bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of copper and zinc status of farm horses and training thoroughbreds in south‐east Queensland
Authors: AUER DE , NG JC , SEAWRIGHT AA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The copper and zinc concentrations in the blood of stabled thoroughbred horses and in Australian Stock Horses mares at pasture, either late pregnant or lactating were determined by an atomic absorption spectroscopic method. The plasma concentration of the trace elements in these apparently normal horses were generally below the “normal” range. The plasma copper, caeruloplasmin copper, whole blood copper and plasma zinc concentrations in the stabled thoroughbreds were 0.76 ± 0.19 μ/ml (n = 82), 0.56 ± 0.14 μ/ml (n = 83), 0.75 ± 0.18 μ/ml (n = 82) and 0.47 ± 0.09 μ/ml (n = 83) respectively. The plasma copper and zinc concentrations of all the brood mares at pasture (pregnant and lactating) were 0.56 ± 0.20 μ/ml and 0.47 ± 0.11 μ/ml (n = 30). The plasma copper concentration of the pregnant group of mares (0.64 ± 0.18 μ/ml; (n = 14) was greater than that of the lactating mares (0.49 ± 0.21; (n = 16). Variation in the plasma copper concentration was also identified between stabled and farm horses, between horses of different stables and between horses of different ages. The proportion of plasma copper bound to caeruloplasmin was 73 ± 11.8%. These low concentrations of copper and zinc in the plasma of apparently normal horses are of clinical significance since recent evidence has indicated that copper deficiency appears to promote the development of skeletal abnormalities in foals. An alternative to the use of a single plasma sample to identify the copper or zinc deficient horse was discussed.
Stress responses in lambs docked and castrated surgically or by the application of rubber rings
Authors: SHUTT D A , FELL L R , CONNELL R , BELL A K
Published: March 2008

Summary: A comparative study has been made in lambs 3 to 6 weeks of age of the behavioural responses and changes in plasma immunoreactive P‐endorphin (ir β‐endorphin) and cortisol after docking or docking plus castration by the application of rubber rings or by surgery. The use of rubber rings on lambs at this age was characterised by very agitated behaviour indicative of considerable distress for a period of up to 1 h. In contrast, surgery was accompanied by some post‐operative shock exhibited by reduced exploratory and social behaviour, at least in the lambs exposed to docking plus castration. In the latter group there were highly significant increases in both plasma ir P‐endorphin and cortisol concentrations that may be consistent with the induction of stress‐induced analgesia. We conclude that surgery caused less distress than the rubber rings, and is therefore preferable for docking and castration of lambs 3 to 6 weeks of age.
Pathology of varicocele in the ram
Authors: EZZI A , LADDS P W , HOFFMANN D , FOSTER R A , BRIGGS G D
Published: March 2008

Summary: A total of 40 mature or aged rams with spontaneous varicocele detected by scrotal palpation were subjected to detailed necropsy examination. Varicocele was bilateral in 22 rams or was located on the left or right sides only, in 8 and 10 rams, respectively. This distribution contrasted with varicocele in man in which the left side is involved in 70 to 100% of cases. Mean sizes of varicoceles in mm (length x diameter) were 117 times 46 and 104 times 45 for the left and right sides, respectively, and they were located high in the pampiniform plexus, approximately 100 mm from the dorsal pole of the corresponding testis. All varicoceles were thrombosed. Changes associated with large varicoceles included testicular mineralisation and occluding thrombosis of testicular vessels. Total testis weight‐body weight ratio in rams with varicocele (5.8 to 6.4 times 103) was significantly less (P < 0.05) than in normal (control) rams from the same flocks (7.9 times 102) suggesting that some degree of testicular atrophy resulted from presence of a varicocele.
Immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin‐containing cells in the reproductive tract of normal rams
Authors: FOSTER R A , LADDS P W , HOFFMANN D. , HUSBANDS A J
Published: March 2008

Summary: The levels of the immunoglobulins IgA, IgG1, IgG2 and IgM were measured in serum and fluid from various locations in the reproductive tract of normal rams. These fluids included semen, preputial washings, and fluid from the accessory sex glands (ASG), vasa deferens, rete testes, and tissue fluid from the seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, epididymal tails and efferent ducts. In addition, the prevalence of specific Ig‐containing cells (ICC) was measured in sections of formalin fixed tissues stained by an indirect peroxidase‐antiperoxidase labelling technique.

Mean IgA levels in semen (1.23 mg/ml) and ASG fluid (0.46 mg/ml), were higher than in serum (0.19 mg/ml) and were at levels higher than IgG1 or IgG2 levels in semen, ASG fluid, and preputial washings, thus confirming the existence of a local immune system primarily in the ASG of ram genitalia. Relatively low concentrations of IgA and IgG in other genital fluids and IgG levels in these fluids were consistent with diffusion from serum. The relatively high prevalence of IgA‐containing cells in bulbourethral (56% of all ICC) and prostate (49%) glands confirmed these tissues as major sites of local Ig production. ICC were also found in large numbers beneath pelvic urethral and preputial epithelia, but these were predominantly IgG‐containing (88 and 72% respectively).
Evaluation of strategies for control of sheep lice (Damalinia ovis) with an epidemiological model
Authors: BRIGHTLING A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A model was constructed to integrate the epidemiology and economics of control of sheep lice in Victoria and provide an objective basis for comparing lice control strategies.

