bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CYTOGENETICAL STUDIES OF INFERTILE PIGS
Authors: Potter W. L. , Cooper J. W. , Blackshaw A. W.
Published: March 2008

Cytogenetical studies were made on 6 infertile pigs. Post‐mortem examination of the reproductive organs of 5 of these pigs showed them to be intersexes. Regardless of the degree of gonadal deviation from the normal, chromosome karyotype of cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes, bone marrow, liver and kidney, revealed that 4 of the intersexes had a 38, XX constitution. One intersex exhibited sex chromosome mosaicism (38XX/38XY) in lymphocytes from the peripheral blood and bone marrow and a normal male karyotype (38XY) in cultured liver and kidney cells. The sixth pig, a phenotypically normal boar, also had a 38XX/38XY chromosome constitution.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE SELENIUM NUTRITION OF SHEEP IN VICTORIA
Authors: Caple I. W. , Andrewartha K. A. , Edwards S. J. A. , Halpin C. G.
Published: March 2008

The selenium nutrition of sheep throughout Victoria was assessed by a survey of the blood glutathione peroxidase activity in 708 flocks. It was shown that the blood glutathione peroxidase activity in sheep had a seasonal variation with lowest levels in the spring. The enzyme activity was correlated with the blood selenium concentration. Areas where blood selenium was less than 0.03 μg/ml in spring were defined. Sheep with low selenium nutrition were grazing pastures in the high rainfall areas on acid soils, particularly those derived from granite.

Selenium concentrations in pasture samples examined were greater than 0.02 mg/kg, and it was found that superphosphate application had no significant effect on the selenium content of pasture. However, management practices such as high stocking rates and rates of application of superphosphate to pasture were associated with low blood glutathione peroxidase activities in sheep.

It was concluded that the selenium nutrition of most of the sheep flocks in Victoria is adequate, and that the deficient areas are localised. There seems little requirement for supplementation of adult sheep. As the delayed type of white muscle disease in spring lambs appears to be the main selenium‐responsive disorder, direct supplementation of lambs in the low selenium areas would be the most effective method of ensuring adequate selenium nutrition.
PREVENTION OF OVINE LUPINOSIS BY THE ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF ZINC SULPHATE AND THE EFFECT OF SUCH THERAPY ON LIVER AND PANCREAS ZINC AND LIVER COPPER
Authors: Allen J. G. , Masters H. G.
Published: March 2008

Three experiments were carried out using Merino wethers to investigate if oral administration of zinc sulphate would provide protection against the liver damage that occurs in lupinosis. At the same time, the effect of this zinc therapy on liver and pancreas zinc, and liver copper concentrations, was studied.

The zinc therapy caused increases in liver and pancreas zinc concentrations, and a drop in the liver copper concentration. Adminstration of the toxins of Phomopsis leptostromiformis with the zinc increased the magnitude of these changes.

Administration of 0.5 g zinc or greater per day, as zinc sulphate, reduced the liver damage caused by the toxins of P. leptostromiformis. The degree of liver protection provided by the zinc therapy varied both between animals within treatments and between treatments in different experiments. Zinc toxicity was encountered.
SALMONELLAE ON POSTS, HAND‐RAILS AND HANDS IN A BEEF ABATTOIR
Authors: Smeltzer T. , Thomas R. , Collins G.
Published: March 2008

Counts of salmonellae were done by the most probable number technique on samples collected from the hands of abattoir workers as well as on samples from hand‐rails and posts regularly touched by the workers.

Salmonellae were isolated from the hands of 52% of the workers who handled the hide. They had the highest average counts with counts ranging from 0 to greater than 3663 salmonellae. The remaining workers on the slaughter floor and those in the boning room had generally lower counts with contamination rates of 28% and 45% respectively.

Only 3 of the 100 samples collected from the hand‐rails and posts contained salmonellae. The average count was 0.11 per 100 cm2.
A STUDY OF VIRUS‐LIKE PARTICLES PRESENT IN BOVINE NERVE SHEATH TUMOURS
Authors: Canfield P. J. , Doughty F. R.
Published: March 2008

The morphology of virus‐like particles present in bovine nerve sheath tumours is described, and their origin and significance discussed. Virus‐like particles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and tissue culture. The particles were found in a number of tumours and were present either as aggregates in pseudonuclear inclusions or as budding forms associated with the plasma membrane. The latter were found only in cultured tissue. Although other cellular structures were considered it was thought that the particles represented virus, with those in pseudonuclear inclusions being an intermediate form. Both bovine syncytial virus and oncovirinae were considered as possibilities in the aetiology of the condition.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BOVINE ANAPLASMOSIS IN BEEF CALVES IN NORTHERN QUEENSLAND
Authors: Paull N. I. , Parker R. J. , Wilson A. J. , Campbell R. S. F.
Published: March 2008

Natural infection of calves with Anaplasma marginale was studied in two endemic areas of tropical north Queensland. Infection, assessed by a micro‐complement fixation test, occurred throughout the year but was most frequent just after the summer wet season. Infection was clinically inapparent. Calves vaccinated with A. centrale did not show improved growth rate when compared with non‐vaccinated calves. The complement fixation test was shown to be most effective in the detection of recent infections.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POSTWEANING DIARRHOEA IN A LARGE INTENSIVE PIGGERY
Authors: Tzipori S. , Chandler D. , Smith M. , Makin T. , Hennessy D.
Published: March 2008

