bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canine congenital portosystemic encephalopathy
Authors: MADDISON JE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The case records of 21 dogs with congenital portosystemic encephalopathy are reviewed. The disorder was most common in Australian cattledogs (blue heelers; 8 cases), Old English sheepdogs (3 cases) and Maltese terriers (3 cases). Extra‐hepatic shunts occurred in small breeds, with the exception of 1 cattledog, while intra‐hepatic shunts occurred in the medium to large breeds.

The most common clinical pathology abnormalities were abnormal ammonia tolerance, mild to moderate increases in plasma alanine aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase concentrations, decreased total serum protein concentrations, increased fasting ammonia concentrations and ammonium biurate crystalluria.

Radiological examination revealed that all the dogs had a small liver. The kidneys were enlarged in 5 of 10 dogs in which kidney size could be estimated.

Surgical ligation of an extra‐hepatic shunt was successful in 2 of 4 dogs in which it was attempted. Medical management resulted in alleviation of clinical signs in 5 of 8 dogs. The period of successful treatment ranged from a few months to over a year.
Chemotherapy of paramphistornosis in sheep
Authors: ROLFE P F , BORAY J C
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Controlled trials were used to assess the efficacy of various anthelmintics against immature and adult paramphistomes in 75 experimentally or naturally infected sheep.

Albendazole (20 mg/kg), praziquantel (10 mg/kg), nitroxynil (10 mg/kg) triclabendazole (10 and 100 mg/kg), profenophos (25 mg/kg) and netobimin (15 mg/kg) had little or no activity against adult or immature fluke. Niclosamide at 100 mg/kg had high efficacy (99%) against intestinal fluke but none against adult fluke. A 2‐ tertiary‐butyl benzthiazole compound (CGA 72630) at 25 mg/kg and resorantel at 65 mg/kg had very high efficacy against both adult and immature fluke in the rumen and small intestine respectively.

The efficacy of other anthelmintics which have been used against paramphistomes in sheep is reviewed.
Calving rates of Brahman and Brahman‐cross cows to fixed‐time insemination after treatment with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and intravaginal progesterone
Authors: MUNRO R K
Published: March 2008

Summary: In 2 experiments involving 151 non‐lactating and 107 lactating Brahman or Brahman‐cross cows, the effects of progesterone treatments (PRID) of 2 durations (7 ⊻ 14 days) and injections of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) at 3 doses (O ⊻ 375 ⊻ 750 IU) were examined. All cows were inseminated with frozen/thawed semen 54 to 58 and 70 to 74 hours after PRID removal. Calving rates of non‐lactating cows (38%) were unaffected by breed or treatment but were higher in previously cyclic than acyclic cows (44%⊻ 19%, P < 0.025) and in cows which exhibited oestrus after treatment (52%⊻ 23%, P < 0.001). Calving rates of lactating cows were not affected by these factors but were affected by treatment; PMSG produced no significant effect after a 7‐day PRID treatment (33% overall) but increased calving rates after 14‐day PRID treatments (22%⊻ 46%⊻ 37% for 0, 375 and 750 IU respectively, P < 0.10).

Comparisons of calving rates of lactating cows treated with 14‐day PRID and PMSG and artificially inseminated, and untreated naturally mated cows, showed that treatment significantly increased the proportion of cows conceiving in the first 35 days of the mating period (50%⊻ 23%, P < 0.025). The results show that treatment with PRID for 14 days and PMSG can overcome post‐partum anoestrus in lactating Brahman and Brahman‐cross cows leading to significant reductions in the calving to conception interval.
Practical experience with commercial embryo transfer in pigs
Authors: CAMERON RDA. , DURACK M. , FOGARTY R. , PUTRA DKH. , McVEIGH J.
Published: March 2008

Embryo transfer was used to introduce new genetic material into 5 commercial specific‐pathogen‐free pig herds in south eastern Queensland in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The embryos were collected surgically from gilts and sows and transferred surgically to synchronised recipient sows on the farms within 12 h. A total of 751 embryos were collected from 37 donors of which 665 were transferred to 39 recipients. Thirty‐one (79.5%) farrowed with an average litter size of 8.1 ± 3.0. The methods used to synchronise oestrus and superovulate the donors, together with a detailed description of the surgical technique are presented and discussed in relation to practical problems and limitations of the use of embryo transfer in swine.
Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo is not a major cause of bovine abortion in Victoria
Authors: CHAPPEL RJ. , MILLAR BD. , ADLER B. , HILL J. , JEFFERS MJ. , JONES RT. , McCAUGHAN CJ. , MEAD LJ. , SKILBECK NW.
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to determine whether evidence could be obtained of foetal infection with Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in aborted foetuses collected from dairy farms. Material from 197 abortions occurring over a wide area of Victoria was collected over 3 years. None of 195 foetal kidney cultures or 7 cultures from membranes was positive for lep‐tospiral organisms. Immunogold silver staining for leptospires was performed on sections of kidneys, lungs or heart from 156 foetuses, with negative results. Evidence of transient lep‐tospiral infection in 11 of 123 foetuses was obtained by foetal heart blood serology.

Two isolates of L. interrogans serovar hardjo were obtained from the urine of milking cows. These strains were examined by restriction endonuclease analysis and both were shown to be of the genotype Hardjobovis, as have been all Australian isolates studied so far.