The strategies evaluated included different allocations of Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DARA) resources for detection and supervision of infected flocks and for extension to enhance owner detection rates, change treatment practices or promote the adoption of disease prevention measures.

Changes in prevalence and the net present cost of sheep lice to the industry were calculated over a 10‐year period.

The model predicted that the most profitable lice control strategy was to discourage routine annual treatment, promote treatment on detection, and encourage the adoption of lice prevention measures. The number of infested flocks undertaking eradication programs under DARA supervision had little effect on the prevalence or net cost of lice to Victoria.
The epidemiology of fasciolosis in Papua New Guinea
Authors: OWEN IL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Fasciola hepatica metacercariae were present on pasture throughout the year at the trial site. The highest infection rate in trial sheep occurred in the first year after the beginning of the wet season, in December/January, when contamination of the pasture was maintained by other sheep. Variation in rates of infection in consecutive years was linked to differences in grazing pressure and to a change from sheep to cattle as accompanying grazing stock. A minimum precipitation of 125mm over 4 consecutive weeks appears to be necessary for infected snails to move from their normal habitats and to contaminate wet pasture with cercariae. Infection of sheep can occur during a dry season if pasture has permanent seepage sites or swampy areas where infected snails can remain active and continue to liberate cercariae.
Indices of renal function: reference values in normal horses
Authors: EDWARDS DJ , BROWNLOW MA , HUTCHINS DR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Urine and blood samples were taken at the same time from normal adult horses presented for routine investigations to establish reference values for a variety of parameters reported to be useful in the clinical evaluation of renal function. Blood biochemical values were consistent with previous studies and had well‐defined normal ranges. Parameters representing urine concentration and electrolyte excretion however, varied widely reflecting the ability of the healthy kidney to change the composition of urine in response to differences in environment and management. Percent creatinine clearance ratios for potassium in particular were lower than those reported in normal horses in previous studies. Rational interpretation of these latter measurements should accept a wide range of normal values and management conditions must be considered in this interpretation.
Survey of internal parasites in Western Australian pig herds. 1. Prevalence
Authors: MERCY AR. , de. CHANEET G. , EMMS Y.
Published: March 2008

Between September 1982 and March 1984, 101 Western Australian piggeries with 15 or more sows were surveyed to determine the prevalence of internal parasites and examine the relationship between parasitism and management practices. Faecal samples were collected from 20 pigs in 4 age groups in randomly selected piggeries, and examined for the presence of eggs of helminth parasites and protozoan cysts.

Evidence of nematode parasites was found in 79% of piggeries. Sows were more commonly affected than other classes of pigs with worm eggs being found in 68% of herds. Oesophagostomum spp was the most prevalent worm species, being found in pigs from 65% of piggeries and in sows in 60% of herds. Ascaris suum was the most common species of worm found in growing pigs. There was no evidence of infection with either Metastrongylus spp or Strongyloides spp in any of the herds sampled.

Oocysts of coccidia were found in pigs from 56% of piggeries and Balantidium coli cysts were detected in pigs from 42% of piggeries sampled.
Protection against enzootic pneumonia of pigs: intraperitoneal inoculation with live LKR strain of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: LLOYD LC. , COTTEW GS. , ANDERSON DA.
Published: March 2008

Pigs obtained from a mycoplasma‐free piggery were randomised into 4 groups of 9. Groups 1 and 2 were injected by the intraperitoneal route with liquid culture of the LKR strain of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Group 1 was injected once and group 2 twice. Group 3 was made up of pigs inoculated by the intranasal route with the virulent Beaufort strain of M. hyopneumoniae; they served as the source of infection for the challenge. Group 4 were uninfected, uninjected controls. Six weeks after the last injection, groups from 1 to 4 were placed in contact.

Seven of the pigs in the 1‐dose group and 6 in the 2‐dose group were free of lesions at necropsy 6 weeks after challenge. Of the two pigs with lesions in the 1‐dose group one had only a small lesion but the other had extensive lesions; it had not shown an antibody response after injection of culture. The lesions in the 3 pigs in the 2‐dose group were all small. All 9 control pigs had lesions which varied from medium to large in size. The difference in the incidence of pneumonia between the injected and control groups was significant (P < 0.05) and the proportion of severely affected pigs in the vaccinated groups was significantly lower (P > 0.01). There was no difference between those given one dose of vaccine and those receiving 2 doses.
A primary extraskeletal osteogenic sarcoma arising in the spleen of a dog
Authors: JABARA AG. , McLEOD JB.
Published: March 2008

This paper describes a primary extraskeletal osteogenic sarcoma arising in the spleen of an 11‐year‐old, male, cross‐bred Terrier.

Initial diagnosis was made after surgical removal of a splenic mass, at which time the liver and other abdominal viscera appeared grossly normal. However, elevations in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in blood taken 7 days after laparotomy suggested that hepatic metastases were developing. This was confirmed when the dog died 3.5 months after surgery, with massive hepatic metastatic involvement.

There appears to be no previous report of the spleen being the primary site of such a neoplasm in the dog.
Pre‐embarkation risk factors for sheep deaths during export by sea from Western Australia
Authors: NORRIS RT. , RICHARDS RB. , DUNLOP RH.
Published: March 2008

Truck‐drivers and previous owners of sheep from 133 farms (lines of sheep) were asked for information on possible risk factors for inappetance during lot‐feeding and for shipboard mortality during 5 voyages to the Middle East.

