bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A morphometric analysis of the changes with age in the skin surface wax and the sebaceous gland area of Merino sheep
Authors: WARREN G. H. , JAMES P. J. , NEVILLE A. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Skin samples were collected from the midside of Merino ewes at 6 weeks, one year, and 3 years of age. The thickness of the surface wax and the number and area of sebaceous glands per unit length of skin were measured with an image analyser. Three‐year‐old sheep had a significantly (P < .05) thicker skin surface wax layer, (14.4μ± 1.45), than they did as lambs, (7.85μ± 0.88). Both the number (2.91 ± 0.15 per mm) and area (24.27 μ2/μ± 1.54) of sebaceous glands per unit length of skin of 3‐year‐old sheep were significantly less than in lambs, which measured 4.10 ± 0.15 per mm and 39.30 ± 4.14 μ2/μ respectively and one‐year‐old sheep, which measured 3.99 ± 0.21 per mm and 35.43 μ2/μ 3.65 respectively.
An outbreak of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cats in an animal house
Authors: ISAAC J. , WHITEHEAD J. , ADAMS J. W. , BARTON M. D. , COLOE P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis in cats in an animal house was investigated. It was concluded that the index case was infected by ingestion of contaminated meat obtained from a knackery and that some of the other cases were infected by inhalation of tubercle bacilli shed from a discharging sinus in the index case. A possum was also infected and a research worker apparently received a significant challenge.
Equine onchocerciasis in Queensland and the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: OTTLEY M. L. , DALLEMAGNE C. , MOORHOUSE D. E.
Published: March 2008

Investigations were conducted on the taxonomy, distribution in the carcase, pathology and transmission of Onchocerca spp. in equids from Queensland and the Northern Territory. Examination of small groups of horses and ponies revealed high infection rates with O. cervicalis, while lesser numbers were infected with O. gutturosa. O. reticulata was not found. Neither of the Australian species is likely to be of economic importance to the horsemeat industry. The findings support the belief that O. cervicalis is a pre‐disposing factor in the aetiology of equine nuchal disease, most commonly seen clinically as fistulous withers. O. gutturosa is virtually non‐pathogenic. Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) townsvillensis, Austrosimulium pestilens and Culicoides victoriae are suggested as potential vectors, and it is unlikely that C. brevitarsis is involved.
The effect of route of infection and strain of virus on the pathology of Australian infectious bronchitis
Authors: RATANASETHAKUL C. , CUMMING R. B.
Published: March 2008

The pathogenesis of infectious bronchitis in 4‐week‐old chickens was studied following administration of Australian T strain of IBV by the aerosol, conjunctival, intranasal, in‐contact and drinking water routes.

Infected birds showed similar patterns of clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions. While the birds infected by the aerosol route had earlier and slightly more severe respiratory tract disease it was concluded that the pathogenesis of infectious bronchitis virus nephritis was not significantly influenced by the route used to infect the birds.

In a second experiment, pathological changes produced in chickens infected with Australian S, A, A3 and T strains of IBV were compared in 18‐day‐old chickens infected by the aerosol route and housed in cold and warm environments. All 4 strains produced respiratory reactions and kidney lesions, and these changes were more severe and of longer duration in both respiratory tract and kidneys in the birds housed in a cold environment than those receiving supplementary heat.

The viruses differed in their virulence for the trachea and kidney and the effect of a virus on the respiratory trace was independent of the effect of that virus on the kidney.
Clinical features therapy and epidemiology of tiger snake bite in dogs and cats
Authors: BARR S. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Snake bite was diagnosed in 125 dogs and 115 cats over 10 years. Young sporting dogs and young cats were mainly affected. More dogs (48%) were seen in contact with tiger snakes than cats (7%). One hundred and four (84%) dogs and 89 (76%) cats were bitten in the warmer months of the year (October to March). As the incidence rose in September /October, dogs were bitten on days when the temperature was near 20°C or over.

The commonest presenting signs were dilated pupils and absences of pupillary light reflex. Dyspnoea, hypothermia, hindleg ataxia and glycosuria were common features in cats. Vomiting, tachypnoea, hyperthermia and complete flaccid paralysis were often seen In dogs. The overall recovery rate after administering antivenene was 90% for cats and 83% for dogs. Death from anaphylaxis as a result of giving antivenene occurred in 3 cats and one dog. Dogs treated soon after being bitten recovered more rapidly. There was no correlation between the bite‐to‐treatment period and the treatment‐to‐recovery period for cats.
Experimental ochratoxicosis A in pigs
Authors: TAPIA M. O. , SEAWRIGHT A. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ochratoxin A was isolated from a culture of Aspergillus ochraceus grown on a cornmeal substrate. The mycotoxin was added to a grower ration for 14 kg young pigs at 2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/kg and fed to groups of 3 for periods ranging from 6 to 20 days. The highest dose rate group only became sick, with loss of appetite, weight loss, polydipsia, polyuria, proteinuria, glucosuria, elevation of serum creatinine, pale swollen kidneys, renal tubular degeneration and cortical fibrosis. The pigs on the 2 mg toxin/kg of diet appeared unaffected with only slight renal tubular degeneration present in one animal. Feeding diet contaminated with the intermediate doses of 4 and 8 mg toxin/kg diet lead to reduction of weight gain and/or reduced feed intake and feed conversion efficiency as well as mild renal lesions. Ochratoxin A has recently been reported on mould‐affected grain in Queensland and some local strains of A. ochraceus in culture have been shown to be able to produce levels of ochratoxin A of up to 4000 mg/kg of substrate. Rare episodes of nephrotoxicity in pigs seen at slaughter in Queensland may thus be due to prior contamination of the diet with ochratoxin A.
The iodine status of grazing sheep as monitored by concentrations of iodine in milk
Authors: AZUOLAS J. K. , CAPLE I. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The iodine nutrition of grazing ewes was assessed from milk iodine concentrations. In 54 flocks sampled throughout Victoria, the mean milk iodine concentrations in ewes ranged from 79 to 1831 μg/1. In 2 flocks where newborn lambs had goitre the concentrations in ewes ranged from 45 to 98 μg/1.

