bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in sheep using cyst fluid antigen processed by antibody affinity chromatography
Authors: LIGHTOWLERS M. W. , RICKARD M. D. , HONEY R. D. , OBENDORF D. L. , MITCHELL G. F.
Published: March 2008

Serum antibody responses in sheep naturally or experimentally infected with Echinococcus granulosus and/or other larval cestodes were examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with various antigens prepared from sheep hydatid cyst fluid (SHCF). Serum donors included: sheep experimentally infected with E. granulosus and their age‐matched non‐infected controls; sheep experimentally infected with other helminth parasites; sheep naturally infected with E. granulosus both from Tasmania and the Australian mainland; sheep from Tasmania naturally infected with larval cestodes other than E. granulosus; and naturally reared sheep completely free from infection with larval cestodes. Attempts were made to eliminate serological reactions which were not specific for E. granulosus by using a series of antibody affinity chromatography steps to deplete crude SHCF antigen; these included adsorption with a monoclonal antibody, 3EgH 29–2, removal of host IgG using rabbit anti‐sheep IgG antibody, and removal of antigens which bound non‐specifically to normal sheep immunoglobulin. The final affinity‐depleted antigen product was designated AD SHCF. Specific serological reactivity in infected sheep was very low. Affinity depletion of SHCF using 3EgH 29–2 did not appear to increase the specificity of serological diagnosis of E. granulosus infection when experimentally infected sheep were compared with their non‐infected controls provided the latter were age‐matched with experimental animals. The other affinity adsorption steps significantly reduced non‐specific background binding to antigen by normal sheep serum. Despite this reduction in background in the ELISA, only low levels of antibody could be detected in naturally‐infected sheep. With sheep from Tasmania, diagnosis of infection was possible on a flock basis, but overlap of serological reactions between infected and non‐infected sheep made individual diagnosis unreliable. Heavily infected sheep from mainland Australia were serologically indistinguishable from non‐infected animals. This suggested that different “strains” of E. granulosus may stimulate different types or titres of certain antibodies in the host even though overall titres of antibody are low. The low levels of specific antibody in serums from infected sheep compared with sera from humans with hydatid disease suggests a fundamental difference in the immunological relationship between E. granulosus and these 2 host species.
Observations on spiral deviation of the penis in beef bulls
Authors: de BLOCKEY M. A. B. , TAYLOR E. G.
Published: March 2008

Premature spiral deviation of the penis was investigated in 1083 British breed beef bulls in 42 herds in Victoria (35) and Western Australia (7) by means of the serving capacity test. The herd prevalence was 60%. The prevalence of the defect at the initial test for all bulls was 10%. The prevalence in 635 polled bulls was 16% compared to a prevalence of 1 % in 448 horned bulls. The breed prevalence and the number of bulls tested per breed was Red Poll 27% (15), Murray Grey 25% (4), Poll Shorthorn 21 % (34), Angus 17% (415), Poll Hereford 10% (167) and Hereford 1 % (448). The difference between the last 2 breed types was highly significant (P<0.001). The prevalence of the defect increased from 0 to 30% over 9 years in one Victorian herd. The age of affected bulls varied from 2 to 11 years with most affected bulls aged from 3 to 6 years. Common ancestry was found between affected bulls in Western Australia, providing circumstantial evidence that it may be an inherited defect. None of the 103 affected bulls examined in this study had suffered obvious injury to the penis or prepuce. Eighty per cent of 56 affected bulls from Victoria had low serving capacity. Four bulls (2 from each state) with moderate to severe spiral deviation of the penis attained pregnancy rates of 43%, 33%, 3% and 3% respectively, in single sire mating trials. Recommendations for culling defective bulls are presented, based on the herd prevalence and severity of the defect in individual bulls.

It is concluded that bulls with moderate to severe spiral deviation of the penis have reduced fertility and remain permanently affected. The serving capacity test is a valuable diagnostic test for this serving defect in unhandled beef bulls. It is a common, although frequently undiagnosed disorder of polled beef breed bulls in Australia.
Colitis in sheep due to a Campylobacter‐like bacterium
Authors: STEPHENS L. R. , BROWNING J. W. , SLEE K. J. , HAYES J. , TZIPORI S.
Published: March 2008

Epidemic diarrhoea was observed in approximately 2,000 of 6,700 sheep on 9 farms. The disease, called weaner colitis, caused mortality of 1 %, while morbidity varied from 20 to 75%. Colon contents from affected sheep were inoculated into 17 sheep, 13 of which developed diarrhoea 5 to 7 days after inoculation. Naturally and experimentally infected sheep had mild, erosive typhlitis and colitis. Microscopic examination of washed scrapings of colonic mucosa from all affected sheep revealed masses of curved bacteria that were not seen in controls. Electron microscopic examination showed similar bacteria adherent to colonic epithelium of an experimentally infected sheep. Curved, motile bacteria were isolated from 2 naturally occurring cases. One isolate was inoculated into 9 sheep, 2 of which developed diarrhoea. The other isolate was given to 4 sheep without observable effect. The curved bacteria grew only on media containing blood, in an atmosphere of approximately 10% air, 10% CO2 and 80% H2. They were Gram‐negative, with a polar flagellum at one or both ends, they did not ferment glucose or give a positive catalase reaction. It is suggested that these bacteria are a new Campylobacter species and that they play a major role in the aetiology of weaner colitis.
Hereditary neuraxial oedema in a Poll Hereford herd
Authors: DONALDSON C. , MASON R. W.
Published: March 2008

Cases of neuraxial oedema in a Poll Hereford herd were investigated and the pedigrees of affected calves determined. In all cases, and over no more than 3 generations, the pedigree led back to a common bull. Analysis of the herd breeding records supported an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of the disease.

