bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of well‐boat transportation on the muscle pH and onset of rigor mortis in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Gatica M. C. , Monti G. , Gallo C. , Knowles T. G. , Warriss P. D.
Published: October 2010

During the transport of salmon (Salmo salar), in a well‐boat, 10 fish were sampled at each of six stages: in cages after crowding at the farm (stage 1), in the well‐boat after loading (stage 2), in the well‐boat after eight hours transport and before unloading (stage 3), in the resting cages immediately after finishing unloading (stage 4), after 24 hours resting in cages, (stage 5) and in the processing plant after pumping from the resting cages (stage 6). The water in the well‐boat was at ambient temperature with recirculation to the sea. At each stage the fish were stunned percussively and bled by gill cutting. Immediately after death, and then every three hours for 18 hours, the muscle pH and rigor index of the fish were measured. At successive stages the initial muscle pH of the fish decreased, except for a slight gain in stage 5, after they had been rested for 24 hours. The lowest initial muscle pH was observed at stage 6. The fishes' rigor index showed that rigor developed more quickly at each successive stage, except for a slight decrease in rate at stage 5, attributable to the recovery of muscle reserves.
Computed tomography for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of bacterial pneumonia in Indian pythons (Python molurus)
Authors: Pees M , Kiefer I , Oechtering G , Krautwald‐Junghanns M‐E
Published: October 2010

Eight Indian pythons (Python molurus) with clinical and microbiological evidence of pneumonia were examined by computed tomography (ct) before and after treatment. The results were assessed subjectively and measurements were taken following a standard protocol. Changes in the lung tissue of all the pythons were diagnosed, and the extent of the disease could be assessed. ct examinations after treatment showed an improvement in the six pythons whose clinical condition had improved, but in the other two pythons they demonstrated the severity of the disease. The subjective assessments were superior to the evaluation of measurements of attenuation in regions of interest. However, the average and the maximum attenuation provided additional information on the extent of the disease. Except for one python with only mild clinical signs, the attenuation after successful treatment was still higher than in healthy pythons.
Maintenance of anaesthesia in sheep with isoflurane, desflurane or sevoflurane
Authors: Mohamadnia A. R. , Hughes G. , Clarke K. W.
Published: October 2010

Rapid recovery from anaesthesia is advantageous in small ruminants, to reduce the risk of regurgitation. Theoretically, the least soluble inhalation agents should result in the fastest recoveries, but using additional injectable agents may negate this advantage. This study compared three inhalation agents for the maintenance of anaesthesia in sheep. Eighteen ewes that were to undergo orthopaedic surgery were allocated to one of three groups. Each group was premedicated with xylazine (0·1 mg/kg intramuscularly), anaesthesia was induced using ketamine (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0·03 mg/kg) intravenously and analgesia provided by buprenorphine (0·008 mg/kg intramuscularly). Anaesthesia was then maintained with either isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane. Cardiopulmonary parameters were monitored throughout. All three inhalation agents provided adequate stable anaesthesia and there was no significant difference between the groups in their cardiopulmonary parameters or their recovery times. The mead (sd) postanaesthetic times to first swallow, first chewing attempts and ability to maintain their head lifted for five minutes were, respectively, 3·95 (2·53), 6·37 (3·68) and 32·8 (18·1) minutes for isoflurane, 3·62 (0·98), 7·66 (0·78) and 38·8 (16·6) minutes for sevoflurane, and 4·37 (1·65), 6·95 (1·52) and 29·8 (11·5) minutes for desflurane. Two sheep had poor quality recoveries after the use of sevoflurane, but all the other sheep recovered uneventfully. All three inhalation agents were suitable for the maintenance of anaesthesia in sheep but, as used in this study, there were no differences between them in speed of recovery.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of reticular motility in 144 cattle with vagal indigestion
Authors: Braun U. , Rauch S. , Hässig M.
Published: October 2010

The reticular motility in 144 cattle with vagal indigestion was evaluated by ultrasonography; 97 had proximal functional stenosis (reticulo‐omasal stenosis) and 47 had distal functional stenosis (pyloric stenosis). A 3·5 MHz linear transducer was used to measure the frequency, amplitude, duration and speed of the reticular contractions per three minutes while the animals were standing and unsedated. The mean (sd) number of contractions per three minutes was 4·3 (2·09) with a range from 0 to 12; nine of the cattle had one or two contractions, 17 had three contractions, 59 had four or five contractions, 37 had more than five contractions and 12 had reticular atony. The cattle with proximal functional stenosis had 4·6 (2·01) contractions per three minutes, significantly more (P<0·05) than those with distal functional stenosis (3·6 [2·16]). The position, contour and size of the reticulum, the amplitude and speed of the contractions and the area surrounding the reticulum did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Serum phosphorus concentrations in dogs with leishmaniosis at different stages of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Cortadellas O. , Fernández‐del Palacio M. J. , Talavera J. , Bayón A.
Published: October 2010