A marked seasonal variation was apparent when ewes in a flock were sampled at monthly intervals over 2 years. Milk iodine concentrations were highest at the end of summer, and were lowest in spring.

In grazing ewes the milk iodine concentrations remained relatively constant throughout the day. In ewes given single oral doses of up to 2 mg iodine, milk iodine concentrations increased to maximum within 5 h, the increment being related to the dose administered, and decreased to pretreatment concentrations within 24 h. Milk iodine concentrations in ewes given 1 ml iodised oil intramuscularly remained significantly higher than untreated ewes in the same flock for 16 months after treatment. The effectiveness of the single injection was still apparent after 2 consecutive pregnancies in the ewes.
The effect of polyethylene intramammary devices on the somatic cell count and milk production of dairy cows
Authors: STEPHENS L. R. , BROWNING J. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Polyethylene intramammary devices (IMO) were inserted into all 4 quarters of 15 multiparous dairy cows. Fifteen cows, matched for parity and production, were controls.

The insertion of IMD's was easily achieved and produced no adverse effects. Throughout the 150‐day test period, the mean somatic cell count of cows with IMD's in situ was 216,000 cells per ml, compared with 119,000 cells per ml in controls (P<0.01). Total production of milk, butterfat and protein was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The new infection rate was too low to allow assessment of the value of the IMD for mastitis prevention.
Stocking rate effects on the worm burdens of Angora goats and Merino sheep
Authors: LE JAMBRE L. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Worm egg counts of yearling Angora or Merino wethers grazing in mixed flocks at either 4/ha or 8/ha were observed over a 5 month period. Based on faecal egg counts infection levels in the sheep increased for the first 3 months and then decreased as the animals developed resistance. Egg counts in the goats did not decrease during the experiment. Post mortem worm counts indicated that there was a significant host species – stocking rate interaction on worm burdens of Haemonchus contortus adults and Ostertagia circumcincta adults and larvae. Goats had more H. contortus and O. circumcinta adults than sheep at the 8/ha stocking rate. At 4/ha goats had fewer O. circumcinta fourth stage larvae than sheep. There was no stocking rate effect on the numbers of Trichostrongylus axei or T. colubriformis. Sheep had more T. axei and fewer T. colubriformis than goats.
Experimentally induced severe canine parvoviral enteritis
Authors: O'SULLIVAN G. , DURHAM P. J. K. , SMITH J. R. , CAMPBELL R. S. F.
Published: March 2008

Severe enteritis was produced in recently weaned, 8‐week old pups 3 to 9 days after being given parvovirus by mouth. The most severe manifestations of disease were observed 7 days after infection, when one pup died. Viraemia was detected on days 4 and 5 and a severe leucopenia was present 6 to 8 days after infection. Antibody was demonstrated in serum 4 days after infection, high titres being present 3 days later.

Sequential pathological studies revealed necrosis of Peyer's patches on day 3. Between days 5 and 7 typical lesions of the disease became widespread with necrosis of tonsil and thymus being prominent. By the fifth day after infection viral inclusion bodies were numerous. Virus isolation from tissues was greatest at this stage and had diminished by the seventh day. Although tissue repair was well advanced by the tenth day thymic necrosis remained prominent and villous atrophy was still present on day 13. Based on these findings a possible pathogenesis is discussed.
The effects of zeranol on growth and fattening in beef calves before weaning
Authors: GREATHEAD K. D.
Published: March 2008

Four‐month‐old beef calves were implanted with 36 mg zeranol, and their growth compared with untreated calves. Treated steer and heifer calves gained 10 kg more bodyweight to weaning at 7.5 months of age. The trial was conducted at 2 research centres and calves at both centres showed significant responses for the first 45 days (P < 0.001) after treatment but during the following 30 days only calves at one centre showed a continued response (P < 0.05). No differences in growth rate occurred between treated and untreated calves over the final 30 days before weaning at either centre.