There was no consistent association between a number of factors prior to trucking or during trucking to the feedlot and inappetance during lot‐feeding or mortality aboard ship. The factors included: whether sheep were bred or purchased by the owner, whether sheep were mixed with sheep from another farm in the previous 2 or 6 months, previous experience of trucking, frequency of yarding, experience of supplementary feeding, age, rainfall zone of the farm of origin, distance trucked, time on the truck and time off feed on arrival at the feedlot.

Inappetance during lot‐feeding was significantly associated with total deaths aboard ship for individuals and for lines of sheep. Failure to eat late in the feedlot period was also a risk factor for individuals that died with inanition (relative risk = 6.9) or salmonellosis (relative risk = 5.9).

In 2 voyages, there was no significant difference in shipboard death rate between groups that were previously lot‐fed in sheds or in paddocks. This was despite significantly more non‐feeders in the sheds than in the paddocks prior to one voyage. This finding suggested that some non‐feeders commenced eating pellets aboard the ship.

Although inappetance in the feedlot was a risk factor for shipboard deaths, there was no difference in shipboard weight change between feedlot non‐feeders and feeders in 2 voyages. It was concluded that most non‐feeders began eating pelleted feed aboard ship.
Haematological and biochemical reference values for the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: CANFIELD PM. , O'NEILL ME. , SMITH EF.
Published: March 2008

Haematological and biochemical reference values were established from 45 clinically healthy koalas. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences for sex and season of sampling. Immature koalas had significantly higher alkaline phosphatase and inorganic phosphate values, and significantly lower total protein concentrations due to low globulins values. Enzyme reference values tended to be wide and could limit their usefulness in detecting disease. In the reference values for leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, the inclusion of low values which were not actually seen may interfere with the detection of reduced levels due to disease.
Prognostic factors for recovery from coxo‐femoral dislocation in cattle
Authors: JUBB TF. , MALMO J. , BRIGHTLING P. , ANDERSON GA. , DAVIS GM.
Published: March 2008

Details were recorded of 47 cases of coxo‐femoral dislocation observed in cattle over 1 year. Treatment was successful in 20/47 (42.6%) cases using a method of closed reduction. Factors that most strongly influenced the prognosis were identified. The most useful single prognostic factor was whether the cow was able to stand before reduction. Other factors that also had a strong positive influence on the prognosis were: age less than 3y, bodyweight less than 400kg and duration of dislocation less than 12h. Nineteen unsuccessful cases were examined at the knackery. Four were found to have a fracture of the proximal femur. The coxo‐femoral joint was carefully dissected in the other 15 cases and there was no evidence of hip dysplasia.

A seasonal incidence of dislocations, which coincides with the calving and mating periods, was demonstrated during the survey and from practice records for the previous 3 years.
Observations on blood coagulation after snakebite in dogs and cats
Authors: HOLLOWAY SA. , PARRY BW.
Published: March 2008

Blood samples from 13 cases of snakebite, 6 in dogs and 7 in cats, were tested for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP). Four cases were tested for fibrinogen concentration. Based on the results of a commercially available ELISA test, 9 cases were caused by tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) and 1 case by a brown snake (Pseudonaja fextilis). Three other cases had clinical signs and increased creatine phosphokinase values which suggested tiger snake envenomation.

Although the period post‐envenomation varied, results indicated a marked prolongation of the APTT and PT in 5 of 6 dogs. Three of these 5 dogs also had increased FOP values and 3 (of 3 examined) were hypofibrinogenaemic. Clinical manifestations of this coagulopathy were: haematoma formation after venepuncture (3 cases), gingival petechiae (1 case) and hyphaema (1 case). In contrast, there was minimal or no prolongation of the APTT and PT values, and no increase in FDP, in all 7 cats. Furthermore, no cat exhibited clinical signs of a coagulopathy.
A survey of urinary tract disease in New South Wales koalas
Authors: CANFIELD PJ
Published: March 2008

From 1980 to 1988 235 koalas were necropsied and 67 were found to have urinary tract disease. Six affected koalas out of 48 were derived from wildlife parks around Sydney while 61 of 187 were derived from free living populations on the central and north coasts of New South Wales. Sixteen had cystitis alone, 5 had cystitis and associated renal disease only, 16 females had cystitis with genital disease, 23 had urinary disease in combination with other systemic disease and 7 had renal disease only. Overall 49 animals had cystitis (30 females and 19 males; 47 being free living) with 12 of these having renal extension (all free living). Cystitis tended to be active but chronic while associated renal disease was mainly designated as hydronephrosis and pyelonephritis. Other forms of renal disease included lymphosarcoma, oxalate nephrosis, acute and chronic nephritis, and microabscessation related to septicaemia. Female genital disease associated with cystitis was commonly vaginitis and metritis. Paraovarian cysts were detected with and without metritis. Other diseases occurring with urinary tract disease included conjunctivitis, dermatitis/stomatitis, pneumonia and hepatic disease. The higher prevalence of urinary tract disease in free living koalas, especially cystitis, is in contrast to captive koalas and may reflect the interaction between disease cause and habitat.
Survey for Newcastle disease virus in northern Queensland birds
Authors: GARNETT ST , FLANAGAN M.
Published: March 2008

