bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protection of experimentally infected pigs by suilysin, the thiol‐activated haemolysin of Streptococcus suis
Authors: Jacobs A. A. C. , van den Berg A. J. G. , Loeffen P. L. W.
Published: October 2010

Three groups of three pigs were vaccinated either with vaccine VAC‐SLY, containing purified suilysin derived from Streptococcus suis strain P1/7 (serotype 2), or with vaccine VAC‐SCF, containing most of the other extracellular antigens produced by strain P1/7 (but essentially free from suilysin), or with a placebo vaccine. The pigs were vaccinated twice at four weeks and six weeks of age and were challenged intravenously with S suis strain P1/7 at eight weeks of age. On the day of challenge, only the VAC‐SLY vaccinated pigs showed an increase in haemolysin neutralisation titre. After challenge the placebo vaccinated pigs developed severe clinical signs characterised by lameness involving several joints, a depressed appearance, high temperatures and/or neurological signs. The VAC‐SCF vaccinated pigs showed the same clinical signs but less severely. The VAC‐SLY vaccinated pigs were the least affected and showed only mild signs which subsided more quickly than those of the other groups. A post mortem investigation and histology of brain tissue samples confirmed the clinical findings; fibrinous arthritis was less severe and less frequently observed in the VAC‐SLY vaccinated pigs than in the VAC‐SCF or placebo vaccinated pigs, and none of the VAC‐SLY vaccinated pigs had meningitis whereas two of the VAC‐SCF and two of the placebo vaccinated pigs did so. All the samples of brain, lung and tarsus taken from the VAC‐SLY vaccinated pigs were sterile whereas S suis was reisolated from most of these tissues from the other groups.
Observations on the helminths of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and common guillemots (Uria aalge) from the Belgian and German coasts
Authors: Brosens L. , Jauniaux T. , Siebert U. , Benke H. , Coignoul F.
Published: October 2010

Between February 1990 and July 1991, 18 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and 248 common guillemots (Uria aalge), found dead along the Belgian and German coasts, were examined for their burden of helminths. A total of three species were found in the guillemots (one cestode, one nematode and one pentastomid), and six species in the porpoises (one trematode, one cestode and four nematodes). Among the guillemots the burden of helminths was not statistically different between juvenile and adult birds. The deaths of the birds were apparently not related to the parasite infections. In contrast, the adult porpoises were more heavily parasitised than the juveniles, except for one young porpoise stranded on the Belgian coast. In the porpoises, four species of parasites had a pathological effect and Torynurus convolutus was responsible for the death of one animal from the Belgian coast and three from the German coast.
Respiratory disease in thoroughbred horses in training: the relationships between disease and viruses, bacteria and environment
Authors: Burrell M. H. , Wood J. L. N. , Whitwell K. E. , Chanter N. , Mackintosh M. E. , Mumford J. A.
Published: October 2010

A longitudinal study of respiratory disease in racehorses was carried out to assess its relative associations with different infectious agents and to examine any role that the environmental conditions might play. The relationships between coughing, nasal discharge, pyrexia and lower respiratory tract disease were also examined to provide information for improving clinical diagnosis, particularly of disease of the lower respiratory tract. Lower airway disease was closely associated with infection withStreptococcus zooepidemicus. It was also found that equine herpesvirus seroconversions andS pneumoniaeinfections were independently associated with the development of nasal discharge. Coughing was a specific, but insensitive measure of lower respiratory tract disease (specificity 84 per cent, sensitivity 38 per cent). However, horses that coughed were very likely to have had lower airway disease for more than one month. Horses housed on straw in loose boxes were twice as likely to suffer from lower airway disease as those kept on shredded paper in American barns. The study was not large enough to assess the significance of rarer infections but it did improve the definition of the problem of respiratory disease in racehorses and revealed some of the trends in the associations between viruses, bacteria and the environment in respiratory disease.
Babesiosis in a six‐day‐old calf
Authors: Egeli A. K.
Published: October 2010

Babesiosis was diagnosed in a six‐day‐old calf born indoors to a heifer which had been on a tick‐infested pasture until 14 days before calving. The calf had typical symptoms of haemolytic anaemia and died after three days despite a blood transfusion. The erythrocytes in a blood smear made on the day it became ill were heavily infected with Babesia divergens and the lesions observed post mortem were similar to those described in babesiosis in adult cattle.
A case control study of blowfly strike in lambs
Authors: French N. P. , Parkin T. D. H. , Morgan K. L.
Published: October 2010

A case control study of the risk factors associated with blowfly strike was conducted on 11 farms in the south west of England. For each case, three control lambs were randomly selected from the remainder of the flock. Samples of blood, faeces and wool were taken from the cases and controls, and measurements of weight, dag score (faecal soiling), fleece length, crimp frequency and tail length were made. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the univariate and multivariate relationships between the independent variables and the rate of blowfly strike. Case lambs had significantly higher dag scores and lower crimp frequencies than their matched controls, although the association with crimp frequency was confounded by dag score. The relationship between blowfly strike and fleece length was also strongly confounded by dag score. After stratifying by dag score, case lambs had shorter fleeces than their controls. Lambs with blowfly strike had significantly higher levels of blood copper and significantly lower levels of blood urea.
Treatment and control of psoroptic mange (sheep scab) with moxidectin
Authors: O'Brien D. , Parker L. D. , Menton C. , Keaveny C. , McCollum E. , O'Laoide S.
Published: October 2010