The backfat measurement of untreated animals increased more than that of the implanted animals (P < 0.05) at one centre but not at the other.
Biochemical and functional properties of a leucocidin produced by several strains of Fusobacterium necrophorum
Authors: EMERY D. L. , DUFTY J. H. , CLARK B. L.
Published: March 2008

A soluble exotoxin (a leucocidin) which was lethal to peripheral blood leucocytes from cattle, sheep, rabbits and man (in order of decreasing sensitivity) was elaborated by a variety of isolates of Fusobacterium necrophorum when the majority of organisms were present as filaments in liquid culture. Maximum production of the leucocidin was achieved by concentrations of bacteria equivalent to between 4 times 10' and 4 times 10B short cells per ml of culture above which no further increase in titre was observed. The ability of different batches of medium to support production of leucocidin was reflected in their capacity to enable F. necrophorum to grow to this range of concentration. Prolonged culture of the organism, resulting in a decline to below 6 in the pH of the medium was associated with a depression in the titre of leucocidin, presumably due to Its inactiviation under these conditions.

The leucocidin was stable at 4°C for at least 30 days, to extremes of pH (4 to 9) for 1 h at room temperature, and showed maximum activity in assays conducted at 37°c at pH 7 to 8. The exotoxin was inactivated by heating at 56°C for 30 min and possessed a molecular weight around 250,000 to 300,000 as determined by gel filtration and membrane partition chromatography.
The treatment and eradication of sheep lice and ked with cyhalothrin—a new synthetic pyrethroid
Authors: RUNDLE J. C. , FORSYTH B. A.
Published: March 2008

A new synthetic pyrethroid, cyhalothrin, has been evaluated as both a sheep dip and a jetting fluid for the control of body lice (Damalinia ovis), face lice (Linognathus ovillus), foot lice (Linognathus pedalis) and the sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus). A dip wash concentration of 1.25 ppm cyhalothrin eradicated D. ovis from sheep. A jetting fluid at a concentration of 20 ppm also eradicated D. ovis. In the field cyhalothrin was evaluated at 20 ppm as a dip wash and at 50 ppm as a jetting fluid. These field trials confirmed the ability of cyhalothrin to eradicate D. ovis from short and long‐woolled sheep. The sucking lice, L. ovillus and L. pedalis, were also found to be very susceptible to cyhalothrin at a dip wash concentration of 20 ppm, but it was necessary to treat the predilection sites infested by these parasites twice within a 3‐week period to achieve their eradication. Sheep ked (M. ovinus) were eradicated from an infected flock of sheep after plunge dipping in cyhalothrin at 20 ppm.
A survey of slaughter procedures used in chicken processing plants
Authors: GRIFFITHS G. L. , PURCELL D. A.
Published: March 2008

Information was collected on the slaughter procedures used in 12 processing plants in Australia. The processing line speed varied from 25 to 125 birds/minute; the voltage in the electrified waterbath varied from 55 to 165 V; the duration of stunning was 2.0 to 7.5 seconds and the time allowed for exsanguination was 45 to 180 seconds. As a result of the variables, some birds were dead on leaving the stunner and prior to exsanguination, while it was probable that others were not dead before entering the scald tank.
Copper supplementation of sheep
Authors: JUDSON G. J. , TRENGOVE C. L. , LANGMAN M. W. , VANDERGRAAFF R.
Published: March 2008

The effect of 6 methods of copper supplementation on copper status was examined in Merino sheep at pasture. Plasma copper concentrations were not affected by any of the treatments. Liver copper concentrations in sheep given an oral dose of 3 g of oxidised copper wire particles were significantly greater than those of untreated sheep for the duration of the experiment of 80 weeks. Subcutaneous injections of 18 mg of copper as diethylamino cupro‐oxyquinoline sulphonate produced small, transient increases in liver copper. Single oral doses of 150 mg of copper as copper sulphate or 30 mg of copper as copper oxychloride produced little or no detectable increase in liver copper. Liver copper concentrations of untreated sheep were lowest in winter, apparently associated with increased damage to the abomasum, as indicated by raised plasma pepsinogen activities.
The clinico‐pathology of a malignant catarrhal fever syndrome in the Indonesian swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: HOFFMANN D. , SOERIPTO S. , SOBIRONINGSIH S. , CAMPBELL R. S. F. , CLARKE B. C.
Published: March 2008

Between September 1979 and May 1982, 50 of 177 swamp buffaloes became sick and died S3 to 719 days (mean 271) after being transferred to a research facility and housed in quarters adjacent to where sheep and goats were kept. The major clinical signs were anorexia, fever, conjunctivitis, scleral hyperaemia, ocular discharge, hyperaemia of skin, enlargement of lymph nodes and depression. Postmortem and histopathological lesions were observed in most of the tissues and organs of the body. A vasculitis with adventitial mononuclear cell infiltration and lymphoreticular reactions suggested a relationship to malignant catarrhal fever. The occurrence of serofibrinous epicarditis and myocarditis, which was seen in buffaloes in all cases, has not been a common finding in ruminants with malignant catarrhal fever.
A urease‐ELISA for the detection of mycoplasma infections in poultry
Authors: PATTEN B. E. , HIGGINS P. A. , WHITHEAR K. G.
Published: March 2008