It appears that foetal infection with serovar hardjo is not associated with any substantial proportion of bovine abortions in Victoria, in contrast to the situation in Northern Ireland. The apparent absence from Victoria of the pathogenic genotype Hardjoprajitno is a possible explanation.
Nutritional myopathy in goats
Authors: ROSS AD. , GEE CO. , JACKSON ARB. , HALL E. , GREENTREE PL.
Published: March 2008

A nutritional myopathy in unwearied fibre goats aged 2 to 4 mths is described in 3 flocks from the tablelands of New South Wales. Clinically affected animals were illthrifty and incirculatory failure odor to being found dead. At necropsy, there was pronounced ascites, pulmonary congestion and marked mottling of the liver. Chalky white streaks and patches were obvious in the myocardium, particularly in the right ventricular wall. Skeletal muscles varied from grossly normal to generally pale. Histologically, the myocardium exhibited areas of severe acute myonecrosis with mineralisation and adjoining areas of phagocytosis and fibrosis. In 2 of 3 flocks, some skeletal muscles showed a mild subacute myopathy. Marked hepatic congestion extended to periacinar haemorrhage and necrosis in some areas. Dietary Imbalances of selenium, vitamin E and polyunsatured fatty acids were probable factors in the pathogenesis of the condition.
Functional and morphological studies on blood platelets in a thrombasthenic horse
Authors: SUTHERLAND RJ. , CAMBRIDGE H. , BOLTON JR.
Published: March 2008

A four‐year‐old Standardbred gelding presented with a 3.5 year history of intermittent epistaxis and spontaneous submucosal petechiae and ecchymoses in the nares and the mouth. Routine haematological and biochemical examinations were unremarkable. A thrombocytopathy was suspected when activated partial thromboplastin time, one stage prothrombin time, plasma fibrinogen and the platelet count were all normal. The patient's platelets failed to aggregate with serotonin, adenosine diphosphate, collagen (at 20μg/ml) or the endoperoxide analogue U46619. Very high levels of collagen (100μg/ml) did cause aggregation. The response to the calcium ionophore A23187 was reduced and although complete degranulation occurred the resulting aggregates were unstable. Thromboxane generation in response to collagen and ADP was inferred from the concentration of its stable metabolite thromboxane B2 and was reduced. A diagnosis of a thrombasthenia‐like syndrome possibly equivalent to Type II Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in people was made.
Virulence and transmissibility of Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Authors: SOERIPTO  , WHITHEAR KG , COTTEW GS , HARRIGAN KE
Published: March 2008

The virulence of 4 low passage strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum obtained from different sources within Australia was studied by experimental infection of chickens. Strain Ap3AS, originally isolated from the air sac of a broiler chicken, produced severe air sac lesions following injection into the abdominal air sacs of 2‐week or 3‐week‐old chickens, and adult hens. Strain 80083 which was isolated from a clinically normal broiler breeder hen was also capable of producing gross air sac lesions following intra‐abdominal (IA) injection, although it did so less consistently than strain Ap3AS. Strain 82078 isolated from a layer hen and strain QXO which was isolated from a turkey were also moderately pathogenic in terms of the incidence and severity of lesions elicited following IA injection. Strains Ap3AS and 80083 both caused a substantial loss of egg production over a 5 week period after IA infection of 27‐week‐old hens. Neither strain Ap3AS nor 80083 caused gross lesions or loss of egg production when administered alone into the upper respiratory tract. However, when inoculated into the conjunctival sac in combination with the Vic S strain of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains Ap3AS and 80083 produced identical clinical signs of conjunctivitis. The mean numbers of M. gallisepticum in tracheal washings were significantly higher 2 weeks after infection in the group receiving strain 80083 in combination with IBV than in the group infected with strain Ap3AS and IBV (p<0.01). However, the latter group had significantly more mycoplasma in tracheal washings 2 weeks after infection that did the groups infected with either 80083 or Ap3AS strains without IBV (p<0.01). There were no significant differences between any 2 groups in the numbers of mycoplasma in tracheal washings taken at one, 3, 4 or 5 weeks after infection. Strain 80083 was substantially less pathogenic after 50 passages in broth medium and after 100 passages it was almost completely apathogenic when inoculated into the air sacs of susceptible chickens.

Susceptible groups of birds placed in contact with chickens during acute phase infection with strain 80083 had M. gallisepticum serum antibody as soon as 4 weeks later. In an equivalent group exposed to strain Ap3AS, 16 weeks elapsed before M. gallisepticum antibody was detected. M. gallisepticum was isolated from 20 out of 61 (32.8%) fertile eggs laid by hens infected intra‐abdominally with strain 80083. Egg transmission was not detected in any embryo derived from hens infected intra‐abdominally with strain Ap3AS.
Immunoglobulin containing cells in normal and inflamed accessory sex glands of bulls
Authors: CAMPERO CM , LADDS PW , HOFFMANN D. , DE'ATH G.
Published: March 2008

