bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of goats
Authors: BARTON N. J. , TRAINOR B. L. , URIE J. S. , ATKINS J. W. , PYMANS M. F. S. , WOLSTENCROFT I. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Cases of anthelmintic resistance on 3 goat farms in Gippsland were investigated. On the first farm Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia (Teladorsagia) circumcincta were found to be resistant to fenbendazole, but the first 2 species were fully susceptible to levamisole. On the second farm a population of T. colubriformis, resistant to concurrent full doses of levamisole and a benzimidazole, was found to retain this resistance when transferred to sheep. On the third farm, heavy mortality due to Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus spp burdens was arrested only by the use of concurrent full doses of levamisole and oxfendazole; no single anthelmintic was found to be effective.

A disturbing rise in the incidence of clinical helminthiosis, often accompanied by anthelmintic resistance, occurred on goat farms in Gippsland early in 1984.
A meatworks survey of bovine hydatidosis in southern Queensland
Authors: BALDOCK F. C. , ARTHUR R. J. , LAWRENCE A. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A meatworks survey was undertaken in 1981–82 to define the distribution and prevalence of hydatidosis in beef cattle in southern Queensland. Hydatid cysts, mostly degenerate, were found in 14.6% of the 22,916 animals examined. The endemic area was to the east of a line approximating the 500 mm isohyet. Prevalence varied with age and origin of cattle, but not sex. Prevalence increased linearly with age, at least up to 4 years. Prevalence on the east coast ranged from 4.3% in yearlings to 52.2% in 4‐year‐old cattle. At the western limit of the endemic area, the prevalence ranged from 1.4% in yearlings to 10.8% in 4‐year‐olds. On the Darling Downs, prevalence was highest in areas where cattle raising is the main industry. On the south western Downs, where sheep‐farming predominates, the prevalence in cattle was much lower, probably because of fewer dingoes.

Livers only were affected in 46.5% of infected cattle, lungs only in 17.7/0, and 35.8% of infected animals had both organs affected. Infection in other organs was uncommon. A detailed study of 133 infected cattle showed that 3.8% had lesions misdiagnosed as hydatid cysts at slaughter.
Trace element supplementation of sheep: evaluation of various copper supplements and a soluble glass bullet containing copper, cobalt and selenium
Authors: TRENGOVE C. L. , JUDSON G. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effect of 5 different copper supplements on copper status of Merino sheep at pasture was examined. Transient increases in plasma copper concentrations occurred following treatment with copper calcium EDTA, copper sulphate, and glass bullets impregnated with copper, cobalt and selenium, but these increases were not copper, cobalt considered to be a reliable indication of changes in liver copper reserves. Sheep receiving the glass bullet or 2.5 g oxidised copper wire particles orally or 50 mg copper as copper calcium EDTA parenterally had liver copper concentrations significantly greater than those of untreated sheep for periods up to 51 weeks. Oral doses of 30 mg copper as copper oxychloride, or 300 mg copper as copper sulphate did not alter the liver copper reserves at any stage. The bodyweight and greasy fleece weights were not significantly altered by any of the copper supplements.