An ELISA utilising a urease‐antibody conjugate specific to chicken IgG was examined as an alternative to the serum agglutination and the haemagglutination inhibition tests in the diagnosis of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae infections in poultry. Use of a urease conjugate allowed the serum reactions to be appraised without the need for expensive photometric equipment. Non‐specific binding of conjugate to antigen was eliminated by treatment of antigen coated microplates with 10% foetal calf serum in phosphate buffered saline. Some chicken serums produced non‐specific reactions. These reactions were reduced without any loss of test sensitivity by making the initial 1:5 dilution of chicken serum in whole sheep serum rather than diluting buffer. Tests on serums from experimentally infected chickens showed that the urease ELISA was specific, and was as sensitive as the serum agglutination test but more sensitive than the haemagglutination inhibition test.
An epidemiological study of trichostrongylidiasis in dairy cattle grazing irrigated pastures
Authors: OVEREND D. , VEALE P. I. , COPLAND J. W.
Published: March 2008

Trichostrongylid burdens in 1 to 2‐year‐old dairy heifers were estimated after they grazed with a dairy herd for up to 12 months. Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei and Cooperia oncophora represented 79.5, 12.7 and 7.8% respectively of all trichostrongylids recovered. The largest burden was 97,000 trichostrongyles with less than 20,000 being the typical burden. Clinical disease was not observed. The strain of O. ostertagi present was capable of inhibition and was not necessarily controlled by anthelmintics. Availability of infective larvae increased with the onset of spring when “modified tracer” calves accumulated up to 30,000 trichostrongyles over intervals of one month. From July to September each year, up to 80% of the Ostertagia burden in these animals were inhibited larvae. Faecal strongyloid egg counts fell from less than an average of 60 eggs per gram to 10 eggs per gram when the heifers were one and 2 years old, respectively. Mature cows continually passed few eggs in their faeces.
A survey of hairy shaker disease (border disease, hypomyelinogenesis congenita) in sheep
Authors: LIM C.‐F. , CARNEGIE P. R.
Published: March 2008

A survey by mail in 1979 of 995 sheep farmers in Victoria enquiring as to the occurrence of hairy shaker disease (HSO) in lambs on their farms resulted in a 48% response. A total of 17 farms reported the presence of HSD. One hundred and eleven ewes produced lambs with HSD representing a small proportion only of the ewes (0.8%) on these farms and an even smaller percentage of the total ewes (0.03%) in the survey. Abortions were not prevalent on the majority of farms reporting HSO. There was no evidence that HSD was more common in any particular area in Victoria. As was anticipated mucosal disease virus/bovine virus diarrhoea (MDV) antibody was often present in serums from affected sheep.

It was concluded that at present, the hairy shaker form of border disease did not appear to be an economically important problem in Victoria.
Electromyographic study of the cat's diaphragm during oesophageal distension
Authors: AZIZ H. A. , REX M. A. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In 10 cats, under acute experimental conditions, the effects of distension of the oesophagus on diaphragmatic activity were studied. Bipolar recording electrodes were implanted in the diaphragmatic dome muscular fibres and crura muscular fibres. Electrodes similar to those in the diaphragm were inserted in the oesophageal muscular wall above the hiatus and in the rectus abdominis muscle.

Changes in the intrathoracic pressure and blood pressure were recorded by catheters placed in the pleural cavity and carotid artery respectively.

Distension of the lower part of the thoracic oesophagus (at the level between the heart and the hiatus, 5 to 7 cm from the hiatus) by inflating a balloon with 10 to 15 ml of air produced a partial or total inhibition of the inspiratory electrical activity of the inner hiatal muscular fibres, while the inspiratory electrical activity of the dome muscular fibres was generally unchanged. This inhibition was increasingly pronounced as the distension volume increased and as the balloon was positioned nearer to the hiatus.

During the distension period, only electrocardiographic potentials were recorded on the oesophageal muscular wall and rectus abdominis muscle traces and no significant changes were observed from intrathoracic pressure or blood pressure channels.

Distension by means of a balloon either inflated with up to 5 ml of air when placed 5 to 7 cm cranial to the hiatus or inflated with 15 ml of air when localised in the cervical oesophagus and intrahiatally produced no effect.

All areas of the diaphragm were silent during expiration.
Toxicity in utility pigeons caused by the coccidiostat dinitolmide
Authors: REECE R. L. , HOOPER P. T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Utility pigeons on 3 farms were affected by a severe neurological disturbance manifested by fine tremors, rolling gait and incoordination. Affected birds had necrosis of the Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. The birds from the 3 farms had been fed a pelleted diet obtained from a single mix of feed prepared by a stockfeed manufacturer. When feed obtained from the farms was given to utility pigeons under controlled conditions at the laboratory, they suffered the same clinical signs and lesions as seen in birds from the farms. Cross‐bred cockerels were not affected when given this feed from day‐old to 6 weeks of age. Samples of the feed contained 185 to 226 ppm of the coccidiostat dinitolmide. Utility pigeons given a prepared diet containing a similar level (234 ppm) of dinitolmide developed an identical condition after 3 to 4 weeks feeding. Laying hens were not affected by this feed. Dimetridazole, which was also present in some of the original feed samples, did not exacerbate the condition when Included in the diet at a rate of 233 ppm.

Production of squabs from the affected farms was dramatically reduced, arid many of the breeder birds had to be culled because of the long‐standing neurological disease.
An unusual incidence of neurological disease affecting horses during a drought
Authors: ROBERTSON‐SMITH R. G. , JEFFCOTT L. B. , FRIEND S. C. E. , BADCOE L. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The clinical, pathological and epidemiological factors were investigated in 12 horses presenting with severe neurological signs. Although the cases involved differing central (n=1), spinal cord (n=4) and peripheral nerve (n=7) deficits in a number of instances, there were similar pathological findings.

