bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virological and Pathological Findings in Sheep Fetuses Following Experimental Infection of Pregnant Ewes with Cytopathogenic‐bovine‐virus Diarrhoea Virus
Authors: Hewicker‐Trautwein M. , Liess B. , Frey H.‐R. , Trautwein G.
Published: May 2010

Eighteen pregnant Merino ewes were inoculated intravenously between days 65 and 68 of gestation with the unpurified cytopathogenic (cp) bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) strain Indiana (experiment I). In experiment II, three ewes were inoculated with the same virus after two successive plaque isolations in order to compare its pathogenicity for the fetus with special regard to lesions in the fetal brain. In experiment I, fetal blood and tissue samples, allantoic fluids and placentomes were collected sequentially between 10 and 80 days post‐inoculation (p.i.). BVDV was recovered from 6 of 19 fetuses examined during the first 3 weeks after inoculation. From fetuses sampled between 30 and 50 days p.i. virus was isolated from three cases only, and from 60 days p.i. onwards virus was no longer recovered. BVDV was longer detected in the allantoic fluid than in fetal tissues and continued to be present until 80 days post‐inoculation. From tissue samples of two fetuses of experiment I, only non‐cytopathogenic BVDV was isolated, whilst samples from seven fetuses contained the cp BVDV biotype as revealed by an immunoplaque assay. The cp biotype was also isolated from placentomes. In experiment II, virus was not isolated from any of the tissue samples of two living fetuses collected at 67 days post‐inoculation. In both experiments, cp BVDV was recovered from allantoic fluid samples. In contrast to the developing fetal brain, other tissues or organs seemed to be less vulnerable to the cp BVDV strain Indiana. The partial purification of this virus strain did not affect its pathogenicity for the brains of the developing fetuses.
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Germany
Authors: Kaaden O.‐R. , Truyen U. , Groschup M. H. , Uysal A. , Kaiser E. , Kretzschmar H. , Bogumil T. , Pohlenz J. , Diringer H. , Steinhagen P. , Dahme E.
Published: May 2010

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been described as an epidemic central nervous disorder in cattle from the United Kingdom. The disease is thought to have emerged by an interspecies transmission of the scrapie agent of sheep to cattle, after feeding scrapie‐contaminated meat and bone meal (MBM). The disease has caused substantial economic losses for the British cattle industry. Because of strict veterinary regulations for the import of adult British cattle by the European Union and for MBM by most of the member states the spread of BSE to continental Europe could be efficiently controlled, and only few cases have been described outside the UK. Here we report the first German case of BSE diagnosed in a Scottish Highland cow. The affected cow was imported into Germany before the import ban for cattle from the UK was implemented. BSE was confirmed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, animal experiments, immunoblotting and by electron microscopic detection of scrapie‐associated fibrils (SAFs).

Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Nachweis des ersten BSE‐Falles in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Bei dem Rind handelte es sich um ein aus Großbritannien vor dem Verbringungsverbot eingeführtes Scottish‐Highland‐Rind, das zunächst unter zentralnervösen Symptomen erkankte und später verendete. Nachdem das Vorliegen anderer bakterieller oder virusbedingter Erkrankungen (u.a. Listeriose, Aujeszkysche Krankheit, Tollwut) ausgeschlossen worden war, wurden bei der anschließenden histopathologischen Untersuchung die typischen Veränderungen einer spongiformen Enzephalopathie festgestellt und von vier weiteren Pathologen bestätigt. Da das Gehirn zunächst Formalin‐fixiert worden war, erbrachten der Nachweis der Scrapie‐assoziierten Fibrillen und der Immunoblot zur Feststellung von PrPSc‐bzw PrPBSE‐negative Ergebnisse.

Unabhängig davon wurden 12 weibliche C57Bl/Han‐Mäuse intrazerebral und intraperitoneal mit Hirnhomogenat infiziert. Eine Kontrollgruppe erhielt Hirnhomogenat eines gesunden Tieres. Nach einer Inkubationszeit von etwa 520 Tagen erkrankten vier Mäuse der mit BSE‐Material infizierten Versuchsgruppe. Bei zweien dieser Tiere wurden durch histopathologische und immunhistochemische Untersuchungen die für BSE‐typischen spongiformen Enzephalopathien sowie ‘Scrapie‐associated Fibrils (SAFs)’ festgestellt werden. Die eindeutige Bestätigung der Diagnose wurde durch den Immunoblot‐Nachweis von PrPBSE 27‐30kDa im Gehirn der erkrankten Mäuse erbracht.
Mucosal Immune Responses in Calves Orally Vaccinated with a Live Auxotrophic aroA Salmonella dublin Strain
Authors: Segall T. , Jacobsson S. O. , Karlsson K. , Lindberg A. A.
Published: May 2010

The mucosal immune responses were studied in two calves orally vaccinated with the live aroA mutant strain, Salmonella dublin SL5631, and in two non‐vaccinated control calves. Intestinal secretions were collected through a permanent fistula in place during a 5‐week period. Vaccinated calves responded with high IgM and IgA titres against the S. dublin lipopo‐lysaccharide. Both IgA and the IgM titres appeared already after 3 days and IgM somewhat earlier than the IgA titres. Both antibody titres remained high for 2 weeks after the third and final vaccine dose. The calves also showed marked T‐cell responses in lymphocytes collected from mesenterial lymph nodes and the spleen.
Validation of an Inhibition ELISA using a Monoclonal Antibody for Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease (FMD) Primary Diagnosis
Authors: Smitsaart E. N. , Fernández E. , Maradei E. , Morgan D. O.
Published: May 2010