Fractures of the femoral heads, acetabular cartilage and/or bone, or both, were seen in some affected calves. This lesion was probably induced during birth or soon after, and the suggestion is made that such hip lesions could be regarded as highly suggestive of hereditary neuraxial oedema of Herefords.

The majority of calves showed clinical signs at birth, but 2 calves did not develop clinical signs until they were 2 days old.
Suppression of skin reactivity to bovine tuberculin in repeat tests
Authors: RADUNZ B. L. , LEPPER A. W. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In cattle sensitised with killed Mycobacteriam bovis an intradermal injection of either 0.3mg or 0.1 mg bovine purified protein derivative tuberculin in the caudal fold suppressed skin reactivity to both bovine and avian tuberculin in comparative cervical tuberculin tests carried out 4 and 7 days later. Complete return to original sensitivity did not occur in all cattle when re‐tested 60 days later but this level of sensitivity was not significantly different from that measured in initial tests. There were large individual variations in skin reaction to the sensitising dose in all treatment groups as found by others working with naturally infected cattle.
Protection of recently shorn sheep against adverse weather using plastic coats
Authors: ELLIS T. , BRADLEY A. , WATSON F. , ELLIOTT K. , SMITH G. , McGRATH M. , DOLLING M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Sheep cold stressed for 10.5 h had plastic coats applied then the cold stress was continued. In 9 of 10 sheep (test group) showing hypothermia at the time coats were applied, body temperatures had returned to near normal 2.5 h later and to normal in 13.5 h. One sheep severely hypothermic before the coat was applied did not improve and was killed after 2.5 h. Sheep that were cold stressed without coats (wet controls) developed marked hypothermia and were killed between 10.5 h and 21 h. Rectal temperatures remained normal in controls that were cold stressed with coats on (coated wet controls) and in the controls not subjected to wetting (dry controls). Plasma cortisol increased markedly in the cold stressed sheep until plastic coats were applied, but the levels had fallen to normal levels 20 h later. Serum thyroxine levels increased at a faster rate in the test group and in wet controls than in the dry controls and coated wet controls during the first 9 h of cold stress. In 4 sheep of the test group energy utilisation increased markedly and remained high for a variable time after coats were applied then gradually returned to pre‐cold stress levels.

Liver tyrosine aminotransferase levels of the wet controls were markedly elevated compared to levels found in the test group sheep killed 79.5 h after coats were applied. Histological changes in the spleen and liver of wet controls was absent or only mildly present in the test group sheep. There was severe depletion of muscle and liver glycogen in the wet controls compared with the test group sheep, which were similar to the dry controls and coated wet controls.
Serology of experimental toxoplasmosis in pregnant ewes and their foetuses
Authors: MUNDAY B L , DUBEY J P
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ewes were inoculated orally with 1500 Toxoplasma gondii oocysts at 6 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Abortions occurred at 26 to 55 days after inoculation, and maternal serum T. gondii antibody titres did not peak/plateau until 20 to 103 days after inoculation, usually after abortion occurred.

Serums or body fluids from unautolysed foetuses aborted at 35 days or more after maternal inoculation, contained significant levels of Toxoplasma antibodies as determined by the indirect fluorescent‐antibody test. It was considered that foetal serology was a quick and efficient method of diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in sheep on a flock basis.
Caprine retrovirus infection in New South Wales: Virus isolations, clinical and histopathological findings and prevalence of antibody
Authors: GREWAL A S , BURTON R W , SMITH J E , BATTY E M , GREENWOOD P. E. , NORTH R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Caprine arthritis‐encephalitis virus (CAEV) was isolated by explant cultures of carpal synovial membranes and lung from 7 goats in New South Wales. These goats were clinically affected with the arthritic, neurologic, and pneumonic forms of CAEV infection either singly or in combination. CAEV antibody was detected by the gel immunodiffusion precipitin (GDP) test in 5 of the 7 goats.

Serum samples from 2,708 goats, from 115 herds, were examined for CAEV antibody using the GDP test. Approximately one‐third of the animals and 82% of the herds tested had CAEV antibody. The infection was common in all breeds of dairy goats with an indication of a significanty lower prevalence in the Saanen breed (24.4%) compared to Nubians, British Alpines and Toggenbergs (43.8%, 38.7% and 39.1% respectively). CAEV antibody was also demonstrated in 11 of 230 Angora goats. The infection was equally common in all age groups, with slightly higher prevalence in males (83 of 230, 36%) compared to females (648 of 2232, 29%). Among seropositive animals 85% were clinically normal. Of 280 clinically affected goats tested only 42% had detectable antibody.