The possibility of a unifying aetiological factor, such as a toxicosis, is discussed because of the pathological similarities and as the cases appeared during an unusually long dry period.
The eradication of Damalinia ovis by spraying insecticide onto the tip of the wool
Authors: WILKINSON F. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The eradication of lice from Merino sheep with wool up to 65 mm long was achieved by spraying insecticide onto the tip of wool over the sides and back. The insecticides used were cyhalothrin and diazinon in small volumes and at high concentration. When infested sheep were sprayed with 100 ml of cyhalothrin 1,500 ppm or diazinon 36,000 ppm, no live lice were seen 23 days after treatment. When treated sheep were challenged with live lice 100 days after treatment an infestation did not establish. Cyhalothrin at a lower concentration of 1,000 ppm gave excellent control but at 500 ppm only fair control was obtained. Diazinon at 24,000 ppm gave probable eradication and at 12,000 ppm excellent control.

If a practical method of applying the insecticide to the tip of wool can be developed, then this technique should provide an effective means of eradicating lice in sheep with long wool. This would greatly assist the sheep industry in controlling and eradicating sheep lice.
An outbreak of lead poisoning in dogs
Authors: HAMIR A. N. , SULLIVAN N. D. , HANDSON P. D. , BARR S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of lead toxicosis in working dogs on a sheep farm is described. The affected dogs exhibited neurological signs which appeared to be initiated by straineous physical activity. Radiological examination and estimation of urinary delta aminolevolonic acid (U‐ALA) was not found to be useful for clinical diagnosis but blood lead estimation was helpful in detecting and confirming dogs that were exposed to lead.

Gross pathological lesions were absent in a lead poisoned dog. However, histopathological lesions were seen in brain and bone. Acid‐fast lead inclusion were not detected in liver and kidney epithelial cells but were present in osteoclasts.
Differences between breeds of sheep in their responses to Bacteroides nodosus vaccines
Authors: STEWART D. J. , EMERY D. L. , CLARK B. L. , PETERSON J. E. , IYER H. , JARRETT R. G.
Published: March 2008

In a field experiment on irrigated pasture, sheep of several breeds were vaccinated twice, subcutaneously, in the upper neck, with Bacteroides nodosus vaccine containing either depiliated cells (DC vaccine), or whole, piliated cells (WC vaccine) and the responses were measured over the following 14 weeks. DC vaccine was as effective as WC vaccine in protecting against the development of foot‐rot under conditions of moderate challenge, although the WC vaccine induced significantly higher pilus agglutinating antibody titres. Foot‐rot developed in significantly more vaccinated Merinos (Peppin and Saxon strains) than in Romney Marsh, Dorset Horn or Border Leicester breeds. Agglutinating antibody titres after WC vaccination were significantly lower in the Peppin Merino than in the other sheep for the first 6 weeks, while after DC vaccination the titres remained elevated longer in the Border Leicester and Saxon Merino and were significantly higher from 6 weeks onwards. Reactions at the inoculation sites were generally larger in the British breeds than in the Merinos and among the former the reactions were largest, most numerous and most frequently discharged their contents in the Dorset Horn. Bodyweight gains in all vaccinated sheep were initially reduced, compared with controls, but the differences were no longer significant after the eighth week.
Suspected monensin toxicosis in feedlot cattle
Authors: GEOR R.J. , ROBINSON W.F.
Published: March 2008

Suspected monensin toxicosis was seen in feedlot cattle aged 6 to 9 months. Twenty cattle died following inclusion of monensin in the feed at 400g/tonne, which was 13 times the recommended level. The deaths occurred over 2 weeks. Clinical signs were inappetance, respiratory distress and sudden death. Post‐mortem features were those of right‐sided heart failure and included dependent subcutaneous oedema, ascites, hydrothorax, and periancinar hepatocyte congestion and necrosis. However, in contrast to previous reports no myocardial necrosis was found, but focal skeletal muscle necrosis was observed. Additional findings were marked pulmonary oedema accompanied by fibrin and erythrocyte exudation into alveoli and interlobular lymphatics. From these findings it appears that monensin, as well as affecting both cardiac and skeletal muscle, has a primary effect on lung vasculature.
An evaluation of 4 commercially available ELISA kits for the diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs
Authors: MARTIN T. E. , COLLINS G. H. , GRIFFIN D. L. , POPE S. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Serum samples from 100 pound dogs were used to evaluate 4 commercial ELSA kits available for the diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis. The kits were assessed on sensitivity (the ability to identify infected dogs), specificity (the ability to identify uninfected dogs) and accuracy (sensitivity plus specificity). The kits varied in sensitivity from 36% to 86%, in specificity from 44% to 70%, and in accuracy from 53% to 65%. The sensitivity was not affected by the age of the dogs, nor by the number of circulating microfilariae. The kits were most specific when testing the youngest dogs (≤3 years). The problems associated with the serological diagnosis of D. immitis infection in practice are discussed.
An evaluation of a biphasic medium for the isolation of Brucella abortus from bovine tissues
Authors: CORNER L. A. , ALTON G. G. , IYER H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The isolation of virulent Brucells abortus from specimens taken from cattle was studied using culture in biphasic medium in which solid and liquid media were contained in the same flask and on solid medium in Petri plates. A total of 8638 specimens from 441 cattle, reactors to one or more of several serological tests or to an allergic test, were used. The specimens consisted of lymph nodes, udder, spleen, uterine caruncles, cotyledons, foetal tissues, foetal stomach contents and mammary secretions. Following maceration each specimen was inoculated into 2 flasks of biphasic medium one with 1 ml (Flask A) and the other with 2 ml (Flask B), and on to solid medium in one Petri plate.