Serum phosphorus concentrations were measured in 155 dogs with leishmaniosis at different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and in 54 healthy dogs. CKD was classified into six stages, as follows: stage 0 (dogs with no evidence of CKD), serum creatinine (SCr) less than 125 μmol/l and urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) less than 0.2; stage 1A, SCr less than 125 μmol/l and UPC 0.2 to 0.5; stage 1B, SCr less than 125 μmol/l and UPC over 0.5; stage 2, SCr 125 μmol/l to 180 μmol/l; stage 3, SCr 181 μmol/l to 440 μmol/l; stage 4, SCr over 440 μmol/l. The dogs' serum phosphorus concentrations correlated significantly with the severity of CKD (P<0.001), and hyperphosphataemia (>1.8 mmol/l) affected 12 per cent, 11.8 per cent, 50 per cent, 76.9 per cent and 100 per cent of the dogs at stages 1A, 1B, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.
Novel H1N1 influenza in people: global spread from an animal source?
Authors: Irvine R. M. , Brown I. H.
Published: October 2010

Richard Irvine and Ian Brown of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency discuss some epidemiological features of the novel H1N1 influenza virus that is currently causing concern among health authorities worldwide.
First isolation of Parafilaria bovicola from clinically affected cattle in Belgium
Authors: Losson B. , Saegerman C.
Published: October 2010

The observation of the first two outbreaks of bovine parafilariosis in Belgium led to a preliminary epidemiological investigation conducted through a telephone survey among veterinarians in a limited area around the outbreaks. Typical clinical signs consisting of bleeding spots and areas of oedema were recorded, and the aetiology was confirmed through the observation of typical embryonated eggs of Parafilaria bovicola in the exudate. The localisation of the lesions on the withers, neck, back and, to a smaller extent, the rump of the animals, and their first appearance in early spring, were additional useful epidemiological observations. The clinical herd prevalence in the area was 14·1 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 11·3 to 17·2 per cent), suggesting that bovine parafilariosis is established in the area.
Efficacy of moxidectin against cyathostomins after long‐term use in a large herd of draught horses with a high stocking density
Authors: Schumacher J. , Livesey L. , DeGraves F. , Blagburn B. , Ziska S. , Caldwell M. , Brock K.
Published: October 2010

This study was undertaken to determine whether resistance to moxidectin had developed in a large herd of draught horses, maintained on a small acreage, which had been routinely treated with moxidectin for five years. Faeces were collected for egg counts immediately before moxidectin gel was administered orally, and seven, 30, 60 and 90 days later. The faecal egg counts were significantly reduced at seven and 30 days after treatment, but were not significantly different from pretreatment counts at 60 and 90 days after treatment. There was no evidence of resistance having developed.
Molecular characterisation of Mycobacterium bovis isolates from cattle carcases at a city slaughterhouse in Uganda
Authors: Asiimwe B. B. , Asiimwe J. , Kallenius G. , Ashaba F. K. , Ghebremichael S. , Joloba M. , Koivula T.
Published: October 2010

During a period of eight months, the carcases of 16,800 slaughter cattle were inspected at a city abattoir in Uganda. Eighty‐seven of them had tuberculosis‐like lesions and tissue samples were cultured. Only 17 cultures yielded acid‐fast bacilli; 11 of them were confirmed as Mycobacterium bovis and six as non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). GenoType Mycobacterium assays on the six NTM identified two as Mycobacterium fortuitum and one as Mycobacterium intracellulare, but three were unidentified. Characterisation of the M bovis isolates by spoligotyping and IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) revealed that five of the six spoligotype patterns observed in the 11 strains had not been previously reported, and seven of the nine isolates typed by RFLP had multicopy number IS6110 patterns. Six of the 11 infected carcases had multiple sites of infection, but none was condemned as unfit for human consumption.
Subacute ruminal acidosis in Dutch dairy herds
Authors: Kleen J. L. , Hooijer G. A. , Rehage J. , Noordhuizen J. P. T. M.
Published: October 2010

The prevalence of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) was determined in 197 dairy cows in 18 herds in the Dutch province of Friesland. Samples of rumen fluid were taken by rumenocentesis from between five and 19 animals on each farm and the pH of each sample was determined. The body condition of 139 of the cows was scored approximately three weeks before they calved and three weeks after they calved. The overall prevalence of SARA was 13·8 per cent, and the prevalence on individual farms ranged between 0 per cent (on seven of the farms) and 38 per cent (on one farm). The stage of lactation did not influence the prevalence of SARA but the cows with the condition lost more body condition over the calving period.
Efficacy of dog‐appeasing pheromone in reducing behaviours associated with fear of unfamiliar people and new surroundings in newly adopted puppies
Authors: Gaultier E. , Bonnafous L. , Vienet‐Lagué D. , Falewee C. , Bougrat L. , Lafont‐Lecuelle C. , Pageat P.
Published: October 2010

This study was designed to determine the potential value of dog‐appeasing pheromone (DAP) in reducing behaviours associated with fear of unfamiliar people and new surroundings in puppies newly adopted from a pet shop. The study was triple‐blinded, randomised and placebo‐controlled. It used 66 puppies (32 fitted with a DAP collar and 34 control) and the adoptive owners were contacted by phone three days and 15 days after they had adopted the puppy to question them about its reactions to specific situations eliciting fear. Fifteen days after the treatments significantly fewer of the puppies with the DAP collars showed signs of fear when facing unfamiliar people at home and/ or during outings. This difference was irrespective of breed size.
Farm costs associated with premovement testing for bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Bennett R. M.
Published: October 2010