One of 5 sheep that had been in contact with infected goats in one herd had CAEV serum antibody.
Investigation into the use of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α:) and oxytocin for the induction of farrowing
Authors: CHANTARAPRATEEP P. , PRATEEP P. , LOHACHIT C. , KUNAVONGKRIT A. , POOMSUWAN P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY This experiment was conducted in order to compare the effects of injecting PGF2α alone, PGF2α with oxytocin and placebo on the induction of farrowing in swine and to compare the relative effects of 3 different dosages of oxytocin (10, 20 and 30 iu per animal) when combined with PGF2α (10 mg).

The findings revealed that animals treated with 30 iu oxytocin farrowed within 10.6 h which was similar to those receiving PGF2α only (9.4 h), but shorter than control animals (53.6 h). Animals receiving 20 and 10 iu of oxytocin farrowed within 1.4 and 1.7 h, respectively. Difficult farrowings requiring manual assistance occurred in 30%, 30%, 50% and 10% of sows given 30 iu, 20iu and 10iu of oxytocin and in the control group, respectively.

Thirteen of 73 sows treated with PGF2α farrowed within 12.6 ± 5.3 h. Stillbirths were highest (10.2%) in the control animals whilst in the others it was under 7%.

Oxytocin at dosages of 20 and 10 iu, seemed most promosing in terms of synchronising farrowing following PFG2α treatment in swine. However, farrowing complications were more common in these groups.
Kikuyu poisoning of cattle in New South Wales and its relationship to pasture fungi on kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)
Authors: WONG P T W , ROTH I J , JACKSON A R B
Published: March 2008

In the late summer and autumn of 1980 kikuyu poisoning of cattle was diagnosed on 9 farms in New South Wales resulting in 213 deaths among 1370 cattle at risk. Clinical, autopsy and histopathological findings are described and are consistent with those previously recorded. Kikuyu grass samples from 5 paddocks in which deaths were occurring were examined for the presence of fungi. Myrothecium spp were not present. Fusarium semitectum, F. moniliforme var subglutinans, Penicillium spp and a Phoma sp were the most common fungi isolated but with the exception of F. semitectum were not consistently present. F. semitectum was present in adjacent kikuyu grass paddocks in which deaths were not occurring. Two of the farms had army caterpillar (Mythimna convecta) infestations. Army caterpillar faeces present in these paddocks did not contain Myrothecium spp; the fungi present reflected the population present on the kikuyu grass. These findings do not suggest a mycotic cause for kikuyu poisoning. Aust Vet J 64: 229–232
Blindness in goats following ingestion of Stypandra glauca
Authors: WHITTINGTON RJ , SEARSON JE , WHITTAKER SJ , GLASTONBURY JRW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Twenty‐seven of 427 Angora goats of mixed age became blind within a week of consuming large amounts of Stypandm glauca (“nodding blue lily”). A further 200 goats were depressed for several weeks, but most subsequently recovered. Blindness was associated with optic nerve neuropathy which is postulated to have followed compression of the optic nerves within the bony optic canals as a result of severe myelin oedema. Histologically, the intracanalicular portion of the optic nerve was sclerotic, while the intracranial portion of the optic nerve and the optic tracts were degenerating. The retrobulbar portion of the optic nerve was relatively unaffected. In addition, multifocal retinal photoreceptor degeneration was found ophthalmoscopically and histologically. The syndrome was not reproduced during a trial in which 2 goats were fed 4 and 20 kg of S. glauca harvested after it had finished flowering, more than 3 weeks after the first natural cases of blindness. Based on epidemiological and pathological data we propose that S. glauca is toxic to stock, but only for a short period while flowering in spring.
Infestation in the dog by the paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus — 5. Treatment
Authors: ILKIW JE , TURNER DM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In this study the value of drugs administered with hyperimmune serum in the treatment of advanced disease produced by Ixodes holocyclus was compared under controlled conditions. All control dogs died rapidly whereas one dog survived and 3 dogs died after receiving hyperimmune serum alone. When promethazine hydrochloride was administered with hyperimmune serum 2 dogs recovered rapidly while the remaining 2 died. Administration of dexamethasone and hyperimmune serum allowed 3 dogs to survive while administration of phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride in conjunction with hyperimmune serum allowed rapid recovery of all 4 dogs. Phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride, an aP‐adrenergic blocking drug, was chosen because of its potential to attenuate the arterial hypertension previously reported (Ilkiw et al 1988). The survival of all dogs together with the rapid return to normality indicated that this drug was beneficial in the treatment of dogs with advanced signs of tick paralysis.
Congenital hydranencephaly and arthrogryposis of Corriedale sheep
Authors: WHITTINCTON RJ , GLASTONBURY JRW , PLANT JW , BARRY MRW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A syndrome of congenital malformations in Corriedale sheep characterised by brachygnathia inferior, campylognathia, tetraemlic arthrogryposis, kyphoscoliosis, hydranencephaly and hypoplasia of the brain stem, cerebellum and spinal cord occurring in various combinations is described. Histologically there was generalised hypomyelinogenesis and hypoplasia of the central nervous system with neurogenic atrophy of skeletal muscle. The syndrome resembled that caused by congenital infection with Akabane virus, however, serological, pathological and epidemiological data indicated that Akabane virus was not involved. The results of a breeding trial suggested that the disorder may be transmitted with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.
Prevention of Toxoplasma gondii abortion in goats by vaccination with oocysts of Hammondia hammondi
Authors: MUNDAY BL , DUBEY JP
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Nineteen does (female goats) were dosed with 500,000 oocytes of Hammondia hammondi prior to breeding. At about 90 days of gestation these, and 18 uninoculated does were challenged with 25,000 Toxoplasma gondii oocysts.