The biphasic medium and solid medium were shown to have equal ability to support the growth of B. abortus. The increased rate of detection in the biphasic medium was due to the increased volume of the inoculum used.

Brucella were isolated from 1151 specimens. By direct plating on the solid medium 685 specimens were positive whereas Flask A positive for 961 specimens and Flask B for 1031 specimens. The success of the biphasic medium can be judged by the increase in the number of infected animals detected. Of the 150 infected cattle, both techniques identified 126 animals in common, 4 were identified only by the plate technique and 20 only by the biphasic technique. Culture on both solid medium and in biphasic medium is recommended for optimum results.
The use of progesterone administered intravaginally and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin given by injection in controlled breeding programs in beef and dairy cattle
Authors: MUNRO R. K. , MOORE N. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Five experiments involving 1,244 cows and heifers were carried out to investigate the factors which might influence the calving performance to fixed‐time artificial insemination following intravaginal administration of progesterone (PRID) and intramuscular injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). Factors examined were duration of PRID treatment, time of treatment after calving, time and dose PMSG and lactational status. Experiments 1, 2 and 3 were carried out on milked Friesian cows, experiment 4 on Friesian heifers and experiment 5 on suckled and dry Herefords.

All cows were inseminated once with frozen/thawed semen 54 to 58 h or 46 to 50 h after completion of PRID treatment.

Overall there was a progressive increase in calving rates with an increase in the duration of treatment from 12 to 14 to 16 days but there was little or no effect of time after calving (4 v 7 weeks) at which treatment was commenced. The poorer calving performance of cows treated for 12 to 14 days was associated with relatively high peripheral levels of plasma progesterone at the time of the PRID removal, suggesting the presence at the end of treatment of residual secretory luteal tissue.

There was an effect on calving performance of PMSG given at the time of PRID removal but its effect varied according to the duration of PRID treatment. After 12 days treatments (experiments 1 and 5) PMSG had little effect, whereas after 14 days treatments, 0, 500 and 750 IU PMSG gave calving rates of 2770, 40% and 46% in experiment 2 and 5%, 24% and 38% in experiment 5. In cows treated for 16 days 0, 500 and 750 IU PMSG gave calving rates of 40%, 31% and 17% in experiment 2 and 24%, 35% and 27% in experiment 5. Experiment 3 showed an effect of time of PMSG injection. Cows were treated with PRIDS for 14 or 16 days and 22% and 39% calved following the injection of 500 IU PMSG at the time of, or 24 h before PRID removal.

In experiment 5, 17% and 96%, respectively, of suckled and dry Herefords showed ovarian activity at the start of treatment, but ovarian status had no effect upon calving performance. However in Friesians lactational status appeared to have a major effect. In experiment 4, 75% of Friesian heifers treated with PRIDS for 14 days and given 500 IU PMSG calved whereas calving rates of milked Friesians (experiments 1, 2 and 3) rarely exceeded 40% but were not significantly different from the calving rates of untreated cows (experiment 3). The results of the experiments described in this paper indicate the treatment most likely to be successful in widespread use would be a 14 day PRID insertion with PMSG (500 IU for heifers and 750 IU for cows) injected 24 h before PRID removal.
Pathology of acute experimental Actinobacillus seminis mastitis in ewes
Authors: ALSENOSY A.M. , DENNIS S. M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Sequential pathological changes were studied for 9 days after inoculating Actinobacillus seminis in the mammary gland of sheep.

The inoculated mammary glands became enlarged (2 to 4 times normal), turgid or consolidated and contained creamy or greenish‐yellow viscid contents. A. seminis was isolated from all inoculated udders at necropsy. Microscopically, the reaction in the udder to A. seminis may be divided into 4 overlapping phases; acute purulent, subacute purulent, necrotising, and proliferative. It was concluded that A. serninis was pathogenic for the ovine mammary gland, the clinical and pathological findings were nonspecific, and that A. seminis could survive within ovine mammary tissue for a least 9 days after inoculation.
Erythrocyte selenium‐75 uptake as a measure of selenium status in weaner sheep, and its relationship to erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity
Authors: JELINEK P. D. , STEELE P. , MASTERS H. G. , ALLEN J. G. , COPLAND M. D. , PETTERSON D. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The relationship between in vitro erythrocyte 75Se uptake (75Se uptake) and erythrocyte glutathlone peroxidase (EGSHPx) activity was examined in weaner sheep during periods of selenium depletion and repletion, to determine whether 75Se uptake was better correlated than EGSHPx activity to the development of weaner nutritional myopathy. In the 2 trials conducted, only 3 of 45 Merino wether weaners developed clinical myopathy and histological lesions in skeletal muscles. The 75Se uptake values and EGSHPx activities in these 3 sheep were no different from those in the unaffected sheep. There was a significant negative correlation between 75Se uptake values and EGSHPx activities over the entire period of the trials. It could not be demonstrated that 75Se uptake was any better correlated than EGSHPx activity to the development of nutritional myopathy, and it was concluded that EGSHPx activity indicated selenium status better than 75Se uptake in weaner sheep.
Bovine virus diarrhoea – Mucosal disease complex. A clinician's review of the history and current status of a fascinating disease
Authors: RADOSTITS O M
Published: March 2008