In an investigation into alternative methods for the treatment and control of sheep scab, the efficacy of moxidectin, a second generation milbemycin, was evaluated in a series of laboratory and field studies in Ireland. Initial laboratory trials demonstrated that moxidectin, given as a subcutaneous injection at 200 μg/kg bodyweight was effective in the treatment of clinical psoroptic mange. Subsequent work showed that a single injection of clean sheep with moxidectin at the same dose rate provided protection against natural and experimental sheep scab infection for up to 35 days. This residual protective efficacy was tested in a large scale field trial in County Offaly, Ireland, in which more than 6500 sheep on 50 farms received a single prophylactic injection with moxidectin in the autumn and remained free from scab throughout the winter. This was comparable to the preventive effect of the annual compulsory dipping programme applied at that time. In a parallel series of field trials conducted across several counties in Ireland, two injections, 10 days apart, were effective in the treatment of outbreaks of scab. It is concluded that moxidectin is suitable for the treatment and control of sheep scab and has advantages over some existing methods because of its ease of use, safety for the user, the sheep and the environment, and because it also provides worm control owing to its efficacy against the major nematodes of sheep.
Role of neonatal and maternal risk factors in the faecal soiling of lambs
Authors: French N. P. , Morgan K. L.
Published: October 2010

A total of 1300 lambs from eight spring‐lambing flocks in the south west of England were studied from birth to approximately six months of age. Within the first week of life a number of variables were recorded including the lambs' birth weight, sex, faecal consistency, 48‐ to 72‐hour immunoglobulin status and the condition score and extent of faecal soiling (dag score) of the ewe. Between two and six months of age the lambs were inspected every two weeks and their dag score was recorded. The relationship between neonatal and maternal factors and the risk of becoming faecally soiled later in life (defined as a dag score of 3 or more) was estimated by survival analysis techniques and proportional hazards modelling. There was a significant increase in the rate of faecal soiling of lambs that had experienced a period of watery diarrhoea during the neonatal period (adjusted hazard ratio 1.78, P=0.01), and lambs that were born to ewes with a high dag score (adjusted hazard ratio 1.48, P=0.004). The lamb's birth weight was negatively correlated and its age was positively correlated with the rate at which they became faecally soiled. The results are discussed with reference to the determinants of susceptibility to blowfly strike.
Incidence of production diseases and other health problems in a group of dairy herds in England
Authors: Esslemont R. J. , Kossaibati M. A.
Published: October 2010

The incidence of major production diseases and other health problems was investigated in 90 Friesian/Holstein dairy herds in England (average size 152 cows) for cows calving during 12 months in 1992–1993. The mean incidence of mastitis was 33.2 cases per 100 cows, and it affected 20.6 per cent of the herd with 1.6 cases for each affected cow. On average, 17.4 per cent of the cows suffered from lameness, with 14 cases per affected cow and a total of 24.0 cases per 100 cows. Cows treated for oestrus‐not‐observed totalled 33.6 per cent, with 46‐4 treatments per 100 cows. The incidence of milk fever was 7.7 cases per 100 cows. Retained fetal membranes affected 3‐6 per cent of cows. Vulval discharge affected 15 per cent of the average herd with 1.4 treatments per affected cow and a total of 21.2 treatments per 100 cows. The mean incidence of twinning was 4.1 per cent. Calf mortality claimed 7.8 calves per 100 calves born. The average number of cows given aid at calving was 8.7 per 100 cows calving.
Occurrence of anthelmintic resistant nematodes on sheep farms in England and goat farms in England and Wales
Authors: Hong C. , Hunt K. R. , Coles G. C.
Published: October 2010

A survey in 1992 showed that 44 per cent of the sheep farms tested in the south west and 15 per cent of those in the north east of England had parasitic nematode worm burdens which were resistant to benzimidazole anthelmintics, and that 65 per cent of the non‐dairy goat farms tested in England and Wales had resistant worms. Ostertagia circumcincta was the main species in sheep and Haemonchus contortus in goats. The resistance to benzimidazoles was diagnosed by a combination of an egg hatch assay and a larval develop ment test. A simplified faecal egg count reduction test was used to investigate sheep and goat farms for signs of ivermectin resistance but no positive cases were detected. The initial identification of levamisole resistance on one farm, both from a faecal egg count reduction test and a positive larval development test, was confirmed by a ‘dose and slaughter’ trial.
Viral aetiology of enzootic pneumonia in Danish dairy herds: diagnostic tools and epidemiology
Authors: Uttenthal A. , Jensen N. P. B. , Blom J. Y.
Published: October 2010