Plasma vitamin B12 concentrations in sheep given the glass bullet were increased for about 5 months. Thereafter increased plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were observed in all sheep. Blood selenium concentrations were also high during the experiment thereby preventing the evaluation of the glass bullet as a source of selenium.
Molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of ruminant herpesviruses including bovine, buffalo and caprine herpesviruses 1 and bovine encephalitis herpesvirus
Authors: BRAKE F. , STUDDERT M. I.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Restriction endonuclease DNA fingerprints of herpesviruses isolated from 3 unrelated epidemics of bovine encephalitis are similar to each other and totally different from bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHVl). Herpesviruses, antigenically related to BHV1, isolated from goats and buffalo have distinct DNA fingerprints. We propose that bovine encephalitis herpesvirus is prototypic of a new bovine herpesvirus type and that alphaherpesviruses from individual ruminant species are species specific.
Development of a salivary cortisol method for detecting changes in plasma “free” cortisol arising from acute stress in sheep
Authors: FELL L. R. , SHUTT D. A. , BENTLEY C. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A simple device for collecting saliva (mainly parotid) from sheep is described. The collection of saliva, and the assay of “free” cortisol in saliva appears to offer certain advantages over the collection of blood, and the assay of serum cortisol, for the assessment of stress in sheep. With a little experience, it is easier to collect saliva than take blood samples when sheep are passing through a race. The “free” cortisol can be measured directly in saliva, whereas in serum, it is first necessary to separate “free” from protein‐bound cortisol. Basal levels of “free” cortisol of less than 10 nmol/1 were recorded in saliva and blood plasma or serum in unstressed sheep which had previous experience of being handled in a race, Significant increases in salivary cortisol and “free” and total (“free” plus protein‐bound) cortisol in serum were found in sheep following adrenal stimulation with synacthen, or after 30 min of stressful transport. This indicates that the salivary cortisol technique is applicable to studies of stress in sheep, and should also be useful for other ruminants.
Isolation of Bordetella avium from poultry
Authors: BLACKALL P. J. , FARRAH J. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Four Australian isolates of Gram‐negative nonfermentative bacteria obtained from poultry were compared with reference strains of Bordefella avium, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Alcaligenes faecalis. The Australian isolates were identified as Bordetella avium. A routine procedure for the identification of this recently recognised poultry pathogen is described.
Resistance to benzimidazole anthelmintics in field strains of Ostertagia and Nematodirus in sheep
Authors: MARTIN P.J. , ANDERSON N. , JARRETT R.G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Resistance to a range of benzimidazole anthelmintics was investigated in 2 strains of Ostertagia spp. One strain (SRBO) had been exposed to fenbendazole, oxfendazole and thiabendazole, the other strain (KR79) only to thiabendazole. Both strains showed a high degree of resistance to albendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole and thiabendazole, which had efficiencies of 11–38% and 0–60% against all developmental stages of SR80 and KR79, respectively. There was no significant reduction in the KR79 worm count by thiabendazole at 132 mg kg‐1 given either as a single dose or divided into 12 equal portions, one administered every 6h. Nematodirus spp were also found to be resistant to all benzimidazoles tested. Levamisole at 7 mg kg‐1 and naphthalophos at 30 mg kg‐1 had efficiences of 89 and 66%, respectively, against SR80 Ostertagia and 99 and 19% against Nematodirus, all but the last of these being significant reductions in worm burdens. The resistant SR80 Ostertagia occurred on a research station, but possibly originated from a property which 3 years earlier had supplied ewes to the station. The use of benzimidazole anthelmintics and subsequent grazing on worm‐free pasture may have enhanced the level of resistance. A relationship was established between egg counts and adult worm counts 10 days post‐treatment, which suggested that for Ostertagia the worm count could be predicted from the geometric mean egg count from about 10 animals. Thus, where an Ostertagia population is suspected of being resistant, an anthelmintic efficiency assay using pre‐and post‐treatment faecal egg counts should provide a satisfactory diagnostic procedure.
Cryptosporidium infections in man, animals, birds and fish
Authors: O'DONOGHUE P. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium has gained better recognition over the last decade as an enteropathogen in a wide variety of host animals. Prior to 1975, infections were thought to occur infrequently and to be largely asymptomatic in nature. However, recent studies have revealed the organism to be more prevalent and pathogenic than previously thought. Infections producing clinical disease have been recorded in numerous host species including man, and the organism is now regarded as a newly‐emergent zoonosis. This paper collates information currently available on the host range and specificity, life cycle and pathogenicity of the parasite and summarises the various techniques used to diagnose infections. Aust. vet. J. 62: 253–258
The use of the glutaraldehyde coagulation test for detection of hypogammaglobulinaemia in neonatal foals
Authors: BEETSON S. A. , HILBERT B. J. , MILLS J. N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The effectiveness of the glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT) in detecting failure to acquire colostral immunoglobulin in neonatal foals was investigated. This was achieved by comparing and correlating results from the GCT with those obtained by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) of equine IgG. The GCT was found to be a practical, inexpensive, semiquantitative test with a high specificity and sensitivity at critical lgG levels. Aust. vet. J. 62: 279–281
Cerebellar abiotrophy and segmental axonopathy: two syndromes of progressive ataxia of Merino sheep
Authors: HARPER P. A. W. , DUNCAN D. W. , PLANT J. W. , SMEAL M. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Findings of a study of 39 sheep with progressive ataxia from 14 farms in the Yass district of New South Wales are described. Microscopic lesions in 25 sheep, 3.5 to 6 years of age, diagnosed as having clinical cerebellar disease, consisted of an apparent primary loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons, and glial cell accumulation. It is suggested that this previously unreported disorder may be an hereditary cerebellar abiotrophy of Merino sheep. A further 14 sheep, 1 to 4 years of age, had distinguishable clinical signs referable to a spinal cord lesion with widespread segmental axonal ballooning, or “spheroids”, in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. It is suggested that these sheep have a unique form of neuroaxonal dystrophy, described here as segmental axonopathy, and that this is likely to be the same condition described previously as Murrurindi disease (Hartley and Loomis 1981).
Spastic paresis in a Poll Hereford heifer
Authors: BROWNING G F , RAWLINSON R J , BEGG A P
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A case of unilateral spastic paresis in a Poll Hereford heifer is described. The heifer could not actively flex the right stifle or hock and the toe just contacted the ground. There was cranial distortion and collapse of the distal tibial epiphysis and remodelling of the articular surfaces within the stifle and hock. There was moderately severe muscle atrophy, but a primary peripheral or central neuropathological lesion could not be found.
Specificity of scolex and oncosphere antigens for the serological diagnosis of taeniid cestode infections in dogs
Authors: JENKINS D J , RICKARD M D
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Groups of dogs raised free of helminths were monospecifically infected with the common nematodes Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum and Trlchuris vulpis. Serums from these dogs, and a group of dogs of unknown history but infected with Dirofilaria immitis and Dipylldium caninum, had levels of antibody to their homologous nematode antigens readily detectable by ELISA. No cross‐reactions were apparent when these serums were tested by ELISA using oncosphere antigens of Taenia hydatigena, T. pisiformis and T. ovis, scolex excretory/secretory antigens of T. hydatigena, T. pisiformis and Echinococcus granulosus or protoscolex antigen of E. granulosus.
Left abomasal displacement and ulceration in an eight‐week‐old calf
Authors: HAWKINS C. D. , FRASER D. M. , BOLTON J. R. , WYBURN R. S. , McGILL C. A. , PEARSE B. H. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Left displacement of the abomasum was diagnosed radiographically in an 8‐week‐old female Friesian calf. At surgery, a 4 cm ulcer was repaired and an abomasopexy performed during closure of the abdomen. Recovery from surgery was slow, and regurgitation of rumen contents occurred. Despite medical treatment, the calf died 4 days later.

