSWORTH P A , KELLY W R , MEACHAM C S , SHEAHAN B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A single oral dose of ivermectin paste was administered to 12 horses with dermatitis and clinical signs typical of onchocerciasis. Two of the horses also had lesions of Queensland itch. Microfilarias of Onchocerca cervicalis were identified in fresh, macerated, skin biopsies from the neck, brisket or umbilical regions of all horses and microfilarias of O. gutturosa from the neck of 2. Eight of the horses developed skin reactions 4 to 24 h after the administration of the ivermectin, notably weals over the neck, shoulders and flanks and pitting oedema of the ventral midline and intermandibular space. Regression of the onchocerciasis lesions was evident within 7 days of treatment and affected skin had returned to normal within 3 months. The lesions of Queensland itch were not affected by the ivermectin treatment.

Microfilarias were present in biopsies of skin, particularly in the superficial dermis, before treatment, but were absent from all skin biopsies taken one week after treatment. In some horses transient skin sensitivity reactions developed. Microfilarias began to reappear in the biopsies of some of the horses 2 months after treatment.

It is concluded that the oral paste formulation of ivermectin, although not effective against adult onchocerca, is useful for the therapeutic control of microfilarias in the skin lesions of equine onchocerciasis.
The relationship between the isolation of Brucella abortus and serological status of infected, non‐vaccinated cattle
Authors: HORNITZKY M. , SEARSON J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Seventy two non‐vaccinated cattle with various complement fixation (CF), rose bengal (RB) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results at slaughter were examined bacteriologically and serologically. Brucella abortus was recovered from 49 (68.1%) of the cattle and the use of a biphasic culture medium was entirely responsible for the detection of 6 (12.2%) of the culture positive cattle. The supramammary and retropharyngeal lymph nodes were the most rewarding tissues to culture.

A comparison of culture results and serological status demonstrated that B. abortus could be isolated from cattle with negative RB and CF tests and that the ELISA was useful in detecting these cattle and infected cattle with low CFT titres. The RB test was also useful as it detected all but 4 of the cattle found to be infected.
Controlling ocular squamous cell carcinoma in Hereford cattle
Authors: SLOSS V. , SMITH T J S , DE YI GAO
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In 3 herds 737 Hereford cattle were examined for neoplastic ocular lesions at intervals ranging from 20 to 242 days. Initially all lesions greater than 3 mm diameter were treated by cryosurgery; smaller lesions were left untreated. At subsequent inspections, lesions which had increased to 5 mm diameter were treated. The prevalence of ocular lesions in the herds ranged from 8.1 to 45.7% at the commencement of the study, and from 1.5 to 8.8% after 3.5 years. In treated cattle 71% of lesions regressed after one or two treatments. Seventy‐five percent of the small untreated lesions regressed. The progression of lesions and occurrence of new lesions was highest during summer and lowest during winter. It was concluded that inspection of eyes for lesions should be at intervals of 3 to 4 months, and include one during the summer. It is feasible for owners to detect and identify cattle with ocular lesions and to present for treatment those that have grown since the preceding inspection to a size nearing or exceeding 5 mm diameter.
Isolation of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida from an outbreak of atrophic rhinitis in pigs
Authors: MERCY A R , SALERIAN M. , LLOYD J M , RICHARDS R B , ROBERTSON G M
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of severe atrophic rhinitis is described. A toxigenic strain of P. multocida was isolated from one affected pig. Severe turbinate atrophy was not associated with significantly reduced bodyweight gain in a batch of 34 pigs examined at slaughter. The history of the outbreak suggested that pigs recently introduced from overseas may have been the source of the disease.
Successful transfer of DHP‐degrading bacteria from Hawaiian goats to Australian ruminants to overcome the toxicity of Leucaena
Authors: JONES R J , MEGARRITY R G
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Cattle and goats in Australia lack the ability to totally degrade 3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐pyridone, also known as 3,4‐dihydroxy pyridine (3,4 DHP), the ruminal metabolite of mimosine, a toxic aminoacid present in the leguminous shrub Leucaena leucocephala. Ruminants in Hawaii have this capacity due to the presence of micro‐organisms able to rapidly degrade the DHP. A mixed bacterial population capable of rapidly degrading DHP in vitro was isolated from a goat on the Island of Maui. Cultures were grown anaerobically, without added sugars, in Medium 98.5 containing DHP.