Some aspects of postweaning diarrhoea (PWD) in a piggery during the first week after early weaning were investigated. A haemolytic enterotoxigenic strain of E. coli (0149: K88: H10) was regularly recovered from piglets with PWD while rotavirus was demonstrated on a number of occasions. Prior to weaning piglets were either free of, or shed very few, haemolytic E. coli in their faeces. However, all piglets were excreting haemolytic E. coli between 5 and 7 days after weaning. The role of rotavirus in PWD was unclear. There appeared to be a direct relationship between serum antibodies to rotavirus in the sow at farrowing and those of the piglets soon after birth. The decline of maternal neutralising antibody to rotavirus coincided with the immediate postweaning period (3 to 5 weeks after birth). This was followed by an increase in antibody levels, 5 to 8 weeks after birth. There was no significant difference in the growth rate between affected and unaffected piglets over a period of 120 days. Medication of water during the first week after weaning had no significant effect on the incidence of PWD in the herd. A change in both the weaner diet and the weaning procedure reduced piglet mortality associated with PWD by more than half.
LEVAMISOLE VACCINE COMBINATIONS
Authors: Hogarth‐Scott R. S. , Liardet D. M. , Morris P. J.
Published: March 2008

Levamisole was combined with a clostridial vaccine and experiments conducted in sheep to determine the effect on anthelminitic and vaccine efficacy.

Vaccine potency was assessed in separate experiments in 200 sheep (divided into 5 groups). The individuals in each group were injected with one of the following 5 different preparations: levamisole combined with anaerobic vaccine at a pH of either 3.5 or 6.0, vaccine alone at a pH of either 3.5 or 6.0, and levamisole alone. The combined levamisole / vaccine preparations had been stored for not less than 6 months prior to testing.

A statistically‐significant heightened antibody response to 5 antigenic components in the vaccine was obtained when the pH of the vaccine was reduced to 3.5 and the vaccine was given in combination with levamisole. This trend was present in the antibody response of the sheep when a pooled sample of the individual serums was tested at 6 weeks, 8 weeks and 14 weeks (8 weeks after the second injection).

From the analysis of the individual serums at week 8 (2 weeks after the 2nd injection) there was evidence that the distribution curve of the litres had shifted to the right suggesting that the zero or poor responders in the population had improved immunocompetence, with the better responders also improving proportionately.

The immunogenicity of the blackleg component was tested in sheep, 9 weeks and 32 weeks after the second injection and gave complete protection to a lethal challenge of Clostridium chauvoei.

This combination offers not only increased ease of administration by providing a single anthelmintic and anaerobic vaccines injectable preparation (probably treatment with either or both is the two most common and important veterinary procedures undertaken by farmers, but in addition, the antibody titre of the treated animals is significantly increased.

Part 2 of this paper establishes that the anthelmintic efficacy of the levamisole / vaccine combination was not impaired and that tissue reactions at the site of injection were acceptable.
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF RENAL FUNCTION IN THE DOG WITH A REDUCTION IN NEPHRON NUMBER*
Authors: English P. B. , Filippich L. J. , Thompson H. L.
Published: March 2008

The viewpoint presented is that, because compensatory functional adjustment of the residual nephrons occurs in chronic renal disease, reduction in nephron number usually exceeds 70% before a diagnosis is made. The case that earlier diagnoses are likely if laboratory medicine values are measured and interpreted with a maximum of efficiency is then made. The laboratory data more commonly used in practice for the clinical assessment of renal function in the dog are presented and some comparisons with findings in man are made. The information originates from clinical and experimental observations of the authors, as well as from a literature review. The laboratory data presented and discussed includes glomerular filtration rate and the clearance of nitrogenous waste (urea and creatinine), plasma protein concentration, plasma osmolality, renal concentrating capacity, and urinary constituents, particularly its protein concentration and sediment (centrifuge deposit). All parameters recommended for the clinical assessment of chronic renal failure are considered qualitatively, and some are also dealt with quantitatively.
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF QUEENSLAND STOCKFEEDS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SALMONELLA
Authors: Smeltzer T. , Thomas R. , Tranter G. , Klemm J.
Published: March 2008

One hundred Queensland stockfeeds were examined for their counts of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, fungi and salmonellas. The total aerobic bacteria, coliform and fungal counts were significantly higher (P < 0.005) for mashes than for crumbles and pellets and salmonellas were isolated from significantly more (P < 0.005) mashes (64%) than pellets and crumbles (8%). Counts of less than 1 salmonella per 100 g were found in 36.4% of the 44 positive feeds. The remainder of the counts ranged from 1.2 per 100 g to greater than 147 salmonellas per 100 g feed.
COMPARISON IN THE SAME ENVIRONMENT OF CALVING PROBLEMS IN HEIFERS FROM HERDS WITH A HISTORY OF A LOW AND HIGH INCIDENCE OF DYSTOCIAS
Authors: Strachan R. T. , Wythes J. R. , Newman R. D.
Published: March 2008

The incidence of dystocias and the calving performance of primiparous Hereford heifers from 2 herds, one with a low (A) and the other a high (B) dystocia history, were compared when all animals were run on the same property in southern Queensland.