Ten outbreaks of calf respiratory disease in Danish dairy herds were investigated by lung lavage, and in eight of the herds paired blood samples were tested serologically. In six of the 10 herds bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) antigen was detected in the lung lavage fluids. In only one calf was coronavirus and BRSV detected simultaneously. The paired blood samples confirmed that four of the herds were BRSVinfected, and in one herd the BRSV infection was diagnosed by the paired blood samples alone. Significant increases in antibody titres against coronavirus were observed in two herds, both in combination with other virological agents. No adenovirus antigen was detected in any of the lavage samples, but in two herds a significant increase in antibody titres against adenovirus was observed. Parainfluenza‐3 (PI‐3) virus was not detected in the lung lavage fluids, and in four of the herds no antibodies to PI‐3 were detected. In three herds no viral involvement could be found. The findings suggest that BRSV may be an important causative agent in calf respiratory disease in Denmark, even in very young calves.
Epidemiology of lameness in dairy cattle: the influence of cubicles and indoor and outdoor walking surfaces
Authors: Faull W. B. , Hughes J. W. , Clarkson M. J. , Downham D. Y. , Manson F. J. , Merritt J. B. , Murray R. D. , Russell W. B. , Sutherst J. E. , Ward W. R.
Published: October 2010

A survey of cubicles and indoor and outdoor walking surfaces on 37 farms served by four veterinary practices in Somerset, Cheshire, Wirral and west Wales was carried out in 1989 to 1991. A study of the space requirements of Friesian/Holstein cows at pasture showed that they required approximately 240 cm × 120 cm lying space and a further 60 cm lunging space for rising. By these standards, 87 per cent of the cubicles were too short and 50 per cent were too wide or too narrow. Over 1500 observations on cows lying down, rising and standing indicated that only 12 per cent of the cubicles permitted real freedom of movement; 91 per cent of top partition rails were judged to be too low and 70 per cent of bottom rails too low or too high. In addition, the kerb was very high in 76 per cent of the cubicles. As a result, 10 per cent of cows appeared moderately or severely restricted when lying down, 33 per cent when rising and 55 per cent when standing. Over 2000 cubicle beds were also studied; 75 per cent had a concrete base and of those, 63 per cent were judged to have too little bedding and 11 per cent next to none. Higher incidences and prevalences of lameness were associated with limited borrowing space (P<0.01) low bottom rails (P<0.05), high kerbs (P<0.05) and inadequate bedding (P<0.01). Of 3190 walking surfaces, only 25 per cent were classified as satisfactory in the first winter and 34 per cent in the second. In general, surfaces in silage bays were too rough and those in other sites were too smooth. The farms with the smoothest indoor walking surfaces had a significantly higher incidence of lameness (P<0.01). Of 3335 outdoor walking surfaces only 25 per cent were classified as satisfactory, and 70 per cent were too rough. The incidence of lameness was not significantly related to these findings.
Effect of forage supplements on the incidence of bloat in dairy cows grazing high clover pastures
Authors: Phillips C. J. C. , James N. L. , Murray‐Evans J. P.
Published: October 2010

The effect of offering forage supplements of different compositions was examined in two experiments with cows grazing high clover swards. In the first experiment strawmix supplements of high or low energy content (11 and 9 MJ metabolisable energy/kg dry matter [DM]) and high or low crude protein content (17 and 4 g/kg DM) were offered for periods of three weeks. The energy and protein contents were varied by the content of molasses and soyabean meal, respectively. The high energy, high protein supplement increased the incidence of bloat, and the low energy, high protein supplement reduced it, compared with grazing alone. Bloat was most evident in the first two weeks of each feeding period, suggesting that the cows partially adapted to the diets within three weeks. In the second experiment silage supplements reduced the incidence of bloat among cows grazing both tall and short swards. The most suitable forages to feed when there is a risk of bloat are those that are slowly fermented in the rumen but are eaten in sufficient quantity to reduce periods of rapid herbage intake.
Isolation of the causative agent of heartwater (Cowdria ruminantium) from threeAmblyommaspecies in eight Districts of Kenya
Authors: Ngumi P. N. , Rumberia R. M. , Williamson S. M. , Sumption K. J. , Lesan A. C. , Kariuki D. P.
Published: October 2010

Thirteen isolates ofCowdria ruminantiumwere made from eight different Districts of Kenya by four different isolation methods. Feeding adultAmblyommaspecies ticks derived from nymphs collected in the field and the inoculation of homogenates prepared from adult field ticks had the highest success rate. The reattachment of adult ticks collected in the field was successful on only one of five attempts, and the subinoculation of blood from suspected heartwater carriers was unsuccessful. Seven of the isolates were derived fromA variegatumticks, four fromA gemma, one fromA lepidumand one from a mixed pool of the last two species. This is the first report of the isolation ofC ruminantiumfromA gemmaticks, and the first report of its transtadial transmission from nymphal to adultA gemma.
Effects of the duration of lairage following transportation on the behaviour and physiology of farmed red deer
Authors: Grigor P. N. , Goddard P. J. , MacDonald A. J. , Brown S. N. , Fawcett A. R. , Deakin D. W. , Warriss P. D.
Published: October 2010