Summary: The diseases caused by bovine virus diarrhoea virus are reviewed in the light of the new information emerging on its pathogenesis and epidemiology. In addition to the well known congenital defects caused by the virus, it is now clear that infection of the foetus before immunocompetence (125 days of gestation) can result in persistent viral infection and immunotolerance of the foetus which can be continued into postnatal life. Such cattle may be clinically normal, or unthrifty and may survive for up to 2 to 3 years of age or until they develop acute fatal mucosal disease following superinfection disease following virus, usually at 6 to 18 months of age. Persistently infected breeding females can give birth to persistently infected cattle and establish infected maternal families.

The evidence for the role of the BVDV in reproductive failure in cattle, calf diarrhoea, pneumonia and immunosuppression is reviewed briefly.

Prevention of the economically important diseases caused by BVD virus is dependent on detection of persistently viraemic cattle and vaccination of immunocompetent breeding females well before breeding.
Congenital bilateral renal hypoplasia in Large White pigs.
Authors: MASON R. W. , COOPER R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Bilaterial renal hypoplasia and/or agenesis was detected in 6 of 26 pure‐bred Large White piglets in 2 consecutive litters. The affected piglets were all dead at birth. The defect was characterised by a variable nephrogenic zone beneath the renal capsule and by a greatly reduced number of glomeruli which were hypertrophied. The piglets were born to the same sow but they were sired by different boars. Both boars and the sow were related through their pedigree. A genetic basis for the defect, probably involving a recessive gene defect inherited in a simple Mendelian manner, seems likely.
Failure of oral zinc therapy to alleviate Bacteroides nodosus infections in cattle and sheep
Authors: EGERTON J. R. , LAING E. A. , MULLEY R. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Cattle and sheep with Bacteroides nodosus infection were treated orally with both high (65 mg Zn/kg and 82 mg Zn/kg) and low (1 mg Zn/kg and 8.6 mg Zn/kg) doses of zinc sulphate respectively. The lower dose rates administered weekly for one month, in the case of cattle, or daily for 2 weeks, in the case of sheep, had no effect either on serum zinc levels or the prevalence or severity of infection in treated animals. High dose rates of zinc (approximately 2.5 g Zn per head per day) were required to elevate serum levels above those normally present in both cattle and sheep. Even these dose rates continued daily for about 2 weeks had no beneficial effect on B. nodosus infection in either species.
The occurrence, cost and control of sawfly larval (Lophyrotoma interrupta) poisoning of cattle in Queensland 1972–81
Authors: DADSWELL L. P. , ABBOTT W. D. , McKENZIE R. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A postal survey of cattle producers in the Maranoa, Warrego and Leichhardt districts of Queensland where poisoning of cattle by larvae of the sawfly (Lophyrotoma interrupta) occurs was carried out in 1982 with 179 replies (64% of those contacted). During 1972–81, 50 farms with 84,300 cattle experienced deaths (5254 on 37 farms) during July to September. The worst years were 1975 (955 deaths) and 1979 (1895 deaths). Heavy losses occurred on 9% of farms. These were where the silver‐leaved iron bark (Eucalyptus melanophloia) was most common. To prevent the disease, 37 graziers moved cattle from dangerous areas and 52 partly removed E. melanophloia from their farms. 31 fed supplements to try to prevent the pica thought to cause cattle to eat larvae. 53 who had suffered sporadic or no deaths took no action. The survey results indicated that cattle should not be returned to dangerous areas until early October.

The estimated total yearly cost from reduced carrying capacity, control measures and deaths was $1,100,000 (1981 values).

Improved control by advice on property management and a better knowledge of the population dynamics of the sawfly was suggested. The use of antidotes or toxoids was thought inappropriate.
Enzootic pneumonia of pigs in South Australia — factors relating to incidence of disease
Authors: POINTON A. M. , HEAP P. , McCLOUD P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Environmental and management conditions of 15 herds with a high‐prevalence (>70%) of enzootic pneumonia of pigs at slaughter were compared with 16 herds with a low‐prevalence (<30%) to determine factors commonly predisposing pigs to enzootic pneumonia in South Australia. Comparisons were made of herds having <100 sows (fully intensive units) and also small herds having 20 to 70 sows (sideline units). Half the herds were visited in summer and half in winter to detect seasonal factors.