Sixty cattle farmers in England were questioned about the costs associated with premovement testing for bovine tuberculosis (TB). On average, the farmers had premovement tested 2·45 times in the previous 12 months, but the majority had tested only once. An average of 28·6 animals were tested on each occasion, but there were wide variations. The average farm labour costs were £4.00 per animal tested, veterinary costs were £4.33 and other costs were £0.51, giving a total cost of £8.84, but there were wide variations between farms, and many incurred costs of more than £20 per animal. A majority of the farmers also cited disruption to the farm business or missed market opportunities as costs, but few could estimate their financial cost. Most of the farmers thought that premovement testing was a cost burden on their business, and over half thought it was not an effective policy to control bovine TB.
Beating the recession at the VPMA congress
Authors: Barton Laura
Published: October 2010

The slowing economy's potential impact on veterinary practice was a key theme at this year's Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) congress, which was held at the Nottingham Belfry hotel from January 22 to 24. The 206 delegates enjoyed lectures, workshops and, for the first time, special question and answer ‘surgeries’, where they had the opportunity to receive individual advice from experts in areas such as health and safety, legal matters and employment issues.
Injuries to Australian veterinarians working with horses
Authors: Lucas M. , Day L. , Fritschi L.
Published: October 2010

Data from a health risks of Australian veterinarians (HRAV) study were reviewed to identify reported serious injuries incurred while working with horses and the factors associated with these injuries. Of the 2188 serious injuries reported in the HRAV study, 1583 (72·3 per cent) were associated with animals, and of these, 453 (28·6 per cent) involved horses. Most of them were sustained in stock or handling yards. Factors associated with an increased frequency of injury included activities such as suturing, wound care, tubing and drenching. The parts of the body most commonly injured were the head and face and the lower extremities. Fractures were the most common type of serious injury. The use of safety precautions at the time of the injury was reported by 70 per cent of those injured.
Assessment of subclinical venous catheter‐related diseases in horses and associated risk factors
Authors: Geraghty T. E. , Love S. , Taylor D. J. , Heller J. , Mellor D. J. , Hughes K. J.
Published: October 2010

A total of 102 horses that had a catheter introduced intravenously to facilitate treatment had the catheterised jugular vein and contralateral vein examined by ultrasound every 48 hours. Subclinical complications were defined by thrombus formation or thickening of the venous wall, and the data were analysed to establish risk factors for the development of these complications. The horses with a rectal temperature above 38·5°C when the catheter was introduced were four times more likely to develop complications, than the horses with a lower temperature. The administration of a NSAID while the catheter was in place reduced the risk of complications developing.
Students get to grips with camelids, ferrets and other ‘exotics’
Authors: Morris Arianwen
Published: October 2010

‘Exotics in general practice’ was the theme of this year's Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) congress, held in Cambridge from February 6 to 8. The theme was chosen after a number of vet school representatives on the AVS committee expressed concern that many students graduate with insufficient practical knowledge of exotic species, which are being seen with increasing frequency by UK practices. To complement the lecture programme, a series of practical demonstrations and workshops helped the students get some hands‐on experience.
Identification of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Mycoplasma canadense from outbreaks of granulopapular vulvovaginitis in dairy cattle in Israel
Authors: Lysnyansky I. , Brenner J. , Bernstein M. , Elad D. , Blum S. , Friedgut O. , Rotenberg D. , Alpert N. , Benjamin A.
Published: October 2010

A syndrome in which white foci and granulopustular lesions appeared on the vaginal mucous membranes of Holstein cows in several dairy herds in Israel is described. During clinical and diagnostic investigations, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium was isolated from 11 of 20 clinical cases. Vaginal swabs taken from the same cows yielded three isolates of Mycoplasma canadense, which were all associated with the M bovigenitalium infection. Two isolates of small, round, non‐enveloped viral particles were approximately 25 nm in diameter and characteristic of enteroviruses on negative‐staining electron microscopy.
Incidence and treatment of serratospiculosis in falcons from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Timimi F. , Nolosco P. , Al‐Timimi B.
Published: October 2010

Serratospiculum species were diagnosed in 1360 of 7200 falcons examined over a period from September 2003 to September 2008. The incidence of serratospiculosis was higher in saker falcons (Falco cherrug) and peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). Serratospiculosis was diagnosed singly in 467 falcons, and in combination with other internal parasites in 893 falcons. Of the falcons diagnosed with only serratospiculosis, 286 showed no clinical signs and 181 showed mild to moderate clinical signs, including dyspnoea. In 126 of the symptomatic falcons, other signs were reported that were difficult to detect on clinical examination. These included inappetence, unsatisfactory weight gain and rapid exhaustion. Fenbendazole at 30 mg/kg bodyweight orally for five to eight days was effective in eliminating eggs and larvae in faeces. No side effects were noticed during or after fenbendazole treatment.
Prevalence of pharyngeal, laryngeal and tracheal disorders in thoroughbred racehorses, and effect on performance
Authors: Saulez M. N. , Gummow B.
Published: October 2010