The peroxidase‐antiperoxidase (PAP) technique was used to identify cytoplasmic immunoglobulins in the accesssory sex glands of 15 normal bulls and 13 bulls with inflammation of the ASG. Immunoglobulin containing cells (ICC) of the types IgA, IgM, total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 were measured and their percentages expressed. In accessory sex glands from normal bulls, IgA containing cells were the most frequent in prostate and bulbourethral glands (86.7% and 86.1%, respectively of all ICC present) whereas in the ampulla, IgG containing cells comprised 78.6% of the ICC. IgG, and IgG2 containing cells were present in all the accessory sex glands in approximately equal numbers. Frequencies of IgM containing cells in the ampulla, prostate and bulbourethral glands were 6.3%, 4.0% and 3.7%, respectively. Although all isotypes of ICC were present in the seminal vesicle, the very low number precluded accurate quantification. In inflamed ampulla, seminal vesicle, bulbourethral gland and colliculus seminalis, IgG containing cells were the most frequent ICC with values of 66.2%, 83.0%, 69.0% and 53.5%, respectively; IgA containing cells were the second in prevalence with values of 21.5%, 10.3% 19.3% and 40.5%, respectively. The contribution of ICC to the locally protective immunoglobulins in accessory sex gland secretions is discussed.
A positive association between resistance to ovine footrot and particular lymphocyte antigen types
Authors: OUTTERIDGE PM , STEWART DJ , SKERMAN TM , DUFTY JH , EGERTON JR , FERRIER G. , MARSHALL DJ
Published: March 2008

The distribution of 12 Class I ovine lymphocyte antigens (OLA) was examined in 4 flocks of sheep vaccinated against and/or challenged with Bacteroides nodosus, the transmitting agent of footrot.

In a flock of 47 Corriedales in New Zealand, which had been specially bred for resistance to footrot, a higher frequency (70.2%) of OLA type SY6 was found compared with 42.9% in 49 unselected Corriedale sheep (P = 0.001) The serum antibody response of 12 selected Corriedale ewes was compared with that of 12 unselected ewes of the same age after vaccination with a multivalent footrot vaccine and the selected ewes had significantly (P = 0.01) higher agglutinin titres than the unselected ewes, 7 weeks after vaccination.

In 3 trials involving 108, 120 and 135 Australian Merinos in Victoria, SYlb was associated with a reduction in the number of feet affected with severe footrot (P = 0.05, P = 0.01, P = 0.02) and in 2 of the trials there was a relationship between SY6 and high vaccinal agglutinin titres. This SY6 effect was evident in the first trial 31 days after primary vaccination (P = 0.05) and again 20 days later after secondary vaccination (P = 0.01). In the second trial, when the sheep were vaccinated 49 days after challenge, an association was again found between SY6 and high agglutinin titres (P = 0.05) after primary but not after secondary vaccination.

Exposure of 157 vaccinated Merino rams to B. nodosus during a footrot outbreak in New South Wales also showed an association between low infection and SY6 and SYlb.

Field challenge of 130 Merino wethers in another independent trial again showed significant associations between low footscore and SYlb at 4 weeks (P = 0.05), 7 months (P = 0.02) and 12 months (P = 0.05) after challenge.

The results suggest that lymphocyte antigen type is a significant factor in the susceptibility or resistance of sheep to footrot and the evidence reported here implies that SY6 is associated with high responsiveness to vaccination and SYlb with resistance to footrot.
The extent and cause of perinatal lamb mortality in 3 flocks of Merino sheep
Authors: JORDAN DJ , LE FEUVRE AS
Published: March 2008

Autopsies were performed on lamb carcases from 2 groups of Merino ewes lambing in paddocks in spring 1978 and from 1 group lambing in pens in 1980 in southwest Queensland. These showed that the main causes of death were starvation due to failure of the lamb to obtain milk, problems at parturition causing death during or shortly after birth and, in some cases, predation.

The majority of lambs died within 1 week of birth with the highest mortalities occurring in the lighter lambs. In the pen study, mean birth weight of lambs that died was 3.0 (s.d. =±0.5) kg. The mean daily weight loss of lambs that died of starvation in the pens was 0.22 kg and the mean loss to autopsy was 0.35 kg.

In the pen study, there were more lamb deaths, deaths from starvation, mismothering and desertion in each of 2 groups fed a below maintenance ration than in an above maintenance group. More lambs died and more lamb deaths were due to starvation in a group with unsound udders than in a sound udder group.

The results are similar to those found by workers investigating perinatal lamb mortality in other areas. Their significance is discussed in relation to Merino sheep flocks in southwestern Queensland.
The magnitude of reproductive wastage to lamb marking in 30 Merino flocks in south‐west Queensland
Authors: JORDAN DJ , ORR DM , McMENIMAN NP , DUNLOP LB , EVENSON CJ
Published: March 2008

Thirty groups of Merino ewes in 6 districts of south‐west Queensland were studied between 1976 and 1985 to determine the magnitude of reproductive wastage to lamb marking. Relatively high pregnancy rates (77 to 100%, mean 93%) and a wide range of lamb marking percentages (10 to 115%, mean 78%) were recorded. The mean reproductive wastage due to failure to mate and failure to lamb was low (1.6 and 3.4% respectively) in 8 flocks where harnessed rams were used. This indicated that loss of lambs from birth to lamb marking was the major cause of reproductive wastage in most years.
Detecting benzimidazole resistance with faecal egg count reduction tests and in vitro assays
Authors: MARTIN PJ , ANDERSON N , JARRETT RG
Published: March 2008