The 19 H. hammondi— inoculated does produced 26 live and one dead kid (newborn goat). The 18 does not given H. hammondi produced 12 live and 19 dead kids. However, examination of all of the kids by isolation of T. gondii in mice, serology and histology revealed that they were all infected with T. gondii. Thus, while H. hammondi“vaccination” is protective against the deleterious effects of T. gondii on pregnant does, perhaps by reducing the severity of placental lesions, it does not prevent foetal infection.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibody in wild macropods
Authors: JOHNSON AM , ROBERTS H , MUNDAY BL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to measure total antibody to Toxoplasma gondii in serum samples from macropods. The validity of the assay was established by comparing parasite isolation in mice for 17 Tasmanian pademelons (Thylogale billardierii) and 17 Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus). The ELISA was then used to detect antibody against T. gondii in serum from 236 macropods, collected from 21 locations in Tasmania, including Flinders Island. Antibody against T. gondii was detected in 20 animals (15 T. billardierii and 5 M. rufogriseus). There was a significant (p<0.0l) difference in possession of T. gondii antibodies between adult (≥ 1 year of age) Tasmanian pademelons and Bennett's wallabies.
Plasma and liver concentrations of aP‐tocopherol in weaner sheep after vitamin E supplementation
Authors: DONCON GH , STEELE P
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: changes in the plasma and liver concentrations of aP‐tocopherol in sheep kept in an animal house, grazed on pasture, grazed on pasture and fed an oatllupin grain supplement, or grazed on toxic lupin stubble were monitored following no, oral or intramuscular administration of aP‐tocopherol. It was concluded that intramuscular administration was most effective because it caused longer periods of elevated plasma aP. tocopherol concentrations in most situations investigated and consistently higher concentrations of aP‐tocopherol in the liver, compared to oral administration. The dose rates of aP‐tocopherol given, the vehicle for ap‐tocopherol in the injectable preparation, the different diets consumed and the concurrent occurrence of lupinosis all influenced the results. In spite of this a significant positive correlation existed between the terminal liver and plasma aP‐tocopherol concentrations.
Relationship between serving capacity of beef bulls as predicted by the yard test and their fertility during paddock mating
Authors: BLOCKEY MAdeB
Published: March 2008

Six experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between the serving capacity of bulls as predicted by a 40‐min yard test and their fertility during paddock mating, measured by the conception rate at first oestrus and the pregnancy rate at the end of 10 weeks of mating. Twenty bulls varying in serving capacity from 1 to 11 were mated to 40 heifers each.

As serving capacity of the bulls increased from 1 to 7, conception rate increased from 18 to 70%. Average conception rates achieved by 4 bulls with low serving capacity (25.3%), 8 bulls with medium serving capacity (61.4%) and 7 bulls with high serving capacity (72.3%) were all significiantly different from one another. Bulls of low serving capacity (1 or 2 services) impregnated a significantly lower proportion of their heifers (40.3%) than bulls with medium (91.2%) or high (95.3%) serving capacity. It was concluded that bulls of serving capacity 1 or 2 (in 40 min) should be considered unsound for breeding. An explanation for the results and their implication in beef production is discussed.
Neurological disease associated with degenerative axonopathy of neonatal Holstein‐Friesian calves
Authors: HARPER PAW , HEALY PJ
Published: March 2008

The clinical and pathological features of 19 neonatal Holstein‐Friesian calves affected with moderate to severe neurological disease are presented. Most calves were recumbent from birth, and many developed variable neurological signs including hyperaesthesia or depression, limb extension, head tremor, nystagmus, apparent blindness, and opisthotonos when stimulated. Consistent lesions of moderate to severe, diffuse, axonal swelling and loss, with Wallerian‐type degeneration and myelin depletion in the spinal cord and brainstem, and occasionally in the midbrain and peripheral nerve roots, were observed. The lesions indicated a pre‐natal insult affecting mainly motor areas of the foetal neuraxis, however the aetiology of the disorder remains undetermined. It is suggested that the calves may have been affected by a hitherto unrecognised disease entity for which we propose the term, degenerative axonopathy.
The comparative pathogenicity of four serovars of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae
Authors: ROGERS RJ , EAVES LE , BLACKALL PJ , TRUMAN KF
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The pathogenicity of 2 isolates of each of serovars 7,3, 1 and 2 of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was tested by intranasal inoculation into 60, 6‐week‐old large white pigs. Four dose rates varying from 0.27 to 560 times 106 organisms per pig with 10‐fold serial dilutions were used. Surviving pigs were necropsied 7 days after inoculation.