Endoscopic examinations were performed on 1005 thoroughbred racehorses in South Africa a mean (sd) 24 (12·3) minutes after racing, to determine the prevalence of pharyngeal, laryngeal and tracheal disorders, and to determine the relationship of these disorders with performance (number of wins and placed finishes). Overall, there was a low prevalence of grade 2 and 3 laryngeal function (LF) (2·2 per cent), grade 4 LF (0·6 per cent), epiglottic entrapment (1·3 per cent), subepiglottic cyst (0·2 per cent) and epiglottic deformity (0·6 per cent), while a higher prevalence of grade 2 to 4 pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH) (63 per cent), laryngeal debris (43·5 per cent), tracheal debris (21·9 per cent), tracheal mucus (99·5 per cent) and tracheal cartilaginous nodules (TCNs) (6·8 per cent) was observed. Performance was not affected by the presence of epiglottic deformity, grade 2 and 3 LF, grade 4 LF, debris within the trachea or larynx, or epiglottic entrapment. Grade 3 PLH occurred in younger racehorses; performance was impaired in horses with grade 2 and 3 PLH. Furthermore, TCNs were more prevalent in male racehorses and were associated with better performance.
Practical dentistry …
Authors: Putter Gerhard
Published: October 2010

Saunders Solutions In Veterinary Practice: Small Animal Dentistry Cecilia Gorrel 260 pages, softback, £41.99. Saunders Elsevier, 2008. ISBN 978 0 7020 2871 7
Evaluation of indwelling intravenous catheters for the regional perfusion of the limbs of horses
Authors: Kelmer G. , Elliot S. B. , Catasus C. T. , Saxton A. M.
Published: October 2010

The feasibility of maintaining indwelling intravenous catheters in the saphenous, cephalic or palmar digital vein of horses for seven days to infuse antimicrobial drugs was investigated in 18 horses. The horses were randomly assigned to six groups according to the vein catheterised and whether they received amikacin or erythromycin. None of the catheters was replaced more than once, and 11 of the 18 catheters remained patent for all seven days. Neither the drug administered nor the vein catheterised significantly affected the survival of the catheter. In all but three cases, complications, including local inflammation, lameness, thrombophlebitis and one severe tissue reaction to erythromycin, resolved during the seven days.
EU focuses on zoonoses
Authors: de Lange Karin
Published: October 2010

‘Animals + humans = One health’ is the slogan of European Veterinary Week – a joint initiative between the European Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumers and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE). The aim is to highlight the important roles that veterinarians play in the EU and to promote the concepts of partnership and communication. Following a successful inaugural event last year, this year's European Veterinary Week took place from September 28 to October 4.
Prevalence of MRSA types in slaughter pigs in different German abattoirs
Authors: Tenhagen B‐A. , Fetsch A. , Stührenberg B. , Schleuter G. , Guerra B. , Hammerl J. A. , Hertwig S. , Kowall J. , Kämpe U. , Schroeter A. , Bräunig J. , Käsbohrer A. , Appel PhD B.
Published: October 2010

To investigate the prevalence of types of meticillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in slaughter pigs in German abattoirs, nasal swabs were collected from a total of 1026 pigs in five abattoirs after stunning in the course of two studies, and examined for MRSA. Study 1 included four abattoirs; study 2 was carried out in one large abattoir. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and characterised using spa ‐typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and typing of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome, SCCmec. Overall, MRSA was isolated from 70·8 per cent of 520 samples in study 1 and from 49·0 per cent of 506 samples in study 2. The proportion of positive samples varied substantially between the abattoirs in study 1. Most isolates belonged to spa ‐types t011 and t034 and SCCmec types III and V. MLST of selected isolates revealed that they were all MLST ST398. Besides β‐lactams, 100 per cent of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, 80·5 per cent were resistant to erythromycin and 80·7 per cent were resistant to clindamycin. Less than 5 per cent of the isolates were resistant to other antimicrobials.
Prevalence of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in pigs sired by 13 Hungarian Landrace boars
Authors: Szabó I. , Bartus A. , Harsányi Z. , Lukács G. , Molnár T. , Stipkovits L.
Published: October 2010

Between February 20 and October 31, 2003, 2034 sows were inseminated with semen collected from 13 Hungarian Landrace boars. Altogether 16,013 piglets were born: 13,801 (86·2 per cent) alive, 796 (4·97 per cent) stillborn and 156 (0·97 per cent) mummified. A total of 1260 (7·87 per cent) of the pigs developed signs of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). In the groups of sows inseminated with semen from each of the 13 boars, the percentages of farrowings producing piglets with signs of PMWS, stillborn piglets or mummified piglets were very high (59·4 per cent, 57·6 per cent and 13·8 per cent, respectively). There were significant differences between the proportions of piglets with signs of PMWS, stillborn piglets and mummified piglets sired by the different boars: 3·06 to 15·6 per cent, 1·76 to 8·52 per cent and 0 to 3.22 per cent, respectively.
Suspected adverse reactions, 2008
Authors: Dyer F. , Brown E. , Cooles S. , Tait A.
Published: October 2010

Reports to the UK Suspected Adverse Reaction Surveillance Scheme (SARSS) in 2008 increase by around 11 per cent compared with 2007

Low incidence of suspected adverse reactions following bluetongue virus vaccination

Increase in reports of suspected lack of efficacy to canine parvovirus vaccination