Of 1235 individual birds from 130 species tested for haemagglutinating virus and/or NDV antibody in far northern Queensland, none gave a positive response. On available evidence pittas and rainforest pigeons are considered the species most likely to bring virulent NDV into Australia followed by gulls and night herons which move between dense seabird breeding colonies and other avian communities. Both can easily be monitored by strategic sampling along migratory pathways or at breeding islands. Wild parrots, waterfowl and migratory waders appear to present a minimal threat.
Adonis microcarpa (pheasant's eye) toxicity in pigs fed field pea screenings
Authors: DAVIES RL , WHYTE PBD
Published: March 2008

Seed of Adonis microcarpa (pheasant's eye) fed at 5.6 g/kg of the diet induced virtually total feed refusal within 3 d in growing and finishing pigs. It also caused vomiting, rapid and shallow breathing and death in a minority. These effects were probably caused by cardiac glycosides whose structure and effects closely resemble those of digoxin. Feed intake and growth recovered within 2 weeks of removal of the seed.
Chronic renal disease in Bull terriers
Authors: ROBINSON WF , SHAW SE , STANLEY B. , HUXTABLE CR , WATSON ADJ , FRIEND SE , MITTEN R.
Published: March 2008

Chronic renal failure was diagnosed in 15 Bull terrier dogs. The dogs ranged in age from one to 8 years. History and clinical findings typically included lethargy, anorexia, polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss. Affected dogs were azotaemic, had elevated serum phosphate and cholesterol, and proteinuria was apparent in all dogs tested (13/13). The concentration of urine was consistently in the nil to minimally concentrated range (specific gravities 1.011–1.017). In those dogs necropsied, both kidneys were approximately two‐thirds normal size, tough in consistency, with a pale cortex and a finely nodular capsular surface. Histologically, there was marked nephron loss, diffuse interstitial fibrosis and focal dense radial fibrosis which was especially evident in the renal medulla. Tubular dilation was widespread with focal mineralisation of tubular epithelium and adjacent basement membranes. Glomeruli were often shrunken and segmentally fibrotic. Some Bowman's spaces were extremely dilated. Many less severely affected glomeruli had thickened basement membranes.
Pathological changes in the mammary gland and biochemical changes in milk of the goat following oral dosing with leaf of the Avocado (Persea americana)
Authors: CRAIGMILL AL , SEAWRIGHT AA , MATTILA T. , FROST AJ
Published: March 2008

Two varieties of avocado leaves (Persea americana var Guatemalan and var Mexican) were administered to lactating goats. The Mexican variety was without effect. The Guatemalan variety in doses exceeding 20 g fresh leaf per kg bodyweight, produced damage to the mammary gland with decreased milk production. The lesions were characterised by oedema and reddening, with clots in the large ducts. Microscopically, there was widespread degeneration and necrosis of the secretory epithelium, the necrotic cells sloughing into the lumen. There was no significant cellular inflammatory response. Concentrations of antitrypsin in the milk, indicating changes in vascular permeability, increased rapidly 15 h after a single high dose, coinciding with palpable oedema. Concentrations of NAGase, indicating cell damage, increased after 24 h. Goats given multiple doses followed a similar pattern but the initial response was delayed. The toxic principle, and its mode of action in selectively damaging mammary secretory cells, remains to be determined.
Comparison of inoculation regimes for the experimental production of swine erysipelas arthritis: I Clinical, pathological and bacteriological findings
Authors: EAMENS GJ , NICHOLLS PJ
Published: March 2008

The arthritic form of swine erysipelas was induced in pigs by multiple intravenous inoculation of 2 strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The strains differed signficantly in their arthritogenicity but not in the number of cases of lameness induced. The use of 3 intravenous inoculations instead of 5 did not significantly affect the outcome. In a second trial, the more arthritogenic strain was injected in ten‐fold dilutions from 5 × 109 to 5 × 104 organisms. Pigs receiving the lower doses showed high variability in their arthritic responses that precluded sensitive analysis of the dose effects on the number of arthritic and infected joints. However, slaughter weights showed a significant negative correlation with dose. Mean slaughter weights in treatment groups varied by 14.6 kg per pig, an average weight loss of 3 kg per pig for each ten‐fold rise in dose of the highly virulent strain, and significantly correlated with the number of arthritic and infected joints. Culture of homogenised synovial membrane through selective horse meat‐serum broth containing kanamycin, neomycin and vancomycin identified 66% and 59% more infected joints than primary blood agar culture of synovial fluid or synovial membrane homogenate, respectively.
Investigations into the toxicity of Echium plantagineum in sheep: 2. Pen feeding experiments
Authors: SEAMAN JT , DIXON RJ
Published: March 2008

Summary: In a pen feeding trial fresh Echium plantagineum was fed as the sole diet to crossbred sheep with or without a history of previous access to the plant. Control groups received a diet of lucerne chaff and oats. During the trial, sheep on the Echium diet lost weight and deaths occurred with histological evidence of excessive copper accumulation, usually accompanied by pyrrolizidine alkaloid damage, in the liver and biochemical evidence of liver toxicity. It is concluded that E. plantagineum alone is not a suitable fodder for sheep and can be toxic due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content and high copper to molybdenum ratio.
The efficacy of a controlled‐release albendazole capsule in suppressing nematode burdens in sheep
Authors: BARTON NJ , RODDEN B. , STEEL JW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An experiment was undertaken between July and November 1985 in East Gippsland, Victoria, to determine the efficacy of an intra‐ruminal controlled‐release albendazole capsule against naturally acquired worm burdens and larval challenge in Merino hoggets.