Eight groups of five farmed red deer were transported by road for three hours, after which they were either slaughtered immediately (TO) or held in lairage for three, six or 18 hours (T3, T6 and T18). Liveweight loss increased with lairage time but hot carcase weight was unaffected. Deer spent much of the initial period in lairage standing stationary in ‘alert’ postures. After eight to 10 hours the proportions of time spent in various postures (standing stationary, moving and lying down) were similar to pre‐journey values. None of the blood components associated with dehydration (packed cell volume, osmolality, total protein and sodium) changed significantly with lairage time. Compared with TO deer, plasma creatine kinase activity was significantly decreased in T18 deer. Lairage time had no effect on skin damage, bruising or muscle glycogen content, although liver glycogen content increased with longer lairage time. Although lairage time had a statistically significant effect on muscle pHu (with T6 deer having the lowest values), the differences were small and none of the carcases had a pHu greater than 6.0.
Evaluation of the effects of nursery depopulation on the persistence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and the productivity of 34 farms
Authors: Dee S. A. , Joo H. S. , Polson D. D. , Park B. K. , Pijoan C. , Molitor T. W. , Collins J. E. , King V.
Published: October 2010

Nursery depopulation has been described as an effective strategy for improving the performance of weaned pigs. In order to assess whether the strategy was effective under a wide range of conditions, a study was carried out on 34 farms in the USA. Four groups with different depopulation protocols were designed on the basis of the location of the depopulated facility (on site vs off site) and the period for which the nursery remained empty (seven days vs 14 days). The changes in average daily liveweight gain, percentage mortality, feed efficiency and treatment cost per pig produced were assessed 12 months before and after nursery depopulation. The ability to eliminate porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRs) virus was examined by indirect fluorescent antibody testing of the nursery pigs. Significant improvements (P<0.0001) were detected in both average daily gain and percentage mortality after depopulation when the differences within an individual group were analysed, but no significant differences (P>O.14) were observed between the study groups. Serological testing indicated that antibodies to PRRS virus were still present in 14 of the 34 farms after depopulation.
High sensitivity polymerase chain reaction assay for active and latent feline herpesvirus‐ infections in domestic cats
Authors: Weigler B. J. , Babineau C. A. , Sherry B. , Nasisse M. P.
Published: October 2010

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed and used to detect feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1) in conjunctival and oropharyngeal swabs, and in latently infected tissues (trigeminal ganglia, optic nerves, optic chiasma, olfactory bulbs and corneas) collected from 10 experimentally infected cats. There was good agreement between parallel tests of the swab specimens by PCR and virus isolation assay during the phase of acute, latent and recurrent disease episodes (kappa=0.63, P<0.001). The PCR reliably detected ≤240 copies of FHV‐1 template DNA, significantly improving upon previously published PCR assays for the agent.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of an adrenocortical carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Liste F. , Cuevas M. , Gascon M. , Garcia de Jalon J. , Cuevas I.
Published: October 2010

The ultrasonographic findings in a nine‐year‐old female Drahthaar with an adrenocortical carcinoma of the left adrenal gland are described. Examination of the abdomen revealed a large, hypoechoic mass cranial to the left kidney. Areas of calcification inside the mass and the lateral displacement of the caudal vena cava were assessed. The right adrenal gland was thinner and smaller than normal. Several targetlike lesions were present in the hepatic parenchyma. A moderate amount of haemorrhagic abdominal fluid was also present. The ultrasonographic findings were consistent with this type of adrenal neoplasia which produces atrophy of the contralateral gland and frequently metastasises to the liver. The ultrasonographic diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma was confirmed by histopathological examination.
Effects of tiletamine/zolazepam premedication on propofol anaesthesia in dogs
Authors: Cullen L. K. , Reynoldson J. A.
Published: October 2010

The cardiovascular and pulmonary effects of tiletamine/ zolazepam, propofol and tiletamine/zolazepam plus propofol were studied in five mongrel dogs. A cannula inserted into a raised carotid artery was used to measure mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate continuously and to collect arterial blood for the determination of pH, PO2, PCO2, bicarbonate and base balance. Respiratory frequency and rectal temperature were also recorded. In the two propofol groups premedication had no significant effect on the time to rejection of an endotracheal tube and the return to sternal recumbency. The MAP and heart rate increased after tiletamine/zolazepam alone and after tiletamine/zolazepam plus propofol, although propofol alone reduced MAP and transiently increased heart rate. Respiratory frequency decreased transiently in both propofol groups in association with a significant increase in PaCO2and decrease in PaO2. The most notable change was the hypoxaemia in the tiletamine/zolazepam plus propofol group in which the PaO2was reduced. In all the dogs given tiletamine/ zolazepam alone undesirable side effects were observed, effects which also occurred during the recovery of the dogs given tiletamine/zolazepam plus propofol.
Case study of bovine dermatitis caused by oat straw infected with Fusarium sporotrichioides
Authors: Wu W. , Cook M. E. , Chu F. S. , Buttles T. , Hunger J. , Sutherland P.
Published: October 2010

A dermatitis characterised by discrete, raised, plaque‐like and cracked skin lesions of variable sizes on the udder, the hind quarters, the lips and muzzle of all the cows in a herd was suspected of being caused by the oat straw used in bedding, after initial feed analysis and skin culture were negative for toxins and dermatophytes. Mycological analysis indicated an extensive infestation of the oat straw by Fusarium sporotrichioides, a toxic mould, and an immunochemical assay indicated dermatotoxic trichothecenes in the straw (0.22 μg/g dried straw). An ethyl acetate extract of the straw induced a necrotic response on shaved rat skin. Ingestion of the toxic bedding straw and inhalation of toxic straw dust probably also caused the internal haemorrhage and lung emphysema observed in the two cows that died. The regression of the dermatitis and the recovery of general herd health after the withdrawal of the oat straw further supported the diagnosis.
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisinfection in Israeli cattle: clinical and epidemiological studies
Authors: Yeruham I. , Elad D. , Van‐Ham M. , Shpigel N. Y. , Perl S.
Published: October 2010