Rabbit deaths reported after off‐label use of dexmedetomidine

These are some of the results from the SARSS in 2008, as discussed by Fabia Dyer and colleagues from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Comparison of the diagnosis of intervertebral disc herniation in dogs by CT before and after contrast enhancement of the subarachnoid space
Authors: Shimizu J. , Yamada K. , Mochida K. , Kato T. , Muroya N. , Teratani Y. , Kishimoto M. , Lee K. , Iwasaki T. , Miyake Y.
Published: October 2010

Eleven miniature dachshunds with a herniated intervertebral disc were examined by CT, first before and then after contrast enhancement of the subarachnoid space. The images were classified into three grades by three veterinarians. In four cases, lesions observed on the scans obtained after contrast enhancement had not been observed on the preliminary scans and in one case a lesion observed on the preliminary scan was not observed on the scan obtained after contrast enhancement. Hemilaminectomies were performed on the basis of the enhanced CT results, and a clinical improvement was observed in each of the dogs. Calcification was detected in all the samples of herniated intervertebral disc material.
Initial incursion of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A virus into European pigs
Authors: Welsh M. D. , Baird P. M. , Guelbenzu‐Gonzalo M. P. , Hanna A. , Reid S. M. , Essen S. , Russell C. , Thomas S. , Barrass L. , McNeilly F. , McKillen J. , Todd D. , Harkin V. , McDowell S. , Choudhury B. , Irvine R. M. , Borobia J. , Grant J. , Brown I. H.
Published: October 2010

The initial incursion of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A virus (pH1N1) into a European pig population is reported. Diagnosis of swine influenza caused by pandemic virus was made during September 2009 following routine submission of samples for differential diagnosis of causative agents of respiratory disease, including influenza A virus. All four pigs (aged six weeks) submitted for investigation from a pig herd of approximately 5000 animals in Northern Ireland, experiencing acute‐onset respiratory signs in finishing and growing pigs, were positive by immunofluorescence for influenza A. Follow‐up analysis of lung tissue homogenates by real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed the presence of pH1N1. The virus was subsequently detected on two other premises in Northern Ireland; on one premises, detection followed the pre‐export health certification testing of samples from pigs presumed to be subclinically infected as no clinical signs were apparent. None of the premises was linked to another epidemiologically. Sequencing of the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes revealed high nucleotide identity (>99.4 per cent) with other pH1N1s isolated from human beings. Genotypic analyses revealed all gene segments to be most closely related to those of contemporary pH1N1 viruses in human beings. It is concluded that all three outbreaks occurred independently, potentially as a result of transmission of the virus from human beings to pigs.
Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in the Czech Republic
Authors: Jahn P. , Zeman P. , Bezdekova B. , Praskova I.
Published: October 2010

Twelve confirmed cases of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) and five additional suspected cases, showing a compatible clinical history and specific IgG titres of 1280 or above, were recorded in the Czech Republic during the period 2002 to 2008. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, the detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum morulae in neutrophils in blood smears, serology and molecular methods. Pyrexia (39.8 to 41.3°C), depression, partial or total anorexia, limb oedema and icterus were the most frequently observed clinical abnormalities. Haematological examination revealed thrombocytopenia in all the horses, and mild anaemia and leucopenia in five of them. Several horses showed high titres of specific antibodies immediately after onset of the disease, suggesting that they had previously been exposed to A phagocytophilum. Genotyping of the A phagocytophilum strains distinguished two genetic variants, with divergence in the sequence of the ank gene of the bacterium, circulating in the Czech Republic.
Demographics, management and health of donkeys in the UK
Authors: Cox R. , Burden F. , Proudman C. J. , Trawford A. F. , Pinchbeck G. L.
Published: October 2010

In this paper, the management and health problems of donkeys on loan to independent carers from The Donkey Sanctuary are characterised, and the demographics of the UK’s donkey population are described using data from a variety of sources. All carers that fostered a donkey from The Donkey Sanctuary between September 2004 and August 2005 (1432 donkeys) were surveyed using a postal questionnaire requesting information about the donkey, its premises, daily care, health and preventive medicine. The response rate was 77.8 per cent. The mean (sd) age of the donkeys was 20.8 (7.4) years. The majority (92 per cent) of the donkeys were kept as pets. Approximately one‐third (33.6 per cent) of the donkeys were overweight. The most common medical problems were hoof, dermal and oral problems. A total of 86 per cent of the donkeys had a dental examination at least every 12 months, and at least 45 per cent had at least one dental problem.
Isolation rates of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dogs, cats and horses in Ireland
Authors: Abbott Y. , Leggett B. , Rossney A. S. , Leonard F. C. , Markey B. K.
Published: October 2010

A retrospective analysis and prospective surveillance study were conducted to determine isolation rates of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in dogs, cats and horses in Ireland. Clinical samples that had been submitted to University College Dublin (UCD) for routine microbiological examination over a four‐year period (2003 to 2006) were analysed in the retrospective analysis, which included clinical samples from 3866 animals. In the prospective surveillance study, samples from healthy animals presenting for elective surgery as well as from animals with a clinical presentation suggestive of MRSA infection were investigated. Animals attending 30 veterinary practices throughout Ireland and a similar population of animals presented to UCD were studied. The isolation rates for animals in the retrospective study were 1.1 per cent (32 of 2864) for dogs, 0.7 per cent (four of 619) for cats and 5.2 per cent (20 of 383) for horses. The overall isolation rate of MRSA was 1.4 per cent (56 of 3866). Isolation rates for healthy animals in the prospective study were 0.4 per cent (one of 286) for dogs and 1.7 per cent (four of 236) for horses; MRSA was not isolated from cats (0 of 47). Isolation rates for animals suspected of being infected with MRSA were 8.1 per cent (14 of 173) for dogs and 4.6 per cent (three of 65) for horses; MRSA was not isolated from cats (0 of 47).
Myocardial cell damage in 24 dogs bitten by the common European viper (Vipera berus)
Authors: Pelander L. , Ljungvall I. , Häggström J.
Published: October 2010

