bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing semen characteristics in boars
Authors: CAMERON R. D. A.
Published: March 2008

Summary: Factors influencing semen characteristics in young boars reared in a subtropical environment were studied. Age had only a slight effect on semen volume, but had a significant effect on sperm concentration, total sperm in the ejaculate and daily sperm output (DSO), there being marked increase in boars over 12 months of age compared with younger boars. Boars aged between 8 and 12 months had a DSO of 8.1 ± 2.6 times 109 compared with boars 13 to 15.5 months with a DSO of 14.3 ± 3.9 times 109 and boars aged 16 to 18 months with a DSO of 15.2 ± 6.2 times 109. A highly significant correlation was found between bodyweight and all the semen characteristics examined, the highest correlation being with total number of sperm in the ejaculate. Daily sperm output was not significantly correlated with testicular size as measured by width or length in the live animal. Copulatory behavior had little influence on semen characteristics. Semen characteristics studied were not found to be adversely affected by season. A highly significant correlation between total volume and fluid volume, total volume and gel volume, and total volume and sperm concentration was found, but no correlation was found between total volume and total sperm in the ejaculate. Fluid volume was correlated significantly with gel volume, sperm concentration and total sperm in the ejaculate. A highly significant correlation was found between sperm concentration and total sperm in the ejaculate.
Diseases and parasites of cattle in Vanuatu
Authors: SCHANDEVYL P. , DELEU D.
Published: March 2008

A study of cattle diseases was carried out in Vanuatu from 1971 to 1981. Tuberculosis was discovered in 4 herds and eradication was completed by 1981. The number of farms with brucellosis reactors increased from 2 in 1976 to 7 in 1978 despite eradication measures. Antibodies to serovars Leptospira icterohaemorrhaglae, australis, sejroe and canicola were demonstrated by the microscopic agglutination test. Antibodies were demonstrated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious pustular vulvovaginitis and bovine virus diarrhoea/mucosal disease complexes. Of the 18 parasites identified, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemonchus, sp, Oesophagostomum phlebotomum and Neoascaris vitulorum were the most prevalent. As brucelossis is the only serious disease present, Vanuatu is in a favourable situation with regard to cattle diseases.
Stress in calves castrated surgically or by the application of rubber rings
Authors: FELL L. R. , WELLS R. , SHUTT D. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effects of castration were studied in calves 4 to 11 weeks of age, using increases in salivary cortisol as an indicator of stress. Groups were castrated surgically or by rubber ring application or were non‐castrated (control) females. The surgically castrated group showed more agitation during the operation, but both castrated groups resumed normal behaviour soon after the operation was completed. The short‐term salivary cortisol response was significantly higher after surgical castration than after the application of rubber rings, where, in turn, it was significantly higher than in the control group. Salivary cortisol was elevated over a period from 15 min to 3 h following the castration, but at 4, 24 h and 6 days post‐treatment there were no significant differences between treated groups and controls.
An omaso‐abomasal cannula used to assess efflux from the omasum of sheep
Authors: McSWEENEY C S
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An omaso‐abomasal cannulation technique was developed for sheep to assess efflux from the omasum. The procedure enabled the collection of the total omasal effluent and avoided transection of the innervation and circulation of this region of the gut. Eating was associated with an increase in flow of the fluid and dry matter fractions of digesta passing from the omasum but efflux was unaffected by rumination. There were few protozoa and flagellated organisms in the omasal effluent relative to the numbers in ruminal fluid. The preparation was used over 3 months of study.
Completion of the cycle for transmission of sarcosporidiosis between cats and sheep reared specific pathogen free
Authors: FORD G E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The confirmation of a cat‐sheep transmission for visible sarcocysts was achieved in specific pathogen free (SPF) animals by completing sheep‐cat‐sheep‐cat passages during 1977–79. The study used 22 laboratory cats and 15 specially bred sheep. Experimental sheep were dosed with sporocysts recovered from cats fed visible sarcocysts. “Giant” or “fat” form of macroscopic sarcocysts commonly found on the oesophagus were first demonstrated in the SPF sheep at 17 months after dosing. The sarcocysts from these sheep were infective to cats. Thus, the cycle of transmission for cat‐borne ovine sacosporidiosis was completed.