Left abomasal displacement is a well documented disease of dairy cattle (Robertson 1968; Coppock 1974; Martin et al 1978a; Poulsen 1976), but in young calves the condition is rare (Dirksen 1981). This report describes a case of left abomasal displacement with ulceration in an 8‐week‐old female Friesian calf.
A microplate enzyme‐linked immunorsorbent assay for measuring antibody to Anaplasma marginale in cattle serum
Authors: BARRY D N , PARKER R J , DE VOS A J , DUNSTER P. , RODWELL B J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An enzyme‐linked immunorsorbent assay (ELISA) method is described for measuring antibody against Anaplasma marginale in cattle serum. This method was more sensitive and objective than a previously described ELISA method for A. marginale and possible reasons for this are discussed.

All 83 cattle experimentally infected with A. marginale (81) or A. centrale (2) developed demonstrable specific antibody but the serums of 98.8% of 839 cattle from cattle tick‐free areas did not react by ELISA; 378 serums containing antibody to Babesia bovis were tested for cross reactions in the A. marginale ELISA. There were no significant cross‐reactions except when cattle had been inoculated at least twice with B. bovis‐infected erythrocytes, presumably due to antibodies reacting with erythrocyte material in the ELISA antigen.

The ELISA detected antibodies for more than 3 years after infection, at least 2 years longer than did a complement fixation test. When A. marginale infections in cattle were eliminated by long acting oxytetracycline, their serums ceased to react by ELISA. An ELISA score for serum antibody level was shown to have a statistically significant correlation with ELISA titre.
Survey of anthelmintic resistance in Western Australian sheep flocks 2. Relationship with sheep management and parasite control practices
Authors: EDWARDS J R , WROTH R. , de CHANEET G C , BESIER R B , KARLSSON J. , MORCOMBE P W , DALTON‐MORGAN G. , ROBERTS D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Owners of 116 farms, whose flocks had been tested for anthelmintic resistance, were interviewed to determine their use of various sheep management and parasite control practices and their knowledge and adoption of recommended procedures for the prevention and control of resistance.

Farmers knowledge of current recommendations related mainly to changing drenches and drench groups. Other aspects of the recommended program including reduction of drenching frequency and the use of alternative management strategies were not considered as important by farmers. For most questions a high proportion of farmers (>2 0 %) had no opinion.

Associations between various strategies for nematode control and resistance of Trichosfrongylus and Teladorsagia to thiabendazole and levamisole were examined. These relationships differed between anthelmintics and nematode genera.

A number of factors were related to resistance of one or both nematode genera to one or both anthelmintic groups. These factors included flock size, percentage of ewes in the flock, cattle number, main sheep production activity, grazing strategy, frequency of drenching, changes in the frequency of drenching, number of summer drenches and the method of estimating dose rates.

It was concluded that the methods employed to control anthelmintic resistance may vary with the nematode, its resistance status and the anthelmintic to which it is exposed. Modifications to the previously recommended program have been proposed which incorporate selection of the anthelmintic to be used following a test for anthelmintic resistance.
Improved fertility in dairy cows after treatment with selenium pellets
Authors: McCLURE T J , EAMENS G J , HEALY P J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Dairy cows on 3 New South Wales dairy farms with herd mean blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities of <70 U/g haemoglobin, showed a significant improvement in first service conception rates following treatment with oral selenium pellets.

Treated cows had significantly higher blood GSH‐Px activities compared with control cows, with a lag phase of 4 to 5 months to reach peak mean levels of 88 to 159 U/g haemoglobin.
A modified indirect immunofluorescent assay for the detection of antibody to Eperythrozoon ovis in sheep
Authors: NICHOLLS T J , VEALE P I
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Experimental ovine eperythrozoonosis was studied using Giemsa staining of blood films and a modified indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFAA). The serums of 21 Border Leicester Merino cross lambs between 12 weeks and 7 months‐of‐age were analysed before and after infection with Eperythrozoon ovis (E. ovis) using the IFAA test. No rise in the IFAA titre was seen until day 7 and this coincided with the first detection of E. ovis organisms in blood smears stained with Giemsa. The percentage of E. ovis infected red blood cells peaked on day 14, but the IFAA titre did not peak until day 35. Titres to E. ovis, on average, had begun to drop by day 63.

There was considerable individual variation in response to E. ovis infection as measured by the IFAA. Titres as high as 6,400 were observed in individual sheep at the peak of E. ovis parasitaemia of red cells. One sheep had a titre of 51,200 nineteen days after infection, and titres of 3,000 were maintained for several months in a few sheep.