The proportion of pigs dying and developing gross lesions following infection was significantly greater for pigs given serotype 1 than for each of the other 3 serotypes, which did not differ significantly from each other. Twelve of 16 pigs given either of the 2 isolates of serovar 1 died after acute illness and 1 of 44 pigs given either of the 2 isolates each of serovars 7, 3 and 2 died. Pigs given serovar 1 showed high temperatures, severe respiratory distress, frothy haemorrhagic nasal discharge and weight loss. Lung lesions were produced in all 16 pigs given serovar 1, in 7 of 14 pigs given serovar 7, 7 of 14 pigs receiving serovar 3 and in 5 of 16 pigs given serovar 2. The lethal infections were characterised by a severe acute fibrinohaemorrhagic necrotising pleuropneumonia, whereas non4ethal cases had lung lesions ranging from necrotising purulent pleuropneumonia to abscessation. Significant differences between isolates in proportions of tissues culture positive for A. pleuropneumoniae for serovars 7 and 2, but not for serovars 3 and 1 suggested that isolates may vary in virulence within serovars, but more detailed studies are needed to clarify this point.
Occurrence of organochlorine residues in Australian meat
Authors: CORRIGAN PJ , SENEVIRATNA P
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In spite of several quality control procedures used by Australia to ensure the wholesomeness of export meat, a number of pesticide residue violations were identified in the Australian product exported to the USA in May 1987. The pesticides involved were the organochlorines, dieldrin and heptachlor. The problems were caused by the persistence of organochlorines in soils and their illicit use or contamination of storage facilities. Animals grazing contaminated pasture, ingesting contaminated feed or held in contaminated yards over a period, bioaccumulated residues in their adipose tissues which eventually exceeded maximum residue limits (MRL) and caused violations. Though there was no immediate public health risk, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) of the Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries and Energy (DPIE), acted expeditiously to determine and eliminate the factors causing these problems, which threatened Australia's beef export industry worth in excess of two billion dollars annually. An overall strategic plan, “The Integrated Action Plan”, was formulated and implemented by AQIS with the assistance of the relevant Departments of the States and the Northern Territory (NT), meat processing and export industries and livestock producer bodies. As a result of this action, the likely sources of contamination were identified and controlled. The National Residue Survey (NRS) was enhanced, a National Residue Data Base (NRDB) was established and a centralised computer system interactive with abattoirs, laboratories and animal health authorities developed. The cattle farm identity tail tag system already in place, capable of tracing cattle to the farm of origin was refined and trace back systems for sheep and pigs were utilised. Analytical laboratory facilities capable of a rapid sample turnover were expanded and an individual farm organochlorine clearance program was established. From 25 May 1987 to 22 May 1989, 813,330 cattle were tested in the AQIS testing program from approximately 137,000 individual farms. Of this number, approximately 118,000 farms met the designated test result and were declared clear. This program has also been successful in preventing further violations being detected in Australian beef by overseas import testing authorities. In achieving a reduction of violations, a closer working liaison was established between AQIS and the relevant Departments of the States and NT resposible for animal health programs.
Correlation between radiographie and arthroscopic findings in the equine carpus
Authors: KANNEGIETER NJ , BURBIDGE HM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The radiographic and arthroscopic findings in 150 carpal joints in 114 lame horses were compared. Chip, slab, or sagittal fractures were identified in 130 (87%) joints. In 101 (78%) of these there was good agreement between radiographie and arthroscopic findings on the number and position of fractures. In 23 (18%) joints, chip fractures additional to those seen radiographically were found arthroscopically. In one joint a large chip fracture from the craniolateral aspect of the distal radius was identified only by arthroscopy, while in 6 joints fractures were identified only by radiography. Observed causes of lameness, other than infra‐articular fractures, included degenerative joint disease, synovitis, ruptured intracarpai ligaments, and haemarthrosis. Correlation between the radiographic and arthroscopic assessment of degenerative joint disease was poor.