Cultures at a dilution of 1012 from the original rumen fluid were introduced into Townsville and further sub‐cultured and multiplied in vitro in strict isolation at the Oonoonba Veterinary Laboratory, Townsville. Infusion of the culture into a goat and a steer fed a 100% leucaena diet resulted in cessation of DHP excretion in the urine. After 60 days the serum thyroxine levels and thyroid size were normal and there were no clinical signs of disease. The ability of the rumen fluid to degrade DHP in vitro showed that the bacteria had become established in the rumen. In the absence of any disease in the animals, clearance has been given for the wider use of these cultures in areas where leucaena is grown. The limited evidence suggests that the leucaena toxicity problem can be solved by the use of these introduced bacteria.
Ante‐mortem and post‐mortem meat inspection: an Australian Inspection Service perspective*
Authors: MURRAY G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Australia, a major exporter of meat, has met and continues to meet the import requirements of various countries. It is free of many epizootic and zoonotic diseases and is eradicating bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis. Frequently, individual country requirements have not been relevant to the animal and public health status in Australia. Such a situation is unscientific, wasteful and unnecessary, and may divert priorities away from areas of major public and animal health significance which should be the main concern of consumers both in Australia and overseas.

In recent years the Inspection Service of the Department of Primary Industry has reviewed meat inspection procedures necessary to protect public and animal health in Australia and in countries importing Australian meat. Priorities include attention to national or regional occurrence of disease in Australia and to the use of scientific principles in inspection, including disease identification, concepts of pathogenesis and effectiveness in removal of diseased tissue from meat. Revised post‐mortem procedures for cattle, pigs, sheep and goats more relevant to disease occurrence and consideration of public health are described. In particular, this involves a reduction in the number of lymph node incisions.

Future directions for meat inspection in Australia are postulated. Concern is expressed that the requirements of some importing countries are fixed in their legislation and consequently might inhibit desirable developments. In this context it is important that scientifically sound national codes for meat inspection of the exporting country be accepted by importing countries as providing public and animal health safeguards.
A comparison of blood lead levels in dogs from a lead‐mining, lead‐smelting, urban and rural island environment
Authors: KOH T S , BABIDGE P J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A survey of blood lead concentrations was undertaken with 368 dogs from a lead‐mining (Broken Hill), lead‐smelting (Port Pirie), urban (Adelaide) and rural island (Kangaroo Island) environment. Least squares mean blood lead concentrations differed significantly (p < 0.001) between locations and were 1.05, 0.80, 0.38 and 0.32 μmol/L respectively; there were also significant differences between young (0.75) and older (0.52) dogs (p < 0.01) and between male (0.71) and female (0.57) dogs (p < 0.05). Approximately 14% of dogs from Broken Hill and 10% from Port Pirie had blood lead concentration in excess of 1.7 μmol/L. It is likely that a higher proportion of the dogs at Broken Hill and Port Pirie were asymptomatically suffering from the insidious effects of lead that has not been detected.
Encephalomyocarditis virus disease of pigs associated with a plague of rodents
Authors: SEAMAN J T , BOULTON J G , CARRIGAN M J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An epizootic of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) disease in pigs in the central west of New South Wales in association with a plague of mice (Mus musculus) in 1984 is described. The disease was confirmed in 47 outbreaks in 37 piggeries and 1152 pigs died, representing an overall death rate of 17.4% in pigs considered at risk. The disease was diagnosed in both intensively housed pigs and pigs farmed outdoors, with mortality rates higher in piggeries with less than 50 sows. The age at which pigs died ranged from 4 days to 24 weeks with higher death rates in younger pigs. Serological testing of pigs slaughtered at Blayney abattoir indicated EMCV infection to be more widespread than the disease reported. Mice were present in all piggeries reporting the disease while rats were present in 66% of the outbreaks. The role of rodents as natural reservoirs of EMCV and the possibility of variations in pathogenicity amongst strains of the virus are discussed.
Cranio‐facial tumours of mixed cartilage and bone in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: CANFIELD P J , PERRY R. , BROWN A S , McKENZIE R A
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Cranio‐facial tumours of mixed cartilage and bone are discussed in 4 koalas. The tumours were well circumscribed and distorted the faces of the koalas. Grossly, the tumours were firm, white and nodular. Histologically, they consisted of compartments separated by connective tissue septa. The compartments were lined by cells resembling chondroblasts, and had varying amounts of bone and hypertrophied chondrocytes in their centres. The neoplasms were considered benign.
Effects of helminth infection on the pre‐weaning production of ewes and lambs: evaluation of pre‐ and post‐lambing drenching and provision of safe lambing pasture
Authors: WALLER P J , DONNELLY J R , DOBSON R J , DONALD A D , AXELSEN A. , MORLEY F H W
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The pre‐weaning production of ewes and lambs in spring on pastures grazed during the previous autumn and early winter by either weaner sheep, adult sheep, or cattle was investigated together with estimating the benefits of pre‐ and post‐lambing drenches to ewes. These treatments were compared with one in which parasitism was uncontrolled in ewes lambing on pastures grazed previously by untreated weaner sheep, and another where parasitism was suppressed by 2‐weekly drenching of the weaner sheep and also of the ewes and their lambs.