The assay proved reliable, and up to 100 samples per day could be tested. The antigenicity of the slide preparations was found to be satisfactory after storage for 6 months at ‐ 20°C and 4°C and for 28 months at ‐ 70°C. Temperature fluctuations during storage rendered slides unsuitable for the IFAA after these times. A method of storing E. ovis infected blood in liquid nitrogen is described.
Current ideas on the pathophysiology and treatment of lantana poisoning of ruminants
Authors: PASS M A
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Lantana poisoning in ruminants results from the ingestion of toxic varieties of the plant Lantana camara, which contain the triterpene acids lantadene A and lantadene B. Poisoning results in intrahepatic cholestasis and the consequences of the liver injury include jaundice, photosensitisation and ruminal stasis. The decreased ruminal motility causes toxic material to be retained in the rumen and continuous absorption of toxins from the rumen maintains the disease. Lantana poisoning can best be treated by preventing further absorption of toxins. This can be achieved by giving a large quantity of activated charcoal into the rumen together with a large volume of a multiple electrolyte solution to stimulate ruminal motility and rehydrate the animal. Treatment for photosensitive dermatitis should also be given.
Effect of imidocarb dipropionate prophylaxis on the infectivity and immunogenicity of a Babesia bovis vaccine in cattle
Authors: DE VOS A J , DALGLIESH R J , McGREGOR W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Imidocarb dipropionate (IDP), a potent prophylactic drug against Babesia bovis infections in cattle, was tested for its effect on the infectivity and immunogenicity of a live B. bovis vaccine marketed in Australia. At the recommended prophylactic dose rate of 3 mg/kg, IDP suppressed infectivity of the vaccine for at least 6 weeks. The vaccine infected all cattle inoculated either 8 weeks after treatment with 3 mg/kg, or 4 weeks after treatment with the recommended therapeutic dose of 1.2 mg/kg. These infections were, however, partially suppressed and the level of immunity to a subsequent heterologous virulent challenge was reduced. Cattle that failed to become infected after vaccination were fully susceptible to the challenge. It is concluded that where B. bovis vaccination is contemplated, prophylactic use of IDP should be avoided.
Investigation of purulent vaginal discharge in cows, with particular reference to Haemophilus somnus
Authors: STEPHENS L R , SLEE K J , POULTON P. , LARCOMBE M. , KOSIOR E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The relationship between vaginal discharge, site of inflammation in the reproductive tract and species of bacteria isolated was examined in cows that were either normal, subfertile, or had had an abnormal parturition. Microbiological and cytological examinations were performed on uterine swabs from 221 cows and cervical swabs from 107 cows. There were 167 subferitle cows, 144 of which had failed to conceive to 3 or more services (FTC) and 23 of which had not had a visible oestrus since calving (NVO). Metritis was diagnosed in 22% of the FTC cows, 48% of the NVO cows, and 12% of the cows with abnormal parturition. Fifty percent of cows with metritis had purulent vaginal discharge. However, only 25% of a total of 91 cows with vaginal discharge had metritis; the remainder had cervicitis. Fifty‐four percent of subfertile cows had cervicitis without metritis. Mixed infection with aerobes and anaerobes was significantly correlated with uterine inflammation and was found in 20% of cows with metritis. The rate of isolation of H.somnus from inflamed uteruses (22%) and inflamed cervixes (39%) was significantly greater than the isolation rate from normal uteruses (8%) and cervixes (10%). No bacteria were isolated from 50% of inflamed uteruses and 37% of inflamed cervixes. The number of subfertile cows with or without metritis that subsequently conceived was not significantly different.
A technique for the purification of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from the ileal mucosa of infected cattle
Authors: RATNAMOHAN T N , SPENCER T L
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, the causative agent of paratuberculosis, produces considerable economic loss in the cattle industry in many countries. The slow growth of M. paratuberculosis has hindered investigations of the antigenic composition of the organism and the development of species‐specific antigen for serological detection of this disease. This paper describes a simple method for the isolation of large quantities of viable M. paratuberculosis from the intestinal mucosa of infected cattle by a combination of trypsin digestion, deoxyribonuclease/lysozyme treatment and differential centrifugation. Purity was about 99% and yield between 105–109 bacteria/g tissue.
Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the amniotic and allantoic compartments in the sheep and cow
Authors: WINTOUR E M , LAURENCE B M , LINGWOOD B E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In both cows and sheep the allantoic fluid is confined to 2 sacs connected by a flattened isthmus, one in the non‐pregnant horn and one in the upper part of the pregnant horn. The chorion encloses the amniotic and allantoic compartments, forming the anmiochorlon and chorioallantols, respectively. In the last third of gestation the compositions of both amniotic and allantoic fluids differ substantially from each other and from those of foetal urine, and maternal and foetal plasma. There is less variation in composition than in volume for a given gestational age. Abnormalities of volume are more common in cows than sheep, and hydrallantois is more common than hydramnios. Data obtained from both physiological experiments and pathological cases suggest that the foetal membranes play an important role in the regulation of composition and volume of foetal fluids. Evidence is presented that the permeability of the membranes to various solutes, as well as their capacity to produce and respond to a number of hormones, can affect the foetal fluid composition and/or volume. Progesterone, oestrogens and prolactin are some of the hormones known to affect foetal fluids. Foetal adrenal insufficiency has been associated with hydramnios implying a lack of hormones from this gland in this disease. The changes in allantoic fluid composition from normal to that closely resembling maternal/foetal extracellular fluid, In hydrallantois, suggests an alteration of membrane function as an aetiology and the continued production of fluid, after removal of the foetus in some cases, favours this hypothesis.
Investigation of aberrant positive reactions to serological tests for bovine brucellosis
Authors: ROGERSON B A , MORGAN I R
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Fifty cattle thought not to be infected with Brucella abortus but giving persistent positive serological reactions, were investigated. It was concluded that only one of these was infected since exhaustive bacteriological examination produced only one isolate of B. abortus (strain 19) and none of the herds of origin was subsequently shown to be infected with brucellosis. Antibody was detected in stifle joint fluid of 15 cattle, which may have been stimulated by the presence of Strain 19 antigen that persisted in collagenous tissue long after the viable organisms had been eliminated.
Survey of disc diffusion antimicrobial sensitivity testing in avian bacteriology laboratories and the evaluation of a standardised method
Authors: WHITHEAR K G , HTWE TIN , SULAIMAN I
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A survey was conducted in which 15 laboratories involved in avian bacteriology tested the antimicrobial sensitivity of cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes faecalis and Salmonella typhimurium, using the disc diffusion test as routinely practised in each laboratory. Up to 28 different antimicrobials or antimicrobial combinations were used. The most commonly tested agents were ampicillin, benzylpenicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, furazolidone, neomycin, streptomycin, sulphonamlde, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulphonamide. Results between laboratories were compared according to the width of the zone of inhibition (annular radius) where 5 or more laboratories used the same disc content of a particular antimicrobial agent, and on whether a culture was interpreted as being sensitive or resistant to a particular agent.

