bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibited development of trichostrongylid worms in grazing cattle
Authors: FABIYI JP , COPEMAN DB
Published: March 2008

Summary: Inhibition of development of gastro‐intestinal trichostrongylid worms was studied using successive groups of tracer calves and groups of continuously grazed calves over one year in the Tully area of North Queensland lowland wet tropics. The results, assessed by means of worms from these calves recovered at necropsy 3 weeks after their removal from pastures, showed inhibition in the development of Haemonchus placei and Cooperia punctata at the early fourth stage at the approach to and during the relatively dry period in the area. Inhibition was however minor and inhibited larvae formed but only a small percentage of worm burdens in both categories of calves, indicating that they were not in any way of major epidemiological importance. It was suggested that the minor nature of inhibition was due to the mild climatic conditions which could not produce appropriate conditioning treatment, or caused only mild selection pressure for inhibition in the area.
Serological reactions in sheep and cattle experimentally infected with three Australian isolates of bluetongue virus
Authors: SQUIRE KRE
Published: March 2008

Summary: Serums from 103 sheep and 24 cattle experimentally infected with one of 3 serotypes of bluetongue virus isolated in Australia were tested for antibody to bluetongue virus in the serum neutralisation test and the agar gel diffusion precipitin test. Antibody to bluetongue virus was first detected by these tests 8 to 10 days after intravenous infection in 4 sheep that were bled daily for serum analysis. The agar gel diffusion test failed to detect antibody in 28% (29/103) of sheep which had seroconverted in the serum neutralisation test. A further 7% (7/103) of sheep serums were negative in both tests 14 to 22 d after infection. Both tests detected antibody to bluetongue virus in all cattle serums by 10 days after detection of viraemia. In comparison with the intravenous route of infection, extended prepatent periods for the commencement of viraemia resulting from intradermal, subcutaneous and intrauterine routes of infection in the cattle caused corresponding delays in the detection of antibody. For example, one cow that was infected by intrauterine inoculation did not become viraemic until 22 d after inoculation and antibody was not detected until 32 d after inoculation.
Future challenges of disease in the beef cattle industry*
Authors: CAMPBELL RSF
Published: March 2008

Summary: Disease control must be part of the management system in any beef cattle enterprise where improved net returns are a constant goal.

A current view of the importance of disease is reflected in the research portfolio of the Australian Meat and Live‐stock Research and Development Corporation (AMLRDC), where only 14% of projects relate to cattle health problems. Our relative freedom from epidemics is partly responsible for this balance, but the profession sould continue to be alert to the range of actual or potential threats to the national herds and those predisposing factors, both managerial and environmental, that influence their effects.

In Australia with its crucial beef export component, several priority areas can be identified. They are (i) completion of the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign (BTEC) (ii) improved knowledge of the effects of production of subclinical disease including deficiency states (iii) better understanding of the infertility complex from conception to birth. Congenital viral infections such as mucosal disease and the arbovirus group are slowly emerging from their epidemiological obscurity (iv) constant awareness of the potential threat of exotic diseases and defensive methods available to meet them. There is a particular need to understand the epidemiology of the large tropical cattle herd, which interfaces with South‐East Asia. Our comparative freedom from epidemics should not cause any relaxation of vigilance by the veterinary services in the private or public sectors. Nor should government be allowed to minimise the critical role of the veterinary profession in our defence against animal disease (v) increased liaison with our trading partners in livestock exports. Recent work on consignments of live Australian cattle and buffalo to South‐East Asia indicates that severe losses often experienced by importing countries may be due to a range of indigenous diseases such as trypanosomiasis (surra) and tick‐borne infections.

Veterinarians must increasingly take part in farming systems decision making and try to determine how appropriate and financially acceptable is any herd health policy.
An investigation of the causes of parturient calf mortality in Shorthorn heifers
Authors: GEE CD , GADEN ER , HARPER PAW
Published: March 2008

Summary: A study of parturient calf mortality in a herd of 250 Shorthorn cattle on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales is reported. Death rates as high as 44% from heifer groups are described. There were 30 parturient deaths of which 27 were confirmed as due to maternal dystocia. Pathological changes in many of the dystocia‐caused deaths were minimal, but a congested, swollen tongue was a definitive lesion. The death rate was not significantly higher in heifers mated at 14 to 16 months of age than in those mated at 20 to 22 months, but significantly more male than female calves died from maternal dystocia. As two dead calves were affected with goitre, a comparative trial using parenteral iodine was designed. Ratios of thyroid weight to calf body weight were examined for 24 of the calves where the mean was 0.52 gm/kg. Goitre was found not to be a contributing factor to the calving mortality problem. The use of a Jersey bull for heifer matings eliminated the dystocia problem. The Jersey cross allowed safe, early mating at 14 months of age.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Ryan JG
Published: March 2008