The dystocia incidence was 21.4% for Herd A heifers and 40.5% for Herd B heifers (P≅0.10). While Herd A heifers had significantly (P<0.05) heavier calves than Herd B heifers (29.1 v 27.7 kg), the ratio of calf birth weight to dam pelvic brim area was 0.11 kg/cm2 for both groups. Differences in the size of the maternal pelvis, calf oversize and the type of presentation recorded for assisted births did not satisfactorily explain the difference in the incidence of dystocias. The circumstantial evidence indicated that inherent factors may affect dystocia.
VACCINATION OF PREGNANT COWS WITH LOW DOSES OF BRUCELLA ABORTUS STRAIN 19 VACCINE
Authors: Alton G. G. , Corner L. A. , Plackett P.
Published: March 2008

Two groups, each of 9 Jersey cows, were vaccinated subcutaneously with reduced doses of Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine (measured by the number of bacteria in the vaccine dose) early in their second pregnancy. Ten weeks later they were challenged, along with a similar group of non‐vaccinated cows, by conjunctival instillation of a virulent strain of B. abortus biotype 1. Cows in Group 1 received 1/20th and those in Group 2 received 1/400th the recommended dose of strain 19. Marked reduction in the serological response to vaccination was seen only in Group 2. Four cows in Group 1 excreted strain 19 after parturition, one of them aborted and another calved prematurely with heavy infection of the placenta and foetus with strain 19 in both cases. Resistance to challenge was similar in both vaccinated groups, and higher than previously demonstrated after conventional calfhood vaccination with strain 19.

It is concluded that pregnant cows can be effectively vaccinated by the subcutaneous administration of a dose of strain 19 vaccine containing approximately 3 times 108 organisms without undue interference with subsequent serological tests or inconvenience resulting from persistence of strain 19 infection.
KERATINOPHILIC FUNGI ON FOUR ANIMAL GROUPS
Authors: McAleer R.
Published: March 2008

Four surveys were conducted on different animal groups in the metropolitan area of Perth. Microsporum canis was the only fungus isolated from cats and was prevalent in these animals. Dermatophyte infections in dogs were less common and were caused by M. canis, M. gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. T. mentagrophytes was isolated from laboratory guinea pigs but not from native animals.
VACCINATION OF HEIFERS WITH A REDUCED DOSE OF BRUCELLA ABORTUS STRAIN 19 VACCINE BEFORE FIRST MATING
Authors: Alton G. G. , Corner L. A.
Published: March 2008

Ten Jersey heifers aged 14 to 23 months were vaccinated with 2.25 times 108 cells of living Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine. They and 10 similar non‐vaccinated heifers were subsequently mated and when about 6 months pregnant were challenged by the conjunctival application of a virulent culture of B. abortus.

The serological response to vaccination was much less than is usually seen following vaccination with the normal dose of strain 19, especially when the indirect haemolysis test was used. A persistent vaccinal reaction was observed in one heifer.

Significant resistance to infection was demonstrated which was greater than that previously observed in calfhood vaccinates given the full dose but less than that shown by cows given the smaller dose in early pregnancy. The effectiveness of strain 19 vaccination appears to be related to the age of the animal at vaccination.
CONTROL OF THE BUSH TICK (HAEMAPHYSALIS LONGICORNIS) WITH ZEBU X EUROPEAN CATTLE
Authors: Dicker R. W. , Sutherst R. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Brahman x Hereford cattle carried only one‐quarter as many engorging adult bush ticks (Haemaphysalis (Kaiseriana) longicornis) as Hereford, Simmental x Hereford or Friesian x Hereford cattle when grazed together on the north coast of New South Wales. Fourteen percent of a Brahman x Hereford herd carried half of the engorging ticks suggesting that infestation levels would be further reduced by culling procedures. The results indicate an additional advantage to those already established for Brahman x Hereford cattle on the north coast of New South Wales and have important implications for tick control.
SUSPECTED DRUG‐INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA ASSOCIATED WITH LEVAMISOLE THERAPY IN A DOG
Authors: Atwell R. B. , Thornton J. R. , Odlum J.
Published: March 2008

The development of petechial haemorrhages was observed in a dog being treated with levamisole hydrochloride for dirofilariasis. Thrombocytopenia and evidence of depressed thrombocyte production were apparent concurrently. The dog recovered without specific therapy.
CASEOUS LYMPHADENITIS IN GOATS
Authors: Burrell D. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two dairy goat stud herds were surveyed for Corynebacterium ovis infection by clinical examination and serum tests using both the haemolysis inhibition and double immunodiffusion techniques for detection of C. ovis antitoxin. In one herd, of 53 goats, 11 had abscesses from which C. ovis was recorded; 33 and 29 goats were positive to the haemolysis inhibition and double immunodiffusion tests respectively. Serums from 10 and 9 of 23 kids gave reactions positive to the respective tests with 19 of the 23 kids having been born to does with demonstrable antibody. In a second herd of 57 goats 16 had superficial abscesses containing C. ovis; serums from 34 and 45 goats gave positive reactions to the haemolysis inhibition and double immunodiffusion tests respectively. The prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in these stud herds was a cause of economic loss to the owners through euthanasia of severely affected goats, reduced milk production and emaciation, the cost of labour and drugs for treatment, jeopardisation of income from boarding or mating with outside stock and the appearance of goats at stud shows, and sale of valuable breeding stock to local and export markets.
IMMUNOTHERAPY OF BOVINE OCULAR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS WITH PHENOL‐SALINE EXTRACTS OF ALLOGENEIC CARCINOMAS
Authors: Hoffmann D. , Jennings P. A. , Spradbrow P. B.
Published: March 2008

Forty cattle with unilateral ocular squamous cell carcinomas and 2 with bilateral carcinomas were treated with a single intramuscular injection of a phenol‐saline extract of allogeneic bovine ocular squamous cell carcinoma. Doses of extract varied from the equivalent of 100 mg of lyophilised powder to the equivalent of 1500 mg of lyophilised powder. Thirty‐three of the 44 carcinomas (78%) responded to treatment, 15 regressing completely, 9 losing at least 50% of their bulk and 9 ceasing to increase in bulk. The response was significantly better (p < 0.05) in cattle receiving 200 mg or more of lyophilised powder than in those receiving 100 mg of powder. Some 30 of 34 carcinomas (88%) responded to treatment when 200 mg or more of lyophilised powder was used.