It was concluded that both radiography and arthroscopy should be used to obtain the most accurate assessment of the equine carpus.
Upper motor neurone effects in sheep of some beta‐carboline alkaloids identified in zygophyllaceous plants
Authors: BOURKE CA , CARRIGAN MJ , DIXON RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The beta‐carbolines harmane, norharmane, tetrahydronorharmane, harmine, har‐maline and harmol were administered to sheep to assess their effects on upper motor neurone function. Harmane at a dose rate of 54 mg/kg induced hypomotility, head tremors, pelvic limb paresis, hypermetria and a wide based stance. A range of similar effects were observed with norharmane at the same dose rate. Tetrahydronorharmane at a dose rate of 54 mg/kg induced hypermotility followed by hypomotility, asymmetrical pelvic limb paresis, hypermetria, a wide based stance, and stereotyped eating behaviour. Harmine and harmaline at 6 mg/kg induced mild head and body tremors, and at 18 mg/kg induced hypomotility, intense head and body tremors, pelvic limb paresis, crossing over of limbs, neck extension and head swaying. Harmol was not effective at 54 mg/kg by either the subcutaneous or intraperitoneal routes, but at an intravenous dose of 27 mg/kg it induced hypermotility followed by hypomotility, body tremors, limb paresis, muscle asynergy, a wide based stance and jumping behaviour. Harmane, tetrahydronorharmane, harmaline and harmol were convulsive in some sheep at high dose rates.
Indices of renal function: values in eight normal foals from birth to 56 days
Authors: EDWARDS DJ , BROWNLOW MA , HUTCHINS DR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A series of blood and urine samples was collected from each of eight normal foals between birth and eight weeks. Blood chemistry relating to renal function was evaluated as well as physical and chemical characteristics of urine. During the first 4d of life it was impractical to suggest meaningful normal values due to wide variation among foals and with time. Serum urea and plasma creatinine fell markedly to levels less than those previously reported for normal adult horses, while urine, mildly hypersthenuric at birth, rapidly became hyposthenuric. There was also a marked proteinuria during the first 48h. After 4d clinicopathological values stabilised. Urea and creatinine remained at subadult levels and hyposthenuria was maintained. While there was some variation with time, generally the urinary activity of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) was greater in foals than in adults; plasma potassium, the creatinine clearance ratio of potassium (% Cr K), serum inorganic phosphate and the creatinine clearance ratio of phosphate (% Cr PO4) were greater than in adults while plasma chloride and the creatinine clearance ratio of chloride (% Cr Cl) were lower in foals than in adults. Urinary pH was acidic and epithelial cells and calcium oxalate crystals more prevalent in the urine of foals than in that of adults. The information presented here will be useful in the diagnosis and management of renal disease and azotaemia in foals.
Diseases of young captive crocodiles in Papua New Guinea
Authors: LADDS PW , SIMS LD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY To identify causes of mortality in young captive crocodiles, detailed necropsy and laboratory examination was done on 54 (30 Crocodylus porosus, 22 C. novaeguineae, 2 of unrecorded species). Although multiple infections often confounded interpretation it was concluded that the major infectious diseases, of approximately equal importance, were coccidiosis, bacterial septicaemia with Gram‐negative organisms, and metazoan parasitism including ascariasis and pentastomiasis. A range of other lesions and agents was recognised, including keratitis, enteritis of unknown aetiology, non‐suppurative encephalitis, traumatic peritonitis and trematodes located in renal tubules, gut and blood vessels. Some crocodiles in poor condition had only mild lesions associated with metazoan parasites and the cause of death or illness could not be clearly determined, although it was considered likely that adaptation failure was a contributing factor.
A phalangeal fusion defect and osteochondrosis dissecans with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joints in a foal
Authors: RILEY CB , YOVICH JV , HUXTABLE CR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A fusion defect of the proximal and middle phalanges of both hindlimbs, osteochondrosis dissecans of the distal interphalangeal joints of the forelimbs, and subluxation of all 4 distal interphalangeal joints occurred in a Standardbred filly. Lameness was the first abnormality noted and was observed at one week of age in the left forelimb and progressed until all 4 limbs were affected by 5 weeks of age. On radiographs of both forelimbs, the distal interphalangeal joints were subluxated with irregularity and lucency of subchondral bone. On radiographs of the distal hindlimbs, there was a subluxation of both distal interphalangeal joints and loss of the proximal interphalangeal joint spaces with fusion of the proximal and middle phalanges. The foal was euthanised. On necropsy, there were focal areas of erosion of articular cartilage in the distal interphalangeal joint of both forelimbs. The proximal and middle phalanges of both hindlimbs were fused. Histopathological examination of the distal interphalangeal joint of the right foreleg showed loss of articular cartilage and degenerative changes in the exposed subchondral bone.
Plasma beta‐endorphin and adrenocorticotrophin in young horses in training
Authors: McCARTHY RN , JEFFCOTT LB , FUNDER JW , FULLERTON M , CLARKE IJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A controlled period of submaximal exercise on a treadmill was used as a standardised stress test in 6 young horses to monitor the effects of training. Circulating plasma concentrations of immunoreactive beta‐endorphin (IR β‐EP) were measured before, during and after the exercise period. The stress test was conducted on 3 occasions during an intensive training program lasting 14 weeks. In week 3 a marked increase in plasma IR β‐EP (P=0.003) was demonstrated as a result of training, but by the last exercise test performed in week 9 no significant increase in plasma IR β‐EP concentrations could be detected. During the training period the basal concentrations of plasma IR β‐EP significantly decreased (P=0.0059). Plasma adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) did not increase during exercise, although there was a trend of decreasing basal plasma ACTH by the end of the training period.

It was concluded that a standardised work test acted as a mild stress to unfit horses, but as the horses' fitness increased the hormonal response to exercise diminished. Basal plasma β‐EP concentrations were decreased with increasing fitness.
An immunohistochemical study of canine disseminated aspergillosis
Authors: DAY MJ , PENHALE WJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An Immunohistochemical study of 25 lesions from 7 dogs with disseminated aspergillosis (Aspergillus terreus) is presented. All had multiple fungal granulomas in many viscera, with centres of necrotic tissue and hyphal elements surrounded by a mixed infiltrate of predominantly mononuclear cells.

Within these lesions, hyphae coated with immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA) and complement (C3, C4) were identified, together with perl‐lesional mononuclear cells that reacted with antisera directed towards either IgG, IgM, IgA or a T lymphocyte marker (MUII).