Techniques in Large Animal Surgery. AS Turner and CW Mcllwrath
Major lymph nodes of the head of the fallow deer (Dama dama) and lymphatic drainage of antlers
Authors: BARRELL GK , SIMPSON‐MORGAN MW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Heads from 10 fallow deer bucks were examined to provide a description of the major lymph nodes in this region. The distribution and size of these nodes were similar to those of sheep and goats. To determine whether there was drainage of lymph from the skin of antlers, and to follow the route of this drainage, a solution containing Evans blue was injected intradermally into the antlers of 2 bucks whilst the animals were anaesthetised. Dye appeared in tracheal lymph ducts 14 to 30 min after injection. The spread of blue colouration in lymphatic ducts and nodes, seen at post‐mortem examination, indicated that lymph flowed from antlers laterally into the ipsilateral parotid lymph nodes and from these via medial and lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes to the tracheal ducts.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Blackshaw Judith K
Published: March 2008

Animals and People Sharing the World. AN Rowan
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Racklyeft Deborah
Published: March 2008

Problems in Equine Medicine. CM Brown
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Kohnke J.
Published: March 2008

Equine Lameness. G Wyn‐Jones
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Kendall Kim
Published: March 2008

Clinicopathologic Principles for Veterinary Medicine. Ed. WF Robinson and CRR Huxtable
Rearing performance of farmed fallow deer (Dania dama)
Authors: MULLEY RC , ENGLISH AW , KIRBY AC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The ability of fallow does to rear fawns to weaning age was examined in a group of 243 adult does of known age (Group 1) and 509 adult does of unknown age (Group 2). All does had between 1 and 8 opportunities to rear fawns. There was an increasing proportion of does that failed to rear a fawn to weaning age as the number of rearing opportunities increased, although most does (93.6%) only failed on one occasion. A small percentage of does in groups 1 and 2 failed repeatedly to rear fawns to weaning. At slaughter, the presumed causes of failure in chronic non‐breeders included pyometron, cystic ovaries, cervical cysts, a vulvas neoplasm and salpingitis.

The overall rearing succes of both groups of deer was 82.4% and there was no consistent pattern of rearing failure relating to parity or previous rearing history.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Faragher Trevor
Published: March 2008

Laboratory Animals in Vaccine Production and Control. CFM Hendriksen
Relationships among bovine male and female reproductive traits
Authors: PERRY VEA , MUNRO RK , CHENOWETH PJ , BODERO DAV , POST TB
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY No significant relationship (p>0.05) was found between age at puberty in heifers and the age and scrotal circumference at puberty in related bulls. There was a significant effect (p<0.0l) of genotype and sire on age at puberty of heifers and a significant effect (p<0.05) of genotype on weight at puberty in heifers. There was a significant effect of genotype on age (p<0.0l) and weight (p<0.05) at puberty of bulls. A significant difference (p<0.05) in age at puberty of bulls was found between the 2 methods of assessing puberty. It is possible that the assessment of puberty of heifers at 2‐month intervals may not have been precise enough to detect such a relationship and/or that the variation in genotypes and ages in this study were too great to establish such a relationship.
Fertility indices for beef bulls*
Authors: PERRY VEA , CHENOWETH PJ , POST TB , MUNRO RK
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Young (16‐ to 30‐month‐old) beef bulls of 6 different genotypes were assessed for production and reproduction traits at different ages and intervals from single‐sire mating. Fertility indices, in the form of multiple regression equations using pregnancy rate as the dependent variable, were derived from these assessments using non‐orthogonal analyses of variance and covariance.

“Among” and “within” genotype fertility indices showed significant correlations with pregnancy rate. “Within” genotype fertility indices showing significant multiple correlations (p<0.01) at 11 (r = 0.75), 8 (r = 0.89), 6 (r = 0.86) and 2 (r = 0.80) months prior to mating. It was found that the most important traits to include in the fertility indices were peripheral LH levels following GnRH stimulation, testicular volume, libido and body weight. In general, the fertility indices showed good correlations with bull reproductive performance and were not significantly affected by bull genotype.
The epidermal location and possible feeding site of Psorergates ovis, the sheep itch mite
Authors: SINCLAIR AN
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Skin biopsies from two Merino sheep heavily infested with Psorergates ovis were immersed in liquid nitrogen and cut into vertical frozen sections stained with lipophilic Sudan IV or Oil Red O and haematoxylin. A survey of the lateral distribution of mite sections showed a majority (ca 80%) were in or within 0.2 mm of the follicle mouth. A survey of vertical distribution showed no mite penetration deeper than inner stratum corneum where 57% of mite sections were seenr30% were within outer stratum corneum or scurf; 13% were on the outer surface and less than 1 % were detached. Lipid was the only material seen within stained mites at a location considered to be gut. This was supported by dosing sheep with quinacrine, taking biopsies at Day 6 and Day 14 and examining frozen sections under blue light. Fluorescent lipid was seen at a location considered to be mite gut. From these results it was recommended that acaricide treatments against P. ovis be lipophilic and administered transepidermally because less than 15% of mites were at a superficial location likely to be reached by topical application.
The prevalence of itchmite, Psorergates ovis, among sheep flocks with a history of fleece derangement
Authors: JOHNSON PW , PLANT JW , BORAY JC , BLUNT SC , NICHOLLS PJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An investigation of sheep flocks in the main sheep raising areas of New South Wales showed that the itchmite Psorergates ovis was frequently associated with fleece derangement. In 26 of the 41 flocks examined, P. ovis was the only ectoparasite detected. P. ovis and the sheep body louse Damalinia ovis, were found in 5 flocks. No external parasites were found on sheep examined from the 10 remaining flocks. The type of fleece derangement most frequently recorded was rubbing which in some cases was combined with areas of chewed fleece.