Composite strains of Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia spp consisting of 0, 1, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, and 100% of known resistant strains were prepared and tested for benzimidazole resistance using faecal egg count reduction tests, in vitro egg hatch assays and tubulin binding assays. All tests detected resistance where the proportion of the resistant strain in the composite was 50% or more, whereas none of the tests unequivocally detected resistance below 25%. Egg count reduction tests were no less sensitive than the in vitro tests in detecting low levels of resistance but the egg hatch and tubulin binding assays provided a better quantitative estimate of moderate to high levels of resistance. Faecal egg count reduction therefore, provides a suitable means of detecting resistance in the field but tests, more sensitive to low levels of resistance are required. Results indicate that the use of post‐treatment counts alone provides an adequate indication of anthelmintic efficiency.
Induction of heat stress in beef cattle by feeding the ergots of Claviceps purpurea
Authors: ROSS AD , BRYDEN WL , BAKAU W , BURGESS LW
Published: March 2008

Summary: Two groups of 4 Hereford steers were housed in a controlled environment room and exposed to simulated high summer temperatures. Both groups were fed a barley grain and hay diet ad libitum. The barley in one diet contained 0.5% w/w ergots of Claviceps purpurea.
Influence of head posture on the respiratory tract of healthy horses
Authors: RACKLYEFT DJ , LOVE DN
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Twenty four normal, confined mares were unable to lower their heads for 24 or 48 h. In 21 mares this resulted in increases in the proportion of neutrophils and/or numbers of bacteria in transtracheal aspirates. In eight mares the changes in tracheal washes were accompanied by clinical evidence of mild respiratory disease. In three additional cases respiratory signs were accompanied by systemic illness. These changes reversed once the mares were able to lower their heads. Haematological changes (absolute neutrophilia and/or hyperfibrinogenaemia) were mild and occurred more commonly in horses restrained for 48 h.

The results suggest that keeping the heads of healthy horses raised leads to an increased bacterial burden in their tracheobronchial secretions. These changes appeared to be related to head posture effects and not simply confinement in stocks. These findings give further weight to the theory that postural drainage may facilitate clearance of bacteria from the tracheobronchial tree. The possible relevance of such findings to post‐transportation pneumonia in horses is discussed.
Fertility of sows mated on different days of the week
Authors: LOVE RJ , WILSON MR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The farrowing rates resulting from matings on different days of the week were determined for a 2800‐sow intensive piggery in both 1983 and 1984. The results showed that sows mated early in the week achieved a significantly higher farrowing rate than sows mated late in the week (P <0.000l). During the seasonal (summer to autumn) infertility period, Wednesday matings resulted in a poor farrowing rate whereas for the rest of the year farrowing rates following Wednesday matings were similar to those for Sunday Monday and Tuesday matings. Consistent results were obtained for data from both years.

It is proposed that the stress of regrouping unmated sows on Wednesday to accommodate newly weaned sows is responsible for this decrease in fertility.

This study illustrates how detailed analysis of farrowing rates on a day of mating basis can identify a problem which is otherwise masked by weekly data.
The pathology of Johne's disease in sheep
Authors: CARRIGAN MJ , SEAMAN JT
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The clinical, gross and histopathological findings in 50 sheep affected with Johne's disease are described. Clinically 90% were emaciated and 20% showed severe diarrhoea. On necropsy there was thickening of the walls of the intestines, particularly of the ileum, caecum and less frequently the jejunum, but in 36% of sheep the changes were only mild. Histologically there was a granulomatous enteritis, typhlitis and colitis, with the most severe changes in the terminal ileum. High numbers of acid‐fast organisms were present in the terminal ileum in over 70% of sheep. Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was cultured from only 8% of the sheep examined.
Measurement of antibody in serum and genital fluids of bulls by ELISA after vaccination and challenge with Tritrichomonas foetus
Authors: CAMPERO CM , HIRST RG , LADDS PW , VAUGHAN JA , EMERY DL , WATSON DL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for detecting antibody to Tritrichomonas foetus using both whole cell antigen (WCA) and membrane protein antigen (MPA). The test was used to detect specific antibody in serum, preputial washings and seminal plasma samples from 7 adult bulls which were vaccinated subcutaneously on 3 occasions with a membrane protein vaccine against T. foetus var brisbane in an oil adjuvant, and from 4 unvaccinated control animals. One month after administration of the third dose of vaccine, vaccinated and control bulls were repeatedly challenged with the live vaccine strain of the T. foetus. A steady increase in serum antibody titre was detected after each inoculation of vaccine when both antigens were used in the ELISA. However, MPA was more sensitive. After challenge, vaccinated bulls developed an increased titre. No specific antibody was detected in control bulls, except in one bull after challenge in which seroconversion was detected. The serum antibody titres of both groups of animals were also measured with the microagglutination test which proved less sensitive than the ELISA.