Five cattle with ocular carcinomas that had failed to respond to the initial treatment and 8 that had responded incompletely received second doses of phenol‐saline extracts of allogeneic carcinomas. One carcinoma regressed completely and 2 regressed partially.

Thirty cattle with untreated ocular squamous cell carcinomas were observed for periods of from one to 9 months. All the carcinomas grew progressively. Seventeen cattle with ocular squamous cell carcinomas were treated with phenol‐saline extracts of bovine cutaneous papilloma, bovine foetal skin or normal bovine cornea and conjunctiva and observed for periods of from one to 14 months. A carcinoma in an animal treated with 500 mg of powder from an extract of cutaneous papilloma did not increase in size over the next 31 weeks. The other carcinomas grew progressively.
RESISTANCE TO BENZIMIDAZOLE ANTHELMINTICS IN EQUINE STRONGYLES
Authors: Webster J. H. , Baird J. D. , Gunawan M. , Martin I.C.A. , Kelly J. D.
Published: March 2008

The susceptibility of a known thiabendazole‐resistant population of small strongyles to anthelmintics of both benzimidazole and non‐benzimidazole groups, was determined. In the first study, 42 horses infected with thiabendazole‐resistant small strongyles were allocated to 6 groups. Treatment groups received one of the following anthelmintics: mebendazole, febantel, febantel plus trichlorphon, morantel tartrate, or a combination of thiabendazole, piperazine and trichlorphon.

Morantel tartrate and the thiabendazole/piperazine/trichlorphon combination produced highly significant (p< 0.001) reductions in faecal strongyle egg counts 20 days post‐treatment. Mebendazole, febantel and febantel plus trichlorphon failed to reduce strongyle egg counts significantly. Larval culture and differentiation indicated that in all cases of anthelmintic failure, small strongyles of the sub‐family Cyathostominae were involved.

Eighteen horses from groups in which treatment had failed were re‐allocated to 3 groups. Treatment with either morantel tartrate or haloxon was highly efficient in reducing faecal strongyle egg counts.

In the final study, fifty‐four horses, infected with benzimidazole‐resistant small strongyles were allocated to 10 groups. On day zero, each treatment group received one of the following anthelmintics: thiabendazole, cambendazole, mebendazole, oxibendazole, piperazine, thiabendazole/piperazine, cambendazole/piperazine, mebendazole/piperazine or oxibendazole/piperazine.

Oxibendazole, piperazine and the benzimidazole/piperazine combinations produced highly significant reductions in faecal strongyle egg counts 20 days post‐treatment (p<0.001). When administered alone, benzimidazole anthelmintics failed to reduce strongyle egg counts significantly, with the exception of oxibendazole. Larval culture and differentiation indicated that in all cases of anthelmintic failure, the species involved were small strongyles of subfamily Cyathostominae. There was no significant increase in benzimidazole resistance level (based on in vitro assay) as a result of drug treatment, over one generation.
THE KANGAROO ISLAND STRAIN OF PIG IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Authors: McIntosh G. H. , Pointon A.
Published: March 2008

The feral pig from Kangaroo Island, South Australia, has descended from British breeds released onto the Island by early explorers approximately 180 years ago. It has developed into a smaller pig than the modern commercial equivalent, with distinctive and reproducible physical characteristics and a physiology which appears to bestow on it some advantages in terms of fitness and vigour. It has adapted easily to laboratory and intensive piggery conditions where it has reproduced satisfactorily. It has a higher erythrocyte count and PCV than the equivalent Large White and a lower white blood cell count. Plasma Na, K and glucose were significantly higher and HCO3 urea and creatinine lower in the Kangaroo Island strain. It represents a useful strain of pig for biomedical research, approaching in size the miniature pigs used overseas. A useful approach to routine bleeding of pigs is described.
A SURVEY FOR RESISTANCE IN CATTLE TICKS TO ACARICIDES
Authors: Roulston W. J. , Wharton R. H. , Nolan J. , Kerr J. D. , Wilson J. T. , Thompson P. G. , Schotz Martina
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A survey was made from late 1976 to late 1977 to determine the extent of resistance to acaricides in the cattle tick Boophilus microplus in Queensland. Questionnaires and requests for samples of ticks were forwarded to more than 900 randomly selected stock owners in the tick infested area which had been divided into 4 regions, Far North, Coastal North, Coastal Central and South East. The response measured by the number of tick samples tested was 43%. The prevalence of resistance to organophosphorus (OP) compounds was highest in South East where 96% of the farms had OP‐resistant ticks and 95% had the Biarra strain and lowest in Far North where 12% of the farms had OP‐resistant ticks and 10% had the Biarra strain which was the predominant one in all regions. The highest percentages of the Ridgelands strain (35%) and the Tully strain (30%) occurred in Coastal North. The South East had the highest percentage of Mt Alford (30%).

Although chlorinated hydrocarbons were banned for use in control of ticks in 1962, 49% of the farms in South East had some ticks resistant to dieldrin but in Far North it was only 2%. DDT‐resistant ticks, which because of cross resistance to synthetic pyrethroids will affect the future use of this group, were present on 8% of the farms in both Coastal North and Coastal Central and 3% in South East and Far North.