A conspicuous feature was the prominent hyphal fluorescence seen with IgA and C3 antisera. The IgA reagent also marked large numbers of mononuclear cells both around lesions and scattered throughout Interstitial tissue, suggesting an abnormality of IgA production or regulation as a factor predisposing to this condition.
Extensive resection and anastomosis of the descending (small) colon in a mare following strangulation by a mesenteric lipoma
Authors: DART AJ , SNYDER JR , PASCOE JR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A 17‐year‐old Quarter Horse, Arabian crossbred mare presented with a history of having had abdominal pain for 2 d. At surgery there was 2.6 m of descending colon strangulated within the pedicle of a mesenteric lipoma. The lipoma was resected and the descending colon appeared viable so was replaced, and the mare recovered from anaesthesia. Post‐operatively, the mare failed to stabilise so was taken back to surgery. There was 2 m of infarcted descending colon which was resected and anastomosed. A drain and stainless steel stay sutures were incorporated into the ventral suture line. Post‐operatively the ventral wound became infected but was resolved with therapy. The diagnosis, surgical and post‐operative management and outcome are discussed.
The efficacy of mixtures of albendazole sulphoxide and levamisole against sheep nematodes resistant to benzimidazole and levamisole
Authors: ANDERSON N. , MARTIN PJ , JARRETT RG
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Faecal egg count reduction tests and an anthelmintic efficlency assay were used to assess the efficacy of combinations of albendazole sulphoxide and levamlsole against populations of Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus sp. which contained different proportions of worms resistant to both benzimidazole and levamisole anthelmintics. Compared to the effects of either drug alone, significantly greater efficacy was obtained using combinations which Included dose rates similar to those recommended for the separate components. At these dose rates, the mixtures reduced mean faecal egg counts by 95% or more, and caused a reduction of 68% in adult Ostertagia sp. and more than 95% for 4th stage Ostertagia and T colubriformis. The increased efficacy of the mixtures could be accounted for by actions of the drugs acting independently.
Diethylstilboestrol—historical background and current regulatory status
Authors: PAGE SW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Diethylstiiboestrol is a non‐steroidal orally active oestrogen that in the past has been widely used in a variety of conditions in both medical and veterinary fields. In recognition of potential systemic availability to man of DES in the tissues of treated food‐producing animals, together with an understanding of the potential teratogenic and carcinogenic toxicity of DES in man, the veterinary use of DES has been restricted to oral use in small animals only. Use of DES is prohibited in all food‐producing animals.
Anasarca and myopathy in ostrich chicks
Authors: PHILBEY AW , BUTTON C. , GESTIER AW , MUNRO BE , GLASTONBURY JRW , HINDMARSH M. , LOVE SCJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Twenty ostrich chicks that died at, or within, 1 week after hatching were examined from 7 farms with poor (43 to 75%) hatchability. All chicks had anasarca and 15 had mild, generalised, acute degenerative changes in the complexus and pelvic limb muscles. One had fibrinold degeneration of arterioles. Biochemical examinations produced no evidence of deficiencies of selenium, vitamin A or vitamin E. The syndrome was related to high relative humidity during incubation. Malpositioning also was a cause of embryo mortality.
The adoption of management and husbandry procedures by Western Australian pig farmers
Authors: ROBERTSON ID , HAMPSON DJ , MHOMA JRL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A postal survey was conducted to determine the management and husbandry procedures adopted by a sample of 101 Western Australian pig farmers. Seventy seven replies were received and analysed. Over 80% of farmers vaccinated breeding stock against leptospirosis and erysipelas, 35% vaccinated against parvo virus and 15% vaccinated against
Escherichia coli.
Most farmers used antibiotics: 72% incorporated them into their pig diets and 60% used parenteral antibiotics. Fifty three per cent of farmers reported that they regularly used a veterinarian. Over 59% of piggeries had another piggery located within 10 km, thus increasing the possibility for disease transmission between herds. It is concluded that there is potential for veterinarians to offer advice to pig farmers, particularly on disease control measures and adoption of technological advances.
Failure of a single postpartum prostaglandin treatment to improve the reproductive performance of dairy cows
Authors: MORTON JM , ALLEN JD , HARRIS DJ , MILLER GT
Published: March 2008

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of postpartum prostaglandin treatment on reproduction in 3 seasonal calving dairy herds. Recently calved lactating dairy cows were paired on herd, age, calving date and previous production index. One cow in each of the 196 pairs received a single intramuscular injection of 25 mg of the prostaglandin analogue, dinoprost, between 14 and 28 days after calving. Subsequent reproduction was monitored. Within each herd and overall, there was no significant effect of treatment on the intervals from calving to first service, mating start date to first service, calving to conception, mating start date to conception and first service to conception. Treatment also had no significant effect on 21‐day submission and pregnancy rates, on the proportion of each group not pregnant at the end of mating, and on first service pregnancy rates. Responses to treatment did not vary between cows calving within 50 days of mating start date and earlier calving cows or between cows aged less than 5 years and older cows.
A comparison of the pathogenicity of two strains of hog cholera virus: 1. Clinical and pathological studies
Authors: KAMOLSIRIPRICHAIPORN S. , HOOPER PT , MORRISSY CJ , WESTBURY HA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The virulence of a strain of hog cholera virus isolated during an outbreak of mild disease in pigs in New South Wales in 1960/61 (the NSW strain) was compared over 11 days with that of a virulent strain by inoculating 8 pigs with each virus and comparing the ensuing clinical signs and pathology. Both viruses caused persistent pyrexia and leucopoonia, the NSW strain 4 to 5 days and the virulent strain 3 days, after inoculation. Few other clinical signs were observed in the pigs inoculated with the NSW strain. In contrast, all pigs inoculated with the virulent strain became progressively depressed and incoordinated, and were killed between days 6 and 9.