Grazing sheep in some situations develop visible cysts earlier, around one year of age, hence it is considered that the infections of experimental sheep in SPF conditions may not reflect all the circumstances leading to natural infection.
Multiple congenital malformations of the face, nervous system and musculoskeletal system of pigs
Authors: WHITTINGTON R J , UNGER D B , WILSON J M
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Multiple congenital malformations occurred in 21 of 26 pigs (81%) in 3 litters from 2 piggeries. Two of 26 pigs (7%) were mummified while 3 of 26 (11%) were normal. Chelloschisis was seen in all malformed pigs and was accompanied by various combinations of palatoschisis, arhinencephaly, hypoplasia of the spinal cord, arthrogryposis of the pelvic limbs, polydactyly, renal lesions and cauliflower ears. Histological examination suggested that arthrogryposis was due to neurogenic muscular atrophy. The teratogen was not identified.
A reappraisal of the complement fixation test using soluble Mycobacterium avium antigen for the detection of M. paratuberculosis infection in cattle
Authors: RATNAMOHAN T N , NORRIS M J , MITCHELL G. , SPENCER T L
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Serums from 263 cattle suspected of having paratuberculosis on the basis of clinical signs, were tested for antibodies to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis with a complement fixation test (CFT) employing a heat extracted, soluble M. avium antigen. Microscopic examination confirmed that 172 (65.4%) clinically affected animals had paratuberculosis, the remainder being disease‐free. The specificity and sensitivity of the CFT was 92.3% and 74.4% respectively. Phenol treatment of serums before testing was compared with no treatment and was found to have no significant effect on the CFT titres. Results obtained are discussed in relation to the cause of false negative and false positive reactions.
Melioidosis in intensive piggeries in south eastern Queensland
Authors: KETTERER P J , WEBSTER W R , SHIELD J. , ARTHUR R J , BLACKALL P J , THOMAS A D
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The epidemiology of melioidosis was investigated in 8 intensive piggery units which used water from the same river in south eastern Queensland. In 3 consecutive years cases of disease followed heavy rainfall and flooding. Although Pseudomonas pseudomallei was not isolated from water or soil samples the water supply was suspected as the source of infection. Affected pigs were detected at slaughter by the presence of abscesses most commonly in the bronchial lymph nodes (40%) and spleen (34%). One hundred and fifty nine cases were observed at slaughter from a total of 17,397 animals at risk. Infection by inhalation of water aerosols derived from nipple drinkers, hose sprays and a water misting cooler was considered to be responsible for the bronchial lymph node lesions. These outbreaks occurred outside the area in which melioidosis is generally regarded as being endemic.
Granulocytopaenia and thrombocytopaenia in dairy cattle—a suspected mycotoxicosis*
Authors: JEFFERS M. , LENGHAUS C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY During a 6‐week period, 22 Dairy Shorthorn cows and heifers died with granulocytopaenia and thrombocytopaenia. Clinical signs observed in the affected animals included increased salivation, pyrexia, depression, rumenal stasis, bilateral epistaxis, melaena, increased bleeding after removal of retained foetal membranes and rapid weight loss. Despite intensive antibiotic and vitamin K therapy and blood transfusions, all affected animals died. The aetiological agent, thought to be a fungal toxin, could not be isolated from post mortem specimens or pasture samples.
Cross‐protection from Bacteroides nodosus vaccines and the interaction of pili and adjuvants
Authors: STEWART D J , CLARK B L , EMERY D L , PETERSON J E , JARRETT R G , O'DONNELL I J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effects of vaccination of Merino sheep with the purified pili or the whole cells of Bacteroides nodosus strain 198, either in oil or alum‐oil adjuvant, on the severity of footrot induced with the homologous strain (198) and a heterologous strain (217) were determined in a field experiment, on flood irrigated pasture. The efficacy of the whole call vaccines was comparable to that of purified pili vaccines, against homologous challenge, when both had a similar content of pilus antigen although the purified pili vaccines induced significantly greater homologous pilus agglutinating antibody titres than the whole cell vaccines. However, against heterologous challenge, the whole cell vaccines in oil (CO) or alum‐oil (CAO) provided significantly greater protection than a purified pili‐in‐oil (PPO) vaccine, the number of severely affected feet in sheep vaccinated with PPO being similar to that of the unvaccinated group. The group vaccinated with purified pili In alum‐oil (PPAO) was intermediate between these two extremes. The superior performance of the PPAO in comparison to the PPO vaccine, against heterologous challenge, was associated with significantly higher mean ELISA titres to the outer membrane complex. Western blot analyses implicated a role in cross‐protection for outer membrane proteins, in particular a protein M, 78,000. The PPO vaccine produced fewer, smaller and less persistent vaccination reactions at the inoculation sites than did the other vaccines. Bodyweight gains in the period prior to challenge were much lower for the groups vaccinated with CO and CAO than for the controls and those vaccinated with purified pili, due presumably to the larger vaccination reactions. During the foot‐rot transmission period bodyweight gains were greater for all vaccinated groups than for the controls for those sheep challenged with the homologous strain. However, no such differences were observed between the groups challenged with the heterologous strain.
Studies into immunisation of cattle against interdigital necrobacillosis
Authors: CLARK B L , EMERY D L , STEWART D J , DUFTY J H , ANDERSON D A
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Calves were immunised with fractions of Fusobacterium necrophorum incorporated in mineral oil adjuvant and then each foot was experimentally exposed to interdigital necrobacillosis (foot abscess) by subcutaneous injection of homologous organisms through the interdigital skin. The number of cells from an 18 h liquid culture that might be expected to cause 50% of the feet of control calves to develop marked swellings following subcutaneous injection was shown to be approximately 2.2×103 cells. Immunity was shown to be associated with antigens that were located in the supernatant of the culture, and which may be identical with or closely associated with the exotoxins.
The prevalence of Eperythrozoon ovis infection in weaner and adult sheep in north eastern Victoria
Authors: NICHOLLS T J , VEALE P I
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A survey of weaner (6 to 12 months) and adult sheep for the presence of Eperythrozoon ovis antibodies using an immunofluorescent antibody assay was carried out. In 22 shires in north eastern Victoria over 2 years infection was demonstrated in 10% and 51% of weaner and adult sheep respectively.
Pathogenesis of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and goats
Authors: BATEY R G
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The progress of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and goats is described as involving primary wound infection, lymphatic and haematogenous dissemination, and secondary infection of lymph nodes and various visceral organs. This is followed by elimination or containment of infection, the latter being represented by the characteristic caseous lesions. Resistance to infection is complex involving components of both the specific and non‐specific host response. The role of these in pathogenesis is discussed. Bacterial factors including the phospholipase exotoxin and cytotoxic lipid contribute to pathogenesis at a local level with little likelihood of systemic effect in the natural disease. In a disease such as caseous lymphadenitis, lesion site, size or number do not indicate severity of disease but rather, reflect the ability of the host to mount a cellular response to infection.
The application of the ELISA to the diagnosis and control of avian encephalomyelitis
Authors: SMART I J , GRIX D C , BARR D A
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An ELISA for measuring serum antibody against avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV) was evaluated for its application to the diagnosis and control of avian encephalomyelitis (AE). A scoring system was developed for this ELISA (AE ELISA‐Index) so that the overall level of antibody in the flock could be presented in a single, convenient number. During suspected outbreaks of disease thought to have been caused by AEV infection, the AE ELISA‐Index increased in sequential serum samples. High levels of antibody against AEV were measured in 13 flocks experiencing egg productivity problems. Variable levels of antibody activity against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were also observed in 11 of these flocks. The AE ELISA‐Index was correlated with the embryo susceptibility test. Application of the AE ELISA has indicated that natural exposure to the virus does not occur in all flocks, and vaccination failures were detected sufficiently early for revaccination to be administered before the onset of lay.
Prospects for the use of embryos in the control of disease and the transport of genotypes
Authors: SHELTON J N
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Transfer and low temperature storage of embryos are now proven techniques for a number of mammalian species. These techniques are useful in control of disease and in saving genotypes from infected animals. The place of embryos in the epidemiology of disease depends upon whether the causative organism can gain entry to the oocyte before or at fertilisation and on whether the young embryo can be invaded by organisms in the uterine environment. There is little evidence that important live‐stock diseases are transmitted via gametes. The zona pellucida surrounding the embryo is an effective barrier against a number of important disease organisms; in some cases the embryo is susceptible once it has hatched from the zona pellucida. It is important therefore in considering the use of embryos in disease control, to ensure that virus is not attached to the surface of the zona pellucida from where it can infect the recipient and/or the embryo after hatching. Washing procedures have been devised together with the use of enzymes and antisera to remove virus from the surface of embryos. Some viruses enter pores and sperm tracks in the zona and removal of these may present a problem. African swine fever virus has been shown to resist removal by treatment with enzymes. There are no guidelines as to the likely interaction between a certain virus and embryos. Therefore each virus of interest must be tested to determine whether it can be transmitted via washed embryos. Nevertheless there are numerous instances of the use of embryo transfer to eradicate a specific disease or to save valuable genetic material from infected animals without transmitting disease.