No resistance to the amidines, chlordimeform, chloromethiuron or amitraz was found.
OBSERVATIONS ON FIBRE DIAMETER VARIATION OF SHEEP IN RELATION TO FLEECE‐ROT AND BODY STRIKE SUSCEPTIBILITY
Authors: Watts J. E. , Merritt G. C. , Lunney H. W. M. , Bennett N. W. , Dennis J. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A comparative study of various fleece properties known to influence fleece‐rot susceptibility was made in a merino flock consisting of sheep which were found to be either resistant or susceptible to fleece‐rot and body strike following heavy rains. The fleece properties measured were fibre diameter, fibre diameter variation, wax content, suint content, wax to suint ratio, suint pH, insoluble nitrogen content, wool colour and wettability. Fibre diameter variation, due mainly to the presence of coarse, secondary fibres in the staple, was the only fleece property which differed significantly (p < 0.001) between resistant and susceptible animals. The coefficient of variation of fibre diameter was lowered from a mean value of 22.7 ± 0.3% in susceptible sheep to 20.0 ± 0.3% in resistant sheep. A causal relationship between high fibre diameter variation and fleece‐rot susceptibility is suggested. Sheep with irregular fibre size may retain free moisture in the fleece for longer, and thereby become more susceptible to fleece‐rot than sheep with uniform fibre diameter, other predisposing factors being equal.
COMPARISON OF SEVERAL LABORATORY TESTS FOR QUANTIFYING AZOTAEMIA IN DOGS
Authors: Watson A. D. J. , McDonald P. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Fifty blood samples collected from 14 normal dogs and 11 dogs with renal disease and azotaemia were assayed in various ways for urea and creatinine. Urea concentrations measured by Azostix, Urastrat and Unitest correlated well with a reference urea assay method, and there was good correlation between creatinine concentrations determined by Unitest and a reference method. The performance of the four simpler laboratory procedures examined was considered satisfactory for clinical purposes.
THE ENZYME‐LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (ELISA) AS A SEROLOGICAL TEST FOR DETECTING ANTIBODIES AGAINSTLEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANSSEROVARHARDJOIN SHEEP
Authors: Adler B. , Faine S. , Gordon L. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with the standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT) as a method for detecting antibodies against Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in sheep. Peak antibody levels detected by the 2 tests occurred at different times following experimental infection of sheep. In serums from flocks of sheep with naturally acquired infection there was a 95% correlation between MAT and ELISA with respect to the presence or absence of antibody to serovar hardjo, although the level of correlation of the titres of the 2 tests was low. The 2 tests appeared to measure different antigen‐antibody systems. The ELISA would be a useful test for screening large numbers of serums for antibodies to L. interrogans serovar hardjo.
SIMULTANEOUS PRESENCE OF A DIRECT AND AN INDIRECT INGUINAL HERNIA IN A STALLION
Authors: Vasey J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The case history, clinical findings, surgical procedure and post mortem results are described of a horse showing signs of colic which at surgery had both a direct and an indirect left inguinal hernia. The etiology of inguinal hernias in the horse and the surgical management of the direct inguinal hernia are discussed.
THE DURATION OF THE RESPONSE OF CATTLE TO INOCULATION WITH ATYPICAL MYCOBACTERIA
Authors: Corner L. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Each of 4 strains of atypical mycobacteria was inoculated into 2 cattle and the responses of the cattle were studied over the following 52 weeks. Each strain was injected subcutaneously into one animal and into a mesenteric lymph node of another.

Within 7 days palpable lesions were produced at the sites of subcutaneous inoculation in response to all the strains. After intervals varying from 3 to 26 weeks, lesions due to 3 of the strains were no longer palpable. The lesion produced in response to the fourth strain, a non‐agglutinable serotype of Mycobacterium intracellulare, was still palpable at necropsy, 52 weeks post‐inoculation (PI). Of the 8 cattle inoculated with mycobacteria, the latter was the only animal that had a lesion with features consistent with a mycobacterial infection and from which mycobacteria were isolated.

The inoculated cattle and 4 uninoculated control cattle were turberculin tested on 8 occasions during the post‐inoculation period. Bovine purified protein derivative (PPD), avian PPD and PPD tuberculins prepared from each of the atypical mycobacteria were used. In inoculated cattle, sensitivity to both avian and bovine PPD was short lived, significant levels not persisting in any animal beyond 16 weeks PI.

From the results of intradermal tests on the control cattle, a 95% confidence interval for their response to any of the 6 tuberculins used, was found to be ±1.36mm. On this basis all inoculated cattle developed sensitivity to the homologous tuberculin. The animal with mycobacterial granuloma at the subcutaneous inoculation site at necropsy had never developed significant levels of sensitivity to bovine PPD, had not shown significant levels of avian sensitivity after week 16 PI nor had it shown homologous sensitivity after week 22 PI.