Morbidity due toCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisinfection occurred in 29 dairy herds in Israel during 1989 to 1995. The disease occurred sporadically in 17 of the herds with a morbidity of up to 5 per cent, and was epidemic in 12, with a morbidity of 5 to 35 per cent. Cutaneous abscesses were diagnosed in 609 animals. Young cattle appeared to be less susceptible to the disease than older cows. Beef cattle herds were not affected. The disease appeared in the cutaneous form in 92.5 per cent of cases, the cutaneous and mastitic form in 5.9 per cent and the cutaneous and visceral form in 1.6 per cent. The cutaneous form appeared as deep subcutaneous abscesses on various parts of the body, with granulating ulcers exuding pus and blood. In 10 of the herds,C pseudotuberculosiswas isolated from 33 mastitic cows which also had cutaneous lesions. The visceral form of the disease was detected when severely affected animals were slaughtered. In 23 of the herds, the disease occurred during the spring and summer dry season, from March to October; the highest prevalence was in the semi‐arid Negev region. In 25 herds, the infection lasted for up to five months. The skin lesions on individual cows healed on average in 23.4 days, after either local or parenteral treatment. No significant difference was observed between the effect of systemic antibiotic treatment and local antiseptic treatment. One hundred and two (16.7 per cent) severely affected animals were culled. There was a decrease in milk production and large increases in somatic cell counts in the 12 herds in which the disease was epidemic. None of the strains of isolatedC pseudotuberculosisreduced nitrate.
Meat safety consequences of implementing visual postmortem meat inspection procedures in Danish slaughter pigs
Authors: Mousing J. , Kyrval J. , Jensen T. K. , Aalbæk B. , Buttenschøn J. , Svensmark B. , Willeberg P.
Published: October 2010

The consequences of a change from a traditional meat inspection procedure, including manual handling, palpation and incision, to an entirely visual postmortem meat inspection procedure in Danish slaughter pigs were assessed by a comparative study of the two methods in 183,383 slaughter pigs. Out of 58 lesion codes (selected with a prevalence ≥5.5 × 10−5), 26 (45 per cent) were assessed either as merely aesthetic or as the healed stage of an earlier lesion and nine (15 per cent) as active, but local processes, occurring only in non‐edible tissue. Five lesion codes (9 per cent) were assessed as active, nonabscessal processes occurring in edible tissue, caused by swine‐specific pathogens and 10 (17 per cent) were abscessal or pyaemic lesions occurring in edible tissue. Seven lesion codes (12 per cent) may be associated with consumer health hazards (two frequently and five rarely), and one with occupational health hazards. It was estimated that per 1000 carcases, an additional 2 5 with abscessal or pyaemic lesions (in edible tissue) containingStaphylococcus aureus, 4 × 10−4containing ochratoxin, 0.2 with arthritis due toErysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, 0.1 with caseous lymphadenitis, 0.7 faecally contaminated withSalmonellaspecies, and 3.4 faecally contaminated withYersinia enterocoliticawould remain undetected as a result of changing from the traditional to the visual inspection procedure. Two valuable reasons for implementing a visual control system are the potential for decreased cross‐contamination (no handling, cutting and incision) and reduced inspection costs. The resources released as a result may be reallocated to hygiene and surveillance programmes.
Glaucoma in a captive‐bred great horned owl (Bubo virginianus virginianus)
Authors: Rayment L. J. , Williams D.
Published: October 2010

A captive‐bred adult great horned owl (Bubo virginianus virginianus) behaved as though it was bilaterally blind. An ophthalmological examination showed that it had an increased intraocular pressure in both eyes and gonioscopy showed an abnormality of the iridocorneal angles. Retinal changes were also observed. Treatment was not attempted and the owl was euthanased. Histopathology confirmed the abnormal iridocorneal angles, but the exact aetiology of the primary glaucoma was not identified.
Surgical treatment of a septic dentigerous cyst in a goat
Authors: Miller C. C. , Selcer B. A. , Williamson L. H. , Mahaffey E. A.
Published: October 2010

A slowly growing lesion of the rostral mandible of a goat was diagnosed to be a septic dentigerous cyst. The lesion was treated surgically to remove one displaced tooth and debride the cystic cavity, and systemic antibiotic therapy was applied. Thirty‐four weeks later the goat was clinically and radiographically improved and the problem had not recurred.
Association between natural scrapie and PrP genotype in a flock of Suffolk sheep in Scotland
Authors: Hunter N. , Moore L. , Hosie B. D. , Dingwall W. S. , Greig A.
Published: October 2010