The variation in annular radii about the mean values were < ± 2 SD in 39.5% and > ± 3 SD in 32.6% of 43 different antimicrobial/culture combinations involving 8 different agents. The range of annular radii measurements was greatest with trimethoprim/sulphonamide and streplomycin discs and with the S. epidermidis culture. Variation in the interpretation of test results was greatest with the Gram‐negative bacteria, where for each of the more frequently tested agents at least one, commonly 2 and sometimes all 3 cultures were reported as sensitive and resistant to the same agent by different laboratories.

The calibrated dichotomous sensitivity (CDS) test of Bell (1975, 1984) was evaluated as a standardised disc diffusion procedure and was found to be reproducible and accurate. Results obtained using antmicrobial agents calibrated for use in the CDS test were compared with results obtained in the survey using the same agents or agents showing identical resistance patterns. There was agreement in 246 out of 289 (85.1%) tests. It is recommended that bacteriology laboratories testing avian pathogens should consider adopting a uniform method of disc diffusion testing. The CDS test is a simple and reliable method which may prove to be suitable for this purpose.
The distribution and prevalence of stephanofilariasis in cattle in Queensland
Authors: JOHNSON S J , ARTHUR R J , SHEPHERD R K
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 10,543 cattle from 1,386 farms throughout Queensland was examined at abattoirs and the presence of stephanofilarial lesions was related to property of origin, sex, breed, and age of the slaughtered cattle and season of slaughter.

The mean prevalence was 38% and within the infected area this varied from less than 5% in south east Queensland to 95% on Cape York Peninsula. The prevalence of lesions was higher in bulls than in cows and was least in steers. Bos Indicus animals had a lower prevalence than B. taurus. Prevalence increased with age. The distribution of the disease closely matched that of the buffalo fly, Haematobia irritans exigua.
The prevalence and intensity of Sarcocystis spp infections in sheep
Authors: O'DONOGHUE P J , FORD G E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 864 sheep sold for slaughter throughout South Australia were examined for infections with Sarcocystis spp using macroscopic, microscopic and immunoserological methods of detection. Macroscopic cysts were found in 6.7% of the sheep ranging in intensity from 1 to 64 cysts per carcase. Morphometric studies detected 2 types of macroscopic cysts which differed in their size and cyst wall morphology. Large ovoid cysts with thick primary cyst walls were identified as S. gigantea (syn. S. ovifelis) whereas small slender cysts with thin cyst walls were identified as S. medusiformis. The prevalence of each species was 4.5% and 3.1% respectively. In comparison, microscopic cysts were detected in 93.2% of the sheep and stereological calculations of the intensities of infection ranged from 20 to 32,700 cysts per unit volume of muscle. Two types of microscopic cysts were also identified by differences in their cyst wall morphology. Cysts with smooth thin walls were detected in 88.1% of the sheep whereas cysts with radially‐striated thick walls were found in 74.7%. Although these 2 types appeared to conform to the original descriptions of S. tenella and S. ovicanis respectively, both were classified as S. tenella (syn. S. ovicanis) pending further taxonomic studies. Specific antibody was detected in 93.7% of the sheep by the complement fixation test and in 96.9% by the indirect fluorescent‐antibody test (IFAT). A positive correlation was also found between the prevalence of IFAT antibody and the prevalence of infections by microscopic cysts.
Measurement of histological changes in the cervix of ewes after prolonged exposure to oestrogenic clover or oestradiol‐17β
Authors: ADAMS N R
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Morphometric methods were used to measure abnormalities in histological architecture of the endocervix in ewes with infertility after prolonged exposure to oestrogenic clover pastures. Similar measurements were made on the cervix of ewes exposed to oestradiol‐17β for 6 months. In both cases the changes in histological appearance were essentially similar, and were most easily measured by counting the number of cervical crypts. Ewes treated with either phyto‐oestrogens or oestradiol also had significantly wider cervical folds, greater areas of lamina propria, and more cervical glands. The results provide a basis for measuring the severity of permanent oestrogenic change in different flocks or after different experimental treatments.
Bluetongue virus serotype 20: experimental infection of pregnant heifers
Authors: PARSONSON I M , DELLA‐PORTA A J , McPHEE D A , CYBINSKI D H , SQUIRE K R E , UREN M F
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Three groups of 4 cows at 84 to 95 days, 100 to 160 days, and 170 to 180 days pregnant were inoculated both intradermal and subcutaneously with bluetongue virus serotype 20 (BTV20). Clinical observations and the viraemic and serological responses of the cows were followed for 9 to 17 weeks after inoculation.