Bronchopneumonia and swollen, reddened lymph nodes were observed in pigs inoculated with both viruses. Few other gross lesions were observed with the NSW strain, but some pigs receiving the virulent strain had pustules in the tonsil and the anterior oesophagus, petechial haemorrhages in the kidney, and small infarcts at the margins of the spleen.

There were marked differences in the histopathology, both in the variety of organs affected and the severity of lesions in individual organs. Suppurative bronchopneumonia occurred in both groups. Other changes in the pigs affected with the NSW strain were colitis, mild cerebral vasculitis, necrosis, haemorrhage and neutrophil infiltration in some lymph nodes and spleens. In pigs infected with virulent virus the cerebral vasculitis was so severe that there was necrosis of cells within the vessel walls. These pigs also developed focal necrosis of the tonsil and occasionally of the oesophagus, chronic mild tracheitis, mild pancreatic degeneration, and in some, local necrosis of the wall of the ureter.
Evaluation of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antibody in porcine serum
Authors: SHELDRAKE RF , ROMALIS LF
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting antibody to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in porcine serum is described. The results are presented as an ELISA ratio, calculated by dividing the absorbance of the test sample by the mean absorbance of control negative sera. In known infected pigs, the ELISA ratio was highest when the serum concentration applied to the ELISA plate was diluted 1 in 20 in PBS ‐ Tween.

Mean ELISA ratios ranged from 1.2 <0.3 for pigs without porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP) lesions to 5.5 <1.5 for pigs observed with a PEP lesion reacting positively with immunofluorescent histopathology. Pigs observed with typical PEP lesions at slaughter, but not confirmed by immunofluorescent histopathology had a mean ELISA ratio of 4.9 <1.7. The ELISA was highly sensitive (95.6%) and specific (98.8%) when pig sera from commercial piggeries of known M hyopneumoniae infection status were assessed. No cross‐reactivity with serum from a pig hyperimmunised with killed M flocculare was detected, and reactivity with serum from another pig hyperimmunised with killed M hyorhinis showed only weak cross‐reactivity, which failed to reach the ELISA positive threshold (ELISA ratio 3) for M hyopneumoniae.
Haematological values of rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) in New Caledonia
Authors: AUDIGÉ L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Blood samples were collected from 91 rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa), immediately after being shot, to define their mean haematological values (red cell count, white cell count, differential leucocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration). Male deer had a significantly higher red cell count and haemoglobin concentration, and a lower mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin content, than did female deer.
Resistance to synthetic pyrethroid pour‐on insecticides in strains of the sheep body louse Bovicola (Damalinia) ovis
Authors: JOHNSON PW , BORAY JC , DAWSON KL
Published: March 2008

Groups of sheep infested with strains of Bovicola (Damalinia) ovis were obtained from flocks either with a history of failure to control lice with synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pour‐on insecticides, or from farms where SP compounds were not used. The sheep were treated according to the manufacturer's recommendations with registered “off‐shears” SP formulations. All treatments were applied under ideal conditions with doses calculated on an individual body weight basis and applied to the dorsal mid‐line from the base of the neck to the butt of the tall. Treated sheep were kept in pens and maintained in separate groups. The pour‐on SP treatments significantly reduced the lice population but failed to eliminate the infestation in 7 of 13 experiments in sheep carrying strains of lice with resistance factors of greater than 4 to at least one of the SP compounds. Failures occurred with all three of the SP pour‐ons currently registered for lice control in NSW and with both water‐based and organic solvent‐based formulations.
Respiratory mechanics of horses during stepwise treadmill exercise tests, and the effect of clenbuterol pretreatment on them
Authors: SLOCOMBE RF , COVELLI G. , BAYLY WM
Published: March 2008

Normal Standardbred horses were given an incremental exercise test on a horizontal treadmill to evaluate the influence of exercise on gas exchange, resistance, dynamic compliance and inertance of the respiratory system. The exercise test consisted of 2 min exercise steps at each of the following speeds: 2.4 m/sec (walk), 4.5 m/sec (slow trot), 7.0 m/sec (fast trot) and 10 m/sec (gallop). At rest and after 1 min of exercise at each step, airflow, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, pharyngeal, midoesophageal and transdiaphragmatic pressures and arterial blood gas tensions were measured. The same horses were subsequently treated intravenously with clenbuterol (0.8 μg/kg) and an identical exercise test and measurement performed 10 min after clenbuterol injection. In response to exercise, there were large increases in tidal volume, respiratory frequency, airflow and pressures. Exercise was associated with a decrease in upper airway resistance but total pulmonary resistance was unchanged. Exercise did not alter inertance or dynamic compliance, horses became hypoxaemic, and at 10 m/sec (galloping) also developed hypercarbia. Treatment with clenbuterol did not alter any of these measurements in response to exercise. These data suggest that dilation of upper airways occurs during exercise, and that inertial forces are important in strenuously exercising horses and may influence the accuracy of dynamic compliance determinations at high exercise intensities.