Among flocks, there were positive relations between the prevalence of fleece derangement and prevalence of itchmite or scurf and between mean itchmite count and mean scurf score.

Within flocks, itchmite infested sheep or sheep with scurf had higher prevalences of fleece derangement than sheep on which no mites or no scurf were found. Itchmite infested sheep had a higher prevalence of scurf than those with no detectable mite infestation.

There were no signficant differences in itchmite populations or fleece derangement between untreated flocks and flocks treated with synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates or arsenic and rotenone.
Evaluation of ear tags impregnated with cypermethrin for the control of sheep body lice (Damalinia ovis)
Authors: JAMES PJ , ERKERLENZ P , MEADE RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The application of polymer matrix ear tags impregnated with 8.5% w/w cypermethrin to 6 wethers following shearing reduced lice to non‐detectable levels on 4 of them at 29 weeks after tagging. At the conclusion of the study at 45 weeks the mean count of lice on tagged wethers was 3 per sheep compared to 158 on untreated wethers.

In a second experiment, 6 non‐infected sheep were treated at shearing with cypermethrin tags, 6 with 25 g/l cypermethrin backline formulation, 6 with tags plus backline and 6 were left untreated. Each group was exposed to 6 sheep with moderate to heavy infestations of lice. Compared to controls, all treatments delayed infestation, but cypermethrin tags gave no longer protection than backline treatment. All sheep were infested by 17 weeks after commencement of the study. At 45 weeks mean counts of lice were 38, 27, 20 and 74 respectively for sheep treated with tags, backline formulation, backline plus tags and untreated. Possible reasons for the better effect observed from applying tags to infested sheep than to sheep which were not infected at application but which were subsequently exposed to infested sheep are discussed.
Isolation of very virulent Marek's disease viruses from vaccinated chickens in Australia
Authors: McKIMM‐BRESCHKIN JL , FARAGHER JT , WITHELL J , FORSYTH WM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Very virulent Marek's disease viruses (vvMDV), defined as isolates against which the herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) vaccine provide poor protection, have been isolated from poultry flocks in both the United States and Europe. Twenty‐one samples from vaccinated Australian flocks, experiencing problems with excessive Marek's disease (MD), were tested for the presence of transmissible MD viruses (MDV). Of the 16 samples which contained a transmissible agent, 14 were pathogenic in chickens, based on the development of MD lesions or depression of the bursa/body weight ratio. Of the pathogenic isolates which have been successfully typed 10 were serotype 1, and one was serotype 2 MDV. Pathogenicity of isolates varied. Several isolates caused tumours in 20–30% of both vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens. Two isolates, MPF6 and MPF23, caused tumours in more than 50% of chickens. When MPF6 and MPF23 were tested in vaccine trials bivalent vaccine gave no better protection against development of MD lesions than a monovalent vaccine. Isolate MPF23 was so pathogenic that lesions were produced in all chickens, regardless of the vaccine protocol used. Therefore vvMDV have been isolated in Australia, and unlike the vaccines tested overseas, bivalent Australian vaccines do not appear to provide greater protection against these vvMDV.
Thiamine deficiency in sheep exported live by sea
Authors: THOMAS KW , KELLY AP , BEERS PT , BRENNAN RG
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Three shipments of sheep being exported live by sea were examined to determine their thiamine status. Measurements were made of thiamine concentration in liver and ruminal contents, transketolase activity in erythrocytes and thiaminase activity in ruminal liquor. Sheep that died or were clinically ill and euthanased had significantly lower hepatic and ruminal thiamine concentrations than clinically healthy control sheep. A high proportion had thiamine concentrations comparable to those found in sheep that die with polioencephalomalacia. Thiamine concentrations decreased with increasing time that sheep were in pre‐embarkation feedlots and on board ship. Destruction of thiamine in the rumen by thiaminase was not a significant factor. Erythrocyte transketolase activities indicated that many of the sheep that arrived in the Middle East without signs of clinical disease were also in a state of thiamine insufficiency.
The impact of pestivirus on an artificial breeding program for cattle