An inhibition ELISA (IH‐ELISA) test for foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) was validated using 106 epithelial samples from suspected cases of FMD in Argentina submitted to the Argentine National Diagnostics Laboratory (GELAB) over a period of 12 months and examined in parallel with the complement fixation test (CFT). IH‐ELISA was found to be more sensitive, detecting 25 % (26 samples) more FMDV positives than the CFT in original suspensions of field samples. The effect of storage conditions on 12S stability was examined. Plates stored at 4 °C blocked with 1 % ovalbumin and plates stored at —20 °C with or without blocking buffer could be used for at least 90 days. When various brands of polysterene plates were compared for 12ps adsorption it was found that those microplates of higher binding capacity were more efficient.
Salmonella Contamination of the Environment and its Incidence in Wild Birds
Authors: Ĉíẑek A. , Literák I. , Hejlíćek K. , Treml F. , Smola J.
Published: May 2010

In 1984–1991, the incidence of salmonellas was studied in wild birds from various sites in the Czech Republic.

On an agricultural farm with salmonellosis in calves, salmonellae were isolated from eight birds (seven Passer domesticus, one Serinus serinus) of 31 birds examined. On various agricultural farms with no salmonellosis in farm animals, salmonellae were found in two birds (Columba livia f. domestica) of 2186 birds examined. Of 35 birds caught at a municipal waste‐dump site, salmonellae were isolated from one specimen (Larus canus). No salmonellae were found in birds living in reed growths and in various military training areas (557 and 116 birds examined, respectively).

In black‐headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) from various areas with bodies of water, salmonellae were found in 4.2 % of 189 adults and 19.2 % of 740 non‐flying young examined. S. typhimurium was the most common serotype isolated from gulls. Phage type 101 represented 32 % of 48 phage‐typed strains.

This study shows a relationship between the contamination of the environment with salmonellae and their incidence in wild birds.
Virulence for Mice ofStaphylococcus aureusStrains from Bovine Mastitis Related to Colonial Morphology and Serological Types in Serum‐soft Agar
Authors: Calvinho L. F. , Dodd K.
Published: May 2010

SixStaphylococcus aureusstrains isolated from bovine mastitic milk representing the typical growth types in soft agar media were injected into mice via the intraperitoneal route. Strains showing diffuse colony morphology (DCM) in serum‐soft agar (SSA) as a permanent characteristic which reacted against anti‐capsular sera types A, B, and D were virulent for mice. A strain showing DCM in SSA that reacted only against anti‐capsular serum D behaved as a compact‐colony‐morphology‐type strain in the peritoneal cavity of the mouse. Diffuse‐type colony morphology and presence of capsular antigens type A, B, and D correlated with increased virulence for mice, but a capsule could not be demonstrated.
Experimental Studies of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi in Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus): Life Cycle, Pathogenesis, and Pathology
Authors: Handeland K.
Published: May 2010

A total of 12 reindeer calves (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) were given 200–1,000 infective larvae of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi and autopsied 2 1/2–196 days post inoculation (p.i.). The larvae penetrated venules of the abomasal wall and followed the bloodstream via the liver to the lungs. In the lungs the larvae entered pulmonary venules and spread to all tissues via the general circulation. Many larvae that lodged in arterial vessels outside the spinal cord migrated into the cord along the spinal nerves. Nematodes matured in the central nervous system (CNS), and then migrated to the skeletal muscles (SM) via the spinal nerve roots. Eggs were deposited into veins and carried via the venous blood to the lungs. Here, the first stage larvae hatched and entered the airways. Pathological lesions consisting of focal necroses and interstitial accumulations of inflammatory cells were observed in the abomasal wall, liver, lungs, myocardium and kidneys. Infarcts were observed in the myocardium, kidneys and CNS. Other lesions in the nervous system were encephalomyelitis, focal traumatic encephalomyelomalacia, axon and myelin sheath degenerations, meningitis, chorioditis, perineuritis, neuritis and ganglioradiculitis. A multifocal verminous pneumonia persisted from day 103 p.i., and nematode‐induced inflammatory oedema was observed in the intermuscular connective tissue of the SM at 196 days p.i.
Development of an Experimental ELISA for the Detection of Antigens and Antibodies to the Virus of Pacheco Disease using Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Abdala Nádia
Published: May 2010

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against one of the strains of Pacheco Parrot's Disease (PPD) were produced and characterized. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the rapid detection of antigen and antibody to PPD was developed. The antigen ELISA could detect up to 117 ng/ml of purified virus material. To overcome the requirement for large amounts of purified viral antigen, the microtitre trays were initially coated with Mabs prepared against purified PPD virus (PPDV). A relatively crude viral preparation could then be used to coat the trays. Using one more step of incubation between the viral preparation and a test sera, the same ELISA protocol could be used for screening antibody against PPDV. The blocking ELISA with a detection range of 625 ng/ml of purified antibody was twice as sensitive as the serum neutralization test (SN), which detected 1.35 μg/ml.
Pulmonale Angiostrongylose mit systemischer Ausbreitung und zentralnervaler Manifestation bei einem Hund
Authors: Reifinger M. , Greszl J.
Published: May 2010

An 18‐month‐old female crossbred dog developed signs of acute central‐nervous disorder. The bitch originated from Corsica and had been brought to Austria 4 months previously. Clinical examination showed signs of a cerebral haemorrhage. The dog died 2 days after hospitalization and initiation of symptomatic therapy. Necropsy revealed a fresh haemorrhage in the brain, filling the left ventricle, and severe interstitial pneumonia with nematodes lodged in pulmonary vessels. Histological examination showed pulmonal Angiostrongylosis and invasion of the CNS, myocardium and liver by first‐stageAngiostrongylus vasorumlarvae. A causal connection between larval migration and cerebral haemorrhage was suggested.