Viraemia developed in 9 of the 12 cows and was first detected 4 to 9 days after inoculation. Viraemia was detected for 4 to 21 days and in some animals only intermittently. The titre of the viraemia was obtained in 4 cows and ranged from detectable only, to 101 to 102.8 50% tissue culture infecting doses per ml.

Both serum neutralising and precipitating antibodies were detected in 11 of the 12 cows within 2 to 8 weeks after inoculation.

No clinical responses were seen and one cow (516) did not develop a viraemia or produce detectable antibodies to the virus. The cows, calves and foetuses were necropsied following either parturition or slaughter between 200 and 270 days of pregnancy. No virus isolations were made from a wide range of tissues from the cows, calves or foetuses and no immunoglobulins or serum neutralising antibodies were detected in the serums of precolostral calves or foetuses at necropsy. No gross or histopathological lesions were seen in the cows, calves or foetuses, and there was no evidence that BTV20 crossed the bovine placenta or infected the foetus.
Use of insecticides to control screw‐worm fly strike by Chrysomya bezziana in cattle
Authors: PERKINS I D
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Some insecticides to control and prevent screw‐worm fly strike by Chrysomya bezziana in calves and adult cattle were tested in field trials on cattle in Sabah, East Malaysia. Ivermectin injected subcutaneously in newborn calves at 200 μ/kq provided 10 days protection from screw‐worm fly strike, which allowed navels to dry. Ivermectin, 1% dichlofenthion plus gentian violet and 3% lindane plus pine oil smear were all effective in preventing re‐strike of treated wounds in adult cattle. A single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin at 200 μ/kg was effective, whereas it was necessary to re‐apply the dichlofenthion and lindane smear preparations every 48h.
A mortality survey of free range koalas from the north coast of New South Wales
Authors: CANFIELD P J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In the period 1980 to 1986, 127 free range koalas from the north coast of New South Wales were presented for necropsy. Thirty‐three koalas had urogenital disease alone, 8 had respiratory disease alone, 2 had digestive tract disease alone, 12 had multiorgan disease, 48 had traumatic injuries, 6 had neoplasia, 3 had miscellaneous conditions, while 15 had no significant lesions. Common naturally occurring disease entities included cystitis, conjunctivitis, paraovarian cysts, metritis and pneumonia. Lymphosarcoma was the common neoplasm.
The toxicity to cattle and bufadienolide content of six Bryophyllum species
Authors: McKENZIE R. A. , FRANKE F. P. , DUNSTER P. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Cardiac glycoside poisoning was produced in calves given (in descending order of toxicity) flower heads of the hybrid Bryophyllum (Kalanchoe) daigremontianum x B. tubiflorum, of B. pinnatum, of B. tubiflorum (from previous work), whole plant of B. fedtschenkoi, flower heads of B. daigremontianum and whole plant of B. proliferum. For each plant (except B. tubiflorum), 2 calves were each given a single dose of 20 g wet weight per kg bodyweight. By using high performance liquid chromatography, the bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides) bryotoxin A, B and C were detected and assayed in the flower heads and leaf plus stem of B. tubiflorum and in the roots of B. tubiflorum, the hybrid and B. pinnatum. Only bryotoxins B and C were detected and assayed in the flower heads and leaf plus stem of the hybrid, B. daigremontianum and B. pinnatum. No bryotoxins were detected in B. fedtschenkoi. Bryotoxin A and a mixture of bryotoxins B and C from B. tubiflorum flowers were used as standards in the chromatographic assay. Comparing the results of the calf toxicity experiment with the amounts of bufadienolide measured in the plants suggests that bryotoxins A, B and C probably account for the observed disease, but that B. pinnatum and B. fedtschenkoi contain at least one other cardiac glycoside.
Treatment of ovine virulent footrot with zinc sulphate/sodium lauryl sulphate footbathing
Authors: MALECKI J. C. , COFFEY L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Trials were conducted on 2 commercial sheep flocks in the Gippsland region of Victoria to determine the efficacy of treating ovine virulent footrot by footbathing in aqueous zinc sulphate solution (20% w/v). The effects of foot paring, parenteral penicillin, vaccination and addition of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) to the footbaths were assessed. Trial 1 comprised 297 sheep with an initial prevalence of footrot of 33% and most lesions were severe and chronic. Treatment of sheep with unpared feet by zinc sulphate footbathing for 1h did not result in a significant reduction in footrot prevalence (n = 120, cure rate 33%) whereas a significant (P < 0.01) response was obtained by footbathing for 1h with zinc sulphate/SLS (n = 120, cure rate 55%). Trial 2 comprised 1,042 sheep with a pretreatment footrot prevalence of 71% and predominantly severe lesions. In this flock all treated sheep were footbathed in zinc sulphate/SLS for 1h on 2 occasions, 5 days apart and the effects of additional surgical and parenteral treatments were assessed. Foot paring had a significant detrimental effect on cure rate (P < 0.01). The administration of procaine penicillin at the time of the first footbathing with zinc sulphate/SLS made no significant improvement to the rate of cure. Footrot vaccine given 8 and 2 weeks prior to footbathing did not cure significantly more sheep than footbathing alone, but the results were significantly better than from foot paring plus footbathing, and from combined foot paring, footbathing and parenteral penincillin treatment (P < 0.01). The cure rate was 84% for sheep that were only footbathed, 72% for those foot pared and footbathed, 72% for those foot pared, footbathed and given penicillin, and 88% for those vaccinated and footbathed.
Hydrops foetalis in sheep
Authors: PLANT J. W. , LOMAS S. T. , HARPER P. A. W. , DUNCAN D. W. , CARROLL S. N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Hydrops foetalis was observed in foetuses from a sheep flock in southern New South Wales over 4 years. Ewes showed marked abdominal distension and most died at parturition, being unable to deliver large affected foetuses. These had birth weights up to 18 kg and exhibited severe generalised oedema of subcutaneous tissues, fluid accumulation in the serous cavities and oedema of the placenta. Microscopically, there was a generalised extramedullary haemopoiesis and massive oedema, consistent with a chronic foetal anaemia. No infectious or environmental factors could be incriminated in the outbreak. The clinical and pathological findings resemble those of the homozygous α‐thalassaemia in infants associated with haemoglobin Bart's.
Use of an antigen detection assay to determine mortality of Dirofilaria immitis after thiacetarsamide therapy
Authors: VANKAN D M , ATWELL R B , BLAKE A S , BUNDESEN P G , RYLATT D B , WATSON A R
Published: March 2008