Antibody titres to both antigens, although lower than in serum, were detected in the seminal plasma of vaccinated animals. The control bulls remained non‐responsive. No antibody was detected by ELISA in preputial washings from either control or vaccinated bulls prior to challenge. Post‐challenge, some of the vaccinated bulls were responsive with both antigens whereas the control bulls remained negative.
Streptococcus suis serotypes associated with disease in weaned pigs
Authors: GOGOLEWSKI RP , COOK RW , O'CONNELL CJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Streptococcus suis was recovered from 9 outbreaks of septicaemia and meningitis in weaned pigs between 1979 and 1983. Fifteen isolates from 7 outbreaks were identified as S. suis type 9, and 3 isolates from 2 outbreaks as S. suis type 2. Three further isolates of S. suis type 2 and an isolate of S. suis type 3 were recovered from cases of bronchopneumonia in weaned pigs from 4 other piggeries.
Antigenic stability of fimbriae of Bacteroides nodosus
Authors: MOORE LJ , CROWE AT , NORMAN M , KRISTO CL , EGERTON JR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Successful vaccination of sheep against footrot and attempts to eradicate the disease depend on there being a limit to the antigenic diversity of the causative bacterium, Bacteroides nodosus. Fimbrial antigenic variation was therefore investigated in vivo, both under conditions of chronic infection and under the pressure of a vaccine‐induced immune response, to ascertain whether this represented an obstacle to such goals. Material was available from 5 experiments and although B. nodosus appeared to have undergone changes in its fimbrial antigens in one of these, the possibility that superinfection was responsible for the variation detected could not be ruled out because all sheep in this case were maintained at pasture. Overall, the results provided no evidence of fimbrial antigenic shift in B. nodosus in vivo and in conclusion, the survival of the organism in the sheep's foot, both in long‐term natural infection and following vaccination, must therefore be related to factors other than the ability to undergo antigenic variation in order to evade the host's immune response.
Treatment of virulent footrot with lincomycin and spectinomycin
Authors: VENNING CM , CURTIS MA , EGERTON JR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A mixture of lincomycin and spectinomycin was investigated as a treatment for footrot in sheep. In a controlled clinical trial 92.5% of acute and chronic cases of virulent footrot were cured following a single intramuscular injection of a mixture containing 50 mg lincomycin and 100 mg spectinomycin/ml at a dose rate of 1 ml/10 kg bodyweight. No improvement in clinical response was observed in groups of sheep treated on 3 successive days with this dose rate nor in another group treated once at a dose rate 1 ml/3.3 kg bodyweight. Cure effectiveness of each of the 3 treatment groups relative to untreated controls was 89%, 95% and 95%.

Efficacy of lincomycin/spectinomycin was compared with that of penicillin/streptomycin in the treatment of footrot on 2 farms in south western New South Wales. Assessments made 14 to 17 d after treatment showed that on one farm all 122 ewes treated with lincomycin/spectinomycin had recovered while 170 of 175 ewes treated with penicillin/streptomycin recovered in the same period. On the second farm 87 of 90 ewes treated with lincomycin/spectinomycin recovered, compared with 184 of 190 sheep in the same flock treated with penicillin/streptomycin. Supportive footbathing did not seem to improve the clinical response in either treatment group and the paring done was sufficient only to establish diagnosis and to remove grossly overgrown horn.
The reproductive performance of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) in New South Wales
Authors: MULLEY RC , ENGLISH AW , KIRBY A
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Observations on the reproductive performance of fallow deer on 47 farms in New South Wales were made over 6 consecutive years. The minimum fawning rate for does varied significantly (p < 0.001) between years, the corresponding fawning percentages varying from 75.0% to 96.4%, with an overall mean of 88.8%. The weaning rate also varied significantly (p < 0.001) between years, the corresponding percentages varying from 65.0% to 89.1% with a mean over 6 years of 81.4%. Weaning rates were low given the known high fertility of fallow deer. The ratio of male to female fawns at weaning varied significantly (p < 0.05) between years, although the ratio was exactly 1:1 for all births recorded over the 6‐year period.

The mean birthweights for female and male fawns were 4.01 kg ± 0.61 (n=330) and 4.23 kg ± 0.72 (n=348) respectively. Mean birthweights varied significantly (p < 0.001) between the sexes and between years. There was a greater difference between birthweights of male and female fawns in years with higher mean fawn birthweight. Fawn birthweights generally approximated 10% of the pre‐rut weight of their mother. Handling of newborn fawns for tagging and weighting did not increase the chance of mismothering and rejection.

The mean weaning weight for doe fawns and buck fawns over 6 years was 18.7 kg (n=227) and 21.2 kg (n=231) respectively, with a mean birth to weaning interval of 108.4 ± 4.89 (n=458). Growth rates of male fawns from birth to weaning were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than for female fawns, and the growth rates of fawns were significantly different (p < 0.01) between years.

The mean pre‐rut weight of rising 2‐year‐old does was 36.7 kg ± 2.51 (n=87) and rose with age to between 40.4 and 48.6 kg for adult does (n=685).