The life‐cycle ofAngiostrongylus vasorumand further reports on aberrant larval migration are presented.

Eine 18 Monate alte Mischlingshündin erkrankte akut unter zentralnervalen Symptomen. Das Tier stammte aus Korsika und war 4 Monate vorher nach Österreich gebracht worden. Klinisch ergaben sich Hinweise auf eine Hirnblutung, der Hund verstarb 2 Tage nach Einstellung trotz symptomatischer Therapie.

Pathomorphologisch fand sich eine frische zerebrale Massenblutung im linken Seitenventrikel sowie eine schwere verminöse Pneumonie. Letztere erwies sich histologisch als pulmonale Angiostrongylose, die durch hämatogene Streuung von Erstlarven zur Invasion von Zentralnervensystem, Herzmuskel und Leber geführt hatte. Ein Zusammenhang zwischen zerebraler Larveninvasion und Hirnblutung wird vermutet.

Der Entwicklungszyklus des Parasiten und weitere Berichte über aberrante Larvenwanderungen werden kurz dargestellt.
Partial Protection of Manchego Sheep against Haemonchus contortus after a 6‐Month Postpriming Period. Preliminary Note
Authors: Cuquerella M. , Gómez‐Muñoz M T. , Méndez S. , Alunda J. M.
Published: May 2010

Twelve to 12·5‐month‐old Manchego sheep which had received a Haemonchus contortus infection with 2500 infective larvae (L‐3) when they were 4–4.5 months old (A1,A2) and a challenge with 5000 L‐3 2 months later (A1,A2,B1,B2), finished in both cases with thiabendazole treatment, were subjected to a homologous infection with 7000 L‐3 (A1,B1) or kept as control sheep (A2,B2). Fifty days after the infection the animals were treated with rafoxanide and challenged 18 days later with 14,000 L‐3 of the parasite.

Wide variations were seen, not observed at the 7000 L‐3 infection, after challenge among the animals' faecal egg output. Retrospective analysis of the results obtained showed that the sheep response was apparently dependent on the extent of the contact with the parasite 6 months earlier and the elapsed period between priming and infection. A significant protective response was seen at challenge in the sheep which had received 2500 + 5000 L‐3 (A2), suggesting the need of a period between 120 and 180 days without infection to show a strong response.

No clear correlation was seen between parasitological results and the serum antibody response estimated by ELISA along the experiment and Western blotting analysis during the challenge. However, the less reactive sheep displayed lower ELISA values and simpler immunorecognition patterns in WB.
Die Sarkosporidien des Schafes in Österreich
Authors: Hinaidy H. K. , Egger A.
Published: May 2010

In a study on the sarcosporidia of sheep in Austria, 500 oesophagi of slaughtered sheep were examined both grossly (macrocysts) and using the mixer method (microcysts). This simple homogenization technique enables, after 8–12 minutes, both recovery of sarcocysts and their speciation (protrusions of cyst wall) in the same microscopic preparations. For the first time in Austria, species of sarcocysts occurring in native sheep (Ovis aries) were determined. The general level of prevalence was 62.6 %.Sarcocystis tenella(25.6 %),S. arieticanis(24.0 %), andS. gigantea(2.4 %) were identified. NeitherS. medusiformisnor unnamed forms that have been reported in Norway and the USA were found in the material.

In einer Studie über die Sarkosporidien des Schafes (Ovis aries) in Österreich wurden die gesamten Schlünde von 500 geschlachteten Schafen makroskopisch (Makrozysten) sowie nach unserer Mixer‐Methode (Mikrozysten) auf Sarkosporidien untersucht. Bei diesem äußerst einfachen Verfahren, das lediglich 8–12 Min beansprucht, dienen die selben mikroskopischen Präparate sowohl der Feststellung eines Befalles als auch der Spezies‐Determinierung der Sarkozysten (Fortsätze der Zystenwand). Mieschersche Schläuche wurden bei 62,6 % der Schafe nachgewiesen. Während 73,7 % der über 1 Jahr alten Tiere befallen waren, betrug die Prävalenz 22,6 % bei den unter 6 Monate alten Schafen. Vorwiegend war die Intensität des Befalles mittelgradig (36,4 %). Geringgradige Infektionen wurden in 24,8 % der Schafe ermittelt.

Erstmals werden die beim Hausschaf in Österreich auftretenden Sarkozystenarten determiniert.Sarcocystis tenella(25,6 %),S. arieticanis(24,0 %) undS. gigantea(2,4 %) wurden bestimmt. WederS. medusiformisnoch jene in Norwegen und den USA vorkommenden, unbenannten Sarkozystenformen aus dem Hausschaf wurden im Material festgestellt.
In Vitro Activity of Terdecamycin against Serpulina hyodysenteriae and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Ueda Y. , Hayashi T. , Narukawa N.
Published: May 2010

Terdecamycin is an antibacterial compound which is synthesized by chemically modifying sedecamycin. In this study, 51 and 53 field isolates of Serpulina hyodysenteriae and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, respectively, were examined for their susceptibility to terdecamycin. Terdecamycin showed a high activity against all isolates of S. hyodysenteriae and M. hyopneumoniae. Its activity against S. hyodysenteriae was higher than that of sedecamycin and its activity against M. hyopneumoniae was equivalent to that of tylosin, lincomycin and tiamulin. Chemically modifying sedecamycin potentiated the antibacterial activity and broadened its spectrum.
Formic Acid in the Control of Varroatosis: a Practical Approach
Authors: Mutinelli F. , Cremasco S. , Irsara A.
Published: May 2010