Prior grazing by cattle effectively eliminated infection of pastures with intestinal Trichostrongylus and Nemafodirus spp, but less so for Osiertagia spp. Worthwhile reductions in contamination were also achieved by grazing by adult sheep compared with grazing by undrenched weaners.

Despite differences in the parasitological status of the pastures, there were no indications that pre‐weaning growth rates of lambs were affected. However, wool growth in ewes was reduced by 10 to 20% by parasite infection. Wool growth of ewes on pastures grazed by cattle during the pre‐experimental period exceeded that on any other treatment, and was significantly greater than that of ewes on pastures grazed by undrenched weaners. There was no production benefit in giving a pre‐lambing drench to ewes on plots contaminated by weaners, or in giving the additional post‐lambing drench to ewes grazing on plots contaminated by weaners, adult sheep or cattle.
The effect of time of implanting zeranol on the growth of suckling steer calves
Authors: GREATHEAD K D
Published: March 2008

Three groups of beef steer calves were implanted in 1983 with 36 mg of zeranol at 2 months or 4.5 months age or at both these ages, and their growth rates were compared with an untreated group. At approximately 8 months age in December the 3 implanted groups were heavier than the control group by 14.6 kg (P<0.05), 23.4 kg and 22.1 kg (P<0.01). At peak animal weights recorded in March the differences were 18.7 kg (P< 0.05), 31.3 kg and 31.0 kg (P<0.01). In June 1984, following loss of weight by the steers, differences between the implanted groups and the control groups had declined to 7.7 kg (P<0.05), 19.4 kg (P<0.01) and 21.1 kg (P<0.001), differences similar to those recorded approximately 3 months after implantation.

It is concluded that higher weight gains resulted from implanting suckling calves at 4.5 months of age, than by implanting calves at 2 months of age, and that implanting suckling calves twice is unlikely to be any better than implanting them once at 3 to 6 months age. Part of the maximal response can be lost if steers subsequently lose weight.
Pathogenicity studies with a strain of fowl adenovirus serotype 8 (VRI‐33) in chickens
Authors: REECE R L , BARR D A , GRIX D C
Published: March 2008

Experiments were undertaken to study the pathogenesis of VRI‐33, a strain of fowl adenovirus serotype 8 isolated from the liver of a broiler chicken with inclusion body hepatitis. A 30% death rate resulted from oral infection of one‐day‐old specific pathogen free chickens with 106 plaque forming units of VRI‐33. Chickens 10, 14, 21 and 28 days of age did not die following infection via natural routes but there were some motalities following infection via parenteral routes. Immunodepression by neonatal cyclophosphamide treatment, followed by infection with VRI‐33 via non‐parenteral routes, caused varying degrees of hepatitis with basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes. The mortality rate of cyclophosphamide‐treated, VRI‐33 infected chickens, was not significantly altered by post‐infection temperature stress. Infection with infectious bursal disease virus, followed by infection with VRI‐33 via natural routes at 14 days of age, was not associated with mortalities.
Experimentally induced lactic acidosis in the goat
Authors: CAO G R , ENGLISH P B , FILIPPICH L J , INGLIS S.
Published: March 2008