The incidence of natural scrapie in sheep is associated with polymorphisms of the PrP gene, particularly those at codons 136, 154 and 171. In many breeds, the PrP allele encoding valine at codon 136 confers an extremely high risk of scrapie, but in Suffolk sheep this allele is vanishingly rare. In this study of a single closed flock of Suffolk sheep in Scotland, scrapie occurred primarily in animals which were homozygous for glutamine at codon 171, a genotype which was significantly less frequent in healthy flockmates. However, the apparent linkage between glutamine at codon 171 and scrapie was not completely recessive because two of 64 scrapie cases were heterozygous glutamine/arginine. These results suggest that breeding for increased resistance to scrapie in Suffolks by the selection of animals according to their PrP genotype is a feasible option.
Anaemia and low viability in piglets infected with Eperythrozoon suis
Authors: Henderson J. P. , O'Hagan J. , Hawe S. M. , Pratt M. C. H.
Published: October 2010

Eperythrozoon suis infection was identified in a pig herd during an investigation into anaemia and low viability in newborn piglets and severe regenerative macrocytic anaemia in older piglets. The organisms were identified in the erythrocytes of piglets a few days old. Extensive investigations failed to detect other causes of the anaemia and low viability. There was no response to parenteral iron administration alone but the piglets' viability and anaemia responded to the administration of tetracyclines. This is the first report of E suis infection in Northern Ireland.
Results of a survey to determine whether Neospora is a significant cause of ovine abortion in England and Wales
Authors: Otter A. , Wilson B. W. , Scholes S. F. E. , Jeffrey M. , Helmick B. , Trees A. J.
Published: October 2010

Between January and April 1995, the brains and hearts of 281 aborted lambs derived from 209 submissions to veterinary investigation centres in England and Wales were examined histologically. One‐hundred‐and‐seventy‐nine samples of fetal pleural fluid from these lambs and 141 from lambs not examined histologically were examined for antibodies to Neospora by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Non‐suppurative myocarditis and encephalitis were present in nine lambs. Immunocytochemistry using antisera against Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis species resulted in no labelling but antisera to Toxoplasma gondii revealed labelled organisms in four lambs. No significant antibody titres against Neospora were detected in any of the samples of fetal pleural fluid. These results suggest that Neospora infection is not associated with significant numbers of abortions in sheep in England and Wales.
Novel cypermethrin formulation for the control of sea lice on salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Hart J. L. , Thacker J. R. M. , Braidwood J. C. , Fraser N. R. , Matthews J. E.
Published: October 2010

A novel formulation of cypermethrin was applied as a bath treatment to Atlantic salmon infested with sea lice on a commercial fish farm on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Twenty 15 m × 15 m cages were treated with cypermethrin at a concentration of 5 μg/litre sea water. The numbers of sea lice of all stages were recorded on five fish per cage before the treatment and one, seven and 16 days after treatment. Statistically significant reductions in the numbers of chalimus III and IV pre‐adults and adults were recorded over the whole period; the average percentage reductions at one and 16 days after treatment were 59 per cent and 90 per cent (chalimus III and IV), 98 per cent and 95 per cent (pre‐adults), and 99 per cent (adults), respectively.
Effect on milk production of vaccination with a bovine herpesvirus 1 gene‐deleted vaccine
Authors: Bosch J. C. , Frankena K. , van Oirschot J. T.
Published: October 2010

A field trial was conducted to determine the effect of vaccination with an inactivated bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) gE‐negative marker vaccine on the milk production of dairy cows. The daily milk yield of 455 cows in six herds was measured electronically from six days before vaccination until 14 days after vaccination. The treatment consisted of two injections with either vaccine or placebo, both at an interval of four weeks. There was a small, but significant (P<0.05), decrease of about 1.4 litres per cow in milk production after a double vaccination, the negative effect being slightly greater after the second vaccination.
Hypobiosis in the ostertagids of red deer and the efficacy of ivermectin and fenbendazole against them
Authors: Connan R. M.
Published: October 2010

An abattoir survey was carried out during the 1991 to 1992 slaughter season to examine the structure of the ostertagid populations in red deer. Most of the animals were 15‐ to 22‐month‐old stags, but there were also hinds on two occasions and calves on one. Ostertagids of mixed species were present in all of the animals, and 43 of 120 (35.8 per cent) stags and 10 of 17 (58.8 per cent) hinds, but no calves, also carried small numbers of Trichostrongylus axei. Most animals carried adult and developing ostertagids and after September they all contained hypobiotic larvae (EL4). EL4 were present in three of nine stags in September and they increased in number through the autumn. In stags killed between November and February the group mean numbers of EL4 represented 62 to 94 per cent of the total burdens present, compared with 37 and 55 per cent on April 1 and 7, respectively. In the hinds, the number and the structure of the ostertagid populations was similar to that in the stags. Of 14 calves killed on October 9, only two contained a few EL4. Subcutaneous ivermectin at 400 μg/kg removed 100 per cent of the adult and developing worms, but although it also removed 95 per cent of EL4, some larvae remained in every treated animal. The efficacy of fenbendazole at 15 mg/kg given over five days was 75 per cent against EL4 and although the long interval after treatment obscured the result, it was probably much higher against later stages.
Preliminary study of the effect of iron dextran on a non‐regenerative anaemia of housed lambs
Authors: Green L. E. , Graham M. , Morgan K. L.
Published: October 2010