Embryo transfer and related technology offers a cheap and humane method of transporting genotypes and it is appropriate that research continue into the reactions between embryos of the major mammalian species and the causative agents of the important animal diseases.
The management of oral tumours in dogs and cats
Authors: EMMS S G
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Successful management of oral tumours must achieve the dual needs of continued oral function and total destruction of often massive tumours. The most effective treatments currently available are radiation therapy and radical surgical excision involving partial mandibulectomy or maxillectomy, but the size of a tumour, its location, biological behaviour and the availability of treatment facilities will influence the mode of therapy chosen.
The toxicity of phomopsin for sheep
Authors: PETERSON J. E. , JAGO M. V. , PAYNE A. L. , STEWART P. L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Pure phomopsin was administered to young Merino x Border Leicester wethers by single subcutaneous (SC) and by single and multiple intraruminal (IR) injection. The toxicity after IR injection was influenced by the size of individual doses and the time over which the total dose was given. At high levels of ingestion the toxicity of phomopsin may be limited by absorption rates; with low daily doses the capacity to repair liver damage may be sufficient to prevent cumulative effects.

By SC injection a single dose of 10μg/kg approximated the LD50. By IR injection the overall clinical, biochemical and histological responses closest to these of this SC dose resulted from a single dose of 1,000 μg/kg. The same total dose administered at daily rates of 50 or 200 μg/kg was more toxic and killed all sheep. A single dose of 500 μg/kg caused significant liver damage, but no deaths. Single doses of 125 and 250 μg/kg and repeated daily doses of 12.5 μg/kg over 16 weeks caused no detectable tissue damage. Inappetence was the most sensitive indicator of phomopsin toxicity.

About 10% of the sheep differed substantially from the rest of the flock in their susceptibility to phomopsin poisoning.
Effects of helminth infection on the pre‐weaning production of ewes and lambs: comparison between safe and contaminated pasture
Authors: WALLER P J , AXELSEN A. , DONALD A D , MORLEY F H W , DOBSON R J , DONNELLY J R
Published: March 2008

Comparison was made of the performances of cross‐bred ewes and their lambs on pastures of low helminth infectivity (“safe” pastures) or contaminated pastures and at high or low stocking rates. Ewes grazing the safe, but not the contaminated, pastures were given a single pre‐lambing drench. The largest difference in parasite infection between treatments was the level of exposure of sheep to Trichostrongylus spp, which was negligible on the safe pastures. The effects of parasite control on lamb growth were significant only in twins during the last 2 months before weaning. However, 22% of lambs on contaminated plots became soiled in the breech area and 38% were flystruck, compared with 8% and 10% respectively for lambs on the safe pastures. Ewe bodyweight gains were greater at low than at high stocking rate and were not affected by the parasite control treatments; differences in breech soiling and fly strike were similar to those in the lambs. Most importantly the parasite treatment produced a highly significant effect on ewe fleece weight at weaning.