Lactic acidosis was produced experimentally twice in each of 4 adult, female goats, by giving sucrose orally at the rate of 18 g/kg bodyweight. Changes in pH, osmolality, lactic acid concentration, and other constituents in ruminal fluid, plasma and blood were monitored over a period of 48 h. Also changes in urinary pH and sediment were examined. To ameliorate the metabolic disturbance, calcium hydroxide and bicarbonate treatment was employed after the 24 h samples had been collected and their acid‐base status determined. A feature of the disturbance in the goats was that a metabolic alkalosis preceded the onset of lactic acidosis.
Growth response of steer calves treated with zeranol, oestradiol 17β or progesterone‐oestradiol benzoate implants before and after weaning
Authors: SAWYER G J , CASEY R H , BARKER D J
Published: March 2008

This experiment compared the growth response of untreated steer calves with those given a iong acting oestradiol‐silicone rubber implant or implants of zeranol or oestradiol‐progresterone pellets either singly, or repeated after 79 days. The experiment extended through the 6 weeks prior to weaning at 8 months of age, 5 weeks of grazing oat stubble and a 16‐week finishing phase on a feedlot. The oestradiol‐silicone rubber implant was the only product to significantly increase weight gains compared to controls (0.69 vs 0.52 kg/head/day, 18.2% advantage) in the pre‐weaning phase. All anabolic agents produced higher weight gains ranging from increases of 0.16 to 0.19 kg/head/day (18.2–21.6%) above controls in the first 60 days of the feedlot phase. Responses did not differ significantly among the products and were the same whether or not steers had been previously implanted. Lower planes of nutrition in the late suckling and post‐weaning periods were accompanied by smaller and non‐significant responses to both the short acting anabolics, zeranol and oestrogen‐progesterone, compared to the increased weight gains of steers given oestradiol‐silicone rubber implants. Implanting with oestradiol in a silicone rubber matrix resulted in similar increases in weight gain both before and during the feedlot phase. This may have been due to the implant maintaining a continuously high level of circulating anabolic agent for the 190 days of the experiment.
Neurological disease and lipofuscinosis in horses and sheep grazing Trachyandra divarkata (branched onion weed) in south Western Australia
Authors: HUXTABLE C. R. , CHAPMAN H. M. , MAIN D. C. , VASS D. , PEARSE B. H. G. , HILBERT B. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A severe paretic syndrome accompanied by intense neuronal lipofuscinosis is described in sheep and horses exposed to Trachyandra divaricata., This is a newly recognised toxic hazard for grazing livestock in the coastal region of the south west of Western Australia. Animals appear to become affected over a period of weeks when summer conditions induce a scarcity of alternative feed. The disease is discussed in relation to its recent documentation in South Africa where the plant is indigenous.
Infestation in the dog by the paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus 2. Blood‐gas and pH, haematological and biochemical findings
Authors: ILKIW J. E. , TURNER D. M.
Published: March 2008

Arterial blood‐gas and pH, haematological and biochemical estimations were carried out on 8 dogs infested with Ixodes holocyclus and 2 uninfested controls. The arterial blood‐gas and pH measurements did not change significantly until the dogs were recumbent and unable to lift their heads. When affected dogs became moribund, moderate hypoxaemia with acute ventilatory failure was present. The significant haematological and biochemical abnormalities were difficult to interpret individually, but taken together could reflect sympathetic stimulation of the adrenal cortex or medulla.
Dieldrin toxicity in housed Merino sheep
Authors: GLASTONBURY J. R. W. , WALKER R. I. , KENNEDY D. J. , GILL P. A. , McDOUGALL K. W. , SHARROCK A. G.
Published: March 2008