Authors: KIRKLAND PD , HART KG , MOYLE A , ROGAN E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY After the introduction of pestivirus into a herd undergoing an embryo transfer and artificial insemination program, substantial post‐weaning calf losses occurred. The predominant clinical feature was severe respiratory disease, in contrast to the commonly recognised mucosal disease. Thirty‐one of 76 calves were affected, with a case fatality rate of 58%. All calves which were persistently infected with pestivirus died during the study period. There was a significant association in the surviving calves between the occurrence of recent pestivirus infection and respiratory disease. The losses on this property clearly indicate the need to routinely screen animals in an artificial breeding program for freedom from pestivirus infection.
Vitamin A concentrations in commercial foods for dogs and cats
Authors: HEANES DL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The vitamin A concentration was determined in 89 Australian brands of commercial foods for dogs and cats. It was found that 8% of the dog foods and 14% of the cat foods had concentrations of vitamin A below the minimum recommended 1.1 mg/kg dry matter (dm) for dogs and 1.8 mgykg dm for pregnant or lactating cats. Canned and fish‐labelled cat foods were the only varieties with less than the minimum recommended concentration of Vitamin A, of which 71% were the same brand. The minimum recommended concentration of vitamin A was exceeded in all canned dog food tested. Concentrations of vitamin A in dry (ca. 6% moisture) dog and cat foods and semi‐moist dog foods (ca. 23% moisture) never exceeded 10 mg vitamin A/kg dm. In contrast, canned pet foods stated to contain liver or kidney showed vitamin A concentrations from 13 to 284 mg/kg dm.
Evaluation of protection against experimental salmonellosis in sheep immunised with 1 or 2 doses of live aromatic‐dependent Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: BEGG AP , WALKER KH , LOVE DN , MUKKUR TKS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The minimum number of doses of a live aromatic dependent (aro‐) Salmonella typhimurium vaccine strain (SL1479), given by the intramuscular, oral or subcutaneous route required to protect sheep from experimentally‐induced clinical salmonellosis, was determined. A significant reduction in mortalities and diarrhoea occurred in those sheep immunised with one or 2 intramuscular doses or 2 subcutaneous doses. On the other hand, sheep immunised with one subcutaneous dose were not protected. Immunisation with one or 2 oral doses also resulted in a significant reduction in mortality, although reduction in the prevalence of severe diarrhoea was less consistent. Sheep immunised with a single intramuscular dose of aro‐S. typhimurium developed high levels of serum antibodies and significant delayed‐type cutaneous hypersensitivity response to homologous Salmonella lipopolysaccharide and flagellin, whereas those with a single oral dose did not. It was concluded that immunisation of sheep with a single oral or intramuscular dose of live aro‐S. typhimurium reduced mortalities and the prevalence of diarrhoea in sheep due to infection with virulent S. typhimurium.
Congenital transmission of avian leukosis virus in the absence of detectable shedding of group specific antigen
Authors: IGNJATOVIC J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Congenital transmission of avian leukosis virus (ALV) in the absence of detectable amounts of group specific (gs) antigen in egg albumen was found to occur in one commercial and one specific pathogen‐free (SPF) flock. The prevalence of congenitally transmitting hens which did not excrete gs antigen was particularly high in a commercial flock where 26/27 hens transmitted ALV. Some of the ALV‐transmitting hens in the commercial flock had virus in vaginal swabs thus enabling infection to be detected. The reasons for such a high proportion of congenitally transmitting hens which did not shed detectable amounts of gs antigen in the commercial flock was not determined. In the SPF flock, 2/15 hens congenitally transmitted ALV although virus could not be detected in vaginal swabs, whole blood or egg albumen and antibodies to subgroups A or B were not present. This form of ALV‐infection persisted in two successive generations. These results indicate the necessity of testing for infectious ALV in embryos, in order to ascertain that a flock is genuinely free of ALV.
The reversal of xylazine/ketamine immobilisation of fallow deer with yohimbine
Authors: STEWART MC , ENGLISH AW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Fallow deer were immobilised using a combination of xylazine and ketamine. Adult males (n=10) and adult females (n=10) received 4 mg/kg of each drug intramuscularly. Juveniles (n=11) received 2 mg/kg of each drug, intravenously. Times to recumbency were as follows: adult males 4.9 ± 2.9 min, adult females 4.1 ± 1.9 min, juveniles 2.3 ± 1.1 min.