This study demonstrates the potential for improving reproductive performance of farmed fallow deer through management practices designed to increase post‐natal survival of fawns. There was a positive correlation between low birthweight of fawns and lower than expected weaning percentages (r=0.86), and further investigation of the factors associated with depressed intrauterine growth of fallow fawns is required.
Genital pathology of feral male goats
Authors: TARIGAN S , LADDS PW , FOSTER RA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Genitalia from 1000 feral male goats derived from western Queensland and New South Wales were examined after slaughter at an abattoir and the prevalence of abnormalities determined. Ulcerative balanoposthitis, considered due to caprine herpesvirus infection, was observed in 11 animals (1.1%); acidophilic intranuclear inclusions were found in 7 of these. Other conditions included focal hypoplasia of seminiferous tubules in 2 bucks (0.2%), segmental aplasia of the epididymis (one buck, 0.1%), bulbourethral gland cysts with contained aggregations (33 bucks, 3.3%) and haemangiosarcoma of the bulbourethral gland in one animal. The low prevalence of several conditions such as spermatic granuloma, cryptorchidism, and testicular hypoplasia, was attributed largely to the fact that the bucks examined were horned so that the recognised association between genital abnormalities and polledness did not apply.
Yersinia species isolated from sheep with enterocolitis
Authors: PHILBEY AW , GLASTONBURY JRW , LINKS IJ , MATTHEWS LM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In 40 submissions to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory (RVL) Wagga Wagga from sheep in southern New South Wales from 1981 to 1989, 53 isolates of Yersinia sp were recovered from 45 sheep in 37 flocks. Of 53 isolates, 26 were identified as Y. pseudotuberculosis, 20 as Y. enterocolitica, 5 as Y. intermedia and 2 as Y. frederiksenii. Twelve isolates of Y. pseudotuberculosis tested in the slide agglutination test all belonged to serotype III. The 20 Y. enterocolitica isolates were categorised biochemically as biotype 5 strains and, of 6 isolates serotyped, all belonged to serogroup 2,3. Outbreaks of yersiniosis were most common in late winter and early spring and affected flocks often had experienced a change in husbandry. Infection with Yersinia sp was associated with diarrhoea, illthrift and mortality. At necropsy, congestion and occasionally thickening of the intestinal mucosa were observed in affected sheep. Gastrointestinal nematodiasis and coccidiosis often were concurrent findings. The characteristic histological lesion in sheep infected with Y. pseudotuberculosis was acute segmental suppurative erosive enterocolitis. There were no lesions consistently associated with Y. enterocolitica, Y. intermedia or Y. frederiksenii.
Immunisation against ovine caseous lymphadenitis: correlation between Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis toxoid content and protective efficacy in combined clostridial‐corynebacterial vaccines
Authors: EGGLETON DG , HAYNES JA , MIDDLETON HD , COX JC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Groups of sheep were dosed with vaccines containing Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis toxoid combined in varying amounts with 5 clostridial antigens. Resistance of the sheep to infection with C pseudotuberculosis was tested at 1, 6 and 12 months after vaccination by infection with pus from ovine lymph glands actively infected with C pseudotuberculosis. The outcome was assessed 3 months after challenge by slaughter and inspection of the sheep for caseous lymphadenitis lesions. Protection was demonstrated by a significant reduction in the proportion of immunised sheep exhibiting lesions compared with control sheep, and by fewer abscesses in affected immunised sheep than in affected control sheep. A positive correlation was found between amount of C pseudotuberculosis toxoid administered and degree of protection obtained. Chromatographically‐purified toxoid induced essentially the same protection, suggesting that anti‐toxic immunity is the major factor in protection.
Chronic cervical compressive myelopathy in horses: clinical correlations with spinal cord alterations
Authors: YOVICH JV , LeCOUTEUR RA , GOULD DH
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Histological examination was performed on the cervical spinal cord from 13 horses with chronic cervical compressive myelopathy of 4 to 29 months duration. Structural alterations were correlated with clinical features. At the level of compression, the spinal cord was grossly deformed. Histological alterations included nerve fibre swelling and degeneration, occasional spheroids, astrocytic gliosis, increased macrophage activity and increased perivascular collagen. Myelln degeneration or loss at the level of the compressive lesion was greatest in the ventral and lateral funiculi and less consistently present in the dorsal funiculi. Asymmetry of lesions in the dorsal funiculi was associated with asymmetry of clinical signs in 5 horses.

Histological alterations in areas of Wallerian degeneration were similar to that at the level of spinal cord compression, except that perivascular collagen was not increased. Wallerian degeneration was present cranial to the compressed site in the superficial portions of the lateral funiculi and in the middle of the dorsal funiculi. Caudal to the compressed site it was present in the ventral funiculi adjacent to the ventral median fissure and in the middle of the lateral funiculi.

Deformation of the spinal cord did not correlate with the severity or duration of clinical signs but was positively correlated with the amount of perivascular collagen Increase. The amount of nerve fibre swelling was not correlated with the severity of clinical signs but was negatively correlated with their duration.

A rapid loss of nerve fibres apparently occurred early in the course of compression, since there was a marked decrease in the amount of nerve fibre swelling and Marchi stained degenerating myelin with increasing clinical duration. Areas of severe myelin loss were demonstrable in osmium tetroxide post‐fixed sections. Identification of spinal cord deformation and perivascular collagen increase, as well as staining for myelin to demonstrate the topography of myelin loss, aid the diagnosis of this disease, since nerve fibre swelling and degeneration subside with time.
The humoral response in natural Dirofilaria immitis infections in dogs
Authors: TANAKA K. , ATWELL RB
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Plasma samples from dogs with infections of Dirofilaria Immitis were assessed using ELISA and Western blotting techniques. These results were then assessed in relation to age and sex of the host, and to the numbers of microfilariae and adult filariae. Dogs with microfilariae tended to have lower levels of infection. In infected dogs, mean ELISA titres increased directly with the degree of infection. Dogs that were either young or mildly infected, showed a preferential antibody reactivity to antigens in the high molecular weight regions of the immunoblots. With increasing age and/or the extent of infection, an antibody response to antigens in the low molecular weight regions was apparent.
Dealing with plant poisoning of livestock: the challenge in Queensland
Authors: McKENZIE RA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The current and possible future situation of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of plant poisoning of livestock in Queensland is reviewed. Topics discussed are livestock producers' perceptions, field investigation, plant identification, veterinary laboratory techniques and prevention through knowledge of poisonous species and the circumstances of poisoning. Also considered are management strategies for prevention including the manipulation of rumen flora and epidemiological approaches, therapies including immunisation, plant control and sources of information on poisonous plants and poisoning.
The effect of footrot on body weight and wool growth of sheep
Authors: MARSHALL DJ , WALKER RI , CULLIS BR , LUFF MF
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Body weight and traits associated with production of wool were measured over a 2‐year period between 1985 and 1987 in south‐western New South Wales in a flock of Merino wethers experimentally infected with footrot. The disease was allowed to spread freely amongst 150 of the flock but kept at very low prevalence in the remaining 50 by preventive footbathing during transmission periods.