An outbreak of nervous disease with deaths and reproductive failure was investigated in a fully housed flock of 640 super fine wool (Sharlea) Merino sheep. During the 4 months after the flock was dipped in dieldrin, 70 adult sheep died and no live lambs were produced by the ewes. The diagnosis of poisoning with dieldrin was based upon the presence of characteristic clinical signs, pathological findings and the detection of residues of dieldrin in tissues. Deficiency of vitamin A was confirmed in 2 sheep and may have contributed to the reproductive failure.
Skin neoplasms of dogs in Sydney
Authors: ROTHWELL T. L. W. , HOWLETT C. R. , MIDDLETON D. J. , GRIFFITHS D. A. , DUFF B. C.
Published: March 2008

In a survey of dogs in Sydney, mastocytomas (16.1%) and histiocytomas (14.0%) were the most common in a total of 1,000 skin neoplasms. The basal cell and appendage group provided 25.5% of the neoplasms. The prevalence of the various neoplasms, the age of affected dogs, the proportion in the sexes, the common sites of occurrence and prevalence in the different breeds were broadly similar to findings in surveys in other countries, except that in the Sydney dogs there was a greater prevalence of histiocytomas and haemangiopericytomas, a more common occurrence of histiocytomas in mature dogs, an occurrence of histiocytomas in similar numbers on the head, trunk and limbs, and a remarkably common development of squamous cell carcinomas in Dalmatians.
Detection of K88 and K99 fimbrial antigens on Escherichia coli by coagglutination
Authors: MURRAY C J
Published: March 2008

Coagglutination was used to detect K88 and K99 fimbrial antigens on Escherichia coli, and results were compared to an enzyme immuno assay (EIA). When pili suspensions were tested by both methods, 28 of 66 cultures were shown to have K88 and 11 of 31 cultures had K99 antigens. No pili suspensions were positive by coagglutination that were not positive by EIA. Testing of cell suspensions gave equivalent results to pili suspensions for K99 when tested by coagglutination. Two cell suspensions reacted with the K88 coagglutination which could not be confirmed by testing of pili suspensions, while a further 20 out of 43 cultures gave equivalent results with both cell and pili suspensions for K88 when tested by coagglutination. Aust Vet J 64: 239–240
Paracetamol toxicity in a cat
Authors: ILKIW J E , RATCLIFFE R C
Published: March 2008

Paracetamol, a common human analgesic, is potentially fatal in the cat unless specific therapy is started early. A cat two and one half years old was referred for treatment 14 h after paracetamol had been administered (173 mg/kg). The cat was moribund and cyanotic and subsequently became anaemic and icteric. Treatment consisted of N‐acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid and DL‐methionine to decrease toxic effects of the paracetamol and intravenous fluids, blood transfusion and amoxycillin as supportive treatment. The cat recovered clinically during the following 12 days, but some laboratory abnormalities were still present 3 weeks later.
Natural establishment of thiaminase activity in the alimentary tract of newborn lambs and effects on thiamine status and growth rates
Authors: THOMAS K W , GRIFFITHS F R
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Thiaminase activity was detected in the faeces of lambs at 2 to 5 days of age. Levels of activity increased for 10 days and then declined over the next 3 to 4 weeks. Decreased erythrocyte transketolase activity indicated thiamine insufficiency in lambs with high thiaminase activity. Mean growth rates were 17% less in lambs with high thiaminase activity than in lambs with zero or low thiaminase activity. Bacillus thiaminolyticus was the only organism isolated which produced thiaminase. Treatment of newborn lambs with intramuscular injections of sulphadoxine did not prevent them from excreting thiaminase in their faeces. It is proposed that oral thiamine supplementation of lambs at 2 to 3 weeks of age may be the most appropriate prevention and treatment for subclinical thiamine deficiency of the cause described.
Immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin‐containing cells in the reproductive tracts of rams naturally infected with Brucella ovis
Authors: FOSTER R A. , LADDS P W , HUSBAND A J , HOFFMANNS D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Thirteen rams with serological evidence of Brucella ovls exposure (CFT of 1:8 or greater), but with no or only mild epididymitis, were selected from a ram flock. Serum, semen, preputial washings and fluids from the accessory sex glands (ASGF) and testis and epididymis (TEF) were examined and immunoglobulin (lg) concentrations estimated. Genital tissues were examined histologically and the percentages of class specific immunoglobulin containing cells (ICC) determined. Eleven of these rams had histological evidence of active inflammation consistent with B. ovis infection; the organisam was cultured from the semen of 7.