The use of an antigen detection enzyme immunoassay (ElA) to determine the post‐treatment infection status of 16 dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis was investigated. Dogs were treated with thiacetarsamide at a dose rate of 12mg/4.5kg twice daily for 2 days, bled at regular intervals and necropsied 9 weeks later.

The infection status of all dogs at necropsy was compared to the ratios of optical density (OD) values from the EIA using fresh plasma samples (day 60/day 0 = R60) and dogs were divided into 2 groups. Using the R60 ratios, those dogs with fewer than 2 live adult worms or immature worms at necropsy (“cleared” dogs) could be differentiated with 95% confidence from those dogs with more than 1 live adult worm (“non‐cleared” dogs). Changes in the average OD values from the plasma of “cleared” dogs and “non‐cleared” dogs were similar up to 46 days after treatment but diverged significantly thereafter. The efficacy of thiacetarsamide was 50% if all worms were considered and 75% if the presence of immature worms was ignored.

The benefits of antigen detection assays for diagnosis and improved patient assessment and the use of an R60 ratio to assess the efficacy of adulticides such as thiacetarsamide are discussed in relation to their practical significance for clinicians.
Virus and virus‐like particles in the faeces of cats with and without diarrhoea
Authors: MARSHALL J. A. , KENNETT M. L. , RODGER S. M. , STUDDERT M. J. , THOMPSON W. L. , GUST I. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Negative staining electron microscopy was used to identify viruses in 166 normal and 62 diarrhoeal faecal samples from 208 cats admitted to an animal shelter during a 16‐month period (March 1984 to June 1985). On the basis of size and shape 7 distinct viral types were detected: 24 nm parvovirus‐like particles, 30 nm astrovirus, 30 nm picornavirus‐like particles, reovirus, rotavirus, coronavirus and a 75 nm “togavirus‐like” particle. The incidence of these particles in the 208 cats was 11%, 7%, 6%, 0.4%, 5%, 1% and 1% respectively. Virus isolation studies using 40 of the faecal samples succeeded in isolating reovirus 1 in 2 cases. Immune electron microscope studies demonstrated the presence of antibody in a human serum to cat astrovirus, but failed to clarify the identity of the parvovirus‐like particles and picornavirus‐like particles, other than showing that some of the parvovirus‐like particles were not related to feline panleukopenia virus. It was found that parvovirus‐like particles, astrovirus, picornavirus‐like particles, reovirus and rotavirus could be excreted by cats with normal faeces as well as cats with diarrhoeal faeces. Parvovirus‐like particles, astrovirus, picornavirus‐like particles and rotavirus could be excreted in high concentration in normal faeces. There was no simple relationship between age and diarrhoea in the population of cats studied. Age was not a critical factor in the excretion of parvovirus‐like particles, astrovirus, picornavirus‐like particles and rotavirus. The incidence of diarrhoea was not clearly associated with the seasons.
Mycotic abortion in cattle
Authors: McCAUSLAND I. P. , SLEE K. J. , HIRST F. S.
Published: March 2008