Ewes drenched and lambing on the safe pastures produced an extra 0.43 kg of wool, calculated to represent an increase of at least 40% during this period at the low‐level of parasitic infection.
Infestation in the dog by the paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus 1. Clinical and histological findings
Authors: ILKIW J. E. , TURNER D. M. , HOWLETT C. R.
Published: March 2008

Under laboratory conditions 8 dogs were infested with Ixodes holocyclus and the clinical signs and histological findings were recorded. Seven of the dogs developed clinical signs of the disease, died and were subjected to a post‐mortem examination, while the eighth dog remained normal. The clinical signs were consistent between animals and enabled the course of the disease to be subdivided into 5 stages to facilitate analysis of data in future experiments. The most prominent feature of the disease was dysfunction of the efferent motor system although some disturbance of the afferent pathways and involvement of the autonomic nervous system did occur. The period elapsing between attachment of the ticks and onset of signs varied from 5.5 to 7 days, while the mean duration of the disease was 23.3 h. The histopathology demonstrated moderate to severe congestion of the liver, kidney and lungs, and in some lung sections pulmonary oedema was present.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning of sheep in New South Wales
Authors: SEAMAN J. T.
Published: March 2008

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning of sheep in New South Wales was reviewed, based on the records of the New South Wales Department of Agriculture's Regional Veterinary Laboratories. The plant species causing significant mortalities were Echium plantaglneum and Heliotropium europaeum. The syndrome of hepatogenous chronic copper poisoning was more frequently diagnosed than primary pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning, particularly when grazing E. plantagineum. The data indicated that adult crossbred ewes were the most commonly affected class of sheep.
Veterinary education in China
Authors: ENGLISH P. B. , CAO G. R.
Published: March 2008

A brief history of the development of veterinary knowledge and education in China and a short account of present‐day veterinary education are presented. In dealing with the latter, information on the number and structure of schools, the undergraduate curriculum, graduate numbers and employment on graduation are considered. Information on the staffing of veterinary teaching departments, academic staff salaries and pensions is also added.
A clinical trial using a regimen which includes a norgestomet implant and norgestomet plus oestradiol valerate injection as a treatment for anoestrus in dairy cows
Authors: GALLOWAY D. B. , BRIGHTLING P. , MALMO J. , ANDERSON G. A. , LARCOMBE M. T. , WRIGHT P. J.
Published: March 2008

In seasonally calving dairy herds in the Macalister Irrigation Area of Gippsland, Victoria, cows that had not been observed in oestrus by the start of the mating season and which had inactive ovaries based on rectal palpation and progesterone assay were treated with a hormonal treatment (n = 49). Mature cows had calved at least 40 days previously and 2‐year‐olds had been calved at least 60 days. The treatment consisted of a norgestomet implant and a norgestomet and oestradiol injection on day 1; prostaglandin analogue (Prosolvin)t on day 8; withdrawal of implant on day 10 and an injection of PMSG‡ and fixed time artificial insemination 54 to 56h after implant withdrawal. This treatment was called the Syncro‐mate§ regimen. Control cows (n = 46) were injected with water on days 1, 8 and 10 and artifically inseminated or served by a bull when seen on heat. Forty seven percent of the treated cows became pregnant within 14 days from the start of treatment compared with 20% of control cows (P<0.01). There was an effect of age group on the response to treatment. A greater proportion of 2‐year‐old cows than mature cows became pregnant within 14 days of treatment (79% of 19 v. 27% of 20; Chi square interaction, treatment by age, 6.4, P < 0.05). In the younger cows there was also a gain of 22 days in the treatment to conception interval over the control cows (P < 0.001). It was concluded that the Syncro‐mate regimen can be an effective treatment for post partum anoestrus in dairy cows under certain conditions.
Isolation and characterisation of Bordetella avium and related species and an evaluation of their role in respiratory disease in poultry
Authors: BLACKALL P J , DOHENY C M
Published: March 2008