IgA concentration was high in semen (mean ± standard deviation of 5.03 ± 1.78 mg/ml) and ASGF (9.18 ± 7.28 mg/ml). These levels were much higher than those recorded in noninfected rams. IgA concentration was low in serum (0.78 ± 0.55 mg/ml) and TEF (0.59 ± 0.78 mg/ml). The concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, and IgM were low in all genital fluids sampled and not significantly different from those recorded in noninfected rams. This indicated that infection with B. ovis results in a pronounced IgA response in secretions, mostly from the accessory sex glands. Examinations of ICC, however, revealed that the plasma cell infiltrates of the epididymis, vas deferens, ampulla and seminal vesicle were predominantly IgG‐containing (92.4, 97.2, 79.4 and 91.9% respectively). Fewer IgM‐containing cells were scattered throughout these tissues, constituting 3.9, 6.3, 0.3 and 6.5% of all ICC, respectively. IgA‐containing cells were most frequently seen in the ampulla (9.6% of ICC) where they were located directly beneath the epithelium, suggesting the ampulla as the most prominant location for the local production of IgA. These results indicate that although the tissue ICC response was predominantly IgG, IgA was selectively transferred into secretions with the exclusion of most IgG and IgM. ICC percentages in bulbourethral and prostate glands, and beneath pelvic urethral and preputial epithelia, were similar to those found in noninfected rams.
An evaluation of the efficacy of cordial for preventing post‐weaning diarrhoea in pigs
Authors: PATON M W , MERCY A R , WALLACE J F
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An evaluation of the efficacy of a commercial crystalline cordial concentrate for preventing post‐weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and improving weight gains in pigs following weaning, was carried out in 3 herds using 861 pigs. The incidence of PWD in pigs drinking the cordial was reduced in 2 herds and its severity was reduced in one of these. There was no effect on either incidence or severity in the other herd.

The pigs given cordial consumed considerably more water per day and less feed per day than pigs drinking plain water during the 10‐day supplementation period. There was no improvement in average daily gain or feed conversion ratio attributable to adding cordial to drinking water in any of the herds. In one herd the growth rate of pigs receiving cordial was actually depressed during the supplementation period. There was no reduction in mortality or in number of treatments given for diarrhoea in pigs receiving cordial.
Bovine leptospirosis: Microbiological and histological findings in cattle slaughter
Authors: SKILBECK N W , FORSYTH W M , DOHNT M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Kidneys from cattle at slaughter wee examined for the presence of leptospires. Of 218 (8.3%) kidneys leptospires were isolated from 18; all were identified as Leptosplra interrogans serovar hardjo. None of the leptospire‐infected kidneys had histopathological lesions indicative of leptospirosis and leptospires were demonstrated in only 2 by immunogold silver staining.