Severe, underrunning footrot had a significant adverse effect on body weight, for each year of the trial. Body weight was most severely reduced at times of the year when footrot was spreading among animals and lesions were severe. The mean body weight of the infected group at the end of the 2 years of observation was 7.3 kg (11.6%) below that of the control group. Footrot also depressed wool growth, with the mean clean fleece weight of the infected group being 0.4 kg (8%) lighter than that of the controls at each of the 2 annual shearings. There were no consistent differences between the groups for the other wool characteristics measured.
Equine neural angiostrongylosis
Authors: WRIGHT JD , KELLY WR , HAMILTON J. , WADELL AH
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Verminous encephalomyelitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae was diagnosed in 2 foals at necropsy. The principal clinical feature was tetraparesis, although history and neurological examination revealed progressive and multifocal neurological disease. At presentation, a tentative diagnosis of parasitic larval migration involving the central nervous system (CNS), presumably due to Strongylus vulgaris, was proposed. Dissection of the spinal cord in one case resulted in recovery of intact larvae of both sexes of A. cantonensis. In both foals, histopathology of the brain and spinal cord revealed nematode sections which were consistent with A. cantonensis larvae.
Chlamydial infection in a colony of captive koalas
Authors: CANFIELD PJ , LOVE DN , MEARNS G. , FARRAM E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Forty three koalas in a captive colony were investigated for the presence of Chlamydia psittaci infection and associated disease. Swabs were taken from conjunctivae and urogenital sites for cell culture isolation of C psittaci and for cytological examination (direct smears) for chlamydial inclusions and evidence of inflammation. On the basis of cell culture isolation, 28 samples from 25 koalas were positive for C psittaci (that is, infected). Three koalas were positive from both sites, 5 from conjunctivae alone and 17 from urogenital sites alone, Seven of the 8 koalas with positive conjunctival swabs had overt signs of conjunctivitis, but only 3 of the 20 koalas with positive urogenital swabs had overt signs of ‘wet bottom’ (continual urine soiling due to cystitis) or purulent discharge. However, 5 of the 20 with positive urogenital swabs had past episodes of ‘wet bottom’. Moreover, examination of direct cytological smears showed evidence of inflammation (neutrophils) in 7 of 8 koalas with positive conjunctival swabs and 17 of 20 with positive urogenital swabs. Chlamydial inclusions were rarely identified with surety on direct cytological smears. In the 18 koalas without chlamydia, one had overt conjunctivitis while 2 had past episodes of conjunctivitis. The koala with conjunctivitis at the time of sampling had a prior history of ‘wet bottom’. Examination of direct cytological smears revealed 2 of the chlamydial negative koalas had high numbers of neutrophils in urogenital smears. It was concluded that C psittaci infection may cause overt or sub‐clinical disease, with the former developing when the koalas were stressed through management procedures or concomitant disease.
Bilateral hypoplasia of the soft palate in a foal
Authors: RILEY CB , YOVICH JV , BOLTON JR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Bilateral hypopiasia of the soft palate and aspiration pneumonia occurred in a Standardbred foal. The filly was presented with a history of illthrift, dyspnoea, coughing and bilateral nasal discharge. Abnormal sounds (crackles and wheezes) were auscultated over all lung fields and the cervical trachea. Endoscopy revealed a shortened soft palate with a uvula‐like mass protruding from the free border into the nasopharynx. Mucopurulent material was present in the trachea. Samples obtained by tracheal wash were submitted for cytology, culture and sensitivity testing. Results indicated a septic inflammatory process. On lateral radiographs of the thorax there were patchy areas of consolidation and air bronchograms. The foal was euthanased. Necropsy confirmed the presence of a palatal defect and aspiration pneumonia of moderate severity. No other congenital abnormalities were present.
A clinical trial of a topical preparation of miconazole, polymyxin and prednisolone in the treatment of otitis externa in dogs
Authors: STUDDERT VP , HUGHES KL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA topical preparation containing miconazole, polymyxin and prednisolone was shown to be more effective In the treatment of otitis externa In 167 dogs than 2 other ear preparations containing antibiotics, an antimycotic and a corticosteroid. With miconazole, polymyxin and prednisolone, the recurrence rate was 26.7% compared with 72.6% and 54.3% when the other products were used. The mean duration of treatment required to achieve resolution of clinical signs was 9.6 days, compared with 12.2 days and 13.0 days and no cases failed to respond to treatment, compared with 17.7% and 14.3%.Malassezia canisalone (71%) or in association with bacteria (18%) was recovered from 44 of 49 ears cultured.
Pregnancy diagnosis in dairy goats and cows using progesterone assay kits
Authors: DIONYSIUS DA
Published: March 2008