A total of 24 Gram negative non fermentative bacteria obtained from poultry were compared with reference strains of Bordetella avium, Alcaligenes faecalis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and a Bordetella aw'um‐like organism. Thirteen isolates were identified as B. avium and 11 were identified as B. avium‐like. A commercial microidentification kit (the API20NE) did not identify the field isolates but did separate them correctly into the 2 groups. A practical identification scheme, suitable for diagnostic laboratories, is proposed for these organisms. The available clinical histories suggest that B. avium is associated with upper respiratory tract disease in turkeys. Aust Vet J64: 239–240
Reproductive patterns of pedigree cats
Authors: JOHNSTONE I.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A survey of Brisbane catteries was carried out to investigate reproductive patterns of pedigree cats. Eighteen breeders supplied data on 751 litters with a total of 3171 kittens covering the Persian, Chinchilla, Siamese, Burmese and Abyssinian breeds. The overall sex ratio at birth was 100 males to 92 females. There was a significant seasonal effect on sex ratio with litters conceived during the wet season (September to February) producing more males than expected and litters conceived during the dry season producing more females than expected. Litter size and breed had no significant effect on the sex ratio. The average litter size varied with the breed with the most prolific being the Burmese (5.0) then the Siamese (4.5), Persian (3.9), Abyssinian (3.5) and Chinchilla (2.8). The average litter size was smaller for the first litter than for the subsequent 3 litters. The maximum average litter size was reached at 6 years with only a moderate decline thereafter. There was a seasonal fluctuation in births with the greatest numbers being born in spring and the least in late autumn. Longhair cats showed a more marked seasonal distribution of births than the shorthairs which reproduced for most of the year, particularly the Burmese breed.
Clinical and pathological observations on goats experimentally infected with Pseudomonas pseudomallei
Authors: THOMAS A D , FORBES‐FAULKNER J C , NORTON J H , TRUEMAN K F
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effects in goats of the subcutaneous injection of varying doses of Pseudomonas pseudomallei (90 to 500,000 bacilli) suspended in normal saline are described. High doses ( 500 bacilli) caused acute, fatal infections. Lower doses (90 to 225 bacilli) caused acute or chronic disease when infection became established. However, 11 of 18 goats injected with the lower doses of bacilli showed no sign of infection on clinical or bacteriological examination. Response to antibiotic therapy with long acting tetracycline and chloramphenicol was minimal. Goats surviving the initial phase of infection tended to overcome the disease with a corresponding increase in the number of abscesses that were sterile at necropsy. In infected goats, clinical signs included undulating fever, wasting, anorexia, paresis of the hind legs, severe mastitis and abortion. At necropsy, abscesses were found predominantly in the spleen, lungs, subcutaneous injection site and its draining lymph node.
A method of measuring the oviposition rate of the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina under field conditions
Authors: WARDHAUGH K G , READ P A , NEAVE M J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A simple technique, which allows sheep to be rendered temporarily susceptible to fly attack, is described and used to examine oviposition rates of Lucilia cuprina under field conditions. Oviposition rates are shown to be related to both fly activity and fly density. The question of Hobson's ‘live sheep factor’ in attracting L. cuprina to sheep is re‐considered.
The relationship between certain blood cations in cows with milk fever and both the state of consciousness and the position of cows when attended
Authors: FENWICK DC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In one study, a comparison was made of the concentrations and ratios of certain blood cations in 2 groups of cows with milk fever, one showing normal consciousness (n = 8) and the other depressed consciousness (n = 24). There were no significant differences in the mean concentrations of serum total calcium, plasma inorganic phosphorus and potassium, erythrocyte sodium and potassium, the serum calcium/serum magnesium ratio or the plasma sodium/erythrocyte sodium ratio. There were significant differences (all P < 0.05) in the mean (± SD) concentrations of serum magnesium and plasma sodium concentrations, and the plasma sodium/serum magnesium ratio of 0.8 ± 0.28 vs 1.2 ± 0.37 mmol/l, 155 ± 3.0 vs 147 ± 6.4 mmolll and 180 ± 40.1 vs 116 ± 34.1 for normal vs depressed cows, respectively.