Leptosplres in fected kidnevs remained viable for at least 21 days when stored at 4° but became non‐viable within 14 days when stored frozen at −15°.
Hepatotoxicity to dogs of horse meat contaminated with indospicine
Authors: HEGARTY MP , KELLY WR , McEWAN D. , WILLIAM OJ , CAMERON R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: An outbreak of liver disease which killed more than 30 dogs at Alice Springs was associated with feeding meat from horses, some of which had developed Indigofera linnaei poisoning (Birdsville horse disease). Affected livers were small, nodular and yellow. There was associated jaundice, ascites, elevation of alanine aminotransferase levels in serum, a tendency to bleed, and signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Histologically, livers showed periacinar necrosis, collapse and haemorrhage, with severe swelling, vacuolation and cholestasis in remaining hepatocytes. Indospicine, a toxic amino acid found in the genus Indigofera, was detected in samples of suspect horsemeat. Experimental feeding of horsemeat containing 16 mg indospicine/kg for 32 days produced periacinar necrosis and hepatocellular swelling in 2 dogs, although neither died nor showed clinical illness. In another experiment, intakes of as little as 0.13 mg indospicine/kg bodyweightlday for 70 days produced periacinar liver lesions, and indospicine concentrations in serum, muscle and liver rose during this period to 3.9, 7.9 and 17.5 mg/kg, respectively. It was concluded that meat from horses grazing l. linnael can be hepatotoxic for dogs, and that this toxicity may be related to its indospicine content.
Anthelmintic resistance in the field: Changes in resistance status of parasitic populations in response to anthelmintic treatment
Authors: WALLER PJ , DOBSON RJ , AXELSEN A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Changes in anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites were monitored in sheep grazing on 2 separate farms, but with the same anthelmintic treatment program, over 16 years. High levels of benzimidazole resistance emerged in Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus spp populations on both farms following 9 years of continuous use of this class of drug. Subsequently, variations in the levels of resistance occurred for the same species between farms and between species on the same farm. A change to levamisole for 2 years resulted in a significant reversion towards benzimidazole susceptibility, but a concomitant rise in levamisole resistance, in Ostertagia on one farm. However, benzimidazole resistance increased rapidly following the re‐introduction of oxfendazole into the anthelmintic treatment program. Results from both farms illustrate the pitfalls of using one anthelmintic class for an extended period and provide indirect support for the alternation of anthelmintic classes at approximately yearly intervals.
Serological characterisation of Australian isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: EAVES LE , BLACKALL PJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Using hyperimmune rabbit antiserums to 8 reference serovar strains, a total of 51 Australian isolates of Aclinobacillus pleuropneumoniae were serotyped by either a rapid slide agglutination test or a gel diffusion test. The results were: serovar 1 — 24 isolates; serovar 2 — 6 isolates; serovar 3 — 5 isolates; serovar 7 — 15 isolates; nontypable — 1 isolate. The rapid slide agglutination test was suitable for screening field isolates, as 73% of those tested reacted with only 1 of the 8 antiserums and were assigned to a particular serovar of the basis of this test alone.
The effects of different anesthetics on blood steroid concentrations in domestic tom‐cats
Authors: JOHNSTONE IP , BANCROFT BJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Testosterone and androstenedione were measured in the plasma of mature tom‐cats before, during and after anesthesia with thiopentone, ketamine, xylazine and alphaxolone/alphadolone. Samples were collected via an indwelling jugular catheter at 30 min intervals before anesthesia (5 samples) and during the recovery phase (8 samples), and at intervals of 15 min during anesthesia (7 samples). Thiopentone and ketamine anesthesia significantly depressed testosterone and androstenedione concentrations during and after anesthesia. Xylazine significantly increased testosterone concentrations during anesthesia but they returned to pre‐anesthetic concentrations during recovery. Androstenedione concentrations were significantly depressed during the recovery phase from xylazine anesthesia. Alphaxolonelalphadolone anesthesia had no significant effect of testosterone concentrations but significantly increased androstenedione concentrations during anesthesia and recovery. Testosterone and androstenedione concentrations in cats were significantly altered by these 4 commonly used anesthetics and this must be taken into account if hormone concentrations are measured while cats are anesthetised.
The pathogenesis and treatment of osteomyelitis and laminitis in a stallion after the prolonged topical application of formalin to the distal phalanx
Authors: DART AJ , PASCOE RR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A 12‐year‐old Quarterhorse stallion was presented with a severe lameness in the left forefoot. There was a 3cm diameter cavity in the sole that extended to the solar surface of the distal phalanx. Radiographs revealed an osteomyelitis and a sequestrum which probably developed following the prolonged topical application of 10 percent formalin. The sequestrum was removed and the infected bone curetted under general anaesthesia. The horse was shod with heart bar shoes on both front feet 7 days after the surgery. Eight months later, radiographs showed marked rotation of the distal phalanx despite continual shoeing with heart bar shoes. Surgical resection of the dorsal wall of the hoof at the toe removed the pressure applied by the laminar wedge, and combined with the stabilising and supporting action of the heart bar shoe, permitted realignment of the distal phalanx approximately 30 degrees closer to the normal skeletal axis by 26 days post‐operatively.

This case highlights some of the recent developments in the treatment of laminitis and suggests that effective treatment is possible if the value of the animal warrants the time and investment.