To evaluate the applicability of formic acid in the control of varroatosis, a trial on 55 hives was carried out during the second half of August. Into the moving base of the hive were inserted 60% formic‐acid‐soaked pads. The treatment was administered according to two different schedules: weekly treatment for 4 weeks, and treatment every 3 days for 2.5–3 weeks. With the first schedule, efficacy equal to 94.3 % and 89.6 % in 22 and 15 hives, respectively, was obtained; in eight hives treated using the second schedule, efficacy of 98.8 % was obtained. As controls, 10 hives treated with Apistan were used. No adverse effects on bees were observed in the hives treated with formic acid.
Porcine Lung Lesions at Slaughter and their Correlation to the Incidence of Infections byMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeandActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeduring the Rearing Period
Authors: Wallgren P. , Beskow P. , Fellström C. , Renström L. H. M.
Published: May 2010

Porcine lungs were macroscopically and microscopically examined at slaughter, with special regard to different stages of lesions similar to those caused byMycoplasma hyopneumoniae.There was good conformity between the macroscopical and microscopical findings.

In an extended abattoir survey, lesions were found in 4210 out of 4508 lungs examined. The majority of lungs with pleuritic lesions (274 out of 369) revealed by the extended examination were registered by the official procedure. No correlation between pleuritis and time for seroconversion, or with the levels of antibodies toActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, was found.

Among lungs affected with pneumonic lesions (n = 3841), lesions similar to those caused byMycoplasma hyopneumoniaewere predominant (n = 3769). Only 15 % of these lesions were revealed by official registration at slaughter. This figure is explained by the fact that only 35 % of the infections were still active at the time of slaughter and that only ongoing lesions exceeding a certain magnitude were recorded according to the official regulations. By following the development of antibodies toMycoplasma hyopneumoniaethrough the fattening period, the duration of the active infection was estimated to be approximately 12 weeks. Consequently, infections withMycoplasma hyopneumoniaegained during the early fattening period will, in general, escape detection at slaughter.
Relation between Encapsulation and Various Properties ofStreptococcus suis
Authors: Wibawan I. W. T. , Lämmler C.
Published: May 2010

Encapsulation is thought to be a critical virulence factor forStreptococcus suis.In this study, encapsulation of a selectedS. suisculture could be stimulated by cultivation conditions. After cultivation of theS. suisculture in fluid media supplemented with serum, the culture grew with short chains and a uniform turbidity of the growth medium. Autoclave extracts of this culture reacted with capsular type‐1‐specific antiserum. After cultivation of theS. suisculture in fluid media without serum, the bacteria generally formed longer chains, grew in fluid medium as granular sediment with clear supernatant, and were non‐typeable. In addition, the unencapsulated variant appeared to have a more hydrophobic surface and adhered significantly more to HeLa cells. In contrast to the unencapsulated variant, the encapsulatedS. suiswas phagocytosed to a lesser extent by polymorphonuclear leucocytes. These findings might help to elucidate the role of encapsulation in infections with this bacterial organism.
Avian Infectious Bronchitis: Specific Lachrymal IgA Level and Resistance against Challenge
Authors: Toro H. , Fernandez I.
Published: May 2010

Since circulating antibody titres against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) often correlate poorly with protection against re‐infection, the lachrymal specific IgA level of IBV vaccinated chickens was evaluated as an indicator of resistance against challenge. For this purpose, the post‐vaccination (pv) IBV specific lachrymal IgA response was monitored in 30 chickens at 3‐day intervals until a rise of this specific isotype was detected. On day 19 pv, all birds (vaccinated group and non‐vaccinated controls) were challenged with the moderately attenuated H‐52 IBV strain via the ocular route. Protection was assessed by viral reisolation attempts in SPF embryonated chicken eggs (ECE) from tracheal swabs 4 days after challenge. Virus was detected in all control birds by the second passage in ECE. IBV was reisolated from 27 % (eight birds) of all H‐120‐primed birds after five passages in ECE. These results demonstrate that lachrymal‐fluid‐specific IgA levels in chickens are associated with resistance against IBV reinfection and are therefore a suitable source of antibodies that could be used for flock profiling.
Nachweis von Chlamydia psittaci in Vaginalausfluß von Rindern: Eine notwendige Erweiterung der bakteriologischen Diagnostik zur ätiologischen Klärung von Fruchtbarkeitsstörungen beim weiblichen Rind
Authors: Wittenbrink M. M. , Kirpal G. , Thiele D. , Fischer D. , Krauss H. , Bisping W.
Published: May 2010

Vaginal discharge from 119 dairy cows from 59 herds was examined bacteriologically, including application of the IDEIA® Chlamydia test, to detect genus‐specific chlamydial LPS‐antigen. A putrid quality of specimens was closely correlated with isolation of Actinomyces pyogenes (p < 0.001). The IDEIA was positive for 39 of 65 (60.0 %) non‐putrid specimens and for 16 of 54 (29.6 %) putrid specimens; a non‐putrid quality of specimens was closely correlated with the detection of chlamydial antigen (p < 0.01). IDEIA‐positive results were confirmed by a blocking‐antibody assay and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a set of primers based on the 16S rRNA sequences of Chlamydia psittaci. Chlamydia‐positive non‐putrid specimens generally yielded no other bacterial pathogens. The clinical history of repeat breeding and endometritis, as well as failure to isolate other bacterial pathogens on routinely used non‐living media, were strongly suggestive of primary chlamydial involvement in these cases.