In a second study, a comparison was made of the concentrations and ratios of the same blood cations in 3 groups of cows in different positions when attended for milk fever, namely standing (n = 6), sternal recumbency (n = 24) and lateral recumbency (n = 31). There were no significant differences between the mean concentrations or ratios of any of the cations.
Successful long term treatment of a dog with psychomotor seizures using carbamazepine
Authors: HOLLAND CT
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Psychomotor seizures (temporal lobe epilepsy) were diagnosed in a dog based on history, clinical findings and electroencephalography. Long‐term seizure control was achieved with carbamazepine, despite serum drug concentrations which were low to unmeasurable. It is suggested that serum levels of carbamazepine are not a useful guide to clinical efficacy in the dog, that an unmeasured metabolite of carbamazepine may account for the anti‐convulsant activity and that carbamazepine may be potentially useful in treating certain canine seizure disorders.
Prickly paddy melon (Cucumis myriocarpus) poisoning of cattle
Authors: McKENZIE RA , NEWMAN RD , RAYNER AC , DUNSTER PJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Twenty‐six Hereford heifers died after eating mostly ripe fruit of Cucumis myriocarpus growing in a fallowed cultivation paddock. Four affected cattle were dehydrated and apparently had abdominal pain. Necropsy of three revealed intense congestion with haemorrhage of the alimentary tract, numerous C. myriocarpus seeds in ruminal contents, pulmonary congestion and oedema and, in two, swollen livers. Midzonal swelling and vacuolation of hepatocytes occurred in these two. C. myriocarpus fruit (83% by weight ripe) were dosed to two calves at 60 g wet weight/kg live weight. Both collapsed with tachycardia and dyspnoea and died within 6 h. Their packed cell volumes just before death had increased to 0.7. They had hydropic degeneration and necrosis of the ruminal mucosa, intense congestion and oedema of the rumen, abomasum and intestines, swollen and vacuolated hepatocytes and foci of myocardial degeneration and necrosis. Two other calves were dosed daily with 20 g fruit/kg for three days, then 40 glkg for three days. One calf received a further 40 g/kg next day. Both calves developed persistent diarrhoea and neutrophilia, and their plasma gamma glutamyltransferase and bilirubin concentrations increased. Necropsy revealed necrosis and oedema of the rumen and swollen degenerate hepatocytes.
Serotypes of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in Australian pigs, small ruminants, poultry, and captive wild birds and animals
Authors: EAMENS GJ , TURNER MJ , CATT RE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Serotypes of 93 Australian isolates of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae from diseased domestic animals and poultry and a variety of captive wild birds and animals were determined by double diffusion gel precipitation. Two isolates, from the faeces of a swallow were also examined. Serotypes 1a, 1b and 2 were isolated from pigs and serotypes 1a, 1b, 2, 5, 15 and 21 from sheep or goats. Erysipelas in poultry was attributed to serotypes 1b, 5, 15 and 16. In captive wild birds serotypes 1b, 5, 6, 8, 14, 21 and an isolate reactive with antiserum to strain Seehecht were associated with septicaemic deaths. Single isolates from tissues of a bilby (Macrotis lagotis), black rat (Rattus rattus), brown snake (Pseudechis australis) and a bandicoot (Isoodon macrouris)were classified as serotypes 4,4,7, and 10 respectively. Six isolates were not able to be typed. Serotype 1b was the most widely distributed and most common (28%), being associated with disease in pigs, sheep, poultry and wild birds. Serotypes 1a or 2 were found in a more restricted range of animals, being commonly associated with erysipelas in pigs, less commonly in sheep and infrequently in other species. From diseased is, 26 of 33 isolates (79%) were serotypes 1a and 1b.
Specificity of the anti‐inflammatory effect of a staphylococcal cell wall extract in the bovine udder
Authors: MATTILA T , O'BOYLE D , FROST A J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus (strains 21 and Glaxo) was treated with deoxycholate and the insoluble residue was solubilised with lysozyme. The effect of the extract in modulating the inflammatory response due to infection of the lactating bovine udder was evaluated. Cows were infected with S. aureus strain 21 or Streptococcus agalactiae, with or without the cell wall extracts. The clinical response to infection was assessed, and milk samples collected up to 30 h were assayed for antitrypsin and NAGase levels, somatic cell count, and for the ability of whey to support bacterial growth. The extracts markedly reduced the inflammatory response elicited by both S. aureus and S. agalactiae, indicating the effect was non‐specific. The extract from strain 21 was generally more effective than that from strain Glaxo.
Superficial stromal keratitis in the dog
Authors: STANLEY RG
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Superficial stromal keratitis or pannus is a syndrome of corneal, conjunctival and third eyelid inflammation. Superficial stromal keratitis mainly presents as a subepithelial corneal infiltration of vascular connective tissue, and usually arises from the lateral (temporal) limbal area. In some dogs perilimbal hyperaemia and third eyelid blepharitis can be present without corneal involvement. The most commonly affected breed of dog is the German Shepherd. Most cases of superficial stromal keratitis can be controlled with topical corticosteroids, and only rarely is cryosurgery or superficial keratectomy required to remove excessive pigment and or granulation tissue. The precise aetiology of SSK is unknown, but is likely to be multifactorial, with sunlight being a significant factor. Corneal lipidosis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca can occur secondary to superficial stromal keratitis.
Uterine torsion followed by jejunal incarceration in a partially everted urinary bladder of a cow
Authors: FRAZER G S
Published: March 2008

Summary: A case of bladder eversion with intestinal entrapment in a cow is described. The condition occurred in conjunction with a 180° right side uterine torsion. The cow responded well to corrective surgery.
Causes of death in sheep exported live by sea
Authors: RICHARDS RB , NORRIS RT , DUNLOP RH , McQUADE NC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Post‐mortem examinations were conducted on 950 dead and terminally ill sheep during assembly for export and during transport by sea from Fremantle, Western Australia to various Middle East ports. Causes of death were grouped into 5 major categories; inanition (deaths associated with reduced feed intake, including hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia), salmonellosis (enteric and septicaemic), trauma, diseases associated with excessive feed intake (lactic acidosis and enterotoxaemia) and miscellaneous diseases (mostly of farm origin).

During assembly the causes of death were salmonellosis 53.4%, miscellaneous diseases 23.8%, trauma 12.6%, inanition 10.2%, acidosis 3.9%, enterotoxaemia 3.4% and no diagnosis was made in 3.4%. During shipping the causes of death in defined populations of sheep in 5 voyages were; inanition 43.4%, salmonellosis 20.2%, trauma 10.6%, miscellaneous diseases 5.9%, enterotoxaemia 1.0% and no diagnosis was made in 19.0%.

The range of mortality rates per 10,000 sheep at risk for the first 11 days at sea in 5 voyages were inanition 52.6 to 76.7, salmonellosis 7.8 to 109.8, trauma 2.1 to 17.1, miscellaneous diseases 5.9 to 17.1 and enterotoxaemia nil to 10.3.
The effects of duration and concentration of plasma progesterone on the fertility of post‐partum cows treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and intravaginal progesterone
Authors: MUNRO RK
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effects of duration of insertion of progesterone releasing devices (PRIDs) on the concentrations of plasma progesterone (plasma P4) and the relationship of these with fertility were examined respectively in ovariectomised and intact Bos taurus cattle.