A study of the effects of iron dextran supplementation on anaemia in indoor lambs was carried out on one commercial flock of 525 lambs from January to June 1993. The lambs were randomly allocated into two groups, one of which was given a parenteral injection of 300 mg iron dextran and the other was left untreated. Blood was collected from 22 12‐dayold lambs and 106 24‐day‐old lambs, in each case half treated and half untreated. The supplemented lambs had significantly improved haematological values than the unsupplemented lambs. There were also significant differences i'n the total serum iron concentration, the unsaturated iron binding capacity and the percentage serum saturation with iron between the treated and untreated lambs. At 12 days, the untreated lambs had a total serum iron below the accepted normal range for sheep whereas the treated lambs had values within the normal range. At weaning, lambs injected with iron dextran were significantly heavier (1.0 kg) than those not injected. The daily liveweight gain to slaughter was greater and the proportion of deaths was lower in the treated lambs but these differences were not statistically significant.
Serodiagnosis of sarcoptic mange in pigs
Authors: Bomstein S. , Wallgren P.
Published: October 2010

A serodiagnostic test (ELISA) for detecting antibodies toSarcoptes scabieiin the sera of pigs was evaluated. The ELISA results from 221 specific pathogen‐free pigs of three different age categories were used to establish a cut‐off value for the assay. Background optical density values differed significantly between the three groups, the sows having the highest values. The mean + 3 sd of their values was chosen as the cut‐off. Four farrow‐to‐finish herds of pigs with sarcoptic mange were investigated. Skin scrapings were taken from each animal for the demonstration ofS scabieiand their sera were assayed for the presence of antibodies to the mite. All the herds had active infections withS scabieiand antibodies toS scabieiwere found in a significant number of the animals sampled. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA were 87.8 and 99.5 per cent, respectively, employing clinical diagnosis as the gold standard. A higher sensitivity (100 per cent), but a lower specificity (32.8 per cent) was obtained when the results of skin scrapings were used as the gold standard.
Bacteriological monitoring of Salmonella enteritidis carrier birds after decontamination using enrofloxacin, competitive exclusion and movement of birds
Authors: Humbert F. , Carramiñana J. J. , Lalande F. , Salvat G.
Published: October 2010

Two hundred and forty, four‐week‐old laying birds naturally infected with Salmonella enteritidis PT33 (Pasteur Institute phage typing system) were randomly divided twice (before and during the treatments) to obtain four separately housed groups of 60 birds and to study the efficacy of three decontamination treatments: enrofloxacin either with or without the movement of birds to a clean area, and enrofloxacin combined with movement of birds and a competitive exclusion treatment. The control group remained untreated. In each group contamination with S enteritidis was checked bacteriologically, every week from two months before until two months after the treatments began. All the samples taken from all the birds before the treatments began were S enteritidis ‐positive. After the treatments it was not possible to isolate salmonella either from the environment or from the faeces of the three treated groups. All the birds were humanely sacrificed at 22 weeks of age and samples of liver, spleen, ovaries and caeca were analysed for the presence of salmonella. The results demonstrated that although antibiotic therapy, the movement of birds into a clean house and competitive exclusion, either combined or not, had some efficacy in reducing infection levels, it was not possible to decontaminate all the birds completely.
Prevalence and distribution of foot lesions in finishing pigs in south‐west England
Authors: Mouttotou N. , Hatchell F. M. , Lundervold M. , Green L. E.
Published: October 2010

This paper gives the first estimate of the prevalence and distribution of foot lesions in finishing pigs in the south‐west of England for 33 years. It was based on the examination of 4038 finishing pigs from 21 units. There were 3727 out of 3974 (93.8 per cent) pigs with at least one foot lesion. The prevalence of different lesions was: toe erosion (33.0 per cent), sole erosion (62.1 per cent), heel erosion (13.0 per cent), heel flaps (14.4 per cent), white line lesions (55.4 per cent), false sand cracks (23.9 per cent) and wall separation (11.5 per cent). The hind feet were more commonly affected than the front feet, and on each foot the lateral digits were significantly more frequently affected than the medial digits. Sole erosions, heel flaps, wall separation and false sand cracks were more frequently observed on the lateral than the medial digit. Digits with sole erosions were significantly more likely to have heel flaps, white line lesions or false sand cracks than those without sole erosions. Furthermore, there was a within digit association between overgrown hooves and toe erosion. The effects of weightbearing, gait and environment on the development of foot lesions is discussed.
A review of viruses affecting raptors
Authors: Forbes N. A. , Simpson G. N.
Published: October 2010

Outbreaks of viral diseases have been diagnosed more commonly in raptors in recent years. The practice of feeding carnivorous birds with food derived from other birds exposes them directly to a wide range of potential pathogens. Some viruses which are avirulent in their natural host are known to be more pathogenic when they cross the species barrier. Compromised immunity due to stress or inbreeding may further increase the disease risk. Traditional feeding methods may need to be re‐appraised and changed in view of this risk. This paper reviews the literature on viral diseases of raptors and provides additional clinicopathological observations from unpublished cases.
Natural scrapie and PrP genotype: case‐control studies in British sheep
Authors: Hunter N. , Goldmann W. , Foster J. D. , Cairns D. , Smith G.
Published: October 2010