After 30 min each deer received 0.2 mg/kg of yohimbine, or an equal volume of sterile diluent intravenously. Yohimbine substantially reduced the recovery times of treated deer. Adult males were releasable 7.2 ± 4.3 min after yohimbine administration, whereas control males were not releasable until 165 ± 18 min. Treated adult females were releasable after 6.6 ± 4.3 min, while control females were not releasable until 84 ± 29 min. Juveniles were releasable 2.1 ± 0.8 min after administration of yohimbine but control juveniles were not releasable until 62 ± 16 min.

Xylazine/ketamine administration produced statistically significant changes in packed cell volume, total plasma protein, albumin, sodium, glucose, creatine phosphokinase and inorganic phosphate values after 30 min. Yohimbine administration had no effect on these changes.
Dirofilaria immitis in cats from inner Sydney
Authors: KENDALL K , COLLINS GH , POPE SE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two hundred feral cats from the inner suburbs of Sydney were examined post mortem for adult Dirofilaria immitis and circulating microfilarlae, and 101 of these cats were tested for heartworm antigens by an ELISA. Only 2 cats (1%) had adult heartworms, the blood sample from another cat contained a single microfilaria. The blood of a further three cats contained small amounts of D immitis antigen. Although D immitis occurs in cats in Sydney, the prevalence is not high enough to warrant prophylactic treatment.
Immunisation against ovine caseous lymphadenitis: efficacy of monocomponent Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis toxoid vaccine and combined clostridial‐corynebacterial vaccines
Authors: EGGLETON DG , DOIDGE CV , MIDDLETON HD , MINTY DW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Sheep were immunised with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis toxoid formulated as a monocomponent vaccine with aluminium adjuvant or in combination with 5 clostridial antigens, and also in the combined form with sodium selenate. Immunised and control sheep were experimentally infected 16 days after vaccination and slaughtered and inspected after a further 3 months to determine their resistance to infection. All 3 vaccines afforded an equal and high level of protection; 91% of vaccinated sheep exhibiting no lesions of caseous lymphadenitis compared with 51.5% affected sheep in the control group. Average lesion counts were 1.2 per affected vaccinated sheep and 4.5 per affected control sheep. Antitoxin responses to the clostridial toxoids incorporated in the combined vaccines were not affected by inclusion of the C pseudotuberculosis toxoid or the sodium selenate.
The efficacy of insecticides against the screw‐worm fly (Chrysomya bezziana)
Authors: SPRADBERY JP , TOZER RS , POUND AA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A number of insecticides used for ectoparasite control in the livestock industry were screened for their efficacy against larvae of the screw‐worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana, using in vivo and laboratory tests. Proprietary screw‐worm fly treatments (after exposure to outdoor conditions for up to 10 days) were also tested against eggs and adults of C bezziana. Three of these were also evaluated on naturally acquired screw‐worm infestations. Residual protection was generally of short duration. Among the organophosphorus compounds, the most effective formulations contained relatively high concentrations (3 to 4% al) of coumaphos, 2.5% fenchlorphos or low concentrations (0.05 to 0.5% al) of diazinon, chlorfenvinphos and fenthion methyl. Two chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides containing 3% lindane and 5% dieldrin were very effective but are now prohibited for use in Australia. Preparations had serious deficiencies when used under field conditions, especially for treating large, deepseated myiases for which systemic insecticides are recommended. A comparison of methods demonstrated that a laboratory test could supersede live animal experimentation, at least for the Initial screening of potential insecticides.
Development and evaluation of a rapid absorbed enzyme immunoassay test for the diagnosis of Johne's disease in cattle
Authors: COX JC , DRANE DP , JONES SL , RIDGE S. , MILNER AR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An absorbed enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) test for Johne's disease in cattle was developed in which absorption of cross‐reacting antibodies occurred as a rapid reaction in solution rather than overnight with whole organisms and a subsequent centrlfugation step. Total test time was reduced to less than 2 h with a minimum of manipulations. The test was evaluated in cattle herds from Johne's disease‐endemic and Johne's disease‐free regions of Australla. Specificity was 99.8%. Calculations of sensitivity were affected by the history of the herd under test. However, the EIA detected in excess of 80% of animals before onset of clinical disease and 65% of faecal shedders were EIA positive on, or before, first detection of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in their faeces. The test should ald epidemiological studies and be a useful tool in the management and control of Johne's disease.
Comparison of a liquid and a powder insecticidal dressing to aid healing and prevent flystrike of mulesing wounds in lambs
Authors: PEARSE BHG , PEUCKER SKJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A proprietary insecticidal mulesing powder containing diazinon and an experimental liquid dressing based on eucalyptus oil, naphthalene, cresylic acid and chlorfenvinphos In a carrier of liquid hydrocarbons and petroleum oil were compared for their ability to promote wound healing and reduce the Incidence of fly strike In freshly mulesed lambs. Throughout the trial period of 4 weeks, fly trapping confirmed the presence of Lucllia cuprina in the paddock where the ewes and lambs were grazing. At inspection one month after mulesing, no deaths had occurred since mulesing and no lambs showed evidence of cutaneous mylasis, although a number of their dams (with 8 months wool) were struck. At 4 weeks after mulesing, the wounds of the lambs treated with the experimental liquid dressing showed better healing than those treated with the powder dressing. It was concluded that both mulesing preparations were effective in inhibiting flystrike, but the liquid dressing promoted faster wound healing than did the powder.
A cross‐sectional study to show Eperythrozoon ovis infection is prevalent in Western Australian sheep farms
Authors: KABAY MJ , RICHARDS RB , ELLIS TE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A serological survey and risk factor study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Eperythrozoon ovis infection in Western Australian weaner sheep, the prevalence of farms with infected sheep, and to identify factors affecting initiation and maintenance of infection on the farm. The study was conducted on 91 farms, purposively chosen from 41 randomly selected regional shires stratified by sheep number and rainfall zones. Twenty sheep were selected systematically from a mixed‐sex flock on each farm and tested for serum antibody to E ovis using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Information on putative risk factors was collected using an interview questionnaire. Antibody to E ovis was detected in 4.5% of sheep on 47% of the farms sampled. The prevalence of E ovis infection in sheep was estimated at the 95% confidence level to be between 3.6 and 5.5%, and the prevalence of farms with infected sheep was estimated to be between 37.5 and 56.5%. Most farms with serological evidence of infection occurred in the Great Southern agricultural region (79.5%), south‐east of Perth through to Albany (latitude 32 to 34°S, longitude 116 to 120°E), and in the Northern region (12.8%) surrounding Geraldton (latitude 29°S, longitude 114°E). There were significantly more farms (P<.05) with evidence of infection in the Great Southern region compared to the Central region between Geraldton and Perth, and on farms in the region south compared to north of latitude 32°S. None of the putative risk factors examined in the questionnaire were associated with serological evidence of infection on the farm. The presence of E ovis infection in weaner sheep was largely unrecognised by farmers.
An experimental evaluation of castellated laryngofissure and bilateral arytenoid literalisation for the relief of laryngeal paralysis in dogs
Authors: BURBIDGE HM , GOULDEN BE , JONES BR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 2 surgical procedures for providing an adequate laryngeal airway in dogs after surgically induced laryngeal paralysis. The laryngeal function of 10 healthy, adult experimental dogs was assessed by clinical examination, laryngoscopy, arterial blood gas measurement and analysis of tidal breathing flow‐volume loops before, and after, bilateral recurrent laryngeal neurectomy. A castellated laryngofissure with vocal fold resection was done on 5 dogs and bilateral arytenoid cartilage lateralisation performed on the remaining 5 dogs. Six weeks later, the laryngeal function of the 10 dogs was reassessed, before the dogs were killed and a necropsy performed. The visible changes in laryngeal structure were recorded.