Von 119 Kühen aus 59 Beständen wurde eitriger Vaginalausfluß bakteriologisch untersucht. Die Untersuchungen wurden durch den enzymimmunologischen Nachweis des genus‐spezifischen LPS‐Antigens der Chlamydien mit Hilfe des IDEIA® Chlamydia Testes ergänzt. Aus 22 von 54 (40,7%) putriden und aus 5 von 65 (7,7%) geruchlosen Eiterproben konnte Actinomyces pyogenes isoliert werden. Somit war dieser Keim in putriden Proben signifikant häufiger nachweisbar als in geruchlosen Proben (P < 0,001). Chlamydienantigen konnte signifikant häufiger in geruchlosen (60,0 %) als in putriden Proben (29,6 %) nachgewiesen werden (P < 0,01). Die Resultate des IDEIA® konnten durch einen Blocking‐Test und durch die Amplifizierung von Chlamydia psittaci‐spezifischer DNA in der Polymerase Kettenreaktion (PCR) unter Verwendung eines Primerpaares gegen speziesspezifische Basensequenzen des 16S rRNA‐Gens von Chlamydia psittaci bestätigt werden. In geruchlosen chlamydienhaltigen Eiterproben waren andere Bakterien mit erwiesener Pathogenität wie Actinomyces pyogenes nur in Einzelfällen nachweisbar. Dieses ist ein Indiz für die ursächliche Beteiligung von Chlamydia psittaci an natürlich vorkommenden Genitalkatarrhen und Fruchtbarkeitsstörungen beim weiblichen Rind.
Incidence of Paratuberculosis after Vaccination againstM. paratuberculosisin Two Infected Dairy Herds
Authors: Wentink G. H. , Bongers J. H. , Zeeuwen A. A. P. A. , Jaartsveld F. H. J.
Published: May 2010

Vaccination against paratuberculosis of all newborn animals has been performed since April 1984 in two dairy herds with a high incidence of clinical cases of paratuberculosis, using a vaccine containing heat‐inactivatedM. paratuberculosisin a water/mineral oil emulsion. Animals slaughtered between April 1984 and January 1991 were included in the study. Histology, bacterioscopy and culture on Smith and modified Löwenstein—Jensen media were performed using jejunum, ileum and draining lymph nodes.

The animals present on the farm in April 1984 constituted a retrospective non‐vaccinated group, giving an indication of the initial infection rate.

After vaccination, the percentage of animals culled for clinical paratuberculosis decreased significantly (7.8 to 1.8 %; P < 0.005), as did the percentage of animals with positive histology (11.8 % to 5 %). The incidence of infected animals, defined by positive results in histology and/or bacterioscopy and/or culture, however, increased from 21.8 % to 25.9 %.
Effect of Dry‐cow Therapy on Subclinical Mastitis—an Evaluation of Long‐acting and Short‐acting Intramammaria
Authors: ØSterås O. , Aursjø J. , Gjul G. Grønningsæter , Jørstad A.
Published: May 2010

This field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of selective dry‐cow therapy with long‐acting and short‐acting antibiotics, respectively, and also in comparison to control groups without antibiotic treatment.

A total of 684 cows from 288 different herds in three Norwegian regions fulfilled the criteria of the study design. There were 104 cows in control group A (sampling only), 115 cows in control group B (placebo), 221 cows treated with long‐acting intramammaria Benestermycin vet. ‘Leo’ for 1 day at drying off in group C, and 244 cows treated with four short‐acting intramammaria Leocillin with Dihydrostreptomycin vet. ‘Leo’ every second day before drying off in group D.

The overall effect, measured as the cow being healthy after therapy, was 14.2 % in control groups and 33.7 % in therapy groups 30 ± 17 days into the next lactation. Of quarters infected with S. aureus both in late lactation (45 ± 32 days before drying off) and at drying off, 38.4 % in the control group were bacteriologically negative 30 ± 17 days into the next lactation, compared with 49.5 % in the long‐acting group and 68.6 % in the short‐acting group. Of quarters infected with Str. dysgalactiae both in late lactation (45 ± 32 days before drying off) and at drying off, 10 out of 27 were still infected with Str. dysgalactiae in the control group 30 ± 17 days into next lactation, compared with 0 out of 31 in the therapy groups.

Dry‐cow therapy in coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus spp. (CNS)‐infected quarters led to a 5.2 odds ratio of being healthy quarters 30 ± 17 days into the next lactation, compared with control groups. Despite this, the overall frequency of CNS in the material was unchanged after therapy compared with controls.

Short‐acting compared to long‐acting preparations had a significantly better effect in preventing new infection with S. aureus or Str. dysgalactiae in untreated healthy quarters in cows with fewer than three infected quarters. This difference in preventive effect was greater in cows with one infected quarter during previous lactation (the new infection rates being 0.078 for short‐acting and 0.149 for long‐acting) than in those with two infected quarters (the new infection rates being 0.042 and 0.063, respectively).
Enhancement of Mitogen‐induced Lymphocyte Proliferation in Sheep
Authors: Gottshall S. L. , Hansen P. J.
Published: May 2010

Conditions were established to optimize the lymphocyte proliferation test in sheep, a species where proliferation under standard conditions is lower than for other species. Optimum proliferation of phytohemagglutinin‐stimulated lymphocytes was achieved in TCM‐199 supplemented with 5 % (v/v) horse serum, 0.2 mM sodium pyruvate and 5 times 10−5 M β‐mercaptoethanol. Proliferative responses in this medium were 2.5‐fold higher or more than when using a standard medium (RPMI‐1640 + 10 % heat‐inactivated fetal bovine serum). Lymphocytes cultured in medium containing horse serum also responded to concanavalin A as well as or better than lymphocytes cultured in medium with bovine serum. For both PHA and Con A, optimal incorporation of radioactivity was achieved when cells were pulsed with [3H‐methyl]‐thymidine 72 h after addition of mitogen. The medium based on TCM‐199 + horse serum could support interleukin‐2‐induced proliferation. Furthermore, known inhibitors of lymphocyte proliferation in sheep were effective in inhibiting lymphocytes cultured in this medium.
Specificity of the Immunohistochemical Demonstration of Mycobacterial Antigens
Authors: Geisel O. , Netter F. , Hermanns W.
Published: May 2010