In all animals the level of sensitivity to bovine PPD decreased between successive tests. This fact could be used to clarify the status of a reactor if non‐specific bovine sensitivity was suspected. Alternatively, the comparative intradermal tuberculin test using both bovine and avian PPD may be employed.
THE OVIPOSITIONAL RESPONSE OF THE AUSTRALIAN SHEEP BLOWFLY, LUCILIA CUPRINA, TO FLEECE‐ROT ODOURS
Authors: Watts J. E. , Merritt G. C. , Goodrich B. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The ovipositional response of Lucilia cuprina flies to odours emanating from fleece‐rot lesions of greasy wool in which Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria proliferated, was studied. Fractionation of the fleece‐rot odours was carried out by bubbling the volatile components through hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions to remove basic odours and acidic odours respectively. It was found that the acidic/neutral odours of fleecerot wool, when perfused into wet, greasy wool, stimulated L. cuprina to oviposit. On the other hand, the basic/neutral odours of fleece‐rot wool were virtually unattractive to the gravid fly. Similarly, the acidic/neutral odours emanating from fleece‐rot lesions of clean wool from which the non‐fibre components, wax, suint and epithelial debris, had been removed by scouring, were found to be unattractive to the gravid fly in choice tests.
AN ABATTOIR SURVEY OF DISEASES OF FERAL GOATS
Authors: Hein W. R. , Cargill C. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Caseous lymphadenitis was the most frequently encountered pathological condition in 3,720 feral goats examined during routine meat inspection procedures. Among 9 separate consignments of animals, the prevalence of infection averaged 7.4% (range 0.3% to 18.8%). The majority of lesions were seen in lymph nodes draining superficial body areas although many also occurred in internal nodes and organs. Corynebacterium ovis was isolated from 25 of 32 lesions submitted for bacteriological examination. Other conditions regularly encountered included pneumonia, cysticercosis, sarcosporidiosis and lice infestation, while myonecrosis, pleurisy, pericarditis, nephritis, hepatitis, cirrhosis and mite infestation were only occasionally found. A total of 171 serum samples were collected and tested against 17 antigens. Samples from 57.9% and 51.5% of goats showed positive serological reactions to the antigens for sarcosporidiosis and Q fever respectively.
ACUTE AFLATOXICOSIS IN CALVES FED PEANUT HAY
Authors: McKenzie R. A. , Blaney B. J. , Connole M. D. , Fitzpatrick L. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Acute aflatoxicosis was believed to be the cause of death of 12 of 90 drought‐stricken Hereford calves fed peanut hay on the southern Darling Downs in Queensland. Jaundice, photosensitisation, diarrhoea, anorexia and depression were seen before death. Serum levels of enzymes of hepatic origin and bilirubin were elevated. After death haemorrhage, hepatocyte damage, bile ductule proliferation were found. Total aflatoxin levels up to 2230 μg/kg were detected in the peanut hay with most toxin concentrated in nut‐in‐shell.
SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE OF CHICKENS, TURKEYS AND DUCKS TO STRAIN V4 OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS
Authors: Westbury H. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The serological response of two different age groups of turkeys and ducks to strain V4 of Newcastle disease virus was markedly inferior to that of similar age groups of chickens. This suggested that this strain might not be a suitable vaccine strain for use in turkeys and ducks, even though the correlation between specific serum antibody and immunity in these species is not clearly understood.

The 20‐week‐old group of chickens required two doses of 107–1 50 per cent embryo infective doses (EID50) of the virus to develop a specific serum antibody titre comparable to 21‐day‐old chickens given one dose of 107–1 EID50 of virus.
INDUCED THIAMIN DEFICIENCY IN LAMBS
Authors: Thornber E. J. , Dunlop R. H. , Gawthorne J. M. , Huxtable C. R.
Published: March 2008

By following a feeding regimen which consistently induced polio‐encephalomalacia in pre‐ruminant lambs it was possible to study certain characteristics just before the terminal stage in poliocencephalomalacia.

There was always a marked deficit in erythrocyte precursors in bone marrow and this preceded any pathological changes in the brain. Erythrocyte transketolase activity decreased in control lambs, and decreased to an even greater extent in thiamin‐deficient lambs. Glucose was the only substrate of those measured which was used by the brain, and its rate of use was not affected by thiamin deficiency. After a single intravenous injection of 35S‐thiamin, the decrease of 35S in the plasma was consistent with its dispersal into two pools: the half‐time of disappearance of 35S into the slowly equilibrating pool was less in thiamin‐deficient lambs than in their controls. Characteristics which were not altered in thiamin deficiency were concentrations of calcium and magnesium in various regions of brain and concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium in plasma.
STILBOESTROL TOXICITY IN A DOG
Authors: Mills J. N. , Slatter D. H.
Published: March 2008

A case of stilboestrol toxicity is described in a dog which was treated for prostatic hyperplasia with stilboestrol dipropionate (10 mg) daily for 5 days. An initial anaemia and thrombocytopaenia of 19,500/μl was recorded on day 11, and a severe leukocytosis of 125,300/μl on day 15 was followed by a precipitous drop to 8,400/μl on day 21. The dog received antibiotic treatment for concurrent peritonitis and prostatitis/cystitis between days 7 and 15. The dog died on day 41 with marrow aplasia.
TUMOUR ASSOCIATED ANTIGENS IN BOVINE HORN CANCER
Authors: KUCHROO V. K. , DUTTA B. M. , GUPTA R. K. PAUL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Tumour associated antigens in bovine horn cancer (HC) were demonstrated by immunodiffusion in agar gel and by immuno‐fluorescence. Antiserums raised in/rabbits against sonicated pooled horn cancer tissue extracts and absorbed with normal antigens, reacted only with HC extracts on agar gel diffusion. Preparations of normal antigen (skin, horn core epithelium, lymph node and liver) and extracts from other tumours (fibroma, fibrosarcoma and myxoma) did not show any reactivity against absorbed antiserum in this test, the absorbed antiserum showing specific reactivity to HC extracts in gel diffusion tests was conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate. Many different HC, normal cells and cells from other tumours were incubated with the conjugate and examined by fluorescent microscopy. HC cells showed specific beaded fluorescence on the surface whereas such fluorescence was not observed in normal cells or cells from other tumours.
INFECTIVITY FOR CATTLE OF ANAPLASMA MARGINALE EXTRACTED FROM BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS TICKS EXPOSED TO CERTAIN TEMPERATURES
Authors: DALGLIESH R. J. , STEWART N. P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Boophilus microplus ticks collected from calves with patent Anaplasma marginale infections were incubated at either 4 to 5°C, 14°C, 22°C, 27°C or 37°C for up to 14 days. Extracts prepared either from larvae, nymphs, immature females, adult males or mixtures of both sexes were infective for 14 of the 16 splenectomised calves inoculated. Extracts either from nymphs or from adult ticks deriving from nymphs moulted in vitro were infective for 11 of 12 nonsplenectomised calves. Possible application of the findings to producing a vaccine strain of A. marginale is discussed.
EVALUATION OF A HARDJO‐POMONA VACCINE TO PREVENT LEPTOSPIRURIA IN CATTLE EXPOSED TO A NATURAL CHALLENGE WITH LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SEROVAR HARDJO
Authors: Allen J. D. , Meney C. L. , Meney C. L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The efficacy of a vaccine against Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona and Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo was evaluated in a group of dairy heifers that were serologically negative at the time of vaccination and later subjected to natural challenge with L. interogans serovar hardjo. Thirty‐nine heifers were vaccinated twice, at a one‐month interval, with a commercially prepared bivalent vaccine, while 43 unvaccinated heifers were used as controls.