Two groups of 20 sheep, one group untreated, the other dosed with a capsule were grazed together; 5 sheep from each group were slaughtered for total worm counts 30 and 101 d after capsules were administered. Serum anthelmintic concentrations, faecal egg counts and body weights were monitored.

Most capsules were exhausted within 91 d of administration. During the estimated 80 d for which they remained active the capsules were highly effective against the benzimidazolesusceptible worm populations. Faecal egg counts were reduced to zero and total worm populations were reduced by over 97% 30 d after administration. By 101 d egg counts were increasing and worm counts indicated that sheep were becoming reinfected. Sheep treated with the capsules grew faster than those not treated.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Gordon HMcL
Published: March 2008

Sheep Medicine.
Effects of antibiotic therapy at drying off on mastitis in the dry period and early lactation
Authors: BROWNING JW , MEIN GA , BARTON M. , NICHOLLS TJ , BRIGHTLING P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Four strategies for selecting cows for intramammary therapy with benzathine cloxacillin at drying off were compared in 12 Victorian dairy herds. The bacteriological status of all quarters of all (1044) cows was determined just before drying off, within 2 d of calving, and again 3 to 5 months after calving. All cases of clinical mastitis (from calving to mid‐lactation) were recorded.

Cows not infected at drying off were allocated randomly to 2 subgroups of approximately 350 cows each: not infected, not treated (NI‐NT), or not infected, all quarters treated (NI‐AT). New infection rates in the dry period (3.8% for NI‐NT vs 2.1% for NI‐AT) and in early lactation (4.1% for NI‐NT vs 3.9% for NI‐AT) were low and these differences were not significant. Incidence of clinical mastitis in early lactation was almost 50% higher for the treated group of uninfected cows compared with the untreated group (0.05 < p < 0.1).

Cows infected in one or more quarters at drying off were split randomly into 2 subgroups of approximately 170 cows each: infected, all quarters treated (I‐AT), or infected quarters treated only (I‐QT). The new infection rate during the dry period was nearly 4 times higher for I‐QT (15.3%) due to significantly more new infections by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus uberis. In early lactation there was a significantly higher rate for S. aureus in group I‐AT (34 vs 13 new infections), but no overall difference for total pathogens between groups. S. uberis had a significantly higher rate in the I‐QT group, both at calving (26 vs 5) and at mid‐lactation (15 vs 6), compared with the I‐AT group. Incidence of clinical mastitis in early lactation was not significantly different between treatment groups although there were 25% more clinicals for the I‐QT group (25 vs 20).
The intensity of resistance by mature Merino ewes against Haemonchus contortus and Tichostrongylus colubriformis in single‐species and combined‐species infection
Authors: ADAMS DB , LYNCH JJ , ANDERSON BH , FELL LR , HINCH GN , MUNRO RK
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Three‐year‐old, non‐lactating and non‐pregnant Merino ewes, raised on pasture under a program of strategic treatment with anthelmintic and found to be extremely resistant to “trickle” infection with Haemonchus contortus, were given single‐dose infections with either H. contortus or Trichostrongylus colubriformis or both species together. The purpose was to ascertain the intensity of protective immunity against the 2 parasites in sheep with immunity acquired from a presumably slight exposure to infection. To provide a criterion, some infected ewes were immunosuppressed with corticosteriod, dexamethasone. Untreated ewes were extremely resistant to challenge infection with either 15,000 or 150,000 H. contortus or 15,000 T. colubriformis. Surprisingly, when mixed infection was given, egg counts for H. contortus were significantly elevated compared with infection by that species alone. Antibody to antigens from infective larval and adult H. contortus was measured in serum by enzyme‐linked‐immunosorbent assay (ELISA) during the course of infection. Serum titres against larval antigens were significantly depressed when infections with either H. contortus or T. colubriformis were permitted by immunosuppression with dexamethasone, whereas those against adult antigen were depressed when infection with T. colubriformis was permitted.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Ross AD
Published: March 2008

A Symposium on Training Programs in Tropical Animal Health and Production, Townsville 1987. Ed. P W Ladds
Dissociative anaesthesia in free‐ranging male koalas and selected marsupials in captivity
Authors: BUSH M. , GRAVES JAM , O'BRIEN SJ , WILDT DE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Forty seven free‐ranging, adult, male koalas were captured and administered an intramuscular injection of the dissociative anaesthetic, Telazol® (tiletamine HCI plus zolazepam HCI), at dose rates of 5.0 to 7.7 mg/kg body weight. Anaesthesia induction was rapid and smooth and resulted in a surgical plane of anaesthesia lasting 30 to 45 min. There was no depression of heart rate or respiration. Mild salivation occurred in most animals, but was not a problem because the swallowing reflex was retained. There was no mortality or morbidity and the anaesthesia level was sufficient to allow electroejaculation and multiple blood sampling with no apparent animal discomfort. For 10 of 19 males in which anaesthesia was required for a 90 min protocol, a supplementary Telazol injection (average, 2.5 mg/kg) was necessary. All koalas recovered completely within 3 to 4 h of the initial injection. The results suggest that the optimal Telazol dosage for the adult male koala is 7.0 mg/kg body weight.