The specificity of immunohistological reactions of commercial polyclonal antibodies to antigens of various mycobacteria (Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium duvalii and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis) was tested in connection with a number of pathogens and with the help of the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. Positive reactions occurred with various mycobacterial antigens and some Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi. These investigations indicate that when the above antibodies are used in histopathological diagnostics, false‐positive results can be expected.
Epizootic Pneumonia in Nutria
Authors: Martino P. , Stanchi N.
Published: May 2010

This report highlights current knowledge regarding the aetiology, diagnosis and management of nutria (Myocastor coypus Molina 1792) with spontaneous infectious pneumonia. Bacteriological evidence supports the view that Streptococcus zooepidemicus could be the specific pathogen, although other bacteria were also isolated. Attempts at virus isolation were unsuccessful. Pneumonia has rapidly become established as one of the major, life‐threatening bacterial diseases, ranking in importance with gastroenteritis infections.
Characterization of Fibrinogen‐binding Properties ofActinomyces pyogenes
Authors: Lämmler Ch. , Ding H.
Published: May 2010

This study was designed to further characterize the fibrinogen‐binding properties ofActinomyces pyogenes.The fibrinogen‐binding capacities of a selectedA. pyogenesculture could be significantly enhanced by heat pretreatment (60 °C, 1 h) of the bacteria. The fibrinogen‐binding site seemed to be a protein which was specific for fibrinogen. In phagocytosis studies, binding of fibrinogen toA. pyogenessignificantly increased the phagocytic capacity of bovine polymorphonuclear leucocytes.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection in Drug‐treated Chickens: Comparison of Diagnosis Methods Including Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Kempf I. , Gesbert F. , Guittet M. , Bennejean G.
Published: May 2010

Ten chickens were inoculated with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and treated with enrofloxacine. On eight different dates post‐inoculation (PI), tracheal swab samples were collected for mycoplasma culture or detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and blood samples were analysed by slide‐agglutination test (SA) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results showed that culture and PCR detected MG from 14/80 or 20/80 samples, respectively. The last culture‐positive sample was collected on day 26 PI, whereas PCR still gave positive results on day 54 PI. This difference may be attributed to the high sensitivity of PCR and to its ability to detect non‐viable or non‐culturable pathogens.

Sera were SA positive as early as 5 days PI and some of them remained positive up to day 47 PI. ELISA detected 53 suspicious or positive sera.
Double‐sandwich Enzyme‐linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with Murine Monoclonal Antibodies for Detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B
Authors: Goyache J. , Orden J. A. , Blanco J. L. , Doménech A. , Suárez G. , Gómez‐Lucía E.
Published: May 2010

Three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which react specifically with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) were studied for their suitability for use in ELISA. One of them (MAb B14) worked well as a coating antibody; MAb B12 was shown to be a good probing antibody (conjugated with peroxidase) when ELISA plates were coated with MAb B14. This effective pair of MAbs (B14–B12PO) is able to detect 0.625 ng SEB ml, and to distinguish between SEB and other proteins present in food extracts.
Influence of Culture Conditions on Expression of Antigens in Bordetella bronchiseptica
Authors: Kasprzak H. , Rehak E. , Krüger M.
Published: May 2010

Bordetella (B.) bronchiseptica isolates from the respiratory tract of rat and pig in their virulent phase‐I and their spontaneously developed avirulent phase‐III were investigated. The strains were cultured on Bordet‐Gengou agar, on nutrition agar with 10 % horse blood, and with 5 % sheep blood, on yeast agar, on minimal nutrition agar (MM) and Simmon's citrate agar with glycerol, starch, and nicotinic acid. Antigenic modulation was induced by MgSO4 on Bordet‐Gengou agar. The B. bronchiseptica strains were cultivated at 37 °C for 48 h. The influence of different MgSO4 concentrations after five passages (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 50, 100 mM/ml and low (20 °C) and high (42 °C) temperatures on antigenic modulation was investigated on Bordet‐Gengou (B‐G) agar. B. bronchiseptica colonies were characterized in relation to morphology, haemolysis, slide agglutination with B. bronchiseptica phase‐I polyclonal antibodies, haemagglutination with horse and calf erythrocytes and polypeptide and LPS patterns in SDS‐PAGE. Cultivation of B. bronchiseptica phase‐I on B‐G agar and ACMM agar at 37 °C for 48 h resulted in strong phase‐I antigenic patterns, and, on peptone‐rich media, in antigenic modulation. The morphology of B. bronchiseptica phase‐I‐strain colonies on peptone media was different from that of B‐G and ACMM agar. The LPS pattern of both strains resembled that of phase‐III strains. MgSO4 concentrations of 1 mM/ml (strain 1636 I) and 3 mM/ml (Ratte I) were able to induce LPS‐pattern‐like phase III.
Isolation of the Pigeon PMV‐1 Variant of Newcastle Disease Virus from Imported Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)
Authors: Capua I. , Manvell R. J. , Antonucci D. , Scaramozzino P.
Published: May 2010

Isolation of a virulent pigeon paramyxovirus 1 (PPMV‐1) strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from pheasants imported for release is reported. Although no clinical signs or postmortem lesions suggesting NDV infection were detected, the intestine was processed for attempted virus isolation as part of a surveillance programme on wild‐bird populations. The potential role of pheasants as carriers of the disease, and the importance of developing surveillance programmes for wild bird populations is discussed.
Seroprevalence of Bovine Immunodeficiency‐virus (BIV) Antibodies in the Cattle Population in Germany
Authors: Muluneh A.
Published: May 2010

Serum samples from 380 cattle were analysed for the presence of bovine immunodeficiency‐virus (BIV) antibodies by focus immunoassay (cell‐ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). All specimens originated from dairy farms in the eastern part of Germany, which had been randomly collected during the period 1989–1991. The cattle were clinically healthy and free of bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) and bovine‐virus diarrhoea‐virus (BVDV) antibodies. Infection of cell lines with BIV was monitored by syncytia formation, cell‐ELISA, and immunofluorescence.