Both surgical procedures alleviated some of the airway obstruction caused by the bilateral recurrent laryngeal neurectomy, but bilateral arytenoid cartilage lateralisation produced more consistent clinical improvement, a wider rima glottidis, increased inspiratory air flow and a significant increase in post‐operative arterial oxygen tension.
Chloramphenicol 4. Responsible topical use in ophthalmology
Authors: BLOGG JR
Published: March 2008

Chloramphenicol has gained widespread use in the topical treatment of ocular infections. The rationale for this use was based on the ability of chloramphenicol to penetrate the cornea and enter the anterior segment, together with its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. However, routine use in corneal ulceration or keratitis is not desirable. Hypopyon, when present, is usually sterile. Concerns about human exposure to chloramphenicol and its recent prohibition of use in food‐producing animals, raise the need to review its indications and discuss alternatives. The role of chloramphenicol in ocular therapeutics is examined in this article.
Infection of pigs with transmissible gastroenteritis virus from contaminated carcases
Authors: FORMAN AJ
Published: March 2008

Sixteen 6‐month‐old pigs were exposed to transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus by placing them in close contact with piglets infected at 1 week of age. Fourteen of the older pigs were slaughtered between 1 and 5 d after exposure to infection and their carcases dressed in simulated abattoir conditions. Samples of muscle, bone marrow and carcase lymph nodes were stored at ‐25°C for at least 30 d and then homogenised and fed to groups of 1‐week‐old and 3‐week‐old pigs. Four of 12 one‐week‐old pigs died and TGE virus was isolated from intestinal contents of one of these. All pigs of both age groups developed neutralising antibody to TGE virus over the ensuing 4 w. The results indicate that carcases from pigs infected with TGE virus can represent a source of infection for susceptible pigs given access to them.
The survival of platypuses in captivity
Authors: WHITTINGTON RJ
Published: March 2008

Data are presented on the duration of survival of 228 platypuses at six Australian zoos between 1934 and 1988. Only 22.4% of all platypuses survived more than 1 year in captivity. Of 15 living platypuses, 3 had been held in captivity for less than 1 year, 5 for between 1 and 5 years, 6 for between 5 and 10 years and 1 for 21 years. Of 213 platypuses that died in captivity, 81.7% had died within 1 year; most within the first month. The duration of survival was unrelated to the age of animals at acquisition or to sex. The survival rate of animals donated to zoos, including “refugees”, was similar to that of purpose‐caught animals. Clearly, only a small proportion of platypuses adapted to captive husbandry. The cause of death of most platypuses was not established. However, infectious disease did not appear to be significant. Approximately 28% of deaths were related to inadequate husbandry. Recommendations are made to improve the survival of platypuses in captivity. Research has commenced in zoos to facilitate this goal.
Successful treatment of mycoplasmosis in layer chickens with single dose therapy
Authors: ARZEY GG , ARZEY KE
Published: March 2008

The efficacy of treatment with single dose administration of 5 drugs at different dosages to layer hens naturally infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum was studied. The drugs were tiamulin, which was administered orally, tylosin (parenterally and orally), spiramycin (orally), long‐acting oxytetracycline (parenterally) and tylosin‐dihydrostreptomycin (parenterally). Cure was assessed by the absence of nasal discharge. The cure rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in treated hens than in untreated hens, as early as 1 day after treatment. Remission for 33 days was achieved in 60% of hens treated with 100 mg oxytetracycline, in 100% of hens treated with 100 mg or 200 mg spiramycin, in 92% and 85% of hens treated with 100 mg tylosin, parenterally and orally, and in 89% and 88% of birds given 100 mg tiamulin and tylosin‐dihydrostreptomycin, respectively.
Adverse drug reactions: Report of the Australian Veterinary Association Adverse Drug Reaction Subcommittee, 1992
Authors: MADDISON JE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Fifty‐nine reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were received by the Adverse Drug Reaction Subcommittee of the Australian Veterinary Association from February 1991‐March 1992 inclusive. The number of reports received/number of animals involved per species was: dogs (23/24); cats (20/30); horses (4/4); cattle (7/10); sheep (3/745); poultry (1/580); pigs (1/8). Of these, 38 (64%) were classified as definite ADRs and 9 (15%) as probable ADRs. In 10 (17%) reports an ADR could not be substantiated or there was insufficient information available to make a decision. Two reports involved veterinarians inadvertently overdosing animals.