Early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy goats and cows was studied using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to measure progesterone concentrations in whole milk samples collected approximately 3 weeks after mating. Two qualitative on‐farm assay kits and 2 quantitative assay kits, all designed for use in the dairy cow, were tested for their accuracy with goats milk samples. Accuracy of diagnosis of goat pregnancy ranged from 83 to 88%, and of non‐pregnancy from 80 to 100%. Pregnancy diagnosis with samples of cows milk using 2 quantitative kits gave accuracies of 66 to 68% for pregnancy, and 90 to 91% for non‐pregnancy. Possible causes of error in the early diagnosis of pregnancy with milk samples are discussed.
Dermal and serological response against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sheep bred for resistance and susceptibility to fleece‐rot
Authors: CHIN JC , WATTS JE
Published: March 2008

Genetically select lines of Merino sheep have been bred at Trangie (NSW Agriculture and Fisheries) for resistance (R) or susceptibility (S) to fleece‐rot and flystrike. It is believed that fleece characters are primarily responsible for the R or S phenotype. When transferred to the wetter coastal environment of Sydney, R and S sheep with no more than 6 weeks wool cover, continued to show significant differences in the incidence and severity of fleece‐rot dermatitis. To test the hypothesis that these sheep might also exhibit differences in their local skin reactions and immune responsiveness, 3 intradermal injections of killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa were administered at monthly intervals. After primary intradermal challenge, R sheep had a higher incidence of skin induration and a stronger inflammatory response (increased induration diameter) than S sheep. Compared to S sheep, R sheep also developed higher levels of circulating antibodies against whole cell antigen and both inner and outer membrane proteins of P. aeruginosa. These responses were maintained in R sheep with each consecutive challenge while S sheep showed a decline in their immune responsiveness. Differences in antibody response against outer membrane proteins were also detected when antigenically naive sheep from each genetic line were sensitised by epicutaneous challenge with P. aeruginosa under experimental wetting conditions. Intradermal challenge of these animals 6 months later with outer membrane proteins, revealed a late maximum (72 h) in the development of induration diameters for R sheep while S animals showed maximal induration diameters by 24 h. However, there was no significant difference in induration response between 24 h and 72 h within each group of sheep. These differences were accompanied by significantly higher antibody titres against outer membrane proteins in R than S sheep. It is concluded that R and S sheep differ in their dermal and immune responsiveness, and that this difference may reside in the way the skin processes or responds to environmental antigens produced by the opportunistic and major fleece‐rot predisposing skin bacteria, P. aeruginosa.
A comparison of the interferon gamma assay with the absorbed ELISA for the diagnosis of Johne's disease in cattle
Authors: BILLMAN‐JACOBE H. , CARRIGAN M. , COCKRAM F. , CORNER LA , GILL IJ , HILL JF , JESSEP T. , MILNER AR , WOOD PR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) assays, the IFN‐γ enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the IFN‐γ bloassay and an absorbed ELISA were used to screen 6 cattle herds for Johne's disease. Each herd had a history of Johne's disease but the majority of Infected animals did not show clinical signs. The disease status of the cattle, which were removed from the herds, was confirmed by bacteriological culture of faeces or histopathological examination and culture of tissues collected at necropsy. The sensitivities of the IFN‐γ assays and the absorbed ELISA were determined using test results from infected animals. The sensitivity of the IFN‐γ EIA in detecting subclinical (71.8 to 93.3%) and clinical animals (100%) was not significantly different. However, the IFN‐γ bloassay and the absorbed ELISA were more sensitive in detecting cattle with advanced infections (80%) than those that were subclinically affected (16.7 to 33.3%).
The molecular epidemiology of equine herpesvirus 1 (equine abortion virus) in Australasia 1975 to 1989
Authors: STUDDERT MJ , CRABB BS , FICORILLI N
Published: March 2008

The restriction endonuclease DNA fingerprints of 57 isolates of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1; equine abortion virus) from abortion, perinatal foal mortalities and encephalitis from 15 epidemics that occurred in Australasia between 1975 and 1989 were examined using the enzymes Bam HI, EcoRI and Bgl II. There was a remarkable degree of uniformity in the restriction patterns; mobility differences were observed in only 14 of 52 (27%) of the fragments. Twelve of these 14 fragments were located within the repeat structures that bracket the unique short region of the genome or were located at the left terminus of the 150 kilobase pair genome. Based on the Bam HI fingerprints the commonest virus identified in our study was EHV1.IP (P is for prototype strain). There was a single notable exception in that the Bam HI fingerprints of all 8 isolates from one of 3 Victorian farms that experienced abortion in 1989 resembled a variant EHV1.IB that was identified as a cause of abortion in Central Kentucky in 1970 to 1974. We present evidence that EHV1.IB caused abortion in California in 1964 and has remained unaltered in its Bam HI restriction pattern. No antigenic differences were found among 4 distantly related EHV1 isolates, including the variant IB, using a panel of 5 monoclonal antibodies to glycoprotein C (gC), a glycoprotein recognised to be highly variable. The uniformity of these unrelated EHV1 isolates is further evidence for a recent origin for EHV1 and may help to explain the natural history of this virus in the horse in which it seems to be a cause of serious epidemics of abortion and perinatal mortality, and less commonly of encephalitis.