Natural scrapie in sheep is associated with polymorphisms of the PrP gene, particularly at amino acid codons 136, 154 and 171. This paper reports the results of nine scrapie case‐control studies in Bleu du Maine, Herdwick, Merino x Shetland, Poll Dorset, Scottish Halfbred, Shetland, Soay, Suffolk and Swaledale sheep from British flocks affected by scrapie. In some outbreaks, scrapie was found to occur only in animals with at least one PrP allele encoding valine at codon 136 (V136), usually a relatively rare allele in healthy controls In other outbreaks, the v136, PrP aUlele was either not found or was not an absolute prerequisite for scrapie to develop. Although scrapie had a strong tendency to affect sheep with PrP genotypes homozygous for glutamine at codon 171 (QQ136), these genotypes (QQ136 but varying at other codon positions) were relatively common in healthy controls. The reliable prediction of scrapie susceptibility in previously uninvestigated sheep flocks will therefore require information at least about PrP genotypes at codons 136 and 171.
Effect of platelet‐activating factor on bovine pulmonary function
Authors: Van de Weerdt M. L. , Desmecht D. , Lekeux P.
Published: October 2010

The objectives of this study were to determine whether the infusion of platelet‐activating factor would modify bovine pulmonary function, heart rate and platelet count and whether any such modifications could be antagonised by the prior intravenous injection of a specific antagonist (WEB 2086). In saline‐pretreated calves, the respiratory rate, total lung resistance (RL) and maximal changes in transpulmonary pressure (ΔPtp) were significantly increased whereas lung dynamic compliance (CLdyn), tidal volume (VT), platelet count and heart rate were significantly decreased. The changes in RL, CLdyn, VTand ΔPtpwere abolished by pretreatment with WEB 2086, whereas respiratory rate remained significantly increased to 125 per cent of the baseline value, but less than in the saline‐pretreated calves in which it was 250 per cent of the baseline value.
Lead poisoning and parasitism in a flock of mute swans (Cygnus olor) in Scotland
Authors: Pennycott T. W.
Published: October 2010

Increased mortality in a flock of non‐breeding mute swans (Cygnus olor) on a Scottish loch was investigated. Postmortem examinations were carried out on eight adult and six immature swans. The commonest cause of death, found in eight birds, was lead poisoning associated with the ingestion of large lead fishing weights. Heavy parasitic burdens were found in five immature birds, involving combinations of the gizzard worm Amidostomum species, the thornyheaded worms Polymorphus minutus and Profilicollis anatis, and the tracheal trematode Orchipedum tracheicola. Other parasites of lesser significance were the biting louse Trinoton anserinum, the tapeworm Wardoides nyrocae, the hairworm Capillaria species and the intestinal trematode Echinoparyphium recurvatum. Eight of the 14 swans carried trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae, which may be involved in human cercarial dermatitis or ’swimmers‘ itch'. It is suggested that the increased mortality arose through a combination of increased numbers of swans on the loch, and a fall in the water level of the loch which exposed the birds to previously inaccessible lead fishing weights and to the intermediate hosts of a range of internal parasites.
Exploratory study on the economic value of a closed farming system on Dutch dairy farms
Authors: van Schaik G. , Dijkhuizen A. A. , Benedictus G. , Barkema H. W. , Koole J. L.
Published: October 2010

A closed farming system may prevent the introduction of infectious diseases on to dairy farms and could be a good starting point for the eradication of these diseases. In order to introduce a closed farming system, farmers need to be made aware of how these diseases are introduced into the herd. Farmers will be more likely to implement a closed farming system when the economic value is quantified and attractive. An exploratory study was carried out to investigate the technical and economic results of closed dairy farms. Farms that purchased cattle and/or shared pasture (dermed as ‘open’ farms) differed in technical results from farms that did not (‘closed’ farms). The results of the discriminant analysis showed that the ‘closed’ farms incurred lower costs for veterinary services, had a lower average age at first calving and a higher birth rate per 100 dairy cows. A linear regression analysis was carried out to investigate the influence of the farming system on economic performance. Being ‘closed’ was found to increase the net profit by £0.31 per 100 kg of milk, or approximately £25 per cow per year or 5 per cent of the typical net return to labour and management (£1 = Dfl 2.80 in November 1996).
Pre‐transport loading of farmed red deer: effects of previous overnight housing environment, vehicle illumination and shape of loading race
Authors: Grigor P. N. , Goddard P. J. , Littlewood C. A. , Deakin D. W.
Published: October 2010

The behaviour of farmed red deer was studied while they were being loaded on to a transporter. In experiment 1, the effects of previous overnight housing conditions (indoors, at a space allowance of either 4 or 8 m2 per deer, or in an outdoor raceway) on the ease of loading were investigated. The number of attempts required to load the deer was not significantly affected by their housing conditions or their sex, but there was a significant increase in the number of attempts required after the first day (P<O.05), suggesting that some aspect of the loading procedure was aversive to the deer. In experiment 2, the effects of illumination inside the vehicle (bright or dim) and the shape of the loading race (straight or curved) were examined. Neither factor significantly influenced the time taken by deer to enter the trailer. However, deer took significantly (P<O.05) less time to load as the number of trials increased. It is concluded that the loading of deer may be facilitated if the loading raceway is wide enough to allow the deer to move as a group, but narrow enough to prevent the deer from turning round.