Eighteen reports involved apparent hypersensitivity reactions and 6 reports involved probable drug interactions. Four reports involved the use of drugs at appropriate doses but in inappropriate clinical situations, and 3 reports were associated with ‘off‐label’ use.
Benign footrot – an epidemiological investigation into the occurrence, effects on production, response to treatment and influence of environmental factors
Authors: GLYNN T
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYBenign footrot was studied in 1 1/2‐years‐old Merinos on 2 farms in central Victoria from September 1987 to August 1990, Inclusive. Treatment groups of 100 sheep grazed together with the remaining untreated sheep. Inspections were carried out every 3 weeks during the spring transmission period until the number of lesions greater than score 2 dropped below 3%. At each inspection, each sheep was weighed and lesion scores for each foot and digit were recorded, the treated group of sheep was treated by standing in 20% (w/v) zinc sulphate‐sodium lauryl sulphate for 1 hour, and bacteriological samples were randomly collected from 5 sheep with and 5 without lesions.Dichelobacter nodosusorganisms were obtained from sheep in both groups.

Laboratory tests indicated benign organisms in flock A and low virulence, intermediate organisms in flock B. During the first 2 years, the number and severity of lesions were greater in flock A than in flock B. However, in the third year, with an early ‘autumn break’, there was a rapid and severe outbreak of footrot in flock B; 98% of the flock had lesions at the first inspection in July 1989. Flock A had a less dramatic increase in lesions of footrot. Both treated and untreated groups in flock B recovered rapidly between the third and fourth inspections. A later increase in lesions for both flocks coincided with damage caused by barley grass seeds. During this period there was a significant difference (P / 0.001) in body weight between the treated and untreated sheep on farm B. An extra 0.2 kg of skirted fleece was obtained from treated sheep when shorn in 1990, compared with the untreated group (P = 0.04). Treated sheep had fewer tender fleeces, 11% compared with 25%. Wool from the untreated group was 0.5 micron finer but the value was 1.79 a head (7%) less than that from the treated group.
Phosphorus supplements and fluorosis in cattle—a northern Australian experience
Authors: JUBB TF , ANNAND TE , MAIN DC , MURPHY GM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Chronic fluoride toxicosis caused lameness, dental lesions and illthrift in an extensive beef cattle herd in northern Australia. Up to 15% of the herd was lame and the disease forced the culling of large numbers of cows. The source of fluoride was fertiliser‐grade monoammonium and diammonlum phosphate fed as part of a mineral supplement. Large quantities of mineral supplement were provided to the cattle because lameness was attributed to phosphorus deficiency, which is endemic in the area. Most lameness developed in the late dry season in the post‐lactation phase. Severe lameness was caused by fractured pedal bones.
A survey of neurological diseases in horses
Authors: TYLER CM , DAVIS RE , BEGG AP , HUTCHINS DR , HODGSON DR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Case records of 450 horses with signs of neurological disease are reviewed. One hundred and nineteen horses with neurological disease due to trauma were examined, of which 60 were due to spinal cord trauma, 47 to brain or cranial nerve trauma and 12 to peripheral nerve trauma. Cervical vertebral fractures/trauma were the most common injury. Basisphenold/basloccipital bone fractures were the most common form of cranial trauma and facial nerve paralysis the most common cranial nerve injury. Eighty‐nine horses with neurological disease due to malformation were examined. Cervical vertebral malformation occurred in 83 horses and congenital defects in 6 foals. Neurological disease due to inflammation or infection occurred in 30 horses. The most common disease of this type was meningitis, which occurred in 11 horses and foals. Neoplasms in the CNS caused neurological disease in 8 horses. The final category was miscellaneous neurological disease, which was diagnosed in 204 horses. Diseases in this category included neonatal (28 cases), toxic/metabolic (27 cases), idiopathic (133 cases), degenerative (3 cases) and other neurological diseases (13 cases). The most common condition was idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia (116 cases).

Where possible, diagnosis relied on a thorough neurological examination with use of ancillary tests in selected cases including rhinolaryngoscopy, radiography, myelography, ophthalmoscopy and cerebrospinal fluid analysis when indicated. In many cases necropsy and histopathological confirmation or diagnosis was necessary.
Epidemiology of salmonellosis in the live sheep export industry
Authors: HIGGS ARE , NORRIS RT , RICHARDS RB
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYSalmonellosis in sheep was studied on 7 commercial voyages from Australia to the Middle East and in one animal house study. Faecal excretion of salmonellas was not a good indicator of pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract. The ratio of the proportion of sheep excreting salmonellas to the proportion with histological lesions of salmonellosis ranged from 1:1 to 23:1.

Increasing excretion rates in our studies indicated that most sheep would be exposed to infection, although deaths from salmonellosis were not spatially or temporally clustered as would be expected if challenge alone was a sufficient cause. We considered that inappetence predisposed to death from salmonellosis, and that sheep with inappetence were likely to be randomly distributed aboard ship.

In the animal house study, histological lesions of salmonellosis were exclusively in inappetent sheep although almost all sheep excreted salmonellas in faeces. Lesions of salmonellosis were found only in sheep that were seriously ill or had died, which suggested that, under the conditions of lot‐feeding and sea transport, most sheep with enteric lesions are likely to die. Lesions were not found in feeding controls.