In experiment 1, ovariectomised cows (n = 14) were treated with PRIDs to produce high and low plasma P4 for 7 or 14 days giving 4 treatment groups designated H7, H14, L7 or L14. Mean plasma P4 in the H14 and L14 groups were 6.6 and 6.0 ng/ml respectively, during the first week and 5.4 and 3.8 ng/ml respectively, during the second. Mean plasma P4 of 6.3 and 4.2 ng/ml were observed in H7 and L7. In experiment 2, suckled cows (n = 171) received the same PRID treatments as cows in experiment 1, plus either 375 or 750 iu pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin, and subsequent calving rates were recorded. These were significantly lower after L7 than the other treatments (12%⊻ 38%, P < 0.025). These results showed that fertility after oestrus was closely related to plasma P4 observed before oestrus and indicated that treatment with progesterone for as little as 1 week can produce normal fertility providing plasma P4 attain a critical threshold during treatment.
Salinomycin poisoning in point‐of‐lay turkeys
Authors: GRIFFITHS GL. , HILLIER P. , SUTHERLAND RJ.
Published: March 2008

Salinomycin poisoning occurred in a flock of 700 point‐of‐lay turkeys; 400 birds died over 7 days as a result of consuming feed contaminated with 50 ppm salinomycin. No gross lesions were detected. Histologic evidence of a myopathy was most readily detected in leg muscles of turkeys 5 to 7 d after ingesting salinomycin. Feeding trials were undertaken and individual susceptibility to the drug was found to vary greatly. In affected birds the plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were found to be in the range of 500,000 to 2,500,000 IU/l and 9000 to 25,000 IU/l respectively. The marked increase in the plasma activities of these enzymes preceded histological evidence of segmental muscle necrosis.
Avian infectious bronchitis: cross‐protection studies using different Australian subtypes
Authors: ENDO‐MUNOZ LB. , FARAGHER JT.
Published: March 2008

The cross‐immunity of vaccinated chickens after challenge with some Australian infectious bronchitis viruses was assessed by humoral antibody responses and by ciliary activity in tracheal rings of vaccinated chickens following challenge.

Four viruses were used for vaccination: Vac 3, Vac 4, both current infectious bronchitis vaccine viruses, and Q1/76 and N2/62. IBV N1/62 (synonym T0 and infectious bronchitis virus N9/74 (synonym Appin) were used to challenge the vaccinated chickens.

Results showed a lack of correlation between humoral antibody levels and protection. Cross‐immunity was found after vaccination with each subtype, but was lower for Vac 3 and Vac 4 than for Q1/76 and N2/62.
Evaluation of dressings to aid healing of mulesing wounds on sheep
Authors: LEVOT GW. , HUGHES PB. , KALDOR CJ.
Published: March 2008

Five proprietary and one experimental dressing were compared with no treatment in their ability to aid healing of mulesing wounds in over 1900 young lambs. Healing was judged as the completeness of shrinkage of the mulesing cuts and the condition of scabs on the new skin surface. When assessed at 21 d it was found that treatment with Heriots Crown Wound Powder® or Coopers Mulesing Powder® offered a significant advantage over leaving the wounds untreated. Neither aqueous organophosphate washes, Defiance® nor Defiance® containing 0.08% chlorfenvinphos offered any healing advantage over controls. However, washing the wounds with an aqueous organophosphate solution aided healing more than the Defiance®‐based dressings. It was considered that the powders or the washes encouraged quick scab formation either by creating a dry covering (powders) or by washing away blood and allowing fast drying of the wound. The Defiance®‐type dressings slowed healing by keeping the wound moist for up to 10 d, but healing was not significantly different to the untreated group by 21 d.
Lymphoid leucaemia in a dog after chemotherapy for mast cell sarcomas
Authors: STEEL RJS
Published: March 2008

A 10‐year‐old Golden Labrador developed a well‐differentiated lymphoid cell leucaemia during chemotherapy for a malignant mast cell tumour. Similar treatment had been carried out 2 years previously for another mast cell tumour. The possibility of an association between the anti‐neoplastic chemotherapy and the lymphatic leucaemia is discussed.
Fat malassimilation in three cats
Authors: NICHOLSON A. , WATSON ADJ , MERCER JR
Published: March 2008

Three cats were thin despite eating well. Steatorrhoea was confirmed in each by 72‐hour fat assimilation tests. Fat digestibility in all 3 increased twofold when the diet was supplemented with pancreatic enzymes, suggesting the possibility of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. However, examination of stained faecal smears gave evidence of both maldigestion and malabsorption of fat, without maldigestion of starch, and only one case had indications of protein maldigestion. In the latter cat, fat digestibility normalised with pancreatic enzyme supplementation and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was considered likely. However, at post‐mortem examination enteropathy and pancreatitis, but not exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, were found. The cause of fat malassimilation in these cats was unknown. The evaluation of malassimilation in cats is difficult because investigative tests used in other species are either unsuitable or have not been evaluated in cats.
Effect of insecticidal ear tags on populations of lice (Damalinia ovis) infesting sheep
Authors: JAMES PJ , MEADE RJ , POWELL D.
Published: March 2008