This study investigated whether myocardial damage, as reflected by increased serum concentrations of cardiac‐specific troponin I (cTnI), develops in dogs as a result of a bite from a common European viper (Vipera berus), and whether this damage occurs in the absence of clinically relevant ECG abnormalities. Twenty‐four dogs presented following a snake bite were tested. On admission, and after 12, 24 and 36 hours, an ECG was recorded and serum was collected for analysis of cTnI from all the dogs. Thirteen dogs (54 per cent) had an undetectable serum cTnI concentration (<0.2 μg/l) and no abnormalities on ECG, five dogs (21 per cent) had increased serum concentrations of cTnI and no ECG abnormalities, six dogs (12.5 per cent) had increased cTnI concentrations and ECG abnormalities, and six dogs (12.5 per cent) had ECG abnormalities and undetectable cTnI concentrations. Only three dogs (12.5 per cent) had serum cTnI concentrations exceeding 1.0 μg/l at any time during the study. Evidence of myocardial cell damage was found in eight (32 per cent) of the 24 dogs. Cardiac arrhythmia was detected in three of these eight dogs.
Presumptive exercise‐associated peracute thoracolumbar disc extrusion in 48 dogs
Authors: McKee W. M. , Downes C. J. , Pink J. J. , Gemmill T. J.
Published: October 2010

Forty‐eight dogs were diagnosed with presumptive exercise‐associated peracute thoracolumbar disc extrusion. The median age was seven years (range two to 11 years), and median bodyweight was 23 kg (range 10 to 41 kg). The duration of signs before presentation ranged from 0.5 to four days. Twenty‐nine dogs were non‐ambulatory, of which 17 were incontinent and two had lost pain perception. Pelvic limbs were hyporeflexic or areflexic in 11 dogs. Intervertebral disc narrowing was evident on radiographs in 44 dogs. Myelography demonstrated a small, extradural space‐occupying lesion dorsal to an intervertebral disc between T11‐12 and L3‐4 with adjacent spinal cord swelling. Forty‐six dogs were treated non‐surgically, one was euthanased and one was managed by hemilaminectomy (and subsequently euthanased). Follow‐up information was available for 46 dogs 1.5 to 55 months after injury (median 22 months) showing that pelvic limb function had improved in all cases and all non‐ambulatory dogs had regained the ability to walk. Six dogs remained faecally incontinent, and one dog remained urinarily and faecally incontinent.
Influences on the decision to study veterinary medicine: variation with sex and background
Authors: Tomlin J. L. , Brodbelt D. C. , May S. A.
Published: October 2010

A questionnaire was developed to look at attitudes to veterinary medicine as a career choice among students at different stages of the veterinary course at the Royal Veterinary College. Traditional‐entry first‐year and final‐year students, as well as entry‐level ‘Gateway’ (widening participation) students, were invited to participate. Wanting to work with animals and exposure to a veterinary role model through taking a sick animal to visit a veterinary surgeon appeared to be major factors in choosing a veterinary career for all undergraduates, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Overall, women were more strongly influenced by owning animals (P=0.014), and men were more positively influenced by the challenging reputation of the course (P=0.028). When the students were asked to indicate their top three reasons for wanting to become a vet, men were 9.5 times as likely as women to select ‘Want to train as a scientist’, 5.3 times as likely to select ‘Join a profession’ and 13.2 times as likely to select ‘Hardest course to get in to’; the top choice for both sexes was ‘Want to work with animals’. Thirty‐one per cent of the students felt their careers adviser had been a negative influence on their decision to become a vet.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of Brucella strains isolated from cattle in the Gambia
Authors: Bankole A. A. , Saegerman C. , Berkvens D. , Fretin D. , Geerts S. , Ieven G. , Walravens K.
Published: October 2010

Thirty‐five serum samples and six hygroma fluid samples were collected from sexually mature cattle in one herd with clinical signs of brucellosis (abortion and hygromas) in the Western Region of the Gambia in order to isolate and characterise Brucella species. Information on the sex, age, number of calvings, number of abortions, presence of hygromas, and presence of orchitis was also collected for each animal sampled. Twenty‐six (74 per cent) of the serum samples were positive in the rose bengal test and 29 (83 per cent) were positive by indirect ELISA. Three isolates of Brucella, biotyped as Brucella abortus biovar 3, were cultured from six hygroma fluid samples. The multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis assay clustered the isolates as B abortus with the same profile for the three isolates, suggesting a common origin of contamination.
Reduction of workplace contamination with platinum‐containing cytostatic drugs in a veterinary hospital by introduction of a closed system
Authors: Kandel‐Tschiederer B. , Kessler M. , Schwietzer A. , Michel A.
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the level of workplace contamination with platinum‐containing cytostatic drugs in a veterinary hospital. A closed chemotherapy application system was then added to the safety regimen. Workplace contamination was measured over a nine‐month period by taking wipe samples from seven locations. Before the introduction of the closed system, amounts of platinum were detected at four locations. After the introduction of the closed system, there was a temporary increase in contamination at two locations, followed by an overall reduction in contamination by the end of the study period.
Molecular typing of Mycobacterium bovis isolated from tuberculosis lesions of cattle in north eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ameni G. , Desta F. , Firdessa R.
Published: October 2010