In small herds, factors commonly found associated with a high prevalence of enzootic pneumonia were larger numbers of pigs per shed section (p<0.001), larger group sizes (p<0.01) and draughty farrowing and weaner accommodation (p<0.01). In large herds, factors associated with a high prevalence were higher pen stocking rate (p<0.05) and airspace stocking rate (p>0.05), and a trend toward higher atmospheric ammonia levels in summer (p<0.1).
The southward spread of buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) in eastern Australia and its survival through a severe winter
Authors: WILLIAMS J. D. , SUTHERST R. W. , MAYWALD G. F. , PETHERBRIDGE C. T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The southward spread of buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) in coastal eastern Australia from Bororen, Queensland in 1974 to Coffs Harbour, New South Wales in 1982 is documented. Surveys after a cold, dry winter in 1982 recorded overwintering sites and subsequent spread of flies in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Buffalo fly overwintered at several places in the Maryborough‐Bauple districts and further north. Overwintering also occurred in the Currumbin Valley‐Mudgeeraba area on the Queensland‐New South Wales border. Other infestations detected early in the season and believed to have arisen from local overwintering populations were observed at Kin Kin, Mount Tamborine and Flinders Peak. By May 1983 flies had recolonised much of coastal south eastern Queensland, and as far south as Ballina and west to the Richmond Range in New South Wales. Implications of these findings for control are discussed.
Identification of species of fish by gradient‐gel electrophoresis
Authors: MANUSU H. P. , WRIGLEY C. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: An electrophoretic method is described for distinguishing between fish fillets according to their protein composition. Thaw fluid (4 μL) was applied to one of 14 sample positions of a precast gel, containing a gradient of polyacrylamide of either 2.5 to 27% or 3 to 40%. All reagents and gels are commercially available in ready‐to‐use form. Either gel provided a distinction between any of the 42 fish types, but the 3 to 40% gel gave better identification because of its superior molecular‐sieving properties. Reproducible electrophoretic patterns were obtained for different samples of the same fish type, but small differences were shown for fish of widely different origin, for example Australian and New Zealand ling.
Porcine atrophic rhinitis
Authors: LOVE R. J. , WILSON M. R. , TASLER G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In snouts of pigs from 5 of 8 piggeries in New South Wales examined, there was evidence of severe atrophic rhinitis. In 220 pigs examined from one piggery there was no correlation between the severity of atrophic rhinitis and growth rate or back‐fat thickness. There was also no correlation between the extent of lung pathology and back‐fat thickness. Pleurisy or pericarditis did cause a significant reduction in growth rate.
Immunisation of sheep against experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa dermatitis and fleece‐rot associated body strike
Authors: BURRELL D. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Sheep immunised with an experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine and unvaccinated control sheep were challenged by induction of experimental dermatitis with the homologous strain. All of 6 control sheep developed ulcerative dermatitis, and 2 of the 6 challenge sites were struck by larvae of Lucilia cuprina. Neither severe dermatitis nor strike occurred in 6 vaccinated sheep. These results were confirmed in an experimental challenge using 3 different serotypes of P. aeruginosa on each of 3 vaccinated and control sheep, although fly‐strikes did not occur. In a field trial of the same vaccine, none of 26 vaccinated sheep developed severe exudative, fleece‐rot lesions nor were any fly‐struck, whereas 61 of 115 control sheep developed severe, exudative, fleece‐rot lesions, 21 of these becoming struck by L. cuprina. The isolates of P. aeruginosa recovered from the field challenge experiment were a different serotype to that used in the vaccine.
Rejection by pigs of mouldy grain containing deoxynivalenol
Authors: MOORE C. J. , BLANEY B. J. , SPENCER R. A. , DODMAN R. L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Weaner pigs on a farm near Beaudesert in south eastern Queensland refused to eat feed comprised largely of wheat and barley. Older pigs consumed small amounts and some prepubertal gilts subsequently displayed enlarged and reddened vulvas. Wheat, barley and triticale were grown on the farm during 1983, which was unusually and persistently wet. The wheat and triticale were harvested and stored for about 3 weeks with moisture contents above 14% before being fed. Samples of the wheat and triticale contained pale pink grains, which can indicate infection by the fungus Fusarium graminearum Schw. On analysis 2 mycotoxins known to be produced by F. graminearum were detected, deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) which causes feed refusal and vomiting, and zearalenone which causes oestrogenic effects. Concentrations of deoxynivalenol in the wheat, triticale and barley were 34, 10, and < 0.1 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations of zearalenone were 6.2, 2.8 and 0.1 mg/kg respectively. Subsequently, F. graminearum was isolated from grains and crop residues. Although the wet weather contributed to F. graminearum infection of the crops before harvest, most of the toxins probably developed during storage.
The occurrence of antibiotic resistance in Clostridium perfringens from Pigs
Authors: ROOD J. I. , BUDDLE J. R. , WALES A. J. , SIDHU R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Porcine faecal specimens were collected from piggeries in south western Australia. Clostridium perfringens strains were isolated, identified, and examined by disc susceptibility tests for their resistance to several antibiotics. The resultant data were correlated with the known exposure of the animals to antimicrobial agents in the feed or water. The results showed that the percentage of C. perfringens isolates resistant to tetracycline or the macrolide‐lincosamide antibiotics was significantly higher from weaners fed one of a number of combinations of antimicrobial agents than was the percentage of resistant strains isolated from the one piggery that did not use antimicrobials. No differences in the levels of chloramphenicol or penicillin resistance were observed. Genetic analyses showed that 3 of the resistant strains carried conjugative R‐plasmids which carried the tetracycline resistance determinants. Aust. vet. J. 62: 276–279