After vaccination, microscopic agglutination (MA) titres of serums to L. interrogans serovar hardjo ranged from 32 to 512, and those to L. interrogans serovar pomona ranged from 32 to 2048. Titres resulting from vaccination were short‐lived and after the first vaccination the serums of 95% of vaccinated heifers did not react in the MA test by 24 weeks.

The first indication of infection in the heifers was noted at week 6, and by week 16, elevated MA titres (≥128) to L. interrogans serovar hardjo had occurred in 62% of unvaccinated heifers and had increased to 85% by week 24. At week 18, 18% of the vaccinated heifers and 56% of the unvaccinated heifers had leptospiruria (p<0.01); after 22 weeks, 13% of the vaccinated heifers and 58% of the unvaccinated heifers showed evidence of leptospiruria (p<0.01).
INTERNAL FIXATION OF FRACTURES OF THE ULNA IN THE HORSE
Authors: McGill C. A. , Hilbert B. J. , Jacobs K. V.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Surgical repair of ulnar fracture was attempted in 7 horses. Of 6 animals in which tension band plates were used, 4 recovered, one was killed after implant failure and one died of respiratory failure during post‐operative recovery. The treatment of one horse with a Steinman Pin and figure‐8 tension band wire was unsuccessful.

One horse with bilateral ulnar fractures was given only stall rest and it recovered.
THE EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM SULPHATE ON CONVULSIONS INDUCED BY ANNUAL RYEGRASS TOXICITY
Authors: Richards I. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effect of parenterally administered magnesium sulphate on convulsions in sheep fed toxic annual ryegrass was studied. Treatment with magnesium sulphate inhibited convulsions for a period of approximately 12 h but was not effective when administered at the terminal stages of the disease. Plasma electrolyte analysis indicated that sodium, calcium and phosphate levels were within the normal range. Plasma potassium was elevated during convulsions and returned to normal levels after convulsions ceased. Plasma magnesium was elevated for 6 to 12 h after treatment.
EFFECTS OF A PREVENTIVE AND SUPPRESSIVE CONTROL SCHEME ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIABENDAZOLE‐RESISTANCE IN OSTERTAGIA SPP
Authors: Martin P. J. , Anderson N. , Jarrett R. G. , Brown T. H. , Ford G. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Three years after the start of an experiment to assess the merits of thiabendazole (TBZ) treatment of trichostrongylid parasites in weaner sheep, field isolates of Ostertagia spp and Trichostrongylus spp were made from weaner sheep treated under one of three treatment schemes. Treatment frequencies were “nil”, “planned” (5 or 6/year) and “regular” (every 3 weeks). In addition an isolate was taken from a group of “tracer” sheep drenched with TBZ every 10 days. Resistance to TBZ was assessed using an in vitro egg hatch assay, pre‐ and post‐treatment faecal egg counts and a controlled anthelmintic efficiency test.