Mycobacterium bovis strains isolated from tuberculosis (TB) lesions from 1138 cattle slaughtered at Kombolcha abattoir in north eastern Ethiopia were characterised. Detailed postmortem examination, bacteriological culturing, regions of difference PCR and spoligotyping were used. At least one TB lesion was observed in 57 (5 per cent) of the cattle, of which 27 (47 per cent) yielded mycobacteria isolates. Of the 27 isolates, 25 were identified as M bovis and two as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The M bovis isolates were grouped into six clusters of strains, and the M tuberculosis isolates were typified to one strain only with the reference SIT262. Three clusters of previously unreported M bovis strains were identified and reported to the Mycobacterium bovis spoligotype database. They were designated the reference numbers SB1490, SB1491 and SB1492.
Ultrasonographic findings in 63 cows with haemorrhagic bowel syndrome
Authors: Braun U. , Forster E. , Steininger K. , Irmer M. , Gautschi A. , Previtali M. , Gerspach C. , Nuss K.
Published: October 2010

Cows with haemorrhagic bowel syndrome were examined by ultrasonography. A 5.0 MHz linear transducer was used to scan the right side of 63 standing, non‐sedated cows. The small intestine was found to be dilated and had a diameter of 4.3 to 12.0 cm (mean [sd] 6.76 [1.78] cm), and there was markedly reduced or absent small intestinal motility in all the cows. In 22 (34.9 per cent) cows, empty poststenotic segments of small intestine were seen in addition to empty prestenotic intestine. In 12 (19 per cent) cows, the intestinal lumen contained localised hyperechoic material consistent with blood clots. Fluid with or without fibrin was seen between intestinal loops in 39 (61.9 per cent) cows. Accumulation of ingesta in the abomasum and sometimes in the omasum and rumen was seen in 14 (22.2 per cent) cows. Ultrasonography was considered to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of ileus. However, this imaging modality could be used to make a definitive diagnosis of haemorrhagic bowel syndrome only when a blood clot was seen in the intestinal lumen.
International disease monitoring, January to March
Authors: Sabirovic M. , Roberts H. , Lopez M. , Hancock R.
Published: October 2010

African swine fever outbreaks in the Caucasus region

Equine infectious anaemia in the UK, Belgium, France and Germany

Foot‐and‐mouth disease in dairy cattle in South Korea, a country previously officially free without vaccination

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Romania and Bulgaria

Rift Valley fever in South Africa affecting livestock and human beings

These are among matters discussed in the international disease monitoring report for January to March, prepared by Defra’s Food and Farming Group, Global Animal Health
Consultation of pig farmers on the inclusion of some welfare outcome assessments within UK farm assurance
Authors: Mullan S. , Butterworth A. , Whay H. R. , Edwards S. , Main D. C. J.
Published: October 2010

Fifty‐six pig farmers who attended a series of health seminars completed a questionnaire to assess their attitude to the inclusion of some welfare outcome assessments within farm assurance. In answer to open questions, farmers were most commonly proud of the productivity (27.5 per cent) and welfare (23.5 per cent) of the pigs on their farm, and the welfare of pigs in the UK industry as a whole (26.1 per cent). The most common thing that farmers wanted to tell consumers about was the welfare of the pigs (55.8 per cent), followed by their stockmanship qualities, the quality of their pig meat and the safety of their pig meat (all 13.5 per cent). In answer to closed questions, 66 per cent of farmers stated they would be either quite willing or very willing to perform welfare self‐assessments as part of farm assurance, and 66 per cent would be quite or very willing to be anonymously benchmarked on the welfare of their pigs.
Initial observations of cheek tooth abnormalities in sheep in Slovenia
Authors: Erjavec V. , Crossley D.
Published: October 2010