The retrospective analysis of 259 anaesthesia records involving 14 species indicated that Telazol was equally effective and safe in other captive marsupials.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: English PB
Published: March 2008

Reproduction—Small Companion Animals.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Spradbrow PB
Published: March 2008

Nononcogenic Avian Viruses. Ed R Pandey
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Maslen Mary
Published: March 2008

Introduction to the History of Medical and Veterinary Mycology. GC Ainsworth
Congenital biliary atresia and jaundice in lambs and calves
Authors: HARPER PAW , PLANT JW , UNGERS DB
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of congenital biliary atresia and jaundice is described, in which ap proximately 300 crossbred lambs and 9 crossbred calves died. The affected animals failed to thrive, developed jaundice and white scours and died within 4 weeks of birth. A common feature of this outbreak and a similar occurrence 24 years previously was the grazing of plants growing on the exposed silt foreshores of Burrinjuck Dam by ewes and cows in the early stages of pregnancy. Epidemiological and pathological findings suggested that a toxic insult to the foetus in early gestation caued choledysgenesis and biliary atresia, leading to diffuse, subacute to chronic cholangiohepatopathy and cirrhosis.
Clinical exercise testing in the normal Thoroughbred racehorse
Authors: ROSE RJ , HENDRICKSON DK , KNIGHT PK
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY To evaluate normal cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses of Thoroughbred horses to a standardised treadmill exercise test, we examined 28 horses ranging in age from 1 to 4 years. The group consisted of eight yearlings, eight 2‐year‐olds and twelve 3 and 4‐year‐olds. All horses except the yearlings were in training, and either racing or ready to race, at the time of examination. None of the horses had histories of performance problems. On the first day the horses received a full physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, upper respiratory tract endoscopy and either one or two acclimatisation runs on the treadmill. The following day they were given an exercise test on a treadmill inclined at 6 degrees (+10% slope). The test consisted of 3 min at 4 m/sec, 90 sec at 6 m/sec and 60 sec intervals at 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 m/sec. During the last 15 sec of each step, blood samples were collected for plasma lactate determination, expired respiratory gases were obtained using an open flow mask system for measurement of oxygen uptake, and heart rate was measured using telemetry electrocardiogram. From these measurements, various derived values were calculated, which have been used by others as indices of exercise capacity. These values included: V200 (speed at HR of 200 bpm), VHrmax (speed at which horses reached maximum HR), VO2‐200 (oxygen uptake at a HR of 200 bpm), VO2max (maximum oxygen uptake), VLA4 (speed at which horses reached a plasma lactate of 4 mmol/I) and HRLA4 (HR at which horses reached a plasma lactate of 4 mmolll). The yearlings had significantly lower values than the older age groups for most of the derived values. However, the slope of the VO2 versus speed regression line between 4 and 8 m/sec was not different to those of the older groups. The 2‐year‐olds had significantly lower VO2‐200 and V200 values than the 3‐ and 4‐year:old horses. Overall, there were strong positive correlations between V200 and VO2‐200, V200 and VO2max, VO2max and VO2‐200. None of the horses had abnormalities on physical, endoscopic or electrocardiographic examination. This study provides some normal data for horses during incremental treadmill exercise that may assist in the evaluation of horses presented for poor racing performance.
Prevalence of udder bacteria in milk samples from four dairy goat herds
Authors: RYAN DP , GREENWOOD PL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The prevalence of udder bacterial infections in 4 commercial goat herds in New South Wales was examined. Coagulase negative staphylococci were the predominant bacteria isolated being cultured from 13.3% of the 896 halves tested. Other bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (less than 1% of halves), streptococci (0.6%) and coliforms (2.0%). The low prevalence of udder bacteria contributing to the contamination of the milk was attributed to the milking management practices carried out in these herds, in particular pre‐milking and post‐milking antisepsis.
Oral vaccination of chickens against Newcastle disease with V4 vaccine delivered on processed rice grains
Authors: JAYAWARDANE GWL , DE ALWTS MCL , BANDARA DAWWDA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An international effort (sponsored by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) is being made to develop oral vaccines that will protect village chickens against Newcastle disease. The vaccines being used are derivatives of the avirulent Australian V4 strain that have been selected for enhanced heat resistance. The present study, undertaken in Sri Lanka, used local processed (parboiled) rice as a vehicle for the vaccine. Chickens receiving two doses of vaccine on cooked, parboiled rice were completely protected against contact challenge with the virulent SL 88/1 Sri Lankan strain of Newcastle disease virus. Chickens kept in contact with these vaccinated chickens were similarly protected. Lower levels of protection were achieved with vaccine given on uncooked parboiled rice. V4 vaccine administered intranasally also gave complete protection.