Pre‐ and post‐treatment egg counts revealed the presence of TBZ‐resistance in field isolates of mixed species. Egg hatch assays indicated a level of resistance for Ostertagia spp which was proportional to the frequency of TBZ treatment. The “planned”, “regular” and “tracer” strains of Ostertagia spp had resistance ratios for eggs of 4, 13 and 15 respectively when compared to the “nil” strain. In the anthelmintic efficiency assay treatment with 44 mg kg‐1 and 88 mg kg‐1 of TBZ removed 82 and 96% respectively of the total Ostertagia burden (adults and larvae) from the “nil” strain and 30 and 75% respectively from the “planned” strain. The same dose rates against the “regular” and “tracer” strains and additional rates of 132 or 176 mg kg‐1 against the “tracer” strain failed to reduce the Ostertagia burden significantly. Intestinal Trichostrongylus spp from all isolates were fully susceptible to TBZ at 44 mg kg‐1. Levamisole at 7.0 mg kg‐1 was highly effective (99% reduction) against the “tracer” strain of Ostertagia.
THE EFFECT OF DEHORNING BRAHMAN CROSSBRED ANIMALS OF FOUR AGE GROUPS ON SUBSEQUENT BODYWEIGHT GAIN
Authors: Loxton I. D. L. , Toleman M. A. , Holmes A. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effect of dehorning Brahman crossbred cattle of four age groups on their subsequent bodyweight performance was monitored in 4 drafts of cattle between 1975 and 1980. During the 6 weeks following dehorning, bodyweight change of dehorned cattle was less (P < 0.05) than that of horned cattle in half of the groups. There were no differences between treatments, in bodyweight gain to 12 months after dehorning, following any dehorning date or in final bodyweight, for each draft. The data suggest that age of dehorning is not critical.
ROSETTE FORMING T‐LYMPHOCYTE LEVELS IN THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF CATTLE AFFECTED WITH SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF HORN
Authors: Dhingra V. K. , Gupta R. K. Paul , Sadana J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The level of thymus‐derived lymphocytes was assessed by determining the per cent of cells which formed non‐immune rosettes with 2‐Aminoethyl isothiouronium bromide treated sheep erythrocytes in the peripheral blood of 20 (14 bullocks and 6 cows) histopathologically confirmed cases of bovine squamous cell carcinoma of horn (horn cancer) and an equal number of age‐matched control animals. A significantly marked (P < 0.01) depression in the per cent erythrocyte‐rosette forming cell count was observed in horn cancer affected bullocks and cows as compared to the values in unaffected control animals. The decrease in the level of these cells was comparatively more marked in animals which were clinically in advanced stages of the disease.
EXPERIMENTAL SALMONELLA ANATUM INFECTION IN HORSES
Authors: Roberts M. C. , O'Boyle D. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Salmonella anatum was given orally to 8 horses on 11 occasions in doses ranging from 9.5 × 106 to 8.8 × 1011 organisms. Four distinct syndromes were induced based upon clinical, laboratory and pathological findings: (1) asymptomatic; (2) moderate clinical signs with or without changes in faecal consistency; (3) fever, depression, anorexia with unstructured or diarrhoeic faeces; and (4) septicaemia with or without diarrhoea, and peripheral circulatory failure. All animals excreted the organism. The peak temperature preceded the onset of diarrhoea by 1 or 2 days. Changes in faecal consistency were associated with direct isolation of the organism. The degree of neutropaenia increased with the dosage. Blood cultures were unsatisfactory, only 1 of 33 samples being positive. The serological responses were not significant although one animal displayed a significant seroconversion consistent with the clinical reaction. Indomethacin was not of value in moderating intestinal fluid secretion in one animal.

The distribution and quantitation of positive cultures at autopsy closely reflected the type of syndrome induced. The invasiveness of the organism was confirmed by frequent direct recoveries from intestinal wall and draining lymph node samples. S. anatum appears to be of similar pathogenicity to S. typhimurium in the horse, at least under experimental conditions.
TIME OF OCCURRENCE OF BRUISES IN SLAUGHTERED CATTLE
Authors: McCausland I. P. , Millar H. W. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY One hundred and seventy four bruises, taken from 271 cattle of mixed age and type, were aged histologically. At least 43% of all bruises occurred after the animals had arrived at the abattoirs. Bruise age was not related to bruise size or location. The results indicate a need to include examination of abattoir handling techniques in any programme to reduce carcase bruising.
THE AUSTRALIAN BROWN DOG TICK RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS AS AN EXPERIMENTAL PARASITE OF CATTLE AND VECTOR OF ANAPLASMA MARGINALE
Authors: PARKER R. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Experiments were done to explore the possible relationship between cattle, Australian dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and Anaplasma marginale. Calves' ears were exposed to larval, nymphal and adult ticks on 8, 9 and 7 occasions, respectively. The immature instars fed readily, but the adults attached very poorly to calves. Transtadial transmission of A. marginale was achieved on 6 occasions from 9 attempts: ticks infected as larvae or nymphs were able to transmit at the subsequent stage or stages. Transovarial transmission was not achieved. Six calves supported more than one infestation of ticks. Attached ticks caused the calves no apparent discomfort and calves developed no noticeable skin reactions. An abattoir survey of 200 hides detected no R. sanguineus.
IMPORTANCE OF ACUTE DEATH SYNDROME IN MORTALITIES IN BROILER CHICKEN FLOCKS
Authors: STEELE P. , EDGAR J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A survey of the weekly causes of mortality was carried out in a flock of 64,000 broiler chickens in Western Australia. Some 6.86% of the flock died or was culled in the period from day‐old to slaughter and were examined post mortem. The most important cause of death, acute death syndrome (ADS) (36%), occurred during all weeks of production and 74% of affected birds were male. A comparison of liver biotin content made between 120 ADS‐affected birds and 60 clinically normal flockmates established that the biotin status of ADS‐affected birds was adequate.
CAPSULAR SEROTYPES OF RHODOCOCCUS EQUI
Authors: MUTIMER M. D. , PRESCOTT J. F. , WOOLCOCK J. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY One hundred strains of Rhodococcus equi from various animal species and sources in Australia were examined for capsular serotype. Eighty‐four of the strains fell into the existing 7 serotypes, and just under half of the strains belonged to serotype 1. Isolates from the intestines and faeces of horses, cattle, pigs and other species, and from soil, were found to belong to the same serotypes as those recovered from the lungs of foals with R. equi pneumonia. There was no clear relationships between capsular serotype and source of origin of the isolates.
PSEUDOCHYLOUS EFFUSION IN A CAT WITH CARDIOMYOPATHY
Authors: MCCONNELL M. F. , HUXTABLE C. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A case of pseudochylous thoracic effusion associated with feline cardiomyopathy is described. At necropsy there was no evidence of structural damage to the thoracic duct or other major lymphatic vessels. The literature covering this syndrome was reviewed and it was concluded that the thoracic effusion may have been associated with congestive heart failure and interference with drainage of the thoracic duct into the anterior vena cava.