Observations were made on a small flock of 50 sheep of the native Slovenian Jezersko‐Solcava breed by investigators with dental training. The aim was to determine the range of naturally occurring dental diseases, so postmortem examinations were performed on animals slaughtered for meat or culled due to disease. Additional data were obtained by examination of 25 specimens submitted for investigation of unexplained death at a pathology centre. Seventeen (34 per cent) of the flock had incisor disease but only five became clinically ill; all these five had advanced cheek tooth disease (gingival recession, periodontal pocketing, diastemata, missing teeth, occlusal wear abnormalities, food impaction, tooth mobility, tooth fracture, tooth loss and/or jaw abscessation). Advanced cheek tooth disease was found in 21 (84 per cent) of the sheep submitted to the pathology laboratory, while only seven (28 per cent) had advanced incisor disease. The results show that, as in other countries, dental disease is a serious problem for sheep in Slovenia.
Prevalence of equine herpesvirus type 1 in trigeminal ganglia and submandibular lymph nodes of equids examined postmortem
Authors: Pusterla N. , Mapes S. , Wilson W. D.
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to detect and characterise the biovar of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV‐1) from submandibular lymph nodes (SMLNs) and trigeminal ganglia from 153 equids undergoing routine postmortem examination for various medical and surgical reasons. A combination of nucleic acid precipitation and preamplification steps was used to increase the analytical sensitivity of the analysis. The presence of latent EHV‐1 was determined when tissue samples were PCR‐positive for the glycoprotein B (gB) gene and the DNA polymerase (ORF 30) gene of EHV‐1 in the absence of detectable late structural protein gene (gB gene) mRNA. The SMLNs of five of the study animals (3.3 per cent) were PCRpositive for the gB gene of EHV‐1. Two SMLNs carried a latent neurotropic strain of the virus, whereas three SMLNs were PCR‐positive for both neurotropic and non‐neurotropic EHV‐1. A total of 30 trigeminal ganglia collected from 19 horses were PCR‐positive for the gB gene of EHV‐1. Nine trigeminal ganglia harboured either latent non‐neurotropic or neurotropic EHV‐1 strains. Twelve trigeminal ganglia contained both latent neurotropic and non‐neurotropic EHV‐1. The prevalence and distribution of EHV‐1 biovars among the study horses appeared to be influenced by their breed and the type of tissue tested.
Prevalence of a host‐adapted group B Salmonella enterica in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the south‐west coast of England
Authors: Davison N. J. , Simpson V. R. , Chappell S. , Monies R. J. , Stubberfield E. J. , Koylass M. , Quinney S. , Deaville R. , Whatmore A. M. , Jepson P. D.
Published: October 2010

A monophasic group B Salmonella enterica 4,12:a:‐ was first isolated in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in Scotland in 1991. This paper reports the isolation of the same group B S enterica from harbour porpoise carcases found stranded along the Cornwall and Devon coastlines. Between 1991 and 2002, 80 harbour porpoises were submitted for postmortem examination and subjected to bacteriological examination under the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme. A total of 28 Salmonella isolates were recovered and subjected to several tests, including biochemical, molecular and serological analysis.
Effect of transient carotid artery compression during transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in dogs
Authors: Duque F. J. , Barrera‐Chacon R. , Ruiz P. , Casamian‐Sorrosal D. , Zaragoza C. , Dominguez‐Roldan J. M.
Published: October 2010

Changes in blood flow in the arteries of the canine skull base following compression of the ipsilateral carotid artery were evaluated. Forty healthy conscious dogs were evaluated during examination in lateral recumbency. Using the temporal window, the rostral, middle and caudal cerebral arteries were evaluated. The basilar artery was studied through the suboccipital window. Following compression, the pulse Doppler signal was reduced or inverted when interrogating the rostral or middle cerebral artery, and no change was observed when the caudal cerebral artery or basilar artery was evaluated.
Multiple strains of Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis infections associated with aborted fetuses and wasting in pigs
Authors: Wellenberg G. J. , de Haas P. E. W. , van Ingen J. , van Soolingen D. , Visser I. J. R.
Published: October 2010

A herd of pigs being reared for breeding and fattening, in which there had been incidences of abortion and wasting, reduced growth rates and an increase in mortality for the past year, were tested for Mycobacterium infection by pathological examinations, skin test, serology and Mycobacterium culture. In one placenta, and also in the lung tissues of fetuses, Ziehl‐Neelsen staining revealed acid‐fast bacilli in combination with infiltrations of neutrophils, macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. Acid‐fast bacilli were also found in the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver and/or spleen and jejunum of pigs with wasting and in slaughtered animals. The specimen cultures were identified as Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis using IS1245‐specific PCR and IS1245 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). IS1245 RFLP revealed that the herd was infected with multiple M avium subspecies hominissuis strains belonging to at least two different clades. It is suggested that this infection may have played a more important role in the economic losses of the pig farm than had been assumed previously.
Efficacy of a spot‐on formulation of pyriprole on dogs infested with Sarcoptes scabiei
Authors: Fourie J. J. , Horak I. G. , de la Puente Redondo V.
Published: October 2010

To determine the efficacy of a 12.5 per cent spot‐on formulation of pyriprole (Prac‐Tic; Novartis Animal Health) and that of a combination of 10 per cent imidacloprid and 2.5 per cent moxidectin (Advocate; Bayer Animal Health) against Sarcoptes scabiei on dogs, 20 naturally infested adult dogs were ranked according to their pretreatment mite counts, allocated to one of two groups and housed individually in pens. Two spot‐on treatments with each product, 30 days apart, were administered. Mite counts and clinical assessments were performed on each dog two days before treatment, and 28, 60 and 90 days after treatment. Efficacy was measured on the basis of the presence or absence of live mites. Except for day 60 following treatment, on which a single dog in the group treated with pyriprole was positive, no live mites were found on the treated dogs during the assessments on days 28, 60 and 90. Thus, efficacy measured on the basis of this finding (day 90 assessment) was 100 per cent. On final assessment, all dogs treated with pyriprole had 100 per cent resolution of papules, but crusts resembling healing lesions were still present on two dogs. Those treated with imidacloprid and moxidectin had 100 per cent resolution of papules and crusts. Hair regrowth, to greater than 90 per cent of pretreatment hair cover, was observed on all 20 dogs.