Serums from vaccinated chickens that survived challenge were tested for haemagglutination‐inhibition antibodies, using both vaccine virus and challenge virus as antigens. Titres were higher against vaccine virus.
Physiological and biochemical consequences of electroimobilisation in conscious sheep
Authors: KUCHEL TR , MATHER LE , RUNCIMAN WB , CARAPETIS RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An electroimmobilisation device has been developed to facilitate the automated shearing of sheep, but there is little information on its effects on the body. We have studied its effects on the cardiovascular system and on intermediary metabolism in sheep. Electroimmobilisation caused statistically significant increases in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, renal and hepatic and hindquarter glucose and lactate flux, organ and whole body oxygen flux, hindquarter blood flow and core temperature and decreases in arterial and posterior vena cava blood pH, renal and hepatic blood flow and PaCO2. Notably, no change occurred in PaO2. The metabolic changes demonstrated the capacity of sheep to respond to the increased muscular and cardiovascular work induced by electroimmobilisation. Pulmonary function was not compromised during electroimmobilisation as judged from blood gas changes, and the acid/base changes were rapidly reversed after electroimmobilisation. The recovery to control conditions for all perturbations generally took no longer than 30 min, consistent with a rapid and physiologically adequate reversal by the animal's homeostatic mechanisms.
Isolation of Mycoplasma synoviae from infectious synovitis of chickens
Authors: MORROW CJ , BELL IG , WALKER SB , MARKHAM PF , THORP BH , WHITHEAR KG
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY This report describes the first isolations of Mycoplasma synoviae from the synovial sheaths and joints of commercial chickens affected with synovitis in Australia. Over 4 years 3 separate outbreaks were investigated in which up to 20% of birds exhibited clinical signs of poor growth and “hot foot” syndrome (swollen inflamed footpads). Once an outbreak occurred, chronic infection of the farm usually ensued.

Grossly the hocks and footpads were swollen by a purulent exudate and associated inflammatory changes with histological features of a severe acute synovitis. Seroconversion of the flocks occurred at the time of the development of lesions. M. synoviae specific antibodies were demonstrated by ELISA in the joint fluid of affected birds.

It is concluded that the cases described are similar to avian infectious synotivits syndromes caused by M. synoviae previously described overseas.
Safety of temperature sensitive mutant Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine
Authors: WHITHEAR KG , SOERIPTO  , HARRINGAN KE , GHIOCAS E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A temperature sensitive (ts) vaccine strain designated ts‐11 was selected after exposure of a low passage culture of the immunogenic Australian field isolate (strain 80083) of Mycoplasma gallisepticum to 100 mg/ml of N‐methyl‐N‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine. Viable counts (assayed as colour changing units (CCU)/25 μl) of a thawed stock culture of ts‐11 were typically log10 3 to log10 5 higher when incubated at 33°C (the permissive temperature) than duplicate viable counts incubated at 39.5°C (the restrictive temperature). Doses of approximately 2 × 107 CCU of ts‐11 caused no gross lesions or loss of egg production when inoculated into the air sacs of susceptible chickens and no clinical or pathological signs of sinusitis when inoculated into the infraorbital sinuses of susceptible turkey poults, whereas the parent strain 80083 was demonstrably pathogenic. However, 1 of 10 poults inoculated intra‐abdominally with approximately 2 × 107 CCU of ts‐11 did show signs of mild airsacculitis. Eight‐week‐old pullets were vaccinated by eye drop with up to 1.4 × 107 CCU of ts‐11 and simultaneously subjected to several stressful management practices, without apparent ill effects. Administration by coarse aerosol of 5 ml of ts‐11 vaccine/25 day‐old broilers, with or without 25 doses of infectious bronchitis virus vaccine caused no obvious signs of respiratory disease. The non virulent is phenotype was maintained after 3 passages of strain ts‐11 in chickens. Chickens vaccinated 3 weeks previously with ts‐11 or with strain 80083 were placed in contact with susceptible chickens for a period of 2 weeks. Cross infection was demonstrated with strain 80083 but not with the ts‐11 vaccine strain.
Immunogenicity of a temperature sensitive mutant Mycoplasma gaffisepticum vaccine
Authors: WHITHEAR KG , SOERIPTO  , HARRIGAN KE , GHIOCAS E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The immunogenicity of the ts‐11 vaccine strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum was assessed following eye drop or coarse aerosol administration in chickens of various ages. Protection was evaluatted following intra‐abdominal (IA) or fine droplet aerosol administration of virulent M. gallisepticum, usually the Ap3AS strain and was measured mainly by the scoring of gross air sac lesions or by egg production.

Vaccination of chickens with ts‐11 did not elicit a substantial serum antibody response as measured by rapid serum agglutination test, or ELISA. Protection was never demonstrated when no M. gallisepticum serum antibody response was detected in a vaccinated group of chickens. Failure to protect occurred usually, although not invariably, following aerosol administration of the vaccine. Vaccination by eye drop usually, although not invariably provided protection against challenge.

In one experiment, chickens vaccinated by eye drop at 8‐weeks were as susceptible as non vaccinated controls when challenged by IA inoculation at 13‐weeks‐of‐age. Yet other birds from the same vaccinated group were resistant when challenged in an identical way at 23‐weeks. No measurable increase in M. gallisepticum specific serum antibody concentrations occurred in the intervening period. Equally surprising was the response of another group of birds in the same experiment that had been vaccinated with a higher dose of ts‐11. An antibody response was detected in this group, but they were susceptible to challenge at 23‐weeks. Interestingly, a drop in egg production commenced 4 weeks after challenge, 2 weeks later than that observed in a non vaccinated group challenged at the same time. This suggested that there was a degree of protective immunity which subsequently broke down.
Vaccination of sheep with cell culture grown orf virus
Authors: PYE D
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Orf virus, derived from contagious pustular dermatitis (scabby mouth) lesions in sheep, was adapted to cell culture and subsequently evaluated as a potential vaccine for sheep.