Placentas and foetuses from 1107 bovine abortions were examined and a fungal infection was diagnosed in 131 instances. Fungi seen in silver impregnated sections of tissues could be placed into 3 categories designated aspergillus, phycomycete and atypical. Culture indicated that the first 2 of these categories were due to Aspergillus sp and Mortierella wolfii respectively. The infections in the atypical category are probably also due to Aspergillus sp. Gross or microscopic examination or culture of the placenta were valuable diagnostically but examination of the foetus was seldom of value as infection in most instances did not involve foetal tissues. Questionnaires indicated that many M. wolfii abortions were associated with the feeding of poorly prepared or stored grass silage. As the majority of cattle are fed hay or silage, no association could be demonstrated between Aspergillus sp abortion and these feeds. Fertility following fungal abortion was apparently unimpaired.
Infestation in the dog by the paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus 3. Respiratory effects
Authors: ILKIW J. E. , TURNER D. M.
Published: March 2008

To assess respiratory function in dogs with tick paralysis, respiratory measurements were recorded on 14 dogs experimentally infested with Ixodes holocyclus. There was a progressive fall in respiratory rate with no change in tidal volume, which resulted in a significant fall in minute respiratory volume in the latter stages of the disease. The fall in respiratory rate was possibly central in origin and was accompanied by an increased alveolar‐arterial oxygen tension difference, probably caused by pulmonary congestion and oedema. The “grunting” respiration seen in tick paralysis was due to closure of the vocal cords during expiration and could represent an attempt to re‐expand collapsed parts of the lung.
Assessment of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of cattle infected with Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: AUER L. A.
Published: March 2008

An indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using an unpurified antigen was assessed for its accuracy in detecting Mycobacterium bovis infected cattle. The ELISA test recorded sensitivities of 88.7% and 63%, respectively, for infected cattle tuberculin tested positive and for infected cattle never tuberculin tested. Specificity was determined at 52.6% for cattle from confirmed free herds which had never been tuberculin tested. Significant differences in the mean ELISA values were recorded between the 3 groups. No evidence was found for long term effects of tuberculin testing upon the titre of antibodies detected by the ELISA in unaffected cattle. The indirect ELISA using the unpurified antigen of this assay was considered to be unsuitable as an alternative to tuberculin testing for the detection of M. bovis infected animals.
Crystal‐associated cholangiohepatopathy and photosensitisation in lambs
Authors: BUTTON C. , PAYNTER D. I. , SHIEL M. J. , COLSON A. R. , PATERSON P. J. , LYFORD R. L.
Published: March 2008

Four outbreaks of hepatogenous photosensitisation occurred in weaned lambs in north eastern Victoria during the summers of 1985 and 1986. Attack rates varied between 7% and 43% and case fatality rates between 60% and 71%. Clinical signs included photosensitisation and jaundice. Serum biochemistry suggested hepatobiliary and hepatoparenchymal damage with impaired renal function. At necropsy livers were an ochre colour and kidneys a mottled brown to khaki. Histopathologically, needle‐shaped to lenticular clefts were observed in and around bile ducts and in hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoidal macrophages and renal tubules. Optically active rhomboidal crystals were present in bile sediments. Panicum schinzii was identified as a possible cause in 2 of the 4 outbreaks. The clinical disease was reproduced in 2 of 6 lambs grazed on a toxic paddock. The disease was indistinguishable from geeldikkop except for the fact that Tribulus terrestris was not present on any of the 4 farms.
Revised post‐mortem inspection procedures for cattle and pigs slaughtered Australian abattoirs
Authors: McMAHON J. , KAHN S. , BATEY R. , MURRAY J. G. , MOO D. , SLOAN C.
Published: March 2008

Revised procedures for the post‐mortem inspection of cattle and pigs at Australian abattoirs were developed as minimum national requirements. Comparative trials of current and revised procedures were conducted at 3 and 4 Australian abattoirs for pigs and cattle respectively. Residual pathological changes after inspection and removal of lesions from heads, carcases or viscera were recorded by an evaluation team with the data used to determine relative effectiveness. For cattle, there was no significant difference between current and revised procedures. Although it had been proposed to eliminate routine incision of cervical lymph nodes for pigs, it was found necessary to retain this procedure. The data also revealed a significant variation in detection of pathology between abattoirs for both species. Parasitic conditions accounted for the greatest proportion of undetected lesions in both species for both current and revised procedures. These comprised mainly fascioliasis in cattle and ascariasis in pigs. The former was associated with the study being conducted in eastern Australia. Chronic interstitial nephritis was also a common undetected lesion, reinforcing the need for intensified inspection of kidneys. However, such residual pathology was considered to be of only limited significance to human health.

The revised procedures and findings are discussed in the context of animal and human health and of the importance of the meat industry to Australian exports. Some attention has been given to specific conditions likely to be affected by the proposals including tuberculosis, bovine cysticercosis, fascioliasis, porcine arthritis and salmonellosis. The role of meat inspection in monitoring for specific diseases is discussed. The relevance of specific procedures and the deployment of meat inspection staff should depend on local circumstances and regional occurrence of disease. The proposals may also have industrial implications arising from the reduced inspection effort.