The seroprevalence of BIV antibodies was 6.6 %, as determined by cell‐ELISA. Comparison of IFA and cell‐ELISA showed that all IFA positive sera were also positive in cell‐ELISA. However, additional sera were reactive only in cell‐ELISA. This first report suggests that BIV infection may cause minor problems in German cattle, while BIV is present in a similar prevalence to that reported from other countries.
Susceptibility ofStreptococcus suisto Various Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Tarradas M. C. , Arenas A. , Maldonado A. , Vicente S. , Miranda A. , Perea A.
Published: May 2010

A study was performed to determine the susceptibility of 59S. suisstrains, isolated from sick and healthy carrier swine, to a range of antimicrobial agents. The β‐lactamic group proved more active both in Kirby‐Bauer and MCI tests. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole emerged as an alternative drug in chemoprevention and treatment ofS. suisinfections.
Effects of Levamisole, DTC and Low‐dose Mechlorethamine on Humoral Response of SRBC‐immunized Rabbits Exposed to Cold Stress
Authors: Obmiǹska‐Domoradzka B. , S̀Witala M. , Dȩbowy J. , Garbuliński T.
Published: May 2010

The experiments were carried out on normothermal rabbits and rabbits exposed to cold stress (hypothermia). The animals of the latter group were submerged in ice‐water for 20 s and then placed in a freezer at − 15 °C for 8 min until their body temperature dropped by 3°C. Both the normothermal and hypothermal rabbits were immunized i.p. with 3 ml of 10% sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Levamisole (2 mg/kg), DTC (sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, 20 mg/kg) or mechlorethamine (mustine; 5 μg/kg) were injected i.v. three times at 24‐h intervals. The number of PFC, total (19S + 7S) and 2‐mercapthoethanol resistant (7S) serum haemagglutination titres were determined. It was found that, in normothermal rabbits, all three agents potentiated the number of plaque‐forming cells (PFC); the impact of DTC was the strongest, while the weakest influence was observed for mechlorethamine. Furthermore, DTC increased anti‐SRBC haemagglutinin titre, whereas mechlorethamine did not. Levamisole, on the other hand, reduced total serum haemagglutinin titre. Cold stress reduced humoral response to SRBC, which was reflected in the decreased number of PFC and serum haemagglutination titres (19S + 7S and 7S). Each agent showed a different way of action. Pretreatment with DTC prevented the immunosuppression caused by cold stress, while levamisole and mechlorethamine only reduced the immunosuppressive effect.
Production of Brucella Allergens and Evaluation of their Biological Activity in a Guinea‐pig Bio‐assay
Authors: Bercovich Z. , Eger A. , Dekker T. , Haagsma J.
Published: May 2010

A study was conducted to evaluate the biological activity ofBrucellaallergens extracted with hydrochloride or trichloroacetic acid. Smooth and mucoidBrucella abortuscells and the medium in which brucellae were propagated were used to prepare the allergens. The biological activity of the allergens was estimated in guinea‐pigs sensitized withBrucella abortusstrain 544. The guinea‐pigs were intradermally injected with several allergen dilutions. The dilutions were coded and randomized for site of injection so that none of the dilution was injected twice on the same site. Variance analysis using incomplete Latin square was used for the statistical calculation of the results. The calculated biological activity of the allergens was compared with the biological activity of a ‘standard’ allergen that has proved effective in detecting cattle brucellosis.

The skin erythema diameter was best when recorded 32 h after allergen injection. Statistical analysis of the skin erythema diameters showed a great variation in biological activity (12–105%) between the allergens. Only the allergen extracted from the medium in which a mucoidBrucellastrain was propagated was as potent as the standard. The use of the incomplete Latin square for variance analysis resulted in the estimation of the biological activity of nine batches of allergen in only 27 guinea‐pigs.
Characteristic Properties of Streptococci of Serological Group L
Authors: Sippel K. , Dülffer‐Schneitzer B. , Lämmler C.
Published: May 2010

This study was designed to characterize further 88 streptococci of serological group L, isolated from bovines, pigs, poultry and humans. Most group L streptococci from bovines grew as granular sediment with long chains in fluid media and with compact colonies in soft agar. Most group L streptococci from pigs grew with a uniform turbidity in fluid media, short chains, and with diffuse colonies in soft agar. The biochemical characteristics, determined with the Strepzym identification system, revealed no significant differences between the group L streptococci of various origins. A positive opacity factor reaction could mainly be observed with group L streptococci from bovines and humans, but was less pronounced with group L streptococci from pigs and poultry. In addition, 27 group L streptococci reacted with type antigen X or R and 9 cultures with M1 or M6 specific antiserum. The determination of antibiotic resistance patterns revealed that all group L streptococci were resistant to tetracycline and minocycline, part of the cultures were resistant to chloramphenicol, erythromycin and gentamicin, and all cultures were susceptible to penicillin, bacitracin, cefoxitin and nitrofurantoin. All these data allowed an individual characterization of group L streptococci, possibly useful for epidemiological studies.
Brain Lesions in Calves following Transplacental Infection with Bovine‐virus Diarrhoea Virus
Authors: Hewicker‐Trautwein M. , Liess B. , Trautwein G.
Published: May 2010