Adrenal gland weights, an indicator of stress duration and severity, were used to examine the temporal sequence of events in the development of salmonellosis. Weights were greater in sheep that died of inanition than in controls, suggesting that inappetent sheep were already stressed for that reason. The presence of enteric lesions of salmonellosis was associated with further increases in adrenal gland weights. In a small proportion of cases, septicaemic salmonellosis developed rapidly and without adrenal gland hypertrophy suggesting that the sheep succumbed before the adrenal glands had time to enlarge.

We concluded that sheep were predisposed to salmonellosis by inappetence and that stress was involved in lesion development. We considered that the development of enteric lesions of salmonellosis, in the live export system, inevitably led to death.
Tuberculosis in wild seals and characterisation of the seal bacillus
Authors: COUSINS DV , WILLIAMS SN , REUTER R. , FORSHAW D. , CHADWICK B. , COUGHRAN D. , COLLINS P. , GALES N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 3 otariid seals found dead on beaches at 3 locations on the south coast of Western Australian between May 1990 and March 1991. This confirms that tuberculosis is present in the 2 native seals (Neophoca cinerea and Arctocephalus forsteri) in Western Australian waters. Mycobacterium sp isolated from the lungs of 2 of the seals were studied to determine the similarity of the strains to each other, to the strains isolated during 1986 from Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals kept in captivity at a marine park near Perth, Western Australia, and to a strain isolated in 1988 from a seal trainer who worked with the infected captive seals for 3 years. After restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) with the endonucleases Bst Ell, Bcl I and Pvu II, one of the wild seal strains appeared to have identical DNA fragment patterns to the strains from the captive seals and the seal trainer. The other wild seal isolate had identical REA profiles using Bst EII and Bcl I, but a minor difference was detected using Pvu II. Differences in these isolates were more clearly seen in restriction fragment length polymorphisms after hybridisation with two DNA probes. The secretory protein MPB70, present in M bovis, was not detected in wild seal isolates using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting techniques. Analysis of protein and DNA fragment profiles indicated that seal tuberculosis isolates form a unique cluster within the M tuberculosis complex.
Clinical, diagnostic and biochemical features of generalised glycogenosis type II in Brahman cattle
Authors: REICHMANN KG , TWIST JO , THISTLETHWAITE EJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Clinical, diagnostic and biochemical features of generalised glycogenosis are described In 96 Brahman‐type calves. Typically the calves were presented when about 6 months of age, with III‐thrift and muscular weakness as the most common signs. Acidic α‐glucosidase activity was reduced in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skeletal muscle. Muscle glycogen concentration was consistently higher in affected animals than In clinically normal cattle. Other observations in affected calves Included elevation of serum aspartate amlnotransferase and creatine kinase activities and excessive amounts of high molecular weight oligosaccharides in urine. Fine cytoplasmic vacuolation of neurones In the brain and spinal cord, skeletal muscle, myocardlum and of Purkinje fibres were consistent histological observations. Periodic acid‐Schlff staining revealed the presence of glycogen‐like material In peripheral blood lymphocytes of all affected calves, Indicating that this is a useful aid for the diagnosis of glycogenosis. While 3 of the 96 calves showed somewhat different clinical signs, the similarity of pathology and the biochemical and clinical evidence in the remainder suggested that, In these animals, the disease was expressed as a single syndrome.
Oesophageal compliance in naturally occurring canine megaoesophagus
Authors: HOLLAND CT , SATCHELL PM , FARROW BRH
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The passive blomechanical property of oesophageal compliance (OC) was measured in 8 naturally occurring cases of canine megaoesophagus, 8 matched control and 7 vagotomised control dogs. Of the 8 dogs with megaoesophagus, 6 had congenital Idiopathic megaoesophagus and 2 had secondary megaoesophagus attributable to generalised skeletal muscle disease. Stepwise distension of the whole oesophagus was employed for measurement of OC at the 4.0 and 8.0 mL/kg Injected volume steps within the control volume range (0 to 12.0 mL/kg). At both Injected volume steps OC was higher In megaoesophagus dogs than in either matched control or vagotomised control dogs (P / 0.01 In both cases), and no significant difference was observed In OC between matched control and vagotomised control dogs. No correlation was demonstrated between OC and the estimated duration of clinical signs of dogs with megaoesophagus. These findings suggest that In most cases of canine megaoesophagus the viscoelastic properties of the oesophageal wall are significantly altered, that In such cases the disorder is unlikely to be purely dynamic and that processes other than the duration of oesophageal dilatation are responsible for the alteration in oesophageal wall blomechanical properties. The relevance of these findings to current concepts on pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the evolution and resolution of various forms of canine megaoesophagus Is discussed.
Seroprevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease in wild psittacine birds in New South Wales
Authors: RAIDAL SR , McELNEA CL , CROSS GM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA haemagglutination inhibition assay was used to detect antibody to psittacine beak and feather disease virus in sera from wild sulphur crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), galahs (Eolophus roseicapillus), short‐billed corellas (Cacatua sanguinea), eastern long‐billed corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris) and other psittacine birds in New South Wales. The seroprevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease ranged from 41% to 94% in different flocks, indicating infection with the virus is widespread in wild populations.