Polymer matrix ear tags containing 13.7% w/w tetrachlorvinphos or 8.5% w/w cypermethrin were applied to Merino wethers infested with lice and carrying two months wool. The cypermethrin tags reduced louse numbers by a maximum of 89% in comparison to controls at 16 weeks after treatment and by 85% at the conclusion of the experiment 38 weeks after application. Lice were not eradicated from any sheep. The number of lice counted on sheep treated with tetrachlorvinphos‐impregnated tags was not significantly different from controls.
A farming systems study of abortion in dairy cattle on the Atherton Tableland: 3. Metabolic factors
Authors: NORTON JH , SHEPHERD RK , TRANTER WP , CAMPBELL RSF
Published: March 2008

An association with a rank correlation of 0.55 (p = 0.06) was obtained between monthly rainfall and monthly abortions for a group of 24 farms in tropical Australia where cows grazed predominantly summer rain‐dependent pasture. A similar association was found among cows grazing nitrogen‐fertilised, irrigated pasture in winter in the same area. On farms with irrigated pasture the first service conception and abortion rates in herds which grazed intensively during the night (abortion 8.9%; first service conception 42.9%) differed significantly from those which grazed during the day (abortion 6.4%; first service conception 52.9%), and this suggested that increased abortion rates and decreased first conception rates may be part of the one syndrome. An hypothesis was developed that the feeding of immature nitrogen‐fertilised pasture, rich in protein and stimulated by rain or irrigation, is associated with an increased abortion rate and a depressed conception rate.

Other evidence included an increased susceptibility of first lactation cows to abortion, a lower abortion rate in late pregnant dry cows fed more mature pasture, a 20% repeat abortion rate in the population sampled and the lack of conclusive evidence for infectious and selected non‐infectious agents. There were no other observed clinical signs in most aborting cows.
A farming systems study of abortion in dairy cattle on the Atherton Tableland: 4. Pasture composition and plasma progesterone concentrations of pregnant cows in affected herds
Authors: NORTON JH , TRANTER WP , CAMPBELL RSF , IVERS N. , MARTIN P.
Published: March 2008

To provide more evidence for an apparent association between immature, high protein pasture diets and abortion in dairy cows on the Atherton Tableland in tropical north Queensland, pastures and cows on 4 farms were sampled on 5 occasions during a 7‐month period. Pasture samples were analysed for dry matter (DM), protein, nitrate and fibre content. Plasma progesterone concentrations were determined in 18 to 20 pregnant cows.

Fifty‐four pasture samples (38 grass and 16 legume) were analysed and the distribution for 3 DM ranges was: 10% to 14.9%—20 samples, 15% to 19.9%—27 samples and 20% to 24.9%—7 samples, while the distribution for 4 protein ranges was: 15% to 19%—5 samples, 20% to 24%—20 samples, 25% to 29%—21 samples and 30% to 34%—8 samples. Both pasture protein and DM content fluctuated with time. Pasture nitrate was low and insignificant while fibre (cell wall) levels appeared to be satisfactory for ruminant nutrition.

Significant differences occurred between the mean plasma progesterone levels on 3 of the 4 farms. Raised levels in pregnant cows suggested the possibility of increased progesterone production in response to a previous low progesterone crisis or, alternatively, a decreased metabolic clearance rate of progesterone in pregnant cows on a declining plane of nutrition towards the end of the summer wet season. Progesterone data were not available from cows which previously aborted.

It is suggested that high protein and low DM in the pasture were related to the abortions through reduced plasma progesterone caused either by a reduced availability of precursors for progesterone formation or by an increased metabolic clearance rate of plasma progesterone. These options require further experimental confirmation.
Synthetic pyrethroid resistance in field samples in the cattle tick (Boophilus microplus)
Authors: NOLAN J. , WILSON JT , GREEN PE , BIRD PE
Published: March 2008

First evidence of resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in the cattle tick in Australia, other than the pre‐existing cross‐resistance in DDT‐resistant ticks, has emerged. Three new strains have been investigated and characterised. The first, detected in central Queensland, showed increased ability to detoxify pyrethroids resulting in a marginal loss of efficacy of all pyrethroid tickicides tested, except flumethrin. Subsequently two more strains have been detected, with serious implications for chemical tick control. The first, from southern Queensland, has a high level of specific resistance to flumethrin. The second, from central Queensland, has a broad spectrum resistance encompassing all pyrethroids currently in use. The toxicology and biochemistry of these new resistant strains have been investigated and alternative tickicides evaluated. The significance of these latest developments is discussed.
An outbreak of Mycobacterium bovis infection in fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: ROBINSON RC , PHILLIPS PH , STEVENS G. , STORM PA
Published: March 2008

In an outbreak of Mycobacterium bovis infection in fallow deer in South Australia, 3 herds related by recent movement of deer were infected. From these 3 infected herds, 47 of 51 animals were tuberculous at necropsy. A range of lesions was seen most of which differed from classical bovine tuberculosis in that pus was a white liquid, fibrous encapsulation was not marked and calcification was rare. Histopathology was of classical tuberculosis. M. bovis was cultured from lesions and M. avium‐intracellulare was cultured from one deer with no visible lesions. The source of M. bovis infection has not been determined.