In 33 calves and subadult cattle of the Holstein‐Friesian breed ranging from 1 to 210 days of age, the spectrum of brain lesions induced by intra‐uterine infection with bovine‐virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) was retrospectively analysed. Of these, 27 animals originated from herds with a long history of BVD. Six calves were derived from dams vaccinated between the 90th and 118th day of gestation with a BVD live vaccine. The most frequent lesion was cerebellar hypoplasia, being present in 25 out of 33 (76%) of the animals. In most of these cases, cerebellar hypoplasia was associated with hydranencephaly, internal hydrocephalus, microencephaly or porencephaly. In cases with hydranencephaly, the fluid‐filled cavities were devoid of ependymal lining. The lumina of the lateral ventricles of these cases were surrounded by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive cells and a dense layer of immunoreactive cell processes. In the white matter adjacent to the dilated ventricular lumina, a reactive astrocytosis was present. Porencephalic cysts were surrounded by astrocytes with increased expression of GFAP and vimentin‐positive cells and cell processes. In hydranencephalic brains, staining for neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) revealed a marked reduction of NSE‐positive nerve cells in cortical areas. In all six experimental cases and in several field cases with hydranencephaly or internal hydrocephalus, small groups of heterotopic NSE‐positive neurons were present in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres. In markedly hypoplastic cerebella, reduction of the cortical cell layers and degenerative changes in, and heterotopia of, Purkinje cells were found. In these cases, NSE‐ and neurofilament‐positive cell processes were either markedly diminished or only remnants of immunoreactive cell processes were present. In five animals without significant gross cerebellar abnormalities, degenerative changes of Purkinje cells were found.

Immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against glial and neuron‐specific proteins on these brains, which represent postnatal end‐stage lesions of BVDV‐induced disturbances of the normal brain development, did not provide any insight into the possible pathogenetic mechanisms of these alterations. Application of immunohistochemistry, however, revealed changes, such as reactive astrocytosis and loss of nerve cell processes, which were not obvious on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections.
Distribution of Serotype, Virulence Markers and Further Characteristics of Streptococcus suis Isolates from Pigs
Authors: Salasia S. I. O. , Lämmler C.
Published: May 2010

This study was designed to comparatively investigate 28 S. suis cultures isolated from various pathological processes of pigs. All cultures could be identified biochemically and most of the cultures could be serogrouped with specific antiserum against Lancefield's serogroup D. Serotyping of the S. suis isolates mainly revealed capsular types 2, 1, and 22. In addition, part of the cultures, mostly those of serotype 2, reacted with monoclonal antibodies to the virulence protein muraminidase‐released protein, and, in parallel with monoclonal antibodies against the virulence protein extracellular factor. Independently of serotype and the occurrence of both virulence proteins, four cultures haemagglutinated erythrocytes from pigs, humans and rabbits. The haemagglutination reaction appeared to be related to the surface hydrophobicity of the isolates. However, part of the cultures with hydrophobic surfaces did not haemagglutinate the available erythrocyte preparations. The surface characteristics of the S. suis isolates shown in this investigation could be used to characterize individual isolates of S. suis that might be of importance for epidemiological studies.
Studies of the Detection ofListeria monocytogenesby Culture and PCR in Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples from Ruminants with Listeric Encephalitis
Authors: Peters M. , Pohlenz J. , Jaton K. , Ninet B. , Bille J.
Published: May 2010

A total of 14 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from ruminants clinically suspected of suffering from listeric encephalitis were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection ofListeria monocytogenes (L. m.).Of these samples, 11 were examined bacteriologically. Although the clinical diagnosis was confirmed in eight of 11 ruminants by histological and/or bacteriological examination of the brains,L. m.was only detected in one of the CSF samples using PCR, and in none by culture. The PCR‐positive CSF sample was obtained from a sheep which had been treated with antibiotics prior to CSF sampling. From these findings, it was concluded thatL. m.only occasionally gains access to the meningoventricular system in the course of listeric encephalitis of ruminants and that a reliable aetiologicalin vivodiagnosis of listeric encephalitis generally cannot be based on the detection ofL. m.in the CSF of affected ruminants.
Epidemiological Aspects of Cerebrospinal Elaphostrongylosis in Small Ruminants in Northern Norway
Authors: Handeland K. , Slettbakk T.
Published: May 2010

Pathology records from the State Veterinary Laboratory for Northern Norway were used to examine the association between the occurrence of cerebrospinal elaphostrongylosis (CSE) in small ruminants and summer temperature and rainfall in northern Norway. From 1968 to 1993, Elaphostrongylus rangiferi induced CSE was diagnosed in six sheep and 30 dairy goats from 28 different herds in northern Norway. The animals were received for autopsy during 11 different winters. The occurrence of CSE was associated with high mean temperatures during the preceding summers.

Further information on clinical CSE and potential risk factors of the disease was obtained from small‐ruminant farmers in northern Norway in 1989 and 1991, using a questionnaire. Clinical CSE was defined as posterior paresis without any evidence of brain disturbances or cranial nerve dysfunctions. The survey showed that epidemics of CSE may occur in goat herds while the occurrence of CSE was sporadic in sheep herds. Disease incidence in affected goat herds varied between 0.8 and 8.2%. CSE was associated with the presence of reindeer in the pasture area and occurred in the first, third and, especially, the fourth quarter of the year.