The traditional vaccine virus, prepared from the infected scabs of orf virus lesions in sheep, was used to vaccinate sheep by scratching with an applicator (mounted pins) dipped in virus. Less than 10 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious doses) of virus was required to produce large lesions (> 5 mm diameter) which developed during a period of 10 to 14 d prior to onset of healing which was complete by 28 to 30 d. A serum neutralising antibody response was also detected and protection against challenge by application of virulent virus to abraded skin was demonstrated in that challenge lesions developed and healed more quickly (14 d against 30 d). However, cell culture‐adapted virus required more than 105 TCID50 to induce even small lesions (<2 mm diameter). An antibody response could not be detected and no evidence of protection against challenge with virulent virus was demonstrated.

In contrast, a recent field isolate has yielded a cell culture‐adapted virus preparation that readily infects sheep, produces large lesions, detectable antibody and protects against challenge. This isolate is distinct from the traditional vaccine strain on the basis of restriction enzyme analysis but provides cross‐protection in sheep inmmunisation and challenge studies. These results demonstrate that a cell culture produced scabby mouth vaccine is feasible.
Feline immunodeficiency virus: prevalence, disease associations and isolation
Authors: FRIEND SCE , BIRCH CJ , LORDING PM , MARSHALL JA , STUDDERT MJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Of 467 cat serums tested for antibody to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) 120 (26%) were positive. The average age of positive cats was 7.5 years (range 1 to 16 years), and 67% were male. Of 110 serums collected in 1980,27 (24.5%) were positive. A wide variety of clinical signs including oral cavity disease, anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, depression, fever, respiratory and urinary tract disease, conjunctivitis, abscesses, anaemia and lymphadenopathy were observed in the cats with serum antibody. There was often a history of chronic disease or recurrence of particular or various clinical signs in these cats.

FIV was isolated from 4 of 8 FIV antibody positive cats by cocultivation of patient lymphocytes with donor lymphocytes in the presence of interleukin 2.
Management of inappetant sheep during export by sea
Authors: NORRIS RT , McDONALD CL , RICHARDS RB , HYDER MW , GITTINS SP , NORMAN GJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In the first of 2 experiments, a simulated voyage was conducted to examine the effects of various treatments on bodyweight change and feeding frequency of inappetant sheep at the end of lot‐feeding (non‐feeders). The treatments, applied during simulated shipping, were: normal quantities of feed and length of troughs; extra trough length; extra feed. Adult Merino wethers (n = 108) were used in each treatment. A voyage to the Middle East was then conducted to establish whether shipboard mortality could be reduced by separating non‐feeders (n = 305) from feeders (n = 5,620) late in the feedlot phase and housing the groups separately aboard ship. A control group of non‐feeders (n = 215) mixed with feeders (n = 5,732) was used for comparison. Bars (marker bars), containing a coloured dye, were attached to feed troughs to mark sheep that fed.

Most non‐feeders (82%) began eating when placed in shipping pens in both studies. However, there was no significant difference in percentage of sheep that fed between non‐feeders given extra trough length or extra feed compared with non‐feeders given standard management at any stage of simulated shipping. There was no significant difference in mean bodyweights between treatment groups on days 1,8 and 15 of simulated shipping. Differences in bodyweight on d 22 were probably associated with different levels of gut fill.

Death rates were not significantly different in separated and control groups (1.1%, 0.9%, P = 0.6) in the voyage of 14 d to the Middle East. The proportion of 102 feedlot non‐feeders and 104 feedlot feeders that failed to eat aboard ship declined with day of voyage to 4% and 2% respectively and was not significantly different between the groups 3 to 5 d and 9 to 11 d after embarkation.

The findings suggested that sheep that die of inanition aboard ship are not inhibited from eating because of competition from other sheep or social dominance. The observation that most non‐feeders began eating aboard ship does not support the suggestion that non‐feeders should be detected in the feedlot and withheld from export. A better option is to identify and modify those factors that produce non‐feeders. It is considered that these factors operate on the farm of origin
Effects of suckling on oestradiol benzoate induced LH release in post‐partum, ovariectomised cows
Authors: MUNRO RK
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Twelve suckling and 12 non‐lactating post‐partum cows were treated with a progesterone‐releasing pessary for 7 or 14 d followed by an injection of 500 μg oestradiol benzoate (ODB) 24 h after pessary removal or no injection.

Suckling had no significant effect on plasma progesterone concentrations (plasma P4) or plasma luteinising hormone concentrations (plasma LH) during pessary insertion. After pessary removal plasma LH rose in response to ODB. The extent of the rise was similar in suckling and non‐lactating cows treated with progesterone for 14 d but was significantly lower in non‐lactating than suckling cows (P <0.025) treated for 7 d.

These findings indicate that suckling increases the responsiveness of plasma LH in post‐partum cows following progesterone and oestrogen treatment compared to non‐lactating cows and that extended treatment with progesterone can remove this difference.